1
EXHIBIT 2.4
AGREEMENT AND PLAN
OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION
AMONG
SUNBELT AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
AND
BAG ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇, INC.
AND
DAY'S CHEVROLET, INC.
AND
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ AND ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
MARCH 3, 1998
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
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ARTICLE 1
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES.................................................................................-1-
1.1 Description of Transaction....................................................................-1-
1.4 Tax Consequences..............................................................................-6-
1.5 Further Action................................................................................-6-
1.6 Net Worth Adjustment..........................................................................-6-
ARTICLE 2
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
OF THE COMPANY AND THE STOCKHOLDERS........................................................................-10-
2.1 Organization and Good Standing...............................................................-10-
2.2 Subsidiaries.................................................................................-10-
2.3 Capitalization...............................................................................-10-
2.4 Authority, Approvals and Consents............................................................-11-
2.5 Financial Statements.........................................................................-12-
2.6 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities...........................................................-12-
2.7 Absence of Material Adverse Effect; Conduct of Business.....................................-12-
2.8 Taxes........................................................................................-14-
2.9 Legal Matters................................................................................-17-
2.10 Property.....................................................................................-17-
(a) Owned Real Property........................................................-17-
(b) Leases.....................................................................-18-
(c) Fee and Leasehold Interests................................................-18-
(d) No Proceedings.............................................................-18-
(e) Current Use................................................................-18-
(f) Compliance with Real Property Laws.........................................-18-
(g) Real Property Taxes........................................................-19-
(h) Leased Premises............................................................-19-
(i) Certificate of Occupancy; Utilities; Eminent Domain......................-19-
2.11 Environmental Matters........................................................................-19-
2.12 Inventories..................................................................................-20-
2.13 Notes and Accounts Receivable................................................................-20-
2.14 Insurance....................................................................................-20-
2.15 Contracts....................................................................................-20-
2.16 Labor Relations..............................................................................-22-
2.17 Employee Benefit Plans.......................................................................-23-
2.18 Other Benefit and Compensation Plans or Arrangements.........................................-25-
2.19 Transactions with Insiders...................................................................-26-
2.20 Propriety of Past Payments...................................................................-26-
2.21 Interest in Competitors......................................................................-26-
2.22 Brokers......................................................................................-26-
2.23 Territorial Restrictions.....................................................................-26-
2.24 Intellectual Property........................................................................-26-
(a) Title......................................................................-26-
(b) Licensing Arrangements.....................................................-27-
(c) Litigation.................................................................-27-
(d) Due Registration...........................................................-27-
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(e) Use of Name and ▇▇▇▇.......................................................-27-
2.25 Deposit Accounts; Powers of Attorney........................................................-27-
2.26 Disclosure...................................................................................-28-
ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE STOCKHOLDERS.............................................................-28-
3.1 Ownership of Target Shares; Title...........................................................-28-
3.2 Authority....................................................................................-28-
3.3 Broker's Fees................................................................................-29-
3.4 Investment...................................................................................-29-
ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SAG AND SUB..................................................................-29-
4.1 Organization and Good Standing...............................................................-29-
4.2 Authority; Approvals and Consents...........................................................-29-
4.3 Brokers......................................................................................-30-
4.4 Disclosure...................................................................................-30-
ARTICLE 5
COVENANTS AND ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS............................................................................-30-
5.1 Access; Confidentiality; Remedies...........................................................-30-
5.2 Furnishing Information; Announcements.......................................................-31-
5.3 Certain Changes and Conduct of Business......................................................-31-
5.4 No Intercompany Payables or Receivables......................................................-34-
5.5 Negotiations.................................................................................-34-
5.6 Consents; Cooperation.......................................................................-34-
5.7 Additional Agreements........................................................................-35-
5.8 Interim Financial Statements.................................................................-35-
5.9 Notification of Certain Matters..............................................................-35-
5.10 Assurance by the Stockholders................................................................-36-
5.11 Antitrust Improvements Act Compliance........................................................-36-
5.12 Use of Business Name.........................................................................-36-
5.13 Related Party / Stockholders Loan............................................................-36-
5.14 Stock Restriction Agreement..................................................................-36-
5.15 Personal Items...............................................................................-36-
5.16 Liability for Transfer Taxes.................................................................-37-
5.17 Release by Stockholders......................................................................-37-
5.18 .............................................................................................-37-
ARTICLE 6
CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF SAG AND SUB TO EFFECT THE CLOSING.............................................-37-
6.1 Representations and Warranties; Agreements; Covenants......................................-37-
6.2 Authorization; Consent......................................................................-38-
6.3 Opinions of the Company's and the Stockholder's Counsel......................................-38-
6.4 Absence of Litigation........................................................................-38-
6.5 No Material Adverse Effect...................................................................-38-
6.6 Registration Statement. .....................................................................-38-
6.7 Completion of Due Diligence..................................................................-39-
6.8 Real Estate Lease Agreement..................................................................-39-
6.9 Board Approval...............................................................................-39-
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6.10 Certificates.................................................................................-39-
6.11 Legal Matters................................................................................-39-
6.12 Approval of Manufacturer and Distributor.....................................................-39-
6.13 Employment Agreement;........................................................................-39-
6.14 Environmental Laws...........................................................................-39-
6.15 Lease Termination Agreement/Memorandum of Lease/Consents and Estoppels.
............................................................................................-39-
6.16 Resignation of the Company's Directors.......................................................-39-
6.17 Schedules....................................................................................-40-
6.18 Share Certificates...........................................................................-40-
6.19 Non-Foreign Status...........................................................................-40-
ARTICLE 7
CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE STOCKHOLDERS
TO EFFECT THE CLOSING..........................................................................................-40-
7.1 Representations and Warranties; Agreements..................................................-40-
7.2 Authorization of the Agreement; Consents....................................................-40-
7.3 Opinions of SAG's and Sub's Counsel..........................................................-40-
7.4 Absence of Litigation........................................................................-41-
7.5 Real Estate Lease Agreement. ................................................................-41-
7.6 Certificates.................................................................................-41-
7.7 Legal Matters................................................................................-41-
ARTICLE 8
TERMINATION....................................................................................................-41-
8.1 Termination..................................................................................-41-
8.2 Effect of Termination........................................................................-42-
ARTICLE 9
INDEMNIFICATION AND SURVIVAL...................................................................................-43-
9.1 Survival of Representations and Warranties...................................................-43-
9.2 Indemnification Provisions for Benefit of the Buyer..........................................-43-
9.3 Indemnification Provisions for Benefit of the Stockholders...................................-44-
9.4 Matters Involving Third Parties..............................................................-45-
9.5 Other Indemnification Provisions.............................................................-45-
9.6 Tax Savings..................................................................................-46-
ARTICLE 10
TAX MATTERS....................................................................................................-46-
10.1 Tax Matters..................................................................................-46-
10.2 Section 338(h)(10) Election..................................................................-46-
10.3 Tax Periods Ending on or Before the Closing Date.............................................-46-
10.4 Tax Periods Beginning Before and Ending After the Closing Date...............................-47-
10.5 Cooperation on Tax Matters...................................................................-47-
10.6 Certain Taxes................................................................................-47-
ARTICLE 11
MISCELLANEOUS..................................................................................................-48-
11.1 Fees and Expenses............................................................................-48-
11.3 Headings.....................................................................................-49-
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11.4 Notices......................................................................................-50-
11.5 Assignment...................................................................................-51-
11.6 Entire Agreement.............................................................................-51-
11.7 Waiver and Amendments........................................................................-51-
11.8 Counterparts.................................................................................-51-
11.9 Governing Law................................................................................-52-
11.10 Accounting Terms.............................................................................-52-
11.11 Schedules....................................................................................-52-
11.12 Severability.................................................................................-52-
11.13 Remedies.....................................................................................-52-
11.14 Time Is Of the Essence.......................................................................-52-
11.15 Certain Definitions..........................................................................-52-
Addendum 1 - Allocation of Merger Consideration Amongst Stockholders
Exhibit A - Escrow Agreement
Exhibit B - Opinion Letter of Company Counsel
Exhibit C - Employment Agreement
Exhibit D - Non-Competition and Confidentiality Agreement
Exhibit E - Opinion Letter of SAG's Counsel
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AND REORGANIZATION
This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION (this
"Agreement"), is entered into as of March 3, 1998 by and between SUNBELT
AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC., a Georgia corporation ("SAG"), BAG ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇, a Georgia
corporation ("Sub"), DAY'S CHEVROLET, INC., a Georgia corporation (the
"Company"), and ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ and ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ (each, a "Stockholder" and
collectively, the "Stockholders"). SAG, Sub, the Company and the Stockholders
are referred to collectively as the "Parties." SAG and Sub are sometimes
collectively referred to as the "Buyer."
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Company operates a Chevrolet automobile and truck
dealership businesses in Acworth, Georgia;
WHEREAS, the Stockholders own all of the issued and outstanding shares
of common stock, _____ par value, of the Company (the "Target Shares") in the
following amounts:
(a) ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇: 50%
(b) ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇: 50%
WHEREAS, Sub is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAG; and
WHEREAS, SAG, Sub and the Company intend to effect a merger of the
Company into Sub in accordance with this Agreement and the Georgia Business
Corporations Code (the "Merger"). Upon consummation of the Merger, the Company
will cease to exist, and the Sub will continue to exist as the surviving
corporation of the Merger;
WHEREAS, it is intended that the Merger qualify as a tax-free
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(2)(D) of the Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual terms, conditions and
other agreements set forth herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES
1.1 DESCRIPTION OF TRANSACTION.
(A) MERGER OF THE COMPANY INTO SUB. Upon the terms and conditions set
forth in this Agreement, at the Effective Time, the Company shall be merged with
and into Sub, and the separate existence of the Company shall cease. Sub shall
continue as the surviving corporation of said Merger (the "Surviving
Corporation").
(B) EFFECT OF MERGER. The Merger shall have the effects set forth in
this Agreement and in the applicable provisions of the Georgia Business
Corporations Code.
(C) CLOSING; EFFECTIVE TIME.
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(i) Subject to the conditions set forth in this
Agreement, the consummation of the Merger and the
other transactions contemplated by this Agreement
(the "Closing") shall take place at the offices of
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇, LLP in Atlanta,
Georgia, or any other location agreed upon by the
Parties, contemporaneously with the SAG IPO described
in the Registration Statement referred to in Section
6.6 hereof.
(ii) If the SAG IPO fails to close on or before the
Closing Date Deadline, as such date may have been
extended pursuant to Section 1.1(d) hereof, then,
upon the mutual agreement of all Parties, the Parties
shall have the option to consummate the Merger and
the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement
upon such terms and conditions that are mutually
acceptable to the Parties (in which event said
alternate consummation shall for purposes herein be
referred to as the "Closing"), and said Closing shall
take place at the offices of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
& ▇▇▇▇▇, LLP in Atlanta, Georgia, or any other
location agreed upon by the Parties
(iii) The date on which the Closing actually occurs is
herein referred to as the "Closing Date." On or
before the Closing Date, a properly executed
certificate of merger for the Merger, conforming with
the requirements of the Georgia Business Corporations
Code (the "Certificate of Merger") shall be filed
with the Secretary of State of the State of Georgia.
The Merger shall take effect on the Closing Date (the
"Effective Time").
(D) LOCK-UP CONSIDERATION; EXTENSION OF CLOSING DATE DEADLINE
(i) In consideration of the covenants contained in
Section 5.5 hereof, SAG shall pay to the Stockholders
the sum of Fifty-Five Thousand Dollars ($55,000)
("Lock-Up Consideration"), which shall be paid as
follows:
(a) SAG shall place into an escrow
account with the law firm of ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇▇, LLP (the
Company's legal counsel) ("Escrow
Agent"), simultaneously with the
execution of this Agreement, the sum
of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000)
(the "Lock-Up Deposit"), all in
accordance with an escrow agreement
substantially in the form attached
hereto as EXHIBIT A (the "Escrow
Agreement"). The release of the
Lock-Up Deposit shall be governed by
the terms and conditions of the
Escrow Agreement.
(b) If the Closing occurs on or prior to
11:59 p.m. EST on June 30, 1998 (the
"Closing Date Deadline"), the
Lock-Up Deposit amount shall be
credited against and deducted from
the Merger Consideration due
hereunder, and the balance of the
Lock Up Consideration shall no
longer be due.
(c) If the Closing does not occur on or
before the Closing Date Deadline, or
if this Agreement is terminated by
SAG or Sub prior to Closing Date
Deadline for any reason, the Escrow
Agent
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shall pay the Lock-Up Deposit to the
Stockholders in accordance with the
terms and conditions of the Escrow
Agreement, and, in addition thereto,
SAG shall pay to the Stockholders,
on or before the earlier of (i) July
3, 1998 or (ii) three (3) business
days following the termination of
this Agreement, as applicable, the
balance of the Lock-Up Consideration
(the sum of Forty-Five Thousand
Dollars ($45,000)) in immediately
available funds.
(ii) In the event the Closing does not occur on or before
the Closing Date Deadline, SAG shall have the
unconditional right and option, in SAG's sole
discretion, to extent the Closing Date Deadline to
11:59 p.m. EST on July 31, 1998 (in which event, for
all purposes in this Agreement, the Closing Date
Deadline shall mean 11:59 p.m. EST on July 31, 1998),
provided that SAG shall pay to the Stockholders, on
or prior to June 30, 1998, the sum of Fifteen
Thousand Dollars ($15,000) ("First Extension
Consideration") as consideration for such extension,
such amount to be in addition to the Lock-Up
Consideration. If the Closing occurs on or prior to
the Closing Date Deadline as extended by this Section
1.1(d)(ii), the Lock-Up Consideration and the First
Extension Consideration amounts shall be credited
against and deducted from the Merger Consideration
due hereunder.
(iii) In the event SAG elects to extended the initial
Closing Date Deadline pursuant to Section 1.1(d)(ii)
above, and in the event the Closing does not occur on
or before 11:59 p.m. EST on July 31, 1998, SAG shall
have the unconditional right and option, in SAG's
sole discretion, to extent the Closing Date Deadline
(as extended pursuant to Section 1.1(d)(ii) above) to
11:59 p.m. EST on August 31, 1998 (in which event,
for all purposes in this Agreement, the Closing Date
Deadline shall mean 11:59 p.m. EST on August 31,
1998), provided that SAG shall pay to the
Stockholders, on or prior to July 31, 1998, the sum
of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000) as
consideration for such additional extension, such
amount to be in addition to the Lock-Up Consideration
and the First Extension Consideration. If the Closing
occurs on or prior to the Closing Date Deadline as
extended by this Section 1.1(d)(iii), the Lock-Up
Consideration, the First Extension Consideration and
the Second Extension Consideration amounts shall be
credited against and deducted from the Merger
Consideration due hereunder.
(E) MERGER CONSIDERATION. The aggregate consideration for the
Merger (the "Merger Consideration") shall be TEN MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND
Dollars ($10,500,000.00). The Merger Consideration shall be allocated amongst
the Stockholders in accordance with ADDENDUM 1 attached hereto and shall be paid
by the Sub as follows:
(i) Forty-Five percent (45%) of the Merger Consideration
shall be paid to the Stockholders by the Sub at the
Closing in cash or other immediately available funds
("Cash Consideration"), to be divided amongst the
Stockholders on a pro-rata basis based on their stock
ownership interest in the Company.
(ii) Fifty-Five percent (55%) of the Merger Consideration,
which represents the balance of the Merger
Consideration, shall be paid to the Stockholders at
the Closing in the form of SAG Common Stock in
accordance with Section 1.1(g) hereof (the "Stock
Consideration").
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(F) ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS; DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Upon the Effective Time:
(i) the Articles of Incorporation of Sub shall continue
as the Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving
Corporation;
(ii) the Bylaws of Sub shall continue as the Bylaws of the
Surviving Corporation;
(iii) The directors and officers of the Surviving
Corporation immediately after the Effective Time
shall be selected by SAG.
(G) CONVERSION OF SHARES. Subject to Section 1.1(i)(iii), the
manner of converting the Target Shares into shares of SAG Common Stock shall be
as is set forth in this Section 1.1(g). As of the Effective Time of the Merger,
all of the Target Shares, by virtue of the Merger without any action on the part
of the holder thereof, automatically shall be deemed to represent that number of
shares of SAG Common Stock that is equal to the number obtained by dividing the
Stock Consideration by the SAG IPO Share Price (the "SAG Stock Consideration
Shares"). The SAG Stock Consideration Shares shall be divided amongst the
Stockholders on a pro-rata basis based on their stock ownership interest in the
Company.
(H) CLOSING OF THE COMPANY'S TRANSFER BOOKS. At the Effective
Time, the holders of the Target Share Certificates (as hereinafter defined)
shall cease to have any rights as stockholders of the Company, and the stock
transfer books of the Company shall be closed with respect to all such Target
Shares. No further transfer of any such Target Shares shall be made on such
stock transfer books after the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time, a
valid certificate previously representing any Target Shares is presented to Sub
or SAG, such certificate shall be canceled and shall be exchanged as provided in
Section 1.1(i).
(I) EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES.
(i) At the Closing, each Stockholder shall surrender its
certificate representing any of the common stock of
the Company owned by said Stockholder (the "Target
Share Certificates") to Surviving Corporation,
together with such transmittal documents as SAG or
Surviving Corporation may reasonably require.
(ii) No fractional shares of SAG Common Stock shall be
issued in connection with the Merger, and no
certificates for any such fractional shares shall be
issued. Any fractional shares shall be rounded up to
the next whole share and any Stockholder who would
otherwise be entitled to receive a fraction of a
share of SAG Common Stock (after aggregating all
fractional shares of SAG Common Stock issuable to
such holder) shall, in lieu of such fractional share,
receive said additional whole share.
(iii) Until surrendered as contemplated by this Section
1.1(i)(iii), each Company Share Certificate shall be
deemed from and after the Effective Time, to
represent only the right to receive a pro-rata share
of the Merger Consideration. If any Company Share
Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or
destroyed, the Sub may, at its discretion and as a
condition precedent to the delivery of any Merger
Consideration to the Stockholder who owns such lost,
stolen or destroyed
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Company Share Certificate, require said owner to
provide an appropriate affidavit and to deliver a
bond (in such sum as SAG or the Sub may reasonably
direct) as indemnity against any Claim that may be
made against SAG or Sub with respect to such Company
Share Certificate.
(iv) The shares of SAG Shares to be issued in the Merger
shall be characterized as "restricted securities" for
purposes of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, and
each certificate representing any of such shares
shall bear a legend identical or similar in effect to
the following legend (together with any other legend
or legends required by applicable state securities
laws or otherwise):
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT
BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933 (THE "ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED,
SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ASSIGNED,
PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS AND UNTIL
REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR UNLESS THE
COMPANY HAS RECEIVED AN OPINION OF COUNSEL
SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY AND ITS COUNSEL
THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
(v) The Sub shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from
any consideration payable or otherwise deliverable to
any holder or former holder of the Target Shares
pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as the Sub
may be required to deduct or withhold therefrom under
the Code or under any provision of state, local or
foreign tax law. To the extent such amounts are so
deducted or withheld, such amounts shall be treated
for all purposes under this Agreement as having been
paid to the Person to whom such amounts would
otherwise have been paid.
(vi) The Sub shall not be liable to any holder or former
holder of the Target Shares for any shares of SAG
Common Stock (or dividends or distributions with
respect thereto), or for any cash amounts, delivered
to any public official pursuant to any applicable
abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
1.2 PRE-JANUARY 1, 1998 TAXED INCOME DISTRIBUTIONS AND BASIS. Between the
date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, the Company shall be entitled to
make distributions to the Stockholders of previously taxed income, additional
paid-in-capital and basis in common stock (each, a "Pre-1998 Distribution" and
collectively the "Pre-1998 Distributions"). The amount will be distributed with
respect to the Stockholders' previously taxed income, additional paid-in-capital
and common stock which, as of December 31, 1997, equaled One Million Dollars
($1,000,000). The Company or the Stockholders will provide written notice to SAG
and Sub at least five (5) business days prior to the Closing Date of each
planned or executed Pre-1998 Distribution. In the event the Pre-1998
Distributions, in the aggregated, exceed said One Million Dollar ($1,000,000)
amount, the Merger Consideration shall be reduced by such excess, on a
dollar-for-dollar basis.
