FORM 10 - KSB
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____________ to _________________
Commission File No. 1-14168
Bell Technology Group Ltd.
(Name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)
New York 13-3781263
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
295 Lafayette Street, New York, New York 10012
(address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Issuer's Telephone number, including area code: (212) 334 - 8500
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $.01 par value Boston Stock Exchange
Warrants Boston Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $.01 par value
(Title of Class)
Warrants
Title of Class
Check whether Issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the Issuer was required to file
such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days.
Yes X No ___
Check if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to item 405 of
Regulation S-B is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of the Registrant's knowledge in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of
this form 10-KSB or any amendment to this form 10-KSB. [X]
State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-
affiliates of the Issuer: $12,918,822 (based upon the closing price
of Issuer's Common Stock, $.01 par value, as of December 24, 1996.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the
Registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable
date.
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value 3,042,018
(Title of Class) (No. of Shares Outstanding
at December 16, 1996)
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: NONE
PART I
Item 1. Business
(a) General Development of Business. The Company was
originally incorporated in the state of New York in 1989 by Marc H.
Bell as NAFT International Ltd. ("NAFT"). In July 1993, Mr. Bell
formed Stellar Graphics Corp. (now called Bluestreak Digital,
Inc.,). In July 1994, the assets and liabilities of NAFT and
Stellar Graphics were acquired by PFM Technologies Corporation
("PFMT") in a tax-free exchange of common stock. In July 1994, the
Company received a private financing from Harpoon Holdings Ltd.
("Harpoon"), a British Virgin Islands corporation wholly- owned by
Tsuyoshi Shiraishi, a director of the Company, pursuant to which
Harpoon became a principal stockholder of the Company. Under the
terms of such financing, the Company received from Harpoon the sum
of $500,000, $300,000 of which was evidenced by a seven-year fully
subordinated, non-interest bearing promissory note (the
"Subordinated Note"), and $200,000 of which was used to purchase 50%
of the Company's Common Stock. Of the $200,000 contributed to
equity, $198,000 was characterized as additional paid-in capital,
and $2,000 was characterized as capital stock. The amount due under
the Subordinated Note was subsequently reduced to $287,000 after a
payment by the Company. The Subordinated Note was repaid from
the proceeds of the initial public offering. The 1994 Financing
allowed the Company to increase its borrowing capability, expand its
sales capacity and finance additional working capital. In September
1995, the Company was reincorporated by merger into Bell Technology
Group Ltd., a Delaware corporation.
In October 1995, the Company borrowed $250,000 in a Bridge
Financing. The Bridge Notes issued in connection with the Bridge
Financing carried interest at 9% per annum. Such loans were repaid
at the closing of the initial public offering. In connection with
the Bridge Financing, the Company issued 35,710 shares of Common
Stock to the Bridge Lenders at no cost, which were registered as
part of the initial public offering. Debt issuance costs of $257,391
and interest expense of $37,149 were incurred by the Company as a
result of the bridge loan transaction.
In January, 1996, the Company sold, in an initial public
offering, 1,150,000 shares of Common Stock at an initial offering
price of $7.00 per share, and 575,000 Redeemable Purchase Warrants
for $.10 per warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase
one share of the Company's common stock for $7.70 per share. The
warrants are redeemable by the Company at $.10 per warrant at any
time after January 24, 1997 if certain conditions are met. The net
proceeds which the Company received from the public offering
amounted to approximately $6,600,000.
In March 1996, the underwriter of the initial public
offering exercised its over-allotment option to purchase 129,642
common shares from the Company for $7.00 per share. The net proceeds
amounted to approximately $800,000.
(b) Narrative Description of Business
(1) General
Bell Technology Group Ltd., a Delaware corporation, (the
"Company") operates through the following four wholly-owned and
consolidated subsidiary corporations which function as a single
integrated Internet solutions company:
PFM Communications, Inc.
Bluestreak Digital, Inc. (formerly Stellar
Graphics Corporation)
Naft International Ltd.
Naft Computer Services Corp.
The Company: (a) provides dedicated Internet access, web
hosting services and customized Internet application development;
(b) provides web design and Internet commerce solutions; (c)
consults with clients relative to the design of computer operating
systems - primarily in the publishing, advertising and graphics arts
industries; (d) sells computer hardware and software and installs
operating systems; (e) provides 3-D animation and CD-ROM services
and (f) provides training for employees of various types of
institutions and corporations in the use of computer programs and
commercial Internet access.
PFM Communications, Inc. is a diversified Internet solutions
provider in New York City. PFM's state-of-the-art Network
Operations Center provides sophisticated Internet connectivity
available for direct, high-speed Internet connections and World Wide
Web hosting facilities. PFM also offers a complete range of
Internet consulting services.
Bluestreak Digital, Inc. is a digital media company producing
broadcast quality 2D and 3D animation, interactive CD-ROM
presentations, and high-impact World Wide Web sites. Bluestreak's
designers and animators are skilled in using advanced production
tools such as SoftImage, Alias/Wavefront, Macromedia Authorware and
Director. Bluestreak is currently building one of the few motion
capture studios in the New York City area.
Naft International Ltd. is engaged primarily in the sale of computer
hardware, software and peripherals. Among the principal products
sold by the Company are computer operating systems manufactured by
Silicon Graphics, Sun, Apple and Integraph, and computer software
systems such as SoftImage and Alias. In general, Naft International
deals primarily with large commercial operations and systems which
require vendor support, and products which cannot be purchased
through mail order catalogues.
Naft Computer Services Corp. ("NCS") is primarily a service support
and training operation. The Company maintains several training rooms
at its headquarters facility which it rents out to corporations for
the training of their professional staff. The Company provides a
variety of modern operating equipment and current programs, together
with instructors to teach how to use such equipment and programs.
Some instructors are on staff and others are hired on a freelance
basis as needs dictate. The Company typically charges a fixed price
depending upon the size of the class, the complexity of the group
and the equipment required. NCS also prepares equipment sold to
customers, installs LANs, provides warranty support for major
hardware manufacturers, and provides ongoing service support for its
customers in the form of hardware repairs and software consulting.
(2) Internet Services
During the past fiscal year, the Company has increased its
focus on its Internet operations. The Company has created an
intranet to connect both itself and its clients to each other and to
the world-wide Internet through the use of technology such as fiber
optic connectivity, routers, dedicated data service connections,
servers, and other Internet related computer equipment. The Company
will continue to develop, upgrade, monitor and maintain its intent
as additional clients (users) are added to the system and technology
improves. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, the
Company hired approximately 9 graduate engineers and technicians.
The Company has developed multiple platform world wide web
hosting and developing capabilities. The Company is able to create
multi-media web sites and provide high speed access to the Internet
for the client/user. Through its Bluestreak subsidiary, the Company
designs the web, and the Company's subsidiary, PFM, hosts the site
by providing the appropriate hardware, network and maintenance
services. Among the proprietary solutions developed by the Company
are an Internet based Commerce Solution, which includes secure
credit card transaction processing, a shopping cart for browsing
merchandise on-line, and a video-streaming technology that allows
for pay-per-view programming.
During the current fiscal year, the Company has spent over
$1 million building a state-of-the-art network operations center
("NOC") at it's new location. The 2,000 square foot NOC offers
customers the ultimate in network connectivity. Connected to three
Tier I Internet carriers via redundant fiber optics, and providing
connectivity to leased line clients via an OCR-48 on the NYNEX SONET
ring, PFM is poised to service the most demanding companies in New
York City. Additionally, the PFM NOC offers lockable cabinet co-
location services for those clients focused on Internet publishing
on the World Wide Web.
The Company also offers a wide range of services to it's
customers such as dial-up, ISDN, leased line, web hosting,
programming, consulting, firewall, network security and design
services. Because of the sales and service operation the Company is
able to offer customers support and services on all major operating
systems including UNIX, IRIX, Windows NT and Mac OS.
The Company also provides consulting services in the areas
of inter - networking, computer and network security, network design
and network operation.
(3) Product Sales
The Company has been shifting its emphasis from the sale of
low margin products with intense price competition to higher-end,
higher margin hardware products such as Silicon Graphics, Integraph,
Sun Microsystems, Cisco, Compaq servers, and software products such
as SoftImage, Alias/Wavefront, and Avid. These products are
generally not purchased through mail order (as are Compaq and Apple
products, for example) and require a higher level of sales effort
and after-market support such as training. The Company has continued
its original program of moving away from the more competitive
computer sales market into the area of Internet focused computer
solutions.
The great majority of the Company's customers are Fortune
1000 companies which maintain an ongoing relationship with the
Company. The goal of the Company is to convert its product
customers to users of the various Internet and training programs
run by the Company.
(4) Service and Training
The Company services the products which it sells by
providing warranty repair services, as well as contract support of
system software and hardware. Hardware contracts are issued for a
fixed price and for a fixed term. Contracts for software support and
maintenance are issued on the basis of prepaid hours where a customer
prepays for a block of hours which may be used at any time.
Payments for service contracts are accounted for ratably over the
period of the contract. Payments for prepaid hours are accounted
for as the hours are used.
In September, the Company began an aggressive program to
market its in-house training facilities. The Company provides
training services for the more sophisticated computer software
programs which it sells. Training is marketed to large advertising
and publishing firms, banks, large financial institutions, clothing
manufacturers, and the like, which send their personnel to the
Company's facility to attend one to five day programs. The Company
maintains modern classrooms at its corporate headquarters for the
training of individual employees of a customer, up to groups of 150.
Training rooms are equipped with modern hardware, computer desks and
other appropriate classroom equipment and various programs are
loaded into equipment as required by the users. The Company intends
to expand this operation into a major source of revenue and include
training at the customer's own site.
The Company provides training only to its corporate clients
and does not run any public seminars.
(5) Multimedia and Graphic Arts
Bluestreak Digital, Inc. is the Company's graphic arts arm.
It creates and assembles world-wide web sites, and develops
promotional brochures, interactive applications such as training CDs
and promotional CDs, and 2-D and 3-D animation. It works with
content providers such as marketing firms to provide the technical
and design aspects of a project for large scale multi-media projects
including sites to be used on the Internet.
Bluestreak designs internal communications products used by
businesses for computer based in-house training and intranet
development. In addition the Company provides front-end graphics
for data base driven web sites.
Bluestreak offers a service to its 3-D animation clients in
the form of motion capture studios.
Bluestreak has three main areas of digital design
development: animation, Authorware & web production. The animation
department is fully staffed with creative directors who specialize
in Alias & SoftImage (the two animation packages with the greatest
market share) and render their work on a state-of-the-art render
farm from Silicon Graphics. The Silicon Graphics hardware farm is
such an investment & such an asset to an animator that major
national broadcast companies rent time on the farm when Bluestreak
isn't using it. Bluestreak's Authorware division is responsible for
creating computer based training (CBT) and computer based sales
tools for companies such as BMW, Prudential and others. And
Bluestreak's Web Design department is fully staffed with HTML
editors, programmers and producers who have already produced
Internet sites for a variety of companies in several industries.
Most recently, Bluestreak has leveraged it's Internet knowledge &
expertise to develop Intranets for companies such as Simon &
Schuster.
(6) Competition
There are no substantial barriers to the entry into any of
the Company's lines of business, and the Company encounters
significant competition in each of them. The Company's competitors
include (i) value added resellers of computer, network and
peripheral equipment, (ii) computer repair services and training
providers, (iii) computer consultants, (iv) Internet service
providers, and (v) graphic design and consulting firms. Many of
the Company's current and potential competitors have substantially
greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources and
larger installed customer bases than the Company. The Company
expects that competition will intensify in each of its lines of
business, particularly in the area of Internet services, as more
competitors enter the marketplace.
(7) Dependence upon Suppliers
The Company relies on other companies to supply certain
components of its computer inventory, service and diagnostic
equipment, as well as its network infrastructure (including
telecommunications services and networking equipment) which, in the
quantities and quality required by the Company, are available only
from sole or limited sources. The Company has in the past, and may
from time to time, experience delays in receiving telecommunication
services and shipments of merchandise. There can be no assurance that
the Company will be able to obtain such telecommunication services
and merchandise on the scale and at the times required by the Company
at an affordable cost.
(8) Employees
At November 30, 1996, the Company had 81 full time
employees and 5 part-time employees.
Item 2. Properties
The following table sets forth, with respect to
properties leased (none are owned) by the Company on November 30,
1996, the location of the property, the date on which the lease
expires and the use which the Company makes of such facilities:
Expiration Approximate
Address of Lease Date Use Square
Feet
295 Lafayette Street executive & sales offices 17,000
New York, New York 2007 training facilities 3,000
service 3,000
shipping and receiving 8,000
Network Operations Center 2,000
611 Broadway 1998 Web design, 3-D animation 8,000
New York, New York
The Company considers that, in general, its physical
properties are well maintained, in good operating condition and
adequate for its purposes. The Company surrendered most of its
space at 611 Broadway on January 1, 1997 and intends to surrender
the balance of the space on February 1, 1997. Thereafter, the
Bluestreak operations will be carried out at the Company's
principal office.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
As of the date hereof, there are no legal proceedings
pending against the Company.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
During the Company's fiscal quarter ended September 30, 1996
there were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters
(a) The Company's Common Stock is traded on the
NASDAQ SmallCap Market System. The following table indicates high
and low sales quotations for the periods indicated based upon
information supplied by NASDAQ, Inc. since the Company's initial
public offering in January, 1996 Such over-the-counter market
quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up,
mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual
transactions.
1996 Low High
second quarter 7 3/4 10 1/2
third quarter 8 5/8 10
fourth quarter 7 1/2 9 1/2
(b) Number of Holders of Common Stock. The
number of holders of record of the Company's Common Stock on
December 22, 1996 was 25, which does not include individual
participants in security position listings.
(c) Dividends. There were no dividends or
other distributions made by the Company during the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1996. Future dividend policy will be determined by
the Board of Directors based on the Company's earnings, financial
condition, capital requirements and other existing conditions. It is
anticipated that cash dividends will not be paid to the holders of
the Company's Common Stock in the foreseeable future.
Item 6. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations
Twelve Months Ended September 30, 1996 compared with Nine Months
Ended September 30, 1995
The financial statements contain results of operations for
the twelve month period ended September 30, 1996 and the nine month
period ended September 30, 1995. The Company received the proceeds
of its public offering on February 1, 1996. These facts should be
considered in reading the following discussion.
Revenues increased from $8,738,410 in fiscal 1995 to
$10,363,664 in fiscal 1996 because of the longer fiscal year. While
the Company's actual revenues are not steady on a month by month
basis, for comparison purposes only, average monthly revenues in
fiscal 1996 were approximately $864,000 as contrasted with average
monthly revenues in fiscal 1995 of approximately $971,000. This
decline is due to a substantial reduction in the sales of Apple
computer products which produced large sales numbers because of the
price of the products being sold. The Company is replacing these
sales in part with sales of other products and with Internet related
sales, training and service. The Company anticipates that, in the
future, a greater percentage of revenues will result from Internet
related sales which have higher gross profit margins.
Cost of Revenues remained constant from fiscal 1995 to
fiscal 1996 at approximately 82%. While the Company is now focusing
on Internet related sales, training and service, revenues for these
areas accounted for less than 10% of revenues in fiscal 1996. In
addition, the Company relocated its operations in the fourth quarter
of fiscal 1996, which adversely impacted revenues and gross profit
margins.
Approximately $220,000 of the Company's loss from operations
in 1996 was due to depreciation and $257,000 was due to the write-
off of Debt Issuance Costs related to a debt incurred prior to the
initial public offering. The balance of the loss (in the amount of
$1,416,480) can be traced directly to Selling, General and
Administrative costs. Within this category, a substantial portion
of such costs were related to payroll. The monthly payroll of the
Company increased from $162,233 for the month of October 1995 to
$308,115 for the month of October 1996. This increase in payroll was
for sales staff, engineering staff and technicians working in the
Internet sales and engineering departments of the Company. In the
initial phases of operation, such increased payroll resulted in no
significant revenue. This negative trend continued in the fourth
quarter so that selling, general and administrative costs as a
percentage of revenues increased from approximately 22% in the
quarter ended December 31, 1995 to approximately 48% in the quarter
ended September 30, 1996.
Expenditures for Research and Development increased by
$23,250. This increase was for internet programming work done by
the Company in setting up its Internet network.
As a result of the above, the Company reported a net loss
for 1996 of $1,893,480 or $0.72 per share as opposed to the reported
net income in 1995 of $38,859 or $0.02 per share. Losses will
continue in the first half of the current fiscal year.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At September 30, 1996, the Company had working capital of
$3,823,313, as compared to working capital of $179,139 at September
30, 1995. The increase in working capital of $3,644,174 Is
primarily due to the net proceeds received from the Company's
initial public offering, less current operating losses and capital
expenditures.
Cash and cash equivalents increased by approximately
$2,519,644 from September 30, 1995. The increase in cash and cash
equivalents is due to the net proceeds received from the Company's
initial public offering, less current operating losses and capital
expenditures.
The Company generated a positive cash flow of approximately
$2.5 million for the year ended September 30, 1996. This was
generated primarily from the net proceeds of the initial public
offering of approximately $7.4 million, offset by the net loss of
$1,893,480, less depreciation of $219,176, the increase in accounts
receivable and other current assets of $607,422, the purchases of
fixed assets of $1,954,646 and the write-off of debt issuance and
stock offering costs of $250,000. In addition, the Company repaid
notes payable of $370,763 and the accounts receivable credit line by
$711,952.
