EXHIBIT 2.15
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
BY AND AMONG
USWEB CORPORATION
USWEB ACQUISITION CORPORATION 122
AND
USWEB - APEX, INC.
DATED AS OF OCTOBER 29, 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE I - THE MERGER........................................................... 2
1.1 The Merger........................................................... 2
1.2 Effective Time....................................................... 2
1.3 Effect of the Merger................................................. 2
1.4 Certificate of Incorporation; Bylaws................................. 2
1.5 Directors and Officers............................................... 2
1.6 Effect of Merger on the Capital Stock of the Constituent
Corporations......................................................... 3
1.7 Surrender of Certificates............................................ 4
1.8 No Further Ownership Rights in Company Common Stock.................. 5
1.9 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates............................... 5
1.10 Purchase Price Adjustments........................................... 5
1.11 Parent Common Stock.................................................. 7
1.12 Tax Consequences..................................................... 7
1.13 Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action........................... 7
ARTICLE II - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY AND THE PRINCIPAL
SHAREHOLDERS........................................................ 8
2.1 Organization of the Company......................................... 8
2.2 Company Capital Structure........................................... 8
2.3 Subsidiaries........................................................ 9
2.4 Authority........................................................... 9
2.5 No Conflict......................................................... 9
2.6 Consents............................................................ 9
2.7 Company Financial Statements........................................ 10
2.8 No Undisclosed Liabilities.......................................... 10
2.9 No Changes.......................................................... 10
2.10 Tax Matters......................................................... 12
2.11 Restrictions on Business Activities................................. 13
2.12 Title to Properties; Absence of Liens and Encumbrance; Condition
of Equipment........................................................ 14
2.13 Intellectual Property............................................... 14
2.14 Agreements, Contracts and Commitments............................... 17
2.15 Interested Party Transactions....................................... 18
2.16 Governmental Authorization.......................................... 19
2.17 Litigation.......................................................... 19
2.18 Accounts Receivable................................................. 19
2.19 Minute Books........................................................ 19
2.20 Environmental Matters............................................... 19
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(CONTINUED)
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2.21 Brokers' and Finders' Fees; Third Party Expenses.................... 20
2.22 Employee Benefit Plans and Compensation............................. 20
2.23 Insurance........................................................... 23
2.24 Compliance with Laws................................................ 23
2.25 Third Party Consents................................................ 23
2.26 Warranties; Indemnities............................................. 23
2.27 Complete Copies of Materials........................................ 23
2.28 Representations Complete............................................ 23
2.29 Business Plan....................................................... 24
2.30 Backlog Report...................................................... 24
2.31 Principal Shareholder Investment Representations.................... 24
ARTICLE III - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND SUB................... 24
3.1 Organization, Standing and Power.................................... 24
3.2 Authority; Consents................................................. 24
3.3 Capital Structure................................................... 25
3.4 Brokers' and Finders' Fees.......................................... 25
3.5 Complete Copies of Materials........................................ 25
3.6 Parent Financial Statements......................................... 26
3.7 Litigation.......................................................... 26
ARTICLE IV - CONDUCT PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME................................. 26
4.1 Conduct of Business of the Company.................................. 26
4.2 No Solicitation..................................................... 28
ARTICLE V - ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS................................................ 29
5.1 Parent's Right of First Refusal..................................... 29
5.2 Market Standoff Agreement........................................... 29
5.3 Restriction on Competition.......................................... 29
5.4 Confidentiality..................................................... 30
5.5 Expenses............................................................ 31
5.6 Public Disclosure................................................... 31
5.7 PostClosing Employment of Company Employees......................... 31
5.8 Treatment of Affiliate Warrants..................................... 33
5.9 Access to Information............................................... 33
5.10 Consents............................................................ 33
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(CONTINUED)
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5.11 FIRPTA Compliance................................................... 33
5.12 Best Efforts........................................................ 33
5.13 Notification of Certain Matters..................................... 34
5.14 Tax Returns......................................................... 34
5.15 Section 368 Compliance.............................................. 34
5.16 Parent Policies..................................................... 34
ARTICLE VI - CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER............................................ 34
6.1 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party to Effect the Merger........ 34
6.2 Additional Conditions to Obligations of Company..................... 35
6.3 Additional Conditions to the Obligations of Parent and Sub.......... 35
ARTICLE VII - SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES;
ESCROW............................................................. 37
7.1 Survival of Representations and Warranties.......................... 37
7.2 Escrow Arrangements; Setoff......................................... 37
7.3 Indemnity........................................................... 43
ARTICLE VIII - TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER................................. 45
8.1 Termination......................................................... 45
8.2 Effect of Termination............................................... 46
8.3 Amendment........................................................... 46
8.4 Extension; Waiver................................................... 46
ARTICLE IX - GENERAL PROVISIONS.................................................. 46
9.1 Notices............................................................. 46
9.2 Interpretation...................................................... 47
9.3 Counterparts........................................................ 47
9.4 Entire Agreement; Assignment........................................ 47
9.5 Severability........................................................ 48
9.6 Other Remedies...................................................... 48
9.7 Governing Law....................................................... 48
9.8 Rules of Construction............................................... 48
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the "Agreement") is made and
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entered into as of October 29, 1997 (the "Agreement Date"), among USWeb
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Corporation, a Utah corporation ("Parent"), USWeb Acquisition Corporation 122, a
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Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("Sub"), USWeb -
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Apex, Inc., a Texas corporation (the "Company"), and the individuals listed on
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Exhibit A attached hereto (such individuals being hereinafter referred to
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collectively as the "Principal Shareholders" and individually as a "Principal
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Shareholder").
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RECITALS
A. The Boards of Directors of each of the Company, Parent and Sub believe
it is in the best interests of each company and their respective shareholders
that Parent acquire the Company through the statutory merger of the Company with
and into Sub (the "Merger") and, in furtherance thereof, have approved the
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Merger.
B. Pursuant to the Merger, among other things, all of the issued and
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company shall be converted into the
right to receive shares of Common Stock of Parent.
C. Fifty Percent (50%) of the shares of Common Stock of Parent otherwise
payable in connection with the Merger shall be placed in a one-year escrow for
the purposes of (i) satisfying damages, losses, expenses and other similar
charges which result from breaches of representations, warranties or covenants
or (ii) making adjustments to the purchase price paid by the Parent.
D. The Company, the Principal Shareholders, Parent and Sub desire to make
certain representations, warranties, covenants and other agreements in
connection with the Merger.
E. The parties hereto desire that each employee of the Company prior to
the Merger shall be offered an opportunity of employment by the Parent or Sub
following the Merger. Each party understands and agrees that any such employee
or the Parent or Sub shall have the right to terminate any such employment at
any time.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants, promises and
representations set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration,
the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
THE MERGER
1.1 The Merger. At the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.2) and
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subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the
applicable provisions of the corporations laws of the states of Delaware
("Delaware Law") and Texas ("Texas Law"), the Company shall be merged with and
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into the Sub, the separate corporate existence of the Company shall cease and
Sub shall continue as the surviving corporation and as a wholly owned subsidiary
of Parent. Sub as the surviving corporation after the Merger is hereinafter
sometimes referred to as the "Surviving Corporation".
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1.2 Effective Time. Unless this Agreement is earlier terminated pursuant
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to Section 8.1, the closing of the Merger (the "Closing") will take place as
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promptly as practicable, but no later than five (5) business days following
satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VI, at the offices
of ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇,
unless another place or time is agreed to in writing by Parent and the Company.
The date upon which the Closing actually occurs is herein referred to as the
"Closing Date." On the Closing Date, the parties hereto shall cause the Merger
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to be consummated by submitting for filing an Agreement and Plan of Merger (or
like instrument) with the Secretary of State of Delaware and the Secretary of
State of Texas, in accordance with the relevant provisions of applicable law
(the later of the times of filing with the Secretary of State of Delaware and
the Secretary of State of Texas being referred to herein as the "Effective
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Time").
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1.3 Effect of the Merger. At the Effective Time, the effect of the Merger
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shall be as provided in the applicable provisions of Delaware Law and Texas Law.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the
Effective Time, all the property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of
the Company and Sub shall vest in the Surviving Corporation, and all debts,
liabilities and duties of the Company and Sub shall become the debts,
liabilities and duties of the Surviving Corporation.
1.4 Certificate of Incorporation; Bylaws.
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(a) Unless otherwise determined by Parent prior to the Effective
Time, at the Effective Time, the Certificate of Incorporation of Sub shall be
the Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter
amended as provided by law and such Certificate of Incorporation.
(b) The Bylaws of Sub, as in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Time, shall be the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until
thereafter amended.
1.5 Directors and Officers. The director(s) of Sub immediately prior to
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the Effective Time shall be the initial director(s) of the Surviving
Corporation, each to hold office in accordance with the Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation. The officers of Sub
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immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the initial officers of the
Surviving Corporation, each to hold office in accordance with the Bylaws of the
Surviving Corporation.
1.6 Effect of Merger on the Capital Stock of the Constituent Corporations.
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(a) Exchange of Stock; Purchase Price Adjustments. As of the
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Effective Time of the Merger, each share of the Company's Common Stock, $1.00
par value (the "Company Common Stock"), that is issued and outstanding
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immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than any dissenting shares under
applicable state law) shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on
the part of Sub, the Company, or the Company's shareholders (the "Company
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Shareholders"), be canceled and extinguished and each Company Shareholder shall
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have (i) the right to receive such Company Shareholder's pro rata portion (based
on such Company Shareholders' equity ownership in the Company as represented to
Parent by the Company) of that number of shares of the Parent's Common Stock,
par value $.001 per share (the "Parent Common Stock") equal to $ 3,559,027 (the
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"Original Purchase Price") divided by the Fair Value Per Share (as defined in
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Section 1.6(d) below) as of the Closing Date, subject to Section 7.2 hereof,
plus the contingent right to receive (or obligation to return) additional shares
of Parent Common Stock as provided in Section 1.10 of this Agreement (the
"Purchase Price Adjustment"). The Original Purchase Price and the Purchase
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Price Adjustment are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Merger
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Consideration."
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(b) Stock Options. The Company has no option, warrant or similar
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plans or securities.
(c) Fractional Shares. No fractional share of Parent Common Stock
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shall be issued in the Merger, including the Purchase Price Adjustment pursuant
to Section 1.10 below, or pursuant to any stock option or stock bonus issued to
a Company employee that becomes an employee of Parent or Sub following the
Merger. In lieu thereof, the number of shares otherwise issued or issuable
shall be rounded to the nearest whole share, with one-half share or more being
rounded up.
(d) Certain Definitions.
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(i) Fair Value Per Share. The "Fair Value Per Share" of
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Parent's Common Stock, as of any particular date, shall mean, if the Parent's
Common Stock is then traded on an exchange or national quotation system, the
average closing price per share of Parent's Common Stock as traded on such
exchange or national quotation system during the 10 trading day period ending
three business days prior to the date of determination or, if not so traded, the
fair market value per share of such Parent's Common Stock as most recently
determined by the Parent's Board of Directors acting in good faith.
(ii) Escrow Amount; Escrow Agent. The "Escrow Amount" shall be
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equal to Fifty Percent (50%) of the number of shares of Parent Common Stock
constituting the Original Purchase Price. The "Escrow Agent" shall be the
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secretary of the Parent, or his designee, so long as
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the Parent is a privately held company. Thereafter, any transfer agent for the
Parent's Common Stock may be appointed Escrow Agent.
1.7 Surrender of Certificates.
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(a) Exchange Agent. The Secretary of Parent or such other entity
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reasonably designated by Parent shall serve as exchange agent (the "Exchange
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Agent") in the Merger.
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(b) Parent to Provide Common Stock. Promptly after the Effective
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Time, Parent shall make available to the Exchange Agent for exchange in
accordance with this Article I the Original Purchase Price issuable pursuant to
Section 1.6(a) in exchange for outstanding shares of Company Common Stock;
provided that, on behalf of the Company Shareholders, Parent shall deposit the
Escrow Amount into the Escrow Fund (as defined in Section 7.2(a) below).
(c) Exchange Procedures. Promptly after the Effective Time, the
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Surviving Corporation shall cause to be mailed to each Company Shareholder (i) a
letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and
risk of loss and title to the certificates (the "Certificates") which
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immediately prior to the Effective Time represented outstanding shares of
Company Common Stock whose shares were converted into the right to receive the
Merger Consideration pursuant to Section 1.6, shall pass, only upon delivery of
the Certificates to the Exchange Agent and shall be in such form and have such
other provisions as Parent may reasonably specify) and (ii) instructions for
effecting the surrender of the Certificates in exchange for the Merger
Consideration. Upon surrender of a Certificate for cancellation to the Exchange
Agent or to such other agent or agents as may be appointed by Parent, together
with such letter of transmittal, duly completed and validly executed in
accordance with the instructions thereto, the Company Shareholder shall be
entitled to receive in exchange therefor a certificate representing the number
of shares issuable to such Company Shareholder as part of the Original Purchase
Price (less the number of shares of Parent Common Stock to be deposited in the
Escrow Fund (as defined in Article VII) on such holder's behalf pursuant to
Article VII hereof) and the Certificate so surrendered shall forthwith be
canceled. As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, and subject to and
in accordance with the provisions of Article VII hereof, Parent shall cause to
be distributed to the Escrow Agent (as defined in Article VII) a certificate or
certificates representing that number of shares of Parent Common Stock equal to
the Escrow Amount. Such consideration shall be beneficially owned by the
holders on whose behalf such consideration was deposited in the Escrow Fund and
shall be available to compensate Parent as provided in Article VII. Until
surrendered to the Exchange Agent, each outstanding Certificate that, prior to
the Effective Time, represented shares of Company Common Stock will be deemed
from and after the Effective Time, for all corporate purposes, other than the
payment of dividends and voting, to evidence only the right to receive Merger
Consideration pursuant to Section 1.6 hereof.
(d) Distributions With Respect to Unexchanged Shares. No dividends or
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other distributions declared or made after the Effective Time with respect to
Parent Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time will be paid to
the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate with respect to the shares of Parent
Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the shares of Company
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Common Stock represented thereby until the holder of record of such Certificate
shall surrender such Certificate. Subject to applicable law, following surrender
of any such Certificate, there shall be paid to the record holder of the
certificates representing whole shares of Parent Common Stock issued in exchange
therefor, without interest, at the time of such surrender, the amount of
dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time
theretofore paid with respect to such whole shares of Parent Common Stock.
(e) Transfers of Ownership. If any certificate for shares of Parent
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Common Stock is to be issued in a name other than that in which the Certificate
surrendered in exchange therefor is registered, it will be a condition of the
issuance thereof that the Certificate so surrendered will be properly endorsed
and otherwise in proper form for transfer and that the person requesting such
exchange will have paid to Sub or any agent designated by it any transfer or
other taxes required by reason of the issuance of a certificate for shares of
Parent Common Stock in any name other than that of the registered holder of the
Certificate surrendered or have established to the satisfaction of Sub or any
agent designated by it that such tax has been paid or is not payable.
(f) No Liability. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
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Section 1.7, none of the Exchange Agent, the Surviving Corporation or any party
hereto shall be liable to a holder of shares of Parent Common Stock or Company
Common Stock for any amount properly paid to a public official pursuant to any
applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
1.8 No Further Ownership Rights in Company Common Stock. All shares of
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Parent Common Stock issued upon the surrender for exchange of shares of Company
Common Stock in accordance with the terms hereof shall be deemed to have been
issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such shares of Company
capital stock, and there shall be no further registration of transfers on the
records of the Surviving Corporation of shares of Company capital stock which
were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the
Effective Time, Certificates are presented to the Surviving Corporation for any
reason, they shall be canceled and exchanged as provided in this Article I.
1.9 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. In the event any
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Certificates shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, the Exchange Agent shall
issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificates, upon the
making of an affidavit of that fact by the holder thereof, such shares of Parent
Common Stock as may be required pursuant to Section 1.6(a); provided, however,
that Parent may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance
thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificates to
deliver a bond in such sum as it may reasonably direct as indemnity against any
claim that may be made against Parent, Sub or the Exchange Agent with respect
to the Certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.