1.3 1998 EARNINGS DISTRIBUTIONS. Between the date of this Agreement and the
Closing Date, the Company shall be entitled to make distributions to the
Stockholders of any 1998 Earnings (hereinafter defined) of the Company ("1998
Earnings Distributions"), provided that the Company or the Stockholders will
provide written notice to SAG and Sub at least five (5) business days prior to
the Closing Date of each planned or executed 1998 Earnings Distribution. For
purposes herein, "1998 Earnings" shall equal
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the accrual basis income and expenses of the Company after December 31, 1997,
which amount shall be computed on a basis consistent with the closing records
(for tax purposes) of the Company as of December 31, 1997, except that: (a) 1998
Earnings shall include sixty percent (60%) of the increase in the computed
last-in/first-out ("LIFO") reserve for the period commencing on January 1, 1998
and ending on the Closing Date; (b) used car and truck inventories of the
Company shall be mutually agreed upon by the Parties; and (c) bad debt reserve
shall be mutually agreed upon by the Parties.
1.4 TAX CONSEQUENCES. For federal income tax purposes, the Merger is
intended to constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the
Code. The Parties hereby adopt this Agreement as a "plan of reorganization" with
respect to the Company and Sub within the meaning of Sections 1.368- 2(g) and
1.368-3(a) of the United States Treasury Regulations.
1.5 FURTHER ACTION. If, at any time after the Effective Time, any further
action is determined by SAG or the Sub to be necessary or desirable to carry out
the purposes of this Agreement or to vest the Sub with full title, right and
possession of and to all rights and property of the Company, the officers and
directors of the Sub shall be fully authorized (in the name of the Company and
otherwise) to take such action, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.3
hereof.
1.6 NET WORTH ADJUSTMENT.
(a) Within forty-five (45) days after the Closing Date, ERNST & YOUNG,
LLC (the "Accountants") shall prepare, at the cost and expense of SAG and/or
Sub, a balance sheet of the Company dated as of the Closing Date (the "Closing
Date Balance Sheet"). The Accountants shall prepare the Closing Date Balance
Sheet on the same basis and in accordance with the accounting principles,
methods and practices used in preparing the Company's 1997 Balance Sheet (as
hereinafter defined) prepared on a first-in/first-out basis ("FIFO") by ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ of the accounting firm of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, P.C., accountants to
the Company, and agreed to by Mr. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, Controller of SAG (the
"Accounting Principles"). Within thirty (30) days after the Parties' receipt of
the completed Closing Date Balance Sheet, ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ shall
mutually determine the net worth of the Company as of the Closing Date (the
"Closing Date Net Worth"). The Closing Date Net Worth shall be determined based
on the Closing Date Balance Sheet prepared by the Accountants and using the
Accounting Principles, provided, however, that inventory shall be determined on
a LIFO basis and sixty percent (60%) of the increase in the LIFO reserve for the
period commencing on January 1, 1998 and ending on the Closing Date shall be
added to determine the Closing Date Net Worth. The determination by ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ with respect to the Closing Date Balance Sheet and the
Closing Date Net Worth shall be conclusive and binding upon the Parties.
(b) In connection with the preparation of the Closing Date Balance
Sheet, the Accountants will conduct, at the cost and expense of SAG and/or Sub,
a physical inventory at the location where inventory is held by the Company and,
from the results of such inventory and prior to the Closing Date, prepare, at
the cost and expense of SAG and/or Sub, a schedule setting forth the nature and
quality of such inventory to be included in the Closing Date Balance Sheet. The
determination of the Accountants with respect to such inventory shall be
conclusive and binding upon the Parties.
(c) If the Closing Date Net Worth is less than zero (0) (the amount of
any such deficiency being referred to herein as the "Net Worth Deficiency"), the
Stockholders shall pay to Sub, on a dollar for dollar basis, the entire amount
of such Net Worth Deficiency (the "New Worth Deficiency Payment Amount") by wire
transfer or other immediately available funds within three (3) business days
after the date on which the Closing Date Net Worth has been determined (the
"CDNW Determination Date"),
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together with interest on such amount from the Closing Date to the date of the
CDNW Determination Date at the prime rate or its equivalent (as announced from
time to time by Citibank, N.A.).
(d) If the Closing Date Net Worth is greater than zero (0) (the amount
of any such excess being referred to herein as the "Net Worth Excess"), the Sub
shall pay to the Stockholders, on a dollar for dollar basis, the entire amount
of such Net Worth Excess (the "Net Worth Excess Payment Amount") by wire
transfer or other immediately available funds within three (3) business days
after the CDNW Determination Date, together with interest on such amount from
the Closing Date to the date of the CDNW Determination Date at the prime rate or
its equivalent (as announced from time to time by Citibank, N.A.). The Net Worth
Excess Payment Amount shall be allocated to the Stockholders on the same ratio
basis as the Merger Consideration is allocated amongst the Stockholders in
accordance with ADDENDUM 1.
1.7 MINIMUM FLOOR PLAN REQUIREMENT. As of the Date of the Closing Date, the
Company shall not be "Out of Trust," as such term is commonly used in the
automotive business and relates to the floor plan of the Company's new and used
cars. As of the Closing Date, the Company's floor plan liability must not exceed
the Company's Floor Plan Assets by more than three percent (3%), where "Floor
Plan Assets" shall mean the Company's actual inventory of financed automobiles,
plus its contracts in transits, plus its current (not over ninety (90) days)
fleet car receivables. If, as of the date of Closing Date, the floor plan
liability exceeds the Company's Floor Plan Assets by more than three percent
(3%), then such excess shall be offset against and deducted from the Cash
Consideration at the time of Closing.
1.8 PRICE PROTECTION FOR STOCK CONSIDERATION.
(a) PRICE PROTECTION. SAG acknowledges and agrees that the Stockholders
accept the Stock Consideration with the understanding that, during the period
beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the second anniversary of the
Closing Date (the "Second Anniversary Date") (such two-year period is
hereinafter referred to as the "Valuation Period), they will realize an
aggregate value of no less than Five Million Seven Hundred Seventy Five Thousand
and No/100 Dollars ($5,775,000) (the "Monetary Consideration Value") for such
Stock Consideration. If, on the Second Anniversary Date, there is a deficiency
between the amount of cash consideration the Stockholders have received from the
liquidation of any or all of the Stock Consideration and the Monetary
Consideration Value, SAG covenants and agrees to make the Stockholders whole for
such deficiency through the issuance of registered stock or the payment of cash
equal to any such deficiency, as hereinafter set forth (the "Price Protection").
To help ensure that the Stockholders realize the Monetary Consideration Value
during the Valuation Period, SAG may utilize or select to implement, at SAG's
sole cost and expense, various types of methodologies (including, without
limitation, the filing of a registration statement with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, the use of collars, or any other method selected by SAG),
designed to maintain the value of SAG's common stock.
(b) LIQUIDATION AGENT. The Stockholders covenant and agree that
throughout the Valuation Period, they shall utilize ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ and
Associates, Inc. (the "▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇") as their sole liquidation agent for the
purpose of liquidating any of the Stock Consideration, unless SAG consents to
the use of another liquidation agent in writing, which consent SAG may withhold
or deny in SAG's sole discretion (an "Approved Agent"). If Stockholders fail to
so utilize ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ or an Approved Agent for the liquidation of any or all
of the Stock Consideration during the Valuation Period, the Price Protection set
forth in this Section 1.8 shall become completely null and void and SAG shall no
longer be required to provide any Price Protection to any of the Stock
Consideration.
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(c) LIQUIDATION OF STOCK. The Stockholders covenant and agree that
throughout the Valuation Period, they shall liquidate any or all of the Stock
Consideration at the times, in the manner and in the amounts directed by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇. If ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ directs the Stockholders to liquidate any or all of the
Stock Consideration (in each such instance, such stock is hereinafter referred
to as the "Directed Stock"), and the Stockholders fail to so liquidate any or
all of the Directed Stock at the times, in the manner and in the amounts
directed by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ (such non-complying Directed Stock is hereinafter
referred to as the "Non-Complying Directed Stock"), then the Price Protection
set forth in this Section 1.8 shall become completely null and void only with
respect to the Non-Complying Directed Stock, and SAG shall no longer be required
to provide any Price Protection with respect to the Non-Complying Directed
Stock. SAG shall pay all of the brokerage fees, expenses or commissions due to
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ and/or any Approved Agent in connection with the sale or
liquidation of any properly sold or liquidated Directed Stock or any or all of
the Stock Consideration that is sold or liquidated through an Approved Agent
(the "Brokerage Expenses"). The Stockholders may subsequently liquidate or sell
any Non-Complying Directed Stock for cash consideration only. In the event of
any such subsequent sale or liquidation of the NonComplying Directed Stock,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ or the Approved Agent, as the case may be, who will act as the
liquidating agent, shall promptly provide notice to SAG of such sale or
liquidation, and such notice shall include the date on which the Non-Complying
Directed Stock is sold or liquidated, the number of shares of Non-Complying
Directed Stock sold, and the aggregate consideration for which the NonComplying
Directed Stock was sold or liquidated (such amount is hereinafter referred to as
the "NonComplying Directed Stock Value").
(d) COOPERATION. The Stockholders covenant and agree to cooperate fully
with SAG, at SAG's expense, in SAG's efforts to maintain the value of SAG's
common stock, and the Stockholders covenant and agree to execute any and all
reasonable documentation as may be required to effectuate the methodologies
selected by SAG to maintain said value.
(e) SECOND ANNIVERSARY PRICE PROTECTION. If, on the Second Anniversary
Date, (i) the Stockholders still have a right to receive Price Protection
pursuant to this Section 1.8, and (ii) the Aggregate Stock Value ("Aggregate
Stock Value," for purposes herein, shall mean the aggregate cash consideration
(net of any Brokerage Expenses) that the Stockholders receive for the sale of
any or all of the Stock Consideration (including any Non-Complying Directed
Stock) during the Valuation Period plus the value, as of the Second Anniversary
Date, of any portion of the Stock Consideration (including any Non-Complying
Directed Stock) that is still owned by the Stockholders on the Second
Anniversary Date) is less than the Monetary Consideration Value (such deficiency
between the Aggregate Stock Value and the Monetary Consideration Value is
hereinafter referred to as the "Second Anniversary Deficiency Amount"), then SAG
shall compensate the Stockholders for the Second Anniversary Deficiency Amount.
SAG, at its sole option, may select one of the following methods of compensating
the Stockholders for the Second Anniversary Deficiency Amount:
(i) SAG may issue to the Stockholders additional shares of
registered common stock of SAG that are eligible for
immediate sale under the Securities Act and the Securities
Exchange Act, in accordance with the following formula:
Divide the Second Anniversary Deficiency Amount
by the SAG IPO Share Price on the Second
Anniversary Date to obtain the number of
additional shares of registered common stock of
SAG to be issued to the Stockholders.
SAG shall issue the additional shares of registered SAG
common stock, if any, due to the Stockholders within five
(5) business days following the Second
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Anniversary Date. No fractional shares of registered
SAG common stock shall be issued in connection with
the Price Protection, and no certificates for any
such fractional shares shall be issued. Any
fractional shares shall be rounded up to the next
whole share and any Stockholder who would otherwise
be entitled to receive a fraction of a share of
registered SAG common stock (after aggregating all
fractional shares of registered SAG common stock
issuable to such holder) shall, in lieu of such
fractional share, receive said additional whole
share.
(ii) SAG may pay the Stockholders cash consideration in an
amount equal to the Second Anniversary Deficiency
Amount. If SAG elects to so compensate the
Stockholders for the Second Anniversary Deficiency
Amount, SAG shall pay said cash consideration, if
any, due to the Stockholders via immediately
available funds delivered within five (5) business
days following the Second Anniversary Date.
(f) REIMBURSEMENT OF BROKERAGE EXPENSES.
(i) If at any time during the Valuation Period, but prior
to the Second Anniversary Date, the aggregate cash
consideration (net of any Brokerage Expenses) that
the Stockholders receive for the sale of any or all
of the Stock Consideration (including any
Non-Complying Directed Stock) exceeds the Monetary
Consideration Value (such excess is hereinafter
referred to as the "Excess Value Amount"), then the
Stockholders shall, within three (3) business days
following the sale or liquidation of any or all of
the Stock Consideration as a result of which an
Excess Value Amount is obtained, and in immediately
available funds, reimburse SAG for all of the
Brokerage Expenses incurred by SAG during the
Valuation Period, provided, however, that the
Stockholders shall not be obligated to reimburse SAG
for the Brokerage Expenses to the extent such
Brokerage Expenses would exceed the Excess Value
Amount.
(ii) If, on the Second Anniversary Date, the Aggregate
Stock Value is greater than the Monetary
Consideration Value (such excess is hereinafter
referred to as the "Second Anniversary Excess
Amount"), then the Stockholders shall, within three
(3) business days following the Second Anniversary
Date and in immediately available funds, reimburse
SAG for all of the Brokerage Expenses incurred by SAG
during the Valuation Period, provided, however, that
the Stockholders shall not be obligated to reimburse
SAG for the Brokerage Expenses to the extent such
Brokerage Expenses would exceed the Second
Anniversary Excess Amount.
(g) RECEIPT OF MONETARY CONSIDERATION VALUE. The Parties
acknowledge and agree that the intent of the Price Protection provided hereunder
is to ensure that the Stockholders receive all of the Monetary Consideration
Value. As such, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein except
Section 1.8(f) above, if at any time during the Valuation Period the aggregate
cash consideration (net of any Brokerage Expenses) that the Stockholders receive
for the sale or liquidation of any or all of the Stock Consideration (including
any Non-Complying Directed Stock) equals or exceeds the Monetary Consideration
Value, then the Price Protection set forth in this Section 1.8 shall become
completely null and void, and SAG shall no longer be required to provide any
further Price Protection to the Stockholders for any of the Stock Consideration,
it being understood and acknowledged by the Parties that in such an event the
Stockholders will have been made whole and no further Price Protection will be
necessary.
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(h) SURVIVAL. The provisions, terms and conditions of this Section
1.8 shall survive the execution of this Agreement and the Closing of the
transactions contemplated hereby. SAG's obligation to provide the Price
Protection shall expire and terminate upon the delivery by SAG to the
Stockholders of the registered common stock of SAG pursuant to Section 1.8(e)(i)
hereof or the payment by SAG to the Stockholders of the cash pursuant to Section
1.8(e)(ii) hereof, unless such Price Protection is terminated with respect to
any or all of the Stock Consideration as otherwise provided in this Section 1.8.
ARTICLE 2
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
OF THE COMPANY AND THE STOCKHOLDERS
Subject to the Parties' agreement and acknowledgment that all of the
Schedules referred to in this Article 2 are to be delivered by the Company and
the Stockholders no later than ten (10) days after the execution of this
Agreement to SAG and Sub, the Company and the Stockholders hereby jointly and
severally represent and warrant to SAG and Sub that the statements contained in
this Article 2 are correct and complete as of the date of this Agreement and
will be correct and complete as of the Closing Date (as though made then and as
though the Closing Date were substituted for the date of this Agreement
throughout this Article 2) as to the Company:
2.1 ORGANIZATION AND GOOD STANDING. The Company is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
its incorporation and has the corporate power and authority to own, lease and
operate the properties used in its business and to carry on its business as now
being conducted. The Company is duly qualified to do business and is in good
standing as a foreign corporation in each state and jurisdiction where
qualification as a foreign corporation is required except where the lack of such
qualification would not have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. SCHEDULE
2.1 hereto lists: (i) the states and other jurisdictions where the Company is so
qualified; and (ii) the assumed names under which the Company conducts business
and contains complete and correct copies of the Company's Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws, each as amended and presently in effect.
2.2 SUBSIDIARIES. Except as set forth in SCHEDULE 2.2 hereof, the Company
does not have any subsidiaries or any other interest or investment in any
Person.
2.3 CAPITALIZATION. The authorized stock of the Company and the number of
shares of capital stock that are issued and outstanding are set forth on
SCHEDULE 2.3(A) hereto. The shares listed on SCHEDULE 2.3(A) hereto constitute
all the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company, have been
validly authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable, have not been
issued in violation of any pre-emptive rights or of any federal or state
securities law and no personal liability attaches to the ownership thereof.
Except for as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.3(B) hereto, there is no security, option,
warrant, right, call, subscription, agreement, commitment or understanding of
any nature whatsoever, fixed or contingent, that directly or indirectly: (i)
calls for issuance, sale, pledge or other disposition of any shares of capital
stock of the Company or any securities convertible into, or other rights to
acquire, any shares of capital stock of the Company; (ii) obligates the Company
to grant, offer or enter into any of the foregoing; or (iii) relates to the
voting or control of such capital stock, securities or rights, except as
provided in this Agreement. The Company has not agreed to register any
securities under the Securities Act.
2.4 AUTHORITY, APPROVALS AND CONSENTS. The Company has the corporate power and
authority to enter into this Agreement and the other documents referenced herein
or related hereto (collectively, the "Transaction Documents") and to perform its
obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution,
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delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly
authorized and approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and no other
corporate proceedings on the part of the Company are necessary to authorize and
approve this Agreement and the Transaction Documents and the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by, and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of, the Company,
enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms. The execution,
delivery and performance by the Company and the Stockholders of this Agreement
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not
and will not:
(a) contravene any provisions of the Charter or Bylaws of the Company;
(b) except for the consent, authorization and approval that the Parties
must obtain from the Chevrolet Division of General Motors Corporation in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and except as set forth on
SCHEDULE 2.4(B), conflict with, result in a breach of any provision of,
constitute a default under, result in the modification or cancellation of, or
give rise to any right of termination or acceleration in respect of, any Company
Agreement, require any consent of waiver of any party to any Company Agreement,
except where such conflict or default would not have a Material Adverse Effect
on the Company or on the ability of the Parties to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement;
(c) result in the creation of any Lien upon, or any Person obtaining
any right to acquire, any properties, assets or rights of the Company (other
than the rights of Sub to acquire the Target Shares pursuant to this Agreement);
(d) violate or conflict with any Legal Requirements applicable to the
Company or any of its businesses or properties, except where such conflict or
default would not have a Material Adverse Effect on the financial condition of
the Company or on the ability of the Parties to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; or
(e) require any authorization, consent, order, permit or approval of,
or notice to, or filing, registration or qualification with, any Governmental
Authority, other than in connection with or in compliance with the provisions of
the ▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇ Act, except where such conflict or default would not have
a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or on the ability of the Parties to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Except as referred to above, no permit or approval of, or notice to any
Governmental Authority is necessary to be obtained or made by the Company to
enable the Company to continue to conduct its business and operations and use
its properties after the Closing in a manner which is in all material respects
consistent with that in which they are presently conducted and used.
2.5 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Attached as SCHEDULE 2.5 are true and complete
copies of:
(a) the unaudited balance sheets of the Company as of December 31,
1995, December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1997 (the December 31, 1997 balance
sheet is hereinafter referred to as the "1997 Balance Sheet"), and the related
statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flow for the
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fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1997,
together with the notes thereto; and
(b) the most recent monthly and year-to-date financial statements
provided to the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors Corporation (the
"Factory Statements");
(the financial statements referred to in clauses (a) and (b) above, including
the notes thereto, being referred to herein collectively as the "Financial
Statements"). The Financial Statements of the Company are in accordance with
books and records of the Company, fairly present the financial position, results
of operations, stockholders' equity and changes in the financial position of the
Company as of the dates and for the periods indicated, and can be legitimately
reconciled with the financial statements and the financial records maintained
and the accounting methods applied by the Company for federal income tax
purposes. The Financial Statements of the Company include all adjustments, which
consist of only normal recurring accruals, necessary for such fair
presentations. The statements of income included in the Financial Statements of
the Company do not contain any items of special or non-recurring income except
as expressly identified therein, and the balance sheets included in the
Financial Statements of the Company do not reflect any write up or revaluation
increasing the book value of any assets except as expressly identified therein.