In the opinion of management, the Company will be able to
finance its business as currently conducted from it's current
working capital and the $3,000,000 credit facility with
NationsCredit discussed in note 2 to the financial statements. As
of December 15, 1996 borrowings under this credit facility have been
limited to the purchase of inventory held primarily for sale to
customers. As the Company expands, it may seek additional financing
alternatives.
Forward Looking Statements
The foregoing contains certain forward looking statements.
Due to the fact that the Company faces intense competition in a
business characterized by rapidly changing technology and high
capital requirements, actual results and outcomes may differ
materially from any such forward looking statements and, in general
are difficult to forecast.
Item 7. Financial Statements
Financial Statements Data are attached hereto following page
21.
Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
and Financial Disclosure
During fiscal years 1996 and 1995 there were no changes in
or disagreements with the Company's principal independent accountant
on accounting or financial disclosure.
PART III
Item 9. Directors and Executive Officers of the Company
As of December 1, 1996, the Company's directors and
executive officers were as follows:
Position With the Company Held Office
Name and Age and Principal Occupation Since
Marc H. Bell, 29 Chairman (Chief Executive 1989
Officer) and Director
Robert B. Bell, 57 Executive Vice President, 1994
Chief Financial Officer,
and Director
Jennifer Spain, 24 Vice President and Secretary 1993
Tsuyoshi Shiraishi, 52 Director 1995
Martin Fox, 60 Director 1995
Dr. Richard Videbeck,73 Director 1995
Business Experience
Marc H. Bell is the President, Chief Executive Officer,
and a Director of the Company since its inception.
Robert B. Bell has served as Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer and Director of the Company and its
corporate predecessor since 1994. Prior to joining the Company, Mr.
Bell was a practicing attorney in New York City for more than 5
years. Robert Bell is the father of Marc Bell.
Jennifer Spain, Vice President for Operations and Secretary,
has been with the Company and its corporate predecessors since 1993.
Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Spain worked as a sales
representative for Desktop Designs Ltd., a VAR of Apple and Silicon
Graphics Systems since 1992. Between 1990 and 1992, she worked in
public relations for a Wall
Street public relations firm.
Tsuyoshi Shiraishi has been a director of the Company since
July 1, 1994. Mr. Shiraishi has been the Chairman of Century World
PTE Ltd., an investment consulting firm, and the Managing Director
of Harpoon since 1992. Prior to that, Mr. Shiraishi was the
Director of Marketing & Investment for Kajima Overseas Asia PTE
Ltd., a subsidiary of Kajima Corporation, an international
construction company, since 1990. In addition, since 1990, Mr.
Shiraishi has been Vice Chairman of Century International Hotels,
which operates and manages 17 hotels in the Pacific Rim. He is the
sole shareholder of Harpoon, which acquired 50% of the capital stock
of the Company as of July 1, 1994. Mr. Shiraishi is a Japanese
citizen and a resident of Singapore.
Martin Fox has been a director of the Company since October
1995. Mr. Fox has been, for more than five years, the President and
a director of Initio, Inc., a publicly-owned mail order retailer of
consumer products.
Richard Videbeck has been a director of the Company since
October 1995. Since 1983, Dr. Videbeck has been an independent
consultant in consumer risk analysis, particularly for retailers and
banks. From 1974 until 1986 Dr. Videbeck was a professor of
sociology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. From 1974 until
1977, Dr. Videbeck was the Dean of the Doctor of Arts Program of the
Graduate College of the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Item 10. Executive Compensation
The following table sets forth compensation paid to Marc H.
Bell, the Company's Chief Executive Officer for the three fiscal
years ended September 30, 1996. No other executive officer received
total salary and bonus compensation in excess of $100,000 during any
of such fiscal years.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Annual Compensation
Name and
Principal Position Year Salary
Marc H. Bell 1996 $165,000
President and Chief 1995 $ 45,000
Executive Officer 1994 (1) $149,892
(1) Prior to July 1, 1994, the Company was a Subchapter
"S" corporation for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code. The
amount shown is for a 12 month period and includes dividend
distributions made by the Company.
The following table sets forth information concerning the
grants of stock options made during fiscal 1995:
Stock Options
The Company has not granted any stock options to Marc H. Bell.
Compensation of Directors
Each director of the Company who is not employed by the
Company, and who does not beneficially own more than 5% of the
outstanding Common Stock of the Company, will be entitled receive
(i) the sum of $1,000 per meeting attended by such outside director
and (ii) options to purchase a total of 3,000 shares of Common
Stock. Such options are immediately exercisable, have a ten year
term, subject to certain restrictions, and are exercisable at the
fair market value of the Common Stock at the date of the grant. Of
the current board members, only Mr. Fox and Dr. Videbeck are
entitled to receive such compensation. The stock options granted to
them expire in October 2005 and are exercisable at $7.00, the fair
market value on the date of grant. In addition, at the discretion
of the Board of Directors, directors may be reimbursed for
reasonable travel expenses in attending Board and committee
meetings.
Employment Contracts and Termination of
Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements
In October 1995, the Company entered into an employment
agreement with Marc H. Bell which extends for a period of five
years, terminating on September 30, 2000. Pursuant to the terms of
the agreement, Mr. Bell receives a base salary of $200,000 per
year. Mr. Bell's base salary will increase 5% per year for each
year that the Company reports net income. The agreement also
provides for a severance payment to Mr. Bell in the event of a
"change of control" of the Company equal to 2.99 times his average
annual compensation, including bonus, during the term of the
agreement.
In addition to base compensation, the Company intends to
reserve at the end of each fiscal year, commencing with the fiscal
year ending September 30, 1996, a sum equal to ten (10%) percent of
the consolidated net income of the Company (computed before
provision for federal and state income taxes) (the "Bonus Pool"),
for allocation among the officers of the Company and certain key
employees (including Marc H. Bell) as the Board of Directors of the
Company may determine. Marc Bell will receive an amount equal to 5%
of the pre-tax income over $1 million (50% of the Bonus Pool to the
extent, if any, that the Bonus Pool exceeds $100,000).
Item 11. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management
(a) The following table sets forth, as at
December 16, 1996, certain information concerning stock ownership of
the Company by (i) each person who is known by the Company to own
beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding common shares of the
Company, (ii) each of the Company's directors and (iii) all
directors and officers of the Company as a group. Except as
otherwise indicated, all such persons have both sole voting and
investment power over the shares beneficially owned by them.
Percent
Number of Shares of
Name and Address (1) Beneficially Owned Class
Marc H. Bell (2) 1,682,142 55.3%
Tsuyoshi Shiraishi(2)(3)
Harpoon Holdings, Ltd.
2 Handy Road, #11-09
Cathay Building,
Singapore 229233 862,500 28.4%
Jennifer Spain (4) 10,000 *
Robert Bell (4) 90,000 2.9%
Martin Fox (4)
2001 Tonnelle Avenue
North Bergen, NJ 07047 3,000 *
Richard Videbeck (4)
8405 NW 61st Street
Tamarac, FL 33321 3,000 *
All executive officers
and directors as a group
(6 persons)(5) 1,788,142 56.8%
* Less than 1%
(1) The address of each of the named individuals, other than Mr.
Shiraishi, Mr. Fox and Dr. Videbeck is c/o Bell Technology
Group Ltd., 295 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10012.
(2) Includes the 862,500 Harpoon Shares which are subject to the
October 1995 Irrevocable Proxy entered into between Harpoon
and Marc H. Bell, pursuant to which Harpoon has granted Mr.
Bell the sole right to vote the Harpoon Shares with respect
to the election of the Company's directors. The Irrevocable
Proxy terminates in October 2005.
(3) Mr. Shiraishi, a director of the Company, is the sole
shareholder of Harpoon.
(4) The named individual has the right to acquire the number of
shares shown pursuant to a currently exercisable stock
option.
(5) Includes currently exercisable stock options to purchase
106,000 shares.
(b) In connection with the Company's initial public
offering, Marc Bell and Harpoon have each deposited 210,000 shares
of the Common Stock owned by them (the "Deposit Shares") with the
Company. The Company will hold such shares pursuant to a Share
Deposit Agreement. The Deposit Shares will be returned to their
respective owners no later than at the end of eight years from the
date of the Prospectus for the initial public offering. However,
the Deposit Shares may be returned prior to such time, if certain
levels of profitability are met.
Item 12. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
In the 1994 Financing, the Company received from
Harpoon the sum of $500,000, $300,000 of which was evidenced by a
seven-year fully subordinated non-interest bearing promissory note
(the "Subordinated Note"), and $200,000 of which was used to
purchase 50% of the Company's Common Stock. Of the $200,000
contributed to equity, $198,000 was characterized as additional
paid-in capital, and $2,000 was characterized as capital stock. The
amount due under the Subordinated Note was subsequently reduced to
$287,000 after a payment by the Company. The 1994 Financing allowed
the Company to increase its borrowing capability, expand its sales
capacity and finance additional working capital. A portion of the
proceeds of the Company's initial public offering was used to repay
the Subordinated Note.
Item 13. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits. See index of exhibits annexed hereto.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
The Company did not file any Current Reports on Form
8-K during the quarterly period ended September 30, 1996.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant had duly caused this
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.
Date: January 13, 1997 BELL TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LTD..
By: /s/ Marc H. Bell
_______________________
Marc H. Bell
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons
on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates
indicated.
Date: January 13, 1997 /s/ Marc H. Bell
________________________
Marc H. Bell, Chief
Executive Officer
and Director
Date:
________________________
Martin Fox, Director
Date:
________________________
T. Shiraishi, Director
Date: January 13, 1997 /s/ Robert Bell
________________________
Robert Bell
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
and Director
Date: January 13, 1997 /s/ Richard Videbeck
________________________
Richard Videbeck, Director
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Page
Number Description No.
1 - Form of Underwriting Agreement between the Company
and Rickel & Associates, Inc.("Rickel"), the
Underwriter.**
3(a) - Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, dated
September 29, 1995.*
3(b) - By-laws of the Company.*
4(a) - Specimen Stock Certificate.***
4(b) - Form of Warrant Agent Agreement (including Form of
Redeemable Warrant).***
4(c) - Form of Underwriter's Warrant.***
4(d) - Specimen Warrant Certificate.***
10(a)- Agreement of Lease between NAFT International Ltd. and
Cable Building Associates dated as of December 22, 1992.*
10(b)- Agreement of Lease between NAFT International Ltd. and
Cable Building Associates dated as of March 12, 1993.*
10(c)- Agreement of Lease between NAFT International Ltd. and
Cable Building Associates dated as of May 11, 1994.*
10(d)- Agreement of Lease between NAFT International Ltd. and
Cable Building Associates dated as of May 24, 1994.*
10(e)- Agreement of Lease between Stellar Graphics Corp. and
Rhodes Associates dated as of September 1, 1994.*
10(f)- Agreement of Lease between NAFT International Ltd. and
Cable Building Associates dated as of February 15, 1995.*
10(g)- Sublease for Penthouse Suite 907D between Rhodes Assoc,
Cable Building Associates, Team Baseballs, Inc. and
Stellar Graphics Corp., dated as of July 7, 1995.*
10(h)- Sublease for Suite 428 between Cable Building Associates,
Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency, Inc. and Stellar
Graphics Corp., dated as of June 21, 1995.*
10(i)- Agreement for Wholesale Financing between NAFT
International Ltd. and ITT Commercial Finance Corp.,
dated as of April 20, 1993.*
10(j)- Business Financing Agreement between the NAFT
International Ltd. and ITT Commercial Finance Corp.
dated as of September 23, 1994.*
10(k)- Guaranty of obligations of NAFT International Ltd.
by Marc H. Bell in favor of ITT Commercial Finance
Corp., dated as April 20, 1993.*
EXHIBIT INDEX (con't)
Exhibit
Page
Number Description No.
10(l)- Lock Box Service Agreement made between NAFT
International Ltd., The First National Bank of Chicago,
First Chicago National Processing Corporation and ITT
Commercial Finance Corp., dated as of September 20, 1994.*
10(m)- Addendum to Business Financing Agreement and Agreement
for Wholesale Financing between NAFT International Ltd.
and ITT Commercial Finance Corp. dated as of September
23, 1994.*
10(n)- Guaranty of obligations of NAFT International Ltd. by
PFM Technologies Corporation in favor of ITT Commercial
Finance Corp., dated as of March 28, 1995*
10(o)- Addendum to Business Financing Agreement and Agreement
for Wholesale Financing between NAFT International Ltd.
and Deutsche Financial Services Corporation, formerly
known as ITT Commercial Finance Corp., dated as of
September 27, 1995.*
10(p)- Agreement for Wholesale Financing for MicroAge Commercial
Credit Dealers between NAFT International Ltd. and MicroAge
Computer Centers, Inc., dated as of July 21, 1993.*
10(q)- Direct Value Added Reseller U.S. Sales Agreement between
Apple Computer Inc. and NAFT International Ltd., dated as
of December 21, 1994.*
10(r)- Export Addendum to the Direct VAR U.S. Sales Agreement
between Apple Computer Inc. and NAFT International Ltd.,
dated as of December 19, 1994.*
10(s)- Direct VAR Apple Authorized Service Provider Agreement
between Apple Computer Inc. and NAFT International Ltd.,
dated as of December 19, 1994.*
10(t)- General Partnership Agreement of PFM/Lehr Worldwide
between NAFT Computer Service Corp. and Lehr
Communications Corp, dated as of September 29, 1995.*
10(u)- Bell Technology Group Ltd. 1995 Stock Option Plan,
adopted September 29, 1995.* (+)
10(v)- Irrevocable Proxy Agreement between Harpoon Holdings
Ltd. and Marc H. Bell, dated as of October 1, 1995.*
10(w)- Employment Agreement between Marc H. Bell and the
Company dated as of October 1, 1995.* (+)
10(x)- Employment Agreement between Robert Bell and the
Company dated as of October 1, 1995.* (+)
10(y)- Employment Agreement between Jennifer Spain and the
Company dated as of October 1, 1995.* (+)
EXHIBIT INDEX (con't)
Exhibit Page
Number Description No.
10(z)- Share Deposit Agreement between Marc H. Bell, Harpoon
Holdings Ltd., the Company, and Rickel & Associates.***
10(aa)- Form of Consulting Agreement between the Company, and
Rickel & Associates.*
10(bb)- Employment Agreement between William T. Jahnke and NAFT
International Ltd. dated as of November 1, 1995.** (+)
10(cc)- Employment Agreement between Marc Mandel and NAFT
International dated as of November 1, 1995.** (+)
10(dd)- Amendment to Employment Agreement between Marc H. Bell
and the Company dated as of January 1, 1996. (+) 40
10(ee)- Amendment to Employment Agreement between Robert Bell
and the Company dated as of January 1, 1996. (+) 41
10(ff)- Amendment to Employment Agreement between Jennifer
Spain and the Company dated as of January 1, 1996.(+) 42
10(gg)- Security Agreement with NationsCredit, Commercial
Corporation of America and NAFT International Ltd.
dated October 1996. 43
10(hh)- Agreement of Lease between Bell Technology Group Ltd.
and Puck Associates dated as of July 23, 1996. 54
21 - List of Subsidiaries. 97
23 - Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP. 98
27 - Financial Data Schedule 99
* Incorporated by reference to Registration Statement on
Form SB-2 (File No. 33-98978) filed November 3, 1995.
** Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement filed December 20, 1995.
*** Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 2 to the
Registration Statement filed January 23, 1996,
declared effective January 24, 1996.
(+) Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan,
contract or agreement.
BELL TECHNOLOGY GROUP LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Financial Statements of Bell Technology Group Ltd.
and Subsidiaries
Report of Independent Public Accountants............ F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 30, 1996 and
September 30, 1995 ................................. F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations - For the year
ended September 30, 1996 and the nine months ended
September 30, 1995 ................................. F-4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders'
Equity - For the year ended September 30, 1996 and
the nine months ended September 30, 1995 ........... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - For the year
ended September 30, 1996 and the nine months ended
September 30, 1995 ................................. F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ......... F-7 - F-15
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To: BELL TECHNOLOGY GROUP LTD.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
Bell Technology Group Ltd. (a Delaware corporation) and Subsidiaries
as of September 30, 1996 and September 30, 1995, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, and cash flows for the year
and nine months then ended, respectively. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Bell
Technology Group Ltd. and Subsidiaries as of September 30, 1996 and
September 30, 1995, the results of its operations and its cash flows
for the year and nine months then ended, respectively, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
Arthur Andersen LLP
December 23, 1996
New York, New York
F-2
Bell Technology Group Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheet
September September
Assets 30, 1996 30, 1995
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $2,742,011 $ 222,367
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $64,842 and $11,212
as of September 30, 1996 and September 30,
1995, respectively 1,847,918 1,423,548
Inventories 758,353 843,904
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 195,113 12,061
__________ __________
Total current assets 5,543,395 2,501,880
Property and equipment, net 2,151,294 413,306
Deferred stock offering costs -- 25,000
Other assets 115,093 21,364
__________ __________
Total assets $7,809,782 $2,961,550
========== ==========
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Short term borrowings $ -- $ 711,952
Current portion of notes payable 39,152 75,865
Accounts payable 1,274,197 1,319,532
Accrued expenses 240,116 118,414
Deferred revenues 166,617 75,562
Deferred income taxes -- 20,816
__________ __________
Total current liabilities 1,720,082 2,322,141
Long term note payable, net of curr portion -- 47,050
Note payable - Stockholder -- 287,000
Deferred income taxes -- 6,562
__________ __________
Total liabilities 1,720,082 2,662,753
__________ __________
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity :
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value; 500,000
shares authorized; no shares issued and
outstanding -- --
Common Stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000
shares authorized; 3,083,210 and 1,725,000
shares issued and outstanding 30,832 17,250
Additional paid-in capital 8,033,134 362,333
Accumulated deficit (1,974,266) (80,786)
__________ __________
Total stockholders' equity 6,089,700 298,797
__________ __________
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity $7,809,782 $2,961,550
========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated balance sheets.