1.10 Purchase Price Adjustments. The Original Purchase Price shall be
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subject to adjustment as follows:
(a) Six-Month Adjustment. At the close of business on the last
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business day of the sixth full month after the Closing Date (the "First
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Adjustment Date"), the Parent shall conduct a
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valuation of the Sub according to the operation of the Parent's Valuation Method
(the "Valuation Method" attached as Exhibit B). Parent shall then calculate the
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"First Adjustment to Purchase Price" as follows:
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FAPP = FADV - OPP
where FAPP is the First Adjustment to Purchase Price;
FADV is the First Adjustment Date Value as calculated on the First
Adjustment Date using the Valuation Method; and
OPP is the Original Purchase Price.
(i) If FAPP is greater than zero, then the Parent shall pay to
the Company Shareholders promptly after the First Adjustment Date a number of
shares calculated as follows:
FSP = (FAPP / FVPSFAD) x .25
where FSP is the "First Shares Payment";
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FAPP is the First Adjustment to Purchase Price as calculated above;
and
FVPSFAD is the Fair Value Per Share of the Parent's Common Stock on
the First Adjustment Date.
(ii) If FAPP is less than zero, then the Escrow Agent shall pay
to Parent from the Escrow Amount promptly after the First Adjustment Date a
number of shares calculated as follows:
FSP = (-FAPP / FVPSAD)
where FSP is the "First Shares Payment";
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FAPP is the First Adjustment to Purchase Price as calculated above;
and
FVPSAD is the Fair Value Per Share of the Parent's Common Stock on
the Agreement Date.
If FAPP equals zero, no adjustment to the Original Purchase Price shall be made
for the First Adjustment Date.
(b) Twelve-Month Adjustment. At the close of business on the last
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business day of the twelfth full month after the Closing Date (the "Second
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Adjustment Date"), the Parent shall conduct a valuation of the Sub according to
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the Valuation Method. Parent shall then calculate the "Second Adjustment to
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Purchase Price" as follows:
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▇▇▇▇ = SADV - FADV
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where ▇▇▇▇ is the Second Adjustment to Purchase Price;
SADV is the Second Adjustment Date Value as calculated on the Second
Adjustment Date using the Valuation Method; and
FADV is the First Adjustment Date Value.
(i) If ▇▇▇▇ is greater than zero, then the Parent shall pay to
the Company Shareholders promptly after the Second Adjustment Date a number of
shares calculated as follows:
SSP = (▇▇▇▇ / FVPSSAD) x .25
where SSP is the "Second Shares Payment";
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▇▇▇▇ is the Second Adjustment to Purchase Price as calculated above;
and
FVPSSAD is the Fair Value Per Share of the Parent's Common Stock on
the Second Adjustment Date.
(ii) If ▇▇▇▇ is less than zero, then the Escrow Agent shall pay
to Parent from the Escrow Amount promptly after the Second Adjustment Date a
number of shares calculated as follows:
SSP = (-▇▇▇▇ / FVPSAD)
where SSP is the "Second Shares Payment";
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▇▇▇▇ is the Second Adjustment to Purchase Price as calculated above;
and
FVPSAD is the Fair Value Per Share of the Parent's Common Stock on the
Agreement Date.
If ▇▇▇▇ equals zero, no adjustment to the Original Purchase Price shall be made
for the Second Adjustment Date.
1.11 Parent Common Stock. The shares of Parent Common Stock issued in
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connection with the Merger will not be registered under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Such shares may not be transferred or
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resold thereafter except in compliance with the terms of this Agreement and
following registration under the Securities Act or in reliance on an exemption
from registration under the Securities Act.
1.12 Tax Consequences. It is intended by the parties hereto that the
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Merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Each party has
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consulted its own tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences of the
Merger.
1.13 Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action. If, at any time after the
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Effective Time, any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the
purposes of this Agreement and to vest the Surviving Corporation with full
right, title and possession to all assets, property, rights, privileges, powers
and franchises of the Company and Sub, the officers and directors of the
Company, Parent
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and Sub are fully authorized in the name of their respective corporations or
otherwise to take, and will take, all such lawful and necessary action. On and
after the Closing Date, subject to the rights of any party pursuant to Article
VIII hereof, each party to this Agreement will make a good faith effort to
obtain all necessary approvals for completion of the transactions contemplated
hereby.
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
AND THE PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The Company and the Principal Shareholders hereby, jointly and severally,
represent and warrant to Parent and Sub, subject to such exceptions as are
specifically disclosed in Exhibit C attached hereto (referencing the appropriate
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section and paragraph numbers), as follows. For purposes of this Article II
and Article IV below, any representation, warranty or covenant made by the
Company shall be deemed to have been made by each of the Company and any
subsidiary of the Company.
2.1 Organization of the Company. The Company is a corporation duly
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organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Texas. The Company has the corporate power to own its properties and to carry
on its business as now being conducted. The Company is duly qualified to do
business and in good standing as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in
which the failure to be so qualified would have a material adverse effect on the
business, assets (including intangible assets), financial condition, results of
operations or prospects of the Company (hereinafter referred to as a "Material
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Adverse Effect"). The Company has delivered a true and correct copy of its
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Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, each as amended to date, to Parent.
Exhibit C lists the directors and officers of the Company. The operations now
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being conducted by the Company have not been conducted under any other name.
2.2 Company Capital Structure.
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(a) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 1,000
shares of authorized Common Stock of which 1,000 shares are issued and
outstanding. There are no other classes or series of capital stock of the
Company of any kind outstanding or issuable. The Company Common Stock is held
by the persons, with the domicile addresses and in the amounts set forth on
Exhibit C. All outstanding shares of Company Common Stock are duly authorized,
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validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and not subject to preemptive
rights created by statute, the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the
Company or any agreement to which the Company is a party or by which it is
bound.
(b) There are no options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments or
agreements of any character, written or oral, to which the Company is a party
or by which it is bound obligating the Company to issue, deliver, sell,
repurchase or redeem, or cause to be issued, delivered, sold, repurchased or
redeemed, any shares of the capital stock of the Company or obligating the
Company
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to grant, extend, accelerate the vesting of, change the price of, otherwise
amend or enter into any such option, warrant, call, right, commitment or
agreement.
2.3 Subsidiaries. The Company does not have any subsidiaries or
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affiliated companies and does not otherwise own any shares in the capital of or
any interest in, or control, directly or indirectly, any other corporation,
partnership, association, joint venture or other business entity. The Company
has never had any subsidiaries or affiliated companies and has never otherwise
owned shares in the capital of or any interest in or control, directly or
indirectly of, any other corporation, partnership, association, joint venture or
other business entity.
2.4 Authority. Each of the Company and the Principal Shareholders has all
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requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and all
other agreements required by the terms hereof to be entered into by the Company
or such Principal Shareholder (the "Ancillary Agreements") and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery of
this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements and the consummation of the trans
actions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all
necessary corporate action on the part of the Company and the Principal
Shareholders, and no further action is required on their part to authorize the
Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby
and thereby. Any Principal Shareholder that is a natural person or business
entity other than a corporation has all requisite legal authority and power,
without approval from any other person or entity, to execute and deliver this
Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements and consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby without any further action by such Principal
Shareholder. This Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements have been duly
executed and delivered by the Company and the Principal Shareholders and,
assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by Parent and Sub,
constitute the valid and binding obligations of the Company and the Principal
Shareholders, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to the laws of
general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of debtors
and to rules of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief or other
equitable remedies.
2.5 No Conflict. The execution and delivery of this Agreement does not,
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and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will
not, conflict with, or result in any violation of, or default under (with or
without notice or lapse of time, or both), or give rise to a right of
termination, cancellation, modification or acceleration of any obligation or
loss of any benefit under (any such event, a "Conflict") (i) any provision of
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the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company, (ii) any mortgage,
indenture, lease, contract or other agreement or instrument, permit, concession,
franchise or license to which the Company or any of its properties or assets is
subject, or (iii) any judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or
regulation applicable to the Company or its properties or assets.
2.6 Consents. No consent, waiver, approval, order or authorization of,
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or registration, declaration or filing with, any court, administrative agency or
commission or other federal, state, county, local or other foreign governmental
authority, instrumentality, agency or commission ("Governmental Entity") or any
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third party, including a party to any agreement with the Company (so as not to
trigger any Conflict), is required by or with respect to the Company in
connection with the
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execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, except for (i) such consents, waivers, approvals, orders,
authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings as may be required under
applicable securities laws thereby, and (ii) the filing of the Agreement of
Merger with the Secretary of State of Delaware and the Secretary of State of
Texas.
2.7 Company Financial Statements. Exhibit D sets forth certain financial
---------------------------- ---------
statements of the Company (the "Financials"). The Financials are correct in all
----------
material respects and have been prepared in accordance with United States
generally accepted accounting principles ("USGAAP") applied on a basis
------
consistent throughout the periods indicated and consistent with each other. The
Financials present fairly in all material respects the financial condition,
operating results and cash flows of the Company as of the dates and during the
periods indicated therein, subject in the case of the unaudited financial
statements to normal year-end adjustments, which will not be material in amount
or significance. The Company's most recent audited balance sheet included in
the Financials shall be referred to as the "Balance Sheet."
-------------
2.8 No Undisclosed Liabilities. The Company has no liability,
--------------------------
indebtedness, obligation, expense, claim, deficiency, guaranty or endorsement of
any type, whether accrued, absolute, contingent, matured, unmatured or other
(whether or not required to be reflected in financial statements in accordance
with USGAAP), which individually or in the aggregate (i) has not been reflected
in the Balance Sheet, or (ii) has not arisen in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practices since the date of the Balance Sheet.
2.9 No Changes. Since the date of the Balance Sheet, there has not been,
----------
occurred or arisen any:
(a) transaction by the Company except in the ordinary course of
business as conducted on that date and consistent with past practices;
(b) amendments or changes to the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws
of the Company;
(c) capital expenditure or commitment by the Company, either
individually or in the aggregate, exceeding $25,000;
(d) destruction of, damage to or loss of any material assets,
business or customer of the Company (whether or not covered by insurance);
(e) labor trouble or claim of wrongful discharge or other unlawful
labor practice or action;
(f) change in accounting methods or practices (including any change
in depreciation or amortization policies or rates) by the Company;
-10-
(g) revaluation by the Company of any of its assets;
(h) declaration, setting aside or payment of a dividend or other
distribution with respect to the Company's capital stock, or any direct or
indirect redemption, purchase or other acquisition by the Company of any of its
capital stock;
(i) increase in the salary or other compensation payable or to become
payable by the Company to any of its officers, directors, employees or advisors,
or the declaration, payment or commitment or obligation of any kind for the
payment, by the Company, of a bonus or other additional salary or compensation
to any such person;
(j) any agreement, contract, lease or commitment (each a "Company
-------
Agreement") or any extension or modification the terms of any Company Agreement
---------
which (i) involves the payment of greater than $25,000 per annum or which
extends for more than one year, (ii) involves any payment or obligation to any
affiliate of the Company other than in the ordinary course of business as
conducted on that date and consistent with past practices, or (iii) involves the
sale of any material assets;
(k) sale, lease, license or other disposition of any of the assets or
properties of the Company, or any creation of any security interest in such
assets or properties except in the ordinary course of business as conducted on
that date and consistent with past practices;
(l) amendment or termination of any material contract, agreement or
license to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound;
(m) loan by the Company to any person or entity, incurring by the
Company of any indebtedness, guaranteeing by the Company of any indebtedness,
issuance or sale of any debt securi ties of the Company or guaranteeing of any
debt securities of others, except for advances to employees for travel and
business expenses in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past
practices;
(n) waiver or release of any right or claim of the Company, including
any write-off or other compromise of any account receivable of the Company;
(o) the commencement or notice or threat of commencement of any
lawsuit or proceeding against, or investigation of, the Company or its affairs;
(p) notice of any claim of ownership by a third party of the
Company's Intellectual Property (as defined in Section 2.13 below) or notice of
infringement by the Company of any third party's Intellectual Property rights;
(q) issuance or sale by the Company of any of its shares of capital
stock, or securities exchangeable, convertible or exercisable therefor, or of
any other of its securities;
-11-
(r) change in pricing or royalties set or charged by the Company to
its customers or licensees or in pricing or royalties set or charged by persons
who have licensed Intellectual Property (as defined in Section 2.13 below) to
the Company;
(s) any event or condition of any character that has or may have a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company or;
(t) negotiation or agreement by the Company or any officer or
employee thereof to do any of the things described in the preceding clauses (a)
through (s) (other than negotiations with Parent and its representatives
regarding the transactions contemplated by this Agreement).
2.1 Tax Matters.
------------
(a) Definition of Taxes. For the purposes of this Agreement, "Tax"
------------------- ---
or, collectively, "Taxes," means (i) any and all federal, state, local and
-----
foreign taxes, assessments and other governmental charges, duties, impositions
and liabilities, including taxes based upon or measured by gross receipts,
income, profits, sales, use and occupation, and value added, ad valorem,
transfer, franchise, withholding, payroll, recapture, employment, excise and
property taxes, together with all interest, penalties and additions imposed with
respect to such amounts; (ii) any liability for the payment of any amounts of
the type described in clause (i) as a result of being a member of an affiliated,
consolidated, combined or unitary group for any period; and (iii) any liability
for the payment of any amounts of the type described in clause (i) or (ii) as a
result of any express or implied obligation to indemnify any other person or as
a result of any obligations under any agreements or arrangements with any other
person with respect to such amounts and including any liability for taxes of a
predecessor entity.
(b) Tax Returns and Audits.
----------------------
(i) The Company as of the Closing Date will have prepared and
timely filed or made a timely request for extension for all required federal,
state, local and foreign returns, estimates, information statements and reports
("Returns") relating to any and all Taxes concerning or attributable to the
-------
Company or its operations, and such Returns are true and correct and have been
completed in accordance with applicable law.
(ii) The Company as of the Closing Date (A) will have paid or
accrued all Taxes it is required to pay or accrue as shown on the Returns and
(B) will have withheld and timely remitted with respect to its employees all
income taxes and other Taxes required to be withheld and remitted.
(iii) The Company has not been delinquent in the payment of any
Tax nor is there any Tax deficiency outstanding, assessed or proposed against
the Company, nor has the Company executed any waiver of any statute of
limitations on or extending the period for the assessment or collection of any
Tax.
-12-
(iv) No audit or other examination of any Return of the
Company, is presently in progress, nor has the Company been notified of any
request for such an audit or other examination.
(v) The Company has no liabilities for unpaid federal, state,
local and foreign Taxes which have not been accrued or reserved against in
accordance with USGAAP on the Balance Sheet, whether asserted or unasserted,
contingent or otherwise.
(vi) The Company has made available to Parent or its legal
counsel, copies of all foreign, federal and state income and all state sales and
use Returns filed for all years as to which any applicable statute of
limitations has not expired.
(vii) There is no mortgage, pledge, security interest or lien or
other encumbrance (each a "Lien") of any sort on the assets of the Company the
----
relating to or attributable to Taxes other than Liens for taxes not yet due and
payable.
(viii) The Company Shareholders have no knowledge of any basis
for the assertion of any claim relating or attributable to Taxes which, if
adversely determined, would result in any Lien on any material assets of the
Company.
(ix) As of the Closing, there will not be any contract,
agreement, plan or arrangement, including but not limited to the provisions of
this Agreement, covering any employee or former employee of the Company that,
individually or collectively, could give rise to the payment of any amount that
would not be deductible by the Company as an expense under Sections 162, 280G or
404 of the Code.
(x) The Company is not a party to a tax sharing,
indemnification or allocation agreement nor does the Company owe any amount
under any such agreement.
(xi) The Company uses the accrual method of accounting for
income tax purposes and its tax basis in its assets for purposes of determining
its future amortization, depreciation and other federal income tax deductions is
accurately reflected on the Company's tax books and records.
2.1 Restrictions on Business Activities. There is no agreement
-----------------------------------
(noncompete or otherwise), commitment, judgment, injunction, order or decree to
which the Company or any Principal Shareholder is a party or otherwise binding
upon the Company which has or may have the effect of prohibiting or impairing
any business practice of the Company, any acquisition of property (tangible or
intangible) by the Company or the conduct of business by the Company. The
Company has not entered into any agreement under which the Company is restricted
from providing services to customers or potential customers or any class of
customers, in any geographic area, during any period of time or in any segment
of the market.
-13-
2.12 Title to Properties; Absence of Liens and Encumbrances; Condition of
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment.