The books and accounts of the Company are complete and current in all material
respects and fairly reflect all of the transactions, items of income and expense
and all assets and liabilities of the businesses of the Company consistent with
prior practices of the Company. Each Factory Statement is accurate and complete
and was prepared in compliance with the requirements of the appropriate
automobile manufacturer, including, but not limited to, all requirements set
forth in the contract with such automobile manufacturer.
2.6 ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. The Company does not have any
material liability of any nature whatsoever (whether known or unknown, due or to
become due, accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise), including, without
limitation, any unfunded obligation under employee benefit plans or arrangements
as described in Sections 2.17 and 2.18 hereof or liabilities for Taxes, except
for: (a) liabilities reflected or reserved against in the most recent Financial
Statements of the Company; (b) current liabilities incurred in the ordinary
course of business and consistent with past practice after the date of the
Company's 1997 Balance Sheet which, individually and in the aggregate, do not
have, and cannot reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on
the Company; and (c) liabilities disclosed or SCHEDULE 2.6 hereto. The Company
is not a party to any Company Agreement, or subject to any Charter or Bylaw
provision, any other corporate limitation or any Legal Requirement which has, or
can reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
Except as set forth in SCHEDULE 2.6 hereto, none of the employees of the Company
is now or will with the passage of time become entitled to receive any vacation
time, vacation pay or severance pay attributable to services rendered prior to
the date of the Closing Date.
2.7 ABSENCE OF MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT; CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.
(a) Since the date of the 1997 Balance Sheet, except as set forth on
SCHEDULE 2.7(A) hereto, the Company has operated in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice and there has not been:
(i) any material adverse change in the assets,
properties, business, contractual relations,
operations, prospects, net income or financial
condition of the Company and no factor, event,
condition, circumstance or prospective development
exists which threatens or may threaten to have a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company;
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(ii) any material loss, damage, destruction or other
casualty to the property or other assets of the
Company, whether or not covered by insurance;
(iii) any change in any method of accounting or accounting
practice of the Company; or
(iv) any loss of the employment, services or benefits of
any key employee of the Company.
(b) Since the date of the 1997 Balance Sheet, except as set forth
in SCHEDULE 2.7(B) hereto, the Company has not:
(i) incurred any material obligation or liability
(whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise),
except in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice;
(ii) failed to disclose or satisfy any lien or pay or
satisfy any obligation or liability (whether
absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise), other
than liabilities being contested in good faith and
for which adequate reserves have been provided;
(iii) mortgaged, pledged or subjected to any Lien any of
its property or other assets except for mechanics'
liens and liens for taxes not yet due and payable;
(iv) sold or transferred any asset or canceled any debts
or claims or waived any rights, except in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past
practices;
(v) defaulted on any material obligation;
(vi) entered into any material transaction, except in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice;
(vii) written down the value of any inventory or written
off as uncollectible any accounts receivable or any
portion thereof not reflected in the Company's
Financial Statements;
(viii) received any notice of termination of any contract,
lease or other agreement or suffered any damage,
destruction or loss (whether or not covered by
insurance) which, in any case or in the aggregate,
has had a Material Adverse Effect on the Company;
(ix) transferred or granted any rights under, or entered
into any settlement regarding the breach or
infringement of, any Intellectual Property, or
modified any existing rights with respect thereto;
(x) made any change in the rate of compensation,
commission, bonus or other direct or indirect
remuneration payable, or paid or agreed or orally
promised to pay, conditionally or otherwise, any
bonus, incentive, retention or other compensation,
retirement, welfare, fringe or severance benefit or
vacation pay, to or in respect of any shareholder,
director, officer, employee, salesman,
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distributor or agent of the Company other than
increases in accordance with past practices not
exceeding ten percent (10%);
(xi) encountered any labor union organizing activity, had
any actual or threatened employee strikes, work
stoppages, slowdowns or lockouts, or had any material
change in its relations with its employees, agents,
customers or suppliers;
(xii) failed to replenish inventories and supplies in a
normal and customary manner consistent with its prior
practice, or made any purchase commitment in excess
of the normal, ordinary and usual requirements of its
business or at any price in excess of then-current
market price or upon terms and conditions more
onerous than those usual and customary in the
industry, or made any change in its selling, pricing,
advertising or personnel practices inconsistent with
its prior practice;
(xiii) instituted, settled or agreed to settle any, or had
any material involvement in, litigation, action or
proceeding before any court or governmental body
relating to the Company other than in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practices but
not in any case involving amounts in excess of
$100,000;
(xiv) entered into any transaction, contract or commitment
other than in the ordinary course of business or paid
or agreed to pay any legal, accounting, brokerage,
finder's fee, Taxes or other expenses in connection
with, or incurred any severance pay obligations by
reason of, this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby;
(xv) declared, set aside or paid any dividend or other
distribution in respect of any shares of capital
stock of the Company or any repurchase, redemption or
other acquisition by any Stockholder or the Company
of any outstanding shares of capital stock or other
securities of, or other ownership interest in, the
Company;
(xvi) made any individual capital expenditure in excess of
$25,000, or aggregate capital expenditures in excess
of $100,000, or additions to property, plant and
equipment other than ordinary repairs and
maintenance;
(xvii) discontinued any franchise or the sale of any
products or product line;
(xviii) incurred any obligation or liability to any employee
for the payment of severance benefits; or
2.8 TAXES. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.8, (i) all Tax Returns required to
be filed by or on behalf of the Company have been properly prepared and duly and
timely filed with the appropriate taxing authorities in all jurisdictions in
which such Tax Returns are required to be filed (after giving effect to any
valid extensions of time in which to make such filings), and all such Tax
Returns were true, complete and correct in all material respects, (ii) all Taxes
required to be paid by or on behalf of the Company or in respect of the
Company's income, assets or operations have been fully and timely paid, (iii)
the Company has not executed or filed with the IRS or any other taxing authority
any agreement, waiver or other document or arrangement extending or having the
effect of extending the period for assessment or collection of Taxes (including,
but not limited to, any applicable statute of limitation, and no power of
attorney with respect to any Tax matter is currently in force, and (iv) all
Taxes required to be withheld by the Company have been duly and timely withheld
and have been paid over to the appropriate taxing
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authorities for all periods under all applicable Legal Requirements. Copies of
all Tax Returns of the Company for each of the five (5) fiscal years preceding
the date hereof have been furnished or made available to the Sub and to SAG or
its representatives and such copies are accurate and complete as of the date
hereof. The Company has also furnished or made available to the Sub and SAG
correct and complete copies of all material notices and correspondence sent or
received since December 31, 1992 by the Company to or from any federal, state or
local tax authorities.
(a) The unpaid Taxes of the Company with respect to periods ended on,
prior to or through the date of the Company's 1997 Balance Sheet will not exceed
by any material amount the reserve for Taxes reflected on such financial
statements. The Company has made adequate provision on its books (on an annual
basis) for the payment of all Taxes (including for the current fiscal period)
owed by the Company. Except to the extent reserves therefor are reflected on the
Company's 1997 Balance Sheet, the Company is not liable, or will not become
liable, for any Taxes for any period ending on, prior to or through the date of
the Company's 1997 Balance Sheet.
(b) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.8 hereto, the Company has not
been subject to a federal or state tax audit of any kind and no adjustment has
been proposed by the IRS with respect to any return for any year. With respect
to the audits referred to on SCHEDULE 2.8 hereto, no such audit has resulted in
an adjustment in excess of $50,000. Neither the Company nor any of the
Stockholders knows of any Basis for any assertion of a deficiency for Taxes
against the Company. The Stockholders will cooperate with the Company in the
filing of any returns and in any audit or refund claim proceedings involving
Taxes for which the Company may be liable or with respect to which the Company
may be entitled to a refund.
(c) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.8 hereto, the Company has not
executed or filed with the IRS or any other taxing authority any agreement,
waiver or other document or arrangement extending or having the effect of
extending the period for assessment or collection of Taxes (including, but not
limited to, any applicable statute of limitation), and no power of attorney with
respect to any Tax matter is currently in force;
(d) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.8 hereto, all Taxes required to
be withheld by the Company have been duly and timely withheld and have been paid
over to the appropriate taxing authorities for all periods under all applicable
laws;
(e) SCHEDULE 2.8 lists all material types of Taxes paid and material
types of tax returns filed by or on behalf of the Company. Except as set forth
on SCHEDULE 2.8, no claim has been made by a taxing authority in a jurisdiction
where the Company does not file tax returns such that it is or may be subject to
taxation by that jurisdiction;
(f) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.8, all deficiencies asserted or
assessments made as a result of any examinations by the IRS or any other taxing
authority of the tax returns of or covering or including the Company have been
fully paid, and there are no other audits or investigations by any taxing
authority in progress, nor have Stockholders or the Company received any notice
from any taxing authority that it intends to conduct such an audit or
investigation. No issue has been raised by a federal, state, local or foreign
taxing authority in any current or prior examination which, be application of
the same or similar principles, could reasonably be expected to result in
proposed deficiency for any subsequent tax period.
(g) Except as set forth in SCHEDULE 2.8, neither the Company nor any
other Person (including the Stockholders) on behalf of the Company has: (i)
agreed to or is required to make any adjustments
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pursuant to ss.481(a) of the Code or any similar provision of state, local or
foreign law be reason of a change in accounting method initiated by the Company
or has knowledge that the IRS has proposed any such adjustment or change in
accounting method, or has any application pending with any taxing authority
requesting permission for any changes in accounting methods that relate to the
business or operations of the Company; (ii) executed or entered into a closing
agreement pursuant to Section 7121 of the Code or any predecessor provision
thereof or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law with respect to
the Company; or (iii) requested any extension of time within which to file any
tax return, which tax return has not since been filed;
(h) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.8 hereto, no property owned by
the Company is: (i) property required to be treated as being owned by another
Person pursuant to the provisions of Section 168(f)(8) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1954, as amended and in effect immediately prior to the enactment of the
Tax Reform Act of 1986; (ii) constitutes "tax-exempt use property" within the
meaning of Section 168(h)(1) of the Code; or (iii) is "tax-exempt bond financed
property" within the meaning of Section 168(g) of the Code;
(i) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.8 hereto, none of the
Stockholders is a foreign person within the meaning of Section 1445 of the Code;
(j) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.8 hereto, the Company is not a
party to any tax-sharing or similar agreement or arrangement (whether or not
written) pursuant to which it will have any obligation to make any payments
after the Closing;
(k) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.8 hereto, there is no contract,
agreement, plan or arrangement covering any person that, individually or
collectively, could give rise to the payment of any amount that would not be
deductible by Buyer or its affiliates by reason of Section 280G of the Code, or
would constitute compensation in excess of the limitation set forth in Section
162(m) of the Code;
(l) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.8 hereto, the Company is not
subject to any private letter ruling of the IRS or comparable rulings of other
taxing authorities;
(m) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.8 hereto, there are no Liens as a
result of any unpaid Taxes upon any of the assets of the Company;
(n) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.8 hereto, the Company has
properly and timely elected under Section 1362 of the Code, and under each
analogous or similar provision of state or local law in each jurisdiction where
the Company is required to file a tax return, to be treated as an "S"
corporation for all taxable periods since the date of the Company's initial "S"
corporation election, and there has not been any voluntary or involuntary
termination or revocation of any such election;
(o) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.8 hereto, the Company has never
owned any subsidiaries and has never been a member of any consolidated, combined
or Affiliated Group of corporations for any Tax purposes;
(p) Except as set forth in SCHEDULE 2.8, as of December 31, 1997, the
Company does not have any undistributed earnings and profits and has not had for
any taxable years gross receipts more than twenty-five percent (25%) of which
are "passive investment income" (as defined in Section 1375 of the Code).
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2.9 LEGAL MATTERS.
(a) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.9(A) hereto: (i) there is no
Claim pending against, or threatened against or affecting, the Company, any
ERISA Plan or any of their respective assets, properties or rights before any
court, arbitrator, panel, agency or other governmental, administrative or
judicial entity, domestic or foreign, nor is any Basis known to the Stockholders
or the Company for any such Claims; and (ii) neither the Company nor any of its
assets are subject to any judgment, decree, writ, injunction, ruling or order
(collectively, "Judgments") of any Governmental Authority, domestic or foreign.
SCHEDULE 2.9(A) hereto identifies each Claim and Judgment disclosed thereon.
(b) The businesses of the Company are being conducted in compliance
with all Legal Requirements applicable to the Company or any of its respective
businesses or properties, and the Company has no action, suit, proceeding,
hearing, investigation, charge, complaint, claim, demand or notice has been
filed or commenced against the Company for failure to so comply. The Company
holds, and is in compliance with, all Permits required by all applicable Legal
Requirements. A list of all Permits is set forth on SCHEDULE 2.9(B) hereof. No
event has occurred and is continuing which permits, or after notice or lapse of
time or both would permit, any modification or termination of any Permit.
(c) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.9(C) hereto, to the knowledge of
the Company and the Stockholders, there are no proposed laws, rules,
regulations, ordinances, orders, judgments, decrees, governmental takings,
condemnations or other proceedings which would be applicable to the business,
operations or properties of the Company and which might materially adversely
affect the properties, assets, liabilities, operations or prospects of the
Company, either before or after the Closing Date.
(d) SCHEDULE 2.9(D) sets forth all Governmental Approvals and other
Consents necessary for, or otherwise material to, the conduct of the Company's
business. Except as set forth in SCHEDULE 2.9(D), all such Governmental
Approvals and Consents have been duly obtained and are in full force and effect,
and the Company is in compliance with each of such Governmental Approvals and
Consents held by it.
(e) There have been no citations, notices or complaints issued to or
received by the Company by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration or
any similar state or local agency.
2.10 PROPERTY. The properties and assets owned by or leased to the Company
(including improvements to the Owned Real Property (the "Improvements") and all
machinery, equipment and other tangible property) are in all material respects
adequate for the purposes of which such assets are currently used or are held
for use, and are in good repair and operating condition (subject to normal wear
and tear) and there are no facts or conditions affecting such assets which
could, individually or in the aggregate, interfere in any material respect with
the use, occupancy or operation thereof as currently used, occupied or operated,
or their adequacy for such use.
(A) OWNED REAL PROPERTY. SCHEDULE 2.10(A) contains a complete list of
all real property owned by the Company (the "Owned Real Property"), setting
forth the address and owner of each parcel and describing all improvements
thereon, including without limitation, the real property of the Stockholders
on which the Company's dealership operations are located in Acworth, Georgia
(the "Dealership Real Estate") and any other properties reflected as being so
owned on the Company's Financial Statements. Except as otherwise set forth on
SCHEDULE 2.10(A), the Company has, or on the Closing Date will have, good, valid
and marketable fee simple title to the Owned Real Property indicated on SCHEDULE
2.10(A) as being owned by it, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted
Liens. There are no outstanding leases, options or rights of first refusal to
purchase the Owned Real Property, or any portion thereof or interest therein.
Since the date of the Company's incorporation, the Company has not
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owned or held any ownership interest in any real property other than the Owned
Real Property set forth on SCHEDULE 2.10(A).
(B) LEASES. SCHEDULE 2.10(B) contains a complete list of all leases of
real property setting forth the address, landlord and tenant for each Lease.
Stockholders have delivered to Buyer complete copies of the Leases. Each Lease
is legal, valid, binding, enforceable, and in full force and effect, except as
may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and similar applicable
laws affecting creditors generally and by the availability of equitable
remedies. The Company is not in default, violation or breach in any respect
under any 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 in any respect under any Lease. Each Lease grants the tenant
under the Lease the exclusive right to use and occupy the demised premises
thereunder (the "Leased Real Property"). The Company has good and valid title to
the leasehold estate under each Lease free and clear of all Liens other than
Permitted Liens. The Company enjoys peaceful and undisturbed possession under
its respective Leases for the Leased Real Property. Since the date of the
Company's incorporation, the Company has not leased or held any leasehold or
other possessory interest in any real property other than the Leased Real
Property set forth on SCHEDULE 2.10(B).
(C) FEE AND LEASEHOLD INTERESTS. The Leased Real Property constitutes
all the fee and leasehold interests in real property held for use in connection
with, necessary for the conduct of, or otherwise material to, the business of
the Company as it is currently conducted.
(D) NO PROCEEDINGS. Except as otherwise set forth on SCHEDULE 2.10(D),
to the knowledge of the Company and the Stockholders, there are no eminent
domain or other similar proceedings pending or threatened affecting any portion
of the Owned Real Property or the Leased Real Property. There is no writ,
injunction, decree, order or judgment outstanding, nor any action, claim, suit
or proceeding, pending or threatened, relating to the ownership, lease, use,
occupancy or operation by any Person of any Owned Real Property or Leased Real
Property.
(E) CURRENT USE. The use and operation of the Owned Real Property or
the Leased Real Property by the Company does not violate in any material respect
any instrument of record or agreement affecting the Owned Real Property or the
Leased Real Property. There is no violation of any covenant, condition,
restriction, easement or order of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction
over such property or of any other Person entitled to enforce the same affecting
the Owned Real Property or the Leased Real Property or the use or occupancy
thereof. No damage or destruction has occurred with respect to any of the Owned
Real Property or the Leased Real Property that would, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
(F) COMPLIANCE WITH REAL PROPERTY LAWS. The Owned Real Property is in
full compliance with all applicable building, zoning, subdivision and other land
use and similar applicable laws affecting the Owned Real Property (collectively,
the "Real Property Laws"), and the Company and the Stockholders have not
received any notice of violation or claimed violation of any Real Property Law.
No current use by the Company of the Owned Real Property or the Leased Real
Property is dependent on a nonconforming use or other Governmental Approval, the
absence of which would materially limit the use of such properties or assets
held for use in connection with, necessary for the conduct of, or otherwise
material to, the Company.
(G) REAL PROPERTY TAXES. Each parcel included in the Owned Real
Property is assessed for real property tax purposes as a wholly independent tax
lot, separate from adjoining land or improvements not constituting a part of
that parcel.
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(H) LEASED PREMISES. With respect to Leased Real Property, the Company
has complied with: (i) all federal, state, county, municipal and other
governmental statutes, laws, rules, orders, regulations, ordinances or
recommendations affecting such premises or any part thereof, or the use thereof,
including without limitation, the Americans with Disabilities Act, whether or
not such statutes, laws, rules, orders, regulations, ordinances or
recommendations which may hereafter be enacted involve a change of policy on the
part of the governmental body enacting the same; (ii) all rules, orders and
regulations of the National Board of Fire Underwriters or other bodies
exercising similar functions and responsibilities in connection with the
prevention of fire or other correction of hazardous conditions which apply to
such premises; and (iii) the requirements of all policies of public liability,
fire and other insurance which at any time may be in force with respect to such
premises. The Company is the owner of the furniture and other personal property
utilized in the business and located at such premises.
(I) CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY; UTILITIES; EMINENT DOMAIN. No certificate
of occupancy is required with respect to the Improvements. All utilities
servicing the Owned Real Property or the Leased Real Property and the
Improvements are provided by publicly dedicated utility lines and are located
within public rights-of-way and do not cross or encumber any private land. No
notice of any pending, threatened or contemplated action by any governmental
authority or agency having the power of eminent domain has been given to the
Company or the Stockholders with respect to the Owned Real Property or the
Leased Real Property.
2.11 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.
(a) To the Knowledge of any of the Stockholders and the Company, the
Company is in compliance with Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements,
except for such noncompliance as would not have a material adverse effect on the
financial condition of the Company taken as a whole.
(b) To the Knowledge of any of the Stockholders and the Company, the
Company has not received any written or oral notice, report or other information
regarding any actual or alleged violation of Environmental, Health and Safety
Requirements, or any liabilities or potential liabilities (whether accrued,
absolute, contingent, unliquidated or otherwise), including any investigatory,
remedial or corrective obligations, relating to the Company, the Owned Real
Property or the Company's facilities arising under Environmental, Health and
Safety Requirements, the subject of which would have a material adverse effect
on the financial condition of the Company taken as a whole.