F -3
Bell Technology Group Ltd.
and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Nine Months
Year Ended Ended
September 30, September 30,
1996 1995
Revenues $10,373,664 $8,738,410
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues 8,599,241 7,292,232
Selling, general and administrative 3,186,718 1,212,829
Depreciation and amortization 219,176 68,510
Research and development 57,250 34,000
__________ __________
Total costs and expenses 12,062,385 8,607,571
__________ __________
Income (loss) from operations (1,688,721) 130,839
Interest income 121,256 --
Interest expense (98,520) (72,881)
Write-off of Debt Issuance Costs (257,391) --
__________ __________
Income (loss) before taxes (1,923,721) 57,958
(Benefit from) provision for taxes (29,896) 19,099
__________ __________
Net income (loss) $(1,893,480) $ 38,859
========== ==========
Net earnings (loss) per share ($0.72) $0.02
Weighted average shares outstanding 2,633,400 1,725,000
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated statements.
F - 4
<TABLE>
Bell Technology Group Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in
Stockholders' Equity
<CAPTION>
Additional Total
Common Stock Paid-in Accumulated Stockholders
Shares Amount Capital Deficit Equity
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1994 1,725,000 $10,625 $ 368,958 ($ 119,645) $ 259,938
Adjustment related to the
merger of PFMT and the
Company --- 6,625 (6,625) --- ---
Net income --- --- --- 38,859 38,859
_________ ________ ________ _________ _________
Balance, September 30, 1995 1,725,000 17,250 362,333 (80,786) 298,797
Stock issuance in connection
with bridge financing 35,710 357 249,643 --- 250,000
Proceeds from Initial Public
Offering, net of expenses
of $1,602,175 1,322,500 13,225 7,421,158 --- 7,434,383
Net loss --- --- --- (1,893,480) (1,893,480)
_________ _______ __________ ___________ __________
Balance, September 30, 1996 3,083,210 $30,832 $8,033,134 ($1,974,266) $6,089,700
========= ======= ========== =========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated statements.
F - 5
Bell Technology Group Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Nine Months
Year Ended Ended
September September
30, 1996 30, 1995
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income $(1,893,480) $ 38,859
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income
to net cash used in operating activities
Depreciation and amortization 219,176 68,510
Write-off and amortization of debt issuance 250,000 --
(Benefit) for deferred taxes (29,896) (838)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) in accounts receivable (424,370) (111,434)
Decrease (increase) in inventories 85,551 (422,991)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses
and other current assets (183,052) 4,354
(Increase) in other assets (68,729) (31,890)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable (45,337) 99,211
Increase in accrued expenses 121,702 6,347
(Decrease) in payable due to officers -- (5,250)
Increase in deferred revenues 91,057 48,762
____________ __________
Net cash used in operations (1,877,378) (306,360)
____________ __________
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment,
net of landlord reimbursement (1,954,646) (149,917)
____________ __________
Net cash used in investing activities (1,954,646) (149,917)
____________ __________
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net (repayments of) proceeds from
short term borrowings (711,952) 417,739
Repayments of stockholder loan (287,000) (13,000)
Repayments of notes payable (83,763) (48,990)
Proceeds from initial public offering,
net of offering costs of $1,602,175 7,434,383 --
___________ __________
Net cash provided by financing activities 6,351,668 355,749
___________ __________
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents 2,519,644 (100,528)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning 222,367 322,895
___________ __________
Cash and cash equivalents, ending $ 2,742,011 $ 222,367
=========== ==========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest 53,887 60,157
Cash paid for income taxes 12,736 --
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Issuance of common stock in connection
with bridge financing 250,000 --
Equipment acquired under capital lease
obligations -- 121,422
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated statements
F - 6
Bell Technology Group Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. The Company and Significant Accounting Policies:
Organization
Bell Technology Group Ltd. and Subsidiaries (the "Company")
was incorporated in the State of Delaware in September 1995.
Shortly thereafter, the Company succeeded by merger to all the
assets and liabilities of PFM Technologies Corporation ("PFMT"), a
New York corporation (See Note 3). In July 1994, the sole
stockholder of NAFT International Ltd. ("NAFT") and Stellar Graphics
Corp. ("Stellar Graphics") exchanged 100% of the common stock of
both companies for 100 shares (100%) of PFMT, then a newly formed
corporation, in a tax free exchange. Subsequent to this
transaction, an additional 100 shares of PFMT were issued to Harpoon
Holdings, Ltd. ("Harpoon") in consideration for $200,000, of which
$198,000 represented additional paid-in capital. The Company also
owns 100% of the equity of NAFT Computer Service Corp. ("NCS") a
New York corporation formed in September 1994, PFM Communications
Inc. ("PFMC"), a New York corporation formed in March 1995
and GameNet Corp. ("GameNet"), a New York corporation formed in
March 1995. Prior to the merger of PFMT into the Company, these
entities were wholly owned subsidiaries of PFMT. During 1996, the
Company changed the name of Stellar Graphics Corp. to Bluestreak
Digital Inc. ("Bluestreak").
The consolidated financial statements herein include the
accounts of the Company, NAFT, PFMC, NCS, GameNet and Bluestreak.
All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated. The activities of NAFT and Bluestreak from January 1,
1994 until the formation of PFMT are included in these consolidated
financial statements at their carryover basis as they were under
common control prior to the tax free exchange discussed above. In
September 1995, the Company changed its fiscal year end from
December 31 to September 30. Accordingly, the period ended
September 30, 1995 is for a nine month period.
Operations
The Company is a provider of computer and communications
services and equipment, including Internet access, Web design, 2-D
and 3-D animation and Internet consulting services.
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share
Net income (loss) per common share is based on the weighted
average number of shares outstanding during the periods presented.
The impact of outstanding warrants and stock options has not been
included in the calculation as the effect would be anti-dilutive.
F-7
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an
original maturity of three months or less to be cash and cash
equivalents.
Concentrations of Cash and Accounts Receivable
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company
to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash
equivalents and accounts receivable. As of September 30, 1996, the
Company had concentrations of cash in a bank in the form of demand
deposits and money market accounts, totaling approximately
$2,503,416. The Company believes that concentrations of credit risk
with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the
large number of entities comprising the Company's customer base.
The Company primarily operates in the New York City metropolitan
area.
Inventories
Inventory consists of computer hardware and software, parts
and related items. Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or
market determined by the first-in, first-out method.
Property and Equipment
Furniture, equipment and internally developed software are
recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over
their estimated useful lives, generally five years. Leasehold
improvements are recorded at cost and amortized over the term of the
lease or life of the asset, whichever is shorter. Property and
equipment consist of the following.
September September
30, 1996 30, 1995
Leasehold improvements $ 510,057 $ 43,935
Computer and network
equipment 1,862,416 520,805
Furniture and delivery
equipment 193,054 40,312
Less - Accumulated
depreciation (414,233) (191,746)
_____________ ___________
Property and equipment, net $ 2,151,294 $ 413,306
============= ===========
F-8
Included in computer and network equipment is $155,507 of
assets held under capital lease obligations at September 30, 1996
and 1995. Also included in computer and network equipment at
September 30, 1996 and September 30, 1995 is $184,086 and $28,333,
respectively, related to internally developed software costs.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues consist primarily of computer hardware sales,
maintenance contracts, Internet access fees, network installation
charges, and repair fees. Generally, maintenance contracts are for
an agreed upon number of hours and are prepaid by customers. Repair
fees and maintenance charges are recognized as the service is
provided. Payments received in advance of providing services are
deferred until the period such services are provided. Equipment
sales and installation charges are recognized when installation is
completed.
Monthly subscription service revenue related to Internet
access is recognized over the period services are provided.
Subscription service and equipment installation revenues, which
require the use of Company-provided installation of equipment at a
subscriber's location, are recognized at completion of installation
and upon commencement of service. Revenues related to the Web and to
2-D and 3-D animation are recognized at the completion of each
project. Projects are generally completed within a three month
period.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues in the Company's Internet businesses, PFMC
and GameNet, consist primarily of local access costs, leased network
backbone circuit costs, the cost of equipment and applications sold
to customers and depreciation of network-related equipment. NAFT's
primary cost of revenues is the cost of the computer products it
sells. NCS's cost of revenues consist of parts, internal and third-
party labor costs, and training and certification costs.
Bluestreak's cost of revenues consist primarily of labor, printing
expenses and camera work.
Research & Development
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the
financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these
estimates are based on management's knowledge of current events and
actions it may undertake in the future, they may ultimately differ
from actual results.
F-9
Recent Pronouncements
In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-
Lived Assets to be Disposed of," ("SFAS 121"), which is effective
for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 1995. SFAS 121 requires that long-lived assets and certain
identifiable intangible assets held and used by a company be
reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may not be
recoverable. The Company believes that, as of September 30, 1996,
no assets covered by SFAS 121 have been impaired.
In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock Based Compensation," ("SFAS 123".) SFAS 123
allows companies to account for stock-based compensation to
employees under either (i) the new provisions of SFAS 123 or (ii)
the provisions of APB 25 with pro forma disclosure in the footnotes
to the financial statements as if the measurement provisions of SFAS
123 had been adopted. The Company intends to continue accounting for
its stock-based compensation to employees in accordance with the
provisions of APB 25. As the Company did not issue options to non-
employees, the implementation of SFAS 123 had no impact on the
financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the
Company.
2. Debt
The Company (through its NAFT subsidiary) has available a
total of $1,400,000 pursuant to a Business Financing Agreement and
an Agreement for Wholesale Financing with Deutsche Financial
Services ("DFS") to finance its accounts receivable and inventory.
On certain inventory purchased from Apple and financed through DFS,
Apple pays the finance charges for a thirty day period. As of
September 30, 1995 and 1996, the Company had outstanding a total of
$377,261 and $1,386,170, respectively, under these agreements, of
which $377,261 and $674,218, respectively, represent the portion of
the line used for the Wholesale Financing Agreement and are included
in accounts payable in the accompanying balance sheet. At September
30, 1996, the Company had not drawn upon the Business Financing
Agreement.
F-10
The borrowings under these agreements bear interest at the
prime rate plus 1.5% (9.75% as of September 30, 1996) and are
secured by a continuing security interest in substantially all of
the assets of NAFT and the guarantee of the Company. Interest
expense related to such agreements was $45,000 for 1996 and $55,000
for 1995. Pursuant to the terms of these agreements, NAFT is
required to obtain prior written consent from DFS before it engages
in certain transactions outside of NAFT's ordinary course of
business. These agreements also require that NAFT comply with
certain financial covenants and prohibit dividends. NAFT
presently has an accumulated deficit. Future retained earnings will
be restricted as to the payment of dividends.
The Company borrowed $300,000 from Harpoon, a stockholder
of the Company, in 1994. The debt incurred by this borrowing was
repaid in full during fiscal year 1996.
3. Stockholders' Equity and Stock Options
Initial Public Offering
In January, 1996. the Company sold, in an initial public
offering, 1,150,000 shares of Common Stock at an initial offering
price of $7.00 per share, and 575,000 Redeemable Purchase Warrants
for $.10 per warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase
one share of the Company's common stock for $7.70 per share. The
warrants are redeemable by the Company at $.10 per warrant at any
time after January 24, 1997 if certain conditions are met. The net
proceeds which the Company received from the public offering
amounted to approximately $6,600,000.
In March 1996, the underwriter of the initial public
offering exercised its over-allotment option to purchase 129,642
common shares from the Company for $7.00 per share. The net proceeds
amounted to approximately $800,000.
Bridge Financing
In October 1995, the Company borrowed $250,000 in a Bridge
Financing. The Bridge Notes issued in connection with the Bridge
Financing carried interest at 9% per annum. Such loans were repaid
at the closing of the initial public offering. In connection with
the Bridge Financing, the Company issued 35,710 shares of Common
Stock to the Bridge Lenders at no cost, which were registered as
part of the initial public offering. Debt issuance costs of $257,391
and interest expense of $37,149 were incurred by the Company as a
result of the bridge loan transaction.
F-11
Stock Options
The Company has an Employee Stock Option Plan (the "Stock
Option Plan"). Under the Option Plan, options are exercisable for a
period up to 10 years from the date of the grant. The number of
shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Option Plan
is 360,000. The purchase price of the stock will be equal to or
greater than 100% of the fair market value at the date of issue.
As of September 30, 1996, options to purchase approximately
202,730 shares, at exercise prices between $7.00 and $8.75 have been
issued under the plan. In the opinion of management, options were
issued at the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock as of
the date of the grant.
Merger
Pursuant to the terms of the merger of PFMT and the Company,
in September 1995, each of the 200 shares of outstanding common
stock of PFMT was exchangeable for 8,625 shares of common stock of
the Company. As a result, as of September 30, 1996 there was a
total of 1,725,000 shares of common stock of the Company issued and
outstanding. All per share amounts have been adjusted retroactively
to reflect this merger.
Deposit Shares
In connection with the Company's initial public offering,
Marc Bell and Harpoon have each deposited 210,000 shares of the
Common Stock owned by them (the "Deposit Shares") with the Company.
The Company will hold such shares pursuant to a Share Deposit
Agreement. The Deposit Shares will be returned to their respective
owners no later than at the end of eight years from the date of the
Prospectus for the initial public offering. However, the Deposit
Shares may be returned prior to such time, if certain levels of
profitability are met.
4. Commitments and Contingencies
Capital and Operating Leases
The Company leases office equipment and office space under
various noncancellable operating leases. Rent expense for the year
ended September 30, 1996 and the nine months ended September 30,
1995 was approximately $253,402 and $81,280, respectively. The
Company has entered into capital leases for computer equipment.
These capital lease obligations have been recorded at interest rates
ranging from 8% to 8.75%.
F-12
Future minimum lease payments under these lease agreements
are as follows:
Year Ending
September 30, Operating Capital
1997 $ 421,160 $ 54,071
1998 392,548 --
1999 423,319 --
2000 447,362 --
2001 456,309 --
Thereafter ................. 3,240,388 --
Less: Amount representing interest -- (14,919)
Present value of net minimum lease __________ _________
payments ......................... $ 5,381,086 $ 39,152
========== =========
5. Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under
this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined
based on differences between the financial reporting and income tax
bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted
tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are
expected to reverse. The provision for income taxes on historical
net income for the year ended September 30, 1996 and the nine months
ended September 30, 1995 differs from the amount computed by
applying the federal statutory rate due to the effects of state and
local taxes, net of federal tax benefit and for the year ended
September 30, 1996, the difference is also the result of the Company
recording a valuation allowance.
The Company is in an accumulated loss position for both
financial reporting and income tax purposes. No current federal tax
benefit has been recorded due to the uncertainty of the Company's
ability to realize benefits by generating taxable income in the
future. The Company has a tax loss carryforward of approximately
$1.5 million at September 30, 1996. This carryforward expires in
2011. The benefit from the provision for taxes of $29,896
represents the reversal of deferred taxes provided in prior years.
Income tax (benefit) expense consists of the following:
Nine Months
Year Ended Ended
September September
30, 1996 30, 1995
_____________ ____________
CURRENT:
Federal -- $ 8,410
State and local -- 11,527
____________ ___________
Total -- 19,937
____________ ___________
DEFERRED:
Federal $ (19,759) (398)
State and local (10,137) (440)
___________ ___________
Total $ (29,896) $ (838)
___________ ___________
Total $ (29,896) $ 19,099
=========== ===========
F-13
The provision for income taxes on historical net income
for the year ended September 30, 1996 and the nine months ended
September 30, 1995 differs from the amount computed by applying the
federal statutory rate due to the following:
Nine Months
Year Ended Ended
September September
30, 1996 30, 1995
__________ ___________
Statutory federal income tax rate (34%) 34%
Effect of federal graduating tax
rate ............................ -- (18%)
State and local taxes, net of
federal benefit ................. (11%) 14%
Other ........................... ( 1%) 3%
Valuation allowance ............. 44% --
______ ______
Effective income tax rate ....... ( 2%) 33%
====== ======
Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets
and liabilities are as follows:
September September
30, 1996 30, 1995
_________ _________
Deferred tax assets
(liabilities):
Tax depreciation and
amortization in excess
of book depreciation
and amortization ...... $ (12,920) $ (6,708)
Income not recognized
due to the change from
the cash to the accrual
method of accounting
for income tax purposes -- (25,828)
Net operating loss
carry forward ......... 733,393 --
Allowance for doubtful
accounts .............. 29,176 5,158
Valuation allowance ... (749,649) --
__________ __________
Total net deferred tax
liabilities .......... $ -- $ (27,378)
========== ==========
F-14
6. Employment Agreement
In October 1995, the Company entered into an employment
agreement with Marc H. Bell which extends for a period of five
years, terminating on September 30, 2000. Pursuant to the terms of
the agreement, Mr. Bell receives a base salary of $200,000 per year
and a bonus equal to 5% of the annual pre-tax net income of the
Company in excess of $1 million.