---------
(a) The Company does not own any real property, nor has it ever owned
any real property. Exhibit C sets forth a list of all real property currently
---------
leased by the Company, the name of the lessor, the date of the lease and each
amendment thereto and, with respect to any current lease, the aggregate annual
rental or other fees payable under any such lease. All such current leases are
in full force and effect, are valid and effective in accordance with their
respective terms, and there is not, under any of such leases, any existing
default or event of default (or event which with notice or lapse of time, or
both, would constitute a default).
(b) The Company has good and valid title to, or, in the case of
leased properties and assets, valid leasehold interests in, all of its tangible
properties and assets, real, personal and mixed, used or held for use in its
business, free and clear of any Liens, except as reflected in the Company
Financials or in Exhibit C and except for liens for taxes not yet due and
---------
payable and imperfections of title and encumbrances, if any, which are not
material in character, amount or extent, and which do not detract from the
value, or interfere with the present use, of the property subject thereto or
affected thereby.
(c) Exhibit C lists all material items of equipment (the "Equipment")
--------- ---------
owned or leased by the Company and such Equipment is, taken as a whole, (i)
adequate for the conduct of the business of the Company as currently conducted
and (ii) in good operating condition, regularly and properly maintained, subject
to normal wear and tear.
(d) The Company has sole and exclusive ownership, free and clear of
any Liens, of all customer files and other customer information relating to
Company's current and former customers (the "Customer Information"). Other than
--------------------
normal rights of Company's customers to their own information, no third party
possesses any claims or rights with respect to use of the Customer Information.
2.13 Intellectual Property.
---------------------
(a) For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the
following definitions:
"Intellectual Property" shall mean any or all of the following and all
---------------------
rights in, arising out of, or associated therewith: (i) all United States and
foreign patents and applications therefor and all reissues, divisions, renewals,
extensions, provisionals, continuations and continuations-in-part thereof; (ii)
all inventions (whether patentable or not), invention disclosures, improvements,
trade secrets, proprietary information, know how, technology, technical data and
customer lists, and all documentation relating to any of the foregoing; (iii)
all copyrights, copyrights registrations and applications therefor, and all
other rights corresponding thereto throughout the world; (iv) all mask works,
mask work registrations and applications therefor, and all other rights
corresponding thereto throughout the world; (v) all industrial designs and any
registrations and applications therefor throughout the world; (vi) all trade
names, logos, common law trademarks and service marks;
-14-
trademark and service ▇▇▇▇ registrations and applications therefor throughout
the world; (vii) all databases and data collections and all rights therein
throughout the world; and (viii) all computer software including all source
code, object code, firmware, development tools, files, records and data, all
media on which any of the foregoing is recorded, and all documentation related
to any of the foregoing throughout the world.
"Intellectual Property of Company" shall mean any Intellectual
--------------------------------
Property that: (i) is owned by or exclusively licensed to the Company, or (ii)
which is necessary to the operation of the Company, including the design,
manufacture and use of the products or performance of the services of the
Company as it currently is operated or is reasonably anticipated to be operated
in the future, but shall specifically not include any rights in or to materials
created for clients as "work-made-for-hire" or which are subject to an exclusive
------------------
assignment or license in favor of clients of the Company.
(b) Exhibit C lists all of Company's United States and foreign: (i)
---------
patents, patent applications (including provisional applications); (ii)
registered trademarks, applications to register trademarks, intent-to-use
applications, or other registrations related to trademarks; (iii) registered
copyrights and applications for copyright registration; (iv) mask work
registrations and applications to register mask works; and (v) any other
Intellectual Property of Company that is the subject of an application,
certificate or registration filed with, issued by, or recorded by, any state,
government or other public legal authority (all of the foregoing, the
"Registered Intellectual Property").
---------------------------------
(c) Each item of Registered Intellectual Property is valid and
subsisting, all necessary registration, maintenance and renewal fees in
connection with such Registered Intellectual Property have been made and all
necessary documents and certificates in connection with such Registered
Intellectual Property have been filed with the relevant patent, copyright,
trademark or other authorities in the United States or foreign jurisdictions, as
the case may be, for the purposes of maintaining such Registered Intellectual
Property.
(d) The contracts, licenses and agreements listed in Exhibit C
---------
include all contracts, licenses and agreements, to which the Company is a party
with respect to any Intellectual Property with a value or cost in excess of
$10,000, other than "shrink wrap" and similar commercial end-user licenses.
(e) The contracts, licenses and agreements listed in Exhibit C are in
---------
full force and effect. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement will neither violate nor result in the breach, modification,
cancellation, termination, or suspension of the contracts, licenses and
agreements in Exhibit C. The Company is in compliance with, and has not
---------
breached any term of, the contracts, licenses and agreements listed in Exhibit
-------
C, and, to the knowledge of the Company and the Principal Shareholders, all
other parties to the contracts, licenses and agreements listed in Exhibit C are
---------
in compliance with, and have not breached any term of, such contracts, licenses
and agreements. Following the Closing Date, Sub will be permitted to exercise
all of the Company's rights under the contracts, licenses and agreements listed
in Exhibit C without the payment of any additional amounts or consideration
---------
other than ongoing fees, royalties or payments which the Company would otherwise
be required to pay.
-15-
(f) No person has any rights to use any of the Intellectual Property
of the Company. The Company has not granted to any Person, or authorized any
Person to retain, any rights in the Intellectual Property of Company.
(g) The Company owns and has good and exclusive title to each item of
Intellectual Property listed in Exhibit C, free and clear of any Lien; and the
---------
Company owns, or has the right, pursuant to a valid Contract to use or operate
under, all other Intellectual Property of the Company.
(h) The operation of the business of the Company as it currently is
conducted or is reasonably contemplated to be conducted, including its design,
development, manufacture and sale of its products (including with respect to
products currently under development) and provision of services, does not
infringe or misappropriate the Intellectual Property of any other person,
violate the rights of any person (including rights to privacy or publicity), or
constitute unfair competition.
(i) The Company has not received notice from any person that the
operation of the business of the Company, including its design, development,
manufacture and sale of its products (including with respect to products
currently under development) and provision of its services, infringes or
misappropriates the Intellectual Property of any person, violates the rights of
any person (including rights to privacy or publicity), or constitutes unfair
competition.
(j) The Company owns or has the right to all Intellectual Property
necessary to the conduct of its business as it currently is conducted or is
reasonably contemplated to be conducted, including, without limitation, the
design, development, manufacture and sale of all products currently manufactured
or sold by the Company or under development by the Company and the performance
of all services provided or contemplated to be provided by the Company.
(k) Exhibit C identifies specifically all contracts, licenses and
---------
agreements between the Company and any other person wherein or whereby the
Company has agreed to, or assumed, any obligation or duty to indemnify, hold
harmless or otherwise assume or incur any obligation or liability with respect
to the infringement by the Company or such other Person of the Intellectual
Property rights of any other person.
(l) There are no contracts, licenses and agreements between the
Company and any other person with respect to Company Intellectual Property under
which there is any dispute known to the Company or the Principal Shareholders
regarding the scope of such agreement, or performance under such agreement
including with respect to any payments to be made or received by the Company
thereunder.
(m) To the knowledge of the Company and the Principal Shareholders,
no person is infringing or misappropriating any of the Intellectual Property of
Company.
(n) There are no claims asserted against the Company or against any
customer of the Company, related to any product or service of the Company.
-16-
(o) No Intellectual Property of Company or product or service of the
Company is subject to any outstanding decree, order, judgment, or stipulation
restricting in any manner the use or licensing thereof by the Company.
(p) The Company has, and enforces, a policy requiring each employee
and contractor to execute proprietary information and confidentiality agreements
substantially in the Company's standard forms and all current and former
employees and contractors of the Company have executed such an agreement.
(q) No (i) product, service or publication of the Company, (ii)
material published or distributed by the Company or (iii) conduct or statement
of Company, constitutes obscene material, a defamatory statement or material, or
violates any rights, including rights of publicity or privacy, of any person.
2.1 Agreements, Contracts and Commitments.
-------------------------------------
(a) The Company does not have, or is not bound by:
(i) any collective bargaining agreement,
(ii) any agreements or arrangements that contain any severance
pay or post-employment liabilities or obligations,
(iii) any bonus, deferred compensation, pension, profit sharing
or retirement plans, or any other employee benefit plans or arrangements,
(iv) any employment or consulting agreement, contract or
commitment with an employee or individual consultant or salesperson or
consulting or sales agreement, contract or commitment with a firm or other
organization,
(v) any agreement or plan, including, without limitation, any
stock option plan, stock appreciation rights plan or stock purchase plan, any of
the benefits of which will be increased, or the vesting of benefits of which
will be accelerated, by the occurrence of any of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement or the value of any of the benefits of which will be
calculated on the basis of any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement,
(vi) any fidelity or surety bond or completion bond,
(vii) any lease of personal property having a value individually
in excess of $25,000,
(viii) any agreement of indemnification or guaranty, other than
as set forth in agreements listed in Exhibit C,
---------
-17-
(ix) any agreement, contract or commitment containing any
covenant limiting the freedom of the Company to engage in any line of business
or to compete with any person,
(x) any agreement, contract or commitment relating to capital
expenditures and involving future payments in excess of $25,000,
(xi) any agreement, contract or commitment relating to the
disposition or acquisition of assets or any interest in any business enterprise
outside the ordinary course of the Company's business,
(xii) any mortgages, indentures, loans or credit agreements,
security agreements or other agreements or instruments relating to the borrowing
of money or extension of credit, including guaranties referred to in clause
(viii) hereof,
(xiii) any purchase order or contract for the purchase of
materials involving $25,000 or more,
(xiv) any construction contracts,
(xv) any distribution, joint marketing or development
agreement, or
(xvi) any other agreement, contract or commitment that involves
$25,000 or more or is not cancelable without penalty within thirty (30) days.
(b) The Company has not breached, violated or defaulted under, or
received notice that it has breached, violated or defaulted under, any of the
terms or conditions of any agreement, contract, license or commitment to which
it is a party, by which it benefits or by which it is bound (any such agreement,
contract, license or commitment, a "Contract"), nor is the Company or any
--------
Principal Shareholder aware of any event that would constitute such a breach,
violation or default with the lapse of time, giving of notice or both. Each
Contract is in full force and effect and is not subject to any default
thereunder by any party obligated to the Company pursuant thereto. The Company
has obtained, or will obtain prior to the Closing Date, all necessary consents,
waivers and approvals of parties to any Contract as are required thereunder in
connection with the Merger so that all such Contracts will remain in effect
without modification after the Closing.
2.15 Interested Party Transactions. No officer, director or Principal
-----------------------------
Shareholder of the Company (nor any ancestor, sibling, descendant or spouse of
any of such persons, or any trust, partnership or corporation in which any of
such persons has or has had an interest), has or has had, directly or
indirectly, (i) an interest in any entity which furnished or sold, or furnishes
or sells, services or products that the Company furnishes or sells, or proposes
to furnish or sell, or (ii) any interest in any entity that purchases from or
sells or furnishes to, the Company, any goods or services or (iii) a beneficial
interest in any Contract; provided, that ownership of no more than one percent
(1%) of the outstanding voting stock of a publicly traded corporation shall not
be deemed an "interest in any entity" for purposes of this Section 2.15.
----------------------
-18-
2.16 Governmental Authorization. Exhibit C accurately lists each consent,
-------------------------- ---------
license, permit, grant or other authorization issued to the Company by a
governmental entity (i) pursuant to which the Company currently operates or
holds any interest in any of its properties or (ii) which is required for the
operation of its business or the holding of any such interest (herein
collectively called "Company Authorizations"). The Company Authorizations are
----------------------
in full force and effect and constitute all Company Authorizations required to
permit the Company to operate or conduct its business or hold any interest in
its properties or assets.
2.17 Litigation. There is no action, suit or proceeding of any nature
----------
pending, or to the Company's or the Principal Shareholders' knowledge
threatened, against the Company, its properties or any of its officers or
directors, nor, to the knowledge of the Principal Shareholders, is there any
reasonable basis therefor. There is no investigation pending or, to the
Company's or Principal Shareholders' knowledge threatened, against the Company,
its properties or any of its officers or directors (nor, to the knowledge of the
Principal Shareholders, is there any reasonable basis therefor) by or before any
governmental entity. No governmental entity has at any time challenged or
questioned the legal right of the Company to manufacture, offer or sell any of
its products or services in the present manner or style thereof.
2.18 Accounts Receivable.
-------------------
(a) The Company has made available to Parent a list of all accounts
receivable of the Company as of September 30, 1997 ("Accounts Receivable"),
-------------------
along with the number of days that has elapsed since each invoice.
(b) All Accounts Receivable of the Company arose in the ordinary
course of business, are carried at values determined in accordance with USGAAP
consistently applied and are collectible except to the extent of reserves
therefor set forth in the Balance Sheet. No person has any Lien on any of such
Accounts Receivable and no request or agreement for deduction or discount has
been made with respect to any of such Accounts Receivable.
2.19 Minute Books. The minutes of the Company made available to counsel
------------
for Parent are the only minutes of the Company and contain an accurate summary
of all meetings of the Board of Directors (or committees thereof) of the Company
and its shareholders or actions by written consent since the time of
incorporation of the Company.
2.20 Environmental Matters.
---------------------
(a) Hazardous Material. The Company has not: (i) operated any
------------------
underground storage tanks at any property that the Company has at any time
owned, operated, occupied or leased; or (ii) illegally released any material
amount of any substance that has been designated by any Governmental Entity or
by applicable federal, state or local law to be radioactive, toxic, hazardous or
otherwise a danger to health or the environment, including, without limitation,
PBS, asbestos, petroleum, and urea-formaldehyde and all substances listed as
hazardous substances pursuant to the
-19-
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980,
as amended, or defined as a hazardous waste pursuant to the United States
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and the regulations
promulgated pursuant to said laws (a "Hazardous Material"), but excluding office
------------------
and janitorial supplies properly and safely maintained. No Hazardous Materials
are present as a result of the deliberate actions of the Company or, to the
Company's or Principal Shareholders' knowledge, as a result of any actions of
any third party or otherwise, in, on or under any property, including the land
and the improvements, ground water and surface water thereof, that the Company
has at any time owned, operated, occupied or leased.
(b) Hazardous Materials Activities. The Company has not transported,
------------------------------
stored, used, manufactured, disposed of, released or exposed its employees or
others to Hazardous Materials in violation of any law in effect on or before the
Closing Date, nor has either the Company disposed of, transported, sold, or
manufactured any product containing a Hazardous Material (any or all of the
foregoing being collectively referred to as "Hazardous Materials Activities") in
------------------------------
violation of any rule, regulation, treaty or statute promulgated by any
Governmental Entity in effect prior to or as of the date hereof to prohibit,
regulate or control Hazardous Materials or any Hazardous Material Activity.
(c) Permits. The Company currently holds all environmental approvals,
-------
permits, licenses, clearances and consents (each an "Environmental Permit")
--------------------
necessary for the conduct of the Company's Hazardous Material Activities and
other businesses of the Company as such activities and businesses are currently
being conducted.
(d) Environmental Liabilities. No action, proceeding, revocation
-------------------------
proceeding, amendment procedure, writ, injunction or claim is pending, or to the
Principal Shareholders' knowledge, threatened concerning any Environmental
Permit, Hazardous Material or any Hazardous Materials Activity of the Company.
The Principal Shareholders are not aware of any fact or circumstance which could
involve the Company in any environmental litigation or impose upon the Company
any environmental liability.
2.21 Brokers' and Finders' Fees; Third Party Expenses. The Company has not
------------------------------------------------
incurred, nor will it incur, directly or indirectly, any liability for brokers'
or finders' fees or agents' commissions or any similar charges in connection
with the Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby. Exhibit C sets forth
---------
the principal terms and conditions of any agreement, written or oral, with
respect to such fees. Exhibit C sets forth the Company's current reasonable
---------
estimate of all third party expenses expected to be incurred by the Company in
connection with the negotiation and effectuation of the terms and conditions of
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
2.22 Employee Benefit Plans and Compensation.
---------------------------------------
(a) For purposes of this Section 2.22, the following terms shall have
the meanings set forth below:
(i) "Employee Plan" shall refer to any plan, program, policy,
-------------
practice, contract, agreement or other arrangement providing for bonuses,
severance, termination pay,
-20-
performance awards, stock or stock-related awards, fringe benefits or other
employee benefits of any kind, whether formal or informal, funded or unfunded
and whether or not legally binding, including without limitation, any plan which
is or has been maintained, contributed to, or required to be contributed to, by
the Company for the benefit of any "Employee" (as defined below), and pursuant
--------
to which the Company has or may have any material liability, contingent or
otherwise; and
(ii) "Employee" shall mean any current, former, or retired
--------
employee, officer, or director of the Company.