(c) To the Knowledge of any of the Stockholders and the Company, the
Company has not, either expressly or by operation of law, assumed or undertaken
any liability, including without limitation any obligation for corrective or
remedial action, of any other Person relating to Environmental, Health and
Safety Requirements.
(d) The Stockholders and the Company have provided to SAG all
environmental studies and reports obtained by them or known to them pertaining
to the Owned Real Property, the Improvements, the Company and any property
formerly owned, occupied or leased by the Company, and have permitted (or will
have permitted as of the Closing Date), the testing of the soil, groundwater,
building components, tanks, containers and equipment on the Owned Real Property,
the Improvements, and any property formerly owned, occupied or leased by the
Company, by SAG or SAG's agents or experts as they have or shall have deemed
necessary or appropriate to confirm the condition of such properties.
2.12 INVENTORIES. The values at which inventories are carried on the Company's
1997 Balance Sheet reflect the normal inventory valuation policies of the
Company. All inventories reflected on the
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Company's 1997 Balance Sheet and Company's Factory Statement or arising since
the date thereof are currently marketable, are of good, usable and merchantable
quality in all material respects, and can reasonably be anticipated to be sold
at normal ▇▇▇▇-ups within 120 days after the date hereof in the ordinary course
of business (subject to the reserve for obsolete, off-grade or slow-moving items
that is reflected in the Company Balance Sheet), except for spare parts
inventory which inventory is good and usable.
2.13 NOTES AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE. All notes and accounts receivable
reflected on the Company's 1997 Balance Sheet are, and all notes and accounts
receivable that will be or will have been reflected on the Closing Date Balance
Sheet of the Company will be, good and have been or will have been collected or
are collectible in accordance with their terms at their recorded amounts, and
are subject to no material defenses, setoffs or counterclaims other than normal
cash discounts accrued in the ordinary course of business, subject to the
reserve for bad debts set forth on the Company's 1997 Balance Sheet, as adjusted
for operations and transactions through the Closing Date in the ordinary course
of business and consistent with past practices.
2.14 INSURANCE. All material properties and assets of the Company which are
of an insurable character are insured against loss or damage by fire and other
risks to the extent and in the manner reasonable in light of the risks attendant
to the businesses and activities in which the Company is engaged and customary
for companies engaged in similar businesses or owning similar assets. Set forth
on SCHEDULE 2.14 hereto is a list and brief description (including the name of
the insurer, the type of coverage provided, the amount of the annual premium for
the current policy period, the amount of remaining coverage and deductibles and
the coverage period) of all policies for such insurance and the Company has made
or will make available to SAG true and complete copies of all such policies. All
such policies are in full force and effect sufficient for all applicable
requirements of law and will not in any way be effected by or terminated or
lapsed by reason of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. No notice of cancellation or non-renewal with respect to, or
disallowance of any claim under, any such policy has been received by the
Company.
2.15 CONTRACTS.
(a) SCHEDULE 2.15 contains a complete list of all agreements,
contracts, commitments and other instruments and arrangements (whether written
or oral) of the types described below to which the Company is a party or by
which it is bound ("Company Agreements"):
(i) leases, master rental agreements, service agreements,
insurance policies, Governmental Approvals and other
contracts concerning or relating to the Owned Real
Property or the Leased Real Property (including those
referred to on SCHEDULE 2.10);
(ii) employment, consulting, agency, collective bargaining
or other similar contracts, agreements and other
instruments and arrangements relating to or for the
benefit of current, future or former employees,
officers, directors or consultants;
(iii) loan agreements, indentures, letters of credit,
mortgages, security agreements, pledge agreements,
deeds of trust, bonds, notes, guarantees and other
agreements and instruments relating to the borrowing
of money or obtaining of or extension of credit;
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(iv) licenses, licensing arrangements and other contracts
providing in whole or in part for the use of, or
limiting the use of, any Intellectual Property;
(v) brokerage or finder's agreements;
(vi) joint venture, partnership and similar contracts
involving a sharing of profits or expenses (including
but not limited to joint research and development and
joint marketing contracts);
(vii) asset purchase agreements and other acquisition or
divestiture agreements, including but not limited to
any agreements relating to the sale, lease or
disposal of any assets (other than sales of inventory
in the ordinary course of business) or involving
continuing indemnity or other obligations;
(viii) orders and other contracts for the purchase or sale
of materials, supplies, products or services, each of
which involves aggregate payments in excess of
$10,000 in the case of purchases or $10,000 in the
case of sales;
(ix) contracts with respect to which the aggregate amount
that could reasonably be expected to be paid or
received thereunder in the future exceeds $10,000 per
annum or $10,000 in the aggregate;
(x) sales agency, manufacturer's representative, dealer,
marketing or distributorship agreements;
(xi) master lease agreements providing for the leasing of
personal property used in, or held for use in
connection with, the Company's business;
(xii) contracts, agreements or commitments with any
employee, director, officer, stockholder or affiliate
of the Company;
(xiii) powers of attorney;
(xiv) any guaranty, warranty or indemnity, other than
standard warranties from any automobile manufacturers
with whom each Company has a franchise agreement (or
comparable agreement), given by each Company to its
customers; and
(xv) any other contracts, agreements or commitments that
are material to the Company's business.
(b) The Company and the Stockholders have delivered to Buyer
complete copies of all written Company Agreements together with all amendments
thereto, and accurate descriptions of all material terms of all oral Company
Agreements set forth or required to be set forth on SCHEDULE 2.15.
(c) All Company Agreements are in full force and effect and
enforceable against each party thereto, except as such enforceability may be
limited by the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affected
creditors' rights generally or by general principles of equity. There does not
exist under any Company Agreement any event of default or event or condition
that, after notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a violation,
breach or event of default thereunder on the part of the Company, or any other
party thereto, except as set forth in SCHEDULE 2.15 and except for such events
or conditions
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that, individually and in the aggregate: (i) have not had or result in, and will
not have or result in, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company; and (ii) have
not and will not materially impair the ability of the Company or the
Stockholders to perform their obligations under this Agreement. Except as set
forth in SCHEDULE 2.15, no consent of any third party is required under any
Company Agreement as a result of or in connection with, and the enforceability
of any Company Agreement will not be affected in any manner by, the execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.
(d) There are no material unresolved disputes involving any
Stockholder, the Company or its employees under any Company Agreement.
2.16 LABOR RELATIONS.
(a) The Company has paid or made provision for the payment of all
salaries and accrued wages and has complied in all material respects with all
applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to the employment of labor,
including those relating to wages, hours, collective bargaining and the payment
and withholding of taxes, and has withheld and paid to the appropriate
Governmental Authority, or is holding for payment not yet due, to such
authority, an amounts required by law or agreement to be withheld from the wages
or salaries of its employees.
(b) Except as Set forth on SCHEDULE 2.16(B) hereto, the Company is not
a party to any: (i) outstanding employment agreements or contracts with officers
or employees that are not terminable at will, or that provide for payment of any
bonus or commission; (ii) agreement, policy or practice that requires it to pay
termination or severance pay to non-exempt or hourly employees (other than as
required by law); (iii) collective bargaining agreement or other labor union
contract applicable to persons employed by the Company, nor are there any
activities or proceedings of any labor union to organize any such employees. The
Company has furnished to SAG complete and correct copies of all such agreements
("Employment and Labor Agreements"). The Company has not breached or otherwise
failed to comply with any material provisions of any Employment or Labor
Agreement.
(c) Except as set forth in SCHEDULE 2.16(C) hereto: (i) there is no
unfair labor practice charge or complaint pending before the National Labor
Relations Board ("NLRB"); (ii) there is no labor strike, material slowdown or
material work stoppage or lockout actually pending or threatened, against or
affecting the Company, and the Company has not experienced any such material
slow down or material work stoppage, lockout or other collective labor action by
or with respect to employees of the Company; (iii) there is no representation
claim or petition pending before the NLRB or any similar foreign agency and no
question concerning representation exists relating to the employees of the
Company; (iv) the are no charges with respect to or relating to the Company
pending before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any state, local
or foreign agency responsible for the prevention of unlawful employment
practices; (v) the Company has not received formal notice from any federal,
state, local or foreign agency responsible for the enforcement of labor or
employment laws of an intention to conduct an investigation of the Company and
no such investigation is in progress; and (vi) the consents of the unions that
are parties to any Employment and Labor Agreements are not required to complete
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(d) The Company has never caused any "plant closing" or "mass layoff"
as such actions are defined in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification
Act, as codified at 29 U.S.C. ss.ss.2101-2109, and the regulations promulgated
therein.
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2.17 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.
(a) Set forth on SCHEDULE 2.17(A) hereto is a true and complete
list of:
(i) each Employee Pension Benefit Plan maintained by the
Company or to which the Company is required to make
contributions;
(ii) each Employee Welfare Benefit Plan maintained by the
Company or to which the Company is required to make
contributions; and
(iii) True and complete copies of all ERISA Plans have been
delivered to or made available to SAG together with,
as applicable with respect to each such ERISA Plan,
trust agreements, summary plan descriptions, all IRS
determination letters or applications therefor with
respect to any Pension Benefit Plan intended to be
qualified pursuant to Section 401(c) of the Code, and
valuation or actuarial reports, accountant's
opinions, financial statements, IRS Form 5500s (or
5500-C or 5500-R) and summary annual reports for the
last three years.
(b) With respect to the ERISA Plans, except as set forth on
SCHEDULE 2.17(B):
(i) there is no ERISA Plan which is a Multiemployer Plan;
(ii) no event has occurred or is threatened or about to
occur which would constitute a prohibited transaction
under Section 406 of ERISA or under Section 4975 of
the Code;
(iii) each ERISA Plan has operated since its inception in
accordance in all material respects with the
reporting and disclosure requirements imposed under
ERISA and the Code and has timely filed Form 5500e
(or 5500-C or 5500-R) and predecessors thereof; and
(iv) no ERISA Plan is liable for any federal, state, local
or foreign Taxes.
(c) Each Pension Benefit Plan intended to be qualified under
Section 401(a) of the Code:
(i) has been qualified, from its inception, under Section
401(a) of the Code, and the trust established
thereunder has been exempt from taxation under
Section 501(a) of the Code and is currently in
compliance with applicable federal laws;
(ii) has been operated, since its inception, in all
material respects in accordance with its terms and
there exists no fact which would adversely affect its
qualified status; and
(iii) is not currently under investigation, audit or review
by the IRS and no such action is contemplated or
under consideration and the IRS has not asserted that
any Pension Benefit Plan is not qualified under
Section 401(a) of the Code or that any trust
established under a Pension Benefit Plan is not
exempt under Section 501(a) of the Code.
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(d) With respect to each Employee Pension Benefit Plan which is a
defined benefit plan under Section 414(j) and, for the purpose solely of
ss.2.17(d)(iv) hereof, each defined contribution plan under Section 414(i) of
the Code:
(i) no liability to the PBGC under Sections 4062-4064 of
ERISA has been incurred by the Company since the
effective date of ERISA and all premiums due and
owing to the PBGC have been timely paid;
(ii) no PBGC has notified the Company or any Employee
Pension Benefit Plan of the commencement of any
proceedings under Section 4042 of ERISA to terminate
any such plan;
(iii) no event has occurred since the inception of any
Employee Pension Benefit Plan or is threatened or
about to occur which would constitute a reportable
event within the meaning of Section 4043(b) of ERISA;
(iv) no Employee Pension Benefit Plan ever has incurred an
"accumulated funding deficiency" (as defined in
Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code; and
(v) if any of such Employee Pension Benefit Plans were to
be terminated on the Closing Date: (A) no liability
under Title IV of ERISA would be incurred by the
Company; and (B) all benefits accrued to the day
prior to the Closing Date (whether or not vested)
would be fully funded in accordance with the
actuarial assumptions and method utilized by such
plan for valuation purposes.
(e) With respect to each Employee Pension Benefit Plan, SCHEDULE
2.17(A) contains a list of all Employee Pension Benefit Plans to which ERISA has
applied which have been or are being terminated, or for which a termination is
contemplated, and a description of the actions taken by the PBGC and the IRS
with respect thereto.
(f) The aggregate of the amounts of contributions by the Company
to be paid or accrued under ERISA Plans for the current fiscal year is not
expected to exceed approximately one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the
amounts of such contributions for the past fiscal year. To the extent required
in accordance with GAAP, the Company's 1997 Balance Sheet reflects in the
aggregate an accrual of all amounts of employer contributions accrued by and
unpaid by the Company under the ERISA Plans as of the date of the Company's 1997
Balance Sheet.
(g) With respect to any Multiemployer Plan: (i) the Company has
not, since its formation, made or suffered any "complete withdrawal" or "partial
withdrawal" as such terms are respectively defined in Sections 4203 and 4205 of
ERISA; (ii) there is no withdrawal liability of the Company under any
Multiemployer Plan, computed as if a "complete withdrawal" by the Company had
occurred under each such Plan as of the Closing Date; and (iii) the Company has
not received notice to the effect that any Multiemployer Plan is either in
reorganization (as defined in Section 4241 of ERISA) or insolvent (as defined in
Section 4245 of ERISA).
(h) With respect to the Employee Welfare Benefit Plan:
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(i) There are no liabilities of the Company under
Employee Welfare Benefit Plans with respect to any
condition which relates to a claim filed on or before
the Closing Date; and
(ii) No claims for benefits are in dispute or litigation.
2.18 OTHER BENEFIT AND COMPENSATION PLANS OR ARRANGEMENTS.
(a) Set forth on SCHEDULE 2.18(A) hereto is a true and complete
list of:
(i) each employee stock purchase, employee stock option,
employee stock ownership, deferred compensation,
performance, bonus, incentive, vacation pay, holiday
pay, insurance, severance, retirement, excess benefit
or other plan, trust or arrangement which is not an
ERISA Plan whether written or oral, which the Company
maintains or is required to make contributions to;
(ii) each other agreement, arrangement, commitment and
understanding of any kind, whether written or oral,
with any current or former officer, director or
consultant of the Company pursuant to which payments
may be required to be made at any time following the
date hereof (including, without limitation, any
employment, deferred compensation, severance,
supplemental pension, termination or consulting
agreement or arrangement); and
(iii) each employee of the Company whose aggregate
compensation for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1996 exceeded, and whose aggregate compensation for
the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997 is likely to
exceed, $50,000. True and complete copies of all of
the written plans, arrangements and agreements
referred to on SCHEDULE 2.18(A) ("Compensation
Commitments") have been provided to SAG together
with, where prepared by or for the Company, any
valuation, actuarial or accountant's opinion or other
financial reports with respect to each Compensation
Commitment for the last three years. An accurate and
complete written summary has been provided to SAG
with respect to any Compensation Commitment which is
unwritten.
(b) Each Compensation Commitment:
(i) since its inception, has been operated in all
material respects in accordance with its terms;
(ii) is not currently under investigation, audit or review
by the IRS or any other federal or state agency and
no such action is contemplated or under
consideration;
(iii) has no liability for any federal, state, local or
foreign Taxes;
(iv) has no claim subject to dispute or litigation;
(v) has met all applicable requirements, if any, of the
Code; and
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(vi) has operated, since its inception, in material
compliance with the reporting and disclosure
requirements imposed under ERISA and the Code.
2.19 TRANSACTIONS WITH INSIDERS. Set forth on SCHEDULE 2.19 hereto is a
complete and accurate description of all material transactions between the
Company or any ERISA Plan, on the one hand, and any Insider, on the other hand,
that have occurred since January 1, 1994.
2.20 PROPRIETY OF PAST PAYMENTS. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.20
hereto, no funds or assets of the Company have been used for illegal purposes;
no unrecorded funds or assets of the Company have been established for any
purpose; no accumulation or use of the Company's corporate funds or assets has
been made without being properly accounted for in the respective books and
records of the Company; all payments by or on behalf of the Company have been
duly and properly recorded and accounted for in their respective books and
records; no false or artificial entry has been made in the books and records of
the Company for any reason; no payment has been made by or on behalf of the
Company with the understanding that any part of such payment is to be used for
any purpose other than that described in the documents supporting such payment;
and the Company has not made, directly or indirectly, any illegal contributions
to any political party or candidate, either domestic or foreign. Neither the IRS
nor any other federal, state, local or foreign government agency or entity has
initiated or threatened any investigation of any payment made by the Company of,
or alleged to be, the type described in this ss.2.20.
2.21 INTEREST IN COMPETITORS. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.21, neither
the Company nor the Stockholders, nor any of their Affiliates, have any
interest, either by way of contract or by way of investment (other than as
holder of not more than two percent (2%) of the outstanding capital stock of a
publicly traded Person, so long as such holder has no other connection or
relationship with such person) or otherwise, directly or indirectly, in any
Person other than the Company that is engaged in the retail sale of automobiles
in the United States of America.
2.22 BROKERS. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.22 hereto, neither the
Company, nor any director, officer or employee thereof, nor the Stockholders or
any representative of the Stockholders, has employed any broker or finder or has
incurred or will incur any broker's, finder's or similar fees, commissions or
expenses, in each case in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
2.23 TERRITORIAL RESTRICTIONS. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.23, the
Company is not restricted by any written agreement or under-standing with any
Person from carrying on its business anywhere in the world. Buyer, solely as a
result of the transactions contemplated hereby, will not thereby become
restricted in carrying on any business anywhere in the world.
2.24 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.
(A) TITLE. SCHEDULE 2.24(A) contains a complete list of all
Intellectual Property that is owned by the Company and primarily related to,
used in, held for use in connection with, or necessary for the conduct of, or
otherwise material to the Company (the "Owned Intellectual Property") other
than: (i) inventions, trade secrets, processes, formulae, compositions, designs
and confidential business and technical information; and (ii) Intellectual
Property that is both not registered or subject to application for registration
and not material to the Company. The Company owns or has the exclusive right to
use pursuant to license, sublicense, agreement or permission all Intellectual
Property, free from any Liens (other than Permitted Liens) and free from any
requirement of any past, present or future royalty payments, license fees,
charges or other payments, or conditions or restrictions whatsoever. The
Intellectual Property comprise all of the Intellectual Property necessary for
Buyer to conduct and operate
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the Company as now being conducted by the Stockholders. The Company does not
infringe on or otherwise conflict with any rights of any Person in respect of
any Intellectual Property.
(B) LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS. SCHEDULE 2.24(B) sets for all agreements,
arrangements or laws: (i) pursuant to which the Company has licensed
Intellectual Property to, or the use of Intellectual Property is otherwise
permitted (through non-assertion, settlement or similar agreements or otherwise)
by, any other Person; and (ii) pursuant to which the Company has had
Intellectual Property licensed to it, or has otherwise been permitted to use
Intellectual Property. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 2.24(B), all of the
agreements or arrangements set forth on SCHEDULE 2.24(B): (A) are in full force
and effect in accordance with their terms and no default exists thereunder by
the Company or by any other party thereto; (B) are free and clear of all Liens;
and (C) do not contain any change in control or other terms or conditions that
will become applicable or inapplicable as a result of the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Stockholders have delivered to
Buyer complete copies of all licenses and arrangements (including amendments)
set forth on SCHEDULE 2.24(B). All royalties, license fees, charges and other
amounts payable by, on behalf of, to, or for the account of, the Company in
respect of any Intellectual Property are disclosed in the Company's Financial
Statements to the extent material to the Company's Financial Statements.
(C) LITIGATION. No claim or demand of any Person has been made, nor is
there any proceeding that is pending or threatened, which: (i) challenges the
rights of the Company in respect of any Intellectual Property; (ii) asserts that
the Company is infringing or otherwise in conflict with, or is, except as set
forth in SCHEDULE 2.24(B), required to pay any royalty, license fee, charge or
other amount with regard to, any Intellectual Property; or (iii) claims that any
default exists under any agreement or arrangement listed on SCHEDULE 2.24(B).