The Company also entered into employment agreements on
October 1, 1995 with two officers of the Company, which extend for a
period of two years. Pursuant to the terms of these agreements,
annual base salary totals $189,000 per annum. In addition to base
compensation, the Company intends to reserve at the end of each
fiscal year, a sum equal to ten (10%) percent of the consolidated
net income of the Company (computed before provision for federal and
state income taxes) (the "Bonus Pool"), for allocation among the
officers of the Company and certain key employees (including Marc H.
Bell) as the Board of Directors of the Company may determine. Marc
Bell will receive an amount equal to 5% of the pre-tax income over
$1 million (50% of the Bonus Pool) to the extent, if any, that the
Bonus Pool exceeds $100,000.
7. Subsequent Event
New Credit Agreement
In October, 1996, the Company entered into a new credit
agreement with NationsCredit, to replace the DFS facility discussed
in Note 2. This agreement provides for a revolving credit line of
up to $3,000,000 based upon 100% of eligible inventory and 80% of
eligible trade receivables. On inventory items, Naft will finance
the purchase invoice through the line of credit and pay no interest
for the first 30 days. After the expiration of such 30 day period,
interest will accrue at the prime rate plus 1.75%. Any borrowings
under this agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets
of Naft and a cross guaranty of the Company.
F-15
EXHIBIT 10(dd)
As of January 1, 1996
Bell Technology Group Ltd.
295 Lafayette Street
3rd Floor
New York, New York 10012
Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the employment agreement between Bell
Technology Group Ltd. and the undersigned, dated as of October 1,
1995.
This letter is to confirm that the undersigned's salary will
remain as it was prior to October 1, 1995 until January 1, 1996 at
which time the fixed salary set forth in the Employment Agreement
shall become effective.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Marc. H. Bell
Marc H. Bell
EXHIBIT 10(ee)
As of January 1, 1996
Bell Technology Group Ltd.
295 Lafayette Street
3rd Floor
New York, New York 10012
Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the employment agreement between Bell
Technology Group Ltd. and the undersigned, dated as of October 1,
1995.
This letter is to confirm that the undersigned's salary will
remain as it was prior to October 1, 1995 until January 1, 1996 at
which time the fixed salary set forth in the Employment Agreement
shall become effective.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Robert B. Bell
Robert B. Bell
EXHIBIT 10(ff)
As of January 1, 1996
Bell Technology Group Ltd.
295 Lafayette Street
3rd Floor
New York, New York 10012
Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the employment agreement between Bell
Technology Group Ltd. and the undersigned, dated as of October 1,
1995.
This letter is to confirm that the undersigned's salary will
remain as it was prior to October 1, 1995 until January 1, 1996 at
which time the fixed salary set forth in the Employment Agreement
shall become effective.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Jennifer Spain
Jennifer Spain
EXHIBIT 10(gg)
SECURITY AGREEMENT
THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT is made as of October, 1996, between
NATIONSCREDIT COMMERCIAL CORPORATION OF AMERICA, a North Carolina
corporation with a place of business at 415 Eagleview Boulevard,
Suite 116, Exton, Pennsylvania 19341 ("NCC"), and NAFT INTERNATIONAL
LTD., a New York corporation with its principal place of business at
295 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor, New York, New York 10012
("Dealer").
1. ADVANCES. At Dealer's request, NCC, AT ITS OPTION,
will advance funds (collectively, "Advances") to Dealer for its
acquisition of inventory or other purposes satisfactory to NCC. NCC
will send Dealer schedules listing the amounts of Advances hereunder
and other billing information. If Dealer does not agree with any
schedule, it must immediately notify NCC in writing of the
objections. Dealer's failure to notify NCC of objections within
seven days after receipt shall constitute an acceptance of the
schedule.
2. TERMS OF ADVANCES. Dealer will repay each Advance
as provided herein or in any other written agreement between NCC and
Dealer. Dealer agrees that:
(a) Dealer will pay NCC's financing, service and late
charges, according to and upon receipt of the billing statements
which NCC delivers to Dealer and within the time specified by NCC,
and will not delay payment of any obligations to NCC, or assert any
defense or set-off with respect to said obligations, on account of
any dispute between Dealer and the vendor or manufacturer of any
Inventory (as hereafter defined). Dealer will repay the full
invoice amount relating to Advances used to fund the acquisition of
Inventory, notwithstanding any allowance or discount provided by the
vendor or manufacturer to NCC. Advances disbursed directly to
vendors or manufacturers will be treated as outstanding from the
date on which NCC processes the applicable invoice, regardless of
any funding delay allowed by the vendor or manufacturer.
(b) NCC, at its discretion, may at any time and without
notice to Dealer apply any monies received from Dealer in payment of
any of Dealer's obligations or liabilities to NCC, in such order of
application as NCC may determine.
(c) Advances will bear interest at a per annum rate
equal to the Prime Rate plus 1.75% (subject to any interest-free
period provided by vendor), but any past due amounts owing hereunder
will bear interest at a rate equal to 1.5% per month. Interest will
be calculated on a simple interest basis for a year of 365 or 366
days, based on actual days elapsed. If any payment is due on a date
that is not a business day, the due date will be extended to the
next business day. "Prime Rate" means the prime rate announced by
NationsBank, N.A. at its office in Charlotte, North Carolina and in
effect on the last business day of a calendar month, effective for
the next month.
(d) NCC acknowledges receipt of a facility fee of $5,000
from Dealer. Such fee has been fully earned and is non-refundable.
(e) In lieu of a promissory note or other instrument
evidencing the indebtedness hereunder, NCC will maintain records
reflecting Dealer's outstanding indebtedness. Failure to make
notation of any Advance, however, will not affect the obligations of
Dealer. Entries in such records will be conclusive, absent manifest
error.
3. COLLATERAL. As security for all present and future
obligations of Dealer to NCC, whether or not arising under this
Agreement, and of whatever kind, now due or to become due, absolute
or contingent, Dealer hereby grants to NCC a continuing security
interest in the following (collectively, "Collateral"), whether now
owned or hereafter acquired: (a) all inventory of Dealer
("Inventory"), all replacements and substitutions therefor, all
parts, additions and accessions thereto, and all returned and
repossessed goods, (b) all of Dealer's accounts, receivables,
chattel paper and other rights to payment arising from Dealer's
sale or lease of goods or provision of services in the ordinary
course of business ("Accounts"), including books and records
relating thereto, (c) all of Dealer's goods, equipment, fixtures,
furniture, contract rights, documents, securities and other
investment property, general intangibles and other assets of every
kind and nature, whether real, personal, tangible or intangible,
and (d) the proceeds and products of the foregoing. The Collateral
includes, and Dealer specifically assigns to NCC, all present and
future credits payable by those who sell or otherwise supply
Inventory to Dealer, all rental and other monies due or to become
due from those who lease Inventory from Dealer, and the proceeds
thereof. Dealer authorizes each lessee, seller and supplier to pay
these directly to NCC. Dealer will sign all papers necessary to
evidence the assignment (including, if requested, a separate
assignment agreement), will take all actions and deliver all
documents and instruments appropriate to perfect the security
interests granted, and will bear all costs of recording and
perfection.
4. DEALER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Dealer
represents and warrants to NCC that, at all times during which this
Agreement is in effect, the following statements are and shall be
true:
(a) Dealer is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing in its jurisdiction of organization
and in all other jurisdictions in which the nature of its business
or properties requires qualification to do business.
(b) The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and all related documents by Dealer: have been duly
authorized by all requisite corporate action, do not require any
consent of stockholders or any other person or entity that has not
been obtained, do not violate Dealer's charter or bylaws, and do not
violate or result in default under any governmental decree, court
order, law or material agreement applicable to Dealer or any of its
properties. The execution, delivery and performance of the Guaranty
("Guaranty") by Bell Technology Group Ltd. ("Guarantor") in favor of
NCC: do not require any consent of any person or entity that has
not been obtained, and do not violate or result in default under any
governmental decree, court order, law or material agreement
applicable to Guarantor or any of his properties.
(c) This Agreement and all related documents executed by
Dealer constitute valid and binding obligations of Dealer,
enforceable in accordance with their terms. The Guaranty
constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Guarantor,
enforceable in accordance with its terms.
(d) All financial statements of Dealer submitted to NCC
have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, consistently applied ("GAAP"), and accurately reflect
Dealer's financial condition and results of operations. All
financial statements of Guarantor submitted to NCC accurately
reflect Guarantor's financial condition.
(e) There is no pending or threatened litigation,
governmental investigation or other legal proceeding affecting
Dealer, Guarantor or any of their properties that could have a
material adverse effect on Dealer's or Guarantor's financial
condition, business, operations, assets or prospects, or that
challenges the validity or enforceability of this Agreement, the
Guaranty, any related documents, or Dealer's or Guarantor's
obligations with respect thereto.
(f) Dealer has duly filed all federal, state and other
tax returns that it is required by law to file, has paid all taxes
and assessments from time to time owing, and is in compliance in all
material respects with applicable law.
(g) Except as disclosed in writing by Dealer to NCC, no
Account is subject to any potential offset, counterclaim, allowance
or defense to payment, represents an obligation to pay an amount
that is not fixed or is subject to a contingency or condition,
relates to an invoice or billing statement that has been redated,
represents an advertising credit, arises from warranty or return
services, or is evidenced by an instrument or other writing.
5. DEALER'S DUTIES. So long as this Agreement remains
in effect, Dealer agrees that it shall:
(a) Sell and deliver Inventory only to retail customers
in the ordinary course of business, and not otherwise sell,
transfer, encumber or lease any item of Collateral without NCC's
prior written consent;
(b) Keep accurate and complete records of the
Collateral, and during reasonable hours, permit NCC to inspect and
make copies of Dealer's books and records and to inspect the
Collateral, at Dealer's expense (but so long as no default exists
hereunder, Dealer shall not reimburse for audit expenses in excess
of $1,000 per quarter);
(c) Promptly report and pay all taxes and other charges
against the Collateral; maintain a perfected, first priority
security interest in favor of NCC in the Collateral, subject only to
other liens and encumbrances acceptable to NCC in its discretion;
and discharge all other liens, encumbrances, assessments, charges
and adverse claims that from time to time attach to or are asserted
against the Collateral;
(d) Pay all transportation and storage charges on the
Collateral; and pay all rents, if any, for the use of premises on
which Dealer keeps any Collateral;
(e) Keep the Collateral insured for full value against
all insurable risks, on terms acceptable to NCC and with NCC as the
loss payee, as its interest may appear; and notify NCC in writing 10
days before changing or canceling such policies;
(f) Mark all chattel paper, instruments and records
evidencing or relating to the Accounts as being subject to the
security interest created hereby; take all actions appropriate for
the collection and enforcement of Accounts, and for the perfection
of any liens securing Accounts; permit NCC to contact Account
obligors to verify information provided by Dealer, and assist NCC in
such verification process; and after a default (as described in
Section 7 hereof), not adjust, settle or compromise the amount,
payment or performance of any obligations relating to Accounts,
without the prior consent of NCC;
(g) Maintain (i) tangible net worth (defined as
shareholders' equity determined in accordance with GAAP, plus
indebtedness subordinated to amounts owing hereunder on terms
satisfactory to NCC, minus items treated as intangibles under GAAP,
prepaid expenses, amounts owing to Dealer by any employee, officer
or other affiliate, and any other asset that cannot be identified as
tangible) of not less than $1,400,000 at the end of each fiscal
quarter, and (ii) a ratio of total liabilities (as determined in
accordance with GAAP) to tangible net worth of not greater than 2.5
to 1 at the end of each fiscal quarter;
(h) If any default hereunder exists or would be caused
thereby, not make, pay or declare any dividends or distributions,
not redeem, repurchase or retire any subordinate debt or shares of
its capital stock, and not make any payment with respect to
subordinate debt;
(i) Deliver to NCC (i) by the 15th day of each month, a
detailed Inventory report, and Accounts and accounts payable aging
reports, in form and substance satisfactory to NCC, (ii) within 60
days after the end of each fiscal quarter, Dealer's balance sheet
and statement of income for such quarter and for the portion of the
fiscal year then ending, prepared in accordance with GAAP and
certified by an officer of Dealer in a manner acceptable to NCC,
(iii) within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, Dealer's
balance sheet and statements of income and cash flows for such
fiscal year, prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited by
independent certified public accountants acceptable to NCC, and
accompanied by such accountants' unqualified opinion, (iv) at least
30 days prior to each fiscal year, Dealer's balance sheet and income
projections for such year, and thereafter upon preparation, any
internal updates or modifications to such projections, (v)
concurrently with the filing or distribution thereof, copies of
Guarantor's Forms 10-Q and 10-K, and its Annual Report, (vi) within
120 days after the end of each fiscal year, an Accounts report,
detailing each Account debtor's name, address, contact, phone number
and other information requested by NCC, and (vi) such other
information relating to the Borrowing Base (as hereafter described),
Inventory, Accounts, Dealer's and Guarantor's financial conditions,
and other matters as NCC shall request from time to time; and
(j) By Thursday of each week (and more often, if
requested by NCC), Dealer shall deliver to NCC a calculation of the
Borrowing Base and an Inventory summary, as of the close of business
on the preceding day, in form and substance satisfactory to NCC. If
at any time outstanding Advances (including any Advances that have
been committed but unfunded for more than five days or such other
length of time as NCC reasonably deems appropriate) exceed the
current Borrowing Base, Dealer will immediately repay such excess to
NCC and payment of the excess will be in addition to any regularly
scheduled payments. "Borrowing Base" means 100% of the cost of all
Eligible Inventory, plus 80% of the value of all Eligible Accounts,
but NCC reserves the right to adjust Borrowing Base requirements,
eligibility and advance rates from time to time at its discretion.
"Eligible Inventory" and "Eligible Accounts" are defined on Exhibit
A hereto.
6. COLLECTION OF ACCOUNTS.
(a) Until NCC exercises its rights to collect the
Accounts as set forth below, Dealer will collect all Accounts with
diligence, whether or not they constitute Eligible Accounts. Dealer
will advise all Account obligors to make remittances to a lock box
established by NCC. Remittances received in the lock box shall be
credited to Dealer's obligations, but all credits are conditional,
subject to collection. Returned items and costs relating to the
lock box and related depository account will be charged to and
payable by Dealer.
(b) NCC may, at any time and in its sole discretion,
with or without cause, (i) give notice of assignment to any or all
Account obligors, following three business days prior written notice
to Dealer; (ii) collect any or all Accounts directly, at Dealer's
expense; (iii) settle or adjust disputes and claims directly with
Account obligors for amounts and upon terms which NCC considers
advisable; (iv) receive, open and dispose of all mail addressed to
Dealer and notify post office authorities to change the address for
delivery of Dealer's mail to an address designated by NCC; (v)
endorse Dealer's name on any checks or other evidence of payment
that may come into possession of NCC and on any invoice, freight or
express bill, bill of lading or other document; (vi) in Dealer's
name or otherwise, demand, sue for, collect and give acquittance for
any and all monies due or to become due on Accounts; (vii)
compromise, prosecute or defend any action or claim concerning
Accounts; and/or (viii) do any and all things appropriate to carry
out the intent of this Agreement, or any other agreement between the
parties. Neither NCC nor any person acting as its attorney
hereunder shall be liable for any acts or omissions or for any error
of judgment or mistake of fact or law, except for gross negligence
or willful misconduct. Dealer agrees that the powers granted
hereunder, being coupled with an interest, are irrevocable.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties agree
that NCC is under no duty to take any actions relating to any
Accounts, any related agreements or any other Collateral, including
any duty as to the collection or protection of Accounts or income
therefrom, or the preservation of rights relating thereto.
7. DEFAULTS. Any of the following shall constitute a
"default" hereunder: failure by Dealer to pay any amount owing to
NCC when due; failure by Dealer to fulfill any agreement with NCC,
whether or not contained herein; any material change in the
ownership, management or control of Dealer, without NCC's prior
written consent; liquidation or dissolution of Dealer; assignment by
Dealer or Guarantor for the benefit of creditors; Dealer ceasing to
do business as a going concern; filing of a petition by or against
Dealer or Guarantor under any bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium, liquidation or similar law, or for the
appointment of a receiver; Dealer or Guarantor becoming insolvent
or unable to pay debts as they come due; entry of a judgment against
Dealer or Guarantor; default by Dealer in the payment or performance
of any obligations owing to any other creditor, beyond any
applicable grace period; issuance of an order of attachment against
Dealer, Guarantor or any of their property; issuance of an order of
attachment against any Collateral, or damage to or destruction of a
substantial part of the Collateral; any change in Dealer's or
Guarantor's financial condition, business, operations, assets or
prospects that NCC deems to be adverse, or the occurrence of any
other circumstance or event as a result of which NCC deems itself
insecure; any assertion by Guarantor that a material provision of
the Guaranty is unenforceable, or any revocation or repudiation by
Guarantor of his obligations under the Guaranty; or any
representation or statement furnished to NCC on behalf of Dealer or
Guarantor proves to have been false when given.