(iii) "Employee Agreement" shall refer to each employment,
------------------
severance, consulting or similar agreement or contract between the Company and
any Employee;
(b) Schedule. Exhibit C contains an accurate and complete list of
-------- ---------
each Company Employee Plan and each Employee Agreement, together with a schedule
of all liabilities, whether or not accrued, under each such Company Employee
Plan. The Company does not have any plan or commitment, whether legally binding
or not, to establish any new Company Employee Plan or Employee Agreement, to
modify any Company Employee Plan or Employee Agreement (except to the extent
required by law or to conform any such Company Employee Plan or Employee
Agreement to the requirements of any applicable law, in each case as previously
disclosed to Parent in writing, or as required by this Agreement), or to enter
into any Company Employee Plan or Employee Agreement, nor does it have any
intention or commitment to do any of the foregoing.
(c) Documents. The Company has provided to Parent: (i) correct and
---------
complete copies of all documents embodying each Employee Plan and each Employee
Agreement including all amendments thereto and copies of all forms of agreement
and enrollment used therewith; (ii) the most recent annual actuarial valuations,
if any, prepared for each Employee Plan; (iii) the three most recent annual
reports (Series 5500 and all schedules thereto), if any, required under ERISA or
the Code in connection with each Company Employee Plan or related trust; (iv)
the most recent summary plan description together with the most recent summary
of material modifications, if any, required under ERISA with respect to each
Company Employee Plan; (v) all IRS determination letters and rulings relating to
Company Employee Plans and copies of all applications and correspondence to or
from the IRS or the Department of Labor ("DOL") with respect to any Company
---
Employee Plan; (vi) if the Employee Plan is funded, the most recent annual and
periodic accounting of Employee Plan assets; and (vii) all communications
material to any Employee or Employees relating to any Employee Plan and any
proposed Employee Plans, in each case, relating to any amendments, terminations,
establishments, increases or decreases in benefits, acceleration of payments or
vesting schedules or other events which would result in any liability to the
Company.
(d) Employee Plan Compliance. (i) The Company have performed all
------------------------
obligations required to be performed by them under each Employee Plan and each
Employee Plan has been established and maintained in accordance with its terms
and in compliance with all applicable laws, statutes, orders, rules and
regulations, including ERISA and the Code; (ii) no "prohibited transaction,"
----------------------
within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA, has
occurred with respect to any Company Employee Plan; (iii) there are no actions,
suits or claims pending, or, to
-21-
the knowledge of the Company or the Principal Shareholders threatened or
anticipated (other than routine claims for benefits) against any Employee Plan
or against the assets of any Employee Plan; (iii) each Employee Plan can be
amended, terminated or otherwise discontinued after the Closing Date in
accordance with its terms, without liability to the Company, Parent or Sub
(other than ordinary administration expenses typically incurred in a termination
event); (iv) there are no inquiries or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge
of the Company or any Principal Shareholders threatened by the IRS or DOL with
respect to any Company Employee Plan; and (v) the Company is not subject to any
penalty or tax with respect to any Company Employee Plan under Section 402(i) of
ERISA or Section 4975 through 4980 of the Code.
(e) Pension Plans. The Company does not now, nor has it ever,
-------------
maintained, established, sponsored, participated in, or contributed to, any
Pension Plan which is subject to Part 3 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA, Title
IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code.
(f) Multiemployer Plans. At no time has the Company contributed to or
-------------------
been requested to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan.
(g) No Post-Employment Obligations. No Company Employee Plan
------------------------------
provides, or has any liability to provide, life insurance, medical or other
employee benefits to any Employee upon his or her retirement or termination of
employment for any reason, except as may be required by statute, and the Company
has not represented, promised or contracted (whether in oral or written form) to
any Employee (either individually or to Employees as a group) that such
Employee(s) would be provided with life insurance, medical or other employee
welfare benefits upon their retirement or termination of employment, except to
the extent required by statute.
(h) No Conflicts. The execution of this Agreement and the
------------
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not (either alone or
upon the occurrence of any additional or subsequent events) constitute an event
under any Employee Plan, Employee Agreement, trust or loan that will or may
result in any payment (whether of severance pay or otherwise), acceleration,
forgiveness of indebtedness, vesting, distribution, increase in benefits or
obligation to fund benefits with respect to any Employee.
(i) Employment Matters. The Company (i) is in compliance with all
------------------
applicable laws, rules and regulations respecting employment, employment
practices, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours, in each case,
with respect to Employees; (ii) has withheld all amounts required by law or by
agreement to be withheld from the wages, salaries and other payments to
Employees; (iii) is not liable for any arrears of wages or any taxes or any
penalty for failure to comply with any of the foregoing; and (iv) is not liable
for any payment to any trust or other fund or to any governmental or
administrative authority, with respect to unemployment compensation benefits,
social security or other benefits for Employees (other than routine payments to
be made in the normal course of business and consistent with past practice).
(j) Labor. No work stoppage or labor strike against the Company is
-----
pending, or to the knowledge of the Company and the Principal Shareholders,
threatened. The Company is not
-22-
involved in or threatened with any labor dispute, grievance, or litigation
relating to labor, safety, discrimination, or harassment matters involving any
Employee, including, without limitation, charges of unfair labor practices,
discrimination, or harassment complaints, which, if adversely determined, would,
individually or in the aggregate, result in liability to the Company, Parent or
Sub. The Company has not engaged in any unfair labor practices which could,
individually or in the aggregate, directly or indirectly result in a liability
to the Company, Parent or Sub. The Company is not presently, or has in the past,
been a party to, or bound by, any collective bargaining agreement or union
contract with respect to Employees and no collective bargaining agreement is
being negotiated by the Company.
2.23 Insurance. Exhibit C lists all insurance policies and fidelity bonds
--------- ---------
covering the assets, business, equipment, properties, operations, employees,
officers and directors of the Company. There is no claim by the Company pending
under any of such policies or bonds as to which coverage has been questioned,
denied or disputed by the underwriters of such policies or bonds. All premiums
due and payable under all such policies and bonds have been paid and the Company
are otherwise in compliance with the terms of such policies and bonds (or other
policies and bonds providing substantially similar insurance coverage). The
Company and the Principal Shareholders have no knowledge of any threatened
termination of, or premium increase with respect to, any of such policies.
2.24 Compliance with Laws. The Company has complied with, are not in
--------------------
violation of, and have not received any notices of violation with respect to,
any foreign, federal, state or local statute, law or regulation.
2.25 Third Party Consents. No consent or approval is needed from any third
--------------------
party in order to effect the Merger or any of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.
2.26 Warranties; Indemnities. Exhibit C sets forth a summary of all
----------------------- ---------
warranties and indemnities relating to products sold or services rendered by the
Company, and no warranty or indemnity has been given by the Company which
differs therefrom. Exhibit C also indicates all warranty and indemnity claims
---------
in excess of $25,000 made against the Company.
2.27 Complete Copies of Materials. The Company has delivered or made
----------------------------
available true and complete copies of each document (or summaries of same) that
has been requested by Parent or its counsel.
2.28 Representations Complete. None of the representations or warranties
------------------------
made by the Company or the Principal Shareholders (as modified by the Exhibit
-------
C), nor any statement made in Exhibit C or any certificate furnished by the
---------
Company or the Principal Shareholders pursuant to this Agreement, or furnished
in or in connection with documents mailed or delivered to the Company
Shareholders in connection with soliciting their consent to this Agreement and
the Merger, contains or will contain at the Closing, any untrue statement of a
material fact, or omits or will omit at the Closing to state any material fact
necessary in order to make the statements contained herein or therein, in the
light of the circumstances under which made, not misleading.
-23-
2.29 Business Plan. The Company has provided to Parent a current, accurate
-------------
and detailed business plan for the Company's planned operations during the
twelve months following the Closing Date which includes, without limitation, a
description of the Company's capital requirements, staffing needs, and a pro
forma income statement. The business plan is set forth as Exhibit E hereto.
---------
2.30 Backlog Report. The Company has provided to Parent a detailed and
--------------
accurate list of all orders booked but not yet completed, giving the status of
each order as of a recent date. The backlog report is attached to Exhibit C
---------
hereto.
2.31 Principal Shareholder Investment Representations. Each Principal
------------------------------------------------
Shareholder, severally and not jointly, hereby makes all of the representations
and warranties set forth in Section 1 of the Shareholder Certificate attached
hereto as Exhibit G as if such representations and warranties were set forth in
---------
full herein.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND SUB
Parent and Sub represent and warrant to the Company as follows:
3.1 Organization, Standing and Power. Parent is a corporation duly
--------------------------------
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Utah. Sub is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of Delaware. Each of Parent and Sub has the corporate power to
own its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted and is
duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in
which the failure to be so qualified would have a material adverse effect on the
ability of Parent and Sub to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
3.2 Authority; Consents. Parent and Sub have all requisite corporate
-------------------
power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Parent and Sub. This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Parent and Sub and constitutes
the valid and binding obligations of Parent and Sub, enforceable in accordance
with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by principles of
public policy and subject to the laws of general application relating to
bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of debtors and rules of law governing
specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent and Sub does not, and, as of
the Closing, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby will not, Conflict with (i) any provision of the respective Articles of
Incorporation or Bylaws of Parent or Sub or (ii) any agreement or instrument,
permit, judgment, statute, law, rule or regulation applicable to Parent or Sub.
No consent, waiver, approval, or registration, declaration or filing with, any
Governmental Entity or any third party is required by or
-24-
with respect to any of the Parent or Sub in connection with the execution and
delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby.
3.3 Capital Structure.
-----------------
(a) The authorized capital stock of Applicant consists of 100,000,000
shares of Common Stock, $0.001 par value, and 38,188,501 shares of Preferred
Stock, $0.001 par value, of which 18,678,500 shares are designated Series A
Preferred Stock, 9,310,001 shares are designated Series B Preferred Stock and
10,200,000 shares are designated Series C Preferred Stock. As of October 10,
1997, 39,421,722 shares of its Common Stock were issued and outstanding,
18,518,500 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding,
9,310,001 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding and
8,454,580 shares of its Series C Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding.
The Applicant has also reserved (i) 3,900,000 shares of Common Stock for
issuance to employees and consultants pursuant to Applicant's 1996 Stock Option
Plan and the 1996 Equity Compensation Plan, (ii) 160,000 shares of Series A
Preferred Stock for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding warrants to
purchase Series A Preferred Stock (the "Warrant Stock"), (iii) 160,000 shares of
Common Stock for issuance upon conversion of the Warrant Stock, (iv) 1,000,000
shares of Common Stock for issuance upon the exercise of warrants issued or
outstanding warrants to purchase issuable pursuant to the Applicant's Affiliate
Warrant Program, and (v) 24,000,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under
the Applicant's 1997 Acquisition Stock Option Plan. Except for stock and
options issuable in connection with potential acquisitions by Applicant, there
are no other options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments or agreements of any
character, written or oral, to which Applicant is a party or by which it is
bound obligating Applicant to issue, deliver, sell, repurchase or redeem, or
cause to be issued, delivered, sold, repurchased or redeemed, any shares of the
capital stock of Applicant or obligating Applicant to grant, extend, or enter
into any such option, warrant, call, right, commitment or agreement. The Merger
will not change the rights of the existing stockholders of Applicant; however,
the Merger will diminish USWeb stockholders' equity interest in USWeb because of
the increase in the number of shares of Common Stock of Applicant outstanding.
(b) The shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the
Merger, when issued as contemplated hereby, will be duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
3.4 Brokers' and Finders' Fees. The Parent has not incurred, nor will it
--------------------------
incur, directly or indirectly, any liability for brokers' or finders' fees or
agents' commissions or any similar charges in connection with this Agreement or
any transaction contemplated hereby.
3.5 Complete Copies of Materials. Parent has delivered or made available
----------------------------
true and complete copies of each document (or summaries of same) that has been
requested by the Company, the Principal Shareholders, or their respective
counsel.
-25-
3.6 Parent Financial Statements. Parent has provided to the Company
---------------------------
certain financial statements of Parent as of the date of the last audited period
and any subsequent quarter for which unaudited financial statements are
available (the "Parent Financials"). The Parent Financials are correct in all
-----------------
material respects and have been prepared in accordance with USGAAP applied on a
basis consistent throughout the periods indicated and consistent with each
other. The Parent Financials present fairly in all material respects the
financial condition, operation results and cash flows of the Parent on a
consolidated basis as of the dates and during the periods indicated therein,
subject in the case of the unaudited financial statements to normal year-end
adjustments, which will not be material in amount or significance.
3.7 Litigation. There is no action, suit or proceeding of any nature
----------
pending, or to the Parent's knowledge threatened, against the Parent, its
properties or any of its officers or directors arising out of the operations of
the business of Parent or its subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of Parent, is
there any reasonable basis therefor. There is no investigation pending or, to
the Parent's knowledge threatened, against the Parent, its properties or any of
its officers or directors arising out of the operations of the business of
Parent or its subsidiaries (nor, to the knowledge of the Parent, is there any
reasonable basis therefor) by or before any government entity. No Governmental
Entity has at any time challenged or questioned the legal right of the Parent to
manufacture, offer or sell any of its products or services in the present manner
or style thereof.
ARTICLE IV
CONDUCT PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME
4.1 Conduct of Business of the Company. During the period from the date
----------------------------------
of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this
Agreement or the Effective Time, the Company agrees (except to the extent that
Parent shall otherwise consent in writing), to carry on its business in the
usual, regular and ordinary course in substantially the same manner as
heretofore conducted, to pay debts and Taxes when due, to pay or perform other
obligations when due, and, to the extent consistent with such business, use all
reasonable efforts consistent with past practice and policies to preserve intact
the Company's present business organization, keep available the services of
present officers and key employees and preserve relationships with customers,
suppliers, distributors, licensors, licensees, and others having business
dealings with it, all with the goal of preserving unimpaired the Company's
goodwill and ongoing businesses at the Effective Time. The Company shall
promptly notify Parent of any event or occurrence or emergency not in the
ordinary course of business of the Company and any material event involving the
Company. Except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, the Company shall
not, without the prior written consent of Parent:
(a) Enter into any commitment or transaction not in the ordinary
course of business or any commitment or transaction of the type described in
Section 2.9 hereof;
(b) Transfer to any person or entity any rights to the Intellectual
Property of the Company;
-26-
(c) Enter into or amend any agreements pursuant to which any other
party is granted marketing, distribution or similar rights of any type or scope
with respect to any products of the Company;
(d) Amend or otherwise modify (or agree to do so), except in the
ordinary course of business, or violate the terms of, any of the agreements set
forth or described in Exhibit C;
---------
(e) Commence any litigation;
(f) Declare, set aside or pay any dividends on or make any other
distributions (whether in cash, stock or property) in respect of any of its
capital stock, or split, combine or reclassify any of its capital stock or issue
or authorize the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or
in substitution for shares of capital stock of the Company, or repurchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any shares of its capital
stock (or options, warrants or other rights exercisable therefor);
(g) Issue, grant, deliver or sell or authorize or propose the
issuance, grant, delivery or sale of, or purchase or propose the purchase of,
any shares of its capital stock or securities convertible into, or
subscriptions, rights, warrants or options to acquire, or other agreements or
commitments of any character obligating it to issue any such shares or other
convertible securities;
(h) Cause or permit any amendments to its Articles of Incorporation or
Bylaws;
(i) Acquire or agree to acquire by merging or consolidating with, or
by purchasing any assets or equity securities of, or by any other manner, any
business or any corporation, partnership, association or other business
organization or division thereof, or otherwise acquire or agree to acquire any
assets which are material, individually or in the aggregate, to its business;
(j) Sell, lease, license or otherwise dispose of any of its properties
or assets, except in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
practices;
(k) Incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantee any such
indebtedness or issue or sell any debt securities or guarantee any debt
securities of others;
(l) Grant any loans to others or purchase debt securities of others or
amend the terms of any outstanding loan agreement, except in the ordinary course
of business and consistent with past practices;
(m) Grant any severance or termination pay (i) to any director or
officer or (ii) to any other employee except payments made pursuant to standard
written agreements outstanding on the date hereof;
-27-
(n) Adopt or amend any employee benefit plan, or enter into any
employment contract, pay or agree to pay any special bonus or special
remuneration to any director or employee, or increase the salaries or wage rates
of its employees;
(o) Revalue any of its assets, including without limitation writing
down the value of inventory or writing off notes or accounts receivable other
than in the ordinary course of business;
(p) Take any action which could jeopardize the tax-free reorganization
hereunder;
(q) Pay, discharge or satisfy, in an amount in excess of $10,000 (in
any one case) or $25,000 (in the aggregate), any claim, liability or obligation
(absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or otherwise), other than
the payment, discharge or satisfaction in the ordinary course of business of
liabilities reflected or reserved against in the Financial Statements (or the
notes thereto);
(r) Make or change any material election in respect of Taxes, adopt or
change any accounting method in respect of Taxes, enter into any closing
agreement, settle any claim or assessment in respect of Taxes, or consent to any
extension or waiver of the limitation period applicable to any claim or
assessment in respect of Taxes;
(s) Enter into any strategic alliance or joint marketing arrangement
or agreement;
(t) Hire any new employee, terminate the employment of any existing
employee, add any new consultant or contractor (or group of such consultants or
contractors) with annual compensation in excess of $5,000, terminate the
relationship with any existing consultant or contractor, or fail to take any of
the aforementioned actions if requested by Parent; or
(u) Take, or agree in writing or otherwise to take, any of the actions
described in Sections 4.1(a) through (t) above, or any other action that would
prevent the Company from performing or cause the Company not to perform its
covenants hereunder.