None of the Intellectual Property is subject to any outstanding order, ruling,
decree, judgment or stipulation by or with any court, arbitrator or
administrative agency.
(D) DUE REGISTRATION. The Owned Intellectual Property has been duly
registered with, filed in or issued by, as the case may be, the United States
Patent and Trademark Office, United States Copyright Office, or such other
filing offices, and the Company has taken such other actions to ensure full
protection under any applicable laws or regulations, and such registrations,
filings, issuances and other actions remain in full force and effect.
(E) USE OF NAME AND ▇▇▇▇. Except as set forth in SCHEDULE 2.24(E),
there are, and immediately after the Closing will be, no contractual restriction
or limitation pursuant to any orders, decisions, injunctions, judgments, awards
or decrees of any Governmental Authority on Buyer's right to use the name and
▇▇▇▇ "Day's Chevrolet" in the conduct of the business as presently carried on by
the Company or as such business may be extended by Buyer.
2.25 DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS; POWERS OF ATTORNEY. SCHEDULE 2.25 contains an
accurate list, as of the date of this Agreement, of:
(a) the name of each financial institution in which the Company has
accounts or safe deposit boxes;
(b) the names in which the accounts or boxes are held;
(c) the type of account; and
(d) the name of each Person authorized to draw thereon or have access
thereto.
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2.26 DISCLOSURE. To the best knowledge of the Company and the Stockholders,
neither the Company nor any Stockholder has made any material misrepresentation
to SAG relating to the Company or the Target Shares, and neither the Company nor
any Stockholder has omitted to state to SAG any material fact relating to the
Company or the Target Shares which is necessary in order to make the information
given by or on behalf of the Company or the Stockholders to SAG not misleading
or which if disclosed would reasonably affect the decision of SAG or the Sub to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. No fact, event, condition or
contingency exists or has occurred which has, or in the future can reasonably be
expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, which has not been
disclosed in the Company's Financial Statements or the schedules to this
Agreement.
ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE STOCKHOLDERS
Subject to the Parties' agreement and acknowledgment that certain of
the Schedules referred to in this Article 3 are to be delivered by the Company
and the Stockholders no later than ten (10) days from the date this Agreement is
executed, each Stockholder hereby jointly and severally represents and warrants
to SAG and Sub that the statements contained in this Article 3 are correct and
complete as of the date of this Agreement and will be correct and complete as of
the Closing Date (as though made then and as though the Closing Date were
substituted for the date of this Agreement throughout this Article 3):
3.1 OWNERSHIP OF TARGET SHARES; TITLE. Each Stockholder is the owner of
record and beneficiary of the Target Shares set forth on SCHEDULE 3.1 hereof and
has, and shall transfer to Sub at the Closing, good and marketable title to the
Target Shares owned by him, free and clear of any and all Liens, claims and
encumbrances and free and clear of any restrictions on transfer (other than
restrictions on transfer imposed by applicable federal and state securities
laws), proxies and voting, or other agreements. Each Stockholder is not a party
to any option, warrant, purchase right or other contract or commitment that
could require any Stockholder to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of the
Target Shares (other than this Agreement). Each Stockholder is not a party to
any voting trust, proxy or other agreement or understanding with respect to the
voting of any capital stock of the Company.
3.2 AUTHORITY. Each Stockholder has all requisite power and authority and
has full legal capacity and is competent to execute, deliver and perform this
Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby (including the
disposition of the Target Shares to Sub as contemplated by Agreement). This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each Stockholder and
constitutes a valid and binding obligation of each Stockholder, enforceable
against each Stockholder in accordance with its terms. Except as set forth on
SCHEDULE 3.2, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by each
Stockholder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, do not
and will not:
(a) (after notice or lapse of time or both) conflict with, result in a
breach of any provision of, constitute a default under, result in the
modification or cancellation of, or give rise to any right of termination or
acceleration in respect of, any material contract, agreement, commitment,
understanding, arrangement or restriction to which any Stockholder is a party or
to which any Stockholder or any of Stockholders' property is subject;
(b) violate or conflict with any Legal Requirements applicable to any
Stockholder or any of such Stockholder's businesses properties; or
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(c) require any authorization, consent, order, permit or approval of,
or notice to, or filing, registration or qualification with, any Governmental
Authority, except in connection with or in compliance with the provisions of the
▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇ Act.
3.3 BROKER'S FEES. Each Stockholder has no Liability or obligation to pay
any fees or commissions to any broker, finder or agent with respect to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement for which the Buyer could become
liable or obligated.
3.4 INVESTMENT. Each Stockholder: (a) understands that any SAG Stock
Consideration Shares have not been, and will not be, registered under the
Securities Act, or under any state securities laws, and are being offered and
sold in reliance upon federal and state exemptions for transactions not
involving any public offering; (b) is acquiring any SAG Stock Consideration
Shares solely for his own account for investment purposes, and not with a view
to the distribution thereof; (c) is a sophisticated investor with knowledge and
experience in business and financial matters; (d) has received certain
information concerning SAG and has had the opportunity to obtain additional
information as desired in order to evaluate the merits and risks inherent in
holding any SAG Stock Consideration Shares; (e) is able to bear the economic
risk and lack of liquidity inherent in holding any SAG Stock Consideration
Shares; and (f) is an Accredited Investor for the reasons set forth on ADDENDUM
1. Each Stockholder further acknowledges and understands that the
representations and warranties of the Stockholders and the Company set forth in
this Agreement will be used and relied on by SAG and Sub to prepare and file the
Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SAG AND SUB
Each of SAG and Sub hereby jointly and severally represents and
warrants to the Company and the Stockholders that the statements contained in
this Article 4 are correct and complete as of the date of this Agreement and
will be correct and complete as of the Closing Date (as though made then and as
though the Closing Date were substituted for the date of this Agreement
throughout this Article 4):
4.1 ORGANIZATION AND GOOD STANDING. SAG and each of its subsidiaries is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the state of its incorporation and has the corporate power and authority to
own, lease and operate the properties used in its business and to carry on its
business as now being conducted. SAG and each of its subsidiaries is duly
qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation in
each state and jurisdiction where qualification as a foreign corporation is
required, except for such failures to be qualified and in good standing, if any,
which when taken together with all other such failures of SAG and its
subsidiaries would not, or could not reasonably be expected to, in the aggregate
have a Material Adverse Effect on SAG and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
4.2 AUTHORITY; APPROVALS AND CONSENTS. SAG and Sub have the corporate power
and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform their respective
obligations hereunder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by,
and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of SAG and Sub, enforceable
against SAG and Sub in accordance with its terms. Except as set forth on
SCHEDULE 4.2 hereto, the execution, delivery and performance by SAG and Sub of
this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby do
not and will not:
(a) contravene any provisions of the certificate of incorporation or
bylaws of SAG or Sub;
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(b) (after notice or lapse of time or both) conflict with, result in a
breach of any provision, constitute a default under, result in the modification
or cancellation of, or give rise to any right of termination or acceleration in
respect of, any SAG Agreement (as defined below) or require any consent or
waiver of any party to any SAG Agreement other than agreements the breach or
violation of which could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on SAG and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
(c) violate or conflict with any Legal Requirements applicable to SAG
or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective businesses or properties;
or
(d) require any authorization, consent, order, permit or approval of,
or notice to, or filing, registration or qualification with, any Governmental
Authority, except in connection with or in compliance with the provisions of the
▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇ Act.
4.3 BROKERS. Neither SAG, Sub nor any of their directors, officers or
employees has employed any broker or finder or has incurred or will incur any
broker's, finder's or similar fees, commissions or expenses, in each case in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Real
Estate Agreement.
4.4 DISCLOSURE. Neither SAG nor Sub has made any material
misrepresentations to the Stockholders and neither SAG nor Sub has omitted to
state to the Stockholders any material fact relating to SAG or Sub which is
necessary in order to make the information given by SAG or Sub not misleading or
which if disclosed would reasonably affect the decision of a Person considering
the sale of the Target Shares.
ARTICLE 5
COVENANTS AND ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
5.1 ACCESS; CONFIDENTIALITY; REMEDIES.
(a) Between the date hereof and the Closing Date, the Stockholders and
the Company will: (i) provide to the officers and other authorized
representatives of SAG and Sub full access, during normal business hours, to any
and all premises, properties, files, books, records, documents and other
information of the Company, and will cause the Company's officers to furnish to
SAG and its authorized representatives any and all financial, technical and
operating data with other information pertaining to the businesses and
properties of the Company (including the Owned Real Property or the Leased Real
Property and the Improvements); and (ii) make available for inspection and
copying by SAG and Sub true and complete copies of any documents relating to the
foregoing. SAG and Sub will hold, and will cause their representatives to hold,
in confidence (unless and to the extent compiled to disclose by judicial or
administrative process or, in the opinion of its counsel, by other requirements
of law) all Confidential Information (as defined below) and will not disclose
the same to any third party except in connection with obtaining financing and
otherwise as may reasonably be necessary to carry out this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, including any due diligence review by or on
behalf of SAG and Sub. If this Agreement is terminated, SAG and Sub will, and
will cause their representatives to, promptly return to the Company, upon the
reasonable request of the Company, all Confidential Information furnished by
such Company, including all copies and summaries thereof. If the Closing does
occur, the Stockholders shall continue to comply with and be bound by these
nondisclosure and nonuse obligations for a period of five (5) years following
the Closing, except that, with respect to any such Confidential Information
which constitutes a trade secret under the laws of the State of Georgia, the
Stockholders shall
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continue to comply with and be bound by these nondisclosure and nonuse
obligations for so long as such Confidential Information remains a trade secret.
(b) The Stockholders and the Company will hold, and will cause their
representatives to hold, in confidence (unless and to the extent compelled to
disclose by judicial or administrative process or, in the opinion of its
counsel, by other requirements of law) all Confidential Information regarding
SAG, Sub or the Registration Statement and will not disclose the same to any
third party or use the same for any purpose except as may be reasonably
necessary to carry out this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
If this Agreement is terminated, the Stockholders and the Company will, and will
cause their representatives to, promptly return to SAG, upon the reasonable
request of SAG, all Confidential Information furnished by SAG or Sub or which
relates to the Registration Statement, including all copies and summaries
thereof.
(c) Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that the other Party
would be damaged irreparably in the event any of the provisions of this Section
5.1 are not performed in accordance with their specific terms otherwise are
breached. Accordingly, each of the Parties agrees that the other Party shall be
entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of the provisions
of this Section 5.1 and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this
Section 5.1 in any action instituted in any court of the United States or any
state thereof having jurisdiction over the Parties and the matter, in addition
to any other remedy to which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.
5.2 FURNISHING INFORMATION; ANNOUNCEMENTS. The Stockholders and the
Company, on the one hand, and SAG and Sub, on the other hand, will, as soon as
practical after reasonable request therefor, furnish to the other all
information concerning the Stockholders and the Company or SAG and Sub,
respectively, required for inclusion in any statement or application made by SAG
or Sub or the Company or the Stockholders to any governmental or regulatory body
or to any manufacturer or distributor or in connection with obtaining any third
party consent in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. Neither the Stockholders nor the Company, on the one hand, nor SAG or
Sub, on the other hand, nor any representative thereof, shall issue any press
release or otherwise make any public statement with respect to the transactions
contemplated hereby without the prior consent of the other, except as may be
required by law. SAG shall reimburse the Company and the Stockholders for any
reasonable expenses incurred by such Company and the Stockholders in connection
with this Section.
5.3 CERTAIN CHANGES AND CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.
(a) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 5.3(A), from and after the date of
this Agreement and until the Closing Date, the Company shall, and the
Stockholders shall cause the Company to, conduct its businesses solely in the
ordinary course consistent with past practices and, without the prior written
consent of SAG, neither the Stockholders nor the Company will, except as
required or settled pursuant to the terms hereof, permit the Company to:
(i) make any material change in the conduct of its
businesses and operations or enter into any
transaction other than in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practices;
(ii) make any change in its Bylaws, issue any additional
shares of capital stock or equity securities or grant
any option, warrant or right to acquire any capital
stock or equity securities or issue any security
convertible into or exchangeable for its capital
stock or alter any material term of any if its
outstanding securities or make any change in its
outstanding shares of capital stock or other
ownership
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interests or its capitalization, whether by reason of
a reclassification, recapitalization, stock split or
combination, exchange or readjustment of shares,
stock dividend or otherwise;
(iii) (A) incur, assume or guarantee any indebtedness for
borrowed money, issue any notes, bonds, debentures or
other corporate securities or grant any option,
warrant or right to purchase any thereof, except
pursuant to transactions in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practices; (B) issue
any securities convertible or exchangeable for debt
securities of the Company; or (C) issue any options
or other rights to acquire from the Company, directly
or indirectly, debt securities of the Company or any
security convertible into or exchangeable for such
debt securities;
(iv) make any sale, assignment, transfer, abandonment or
other conveyance of any of its assets or any part
thereof, except transactions pursuant to existing
contracts (which will be set forth in SCHEDULE 2.15
hereto) and dispositions in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practices;
(v) subject any of its assets, or any part thereof, to
any Liens or suffer such to be imposed other than
such liens as may arise in are ordinary course of
business consistent with past practices;
(vi) declare, set aside or pay any dividends or other
distribution (whether in cash, stock, property or any
combinations thereof) in respect of any shares of its
capital stock or redeem, retire, purchase or
otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any shares
of capital stock of the Company, except for any
Pre-1998 Distributions permitted to be distributed
pursuant to Section 1.2 hereof or unless otherwise
expressly provided hereunder;
(vii) acquire any assets, raw materials or properties, or
enter into any other transaction, other than in the
ordinary course of business, consistent with past
practices;
(viii) enter into any new (or amend any existing) employee
benefit plan, program or arrangement or any new (or
amend any existing) employment severance or
consulting agreement, grant any general increase in
the compensation of officers or employee (including
any such increase pursuit to any bonus, pension,
profit-sharing or other plan or commitment) or grant
any increase in compensation payable or to become
playable to any employee, except in accordance with
pre-existing contractual provisions or consistent
with past practices;
(ix) make or commit to make any individual material
capital expenditure in excess of $10,000, or
aggregate capital expenditures in excess of $50,000,
except in the ordinary course of business;
(x) pay, loan or advance any amount to, or sell, transfer
or lease any properties or assets to, or enter into
any agreement or arrangement with, any of its
Affiliates, except in the ordinary course of
business;
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(xi) guarantee any indebtedness for borrowed money or any
other obligation of any other Person, other than in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice;
(xii) fail to keep in full force and effect insurance
comparable in amount and scope to coverage maintained
by it (or on behalf of it) on the date hereof;
(xiii) make any loan, advance or capital contribution to
investment in any Person, except in the ordinary
course of business;
(xiv) make any change in any method of accounting or
Accounting Principle, method, estimate or practice
except for any such change required by reason of a
concurrent change in GAAP or write-down the value of
any inventory or write-off as uncollectible any
accounts receivable except in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practices;
(xv) settle, release or forgive any material claim or
litigation or waive any material right;
(xvi) make, enter into, modify, amend in any material
respect or terminate any material commitment, bid or
expenditure, other than in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice; or
(xvii) commit itself to do any of the foregoing.
(b) Except as set for the on SCHEDULE 5.3(B), from and after the
date hereof and until the Closing Date, the Stockholders and the Company will
use their reasonable Best Efforts to cause the Company to:
(i) continue to maintain, in all material respects, the
Company's properties, all Owned Real Property and
Leased Real Property and all Improvements in
accordance with present practices in a condition
suitable for their current use;
(ii) comply with all applicable Environmental Laws, and,
in the event it shall receive notice that there
exists a violation of any Environmental Law with
respect to its operations, any Improvements or any
Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property, promptly
(and in any event within the time period permitted by
the applicable governmental authority) remove or
remedy such violation in accordance with all
applicable Environmental Laws;
(iii) file, when due or required, or extend as reasonably
necessary, federal, state, foreign and other tax
returns and other reports required to be filed and
pay when due all Taxes, assessments, fees and other
charges lawfully levied or assessed against it unless
the validity thereof is contested in good faith and
by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted;
(iv) keep its books of account, records and files in the
ordinary course and in accordance with existing
practices;
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(v) preserve its business organization intact and
continue to maintain existing business relationships
with suppliers, customers and others with whom
business relationships exist other than relationships
that are, at the same time, not economically
beneficial to it; and
(vi) continue to conduct its business in the ordinary
course consistent with past practices.
5.4 NO INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES OR RECEIVABLES. At the Closing there will be
no intercompany payables or intercompany receivables due and/or owing between
the Stockholders and any of their Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Company,
on the other hand, except for the Stockholders' loans as set forth in ss.5.13
hereof, which shall be paid in full on or before the Closing Date.
5.5 NEGOTIATIONS. Until the earlier of Closing Date Deadline or the
termination of this Agreement pursuant to ss.8.1 hereof, no Stockholder, nor the
Company, nor the Company's officers, directors, employees, advisors, agents,
representatives, Affiliates or anyone acting on behalf of the Stockholders, the
Company or such persons, shall, directly or indirectly, encourage, solicit,
initiate or engage in discussions or negotiations with, or provide any
information to, any Person (other than SAG or its representatives) concerning
any merger, sale of assets (other than in the ordinary course of business),
purchase or sale of shares of capital stock or similar transaction involving the
Company. The Stockholders shall promptly communicate to SAG any inquiries or
communications concerning any such transaction (including the identity of any
Person making such inquiry or communication) which the Stockholders may receive
or of which the Stockholders may become aware.
5.6 CONSENTS; COOPERATION. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the
Stockholders and the Company and SAG and Sub will use their respective Best
Efforts at their own expense (unless otherwise set forth herein):
(a) to take all actions and do all things necessary, proper or
advisable, and to cooperate with each other, to expeditiously consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby;
(b) to obtain prior to the earlier of the date required (if so
required) or the Closing Date, all Government Approvals, and make all filings
and registrations with Governmental Authorities which are required on their
respective parts for: (i) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement; (ii) the ownership or leasing and operating after the Closing by
the Company of all its material properties; and (iii) the conduct after the
Closing by the Company of its businesses as conducted by it on the date hereof;
(c) to obtain approval of the Chevrolet Motor Division of General
Motors Corporation (at SAG's expense) of the proposed Agreement herein and the
Company and Sub and the dealer Day's Chevrolet, Inc. in Acworth, Georgia;
(d) to defend, consistent with applicable principles and requirements
of law, any lawsuit or other legal proceedings, whether judicial or
administrative, whether brought derivatively or on behalf of third persons
(including Governmental Authorities) challenging this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby; and
(e) to furnish each other such information and assistance as may
reasonably be requested in connection with the foregoing.
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5.7 ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, each of the Parties hereto agrees to use its Best Efforts at its own
expense 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 Legal
Requirements to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement. In case at any time after the Closing any further action is
necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, the proper
officers of the Company shall take all such necessary action.
5.8 INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. If requested by SAG and at SAG's expense,
within thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar month after December 31,
1997, the Company will deliver to SAG unaudited balance sheets of the Company at
the end of such calendar month and at the end of the corresponding calendar
month of the previous fiscal year, together with the related unaudited
statements of income and cash flow for the first months then ended. The Company
will also deliver to SAG copies of the Company's Factory Statements provided to
the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors Corporation after the date hereof
within five (5) days of their delivery to the Chevrolet Motor Division of
General Motors Corporation. All such financial statements shall fairly present
the financial position and results of operations of such Company as of the date
or for the periods indicated. All unaudited financial statements delivered
pursuant to this ss.5.8 shall be prepared on a basis consistent with the
Company's Financial Statements.