8. REMEDIES. During the continuance of any default
hereunder, NCC can, at its option and without notice, demand
immediate payment of any or all obligations under this Agreement or
otherwise owing to NCC. NCC shall have all the rights and remedies
available at law, in equity or by agreement, including those of a
secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the
jurisdiction where the Collateral is kept. Such rights shall
include the right to cancel any committed but unfunded Advances for
shipments of Inventory by vendors, to enter any of Dealer's premises
with or without legal process, but without force, and/or to take
possession of and remove Collateral, and books and records relating
to Collateral. At NCC's request, Dealer will assemble, prepare
for removal and make available to NCC at a place to be designated by
NCC which is reasonably convenient to both parties such items of
Collateral as NCC may from time to time request. During the
continuance of a default, NCC may take control of any funds
generated by the Collateral, notify Account obligors to make payment
to an account or location designated by NCC, and in NCC's name or
Dealer's name, demand, collect, receipt for, settle, compromise, sue
for, repossess, accept returns of, foreclose or realize upon any
Collateral, including without limitation Accounts and related
instruments and security therefor. Dealer agrees that private sale
of any item financed by NCC at the amount owed to NCC on that item,
less a reasonable restocking charge, shall be a commercially
reasonable method of disposition. Ten days written notice
of a public sale date or the date after which a private sale may
occur shall be a reasonable notice. NCC shall not be chargeable
with responsibility for the accuracy or validity of any document or
for the existence or value of any Collateral, and shall not be
liable for failure to collect any amounts owing on an Account or
instrument. Dealer further agrees to pay reasonable attorneys' fees
and legal expenses incurred by NCC in enforcing this Agreement, and
such fees and expenses shall constitute a portion of the obligations
secured hereby. NCC SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY ACT OR OMISSION OF
ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES, ABSENT GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILFUL
MISCONDUCT.
9. REQUESTS FOR ADVANCES. Each request by Dealer for
an Advance hereunder shall constitute a representation by Dealer
that (a) no default hereunder, or event or circumstance that with
the passage of time or notice could constitute a default hereunder,
exists or would result from the Advance, (b) the representations and
warranties set forth herein are true and complete as of the date of
the Advance, and (c) no event or circumstance has occurred or exists
that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect
on the financial condition, business, operations, assets or
prospects of Dealer or Guarantor.
10. MODIFICATION. This Agreement cannot be changed
unless the change is in writing and signed by both NCC and Dealer.
However, the following exceptions will be sufficiently proved by
ordinary course of business records of NCC: (a) descriptions of
specific items of Collateral; (b) amounts of Advances owed to NCC;
(c) time extensions; and (d) the rate and amount of financing and
service charges, curtailments and late charges. Any provision of
this Agreement found upon judicial interpretation or construction to
be void or prohibited by law shall not invalidate the remaining
provisions hereof.
11. POWER OF ATTORNEY. Dealer hereby irrevocably
appoints NCC, including any officer or employee of NCC as NCC may
designate, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with power of
substitution to do the following acts on behalf of Dealer: to
prepare, execute and deliver in the name of Dealer security
instruments, financing statements, lien filings and certificates of
title relating to Collateral; to endorse Dealer's name upon any
notes, checks, drafts, money orders and other forms of instruments
made payable to Dealer and relating to Collateral; and generally to
perform all acts and do all things necessary and proper in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby or in discharge
of the powers hereby conferred, including the making of affidavits
and the acknowledgment of instruments as fully as if done by Dealer.
The foregoing powers are coupled with an interest and shall be
irrevocable, without the prior written consent of NCC, as long as
any obligations of Dealer to NCC remain outstanding.
12. FAILURE TO PERFORM. If Dealer fails to perform any
act required hereunder, including the payment of taxes, liens and
insurance premiums relating to the Collateral, NCC may (but shall
not be required to) perform or cause performance of such act. Any
amounts expended or incurred by NCC in the performance of any such
act or in the enforcement of this Agreement shall constitute part of
the obligations secured hereunder, will bear interest at the default
rate hereunder and will be payable upon demand. All rights and
remedies of NCC hereunder are cumulative. No delay of NCC in
exercising any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof,
nor shall any single or partial exercise of a right preclude other
or further exercise thereof or of any other right hereunder.
13. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT
PERMITTED BY LAW, THE PARTIES HERETO WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY
DISPUTE OR PROCEEDING RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY
RELATED MATTERS. Dealer waives all relief from all appraisement,
valuation, deficiency or exemption laws now in force or hereafter
enacted.
14. HAZARDOUS WASTE INDEMNIFICATION. Dealer shall
indemnify and old harmless NCC, its parent company, subsidiaries and
all of their directors, officers, employees, agents, successors,
attorneys and assigns from and against any loss, damage, cost,
expense or liability directly or indirectly arising out of or
attributable to the use, generation, manufacture, treatment,
production, storage, release, threatened release, discharge,
disposal or presence of a hazardous substance on, under or
about Dealer's property or operations or property leased to Dealer,
including but not limited to attorneys' fees (including the
reasonable estimate of the allocated cost of in-house counsel and
staff). For these purposes, the term "hazardous substances" means
any substance which is or becomes designated as "hazardous" or
"toxic" under any federal, state or local law. This indemnity shall
survive repayment of Dealer's obligations to NCC.
15. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY. DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT
NCC HAS MADE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO ANY
INVENTORY OR OTHER COLLATERAL, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY. DEALER IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY CLAIMS AGAINST NCC
WITH RESPECT TO THE INVENTORY AND OTHER COLLATERAL WHETHER FOR
BREACH OF WARRANTY OR OTHERWISE. Any such claims shall not alter,
diminish or otherwise impair Dealer's liabilities or obligations to
NCC hereunder. NCC does not assume any obligations of Dealer
relating to the Inventory, any Accounts, any contract obligations,
or any other obligations or duties arising from the Collateral.
16. TIME; UCC. Time is of the essence in the
performance of Dealer's duties, but NCC's failure to insist upon
strict compliance with this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver
of any of NCC's rights. A waiver by NCC on any one occasion shall
not be construed as a bar to or waiver of any right or remedy on any
future occasion. Terms are used herein as defined in the Uniform
Commercial Code. A copy of this Agreement or any financing
statement may be filed as a financing statement in any appropriate
jurisdiction.
17. ASSIGNMENT. NCC may assign this Agreement, but
Dealer must have NCC's written consent before Dealer can assign this
Agreement. If assigned, this Agreement shall be for the benefit of
each assignee or other successor in interest of each party and shall
bind them until terminated.
18. TERMINATION. Either party may terminate this
Agreement by giving 30 days written notice to the other party, but
no such termination shall alter Dealer's obligations to NCC
relating to amounts funded or committed prior to the effective date
of the termination, and all rights, remedies and covenants shall
extend until payment in full of all amounts owing by Dealer to NCC.
If Dealer specifically requests NCC to furnish a termination
statement and such statement is legally required, NCC shall
execute and deliver same to Dealer within 20 business days after
receiving a written request therefor.
19. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by
the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The parties agree
that the state and federal courts located in Pennsylvania, including
the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania,
shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any claim, dispute or
demand pertaining to this Agreement, and the parties expressly
submit and consent to such jurisdiction.
20. RATE LIMITATION. It is not the intention of any
party to this Agreement to make an agreement violative of any
applicable laws relating to maximum permissible rates of interest.
In no event shall Dealer be obligated to pay any amount in excess of
the maximum amount of interest permitted under applicable law.
21. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the
entire agreement between the parties, and supersedes all prior
agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof.
THIS WRITTEN AGREEMENT REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR,
CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE
ARE NO UNWRITTEN AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.
DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Security Agreement is executed as
of the date first set forth above.
NAFT INTERNATIONAL LTD.
/s/ Marc H. Bell
By________________________________________
Marc. H. Bell, President and
Cheif Executive Officer
NATIONSCREDIT COMMERCIAL
CORPORATION OF AMERICA
/s/ Richard Autrey
By________________________________________
Richard Autrey, Vice President
Exhibit A
to
Security Agreement
Certain Definitions
As used in the Security Agreement, the following terms
have the meanings set forth below:
1. "Eligible Account" means an Account that:
(a) is subject to a perfected security interest in favor
of NCC, free from any other lien or encumbrance;
(b) is not unpaid more than 90 days from the invoice date;
(c) is not owing by an Account obligor for whom more than
50% of its Accounts are unpaid more than 90 days from
invoice date;
(d) when aggregated with all other Accounts payable by the
Account obligor, does not constitute more than 10% of
total Eligible Accounts, unless NCC has specifically
approved the concentration level for such obligor;
(e) is not owing by an officer, employee, agent,
subsidiary, parent or other affiliate of Dealer;
(f) is not owing by an Account obligor located or
otherwise resident outside the United States;
(g) is not owing by the United States of America or any
other governmental authority, unless NCC has received
an effective assignment acceptable to it;
(h) is not payable by an Account obligor who has suspended
business, has made an assignment for the benefit of
creditors, is insolvent, or is the subject of a
voluntary or involuntary proceeding under any
bankruptcy law or other law for the relief of debtors;
(i) is not subject to any condition, contingency,
allowance, defense, dispute, off-set or counterclaim,
including any allegation of non-conformity of goods,
failure of delivery or breach of warranty;
(j) does not relate to an invoice or billing statement
that has been redated;
(k) does not arise from services rendered or a
consignment, is not represented by an instrument or
chattel paper, and is not secured by a letter of
credit; and
(l) is otherwise acceptable to NCC.
2. "Eligible Inventory" means Inventory that (a) is subject to
a perfected, first priority security interest in favor of NCC, free
from any other lien or encumbrance, (b) is located at Dealer's
facilities and is not in transit, (c) is subject to repurchase under
an agreement between NCC and the vendor or manufacturer, on terms
acceptable to NCC, and (d) is otherwise acceptable to NCC.
EXHIBIT 10(hh)
STANDARD FORM OF OFFICE LEASE 3/1/90
The Real Estate Board of New York, Inc.
Agreement of Lease, made as of this 29th day of February, 1996,
between PUCK ASSOCIATES, c/o Kushner Companies, 26 Columbia
Turnpike, Florham Park, New Jersey 07932 party of the first part,
hereinafter referred to as OWNER, and BELL TECHNOLOGY GROUP, having
an address at 611 Broadway, New York, New York
party of the second part, hereinafter referred to as TENANT,
Witnesseth: Owner hereby leases to Tenant and Tenant hereby hires
from Owner the entire third floor, (consisting of approximately
25,000 leaseable square feet) in the building known as 295 Lafayette
Street in the Borough of New York, City of New York, for the term of
eleven (11) years, six (6) months, following the Commencement Date,
(as hereinafter defined).
(or until such term shall sooner cease and expire as hereinafter
provided) to commence on the (See paragraph 39) day of nineteen
hundred and and to end on the hereof day of
both dates inclusive, at an annual rental rate of
(SEE PARAGRAPH 38 HEREOF.)
which Tenant agrees to pay in lawful money of the United States
which shall be legal tender in payment of all debts and dues, public
and private, at the time of payment, in equal monthly installments
in advance on the first day of each month during said term, at the
of rice of Owner or such other place as Owner may designate, without
any set off or deduction whatsoever, except that Tenant shall pay
the first monthly installment(s) on the execution hereof (unless
this lease be a renewal).
In the event that, at the commencement of the term of this lease, or
thereafter, Tenant shall be in default in the payment of rent to
Owner pursuant to the terms of another lease with Owner or with
Owner's predecessor in interest, Owner may at Owner's option and
without notice to Tenant add the amount of such arrears to any
monthly installment of rent payable hereunder and the same shall be
payable to Owner as additional rent. 'the parties hereto, for
themselves, their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators,
legal representatives, successors and assigns, hereby convenant as
follows:
1. Tenant shall pay the rent as above and as hereinafter
provided Occupancy
2. Tenant shall use and occupy demised premises for Subject to
the terms of this Lease,
Tenant Alterations:
3. Tenant shall make no changes in or to the demised
premises of any nature without Owner's prior written consent.
Subject to the prior written consent of Owner, and to the provisions
of this lease, Tenant at Tenant's expense, may make alterations,
Installations, additions or Improvements which are nonstructural and
which do not affect utility services or plumbing and electrical
lines, in or to the interior of the demised premises. Tenant shall,
before making any alterations, additions, installations or
improvements, at its expense, obtain all permits, approvals and
certificates required by any governmental or quasi-governmental
bodies and (upon completion) certificates of final approval thereof
and shall deliver promptly duplicates of all such permits, approvals
and certificates to Owner and Tenant agrees to carry and will cause
Tenant's contractors and sub-contractors to carry suchworkman's
compensation, general (1.) liability, personal and property
damage insurance as Owner may require (2.). If any mechanic's lien
is filed against the demised premises, or the building of which the
same forms a part, for work claimed to have been done for, or
materials furnished to, Tenant, whether or not done pursuant to this
article, the same shall be discharged by Tenant within thirty days
(3.), at Tenant's expense, by filing the bond required by law. All
fixtures and all paneling, partitions, railings and like
installations, installed in the premises at any time, either by
Tenant or by Owner in Tenant's behalf, shall, upon installation,
become the property of Owner and shall remain upon and be
surrendered with the demised premises unless Owner, by notice to
Tenant no later than twenty days prior to the date fixed as the
termination or this lease, elects to relinquish Owner's right
thereto and to have them removed by Tenant, in which event the same
shall be removed from the premises by Tenant prior to the expiration
of the lease, at Tenant's expense. Nothing In this Article shall be
construed to give Owner title to or to prevent Tenant's removal of
trade fixtures, moveable office furniture and equipment, but upon
removal of any such from the premises or upon removal of other
installations as may be required by Owner, Tenant shall immediately
and at its expense, repair and restore the premises to the condition
existing prior to installation and repair any damage to the demised
premises or the building due to such removal. All property
permitted or required to be removed, by Tenant at the end of the
term remaining in the premises after Tenant's removal shall be
deemed abandoned and may, at the election of Owner, either be
retained as Owner's property or may be removed from the premises by
Owner, at Tenant's expense.
Maintenance and Repairs
4. Tenant shall, throughout the term of this lease, except as
hereinafter expressly provided, take good care of the demised
premises and the fixtures and appurtenances therein. Tenant shall
be responsible for all damage or injury to the demised premises or
any other part of the building and the systems and equipment
thereof, whether requiring structural or nonstructural repairs
caused by or resulting from carelessness, omission, neglect or
Improper conduct of Tenant, Tenant's subtenants. agents, employees,
invitees or licensees, or See Paragraph 74 of the Lease and for no
other purpose which arise out of any work, labor, service or
equipment done for or supplied to Tenant or any subtenant (4.).
Tenant shall also repair all damage to the building and the demised
premises caused by the moving of tenant's fixtures, furniture
and equipment. Tenant shall promptly make, at Tenant's expense, all
repairs in and to the demised premises for which Tenant is
responsible. Any other repairs in or to the building or the
facilities and systems thereof for which Tenant is responsible shall
be performed by Owner at the Tenant's expense (5.). (6.)Owner shall
maintain in good working order and repair the exterior an the
structural portions of the building, including the structural
portions or its demised premises, and the public portions of the
building interior and the building plumbing, electrical,
treating and ventilating systems (to the extent such systems
presently exist) serving the demised premises. (7.) Tenant agrees
to give prompt (notice of any defective condition in the premises
for which Owner may be responsible. hereunder. There shall be no
allowance to Tenant for diminution or rental value and no liability
on the part of Owner by reason or inconvenience, annoyance or injury
to business arising from Owner or others making repairs,
alterations, additions or improvements in or to any portion of the
building or the demised premises or in and to the fixtures
appurtenances or equipment thereof. (8.) It Is specifically
agreed that Tenant shall not be entitled to any setoff or reduction
of rent by reason of any failure of Owner to comply with the
covenants of this or any other article of this Lease. Tenant agrees
that Tenant's sole remedy at law in such instance will be by way of
an action for damages for breach of contract. The provisions of
this Article 4 shall not apply in the case of fire or other casualty
which are dealt with in Article 9 hereof.
Window Cleaning:
5. Tenant will not clean nor require, permit, suffer or allow
any window in the demised premises to be cleaned from the outside in
violation of Section 202 of the Labor Law or any other applicable
law or of the Rules of the Board of Standards and Appeals, or of any
other Board or body having or asserting jurisdiction.
Requirements of Law, Fire Insurance Floor Loads:
6. Prior to the commencement of the least term, If Tenant
is then in possession, and at all times thereafter, Tenant, at
Tenant's sole cost and expense, shall promptly comply with all
present and future laws, orders and regulations of all state,
federal, municipal and local governments, departments, commissions
and boards and any direction of any public officer pursuant to law,
and all orders, rules and regulations the New York Board of Fire
Underwriters, Insurance Services Office, or any
similar body which shall Impose any violation, order or duty upon
Owner or Tenant with respect to the demised premises, whether or not
arising out of Tenant's use or manner of use thereof, (including
Tenant's permitted use) or, with respect to the building if arising
out of Tenant's use or manner or use of the premises or the building
(including the use permitted under the lease). Nothing herein shall
require Tenant to make structural repairs or alterations unless
Tenant has, by Its manner of use of the demised premises or method
of operation (herein, violated any such laws, ordinances, orders,
rules, regulations or requirements with in thereto (9.). Tenant may,
after securing Owner to Owner's (5.) satisfaction against all
damages, interest, penalties and expenses, Including, but not
limited to, reasonable attorney's fees, by cash deposit or by surety
bond in an amount and in a company (2.) satisfactory to Owner,
contest and appeal any such laws, ordinances, orders, rules,
regulations or requirements provided same is done with all
reasonable promptness and provide such appeal shall not subject
Owner to prosecution or constitute a default tinder any lease or
mortgage under which Owner may be obligated, or cause the demised
premises or any part thereof to be condemned or vacated. Tenant
shall not do or permit any act or thing to be done in or to the
demised premises which is contrary to law, or which will invalidate
or be In conflict with public liability, fire or other policies of
insurance at any time carried by or for the benefit of Owner with
respect to the demised premises or the building of which the demised
premises form a part, or which shall or might subject Owner to any
liability or responsibility to any person or for property damage.