4.2 No Solicitation. Until the earlier of the Effective Time or the date
---------------
of termination of this Agreement pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.1
hereof, neither the Company nor any of the Principal Shareholders will (nor will
the Company permit any of the Company's officers, directors, agents,
representatives or affiliates to) directly or indirectly, take any of the
following actions with any party other than Parent and its designees: (a)
solicit, conduct discussions with or engage in negotiations with any person,
relating to the possible acquisition of the Company (whether by way of merger,
purchase of capital stock, purchase of assets or otherwise) or any material
portion of its or their capital stock or assets, (b) provide information with
respect to it to any person, other than Parent, relating to the possible
acquisition of the Company (whether by way of merger, purchase of capital stock,
purchase of assets or otherwise) or any material portion of its or their capital
stock or assets, (c) enter into an agreement with any person, other than Parent,
providing for the acquisition of the Company (whether by way of merger, purchase
of capital stock, purchase of assets or otherwise) or any material portion of
its or their capital stock or assets or (d) make or authorize any statement,
-28-
recommendation or solicitation in support of any possible acquisition of the
Company (whether by way of merger, purchase of capital stock, purchase of assets
or otherwise) or any material portion of its or their capital stock or assets by
any person, other than by Parent. In addition to the foregoing, if the Company
or any Principal Shareholder receives prior to the Effective Time or the
termination of this Agreement any offer or proposal relating to any of the
above, the Company or such Principal Shareholder, as applicable, shall
immediately notify Parent thereof, including information as to the identity of
the offeror or the party making any such offer or proposal and the specific
terms of such offer or proposal, as the case may be, and such other information
related thereto as Parent may reasonably request.
ARTICLE V
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
5.1 Parent's Right of First Refusal. Each Principal Shareholder agrees to
-------------------------------
abide by the terms of the Parent's right of first refusal set forth in Section 4
of the Shareholder Certificate attached hereto as Exhibit G as if such right of
---------
first refusal were set forth in full herein.
5.2 Market Standoff Agreement. Each Principal Shareholder agrees to abide
-------------------------
by the covenants set forth in the market standoff agreement in Section 2 of the
Shareholder Certificate attached hereto as Exhibit G as if such covenants were
---------
set forth in full herein.
5.3 Restriction on Competition.
--------------------------
(a) Restricted Activities. For a period of three (3) years beginning
---------------------
on the Closing Date, no Principal Shareholder shall:
(i) engage in, including as an employee, consultant or
otherwise, or own any interest (except as a passive investor of less than five
percent (5%) of total debt and equity) in any business or other activity that
would compete with the Parent's; or
(ii) divert or attempt to divert any existing or prospective
business or customers of the Parent (including any affiliates of the Parent) to
any other person or entity, by direct or indirect inducement or otherwise, or do
or perform, directly or indirectly, any other act injurious or prejudicial to
the goodwill associated with the Parent or its affiliates; or
(iii) solicit any person for employment who is at that time
already employed by Parent or any of its affiliates, or otherwise directly or
indirectly induce or seek to induce such person to leave his or her employment.
(b) Scope of Restriction.
--------------------
(i) This Section shall apply in the Standard Metropolitan
Statistical Area where the Company is located.
-29-
(ii) In the event that any other provision of this Section 5.3
or the application of any such provision shall be held to be prohibited or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such provision shall, as to such
jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or
unenforceability. The remaining provisions of this covenant to refrain from
competition shall remain in full force and effect, and any such prohibition or
unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render
unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. The parties shall use
their best efforts to replace the provision that is contrary to law with a legal
one approximating to the extent possible the original intent of the parties.
(iii) In the event that a Principal Shareholder, who also is a
New Employee, is terminated from employment by Parent without cause at any time
within three (3) years of the Closing Date, then the term of the restrictions
imposed by this Section 5.3 shall be reduced to six (6) months and that
terminated Principal Shareholder/New Employee shall receive severance benefits
from Parent equal to six (6) months' salary and employee benefits. For the
purposes solely of this Agreement, "cause" for a Principal Shareholder's
-----
termination shall exist at any time upon the occurrence of any of the following
events:
(A) acts of dishonesty by the Principal Shareholder;
(B) gross negligence or willful malfeasance by the
Principal Shareholder in the performance of his duties;
(C) willful disregard of, or failure to follow written
instructions from, Parent's officers or board of directors to do any legal act
related to the Company's business;
(D) the Principal Shareholder's conviction of a crime
relating to his employment, or of any felony;
(E) physical or mental disability of the Principal
Shareholder which prevents performance of his duties for a consecutive period of
at least 120 days, or at least 150 days in a period of 200 days; or
(F) death of the Principal Shareholder.
5.4 Confidentiality. Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees to keep
---------------
such information or knowledge obtained pursuant to the negotiation and execution
of this Agreement, or the effectuation of the transactions contemplated hereby,
confidential; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not apply to
information or knowledge which (a) a party can demonstrate was already lawfully
in its possession prior to the disclosure thereof by the other party, (b) has
been approved for use or disclosure by the other party (in writing), (c) is or
becomes generally known to the public and did not become so known through any
violation of law or this Agreement by the non-disclosing party, (d) is later
lawfully acquired by such party from other sources, (e) is required to be
disclosed by order of court or government agency after seeking any reasonably
available protection against general disclosure or (f) which is disclosed in the
course of any litigation between any of the parties hereto; it
-30-
being understood that the parties may disclose relevant information and
knowledge to their respective employees and agents on a "need to know" basis,
provided that the parties cause such employees and agents to treat such
information and knowledge confidentially.
5.5 Expenses. Whether or not the Merger is consummated, all fees and
--------
expenses incurred in connection with the Merger including, without limitation,
all legal, accounting, financial advisory, consulting and all other fees and
expenses of third parties incurred by a party in connection with the negotiation
and effectuation of the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, shall be the obligation of the respective
party incurring such fees and expenses.
5.6 Public Disclosure. Unless otherwise required by law or any applicable
-----------------
rule of a stock exchange or quotation system upon which a party's securities are
listed (or are intended to be listed), prior to the Effective Time, no
disclosure (whether or not in response to an inquiry) of the subject matter of
this Agreement shall be made by the Company or the Principal Shareholders unless
approved by Parent prior to release, provided that such approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld.
5.7 Post-Closing Employment of Company Employees.
--------------------------------------------
(a) Company shall terminate the employment of each employee of
Company on and as of the Effective Time. Parent will hire at the Effective Time,
on an "at will" basis and subject to Parent's terms, conditions and policies of
employment each person who is employed by Company and whose employment is
terminated by Company at the Effective Time pursuant to the foregoing sentence.
Nothing contained in this Section is intended or shall be deemed to (a) require
Parent to employ such persons for any fixed or pre-determined time after the
Effective Time, or (b) confer upon any employee of Company, past, present, or
future, any rights of employment of any nature, it being understood and agreed
that the provisions of this Section are intended to set forth an agreement among
Parent and Company, and are not intended to benefit any persons not party to
this Agreement, including such employees. Parent and Company hereby agree to
adopt the alternate procedure of Rev. Proc. 96-60 for purposes of employer
payroll withholding.
(b) In connection with hiring the Company's employees (the "New
---
Employees") as set forth in Section 5.7(a) above, Parent shall grant to the New
---------
Employees incentive stock options (to the extent permissible under tax law) to
purchase Parent Common Stock in an aggregate number equal to the number of
shares paid as the Original Purchase Price. Such incentive stock options shall
be issued to the New Employees, and in the amounts, requested by the Company in
writing at the Effective Time. The exercise price of each option shall be the
fair market value of the Common Stock subject to such option at the Effective
Time as determined in good faith and authorized by the Board of Directors of the
Parent. Such options shall not be exercisable at the date of grant, but shall
become exercisable as to one-thirty-sixth (1/36) of the shares subject to such
option each month after the Agreement Date, provided, however, that no option
shall become exercisable with respect to any shares at any time following the
date that the New Employee to whom the option was granted ceases to be an
employee or consultant of the Parent (an "Employee Termination"), and provided
--------------------
further that the term of any such option shall expire if not exercised, and to
the extent not exercisable, ninety (90) days after the date of the Employee
Termination. Accordingly, any New Employee who receives
-31-
an option must exercise it (but only to the extent then exercisable), if at all,
within ninety (90) days after an Employee Termination. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, in the event of any Employee Termination due to the death or
disability of the New Employee, the New Employee or his estate shall have twelve
(12) months to exercise the option to the extent it was exercisable on the date
of the Employee Termination; thereafter, the option shall terminate as to any
unexercised portion. New Employee acknowledges that New Employee may be taxed
under the Code on the difference between the fair market value of shares
purchased pursuant to any exercised option less the exercise price paid on the
date of any such exercise and that the Parent may withhold any applicable taxes
from New Employee's regular pay or, if insufficient, that New Employee will make
any required withholding payment to the Parent. New Employee also acknowledges
that there may be state or local tax due upon exercise of the option, and that
any such tax is the obligation of the New Employee and not the Parent. The terms
of the options as described in this paragraph are subject to the terms of the
form of option agreement attached hereto as Exhibit F.
---------
(c) Also in connection with hiring the New Employees, Parent agrees
to issue to each of them a bonus payable in Parent Common Stock (the "Stock
-----
Bonus") equal to the aggregate exercise price of the options described in
-----
Section 5.7(b) above. The Stock Bonus shall be, as to each New Employee, for
such number of shares of Parent Common Stock as shall be equal, on the date
paid, and in the good faith judgment of the Parent's Board of Directors, to the
aggregate exercise price of the exercisable portion of the option granted to the
New Employee described in the foregoing paragraph. The Stock Bonus shall be
granted to such New Employee on the earlier of: (i) in the event that the New
Employee's employment by Parent or any wholly owned subsidiary of Parent
terminates on or before the date five years subsequent to the Agreement Date, on
the date of such termination (but only that number of shares required pursuant
to this paragraph), (ii) if on the date three years subsequent to the Agreement
Date the Parent shall have a class of equity securities that has been publicly
traded on a national exchange or quotation system for at least 180 days, then on
such date three years subsequent to the Agreement Date, (iii) in the event that
on the date three years subsequent to the Agreement Date the Parent shall not
have a class of equity securities that has been publicly traded on a national
securities exchange or quotation system for at least 180 days, then on the first
business day after the date three years subsequent to the Agreement Date that
the Parent shall have a class of equity securities that has been publicly traded
on a national securities exchange or quotation system for 180 days, and (iv) the
date five years subsequent to the Agreement Date. New Employee acknowledges
that there may be federal, state or local tax due upon receipt of the Stock
Bonus, that Parent may withhold any applicable taxes from New Employee's regular
pay or, if insufficient, that New Employee will make any required withholding
payment to Parent, and that any such tax is the obligation of the New Employee
and not the Parent.
(d) In addition to the stock option (the "Original Option") and Stock
---------------
Bonus described in subsections (b) and (c) of this Section, in the event that
any additional shares of Parent's Common Stock are issued pursuant to the
Purchase Price Adjustment provisions of Section 1.10, an additional option, in
form and substance substantially similar to the Original Option (but with an
exercise price determined based on the date of issuance) (the "Additional
----------
Option"), and an additional stock bonus commitment (the "Additional Stock
------ ----------------
Bonus") proportionate to the Additional Option, in form and substance
substantially similar to that described in paragraph (c) of this Section, shall
be
-32-
issued by the Parent to any then-remaining employee of Parent or Sub who
received an Original Option. The number of shares subject to any such
Additional Option shall be calculated by taking the number of shares issued
pursuant to such Purchase Price Adjustment provisions multiplied by three (3).
Such Additional Options shall be issued to such employees of Parent or Sub as
are reasonably acceptable to the board of directors of Parent and are requested
in writing promptly after any Adjustment Date by the board of directors of Sub.
For each recipient, the number of shares granted in the Additional Stock Bonus
shall be proportionate to the Additional Option. Any such Additional Options
and Additional Stock Bonuses shall be granted at the next regularly scheduled
meeting of the Parent's board of directors following the date of any Purchase
Price Adjustment pursuant to Section 1.10.
5.8 Treatment of Affiliate Warrants. To the extent that any affiliate of
-------------------------------
the Company has received or has the right to receive any warrants under Parent's
Affiliate Warrant Program, the warrants received or to be received thereunder
shall remain in full force and effect and, to the extent required to make
calculations of shares issuable under such warrants, Parent shall estimate in
good faith the business measures of the Surviving Corporation as necessary to
such calculations, with the intent of preserving the economic value of such
warrants to the holders thereof following the completion of the acquisition
contemplated hereby.
5.9 Access to Information. The Company shall afford Parent and its
---------------------
accountants, counsel and other representatives, reasonable access during normal
business hours during the period prior to the Effective Time to (a) all of the
Company's properties, books, contracts, commitments and records, and (b) all
other information concerning the business, properties and personnel (subject to
restrictions imposed by applicable law) of the Company as Parent may reasonably
request. The Company agrees to provide to Parent and its accountants, counsel
and other representatives copies of internal financial statements promptly upon
request. No information or knowledge obtained in any investigation pursuant to
this Section 5.9 shall affect or be deemed to modify any representation or
warranty contained herein or the conditions to the obligations of the parties to
consummate the Merger.
5.10 Consents. The Company shall use its best efforts to obtain the
--------
consents, waivers and approvals under any of the Contracts as may be required in
connection with the Merger (all of such consents, waivers and approvals are set
forth in Exhibit C) so as to preserve all rights of, and benefits to, the
---------
Company thereunder.
5.11 FIRPTA Compliance. On the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver to
-----------------
Parent a properly executed statement in a form reasonably acceptable to Parent
for purposes of satisfying Parent's obligations under Treasury Regulation
Section 1.1445-2(c)(3).
5.12 Best Efforts. Subject to the terms and conditions provided in this
------------
Agreement, each of the parties hereto shall use its best efforts to take
promptly, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do promptly, or cause to be
done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and
regulations to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated
hereby to obtain all necessary waivers, consents and approvals and to effect all
necessary registrations and filings and to
-33-
remove any injunctions or other impediments or delays, legal or otherwise, in
order to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement for the purpose of securing to the parties hereto the benefits
contemplated by this Agreement; provided that Parent shall not be required to
agree to any divestiture by Parent or the Company or any of Parent's
subsidiaries or affiliates of shares of capital stock or of any business, assets
or property of Parent or its affiliates or of the Company or its affiliates, or
the imposition of any material limitation on the ability of any of them to
conduct their businesses or to own or exercise control of such assets,
properties and stock.