5.9 NOTIFICATION OF CERTAIN MATTERS. Between the date hereof and the
Closing, each Party to this Agreement will give prompt notice in writing to the
other Party hereto of: (i) any information that indicates that any
representation and warranty of such Party contained herein was not true and
correct as of the date made, or will not be true and correct as of the Closing;
(ii) the occurrence of any event which could result in the failure to satisfy a
condition specified in Article 6 or Article 7 hereof, as applicable; (iii) any
notice or other communication from any third Person alleging that the consent of
such third Person is or may be required in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; and (iv) in the case of the Stockholders and the
Company, any notice of, or other communication relating to, any default or event
which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become a default under any
Company Agreement set forth on SCHEDULE 2.15. The Company and the Stockholders
will: (a) promptly advise SAG of any event that has, or could reasonably be
expected in the future to have, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company; (b)
confer on a regular and frequent basis with one or more designated
representatives of SAG to report operational matters and to report the general
status of ongoing operations; and (c) notify SAG of any emergency or other
change in the normal course of business or relating to the Owned Real Property
or the Leased Real Property or Improvements of the Company and the Stockholder
Real Property and of any complaints, investigations or hearings (or
communications indicating that the same may be contemplated) of any Governmental
Authority or adjudicatory proceedings involving the Company, the Owned Real
Property, the Leased Real Property or the Improvements or the Stockholder Real
Property and will keep SAG fully informed of such events and permit SAG's
representatives access to all materials prepared in connection therewith. Each
Stockholder shall give prompt notice to SAG of any notice or other communication
from any third Person asserting any right, title or interest in any of the
Target Shares held by such Stockholder, including, without limitation, any
threat to commerce, or notice of the commencement of any action or other
proceeding with respect to the Target Shares, or the occurrence of any other
event of which such Stockholder has Knowledge which could result in any failure
to consummate the sale of the Target Shares as contemplated hereby.
5.10 ASSURANCE BY THE STOCKHOLDERS. Each Stockholder shall use its Best
Efforts to cause the Company to comply with its respective covenants set forth
in this Agreement.
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5.11 ANTITRUST IMPROVEMENTS ACT COMPLIANCE. SAG, the Stockholders and the
Company, as applicable, shall each file or cause to be filed with the Federal
Trade Commission and the United States Department of Justice any notifications
required to be filed by the respective "ultimate parent" entities under the
▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇ Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with
respect to the transactions contemplated herein. SAG shall prepare all of the
filings required pursuant to this Section 5.11 and SAG shall pay the
▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇ Act filing fee relating to such filings, provided, however,
that each Party shall pay the attorney's, consulting, accounting and other
consulting fees or expenses in connection with the preparation of each
respective Person's filing. The Parties shall use their Best Efforts to make
such filings promptly, to respond to any requests for additional information
made by either of such agencies, to cause the waiting periods under the
▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇ Act to terminate or expire at the earliest possible date, and
to resist vigorously, at SAG's expense (including, without limitation, the
institution or defense of legal proceedings), any assertion that the
transactions contemplated herein constitute a violation of the antitrust laws,
all to the end of expediting consummation of the transactions contemplated
herein; provided, however, that if SAG shall determine that continuing such
resistance is not in its best interest, SAG may, by written notice to the other
Parties, terminate this Agreement with the effect set forth in SS.8.2 hereof.
5.12 USE OF BUSINESS NAME. After the Closing Date, SAG and the Company may
use the names "Day's Chevrolet" in connection with business of the Company.
After the Closing, none of the Stockholders nor any of their Affiliates shall
use the names "Day's Chevrolet" in connection with the sale or servicing of new
or used automobiles, light-duty trucks or any other motorized vehicles.
5.13 RELATED PARTY/STOCKHOLDERS LOAN. On or before the Closing Date, the
Stockholders shall cause the Company to pay, and the Company shall pay, all
outstanding principal and all accrued but unpaid interest on any related
Party/Stockholder Loans (the "Stockholder Loans"). For purposes of this Section,
the Stockholder Loans shall mean the loans to the Company from Stockholders and
their Affiliates as set forth on such Company's 1997 Balance Sheet and listed on
SCHEDULE 5.13.
5.14 STOCK RESTRICTION AGREEMENT. Prior to the Closing Date, any and all
stock restriction agreements, buy/sell agreements, shareholder agreements or
other similar agreements of the Company (the "Stock Restriction Agreement")
shall be terminated in accordance with its terms and the parties thereto shall
have released any and all claims arising under or relating to the Stock
Restriction Agreement and its termination.
5.15 PERSONAL ITEMS. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the Stockholders
may retain certain personal items (which items are not reflected as assets on
any of the Company's balance sheets and will not be reflected as assets on the
Closing Date Balance Sheet of the Company). These items will include personal
pictures, awards and mementos.
5.16 LIABILITY FOR TRANSFER TAXES. Except for Tax that may become due as a
result of SAG's or Sub's election under Section 338(h)(10) of the Code pursuant
to Section 10.2 hereof, Stockholders shall be responsible for the timely payment
of, and shall indemnify and hold harmless SAG and Sub against, all income, sales
(including without limitation bulk sales), use, value added, documentary, stamp,
gross receipts, registration, transfer, conveyance, excise, recording, license
and other similar Taxes and fees ("Transfer Taxes") arising out of or in
connection with or attributable to the transactions effected pursuant to this
Agreement. Stockholders shall prepare and timely file all tax returns required
to be filed in respect of Transfer Taxes (including without limitation all
notices required to be given with respect to bulk sales taxes), provided that
Sub shall be permitted to prepare any such tax returns that are the primary
responsibility of Sub under applicable law.
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5.17 RELEASE BY STOCKHOLDERS. The Stockholders hereby agree and confirm that
they hereby fully release, acquit and forever discharge the Company, together
with the Company's successors, assigns, affiliates, parent and related parties,
from any and all Claims, except for compensation payable to the Stockholders by
the Company for the most recent standard payroll period (based upon the
Company's standard practices) which have not been paid plus the reasonable
reimbursable expenses based upon the past practices of the Company.
5.18 COOPERATION IN PREPARATION OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT. The Company and
the Stockholders shall furnish or cause to be furnished to SAG and the
underwriters of the SAG IPO (the "Underwriters") all of the information
concerning the Company and the Stockholders required for inclusion in, and will
cooperate fully and completely with SAG, SAG's legal counsel, SAG's accountants
and the Underwriters in the preparation of, the Registration Statement and the
prospectus included therein (including any and all audited financial statements,
as required by the applicable securities laws and regulations, prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, in form suitable for
inclusion in the Registration Statement). SAG shall be responsible for and
reimburse the Company and/or Stockholders for the reasonable expenses and fees
the Company and/or the Stockholders may incur in connection with their
compliance with this Section 5.18.
5.19 REAL ESTATE RELATED OBLIGATIONS. The Stockholders covenant and agree
that on or prior to the Closing Date, the Stockholders or the entity designated
by the Stockholders as the transferee of the Dealership Real Estate shall have
assumed any and all outstanding debt, mortgage or other indebtedness of any kind
encumbering and/or associated with the real estate so that the Company is
completely and unconditionally released from all of such debt, mortgage or other
indebtedness of any kind. On or prior to the Closing Date, the Stockholders
shall provide written evidence to SAG and/or Sub, in a form reasonably
satisfactory to SAG and/or Sub, that the conditions and requirements set forth
in this Section 5.19 have been fulfilled.
ARTICLE 6
CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF SAG AND SUB TO EFFECT THE CLOSING
The Obligations of SAG and Sub required to be performed by them at the
Closing shall be subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the Closing, of
each of the following conditions, each of which may be waived by SAG and Sub in
writing as provided herein except as otherwise required by applicable law:
6.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; AGREEMENTS; COVENANTS. Each of the
representations and warranties of the Company and the Stockholders contained in
this Agreement shall be true and correct on the date made and shall be true and
correct in all material respects as of the Closing. Each of the obligations of
the Company and the Stockholders required by this Agreement to be performed by
them at or prior to the Closing shall have been duly performed and complied with
in all material respects as of the Closing. At the Closing, Sub shall have
received a certificate, dated the Closing Date and duly executed by the
Stockholders and the Company, to the effect that the conditions set forth in the
two preceding sentences have been satisfied.
6.2 AUTHORIZATION; CONSENT.
(a) All corporate action necessary to authorize the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents, and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been duly and
validly taken by the Company. All filings required to be made under
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the ▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇ Act in connection with transactions contemplated hereby
shall have been made, and all applicable waiting periods with respect to each
such filing, including extensions thereof, shall have expired or been
terminated.
(b) All notices to, and declarations, filings and registrations with
Governmental Authorities, and all Government Approvals and all third persons,
including, but not limited to, all automobile manufacturers with whom the
Company has a franchise agreement (or comparable agreement), required to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and all other consents or
waivers shall have been made or obtained.
6.3 OPINIONS OF THE COMPANY'S AND THE STOCKHOLDER'S COUNSEL. SAG and Sub
shall have been furnished with the opinion of the Company's and the
Stockholders' counsel, dated the Closing Date, in a form as set forth on EXHIBIT
B attached hereto and incorporated herein.
6.4 ABSENCE OF LITIGATION. No order, stay, injunction or decree of any
court of competent jurisdiction in the United States shall be in effect: (a)
that prevents or delays the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated
hereby; or (b) would impose any limitation on the ability of SAG or Sub
effectively to exercise all rights of ownership of the Target Shares. No action,
suit or proceeding before any court or any governmental or regulatory entity
shall be pending (or threatened by any governmental or regulatory entity), and
no investigation by any governmental or regulatory entity shall have been
commenced (and be pending), seeking to restrain or prohibit (or questioning the
validity or legality of) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement or the Transaction Documents or seeking damages in connection
therewith which SAG or Sub, in good faith and with the advice of counsel,
believes it makes it undesirable to proceed with the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.
6.5 NO MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT. During the period from the date of the 1997
Balance Sheet to the Closing Date, there shall not have been any Material
Adverse Effect on the Company, other than payments to Stockholders in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement.
6.6 REGISTRATION STATEMENT. SAG shall have filed with the SEC a
registration statement on Form S-1 (the "Registration Statement") covering the
offer and sale of the SAG IPO Stock. The Registration Statement shall have been
declared effective by the SEC and the underwriters named therein shall have
agreed to acquire, subject to the conditions set forth in the underwriting
agreement, shares of SAG IPO Stock. The closing of the sale of the SAG IPO Stock
to the underwriters shall have occurred simultaneously with the Closing
hereunder.
6.7 COMPLETION OF DUE DILIGENCE. SAG and Sub shall have completed their due
diligence examination of the Company, and the results of such examination shall
be satisfactory to SAG and Sub.
6.8 REAL ESTATE LEASE AGREEMENT. The Stockholders or the entity designated
by the Stockholders as the transferee of the Dealership Real Estate and the
Company or its assignee shall have entered into a real estate lease agreement
(the "Dealership Lease") upon terms that are mutually acceptable to the Parties.
6.9 BOARD APPROVAL. The Board of Directors of SAG and Sub shall have
approved the consummation of all of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
6.10 CERTIFICATES. The Stockholders and officers of the Company shall have
furnished SAG and Sub with certificates, dated as of the Closing Date, executed
by the Stockholders and said officers certifying
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to the fulfillment of the conditions set forth in Sections 6.5 and 6.14, and
shall have furnished SAG and the Sub with such any other certificates of its
officers as SAG and the Sub may reasonably request to evidence compliance with
the conditions set forth in this Article 6.
6.11 LEGAL MATTERS. All certificates, instruments, opinions and other
documents required to be executed or delivered by or on behalf of the
Stockholders and the Company under the provisions of this Agreement, and all
other actions and proceedings required to be taken by or on behalf of the
Stockholders and the Company in furtherance of the transactions contemplated
hereby, shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to counsel for
SAG and Sub.
6.12 APPROVAL OF MANUFACTURER AND DISTRIBUTOR. The Chevrolet Motor Division
of General Motors Corporation shall have consented to, authorized and approved
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement on reasonable terms that are
acceptable to SAG and Sub in their sole discretion.
6.13 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT; NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENTS. The Sub, the Company
and ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall have entered into an employment agreement in the
form attached hereto as EXHIBIT C (the "Employment Agreement") and a
non-competition agreement in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT D
("Non-Competition Agreement").
6.14 ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS. The Company shall be in material compliance with
all applicable Environmental laws.
6.15 LEASE TERMINATION AGREEMENT/MEMORANDUM OF LEASE/CONSENTS AND
ESTOPPELS. The appropriate parties shall have executed a lease termination
agreement and a memorandum of lease with respect to each Lease listed in
SCHEDULE 2.10 in form and substance satisfactory to SAG and the Company.
Alternatively, Buyer shall have received consents from the lessor of each such
Lease to the assignment of such Lease to Buyer, to the extent such consent is
required by such applicable Lease. Buyer shall also have received estoppel
certificates addressed to Buyer from the lessor of each Lease, dated within
thirty (30) days prior to the Closing Date, identifying the Lease documents and
any amendments thereto, stating that the Lease is in full forced and effect and
that the tenant is not in default under the Lease and no event has occurred
that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default by the
tenant under the Lease and containing any other information reasonably requested
by Buyer.
6.16 RESIGNATION OF THE COMPANY'S DIRECTORS. Each of the persons who is a
director of the Company on the Closing Date shall have tendered to Sub in
writing his or her resignation as such in form and substance satisfactory to
SAG.
6.17 SCHEDULES. The Company and the Stockholders shall have delivered to SAG
and Sub all Schedules referred to in Articles 2 and 3 of this Agreement and such
Schedules shall be acceptable in form and substance satisfactory to SAG and Sub.
6.18 SHARE CERTIFICATES. Certificates representing one hundred percent
(100%) of the Target Shares of the Company shall have been, or shall at the
Closing be, validly delivered and transferred to Sub, free and clear of any and
all Liens.
6.19 NON-FOREIGN STATUS. Each of the Stockholders shall have provided Buyer
with an affidavit of non-foreign status that complies with Section 1445 of the
Code.
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ARTICLE 7
CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE STOCKHOLDERS
TO EFFECT THE CLOSING
The obligations of the Stockholders and the Company required to be
performed by them at the Closing shall be subject to the satisfaction, at or
prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions, each of which may be
waived by the Company and the Stockholders in writing as provided herein except
as otherwise required by applicable law:
7.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; AGREEMENTS. Each of the representations
and warranties of SAG and Sub contained in this Agreement shall be true and
correct on the date made and shall be true and correct in all material respects
as of the Closing. Each of the obligations of SAG and Sub required by this
Agreement to be performed by them at or prior to the Closing shall have been
duly performed and complied with in all material respects as of the Closing. At
the Closing, the Stockholders shall have received a certificate, dated the
Closing Date and duly executed by an officer of SAG and of Sub to the effect
that the conditions set forth in the preceding two sentences have been
satisfied.
7.2 AUTHORIZATION OF THE AGREEMENT; CONSENTS.
(a) All corporate action necessary to authorize the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement and the Lease, and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby shall have been duly and validly taken by SAG
and Sub. All filings required to be made under the ▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇ Act in
connection with transactions contemplated hereby shall have been made, and all
applicable waiting periods with respect to each such filing, including
extensions thereof, shall have expired or been terminated.
(b) All notices to, and declarations, filings and registrations with,
Governmental Authorities, and all Governmental Approvals and all third persons,
including, but not limited to, all automobile manufacturers with whom the
Company has a franchise agreement (or comparable agreement), required to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and all consents or waivers
shall have been made or obtained.
7.3 OPINIONS OF SAG'S AND SUB'S COUNSEL. The Stockholders shall have been
furnished with the opinion of The ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Law Firm, counsel to SAG and Sub,
dated the Closing Date, in a form as set forth on EXHIBIT E attached hereto and
incorporated herein.
7.4 ABSENCE OF LITIGATION. No order, stay, judgment or decree shall have
been issued by any court and be in effect restraining or prohibiting the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
7.5 REAL ESTATE LEASE AGREEMENT. The Stockholders and the Company or its
assignee shall have entered into the Dealership Lease.
7.6 CERTIFICATES. SAG and Sub shall have furnished the Stockholders with
such certificates of its officers and others to evidence compliance with the
conditions set forth in this Article as may be reasonably requested by the
Stockholders.
7.7 LEGAL MATTERS. All certificates, instruments, opinions and other
documents required to be executed or delivered by or on behalf of SAG or Sub
under the provisions of this Agreement, and all other actions and proceedings
required to be taken by or on behalf of SAG or Sub in furtherance of the
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transactions contemplated hereby, shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and
substance to counsel for the Stockholders.
7.8 REGISTRATION STATEMENT. SAG shall have filed with the SEC the
Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have been declared
effective by the SEC and the underwriters named therein shall have agreed to
acquire, subject to the conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement,
shares of SAG IPO Stock. The closing of the sale of the SAG IPO Stock to the
underwriters shall have occurred simultaneously with the Closing hereunder.
7.9 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT; NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT. The Sub, the Company
and ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall have entered into the Employment Agreement and the
Non-Competition Agreement.
ARTICLE 8
TERMINATION
8.1 TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to
Closing:
(a) by written mutual consent of SAG, Sub and the Stockholders;
(b) by either SAG, Sub or the Stockholders by written notice if the
Closing shall not have taken place on or prior to Closing Date Deadline, as such
date may have been extended pursuant to Section 1.1(d) hereof, or such other
date as shall have been approved by SAG, Sub and the Stockholders in writing
(provided that the terminating Party is not otherwise in material breach of its
representation, warranties, covenants or agreements under this Agreement);
(c) by SAG, Sub or the Stockholders if any court of competent
jurisdiction in United States or other United States governmental body shall
have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action restraining,
enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, any such order, decree, ruling or other action shall have become
final and non-appealable;
(d) by SAG or Sub if any of the conditions specified in Article 6
hereof have not been met or waived by SAG or Sub at such time as such condition
is no longer capable of satisfaction (provided that neither SAG nor Sub is
otherwise in material breach of its representations, warranties, covenants or
agreements under this Agreement);
(e) by the Stockholders if any of the conditions specified in Article 7
hereof have not been met or waived by the Stockholders at such time as such
condition is no longer capable of satisfaction (provided that neither the
Stockholders nor the Company is otherwise in material breach of his or its
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements under this Agreement); or
(f) by either SAG, Sub or the Stockholders if there has been a material
breach on the part of the other of any representation, warranty, covenant or
agreement set forth in this Agreement, which breach has not been cured within
ten (10) Business Days following receipt by the breaching Party of written
notice of such breach.
If SAG, Sub or the Stockholders shall terminate this Agreement pursuant
to the provisions hereof, such termination shall be effectuated by written
notice to the other parties specifying the provision hereof pursuant to which
such termination is made.
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8.2 EFFECT OF TERMINATION. If any Party terminates this Agreement pursuant
to Section 8.1 above, this Agreement shall forthwith become null and void, and
none of the Parties hereto or any of their respective officers, directors,
employees, agents, affiliates, consultants, stockholders or principals shall
have any liability or obligation hereunder or with respect hereto, except for
(a) any liability arising out of any breach of this Agreement prior to its
termination; (b) the obligations contained in ss.5.1 hereof, and (d) as set
forth below in this Section 8.2:
(i) If this Agreement is terminated by the Stockholders
or the Company pursuant to the provisions of Section
8.1(b) above, Sub shall, within five (5) days of
written demand therefore by the Stockholders, pay to
the Stockholders in immediately available funds, as
liquidated damages for the loss of the transaction
and not as a penalty, all reasonable attorneys' fees
and expenses of ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇▇, LLP
and all reasonable accountant's fees and expenses of
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, P.C. actually incurred by the
Company in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby (the ("Expense Reimbursement") as
presented to SAG in written itemized billing
statements, provided, however, that neither Sub nor
SAG shall be required or obligated hereby to pay any
Expense Reimbursements that exceed, in the aggregate,
the sum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000).
(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in
Section 8.2(i) hereof or elsewhere in this Agreement,
no Expense Reimbursement shall be due hereunder if
the Closing does not occur on or before the Closing
Date due to any of the following reasons: (A) all
Government Approvals required to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby have not been
obtained by SAG or Sub; (B) SAG or Sub have not
received all necessary consents or approvals from
automobile manufacturers with whom the Company has a
franchise agreement (or comparable agreement), or SAG
or Sub have provided reasonable written evidence to
the Stockholders that such consents or approvals are
on terms and conditions which are not comparable with
or substantially similar in form to the terms and
conditions of said manufacturer's consents or
approvals in other similar transactions that occurred
during the twelve (12) month period immediately
preceding the date hereof; (C) due to any war,
natural disaster or other acts of God; (D) the legal
and/or financial due diligence of SAG and Sub reveals
any matter which, in the reasonable opinion of SAG,
are material; (E) there has been a material breach on
the part of the Company or any Stockholder of any of
the Company's or any Stockholder's representation,
warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in this
Agreement; or (F) the conditions set forth in Section
6.6 (Registration Statement) hereof have not been
fulfilled for any reason whatsoever.