Tenant shall not keep anything in tire demised premises except
as now or hereafter permitted by the Fire Department, Board of Fire
underwriters, Fire Insurance Rating Organization or other authority
having jurisdiction, and then only In such manner and such quantity
so as not to Increase the rate for rite insurance applicable to the
building, nor use the premises In a manner which will increase the
insurance rate for entire building or any property located therein
over that in effect prior to the commencement of Tenant's occupancy.
Tenant shall pay all costs, expenses, fines, penalties, or damages,
which may be imposed upon Owner by reason of Tenant's failure to
comply with t provisions of this article and if by reason of such
failure the fire insurance rate shall, at the beginning of this
lease or at any time thereafter, be higher (Iran it otherwise would
be, then Tenant shall reimburse Owner, as additional tent hereunder,
for that portion of all fire insurance premiums thereafter paid by
Owner which shall have been charged because of such failure by
Tenant. In any action or proceeding wherein Owner and Tenant are
parties, a schedule or "make-up" of rate for the building or demised
premises issued by the New York Fire Insurance Exchange, or other
body making rite insurance rates applicable to said premises shall
be conclusive evidence of the facts therein stated and of file
several items and charges In the rite insurance rates then
applicable to said premises. Tenant shall not place a load upon any
floor of the demised premises exceeding the floor load per square
foot area which it was designed to carry and which is allowed by law
Owner reserves the right to prescribe the weight and position of all
safe;, business machines and mechanical equipment. Such
installations shall be placed and maintained by Tenant, at Tenant's
expense, In settings sufficient, In Owner's judgment, to absorb and
prevent vibration, noise and annoyance.
Subordination: 7. This lease Is subject and subordinate to all
ground or underlying leases and to all mortgages which may now or
hereafter affect such leases or the real property of which may now
or hereafter affect such leases or the real property of which
demised premises are a part and to all renewals, modifications,
consolidations' replacements and extensions or any such underlying
leases and mortgages. This clause shall be self-operative and no
further instrument of subordination shall be required by any ground
or underlying lessor or by any mortgages, affecting any lease or the
real property of which, the demised premises are a part. In
confirmation of such subordination Tenant shall execute promptly any
certificate that Owner may request.
Property-Loss, Damage, Reimbumement, lndemnity:
8. Owner or Its agents shall not be liable for any damage to
property or Tenant or of others entrusted to employees of the
building, nor for loss of or damage to any property of Tenant by
theft or otherwise, nor for any injury or damage to persons or
property resulting from any cause of whatsoever nature, unless
caused by or due to the negligence of Owner, its agents, servants or
employees. Owner or its agents will not be liable for any such
damage caused by other tenants or persons in, upon or about said
building or caused by operations in construction of any private,
public or quasi public work. If at any time any windows of the
demised premises are temporarily closed, darkened or bricked up (or
permanently closed, darkened or bricked tip, if required by law) for
any reason whatsoever Including, but not limited to Owner's own
acts, Owner shall not be liable for any damage Tenant may sustain
thereby and Tenant shall not be entitled to any compensation
therefor nor abatement or diminution of rent nor shall the
same release Tenant from Its obligations hereunder nor constitute an
eviction. Tenant shall indemnify and save harmless Owner against
and from all liabilities, obligations, damages, penalties, claims,
costs and expenses for which Owner shall not be reimbursed by
insurance, including reasonable attorneys fees, paid, suffered or
Incurred as a result of any breach by Tenant, Tenant's agents,
contractors, employees, invitees, or licensees, of any covenant or
condition of this lease, or the arelessness, negligence or improper
conduct of the Tenant, Tenant's agents, contractors, employees,
invitees or licensees. Tenant's liability under this lease extends
to the acts and omissions of any sub-tenant, and any agent,
contractor, employee, invitee or licensee of any sub-tenant. In
case any action or proceeding is brought against Owner by reason of
any such claim, Tenant, upon written notice from Owner, will. at
Tenant's expense, resist or defend such action or proceeding by
counsel approved by Owner in writing, such approval not to
be unreasonably withheld.
Destruction Fire and Other Casualty:
9. (a.) If the demised premises or any part thereof shall be
damaged by fire or other casualty Tenant, shall give immediate
notice thereof to Owner and this lease shall continue In full force
and effect except as hereinafter set forth. (b) It the demised
premises art partially damaged or rendered partially unusable by
fire or other casualty, the damages thereto shall be repaired by and
at the expense of Owner and the rent, until such repair shall be
substantially completed, shall be apportioned from The day following
the casualty according to the part of the premises which is usable.
(c) If the damaged premises are totally damaged or rendered wholly
unusable by fire or other casualty, then the tent shall be
proportionately paid up to the time of the casualty and thenceforth
shall cease until the date when the premises shall have been
repaired and restored by Owner subject to Owner's right to elect not
to restore the same as hereinafter provided. (d) If the demised
premises are rendered wholly unusable or (whether or not the demised
premises are damaged In whole or in part) if the building shall
be so damaged that Owner shall decide to demolish it or to rebuild P
It, then, in any or such events, Owner may elect to terminate this
lease by written notice to Tenant, given within 60 days after such
fire or casualty, specifying a date for the expiration of the lease,
which date shall not be more than 60 days after the giving or such
notice, and upon the date specified In such notice the term of this
lease shall expire as fully and completely as if such date were the
date set forth above for the termination of this lease and Tenant
shall forthwith quit, surrender and vacate the premises without
prejudice however, to Landlord's rights and remedies against Tenant
under the lease provisions In effect prior to such termination, and
any rent owing shall be paid up to such date and any payments of
rent made by Tenant which were on account or any period subsequent
to such date shall be returned to Tenant. Unless Owner shall serve
a termination notice as provided for herein, Owner shall make the
repairs and restorations under the conditions of (b) and (c) hereof,
with at reasonable expedition, subject to delays due to adjustment
of insurance claims, labor troubles and causes beyond Owner's
control. After any such casualty, Tenant shall cooperate with
Owner's restoration by removing from the premises as promptly as
reasonably possible, all of Tenant's salvageable inventory
and movable equipment, furniture, and other prop fly Tenant's
liability for rent shall resume five (5) days after written notice
from Owner that the premises are substantially ready for Tenant's
occupancy. (e) Nothing contained hereinabove shall relieve Tenant
from liability that may exist as a result of damage from fire or
other casualty. Not withstanding the foregoing, each party shall
look first to any insurance In its favor before making any claim
against the other party for recovery for loss or damage resulting
from fire or other casualty, and to the extent that such
insurance is In force and collectible and to the extent permitted by
law, Owner and Tenant each hereby releases and waives all right of
recovery against the other or any one claiming through or under each
of them by way of subrogation or otherwise. The foregoing release
and waiver shall be in force only if both release insurance
policies contain a clause providing that such a release or waiver
shall not Invalidate the insurance. If, and to the extent, that
such waiver can be obtained only by the payment of additional
premiums, then the party benefiting from the waiver shall pay such
premium within (en days after written demand or shall be deemed to
have agreed that the party obtaining Insurance coverage shall be
free of any further obligation under the provisions hereof with
respect to waiver of subrogation. Tenant acknowledges that
Owner will not carry Insurance on Tenant's furniture and/or
furnishings or any fixtures or equipment, improvements, or
appurtenances removable by Tenant and agrees that Owner will not be
obligated to repair any damage thereto or replace the same. (O
Tenant hereby waives the provisions of Section 227 of the Real
Property Law and agrees that the provisions ofthis article shall
govern and control In lieu thereof.
Eminent Domain:
10. If the whole or any part of the demised premises shall be
acquired or condemned by Eminent Domain for any public or quasi
public use of purpose, then and in that event, the term of this
lease shall cease and terminate from the date of title vesting in
such proceeding and Tenant shall have no claim for the value of any
unexpired term of said lease and assigns to Owner, Tenant's entire
Interest in any such award.
Assignment, Mortgage, Etc.
11. Tenant, for itself, its heirs, distributees, executors,
administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns,
expressly covenants that it shall not assign, mortgage or encumber
this agreement, nor underlet. or suffer or permit the demised
premises or any part thereof to be used by others, without the prior
w consent of Owner in each instance. Transfer of the majority of
the stock of a corporate Tenant shall be deemed an assignment. If
this lease be assigned, or if the damaged premises or any part
thereof be underlet or occupied by anybody other than Tenant, Owner
may, after default by Tenant, collect rent from the assignee, under-
tenant or occupant, and apply the net amount collected to the rent
herein reserved, but no such assignment, underletting, occupancy of
collection shall be deemed a waiver of this covenant, or the
acceptance of the assignee, under-tenant or occupant as tenant, or a
release of Tenant from the further performance by Tenant of
covenants on the part of Tenant herein contained. The consent by
Owner to an assignment or underletting shall not in my win be
construed to relieve Tenant from obtaining the express consent in
writing of Owner to my further assignment or underletting.
Electric Current:
12. Rates and conditions in respect to submetering or rent
inclusion, as the case may be, to be added in RIDER attached hereto.
Tenant covenants and agrees that at all times Its use of the
electric current shall not exceed the capacity of existing feeders
to the building or the risers or wiring installation and Tenant may
not use any electrical equipment which, in Owner's opinion,
reasonably exercised, will overload such installations or interfere
with the use thereof by other tenants of the building. The change
at any time of the character of electric service shall In no wise
make Owner liable or responsible to Tenant, for any loss. damages or
expenses which Tenant may sustain.
Access to Premises:
13. Owner or Owner's agents shall have the right (but shall not
be obligated) to enter the demise d premises any emergency at any
time, and, at other reasonable times, to examine the same and to
make such repairs, replacements and improvements as Owner may deem
necessary and reasonably desirable to the demised premises or to any
other portion of the building or which Owner may elect to perform.
Tenant shall permit Owner to use and maintain and replace pipes and
conduits in and through the demised premises and to erect new pipes
and conduits therein provided they are concealed within the walls,
floor, or ceiling. Owner may during the progress of any work in the
damaged premises, take all necessary materials an equipment into
said premises without the some constituting an eviction nor shall
the Tenant be entitled to any abatement of rent while such work is
in progress nor to any damages by reason of loss or interruption of
business or otherwise. Throughout the term hereof Owner shall have
the right to enter the demised premises at reasonable hours for the
purpose of showing the same to prospective purchasers or mortgagees
of the building, and during the last six months of tire term for the
purpose of showing the same to prospective tenants. If Tenant Is
not present to open and permit an entry into the premises, Owner or
Owner's agents may enter the same whenever such entry may he
necessary or permissible by master key or forcibly and provided
reasonable care is exercised to safeguard Tenant's property, such
entry shall not Tender Owner or its agents liable therefor, nor in
arty event shall the obligations of Tenant hereunder be affected.
If during the last month of (he term Tenant shall have removed all
or substantially all or Tenant's property therefrom Owner may
immediately enter, alter, renovate or redecorate the demised
premises without limitation or abatement of rent, or incurring
liability to Tenant for any compensation and such act shall have no
effect on this lease or Tenant's obligations hereunder.
Vault, Vault Space, Area:
14. No Vaults, vault space or area, whether or not enclosed or
covered not within the property line of the building is leased
hereunder, anything contained in or indicated on any sketch,
blueprint or plan, or anything contained elsewhere in this lease to
the contrary not withstanding. Owner makes no representation as to
the location of the property lione of the building. All vaults and
vault space and all such areas not within the property line of the
building, which Tenant may be permitted to use and/or occupy, is to
be used and/or occupied under a revocable license, and if any such
license be revoked, or if the amount of such space or area be
diminished or required by any federal, state or municipal authority
or public utility, Owner shall not be subject to any liability nor
shall Tenant be entitled to any compensation or diminution or
abatement of rent, nor shall such revocation, diminution or
requisition be deemed constructive or actual eviction. Any tax, fee
or charge of municipal authorities for such vault or area shall be
paid by Tenant.
Occupancy:
15. Tenant will not at any time use or occupy the demised
premises in violation of the certificate of occupancy issued for the
building of which the demised premises are a part. Tenant has
inspected (he premises and accepts them as Is, subject to tile
riders annexed hereto with respect to Owner's work, if any. In any
event, Owner makes no representation as to the Condition of the
premises and Tenant agrees to accept the some subject to violations,
whether or not of record.
Bankruptcy:
16. (a) Anything elsewhere in this lease to the contrary not
withstanding, this lease may be canceled by Owner by the sending of
a written notice to Tenant within a reasonable time after the
happening of any one or more of the following events: (1) the
commencement of a case In bankruptcy or under the laws of any state
training Tenant as the debtor; or (2) the making by Tenant of an
assignment or any other arrangement for the benefit of creditors
under any state statute. Neither Tenant nor any person claiming
through or under Tenant, or by reason of any statute at order of
court, shall thereafter be entitled to possession of the premises
demised but shall forthwith quit and surrender the premises. it this
lease shall be assigned In accordance With its terms, the provisions
of this Article 16 shall be applicable only to the party then owning
Tenant's interest in this lease.
(b)) It is stipulated and agreed that in the event of the
termination of this lease pursuant to (a) hereof, Owner shall
forthwith, notwithstanding any other provisions of this lease to the
contrary, be entitled to recover from Tenant as and for liquidated
de an amount equal to the difference between the rent reserved
hereunder for the unexpired portion of the term demised and the fair
and reasonable rental value or tire demised premises for the same
period. In the computation of such damages the difference between
any installment of rent becoming due hereunder after the date of
termination and the fair and reasonable rental value of the demised
premises for the period for which such Installment was payable shall
be discounted to the date of termination at the rate of four percent
(4%) per annum. If such premises at any part thereof be relet by
the Owner for the unexpired term of said lease. or any part
thereof, before presentation of proof of such liquidated damages
to any Court, commission or tribunal, the amount of rent reserved
upon such reletting shall be deemed to be the fair and reasonable
rental value for the part or the whole or the premises so re-let
during tire term of (lie re-letting. Nothing herein contained shall
limit or prejudice the tight of the Owner to prove for and obtain
as liquidated damages by reason of such termination, an amount equal
to the maximum allowed by any statute or rule of law fit effect at
the time when, and governing [lie proceedings in which, such damages
are to be proved, whether or not such amount be greater, equal to,
or less than the amount of the difference referred to above.
Default:
17. (I) If Tenant defaults in fulfilling any of the covenants
of this lease other than the covenants for the payment of rent or
additional rent; or if he demised premises become vacant or
deserted; or if any execution or attachment ,,'all be issued against
Tenant or any of Tenant's property whereupon the damaged promises
shall be taken or Occupied by someone other titan Tenant; or If this
lease be rejected under 235 of Title II of the US Code (bankruptcy
code); or if Tenant shall fall to move into or take possession of
the premises within fifteen (15) days after the commencement of the
term of this lease, then, in any one or more of such events, upon
Owner serving a written five (5) days notice upon Tenant specifying
the nature or said default and upon the expiration of said five (5)
days, If Tenant shall have failed to comply with or remedy such
default, or if the said default or emission complained of shall be
of a nature that [he same cannot be completely cured or remedied
within said five (5) day period, and If Tenant shall not have
diligently commenced curing such default within such five (5)
days not thereafter with reasonable. Freed to remedy or
cure such default, within such five (5) day period, and shall not
thereafter with reasonable diligence and in good faith, proceed to
remedy or cure such default, then Owner may serve a written three
(3) days' notice of cancellation of this lease upon Tenant, and
upon the expiration of said three (3) days this lease and the term
thereunder shall end and expire as fully ad completely as if the
expiration of such three (3) day period were the day herein
definitely fixed for the end and expiration of this lease and the
term thereof and Tenant shall then quit and surrender the demised
premises to Owner but Tenant shall remain liable as hereinafter
provided.
(2) If the notice provided for In (1) hereof shall have been
given, and the term shall expire as aforesaid; or if Tenant shall
make default In the payment of the rent reserved herein or any item
of additional rent herein mentioned or any part of either or I
making any other payment herein required (10.); then and In any of
such events Owner may without notice, re-enter the demised premises
either by force or otherwise, and dispossess Tenant by summary
proceedings or otherwise, and (he legal representative of Tenant or
other occupant of demised premises and remove their effects and hold
the premises as if this lease had not been made, and Tenant hereby
waives the service or notice of intention to re-enter or to
institute legal proceedings to that end. If Tenant shall make
default hereunder prior to the date fixed as the commencement of any
renewal or extension of this lease, Owner may cancel and terminate
such renewal or extension agreement by written notice.