5.13 Notification of Certain Matters. The Company shall give prompt notice
-------------------------------
to Parent, and Parent shall give prompt notice to the Company, of (i) the
occurrence or non-occurrence of any event, the occurrence or non-occurrence of
which is likely to cause any representation or warranty of the Company or the
Principal Shareholders and Parent, respectively, contained in this Agreement to
be untrue or inaccurate at or prior to the Effective Time and (ii) any failure
of the Company or Parent, as the case may be, to comply with or satisfy any
covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it
hereunder; provided, however, that the delivery of any notice pursuant to this
Section 5.13 shall not limit or otherwise affect any remedies available to the
party receiving such notice.
5.14 Tax Returns. The Principal Shareholders shall prepare or cause to be
-----------
prepared and file or cause to be filed all income Tax Returns for the Company
for all periods ending on or prior to the Closing Date which are filed after the
Closing Date. Such returns shall be prepared in accordance with applicable law
and past practices consistently applied. The Principal Shareholders shall permit
Parent to review and comment on each such Tax Return prior to filing. The
Principal Shareholders shall reimburse the Company for any income Taxes of the
Company with respect to all periods or portions thereof ending on or prior to
the Closing Date. Such reimbursement shall not include taxes of the Company
Shareholders payable with respect to income of the Company.
5.15 Section 368 Compliance. From and after the Effective Time, neither
----------------------
Parent, Sub, or the Company shall take any action that will cause the Merger not
to be treated as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code.
5.16 Parent Policies. The Company and Principal Shareholders acknowledge
---------------
that Parent has implemented policies regarding the operation of subsidiary
entities such as the Company will be following the Merger. The Company and
Principal Shareholders acknowledge and agree that such policies, or any such
amended or replacement policies that are reasonably similar in scope, nature or
effect, are anticipated to be in place following the Merger, and the Company and
Principal Shareholders hereby indicate their intention to act in substantial
compliance with all such policies. Such policies shall not provide for Parent
overhead allocations from Parent to Company or Sub, unless otherwise agreed in
advance by the parties.
-34-
ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
6.1 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party to Effect the Merger. The
------------------------------------------------------------
respective obligations of each party to this Agreement to effect the Merger
shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of the
following conditions:
(a) No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality. No temporary
----------------------------------------
restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by
any court of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition
preventing the consummation of the Merger shall be in effect, nor shall any
proceeding brought by an administrative agency or commission or other
governmental authority or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, seeking any of
the foregoing be pending; nor shall there be any action taken, or any statute,
rule, regulation or order enacted, entered, enforced or deemed applicable to the
Merger, which makes the consummation of the Merger illegal.
(b) Litigation. There shall be no action, suit, claim or proceeding
----------
of any nature pending, or overtly threatened, against the Parent, Sub or the
Company, their respective properties or any of their officers or directors,
arising out of, or in any way connected with, the Merger or the other
transactions contemplated by the terms of this Agreement.
6.2 Additional Conditions to Obligations of Company. The obligations of
-----------------------------------------------
the Company to consummate and effect this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the
Effective Time of each of the following conditions, any of which may be waived,
in writing, exclusively by the Company:
(a) Representations, Warranties and Covenants. The representations
-----------------------------------------
and warranties of Parent and Sub in this Agreement shall be true and correct in
all material respects on and as of the Effective Time as though such
representations and warranties were made on and as of such time and each of
Parent and Sub shall have performed and complied in all material respects with
all covenants and obligations of this Agreement required to be performed and
complied with by it as of the Effective Time.
(b) Certificate of the Parent. Company shall have been provided with
-------------------------
a certificate executed on behalf of the Parent by its President to the effect
that, as of the Effective Time:
(i) all representations and warranties made by the Parent and
Sub in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects;
(ii) all covenants and obligations of this Agreement to be
performed by the Parent on or before such date have been so performed in all
material respects.
(c) Claims. There shall not have occurred any claims (whether or not
------
asserted in litigation) which may materially and adversely affect the
consummation of the transactions
-35-
contemplated hereby or the business, assets (including intangible assets),
financial condition or results of operations of the Parent, taken as a whole.
(d) No Material Adverse Changes. There shall not have occurred any
---------------------------
material adverse change in the business, assets (including intangible assets),
financial condition, results of operations of the Parent, taken as a whole since
the date of the most recent balance sheet in the Parent Financials.
6.3 Additional Conditions to the Obligations of Parent and Sub. The
----------------------------------------------------------
obligations of Parent and Sub to consummate and effect this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby shall be subject to the satisfaction at or
prior to the Effective Time of each of the following conditions, any of which
may be waived, in writing, exclusively by Parent:
(a) Representations, Warranties and Covenants. The representations
-----------------------------------------
and warranties of the Company and the Principal Shareholders in this Agreement
shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Effective
Time as though such representations and warranties were made on and as of the
Effective Time and the Company shall have performed and complied in all material
respects with all covenants and obligations of this Agreement required to be
performed and complied with by it as of the Effective Time.
(b) Certificate of the Company and Principal Shareholders. Parent
-----------------------------------------------------
shall have been provided with a certificate executed by the Principal
Shareholders and executed on behalf of the Company by its Chief Executive
Officer to the effect that, as of the Effective Time:
(i) all representations and warranties made by the Company
and the Principal Shareholders in this Agreement are true and correct in all
material respects; and
(ii) all covenants and obligations of this Agreement to be
performed by the Company on or before such date have been so performed in all
material respects.
(c) Claims. There shall not have occurred any claims (whether or not
------
asserted in litigation) which may materially and adversely affect the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or may have a Material
Adverse Effect.
(d) Third Party Consents. Any and all consents, waivers, and
--------------------
approvals listed in Exhibit C shall have been obtained.
---------
(e) Shareholder Certificate. Each of the Company Shareholders shall
-----------------------
have executed and delivered to Parent a Shareholder Certificate in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit G.
---------
(f) No Material Adverse Changes. There shall not have occurred any
---------------------------
material adverse change in the business, assets (including intangible assets),
results of operations, liabilities (contingent or accrued), financial condition
or prospects of the Company since the date of the Balance Sheet.
-36-
(g) Company Shareholder Approval. Each of the Company Shareholders
----------------------------
shall have approved this Agreement and the Merger and the transactions
contemplated thereby, and no Company Shareholder shall have exercised, or have
any continuing right to exercise, appraisal, dissenters' or similar rights by
virtue of the Merger.
ARTICLE VII
SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; ESCROW
7.1 Survival of Representations and Warranties. All of the Company's and
------------------------------------------
the Principal Shareholders' representations and warranties in this Agreement or
in any instrument delivered pursuant hereto shall terminate on the date eighteen
(18) months subsequent to the Effective Time; provided, however, that the
representations and warranties relating or pertaining to any Tax or Returns
related to such Tax set forth in Section 2.10 hereof or relating to
environmental laws or matters set forth in Section 2.20 hereof, shall survive
until ninety (90) days following the expiration of all applicable statutes of
limitations, or extensions thereof, governing each Tax or Returns related to
such Tax or environmental laws or matters. All of the Parent's and Sub's
representations and warranties contained herein or in any instrument delivered
pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate on the date eighteen (18) months
subsequent to the Effective Time.
7.2 Escrow Arrangements; Setoff.
---------------------------
(a) Escrow Fund; Setoff from Purchase Price Adjustments. As partial
---------------------------------------------------
security for the indemnity provided for in Section 7.3 and the Purchase Price
Adjustments provided for in Section 1.10, (i) at the Effective Time, the Company
Shareholders will be deemed to have received and deposited with the Escrow Agent
(as defined in Section 1.6(d)(ii) above) the Escrow Amount (plus any additional
shares that may be issued upon any stock split, stock dividend or
recapitalization effected by Parent after the Effective Time) without any act of
any Company Shareholder. On and after the Effective Time, the Escrow Amount
shall form an escrow fund (the "Escrow Fund") to be governed by the terms set
-----------
forth herein at Parent's cost and expense. The Escrow Agent may execute this
Agreement following the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time, and such
later execution, if so executed after the date hereof, shall not affect the
binding nature of this Agreement as of the date hereof between the other
signatories hereto. The portion of the Escrow Amount contributed on behalf of
each Company Shareholder shall be the pro rata amount calculated pursuant to
Section 1.6(a) of this Agreement. In addition to seeking indemnification under
Section 7.3 from the Escrow Fund and setting off amounts from the Purchase Price
Adjustment, Parent may, in its discretion, seek indemnification for Losses
directly from the Principal Shareholders, but only after first proceeding
against the Escrow Fund so long as it exists and is not subject to other claims.
Parent may not receive any shares from the Escrow Fund (other than as a Purchase
Price Adjustment) unless Officer's Certificates (as defined in subsection (d)
below) identifying losses, the aggregate of which exceeds $25,000, have been
delivered to the Shareholder Representative (as defined below) and the Escrow
Agent as provided in subsection (d) below. The Company Shareholders shall not
have any
-37-
right of contribution from the Company with respect to any Loss claimed after
the Effective Time by Parent or Sub.
(b) Escrow Period; Distribution upon Termination of Escrow Periods.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject to the following requirements, the Escrow Fund shall be in existence
immediately following the Effective Time and shall terminate at 5:00 p.m.,
Pacific Time, on the date of the first anniversary of the Effective Time (the
"Escrow Period"); provided that the Escrow Period shall not terminate with
--------------
respect to such amount (or some portion thereof) if in the reasonable judgment
of Parent, subject to the objection of the Shareholder Representative and the
subsequent arbitration of the matter in the manner provided in this Section 7.2,
such amount (or some portion thereof) together with the aggregate amount
remaining in the Escrow Fund is necessary to satisfy any unsatisfied claims
specified in any Officer's Certificate delivered to the Escrow Agent prior to
termination of such Escrow Period with respect to facts and circumstances
existing prior to the termination of such Escrow Period. As soon as all such
claims have been resolved, the Escrow Agent shall deliver to the Company
Shareholders the remaining portion of the Escrow Fund not required to satisfy
such claims. Deliveries of Escrow Amounts to the Company Shareholders pursuant
to this Section 7.2(b) shall be made in proportion to their respective original
contributions to the Escrow Fund.
(c) Protection of Escrow Fund.
-------------------------
(i) The Escrow Agent shall hold and safeguard the Escrow Fund
during the Escrow Period, shall treat such fund as a trust fund in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement and not as the property of Parent and shall
hold and dispose of the Escrow Fund only in accordance with the terms hereof.
(ii) Any shares of Parent Common Stock or other equity
securities issued or distributed by Parent (including shares issued upon a stock
split) ("New Shares") in respect of Parent Common Stock in the Escrow Fund which
----------
have not been released from the Escrow Fund shall be added to the Escrow Fund
and become a part thereof. New Shares issued in respect of shares of Parent
Common Stock which have been released from the Escrow Fund shall not be added to
the Escrow Fund but shall be distributed to the record holders thereof. Cash
dividends on Parent Common Stock shall not be added to the Escrow Fund but shall
be distributed to the record holders thereof.
(iii) Each Company Shareholder shall have voting rights with
respect to the shares of Parent Common Stock contributed to the Escrow Fund by
such Company Shareholder (and on any voting securities added to the Escrow Fund
in respect of such shares of Parent Common Stock).
(d) Claims Upon Escrow Fund.
-----------------------
(i) Upon receipt by the Escrow Agent at any time on or before
the last day of the Escrow Period of a certificate signed by any officer of
Parent (an "Officer's Certificate"): (A) stating that Parent has paid or accrued
---------------------
Losses, and (B) specifying in reasonable detail
-38-
the individual items of Losses included in the amount so stated, the date each
such item was paid or accrued, or the basis for such anticipated liability, and
the nature of the misrepresentation, breach of warranty or covenant to which
such item is related, the Escrow Agent shall, subject to the provisions of
Section 7.2(e) hereof, deliver to Parent out of the Escrow Fund, as promptly as
practicable, cash or shares of Parent Common Stock (at the election of Parent)
held in the Escrow Fund in an amount equal to such Losses.
(e) Objections to Claims. At the time of delivery of any Officer's
--------------------
Certificate to the Escrow Agent, a duplicate copy of such certificate shall be
delivered to the Shareholder Representative and for a period of thirty (30) days
after such delivery, the Escrow Agent shall make no delivery to Parent of any
Escrow Amounts pursuant to Section 7.2(d) hereof unless the Escrow Agent shall
have received written authorization from the Shareholder Representative to make
such delivery. After the expiration of such thirty (30) day period, the Escrow
Agent shall make delivery of the Escrow Amount from the Escrow Fund in
accordance with Section 7.2(d) hereof, provided that no such payment or delivery
may be made if the Shareholder Representative shall object in a written
statement to the claim made in the Officer's Certificate, and such statement
shall have been delivered to the Escrow Agent prior to the expiration of such
thirty (30) day period.
(f) Indemnification and Setoff Claims. In the event Parent shall
---------------------------------
have incurred any Losses for which Parent wishes to seek indemnification
directly from the Company Shareholders out of the Escrow Fund pursuant to this
Section 7.2, Parent shall deliver to the Shareholder Representative an Officer's
Certificate: (A) stating that Parent has paid or accrued Losses and (B)
specifying in reasonable detail the individual items of Losses included in the
amount so stated, the date each such item was paid or accrued, or the basis for
such anticipated liability, and the nature of the misrepresentation, breach of
warranty or covenant to which such item is related.
(g) Actions Against Principal Shareholders. In the event that Parent
--------------------------------------
has elected to pursue indemnity directly from the Principal Shareholders, the
Principal Shareholders shall promptly, and in no event later than 30 days after
delivery of the Officer's Certificate, wire transfer to Parent the amount of
such Loss, unless the Company or the Principal Shareholders, as the case may be,
contest such claim by following the procedures set forth in Section 7.2(i).
(h) Valuation of Parent Common Stock. For the purposes of
--------------------------------
determining the number of shares of Parent Common Stock to be delivered to
Parent out of the Escrow Fund as indemnity pursuant to Section 7.3 hereof, the
shares of Parent Common Stock shall be valued as of the Agreement Date.
(i) Resolution of Conflicts; Arbitration.
------------------------------------
(i) In case the Shareholder Representative shall object in
writing to any claim or claims made in any Officer's Certificate within thirty
(30) days after delivery of such Officer's Certificate, the Shareholder
Representative and Parent shall attempt in good faith to agree upon the rights
of the respective parties with respect to each of such claims. If the
Shareholder Representative and Parent should so agree, a memorandum setting
forth such agreement shall be
-39-
prepared and signed by both parties. If any claim against the Escrow Fund was
sought, such memorandum shall be furnished to the Escrow Agent and the Escrow
Agent shall be entitled to rely on any such memorandum and make payment out of
the Escrow Fund in accordance with the terms thereof.
(ii) If no such agreement can be reached after good faith
negotiation (or in any event after 60 days from the date of the Officer's
Certificate), either Parent or the Shareholder Representative may demand
arbitration of the matter unless the amount of the damage or loss is at issue in
pending litigation with a third party, in which event arbitration shall not be
commenced until such amount is ascertained or both parties agree to arbitration;
and in either such event the matter shall be settled by arbitration conducted by
three arbitrators. Parent and the Shareholder Representative shall each select
one arbitrator, and the two arbitrators so selected shall select a third
arbitrator. The arbitrators shall set a limited time period and establish
procedures designed to reduce the cost and time for discovery while allowing the
parties an opportunity, adequate in the sole judgment of the arbitrators, to
discover relevant information from the opposing parties about the subject matter
of the dispute. The arbitrators shall rule upon motions to compel or limit
discovery and shall have the authority to impose sanctions, including attorneys'
fees and costs, to the same extent as a court of law or equity, should the
arbitrators determine that discovery was sought without substantial
justification or that discovery was refused or objected to without substantial
justification. The decision of a majority of the three arbitrators as to the
validity and amount of any claim in such Officer's Certificate shall be binding
and conclusive upon the parties to this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in
Section 7.2(e) hereof, the Escrow Agent shall be entitled to act in accordance
with such decision and make or withhold payments out of the Escrow Fund in
accordance therewith. Such decision shall be written and shall be supported by
written findings of fact and conclusions which shall set forth the award,
judgment, decree or order awarded by the arbitrators.