(iii) The Expense Reimbursement shall be the sole and
exclusive remedy of Stockholders and the Company for
damages as a result of a breach of this Agreement.
Because the actual damages that the Stockholders and
the Company would sustain if any of SAG or Sub
breaches its obligations under this Agreement are
uncertain and would be impossible or very difficult
to ascertain accurately, the Parties agree in good
faith that the Expense Reimbursement would be
reasonable and just compensation for the harm caused
by such breach. Therefore, the Stockholders and the
Company acknowledge and agree to accept said Expense
Reimbursement, if due and paid hereunder, as
liquidated damages,
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and not as a penalty, in the event of a breach by SAG
or Sub. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained herein, this Section 8.2(d)(iii) shall not
affect the Parties' remedies under Section 1.8 (Price
Protection) hereof.
ARTICLE 9
INDEMNIFICATION AND SURVIVAL
9.1 SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. All representations and
warranties contained in this Agreement shall survive the execution and delivery
of this Agreement, any examination by or on behalf of the Parties, and the
Closing contemplated herein, only to the extent specified below:
(a) the representations and warranties contained in ss.2.1
(Organization & Good Standing), ss.2.2 (Subsidiaries), ss.2.3 (Capitalization),
ss.2.4 (Authority; Approval & Consents), ss.2.11 (Environmental), ss.2.26
(Disclosures), ss.3.1 (Ownership of Target Shares), ss.3.2 (Authority), 3.4
(Investment), ss.4.1 (Organization & Good Standing), ss. 4.2 (Authority;
Approval & Consents) and ss.4.4 (Disclosures) shall survive without limitation;
and
(b) the representations and warranties contained in ss.2.8 (Taxes)
shall survive as to any Tax covered by such representations and warranties for
so long as any statute of limitations for such Tax remains open, in whole or in
part, including without limitation by reason of waiver of such statute of
limitations; and
(c) all representations and warranties other than those listed in
Sections 9.1(a) and 9.1(b) above shall survive for a period of one (1) year
following the Closing Date.
9.2 INDEMNIFICATION PROVISIONS FOR BENEFIT OF THE BUYER.
(a) In the event the Stockholders breach (or in the event any third
party alleges facts that, if true, would mean the Stockholders had breached) any
of their representations, warranties and covenants contained herein (other than
the covenants in Article 1 and ss.5.1 above and the representations and
warranties in the sections listed in ss.9.1(a) and ss.9.1(b) above), and, if
there is an applicable survival period pursuant to ss.9.1 above, provided that
SAG or Sub make a written claim for indemnification against the Stockholders
pursuant to ss.9.4 below within such survival period, then the Stockholders
agree to indemnify SAG and Sub from and against the entirety of any Adverse
Consequences SAG and Sub may suffer through and after the date of the claim for
indemnification (including any Adverse Consequences SAG and Sub may suffer after
the end of any applicable survival period) resulting from, arising out of,
relating to, in the nature of, or caused by the breach (or the alleged breach);
provided, however, that
(i) the Stockholders shall not have any obligation to indemnify
SAG and Sub from and against any Adverse Consequences
resulting from, arising out of, relating to, in the nature of,
or caused by the breach (or alleged breach) of any covenant,
representation or warranty of the Stockholders listed in
Section 9.1(c) above (other than those in Article 1,ss.5.1
orss.2.6 (Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities) hereof) until
SAG and Sub have suffered Adverse Consequences by reason of
all such breaches (or alleged breaches) in excess of a TWO
HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND Dollars ($250,000) aggregate threshold
(at which point the Stockholders will be obligated to
indemnify SAG and Sub from and against all such Adverse
Consequences which are in excess of such $250,000) not to
exceed a maximum dollar amount of FIVE MILLION DOLLARS
($5,000,000); and
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(ii) the Stockholders shall not have any obligation to
indemnify SAG and Sub from and against any Adverse
Consequences resulting from, arising out of, relating
to, in the nature of, or caused by the breach (or
alleged breach) of any representation or warranty of
the Stockholders contained in ss.2.6 (Absence of
Undisclosed Liabilities) hereof until SAG and Sub
have suffered Adverse Consequences by reason of all
such breaches (or alleged breaches) in excess of a
TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND Dollars ($250,000)
aggregate threshold (at which point the Stockholders
will be obligated to indemnify SAG and Sub from and
against all such Adverse Consequences which are in
excess of such $250,000) not to exceed the Merger
Consideration amount.
(b) In the event the Stockholders breach their covenants in
Article 1 or ss.5.1 above or any of their representations and warranties listed
in ss.9.1(a) above, and, if there is an applicable survival period pursuant to
ss.9.1 above, provided that SAG or Sub make a written claim for indemnification
against the Stockholders pursuant to ss.9.4 below within such survival period,
then the Stockholders agree to indemnify SAG and Sub from and against the
entirety of any Adverse Consequences SAG and Sub may suffer through and after
the date of the claim for indemnification (including any Adverse Consequences
SAG and Sub may suffer after the end of any applicable survival period)
resulting from, arising out of, relating to, in the nature of, or caused by the
breach (or the alleged breach).
(c) The Stockholders agree to indemnify SAG and Sub from and
against the entirety of any Adverse Consequences SAG and Sub may suffer
resulting from, arising out of, relating to, in the nature of, or caused by any
Liability of the Company for any Taxes of the Company with respect to any Tax
period or portion thereof ending on or before the Closing Date (or for any Tax
period beginning before and ending after the Closing Date to the extent
allocable determined in a manner consistent with ss.10.4 to the portion of such
period beginning before and ending on the Closing Date).
9.3 INDEMNIFICATION PROVISIONS FOR BENEFIT OF THE STOCKHOLDERS. In the
event SAG or Sub breach any of their representations, warranties and covenants
contained herein, and, if there is an applicable survival period pursuant to
ss.9.1 above, provided that the Stockholders make a written claim for
indemnification against SAG or Sub pursuant to ss.9.4 below within such survival
period, then SAG and Sub agree to indemnify the Stockholders from and against
the entirety of any Adverse Consequences the Stockholders may suffer through and
after the date of the claim for indemnification (including any Adverse
Consequences the Stockholders may suffer after the end of any applicable
survival period) resulting from, arising out of, relating to, in the nature of,
or caused by the breach (or the alleged breach).
9.4 MATTERS INVOLVING THIRD PARTIES.
(a) If any third party shall notify any Party (the "Indemnified
Party") with respect to any matter (a "Third Party Claim") which may give rise
to a claim for indemnification against any other Party (the "Indemnifying
Party") under this Article 9, then the Indemnified Party shall promptly notify
each Indemnifying Party thereof in writing; provided, however, that no delay on
the part of the Indemnified Party in notifying any Indemnifying Party shall
relieve the Indemnifying Party from any obligation hereunder unless (and then
solely to the extent) the Indemnifying Party thereby is prejudiced.
(b) Any Indemnifying Party will have the right to defend the
Indemnified Party against the Third Party Claim with counsel of its choice
reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party so long as: (A) the
Indemnifying Party notifies the Indemnified Party in writing within fifteen (15)
days after the
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Indemnified Party has given notice of the Third Party Claim that
the Indemnifying Party will indemnify the Indemnified Party from and against the
entirety of any Adverse Consequences the Indemnified Party may suffer resulting
from, arising out of, relating to, in the nature of, or caused by the Third
Party Claim; (B) the Indemnifying Party provides the Indemnified Party with
evidence reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party that the Indemnifying
Party will have the financial resources to defend against the Third Party Claim
and fulfill its indemnification obligations hereunder; (C) the Third Party Claim
involves only money damages and does not seek an injunction or other equitable
relief; (D) settlement of, or an adverse judgment with respect to, the Third
Party Claim is not, in the good faith judgment of the Indemnified Party, likely
to establish a precedental custom or practice materially adverse to the
continuing business interests of the Indemnified Party; and (E) the Indemnifying
Party conducts the defense of the Third Party Claim actively and diligently.
(c) So long as the Indemnifying Party is conducting the defense of the
Third Party Claim in accordance with this ss.9.4: (A) the Indemnified Party may
retain separate co-counsel at its sole cost and expense and participate in the
defense of the Third Party Claim; (B) the Indemnified Party will not consent to
the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement with respect to the Third
Party Claim without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party (not to
be withheld unreasonably); and (C) the Indemnifying Party will not consent to
the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement with respect to the Third
Party Claim without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party (not to
be withheld unreasonably).
(d) In the event any of the conditions in this ss.9.4 are or become
unsatisfied, however: (A) the Indemnified Party may defend against, and consent
to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement with respect to, the
Third Party Claim in any manner it reasonably may deem appropriate (and the
Indemnified Party need not consult with, or obtain any consent from, any
Indemnifying Party in connection therewith); (B) the Indemnifying Parties will
reimburse the Indemnified Party promptly and periodically for the costs of
defending against the Third Party Claim (including reasonable attorneys' fees
and expenses); and (C) the Indemnifying Parties will remain responsible for any
Adverse Consequences the Indemnified Party may suffer resulting from, arising
out of, relating to, in the nature of, or caused by the Third Party Claim to the
fullest extent provided in this ss.9.
9.5 OTHER INDEMNIFICATION PROVISIONS. The foregoing indemnification
provisions are in addition to, and not in derogation of, any statutory,
equitable or common law remedy (including without limitation any such remedy
arising under Environmental Laws) any Party may have with respect to the Company
or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Stockholders hereby
agree that they will not make any claim for indemnification against the Company
by reason of the fact that any such Stockholder was a director, officer,
employee or agent of any such entity or was serving at the request of any such
entity as a partner, trustee, director, officer, employee or agent of another
entity (whether such claim is for judgments, damages, penalties, fines, costs,
amounts paid in settlement, losses, expenses or otherwise and whether such claim
is pursuant to any statute, charter document, bylaw, agreement or otherwise)
with respect to any action, suit, proceeding, complaint, claim or demand brought
by SAG or Sub against the Stockholders (whether such action, suit, proceeding,
complaint, claim or demand is pursuant to this Agreement, applicable Legal
Requirements, or otherwise).
9.6 TAX SAVINGS. Costs arising or resulting from any breaches of
Stockholders or SAG hereunder shall be reduced to the extent of the amount of
any tax savings resulting from the indemnified matter to which such costs relate
which are actually realized (or can reasonably be expected to be realized in
future years) by the Indemnified Party.
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ARTICLE 10
TAX MATTERS
10.1 TAX MATTERS. The following provisions shall govern the allocation of
responsibility as between Sub and Stockholders for certain tax matters following
the Closing Date:
10.2 SECTION 338(H)(10) ELECTION. The Stockholders agree, if so directed by
Sub or SAG, to join with Sub in making an election under Section 338(h)(10) of
the Code (and any corresponding elections under state, local or foreign tax law)
(collectively, a "Section 338(h)(10) Election") with respect to the purchase and
sale of the stock of the Company hereunder. The Sub agrees to determine prior to
the Closing whether or not Sub will make a Section 338(h)(10) Election, and if
Sub elects to make such a Section 338(h)(10) Election, then prior to or at
Closing, Sub shall deposit into escrow, pursuant to an escrow agreement that is
mutually acceptable to the Parties, any additional tax liability (as compared to
the tax liability of the Stockholders absent a Section 338(h)(10) Election) that
will directly result solely from the making of the Section 338(h)(10) Election,
and such escrow agreement shall provide that the Stockholders shall receive said
escrowed taxes in the event such additional taxes become due and payable as a
result of said Section 338(h)(10) Election.
10.3 TAX PERIODS ENDING ON OR BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE.
(a) Stockholders shall prepare or cause to be prepared and file or
cause to be filed the final S corporation income tax returns of the Company, and
Stockholders shall provide copies of said returns to SAG within ten (10)
business days of the date such returns have been filed. In the event
Stockholders fail to timely file said income tax returns (or properly request
extension for the filing date thereof), then SAG shall be authorized to prepare
or file such income tax returns of the Company.
(b) Sub shall prepare or cause to be prepared and file or cause to be
filed all Tax Returns (other than the income tax returns of the Company
described in Section 10.3(a) hereof) for the Company for all periods ending on
or prior to the Closing Date which are filed after the Closing Date.
Stockholders shall reimburse Sub for Taxes of the Company with respect to such
periods within fifteen (15) days after payment by Sub or the Company of such
Taxes.
10.4 TAX PERIODS BEGINNING BEFORE AND ENDING AFTER THE CLOSING DATE. Sub
shall prepare or cause to be prepared and file or cause to be filed any Tax
Returns of the Company for Tax periods which begin before the Closing Date and
end after the Closing Date. Stockholders shall pay to Sub within fifteen (15)
days after the date on which Taxes are paid with respect to such periods an
amount equal to the portion of such Taxes which relates to the portion of such
Taxable period ending on the Closing Date. For purposes of this Section, in the
case of any Taxes that are imposed on a periodic basis and are payable for a
Taxable period that includes (but does not end on) the Closing Date, the portion
of such Tax which relates to the portion of such Taxable period ending on the
Closing Date shall: (A) in the case of any Taxes other than Taxes based upon or
related to income or receipts, be deemed to be the amount of such Tax for the
entire Taxable period multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the
number of days in the Taxable period ending on the Closing Date and the
denominator of which is the number of days in the entire Taxable period; and (B)
in the case of any Tax based upon or related to income or receipts be deemed
equal to the amount which would be payable if the relevant Taxable period ended
on the Closing Date. Any credits relating to a Taxable period that begins before
and ends after the Closing Date shall be taken into account as though the
relevant Taxable period ended on the Closing Date. All determinations necessary
to give effect to the foregoing allocations shall be made in a manner consistent
with prior practice of the Company.
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10.5 COOPERATION ON TAX MATTERS.
(a) Sub, the Company and Stockholders shall cooperate fully, as and to
the extent reasonably requested by the other Party, in connection with the
filing of Tax Returns pursuant to this Section and any audit, litigation or
other proceeding with respect to Taxes. Such cooperation shall include the
retention and (upon the other Party's request) the provision of records and
information which are reasonably relevant to any such audit, litigation or other
proceeding and making employees available on a mutually convenient basis to
provide additional information and explanation of any material provided
hereunder. The Company and Stockholders agree: (A) to retain all books and
records with respect to Tax matters pertinent to the Company relating to any
taxable period beginning before the Closing Date until the expiration of the
statute of limitations (and, to the extent notified by Sub or Stockholders, any
extensions thereof) of the respective taxable periods, and to abide by all
record retention agreements entered into with any taxing authority; and (B) to
give the other Party reasonable written notice prior to transferring, destroying
or discarding any such books and records and, if the any other Party so
requests, the Company or Stockholders, as the case may be, shall allow the other
Party to take possession of such books and records.
(b) Sub and Stockholders further agree, upon request, to use their Best
Efforts to obtain any certificate or other document from any governmental
authority or any other Person as may be necessary to mitigate, reduce or
eliminate any Tax that could be imposed (including, but not limited to, with
respect to the transactions contemplated hereby).
(c) Sub and Stockholders further agree, upon request, to provide the
other Party with all information that either Party may be required to report
pursuant to Section 6043 of the Code and all Treasury Department Regulations
promulgated thereunder.
10.6 CERTAIN TAXES. All transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp,
registration and other such Taxes and fees (including any penalties and
interest) incurred in connection with this Agreement shall be paid by
Stockholders when due, and Stockholders will, at their own expense, file all
necessary Tax Returns and other documentation with respect to all such transfer,
documentary, sales, use, stamp, registration and other Taxes and fees, and, if
required by applicable law, Sub will, and will cause its affiliates to, join in
the execution of any such Tax Returns and other documentation.
ARTICLE 11
MISCELLANEOUS
11.1 FEES AND EXPENSES.
(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, all legal
and other fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby through the Closing Date shall be paid
by the Party incurring such fees, costs or expenses; provided, however, that (i)
Buyer shall pay the fees and expenses payable to the Accountants for financial
audits of the Company performed by the Accountants, and (ii) if the Closing does
not occur and ss.5.5 hereof is breached, then the Stockholders shall pay to SAG,
within five (5) Business Days after receipt of a request therefor, an amount
equal to all of the reasonable legal and other fees, costs and expenses incurred
by SAG in conjunction with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby, provided, however, that the Stockholders shall not be required or
obligated hereby to pay any such legal or other fees, costs or expenses that
exceed, in the aggregate, the sum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000).
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(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 11.1 (a), the
Company may pay the reasonable fees, costs and expenses of Stockholders in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, provided, however, that
the Stockholders, and not the Company, must pay and all fees, costs and expenses
in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby which
are payable to any brokers, attorneys, advisers or other consultants for
personal services provided by such persons to the Stockholders.
11.2 RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL.
(a) GRANT OF RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. SAG does hereby grant to
Stockholders a right of first refusal (the "ROFR") for the purchase of all of
the then outstanding stock or substantially all of the assets of the Company
upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 11.2, said ROFR to be
exercisable only during the ROFR Period, as hereinafter defined.
(b) ROFR PERIOD. The ROFR may be exercised by the Stockholders, upon
the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 11.2, at any time during the
period (herein referred to as the "ROFR Period") commencing after the Closing
Date and continuing for so long as ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ is an employee of SAG, Sub,
the Company or any of their Affiliates or Associates.
(c) EXERCISE OF ROFR.
(i) SAG shall give written notice to Stockholders, as
hereinafter provided, of each and every Original
Offer (as that term is hereinafter defined) received
and intended to be accepted by SAG for the sale of
all of outstanding stock of the Company or
substantially all of the assets of the Company. For
purposes herein, the term "Original Offer" shall mean
and refer to a bona fide written offer to purchase
all of the stock or substantially all assets of only
the Company (and no other Affiliate or Associate of
the Company, SAG, or Sub) received by SAG or SAG's
Affiliates or Associates during the ROFR Period from
any person setting forth in detail the true and
complete terms and conditions of such offer. The
Parties expressly acknowledge and understand that the
ROFR shall apply only to an offer which proposes to
acquire only the Company (i.e. the single dealership
known as of the date hereof as Day's Chevrolet, Inc.)
and the Stockholders shall not have a ROFR with
respect to any offer that proposes to acquire any or
all stock or any or all assets of the Company as part
of a larger acquisition that includes any other
Affiliates, Associates or related entities of SAG.
(ii) Before SAG shall agree to accept any such Original
Offer or otherwise agree to sell all of the then
outstanding stock or substantially all of the assets
of the Company (such stock or assets which are the
subject of an Original Offer being hereinafter
referred to as the "Subject Property") to any Person
during the ROFR Period, SAG shall, by giving written
notice to Stockholders, offer (hereinafter referred
to as the "Offer") the Subject Property to
Stockholders at a purchase price or consideration
equal to the highest price or consideration of the
range of prices contemplated by or negotiated between
SAG and the Person making the Original Offer.
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(iii) No later than three (3) business days after the date
on which SAG provides the Offer to the Stockholders
(the "Election Period"), the Stockholders may elect
to acquire the Subject Property upon the terms and
conditions set forth in any such Offer by (A)
providing written notice of such election to SAG (the
"Acceptance Notice")(such notice to be received by
SAG within the Election Period), and (B) paying the
sum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) to SAG
within the Election Period as a non-refundable
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ money deposit which shall be credited toward
the purchase price of the Subject Property.
(iv) In the event Stockholders shall elect to acquire the
Subject Property in accordance with the provisions
herein set forth, acceptance of any such Offer shall
be deemed to create a legally binding contract for
the acquisition of the Subject Property by
Stockholders upon the terms and conditions set forth
in said Offer, and the closing of such acquisition of
the Subject Property shall be consummated no later
than ninety (90) days after the date on which SAG
receives the Acceptance Notice.