Remedies of Owner and Waiver of Redemption:
18. In case of any such default, re-entry, expiration and/or
dispossess by summary proceedings or otherwise (a) the rent shall
become due thereupon and be paid up to the time of such re-entry,
dispossess and/or expiration, (b) Owner may re-let the premises or
any part or parts thereof, either in the name of Owner or otherwise,
for a term or terms, which may at Owner's option be less than or
exceed the period which would otherwise have constituted the balance
of the term of this lease and may grant concessions or free rent or
charge a higher rental than that in this lease, and/or (c) Tenant or
the legal representatives of Tenant shall also pay Owner as
liquidated damages for the failure of Tenant to observe and perform
said Tenant's convenants herein contained, any deficiency between
the rent hereby reserved and/or covenanted to be paid and the net
amount, if any, of the rents collected on account of the lease or
leases of the demised premises for each month of the period which
would otherwise have constituted the balance of the term of this
lease. The failure or owner to re-let the premises or any part or
parts thereof shall not release or street Tenant's liability for
damages (11.). In computing such liquidated damages there shall be
added to the said deficiency such expenses as Owner may incur in
connection with re-letting, such as legal expenses, attorneys' fees,
brokerage, advertising and for keeping the demised premises In good
order or for preparing the some for retorting. Any such liquidated
damages shall be paid in monthly installments by Tenant on the rent
day specified in this lease and any suit brought to collect the
amount of the deficiency for any monthj shall not prejudice in any
way the rights of Owner to collect the deficiency for any
subsequesnt month by a similar proceeding Owner, in putting the
demised premise in good order or preparing the same from re-rental
may, at Owner's option, make such alteration event be for failure to
re-let the demi raises, or for failure to pre Collect the tent
thereoand in no event shall Tenant be entitled to receive any act
rents collwed over the sums payable by Tenant . In the event of a
breach or threatened breach by Tenant of any of the covenants
or provisions hereof, Owner shall have the right of Injunction and
the right to Invoke any remedy allowed at law or in equity as if re-
entry, summary pro-cecdings and other remedia were not herein
provided for. Mention in this lease of any particular remedy, shall
not preclude Owner from any hell remedy, In law or in equity, Tenant
hereby expressly waives any and all rights of redemption granted by
or under any present or future laws in the event of Tenant being
evictcd or dispossessed for any cause, In the event of Owner
obtaining possession of deinised premises, by reason of the
violation by Tenant of any of the covenants and conditions of this
lease, or otherwise.
Fees and Expenses;
19. It Tenant shall default In the observance or performance of
any term or covenant on Tenant's part to be observed or performed
under or by virtue or any of the terms or provision in any article
of this lease, then, unless otherwise provided elsewhere in this
lease, Owner may Immediately or at any time thereafter and without
notice perform the obligation of Tenant thereunder. If Owner, in
connection with the foregoing or in connection with any default by
Tenant in the covenant to pay rent hereunder, makes any expenditures
or incurs any obligations for the payment of money, including but
not limited to attorney's fees, in Instituting, prosecuting or
defending any action or proceedings, then Tenant will reimburse
Owner Incurred with interest and costs subject to provisions of
paragraph 67 of the Lease. The of Tenant's default shall be deemed
to be additional rent hereunder and shall be paid by Tenant to
Owner within five (5) days of rendition of any bill or statement to
Tenant therefor. If Tenant's lease term have expired at the time of
making of such expenditures or Incurring of such obligations, such
sums shall be recoverable by Owner as damages.
Building Alterations and Management:
20. Owner shall have the right at any time without the same
constituting an eviction and without incurring liability to Tenant
therefor to change the arrangement and/or location of public
entrances, passageways, doors, doorways, corridors, elevators (14.),
stairs, toilets or other public parts or the building and to change
the name, number or designation by which the building may be known.
There shall be no allowance to Tenant for diminution of rental value
and no liability on the part of Owner by reason of inconvenience,
annoyance or injury to business arising from Owner or other Tenants
making any repairs in the building at any such alterations,
additions and improvements. Furthermore, Tenant shall not have any
claim against Owner by reason of Owner's Imposition of such controls
of the manner of access to the building by Tenant's social or
business visitors as the Owner may deem necessary for the security
of the building and its occupants.
No Representations by Owner:
21. Neither Owner nor Owners's agents have made seniations by
any representations or promises with respect to the condition of the
building, the land upon which forced to it is determied or denied
premises, the rents, leases, expenses of operation or any other
matter or thing affmti n cept as herein expressly set forth
and no I acquired by Tenant by implication or of forth In the
provisions of this tease. Tenant the premises and is thoroughly and
agrees to take the same "as is" and a possesion of the demised
premises by tenant that the said premises and the building of which
the some form a part were in good and satisfactory condition at the
time such possession was so taken, except as to latent defects. A[
understandings and agreements hereto made between the parties hereto
are merged in this contract, which alone fully and completely
expresses the agreement between Owner .and Tenant and any exectifory
agreement hereafter made shall be to change, modify, discharge or
effect an abandonment of it in whole or in part, unless such
executory agreement is in writing and signed by the party against
whom enforcement of the change, discharge or abandonment is sought.
End of Term:
22. Upon the expiration or other fetmina(ion of the term of this
lease, Tenant shall quit and surrender to Owner the demised
premises, broom clean, in good order and condition, ordinary wcar
and damages which Tenant it not retlttired to repair as provided
elsewhere its this lease excepted, and shall remove all its
property. Tenant's obligation to observe or perform this covenant
shall survive the expiration or other termination of the lease, If
the last day of the term other then any renewal (hereof, falls on
Sunday, this lease shall expire at noon of the preceding Saturday
unless it is a legal holiday in which case it shall expire at noon
on the preceding business day.
Quiet Enjoyment:
23. Owner covenants and agrees with Tenant that upon Tenant
paying the rent and additional rent and observing and performing all
the terms, covcnats and conditions, to be observed and performed,
Tenant may a hereby denied, subject never peaceably one, I quietly
enjoy the premeses including, but not limited to, Article 31 and to
the ground leases, underlying leases and mortgages here in before
mentioned.
Failure to Give Possession:
24. If Owner is unable to give possession of the demis-ad
premises on the date of the commencement of the term hereof,
because of the holding-over or retention of possession tenant,
uiidertcnant or occupants or if file denied premises are located at
building being constructed, because such building has not been
sufficiently completed to make the premises ready for occupancy or
because of the fact that a certificate of occupancy has not been
procured or for any other reason, Owner shall not be to any
liability for failure to give possession on said date and the
validity of the least shall not be impaired under such
circumstances, nor shall the same be construed in any wise to extend
the let in of this lease, but the rent payable hereunder shall be
abated (provided Tenant is not responsible ror Owner's inability to
obtain possession) until after Owner shall have given Tenant written
notice that the premises are substantially ready for tenant's
occupancy. If permission is given to Tenant to enter Into the
possession of the demiged premises or to occupy premises other than
the demised premises prior to the date specified as the commencement
of the term of this lease, Tenant covenants and agrees that such
occupancy shall be deemed to be under all the terms, covenants,
conditions and provisions of this lease, except as to the covenant
to pay rent. The provisions or this article are intended to
constitute "air express provision to the contrary" within
the meaning of Scction 223-a of the New York Real Property Low.
No Waiver: 25. The failure of Owner to seek redress for
violation of, or to insist upon the strict performance of any
covenant or condition or this lease or of any of the Rules or
Regulations, set forth or hereafter adopted by Owner, shall not
prevent a subsequent act which would have originally constituted a
violation from having all the The recti by Owner of tent force and
errant of an original violation. with knowledge of the breach of any
covenat of tristeme shall not be deemed a waiver of such breach and
no provision of this lease shall be deemed to have been waived
by Owner unless such waiver be in writing signed by Owner. No
payment by Tenant or receipt by Owner of a lesser amount than tire
monthly rent herein stipulated shall be deemed to be other than on
account of the earliest stipulated rent, nor shall any endorstment
or statement of any letter accompanying a check or payment as rent
be deemed an accord and satisfaction, and Owner may accept such
check or payment without prejudice to Owner's tight to recover the
balance of such rent or pursue any other remedy in this lease
provided. No act or thing done by Owner or Owner's agents during
the term hereby demised shall be deemed an acceptance of a surrender
of said premses, and no agreement to accept such surrender shall be
valid unless in writing signed by Owner. No employee of Owner or
Owner'$ agent shall have any power to,accept the keys of said
premises prior to the termination of the leme and the delivery of
keys to any such agent or employ" shall not operate as a termination
of the least or a surrender of the premises (12.).
Waiver of Trial by Jury;
26. It Is mutually agreed by and between Owner and Tenant that
the respective parties hereto shall and they hereby do waive trial
by jury In any action, proceedingor counterclaim brought by either
of the parties hereto against the other (except for personal injury
or property damage) on any matters whatsoever arising out of or in
any way connected with this lease, the relationship of Owner and
Tenant, Tenant's use of or occupancy of said premises, and ally
emergency statutory or any other statutory remedy. It Is further
mutually agreed that fit the event Owner ceremonies any summary
proceeding for possession or the premises, Tenant will not interpose
any counterclaim of whatever nature or description in any such
proceeding including a counterclaim under Article 4.
Inability to Perform:
27. This Lease and the obligation of Tenant to pay rent hereunder
and perform all of the other covenants and agreements hereunder
an part of Tenant to be pershall In no wise be affected, Impaired or
ixcused because Owner Is Ridet to be added if necessary. ex-are
set and liong of conc us ve ev citce unable to fulfill any of its
obligations under this lease or to supply or Is delayed in supplying
any service exorunable to make, or is delayed in at or decorations
of is unable to supp ment or mixtures If owner Is preven of strike
or labor troubles or any limited to, government preemption in
connection with Emergency or by reason of any rule, order or
regulation of a subdivision thereof of any government agency or by
reason of conditions or supply and demand which have been or are
affected by war or other emergency.
Bills and Notices:
28. Except in otherwise In this lease provided, a bill,
statement, notice or communication which Owner may desire or be
required to give to Tenant, shall be deemed if in writing, delivered
to Tenant personaly or sent by addressed to Tenant at the form a
part or at the last known of Tenant or left at any of the aforesaid
premises addressed to Tenant, and the time of the mndi(ion of such
bill or statement and of the giving of such notice or communication
shall be deemed to be the time when the some Is delivered to Tenant,
of left at tire premises as herein provided. Any notice by Tenant
to Owner must be scived by addressed to Owner at the address first
hereinabove given of at such other address as Owner shall designate
by written notice. Reputable overnight delivery serice
Services Provided Owners:
29. As long m Tenant is not in default under any of the by
covenants of this lease, 0wner shall file: (a)necessary elevator
facilities on business = from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays
ftoin 8 a.m. to I p.m. and have one elevator subject to call at all
other times; lb) heat to the demised premises when ana &3 required
by law, on business days from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; (e water for ordinary purposes the sole judge),
which Tenant order and all pay for water costs and when bills are
rendered; (it) cleaning service for the demised premises on business
days at Owner's expense provided that the same are kept In order by
Tenant. If, however, said premises are to be kept clean by Tenant,
It shall be done at Tenant's sole expense, satisfactory to Owner and
no one other than persons approved by Owner shall be permitted to
enter SR re,nise, or the building of which they are a part for such
purpose. (e)lf the demised premises are service. Owner's air
conditioning and ventilating system, air conditioning will be
furnished to tenant from May 15th through September 30th on business
days (Mondays through Fridays, holidays excepted) from 9:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m., and ventilation will be furnished on business days during
the aforesaid hours except when air conditioning/cooling is being
Furnished as aforesaid. RIDER to be added in respect to rates and
conditions for such additional service; (f) Owner reserves the right
to stop Services of the heating, elevators, umbing. air-
conditioning, power systems or cleaning or other services, if any,
when necessary by reason of accident Or for repairs, alterations,
replacements or improvements necessary or desirable in the
judgment of the Owner for as long as may be reasonably required by
reason. If the building of which the dtmised premises are a part
supplies mmu:llyoperated elevator service, Owner sit any time may
substitute automatic control elevator service and upon ten days'
written notice to Tenant, with alterations necessary therefor
without In any wise affectingprothis leas! or the obligation of
Tenant hereunder. The same shall be done with amum of inconvenience
(a Tenant and Owner shall pursue with due diligence.
Captions:
30. Tile Captions are inserted only as a matter okay it
convenience and for reference and in now define, limit or describe
the scope of this lease or the Intent of any provisions thereof.
Definitions:
31. The "office", or, whatever used in this lease, shall not be
construed to mean premises used as a store or stores, for the sale
of display, at any time, of goods, wares or merchandise, of any
kind, or as a restaurant, shop, booth, bootblack or other stand,
barber shop, or for other similar purposes or for manufacturing.
The term "Owner" means if landlord oilesior, and as used in this
lease means only the owner, or the mortgagft In possession, for the
time being or the land and building (or the owner of a lease of the
building or of the land and building) of which the demised premises
form a part, an that in the event of any sale or sales of said land
and building or of said lease, or in the event or a lease of said
building, or of the land and building, the said Owner shall be and
hereby is entirely freed and relieved of all covenants and
obligations of Owner hereunder, and it shall be deemed and construed
without further agreement between the parties or their successors In
Interest, Or between the parties and the purchaser, at any such
sale, or the said leases or the building. or of the land sort
building, that the purchaser or the less" of the building has
assumed and agreed to carry out any and &)I covenants and
obligations of Owner, hereunder. The words renter" and "re arenot
restricted to their technical legal means as used in this lease
shall exclude Satutdar as is covered by specific hours
In Article 2 days observed by the State or Federal Government led n
holidays by the applicable bi contract or by the applicable Option
with HVAC service,
Adjacent Excavation-Shoring:
32. if an excavation shall be madetiponl and adjacent to the
demlsed premises, of shall be authorized to be made, Tenant shall
afford to the person causing to cause such excavation, license lo
enter upon the deinised premises rot the purpose of doing such work
as said person shall deem necessary to preserve the wall or the
build a or which denied premises from a part front Injury or damage
and to the Same byproper foundations without any claim for damages
Owner, or diminution or abatement of rent.
Rules and Regulations:
33. Tenant and Tennant's servants, employees, agents, visitors.
and licensees shall observe faithfully, and cornply siticity
with, the Rules and Regulations (13) and such other and rurther
reasonable Ruin and Re agents may rtom time to time adopt. No
regulations be given in such manner it disputes the reasonableness
of any thereafter made or adopted by Owner or Owner's agents, hereto
agree to submit the question of tire reasonableness of Regulation
for decision to the New York office of the American Association.
whose determination shall be final and con the parties here
reasonableness national Rule or unless tire same Owner within its
(his lease Centel or obligation to enforce the Rules and Regulations
in any other lease as against any other tenant anwner shall not be
liable to Tenant for violation of the same by any other tenant, Its
servants, employees, agents, visitors or licensees.
Security:
34. Tenant has deposited with Owner the sum of $ (See Rider) as
security for the faithful performance and observance by Tenant of
the terms, provisions and of this lease; it is agreed that in the
event Tenant defaults In respect of any of the terms, provisions and
conditions of this lease, Including, but not limited to, the payment
of rent and additional rent, Owner may use, apply or retain the
whole or any part of the security so deposited to the extent
required for the payment of any rent and additional rent or any
other sum as to which Tenant is in default or for any sum which
Owner may be required to expend by reason of Tenant's default in
respect of any of the terms whether fully or faithfully comply and
the date fixed as the terms and conditions of this lease, Including
but not the re-letting of the premises, Whether such damages or sued
before or after summary proceedings or other re-entry by Owner. In
the event that Tenant shall fully or faithfully comply with the
terms, provisions, covenants and conditions of this lease the
security shall be returned to Tenant after date fixed as the end of
this lease and after delivery or entire possession or the demised
premises to Owner. In the event of a sale of the land and building
or leasing of the building, of which the demised premises form a
part, owner shall have the right to transfer the security to the
vendee or lessee and Owner shall thereupon be released by Tenant
from all liability for the return of such security: and Tenant
agrees to look to the new Owner solely rot the return or said
security, and It is agreed that the provisions hereof shall apply to
every transfer or assignment made of the security to a new
Owner. Tenant further convenants that It will not assign or
encumber or attempt to assign or encumber the monies deposited
herein as security and that neither Owner nor its successors or
assigns shall be bound by any such assignment, encumbrance.
attempted assignment or attempted encumbrance.
Estoppel Certificate:
35. Tenant, at any time, and from time to time, upon at least 10
days' prior notice by Owner, shall execute, acknowledge and deliver
to Owner, and/or to any other peron, firm of corporation specified
by Owner, a statement certifying th this Lease is unmodified
and in full force and effect (or, if there have been modiflcations,
that the same is in full force and effect as modified and stating
the modifications), stating the dates to which the rent and
additional rent have been paid, and stating whether or not there
exists any default by Owner under this Lease, and, if so, specifying
each such default.
Successors and Assigns:
36. The covenants, conditions and agreements contained in
this lease shall bind and inure to the benefit of Owner and Tenant
and their respective heirs, distributees, executors, administrators,
successors, and except as otherwise provided in this lease, their
assigns.
See Rider to Lease attached hereto and made a part hereof
In Witness Whereof, Owner and Tenant have respectively signed and
sealed this lease as of the day and year first above written.
Witness for Owner: PUCK ASSOCIATES
BY: SKS PROPERTY CORP.,
General Partner
/S/ Richard Stadtmauer
........................ BY:........................
Richard Stadtmauer,
Vice President
Witness for Tenant: BELL TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LTD.
/s/ Robert Bell /s/ Marc H. Bell
BY:...................... BY:........................
Robert Bell, Executive Marc H. Bell, President and
Vice President Chief Executive Officer
......................... ............................
GUARANTY
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, and in consideration for and as an inducement to
Owner making the within lease with Tenant, the undersign guarantees
to Owner, Owner's successors and assigns, the full performance and
observance of all the covenants, conditions, and agreements, therein
provided to be performed and observed by Tenant., including the
"Rules and Regulations" as therein provided. without requiring any
notice on non-payment, nonperformance, or non-observance, or proof,
or notice, or demand, whereby to charge the undersigned therefor,
all of which the undersigned hereby expressly waives and expressly
agrees that the validity of this agreement and the obligations of
the guarantor hereunder shall In an wise be termimied, affected of
impaired by reason of the assertion by Owner against Tenant of any
of the rights or remedies reserved to Owner pursuant to the
provisions within lease. The undersiged further covenants and
agrees that this guaranty shall remain and continue in full force
and effect as to any renewal. modifcation or extension of this lease
and during any period whenTenant Is Occupying the premises as a
statutory tenant. As a further Inducement to Owner to make this
lease and in consideration thereof, Owner and the undersigned
covenant and agree that in any action or proceeding brought by
either Owner or the undersigned against the other on any matters
whatsoever arising out of , under, or by virtue of the terms of this
lease or of this guarantee that Owner and the undersigned shall and
do hereby waive trail by jury.