(iii) Judgment upon any award rendered by the arbitrators may
be entered in any court having jurisdiction. Any such arbitration shall be held
in Santa ▇▇▇▇▇ County, California under the rules then in effect of the American
Arbitration Association. The arbitrators shall determine how all expenses
relating to the arbitration shall be paid, including without limitation, the
respective expenses of each party, the fees of each arbitrator and the
administrative fee of the American Arbitration Association.
(j) Third-Party Claims. In the event Parent becomes aware of a
------------------
third-party claim which Parent believes may result in Losses, Parent shall
notify the Shareholder Representative of such claim, and the Shareholder
Representative shall be entitled, at the Company Shareholders' expense, to
participate in any defense of such claim. Parent shall have the right in its
sole discretion to settle any such claim; provided, however, that except with
the consent of the Shareholder Representative, no settlement of any such claim
with third-party claimants shall be determinative of the amount of any claim
pursuant to this Section 7.2. In the event that the Shareholder Representative
has consented to any such settlement, the Company Shareholders shall have no
standing to object under any provision of this Section 7.2 to the amount of any
claim by Parent against the Escrow Fund with respect to such settlement.
(k) Shareholder Representative.
--------------------------
(i) In the event that the Merger is approved, effective upon
such vote, and without further act of any shareholder, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall be
appointed as agent and attorney-in-fact (the "Shareholder Representative") for
--------------------------
each Company Shareholder, for and on behalf of shareholders of the Company, to
give and receive notices and communications, to authorize delivery to Parent of
payments from the Escrow Fund in satisfaction of claims by Parent, to object to
such deliveries, to agree to, negotiate, enter into settlements and compromises
of, and demand arbitration and comply with orders of courts and awards of
arbitrators with respect to such claims, and to take all actions necessary or
appropriate in the judgment of the Shareholder Representative for the
accomplishment of the foregoing. Such agency may be changed by the Company
Shareholders from time to time upon not less than thirty (30) days prior written
notice to Parent; provided that the Shareholder Representative may not be
removed unless a majority-in-interest of the Company Shareholders agree to such
removal and to the identity of the substituted agent. No bond shall be required
of the Shareholder Representative, and the Shareholder Representative shall not
receive compensation for services as such. Notices or communications to or from
the Shareholder Representative shall constitute notice to or from each of the
Company Shareholders or their permitted transferees.
(ii) The Shareholder Representative shall not be liable for any
act done or omitted hereunder as Shareholder Representative while acting in good
faith and in the exercise of reasonable judgment. The Company Shareholders
shall severally indemnify the Shareholder Representative and hold him or her
harmless against any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence or
bad faith on the part of the Shareholder Representative and arising out of or in
connection with the acceptance or administration of the Shareholders
Representative's duties hereunder, including the reasonable fees and expenses of
any legal counsel retained by the Shareholder Representative.
(l) Actions of the Shareholder Representative. A decision, act,
-----------------------------------------
consent or instruction of the Shareholder Representative shall constitute a
decision of all the Company Shareholders and shall be final, binding and
conclusive upon each of such Company Shareholder, and the Escrow Agent and
Parent may rely upon any such decision, act, consent or instruction of the
Shareholder Representative as being the decision, act, consent or instruction of
each and every such Company Shareholder. The Escrow Agent and Parent are hereby
relieved from any liability to any person for any acts done by them in
accordance with such decision, act, consent or instruction of the Shareholder
Representative.
(m) Escrow Agent's Duties.
---------------------
(i) The Escrow Agent shall be obligated only for the
performance of such duties as are specifically set forth herein, and as set
forth in any additional written escrow instructions which the Escrow Agent may
receive after the date of this Agreement which are signed by an officer of
Parent and the Shareholder Representative, and may rely and shall be protected
in relying or refraining from acting on any instrument reasonably believed to be
genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties. The
Escrow Agent shall not be liable for any act done or
-41-
omitted hereunder as Escrow Agent while acting in good faith and in the exercise
of reasonable judgment, and any act done or omitted pursuant to the advice of
counsel shall be conclusive evidence of such good faith.
(ii) The Escrow Agent is hereby expressly authorized to
disregard any and all warnings given by any of the parties hereto or by any
other person, excepting only orders or process of courts of law, and is hereby
expressly authorized to comply with and obey orders, judgments or decrees of any
court. In case the Escrow Agent obeys or complies with any such order, judgment
or decree of any court, the Escrow Agent shall not be liable to any of the
parties hereto or to any other person by reason of such compliance,
notwithstanding any such order, judgment or decree being subsequently reversed,
modified, annulled, set aside, vacated or found to have been entered without
jurisdiction.
(iii) The Escrow Agent shall not be liable in any respect on
account of the identity, authority or rights of the parties executing or
delivering or purporting to execute or deliver this Agreement or any documents
or papers deposited or called for hereunder.
(iv) The Escrow Agent shall not be liable for the expiration of
any rights under any statute of limitations with respect to this Agreement or
any documents deposited with the Escrow Agent.
(v) In performing any duties under the Agreement, the Escrow
Agent shall not be liable to any party for damages, losses, or expenses, except
for gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Escrow Agent. The
Escrow Agent shall not incur any such liability for (A) any act or failure to
act made or omitted in good faith, or (B) any action taken or omitted in
reliance upon any instrument, including any written statement or affidavit
provided for in this Agreement that the Escrow Agent shall in good faith believe
to be genuine, nor will the Escrow Agent be liable or responsible for forgeries,
fraud, impersonations, or determining the scope of any representative authority.
In addition, the Escrow Agent may consult with the legal counsel in connection
with Escrow Agent's duties under this Agreement and shall be fully protected in
any act taken, suffered, or permitted by such Escrow Agent in good faith in
accordance with the advice of counsel. The Escrow Agent is not responsible for
determining and verifying the authority of any person acting or purporting to
act on behalf of any party to this Agreement.
(vi) If any controversy arises between the parties to this
Agreement, or with any other party, concerning the subject matter of this
Agreement, its terms or conditions, the Escrow Agent will not be required to
determine the controversy or to take any action regarding it. The Escrow Agent
may hold all documents and the Escrow Amount and may wait for settlement of any
such controversy by final appropriate legal proceedings or other means as, in
the Escrow Agent's discretion, the Escrow Agent may be required, despite what
may be set forth elsewhere in this Agreement. In such event, the Escrow Agent
will not be liable for damage.
Furthermore, the Escrow Agent may at its option, file an
action of interpleader, in arbitration or otherwise, as the circumstances may
require, requiring the Parties to
-42-
answer and litigate any claims and rights among themselves. The Escrow Agent is
authorized to deposit with the clerk of the court all documents and shares of
Parent Common Stock held in escrow, except all cost, expenses, charges and
reasonable attorney fees incurred by the Escrow Agent due to the interpleader
action and which the parties jointly and severally agree to pay. Upon initiating
such action, the Escrow Agent shall be fully released and discharged of and from
all obligations and liability imposed by the terms of this Agreement.
(vii) The parties and their respective successors and assigns
agree jointly and severally to indemnify and hold Escrow Agent harmless against
any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, and expenses, including
reasonable costs of investigation, counsel fees, including allocated costs of
in-house counsel and disbursements that may be imposed on the Escrow Agent or
incurred by the Escrow Agent in connection with the performance of the Escrow
Agent's duties under this Agreement, including but not limited to any litigation
arising from this Agreement or involving its subject matter other than arising
out of its gross negligence or willful misconduct.
(viii) The Escrow Agent may resign at any time upon giving at
least thirty (30) days written notice to the parties to this Agreement;
provided, however, that no such resignation shall become effective until the
appointment of a successor escrow agent which shall be accomplished as follows:
the parties shall use their best efforts to agree on a successor escrow agent
within thirty (30) days after receiving such notice. If Parent and the
Shareholder Representative fail to agree upon a successor escrow agent within
such time, the Escrow Agent shall have the right to appoint a successor escrow
agent authorized to do business in the state of California. The successor escrow
agent shall execute and deliver an instrument accepting such appointment and it
shall, without further acts, be vested with all the estates, properties, rights,
powers, and duties of the predecessor Escrow Agent as if originally named as
Escrow Agent. Thereafter, the Escrow Agent shall be discharged from any further
duties and liability under this Agreement.
(n) Fees. All fees of the Escrow Agent for performance of its duties
----
hereunder shall be paid by Parent in accordance with the standard fee schedule
of the Escrow Agent. It is understood that the fees and usual charges agreed
upon for services of the Escrow Agent shall be considered compensation for
ordinary services as contemplated by this Agreement. In the event that the
conditions of this Agreement are not promptly fulfilled, or if the Escrow Agent
renders any service not provided for in this Agreement, or if the parties hereto
request a substantial modification of its terms, or if any controversy arises,
or if the Escrow Agent is made a party to, or intervenes in, any litigation
pertaining to the Escrow Fund or its subject matter, the Escrow Agent shall be
reasonably compensated for such extraordinary services and reimbursed for all
costs, attorney's fees, including allocated costs of in-house counsel, and
expenses occasioned by such default, delay, controversy or litigation. The
Parent promises to pay these sums upon demand.
7.3 Indemnity.
---------
(a) The Principal Shareholders hereby agree to indemnify and hold
Parent and its subsidiaries, directors, officers and agents harmless against and
in respect of any loss, cost, expense, claim, liability, deficiency, judgment or
damage (hereinafter, individually, a "Loss"; and collectively,
----
-43-
"Losses") incurred by Parent, its subsidiaries, officers, directors and agents
------
(i) as a result of any inaccuracy in or breach of a representation or warranty
of the Company or the Principal Shareholders contained in this Agreement or any
failure by the Company or any Principal Shareholder to perform or comply with
any covenant contained in this Agreement and (ii) by reason of the failure of
the Company and the Principal Shareholders to perform their obligations
hereunder.
(b) Parent hereby agrees to indemnify and hold the Company and its
subsidiaries, directors, officers and agents harmless against and in respect of
any Loss incurred by the Company, its subsidiaries, officers, directors and
agents (i) as a result of any inaccuracy in or breach of a representation or
warranty of Parent contained in this Agreement or any failure by Parent to
perform or comply with any covenant contained in this Agreement and (ii) by
reason of the failure of Parent to perform its obligations hereunder.
(c) Expiration of Indemnification. The indemnification obligations
-----------------------------
under this Section 7.3 shall terminate at 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time on the third
anniversary of the Agreement Date, but shall not terminate as to any Loss (or a
potential claim by an appropriate party) asserted in good faith prior to such
date; provided, however, that the representations and warranties with respect to
Taxes (Section 2.10) and environmental laws (Section 2.20) shall survive until
the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, if any.
(d) Procedure for Indemnification. In the event that either party
-----------------------------
shall incur or suffer any Losses in respect of which indemnification may be
sought by such party pursuant to the provisions of this Article, the indemnified
party shall assert a claim for indemnification by written notice (a "Notice") to
------
the Parent, or the Surviving Corporation and the Shareholder Representative, as
the case may be, briefly stating the nature and basis of such claim. In the
case of Losses arising by reason of any third-party claim, the Notice shall be
given within 25 days of the filing or other written assertion of any such claim
against Parent, but the failure of Parent to give the Notice within such time
period shall not relieve the Company and the Principal Shareholders of any
liability that the Company and the Principal Shareholders may have to Parent
except to the extent that the Company and the Principal Shareholders are
actually prejudiced thereby; provided, however, that any such notice shall be
given no later than the date of the expiration of the applicable indemnification
obligation of the Company and the Principal Shareholders as set forth in Section
7.3(c) above. The indemnified party shall provide the other party on request
all information and documentation reasonably necessary to support and verify any
Losses which the indemnified party believes give rise to a claim for
indemnification hereunder and shall give reasonable access to all books, records
and personnel in the possession or under the control of that party which would
have bearing on such claim.
(e) Arbitration. Any controversy involving a claim by an indemnified
-----------
party pursuant to this Section 7.3 shall be finally settled by arbitration in
Santa ▇▇▇▇▇ County, California in accordance with the then current Commercial
Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association; and judgment upon the
award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. Such arbitration shall be conducted by an arbitrator chosen by mutual
agreement of Parent and the Company and the Principal Shareholders. Failing
such agreement, the
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arbitration shall be conducted by three independent arbitrators, none of whom
shall have any competitive interest with Parent or the Company and the Principal
Shareholders. Parent shall choose one such arbitrator, the Company and the
Principal Shareholders shall choose one such arbitrator, and such two
arbitrators shall mutually select a third arbitrator. Any decision of two such
arbitrators shall be binding on Parent and the Company and the Principal
Shareholders. Each party shall pay its own costs and expenses (including counsel
fees) of any such arbitration except that the arbitrator can compel one party to
pay all or a portion of the other party's costs and expenses.
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
8.1 Termination. Except as provided in Section 8.2 below, this Agreement
-----------
may be terminated and the Merger abandoned at any time prior to the Effective
Time:
(a) by mutual consent of the Company and Parent;
(b) by Parent or the Company if: (i) the Effective Time has not
occurred by December 15, 1997; (ii) there shall be a final nonappealable order
of a federal or state court in effect preventing consummation of the Merger; or
(iii) there shall be any statute, rule, regulation or order enacted, promulgated
or issued or deemed applicable to the Merger by any governmental entity that
would make consummation of the Merger illegal;
(c) by Parent or the Company if there shall be any action taken, or
any statute, rule, regulation or order enacted, promulgated or issued or deemed
applicable to the Merger by any Governmental Entity, which would: (i) prohibit
Parent's or Sub's ownership or operation of any portion of the business of the
Company or (ii) compel Parent or the Company to dispose of or hold separate all
or a portion of the business or assets of the Sub or Parent as a result of the
Merger;
(d) by Parent if it is not in material breach of its obligations
under this Agreement and there has been a material breach of any representation,
warranty, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement on the part of the
Company or the Principal Shareholders and such breach has not been cured within
ten (10) calendar days after written notice to the Company (provided that, no
cure period shall be required for a breach which by its nature cannot be cured);
(e) by the Company if neither it nor the Principal Shareholders are
in material breach of their respective obligations under this Agreement and
there has been a material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or
agreement contained in this Agreement on the part of Parent or Sub and such
breach has not been cured within ten (10) calendar days after written notice to
Parent (provided that, no cure period shall be required for a breach which by
its nature cannot be cured); or
-45-
(f) by Parent, Sub, Company, or Principal Shareholders if an event
having a Material Adverse Effect on the Company shall have occurred after the
date of this Agreement.
Where action is taken to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section
8.1, it shall be sufficient for such action to be authorized by the Board of
Directors (as applicable) of the party taking such action.
8.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of this Agreement
---------------------
as provided in Section 8.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and there
shall be no liability or obligation on the part of Parent, Sub or the Company,
or their respective officers, directors or shareholders, provided that each
party shall remain liable for any breaches of this Agreement prior to its
termination; and provided further that, (i) the provisions of Sections 5.4 and
5.5 and Article IX of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and
survive any termination of this Agreement and (ii) the Company shall promptly
repay any funds lent or otherwise extended to it by Parent or Sub in
anticipation of the Merger.
8.3 Amendment. Except as is otherwise required by applicable law after
---------
the Company Shareholders approve this Agreement, this Agreement may be amended
by the parties hereto at any time by execution of an instrument in writing
signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.
8.4 Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time, Parent
-----------------
and Sub, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other, may, to the extent
legally allowed, (i) extend the time for the performance of any of the
obligations of the other party hereto, (ii) waive any inaccuracies in the
representations and warranties made to such party contained herein or in any
document delivered pursuant hereto, and (iii) waive compliance with any of the
agreements or conditions for the benefit of such party contained herein. Any
agreement on the part of a party hereto to any such extension or waiver shall be
valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such
party.
ARTICLE IX
GENERAL PROVISIONS
9.1 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
-------
writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally or by commercial
messenger or courier service, or mailed by registered or certified mail (return
receipt requested) or sent via facsimile (with acknowledgment of complete
transmission) to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other
address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):
(a) if to Parent or Sub, to:
USWeb Corporation
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
-46-
Attn: Chief Financial Officer
Telecopy No.: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
with a copy to:
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇▇, P.C.
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
Telecopy No.: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
(b) if to Company or to a Principal Shareholder to:
USWeb Houston
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
Telecopy No.: ▇▇▇-▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
with a copy to:
The Law Offices of
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇.▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, Esq.