(v) In the event Stockholders shall fail to give notice
to SAG of their election to acquire the Subject
Property within the Election Period, SAG shall be
free to accept the Original Offer from such other
Person, upon the terms and conditions therein set
forth, at any time thereafter. In the event the
transaction contemplated by the Original Offer is not
consummated for any reason, SAG and the Subject
Property which is the subject matter of such Original
Offer shall again be subject to the restrictions
imposed by this Section 11.2.
(d) ASSIGNMENT; SURVIVAL. Stockholders' rights and duties under
this Section 5.1 shall not be transferable or assignable (either in whole or in
part, voluntarily or by operation of law) by Stockholders. The terms, conditions
and provisions of this Section 5.1 shall survive the Closing until the
expiration of the Offer Period.
11.3 HEADINGS. The section headings herein are for convenience of reference
only, do not constitute part of this Agreement, and shall not be deemed to limit
or otherwise affect any of the provisions hereof.
11.4 NOTICES. All notices or other communications required or permitted
hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be deemed sufficient if delivered
by hand, recognized overnight delivery service or facsimile transmission or
mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid and return receipt
requested), as follows:
If to the Company before the Closing Date:
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with a copy to:
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇, Esq. and ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇, Esq.
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇▇, LLP
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Phone: ▇▇▇-▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
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Fax: ▇▇▇-▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
If to the Company after the Closing Date:
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with a copy to:
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If to the Stockholders:
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with a copy to:
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If to SAG or Sub:
Sunbelt Automotive Group, Inc.
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
with a copy to:
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, Esq.
THE ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ LAW FIRM
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇/▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇-▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
with an additional copy to:
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇, Esq.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇ LLP
SunTrust Plaza/Suite 2800
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇.▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
or such other address as shall be furnished in writing by such Party, and any
such notice or communication shall be effective and be deemed to have been given
as of the date so delivered or (3) days after the date so mailed; provided,
however, that any notice or communication changing any of the addresses set
forth above shall be effective and deemed given only upon its receipt.
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11.5 ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall be
binding upon and inure the benefit of the Parties hereto (and with respect to
the Stockholders, the personal representatives and heirs of the Stockholders)
and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and the provisions of
Article 9 hereof shall inure to the benefit of the Indemnified Parties referred
to therein; provided, however, that neither this Agreement nor any of the
rights, interests, or obligations hereunder may be assigned by any of the
Parties hereto without the prior written consent of the other Parties.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, SAG and Sub shall have the unrestricted right to
assign this Agreement and to delegate all or any part of their obligations
hereunder to any Affiliate of SAG, but in such event SAG shall remain fully
liable for the performance of all of such obligations in the manner prescribed
in this Agreement.
11.6 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement (including the Schedules hereto) and
the Transaction Documents embody the entire agreement and understanding of the
Parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersede all
prior written or oral commitments, arrangements or understandings between the
Parties with respect thereto and all prior drafts of this Agreement and the
Transaction Documents. There are no restrictions, agreements, promises,
warranties, covenants or undertakings with respect to the transactions
contemplated hereby other than those expressly set forth herein or in the
Transaction Documents.
11.7 WAIVER AND AMENDMENTS. Each of the Stockholders, the Company, SAG and
Sub may by written notice to the other Parties: (a) extend the time for the
performance of any of the obligations or other actions of the other Parties; (b)
waive any inaccuracies in the representations or warranties of the other Parties
contained in this Agreement; (c) waive compliance with any of the covenants of
the other Parties contained in this Agreement; (d) waive performance of any of
the obligations of the other Parties created under this Agreement; or (e) waive
fulfillment of any of the conditions to its own obligations under this
Agreement. The waiver by any Party hereto of a breach of any provision of this
Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent
breach, whether or not similar. This Agreement may be amended, modified or
supplemented only by a written instrument executed by the Parties hereto.
11.8 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and
each of which shall be deemed an original.
11.9 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia without giving effect to any
choice or conflict of law provision or rule that would cause the laws of any
other jurisdiction to apply.
11.10 ACCOUNTING TERMS. All accounting terms used herein which are not
expressly defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings given to
them in accordance with GAAP.
11.11 SCHEDULES. Disclosure of any matter in any Schedule hereto or in the
Financial Statements shall be considered as disclosure pursuant to any other
provision, subprovision, section or subsection of this Agreement or Schedule to
this Agreement.
11.12 SEVERABILITY. If any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement
shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or
enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be
affected thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, each Party waives
any provision of law which renders any provision of this Agreement invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any respect.
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11.13 REMEDIES. None of the remedies provided for in this Agreement,
including termination of this Agreement as set forth in Article 8, the payment
of certain fees, costs and expenses as set forth in ss.11.1 or the specific
performance as set forth in ss.5.1, shall be the exclusive remedy of either
Party for a breach of this Agreement, the Parties hereto having the right to
seek any other remedy in law or equity in lieu of or in addition to any remedies
provided in this Agreement, including an action for damages for breach of
contract.
11.14 TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. Time is of the essence for purposes of this
Agreement.
11.15 CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.
"Accountants" has the meaning set forth in ss.1.6 hereof.
"Accounting Principles" has the meaning set forth in ss.1.6 hereof.
"Accredited Investor" has the meaning set forth in Regulation D
promulgated under the Securities Act.
"Adverse Consequences" means all actions, suits, proceedings, hearings,
investigations, charges, complaints, claims, demands, injunctions, judgments,
orders, decrees, rulings, damages, dues, penalties, fines, costs, amounts paid
in settlement, Liabilities, obligations, Taxes, liens, losses, expenses, and
fees, including court costs and attorneys' fees and expenses.
"Affiliate" has the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 of the regulations
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act.
"Affiliated Group" means any affiliated group within the meaning of
Code ss.1504(a) or any similar group defined under a similar provision of state,
local or foreign law.
"Associate" used to indicate a relationship with any Person means: (i)
any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other entity of which such Person
is an officer or partner or is, directly or indirectly, through one or more
intermediaries, the beneficial owner of thirty percent (30%) or more of: (1) any
class or type of equity securities or other profits interest; or (2) the
combined voting power of interests ordinarily entitled to vote for management or
otherwise; and (ii) any trust or other estate in which such person has a
substantial beneficial interest or as to which such person serves as trustee or
in a similar fiduciary capacity.
"1997 Balance Sheet" has the meaning set forth in ss.2.5 hereof.
"Basis" means any past or present fact, situation, circumstance,
condition, activity, practice, plan, occurrence, event, incident, action,
failure to act, or transaction that forms or could form the basis for any
specified consequence.
"Best Efforts" shall be deemed to not include any obligation on the
part of any Person to undertake any liabilities, expend any funds or perform
acts (except liabilities, expenditures or performance, other than any best
efforts obligations, expressly required to be undertaken by the terms of this
Agreement) which are materially burdensome to such Person; provided, however,
that notwithstanding the foregoing, the term "best efforts" shall include an
obligation to take such actions which are normally incident to or reasonably
foreseeable in conjunction with such obligation or the transactions contemplated
hereby.
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"Business Day" shall mean any day excluding Saturday, Sunday and any
day which is a legal holiday under federal law.
"Cash Consideration" has the meaning set forth in ss.1.1(e)(i) hereof.
"Claims" shall mean any and all claims, demands, suits, proceedings,
actions or causes of action of any kind or character whatsoever, known or
unknown, fixed or contingent, suspected or unsuspected, direct or indirect,
however arising, whether arising at law or in equity, or pursuant to
administrative rule or regulation or otherwise.
"Closing" has the meaning set forth in ss.1.1(c)(i) hereof.
"Closing Date" has the meaning set forth in ss.1.1(c) (iii) hereof.
"Closing Date Balance Sheet" has the meaning set forth in ss.1.6
hereof.
"Closing Date Deadline" has the meaning set forth in ss.1.1(d) hereof.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Company" has the meaning set forth in the preface above.
"Company Agreement" has the meaning set forth in ss.2.15 hereof.
"Compensation Commitment" has the meaning set forth in ss.2.18(a)
hereof.
"Confidential Information" means all information concerning a given
Party obtained by another Party in connection with the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, including, without limitation, ideas, research and
development, know-how, formulas, compositions, manufacturing and production
processes and techniques, technical data, designs, drawings, specifications,
customer and supplier lists, pricing and cost information, business and
marketing plans and proposals, information relating to sales records, profit and
performance reports, sales and training manuals, selling and pricing procedures,
financing methods, the special demands of particular customers, the current and
anticipated demands of particular customers, specifications of any new products
or services under development, and any other such information treated by the
Party providing the Confidential Information as being confidential or labeled
"Confidential," as well as all physical embodiments of any of the foregoing,
except information (i) ascertainable or obtained from public information; (ii)
received from a third party not employed by or otherwise affiliated with the
Party providing such Confidential Information; or (iii) which is or becomes
known to the public other than through a breach by the receiving Party any of
the receiving Party's representatives of this Agreement.
"Consent" means any consent, approval, authorization, waiver, permit,
grant, franchise, concession, agreement, license, exemption or order of,
registration, certificate, declaration or filing with, or report or notice to,
any Person, including but not limited to any Governmental Authority.
"Controlled Group of Corporation" has the meaning set forth in Code
ss.1563.
"Dealership Leases" has the meaning set forth in ss.6.8 hereof.
"Dealership Real Estate" has the meaning set forth in ss.6.8 hereof.
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"Employee Benefit Plan" means any: (a) nonqualified deferred
compensation or retirement plan or arrangement which is an Employee Pension
Benefit Plan; (b) qualified defined contribution retirement plan or arrangement
which is an Employee Pension Benefit Plan; (c) qualified defined benefit
retirement plan or arrangement which is an Employee Pension Benefit Plan
(including any Multiemployer Plan); or (d) Employee Welfare Benefit Plan or
material fringe benefit plan or program.
"Employee Pension Benefit Plan" has the meaning set forth in ERISA
ss.3(2).
"Employee Welfare Benefit Plan" has the meaning set forth in ERISA
ss.3(1).
"Employment Agreement" has the meaning set forth in ss.6.14 hereof.
"Employment and Labor Agreement" has the meaning set forth in ss.2.16
hereof.
"Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements" shall mean all federal,
state, local and foreign statutes, regulations, ordinances and other provisions
having the force or effect of law, all judicial and administrative orders and
determinations, all contractual obligations and all common law concerning public
health and safety, worker health and safety, and pollution or protection of the
environment, including without limitation all those relating to the presence,
use, production, generation, handling, transportation, treatment, storage,
disposal, distribution, labeling, testing, processing, discharge, release,
threatened release, control, or cleanup of any hazardous materials, substances
or wastes, chemical substances or mixtures, pesticides, pollutants,
contaminants, toxic chemicals, petroleum products or byproducts, asbestos,
polychlorinated biphenyls, noise or radiation, each as amended and as now or
hereafter in effect.
"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.
"ERISA Plans" means all Employee Pension Benefit Plans and Employee
Welfare Benefit Plans of the Company.
"Expense Reimbursement" has the meaning set forth in ss.8.2(d)(i)
hereof.
"Factory Statements" has the meaning set forth in ss.2.5(b) hereof.
"Fiduciary" has the meaning set forth in ERISA ss.3(21).
"Financial Statement" has the meaning set forth in ss.2.5 hereof.
"Floor Plan Assets" means the Company's actual inventory of financed
automobiles, plus its contracts in transits, plus its current (not over ninety
(90) days) fleet car receivables.
"GAAP" means United States generally accepted accounting principles as
in effect from time to time.
"Governmental Authority" means any nation or government, any state or
other political subdivision thereof, any entity exercising executive,
legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative function of or pertaining to
government, including without limitation, any government authority, agency,
department, board, commission or instrumentality of the United States, any State
of the United States or any political subdivision thereof, and any tribunal or
arbitrator of competent jurisdiction and any self-regulatory organization.
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"Governmental Approval" means any Consent of, with or to any
Governmental Authority.
"▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇ Act" means the ▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇ Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.
"Hazardous Materials" means, collectively: (i) those substances
included within the definitions of or identified as "hazardous chemicals,"
"hazardous waste," "hazardous substances," "hazardous materials," "toxic
substances" or similar terms in or pursuant to, without limitation: the
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (42
U.S.C. ss.9601 et seq. ("CERCLA"), as amended by Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986 (Pub. L. 99-499, 100 State, 1613); the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. ss.6901 et seq.) ("RCRA"); the
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. ss.651 et seq.) ("OSHA");
and the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. ss.1801 et seq.
("HWA"), and in the regulations promulgated pursuant to such laws, all as
amended; (ii) those substances listed in the United States Department of
Transportation Table (49 CFR 172.101 and amendments thereto) or by the
Environmental Protection Agency (or any successor agency) as hazardous
substances (40 CFR Part 302 and amendments thereto); (iii) any material, waste
or substance which is or contains: (A) petroleum, including crude oil or any
fraction thereof, natural gas or synthetic gas usable for fuel or any mixture
thereof; (B) asbestos; (C) polychlorinated biphenyls; (D) designated as a
"hazardous substance" pursuant to Section 311 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C.
ss.1251 et seq. (33 U.S.C. ss.1317) or listed pursuant to Section 307 of the
Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. ss.1317); (E) flammable explosives; (F) radioactive
materials; and (iv) such other substances, materials and wastes which are or
become regulated or classified as hazardous, toxic or as "special wastes" under
any Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements.
"Improvements" has the meaning set forth in ss.2.10 hereof.
"Indemnified Party" has the meaning set forth in ss.9.4 hereof.
"Indemnifying Party" has the meaning set forth in ss.9.4 hereof.
"Insider" shall mean the Stockholders, any director or officer of the
Company, and any Affiliate, Associate or Relative of any of the foregoing
persons.
"Intellectual Property" means: (a) all inventions (whether patentable
or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice), all improvements
thereto, and all patents, patent applications, and patent disclosures, together
with all reissuances, continuations, continuations-in-part, revisions,
extensions, and reexaminations thereof; (b) all trademarks, service marks, trade
dress, logos, trade names, and corporate names, together with all translations,
adaptations, derivations, and combinations thereof and including all goodwill
associated therewith, and all applications, registrations, and renewals in
connection therewith; (c) all copyrightable works, all copyrights, and all
applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith; (d) all mask
works and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith;
(e) all trade secrets and confidential business information; (f) all computer
software (including data and related documentation); (g) all other proprietary
rights; and (h) all copies and tangible embodiments thereof (in whatever form or
medium).
"IRS" shall mean the Internal Revenue Service.
"Judgment" has the meaning set forth in ss.2.9 hereof.
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"Knowledge" means actual knowledge after reasonable investigation and,
with respect to any corporation, partnership, company or other entity, shall
include the knowledge of such entity's officers, directors, managers and
employees with responsibility over the relevant subject matter.
"Leased Real Property" has the meaning set forth in ss.2.10(b) hereof.
"Legal Requirements" means laws, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations,
standards, judgments and other requirements of all governmental, administrative
or judicial entities.
"Liability" means any liability (whether known or unknown, whether
asserted or unasserted, whether absolute or contingent, whether accrued or
unaccrued, whether liquidated or unliquidated, and whether due or to become
due), including any liability for Taxes.
"Liens" shall mean any mortgages, pledges, title defects or objections,
liens, claims, security interests, conditions and installment sale agreements,
encumbrances or charges of any kind.
"Material Adverse Effect" shall mean any change in, or effect on, the
Company (including the business thereof) which is, or could reasonably be
expected to be, materially adverse to the business, operations, assets,
condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Company.
"Merger Consideration" has the meaning set forth in ss.1.1(e) hereof.
"Multiemployer Plan" has the meaning set forth in ERISA ss.3(37).
"Non-Competition Agreement" has the meaning set forth in ss.6.14
hereof.
"Ordinary Course of Business" means the ordinary course of business
consistent with past custom and practice (including with respect to quantity and
frequency).
"Out of Trust" shall have the meaning commonly ascribed to such term in
the automotive business and relates to the floor plan of the Company's new and
used cars.
"Owned Real Property" has the meaning set forth in ss.2.10(a) hereof.
"Party" has the meaning set forth in the preface above.
"PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
"Permits" means franchises, licenses, permits, registrations,
certificates, consents, approvals or authorizations.
"Permitted Liens" means: (a) Liens reserved against in the Company's
1997 Balance Sheet, to the extent so reserved; (b) Liens for Taxes not yet due
and payable or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate
proceedings if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the
Company's books in accordance with GAAP; or (c) Liens that, individually and in
the aggregate, do not and would not materially detract from the value of any of
the property or assets of the Company or materially interfere with the use
thereof as currently used or contemplated to be used.
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"Person" shall mean and include any individual, corporation, limited
liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, trust, any other
incorporated or unincorporated organization or entity and any governmental
entity or any department or agency thereto.
"Prohibited Transaction" has the meaning set forth in ERISA ss.406 and
Code ss.4975.
"Relative" of a Person shall mean such Person's spouse, parents,
sisters, brothers, children and the spouses of the foregoing, and any member of
the immediate household of such Person.
"Reportable Event" has the meaning set forth in ERISA ss.4043.
"SAG" has the meaning set forth in the preface above.
"SAG IPO" shall mean the consummation of an underwritten public
offering pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities
Act of 1933.
"SAG IPO Share Price" shall mean the price per share of each share of
common stock offered pursuant to the SAG IPO.
"SAG IPO Stock" shall mean shares of common stock offered pursuant to
the SAG IPO.
"SAG Common Stock" shall mean the unregistered, $0.001 par value,
authorized common stock of SAG.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Securities Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
"Stock Consideration" has the meaning set forth in ss.1.1(e)(ii).
"Stockholder Loans" has the meaning set forth in ss.5.13 hereof.
"Stock Restriction Agreement" has the meaning set forth in ss.5.14
hereof.
"Subsidiary" means any corporation with respect to which a specified
Person (or a Subsidiary thereof) owns a majority of the common stock or has the
power to vote or direct the voting of sufficient securities to elect a majority
of the directors. "Subsidiaries" shall mean more than one Subsidiary.
"Surviving Corporation" has the meaning set forth in ss.1.1(a) hereof.
"Target Shares" has the meaning set forth in the preface above.
"Transaction Documents" has the meaning set forth in ss.2.4 hereof.
"Transfer Taxes" has the meaning set forth in ss.5.16 hereof.
"Tax" means any federal, state, local or foreign income, gross
receipts, license, payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation,
premium, windfall profits, environmental (including taxes under Code ss.59A),
customs duties, capital stock, franchise, profits, withholding, social security
(or similar), unemployment, disability, real property (including property taxes
paid by the Company pursuant
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to any lease), personal property, sales, use, transfer, registration, value
added, alternative or add-on minimum, estimated, or other tax of any kind
whatsoever, including any interest, penalty, or addition thereto, whether
disputed or not.
"Tax Return" means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund,
or information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any schedule or
attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.
"Third Party Claim" has the meaning set forth in ss.9.4 hereof.
"Underwriters" has the meaning set forth in ss.5.18 hereof.
* * *
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
BUYER:
ATTEST: SUNBELT AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
BY: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ BY: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
Title: Secretary & General Counsel Title: Chief Executive Officer
(Signatures Continued on Following Page)
(Signatures Continued From Previous Page)
SUB:
ATTEST: BAG ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇, INC.
BY: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ BY: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
Title: Secretary & General Counsel Title: Chief Executive Officer
THE COMPANY:
ATTEST: DAY'S CHEVROLET, INC.
BY: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ BY: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
Title: Secretary Title: President
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THE STOCKHOLDER(S):
WITNESS: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ [SEAL]
------------------------------ --------------------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
WITNESS: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ [SEAL]
------------------------------ --------------------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Name: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Automotive Group, Inc. unconditionally guarantees SAG's obligation to pay the
Expense Reimbursement as may be required pursuant to Section 8.2 of this Agreement.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
ATTEST:
BY: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ BY: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
Title: Assistant Secretary Title: Chief Executive Officer
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