Telecopy No.: ▇▇▇-▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
9.2 Interpretation. The words "include," "includes" and "including" when
-------------- ------- -------- ---------
used herein shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the words "without
-------
limitation." The table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are
----------
for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.
9.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
------------
counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and
shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of
the parties and delivered to the other party, it being understood that all
parties need not sign the same counterpart.
9.4 Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement, and Exhibits hereto and
----------------------------
the documents and instruments and other agreements among the parties hereto
referenced herein: (a) constitute the entire agreement among the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and
understandings both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof; (b) are not intended to confer upon any other person any
rights or remedies hereunder; and (c) shall not be assigned by operation of law
or otherwise except as otherwise specifically provided, except that Parent and
Sub may assign their respective rights and
-47-
delegate their respective obligations hereunder to their respective affiliates
or in any transaction having the effect of changing the Parent's jurisdiction of
incorporation.
9.5 Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement or
------------
the application thereof, becomes or is declared by a court of competent
jurisdiction to be illegal, void or unenforce able, the remainder of this
Agreement will continue in full force and effect and the application of such
provision to other persons or circumstances will be interpreted so as reasonably
to effect the intent of the parties hereto. The parties further agree to
replace such void or unenforceable provision of this Agreement with a valid and
enforceable provision that will achieve, to the extent possible, the economic,
business and other purposes of such void or unenforceable provision.
9.6 Other Remedies. Except as otherwise provided herein, any and all
--------------
remedies herein expressly conferred upon a party will be deemed cumulative with
and not exclusive of any other remedy conferred hereby, or by law or equity upon
such party, and the exercise by a party of any one remedy will not preclude the
exercise of any other remedy.
9.7 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
-------------
accordance with the laws of the State of California, regardless of the laws that
might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
Each of the parties hereto irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction
and venue of any court within Santa ▇▇▇▇▇ County, State of California, in
connection with any matter based upon or arising out of this Agreement or the
matters contemplated herein, agrees that process may be served upon them in any
manner authorized by the laws of the State of California for such persons and
waives and covenants not to assert or plead any objection which they might
otherwise have to such jurisdiction, venue and such process.
9.8 Rules of Construction. The parties hereto agree that they have been
---------------------
represented by counsel during the negotiation and execution of this Agreement
and, therefore, waive the application of any law, regulation, holding or rule of
construction providing that ambiguities in an agreement or other document will
be construed against the party drafting such agreement or document.
-48-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Sub, the Company and the Principal Shareholders
have caused this Agreement to be signed by their duly authorized respective
officers, all as of the date first written above.
COMPANY USWEB CORPORATION
Signature: /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Signature: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
------------------------ -------------------------
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
President, Treasurer, and Secretary Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
ESCROW AGENT USWEB ACQUISITION CORPORATION 122
USWeb Corporation
Signature: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Signature: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
----------------------- -------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Secretary President, Treasurer, and Secretary
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
Signature: /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
-------------------------
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION BY AND AMONG USWEB
CORPORATION, USWEB ACQUISITION CORPORATION 122, AND USWEB - APEX, INC.]
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit Description
------- -----------
Exhibit A Principal Shareholders
Exhibit B Valuation Method
Exhibit C Schedule of Exceptions
Exhibit D Financial Statements
Exhibit E Business Plan
Exhibit F Option Agreement
Exhibit G Form of Shareholder Certificate
EXHIBIT A
---------
Principal Shareholders
Name Number of Shares/*/
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ 1,000
________________________
/*/ On an as fully converted to Common Stock, fully diluted basis.
EXHIBIT B
---------
Valuation Method
EXHIBIT C
---------
Schedule of Exceptions
EXHIBIT D
---------
Company Financial Statements
1. Unaudited balance sheet as of September 30, 1997 and related unaudited
balance sheets and statements of income and cash flows for the six-month period
then ended.
EXHIBIT E
---------
Company Business Plan
EXHIBIT F
---------
Form of Option Agreement
EXHIBIT G
---------
Form of Shareholder Certificate
SHAREHOLDER CERTIFICATE
The undersigned is aware that pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization, dated as of ______________, 1997 (the "Agreement") entered into
---------
by and among USWeb Corporation, a Utah corporation ("Parent"),
------
____________________, a ___________ corporation (the "Company"), USWeb
-------
Acquisition Corporation ___, a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary
of Parent ("Sub"), the Company will merge (the "Merger") with and into Sub and
--- ------
all shares of the Company's Common Stock will be exchanged for certain
consideration set forth in the Agreement (the "Merger Consideration"). Unless
--------------------
otherwise indicated, capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings set
forth in the Agreement.
The undersigned understands that the execution of this Certificate is a
condition precedent to Parent and Sub's obligation to consummate the Merger and
to the receipt of Merger Consideration in the Merger (pursuant to the terms and
conditions of the Agreement).
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants as follows:
1. Investment Representations.
--------------------------
a. The Parent Common Stock issued to the undersigned will be
acquired for investment for the undersigned's own account, not as a nominee or
agent, and not with a view to the sale or distribution of any part thereof, and
the undersigned has no present intention of selling, granting any participation
in, or otherwise distributing the same. The undersigned represents that the
entire legal and beneficial interest of the Parent Common Stock will be held for
the undersigned's account only, and neither in whole or in part for any other
person. By executing this Shareholder's Certificate, the undersigned further
represents that the undersigned has no present contract, undertaking, agreement
or arrangement with any person to sell, transfer, or grant participation to such
person or to any third person, with respect to any of the Parent Common Stock.
b. The undersigned understands and acknowledges that the issuance of
the Parent Common Stock pursuant to the Agreement is being effected on the basis
that the issuance of such securities is exempt from registration pursuant to
Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") and that
--------
the Parent's reliance upon such exemption is predicated upon the undersigned's
representations.
c. The undersigned further represents that he: (i) has such
knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of
evaluating the merits and risks of the undersigned's prospective investment in
the shares of Parent Common Stock; (ii) has received all the information it has
requested from the Parent and the Company it considers necessary or appropriate
for deciding whether to accept the Parent Common Stock; (iii) has the ability to
bear the economic risks of the undersigned's prospective investment; (iv) is
able, without materially impairing his financial condition, to hold the Parent
Common Stock for an indefinite period of time and to suffer complete loss on his
investment; and (v) if applicable, is an "accredited investor" within the
-------------------
meaning of Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇.
d. Each certificate representing Parent Company Stock issued
pursuant hereto to the undersigned and any shares issued or issuable in respect
of any such Parent Common Stock upon any stock split, stock dividend,
recapitalization, or similar event, shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with
legends in the following form:
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR
INVESTMENT AND HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933.
THESE SHARES MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH
REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM UNDER SAID ACT.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN
RESTRICTIONS UPON TRANSFER, AS SET FORTH IN AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CORPORATION AND THE REGISTERED HOLDER, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE AT THE
PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION. SUCH TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS ARE
BINDING ON TRANSFEREES OF THESE SHARES. COPIES OF THE AGREEMENT COVERING
THE PURCHASE OF THESE SHARES AND RESTRICTING THEIR TRANSFER MAY BE
OBTAINED AT NO COST BY WRITTEN REQUEST MADE BY THE HOLDER OF RECORD OF
THIS CERTIFICATE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE CORPORATION AT THE PRINCIPAL
EXECUTIVE OFFICES OF THE CORPORATION.
e. The certificates evidencing the Parent Common Stock shall also
bear any legend required pursuant to any state, local or foreign law governing
such securities.
f. The undersigned understands and acknowledges that the Parent
Common Stock has not been registered under the 1933 Act and Parent Common Stock
must be held indefinitely unless subsequently registered under the 1933 Act or
an exemption from such registration is available and that neither Parent nor the
Company is under any obligation to register the Parent Common Stock.
g. The undersigned acknowledges that the Parent Common Stock shall
not be transferable except upon the conditions specified in this Certificate and
in the Agreement. Each Company Shareholder will cause any proposed transferee
of the Parent Common Stock held by such Company Shareholder to agree in writing
to take and hold such Parent Common Stock subject to the provisions and upon the
conditions specified in this Certificate and in the Agreement.
h. Prior to any proposed transfer of any Parent Common Stock, unless
there is in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering
the proposed transfer, the undersigned shall give written notice to the Company
of his intention to effect such transfer. Each such notice shall describe the
manner and circumstances of the proposed transfer in sufficient detail, and
shall, if the Parent so requests, be accompanied (except in transactions in
compliance with Rule
-2-
144) by either (i) a written opinion of legal counsel reasonably satisfactory to
Parent, addressed to Parent, to the effect that the proposed transfer of Parent
Common Stock may be effected without registration under the 1933 Act, or (ii) a
"No Action" letter from the Commission to the effect that the transfer of such
---------
securities without registration will not result in a recommendation by the staff
of the Commission that action be taken with respect thereto, whereupon the
holder of such Parent Common Stock shall be entitled to transfer such shares of
Parent Common Stock in accordance with the terms of the notice delivered by the
holder to Parent, subject to any market standoff agreement or right of first
refusal on transfer in favor of the Parent. Each certificate evidencing the
shares of Parent Common Stock transferred as above provided shall bear the
appropriate restrictive legend set forth in subsection (d) above, except that
such certificate shall not bear such restrictive legend if in the opinion of
counsel for Parent such legend is not required in order to establish compliance
with any provisions of the 1933 Act, which opinion will not be unreasonably
withheld.
i. The undersigned has had an opportunity to review with his own tax
advisors the tax consequences to the undersigned of the Merger and the
transactions contemplated by the Agreement. The undersigned understands that he
must rely solely on his advisors and not on any statements or representations by
Parent, Sub, the Company or any of their agents. The undersigned understands
that he (and not Parent or the Company) shall be responsible for his own tax
liability that may arise as a result of the Merger or the transactions
contemplated by the Agreement.
j. The undersigned will have sufficient assets, after completion of
the Merger, to satisfy all of the undersigned's obligations to its creditors as
the same become due and payable.
2. Acknowledgment of Escrow Setoff and Market Standoff Agreement. The
-------------------------------------------------------------
undersigned has carefully reviewed the Agreement, and understands and agrees
that:
a. Pursuant to such Agreement, 50% of the Original Purchase Price
which would otherwise be payable to the undersigned at the Effective Time of the
Merger will be deemed to have been received by the undersigned and deposited
with the Escrow Agent, without any act of the undersigned, and that the amounts
deposited with the Escrow Agent shall be available to satisfy Losses and
adjustments to the Original Purchase Price as set forth in the Agreement.
b. Pursuant to the Agreement, Parent may, in its sole discretion,
seek (i) indemnification from the Principal Shareholders for Losses incurred by
the Parent, which Parent may elect to seek directly from the Escrow Fund, or
(ii) Parent may seek Purchase Price Adjustments from the Escrow Fund, in either
of which events the Escrow Amount otherwise payable to the undersigned would be
reduced without any act of the undersigned.
c. Each Company Shareholder hereby agrees that in connection with
any registration of the offering of any Shares of the Parent under the 1933 Act,
such Company Shareholder shall not sell or otherwise transfer, pledge,
hypothecate or otherwise decrease his market risk or beneficial ownership in any
Shares or other securities of the Parent during the 180-day period following the
date of the final Prospectus contained in a registration statement of the Parent
filed under the Securities Act; provided, however, that such restriction shall
only apply to the first
-3-
registration statement of the Parent to become effective under the Securities
Act which includes securities to be sold on behalf of the Parent to the general
public in an underwritten public offering under the Securities Act. The Parent
may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to securities subject to the
foregoing restrictions until the end of such 180-day period.
3. Election of Shareholder Representative. The undersigned hereby
--------------------------------------
consents to the election and appointment of ________________ as the Shareholder
Representative (as such term is defined in the Agreement) and authorizes such
Shareholder Representative to act as the undersigned's duly constituted
attorney-in-fact in connection with the matters set forth in the Agreement until
such time as a successor to such Shareholder Representative is elected by a
majority-in-interest of the Company Shareholders. The undersigned acknowledges
and agrees that any decision, act, consent or instruction of the Shareholder
Representative shall constitute a decision, act, consent or instruction of the
undersigned and shall be final, binding and conclusive on the undersigned, and
that Parent and the Escrow Agent may rely upon any such decision, act, consent
or instruction of the Shareholder Representative as being the decision, act,
consent or instruction of the undersigned.
4. Parent's Right of First Refusal.
-------------------------------
(a) Parent's Right of First Refusal. Before any shares issued
-------------------------------
pursuant to the Agreement (the "Shares") may be sold or otherwise transferred
------
(including transfer by gift or operation of law), or any Shares held by a
transferee (either being sometimes referred to herein as the "Holder") may be
------
sold, the Parent or its assignee(s) shall have a right of first refusal to
purchase such Shares on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section (the
"Right of First Refusal").
----------------------
(b) Notice of Proposed Transfer. The Holder of the Shares shall
---------------------------
deliver to the Parent a written notice (the "Notice") stating: (i) the Holder's
------
bona fide intention to sell or otherwise transfer such Shares; (ii) the name of
each proposed purchaser or other transferee ("Proposed Transferee"); (iii) the
-------------------
number of Shares to be transferred to each Proposed Transferee; and (iv) the
bona fide cash price or other consideration for which the Holder proposes to
transfer the Shares (the "Offered Price"), and the Holder shall offer the Shares
-------------
at the Offered Price to the Parent or its assignee(s).
(c) Exercise of Right of First Refusal. At any time within thirty
----------------------------------
(30) days after receipt of the Notice, the Parent or its assignee(s) may, by
giving written notice to the Holder, elect to purchase all, but not less than
all, of the Shares proposed to be transferred to any one or more of the Proposed
Transferees, at the purchase price determined in accordance with subsection (d)
below.
(d) Purchase Price. The purchase price ("Parent Purchase Price") for
-------------- ---------------------
the Shares purchased by the Parent or its assignee(s) under this Section shall
be the Offered Price. If the Offered Price includes consideration other than
cash, the Parent may match such non-cash consideration with such other cash or
non-cash consideration as shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the
Parent in good faith. If the Shares are being transferred by gift (other than
pursuant to subsection (g) below), the Parent Purchase Price shall be the
product of the Fair Value Per Share multiplied by the number of Shares proposed
to be gifted.
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(e) Payment. Payment of the Parent Purchase Price shall be made, at
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the option of the Parent or its assignee(s), in cash (by check), by wire
transfer, by cancellation of all or a portion of any outstanding indebtedness of
the Holder to the Parent (or, in the case of repurchase by an assignee, to the
assignee), or by any combination thereof within 30 days after receipt of the
Notice or in the manner and at the times set forth in the Notice.
(f) Holder's Right to Transfer. If all of the Shares proposed in the
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Notice to be transferred to a given Proposed Transferee are not purchased by the
Parent or its assignee(s) as provided in this Section, then the Holder may sell
or otherwise transfer such Shares to that Proposed Transferee at the Offered
Price or at a higher price, provided that such sale or other transfer is
consummated within 120 days after the date of the Notice and provided further
that any such sale or other transfer is effected in accordance with any
applicable securities laws and the Proposed Transferee agrees in writing that
the provisions of this Section shall continue to apply to the Shares in the
hands of such Proposed Transferee. If the Shares described in the Notice are
not transferred to the Proposed Transferee within such period, a new Notice
shall be given to the Parent, and the Parent or its assignees shall again be
offered the Right of First Refusal before any Shares held by the Holder may be
sold or otherwise transferred.
(g) Exception for Certain Family Transfers. Anything to the contrary
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contained in this Section notwithstanding, the transfer of any or all of the
Shares during the Holder's lifetime or on the Holder's death by will or
intestacy to the Holder's immediate family or a trust for the benefit of the
Holder's Immediate Family shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section.
"Immediate Family" as used herein shall mean spouse, lineal descendant or
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antecedent, brother or sister. In such case, the transferee or other recipient
shall receive and hold the Shares so transferred subject to the provisions of
this Section, and there shall be no further transfer of such Shares except in
accordance with the terms of this Section.
(h) Termination of Right of First Refusal. The Right of First
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Refusal shall terminate as to any Shares 90 days after the first sale of Common
Stock of the Parent to the general public pursuant to a registration statement
filed with and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate this
_____ day of _________________, 1997.
________________________________
Signature
________________________________
Print Name
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