Dated: 19
.......................
Guarantor
.......................
Witness
STATE OF NEW YORK as.:
COUNTY OF
On this day of 19
personally came ...............................
to me known and known to me to be the individual described in, and
foregoing Guaranty and acknowledged to me that he executed the same.
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ
RULES AND REGULATIONS ATTACIIED TO AND
MADE A PART OF THIS LEASE
IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 33.
1. The sidewalks, entrances, driveways. Passages,
courts, elevators, vestibules. stairways. corridors or halls shall
not be obstructed or encumbered by any Tenant or used for any
purpose other then for ingress or agress from the demised premises
and for delivery of merchandise and equipment in a prompt and
efficient manner using elevators and passageways designated for such
delivery by Owner. There shall not be used In any space, or In the
public hall of the building, either by any Tenant or by jobbers or
others in the delivery or receipt or merchandise any hand trucks,
except those equipped with rubber tires and sideguards. If said
premises are situated on the ground floor of the building, Tenant
thereof shall further, at Tenant's expense, keep the sidewalk and
curb in front of said premises clean and free from ice, snow. dirt
and rubbish.
2. The water and wash closets and plumbing fixtures
shall not be used for any purposes other than firms for which they
were designed or constructed and no sweepings. rubbish. rags, acids
or other substances shall be deposited therein, and the expense of
my breakage, stoppage, or damage resulting from the violation of
this rule shall be home by the Tenant who, or whom clerks, agents,
employees or visitors, shall have caused it.
3. No carpet, rug or other article shall be hung at
shaken out of any window of the building; and no Tenant shall sweep
or throw or permit to be swept or thrown from the demised premises
any dirt or other substances Into any of the Corridors or balls,
elevators, or out of the doors or windows or stairways of the
building and Tenant shall not use, keep or permit to be used or kept
any four or noxious gas or substance in the demised premises, or
permit or suffer the demised premises to be occupied or used in a
manner offensive or objectionable to Owner or other occupants of the
building by reason of noise, odors, and/or vibrations, or interests
in any way with of her Tenants of those having business therein, not
shall any animals or birds be kept in or about the building. Smoking
or carrying lighted cigars or cigarettes in the elevators of the
building is prohibited.
4. No awnings or other projections shall be attached to
the outside walls of the building without the prior written consent
of Owner.
5. No sign, advertisement. notice or other lettering
shall be exhibited, inscribed, painted or affixed by any Tenant on
any part of the outside, if the demised premises or the building or
on the inside of the demised premises if the same is visible from
the outside of the premises without the prior written consent or
Owner, except that the name of Tenant may appear on the entrance
door of the premises. In the event of the violation Of the
foregoing by any Tenant, Owner may remove same without any
liability, and may charge the expense incurred by such removal to
Tenant or Tenants violating this rule. Interior signs on doors and
directory tablet shall be [inscribed, painted or affixed for
each Tenant by Owner at the expense of such Tenant, and shall be of
a size, color and style acceptable to Owner.
6. No Tenant shall mark. paint, drill into, or in any
way deface any part of the demised premises or the building of which
they form a part. No boring, cutting or stringing of wires shall be
permitted. except with the prior written consent of Owner, and as
Owner may direct. No Tenant shall lay linoleum, or other similar
floor covering, so that the same shall come in direct contact with
the floor of the demised premises and, if linoleum or other similar
floor covering is desired to be used an Interlining of builder's
deadening felt shall be first affixed to the floor. by a paste or
other material, soluble In water, the use of cement or other similar
adhesive materials being expressly prohibited.
7. Deleted
8. Freight, furniture. business equipment, merchandise
and bulky matter of any description shall be delivered to and
removed from the premises only on the freight elevators and through
the service entrances and corridors. Owner reserves the right to
inspect all freight to be brought Into the building and to exclude
from the building all freight which violates any of these Rules and
Regulations of the lease of which these Rules and Regulations are a
part.
9. Canvassing, soliciting and peddling in the building is
prohibited and each Tenant shall cooperate to prevent the same.
10. Owner reserves the right to exclude from the building
between the hours of 6P.M. and 8A.M. and all hours on Sundays, and
legal holidays all persons who do not present a pass to the building
signed by Owner. Owner will furnish passes to persons for whom any
Tenant requests same in writing. Each Tenant shall be responsible
for all persons for whom he requests such pass and shall be liable
to Owner for all acts of such persons.
11. Owner shall have the right to prohibit any advertising
by any Tenant which in Owner's opinion, tends to impair the
reputation of the building or its desirability as a as a building
for offices and upon written notice from Owner, Tenant shall refrain
from or discontinue such advertising.
12. Tenant shall not bring or permit to be brought or kept
in or on the demised premises, any inflammable, comustible or
explosive fluid, material, chemical or substance or cause or permit
any odors of cooking or other processes, or any unuual or other
objectionable odors to permeate in or emanate from the demised
premises.
13. If the building contains central air conditioning and
ventilation, Tenant agrees to keep all windows closed at all times
and to abide by all rules and regulations issued by the Owner with
respect to such services. If Tenant requires air conditioning or
ventilation after the usual hours, Tenant shall give notice in
writing to the building superintendent prior to 3:00 pm in the case
of services required on week days, and prior to 3:00 pm on the day
drior in the case of after hours service requred on weekends or on
holidays.
14. Tenant shall not move any safe, heavy machinery, heavy
equipment, bulky matter or fixtures into or out of the building
without Owner's prior written consent. If such safe, machinery,
equipment, bulky matter or fixtures requires special handling, all
work in connection therewith shall comply with the Administrative
Code of the City of New York and all other laws regalations
applicable thereto and shalll be done during such hours as Owner may
designate.
RIDER TO ANNEXED LEASE DATED FEBRUARY 29, 1996
Rider annexed to Lease dated February 29, 1996 by and between Puck
Associates, as Landlord and Bell Technology Group, Ltd., as Tenant
of the
building known as 295 Lafayette Street, New York, New York 10038.
37. A: Rider Provisions Paramount: If and to the extent that
any of the provisions of this rider conflict or are otherwise
inconsistent with any of the preceding printed provisions of this
lease, whether or not such inconsistency is expressly noted in this
Rider, the provisions of this Rider shall prevail, and in case of
inconsistency with said Rules and Regulations, shall be deemed a
waiver of such Rules and Regulations with respect to Tenant to the
extent of such inconsistency.
B: If any term or provision of this Lease or the
application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, to any
extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Lease, or
the application of such term or provision to persons or
circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or
unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby and each term and
provision of this Lease shall be valid and be enforced
to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Rent:
38. The fixed rent or base rent shall be as follows:
(1) From the Rent Commencement Date until the day prior to
the first anniversary of the Rent Commencement Date, the sum of
$309,250.00 per annum, payable in equal monthly installments of
$25,770.83;
(2) From the first anniversary of the Rent Commencement
Date to the day prior to the second anniversary of the Rent
Commencement Date, the sum of $315,435.00 per annum, payable in
equal monthly installments of $26,286.25;
(3) From the second anniversary of the Rent Commencement
Date to the day prior to the third anniversary of the Rent
Commencement Date, the sum of $418,808.00 per annum payable in equal
monthly installments of $34,900.67;
(4) From the third anniversary of the Rent Commencement
Date to the day prior to the fourth anniversary of the Rent
Commencement Date, the sum of $445,876.16 per annum, payable in
equal monthly installments of $37,156.35;
(5) From the fourth anniversary of the Rent Commencement
Date to the day prior to the fifth anniversary of the Rent
Commencement Date, the sum of $454,793.68 per annum, payable in
equal monthly installments of $37,899.47;
(6) From the fifth anniversary of the Rent Commencement
Date to the day prior to the sixth anniversary of the Rent
Commencement Date, the sum of $463,889.56 per annum, payable in
equal monthly installments of $38,657.46;
(7) From the sixth anniversary of the Rent Commencement
Date to the day prior to the seventh anniversary of the Rent
Commencement Date, the sum of $473,167.36 per annum, payable in
equal monthly installments of $39,430.61;
(8) From the seventh anniversary of the Rent Commencement
Date to the day prior to the eighth anniversary of the Rent
Commencement Date, the sum of $520,630.70 per annum, payable in
equal monthly installments of $43,385.89;
(9) From the eighth anniversary of the Rent Commencement
Date to the date prior to the ninth anniversary of the Rent
Commencement Date, the sum of $531,043.32 per annum, payable in
equal monthly installments of $44,253.61;
(10) From the ninth anniversary of the Rent Commencement
Date to the date prior to the tenth anniversary of the Rent
Commencement Date, the sum of $541,664.19 per annum, payable in
equal monthly installments of $45,138.68;
(11) From the tenth anniversary of the Rent Commencement to
the day prior to the eleventh anniversary of the Rent Commencement
Date, the sum of $552,497.47 per annum, payable in equal monthly
installments of $46,041.45; and
(12) From the eleventh anniversary of the Rent Commencement
Date until the Expiration Date, the sum of $563,547.42 per annum,
payable in equal monthly installments of $46,962.28.
39. Additional Definitions: For the purpose of this Lease
and all agreements supplemental to this Lease and all communications
with respect thereto, unless the context otherwise requires:
A: The terms "fixed rent or base rent" shall mean rent at
the annual rental rates set forth in Article 38 hereof.
B: The term "additional rent" shall mean all sums of money,
other than fixed rent, and which become due and payable from Tenant
to Landlord hereunder, and Landlord shall have the same remedies
therefor as for a default in payment of fixed rent.
C: The term "rent" shall mean fixed rent and/or additional
rent.
D: The terms "Commencement Date" shall mean the date upon
which the New York City Landmark's Commission shall approve Tenant's
Plans, (as hereinafter defined).
E: The term "Rent Commencement Date" shall mean the date
which is ninety (90) days after the Commencement Date.
F: The term "Expiration Date" shall mean the last day of
the month which shall be eleven (11) years and six (6) months after
the Rent Commencement Date.
G: The term "Building" shall mean the building located at
295 Lafayette Street, New York, New York.
40. Escalation for Increase in Real Estate Taxes:
A. As used herein:
(1) "Taxes" shall mean the real estate taxes and
assessments imposed upon the land and building of which the demised
premises are a part. Penalties and interest on Taxes, and income,
franchise, transfer, inheritance and capital stock taxes shall be
deemed excluded from the term Taxes for the purpose hereof. However,
if and to the extent that, due to a change in the method of
assessment or taxation, any franchise, capital stock, capital,
rents, income, profits or other tax or charge shall be substituted
in whole or in part for the Taxes now or hereafter imposed upon said
land and building, such franchise, capital stock, capital rents,
income, profits or other tax or charge, computed as if Landlord
owned or operated no property other than said land and building,
shall be deemed included in the term Taxes for the purposes hereof.
Landlord represents and warrants that as of January 20, 1996, the
assessed value of the Building and land upon which the Building is
located for the Base Tax Year, (as hereinafter defined), is Five
Million One Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand ($5,175,000.00) Dollars.
(2) "Tax Year" shall mean each period of twelve (12)
months following the Base Tax Year, commencing on the first day of
July of each such period, in which occurs any part of the term of
this lease or such other period of twelve (12) months occurring
during the term of this lease as hereafter may be duly adopted as
the fiscal year for real estate tax purposes of the City of New
York.
(3) "Base Tax" shall mean taxes for tax year July 1996
through June 1997, (the " Base Tax Year").
B. If the Taxes for any Tax Year shall be greater than the
Base Tax, Tenant shall pay as additional rent for such Tax Year a
sum equal to 13.88% of the amount by which the Taxes for such Tax
Year are greater than the Base Tax (which amount is hereinafter
called the "Tax Payment"). Should this lease terminate prior to
the expiration of a Tax Year, such Tax Payment shall be prorated to,
and shall be payable on as and when ascertained after the Expiration
Date. Tenant's obligation to pay such additional rent and Landlord's
obligation to refund pursuant to Paragraph C below, as the case may
be, shall survive the termination of this lease. If the Taxes for
any Tax Year subsequent to the Base Tax Year, or an installment
thereof, shall be reduced before such Taxes, or such installment,
shall be paid, the amount of Landlord's reasonable costs and
expenses of obtaining such reduction ( but not exceeding the amount
of such reduction ) shall be added to and be deemed part of the
Taxes for such Tax Year. Payment of additional rent for any Tax
Payment due from Tenant shall be made as and subject to the
conditions hereinafter provided in this Article.
C. Landlord shall be under no obligation to contest the
Taxes or the assessed valuation of the land and the building for any
Tax Year or to refrain from contesting the same, and may settle any
such contest on such terms as Landlord in its sole judgement
considers proper. If the assessment for the Base Tax Year shall be
reduced from the amount originally imposed after Landlord shall have
rendered a comparative statement (as provided in Paragraph D below)
to Tenant with respect to a Tax Year, the amount of the Tax Payment
shall be adjusted in accordance with such change and Tenant, on
Landlord's demand, shall pay any increase in additional rent
resulting from such adjustment.
D. At any time during the Tax Year after the taxes for such
Tax Year become known Landlord may, or else with reasonable
promptness after the end of each Tax Year, Landlord shall render to
Tenant a comparative statement together with a copy of the tax bill
showing the amount of the Base Tax, the amount of the Taxes for such
Tax Year and the Tax Payment,if any, due from the Tenant for such
Tax Year, indicating thereon in reasonable detail the computation of
such Tax Payment. The Tax Payment shown on such comparative
statement shall be payable in full concurrently with the installment
of fixed rent then or next due, or if such statement be rendered at
or after the termination of this lease within thirty (30) days after
such rendition. Whenever so requested, but not more often than once
a year, Landlord will furnish Tenant with a reproduced copy of the
bill (or receipted bill) for the Taxes for the current or next
preceding Tax Year.
41. Intentionally omitted.
42. Assignment and Subletting:
Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 11, and in modification
and amplification thereof:
A. If Tenant's interest in this lease is assigned,
whether or not in violation of the provisions of this lease,
Landlord may collect rent from the assignee. If the demised premises
or any part thereof are sublet to, or occupied by, or used by, any
person other than Tenant, whether or not in violation of this lease,
Landlord, after default by Tenant under this lease and expiration of
Tenant's time, if any, to cure such default, may collect rent from
the subtenant, user or occupant. In either case, Landlord shall
apply the net amount collected to the rents reserved in this lease,
but neither any such assignment, subletting, occupancy, nor use, nor
any such collection or application shall be deemed a waiver of any
term, covenant or condition of this lease or the acceptance by
Landlord of such assignee, subtenant, occupant or user as a
tenant. The consent by Landlord to any assignment, subletting,
occupancy or use shall not relieve Tenant from its obligation to
obtain the express prior written consent of Landlord to any further
assignment, subletting, occupancy or use. The listing of any name
other than the Tenant's on any door of the demised premises, or on
any directory, other than the names of Tenant's business entity and
Tenant's associates/employees or on any elevator in the building, or
otherwise, shall not operate to vest in the party so named, any
right or interest in this lease or in the demised premises, or be
deemed to constitute, or serve as a substitute for, any prior
written consent of Landlord required under this Article. Tenant
agrees to pay Landlord any reasonable counsel fees incurred by
Landlord in connection with any proposed assignment of Tenant's
interest in this lease or any proposed subletting of the demised
premises or any part thereof. Neither any assignment of Tenant's
interest in this lease nor any subletting, occupancy or use of the
demised premises or any part thereof by any person other than
Tenant, nor any collection of rent by Landlord from any person
other than Tenant as provided in this Paragraph A, nor any
application of any such rent as aforementioned as provided in
this Paragraph A, shall in any circumstances relieve Tenant of
Tenant's obligation fully to observe and perform terms, covenants
and conditions of this lease on Tenant's part to be observed and
performed.
B. If Tenant shall desire to assign this Lease or to
sublet the entire demised premises, Tenant shall notify the Landlord
in writing, (the "Recapture Notice"), which notice shall include the
date in which Tenant shall desire to vacate the demised premises,
(the "Proposed Recapture Date"). The Proposed Recapture Date shall
be not earlier than ninety (90) days or later than one hundred
eighty (180) days from the date of the Recapture Notice. Landlord
shall have thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of the
Recapture Notice to notify Tenant of Landlord's desire to recapture
the demised premises effective as of the Proposed Recapture Date.
In the event Landlord shall elect to recapture the demised premises,
the Lease shall terminate as of the Proposed Recapture Date,
whereupon Tenant shall be relieved of all obligations arising from
and after the date of such recapture. In the event Landlord shall
fail to notify Tenant of its desire to recapture, within such thirty
(30) day period, the Lease shall remain in full force and effect
except that Landlord shall not have the right to recapture the Lease
or the demised premises for one hundred eighty (180) days following
either (i) Landlord's notification to Tenant of its election not to
recapture, or (ii) the expiration of the thirty (30) day period
following Landlord's receipt of the Recapture Notice. In the event
Tenant shall desire to assign the Lease or sublet the demised
premises beyond said one hundred eighty (180) day period, Tenant
shall be obligated to provide a new Recapture Notice pursuant to
this Paragraph.
C. If Tenant shall desire to assign this lease or to
sublet the entire demised premises and Landlord shall not recapture
the lease as set forth above, or if Tenant shall desire to sublet a
portion of the demised premises, Tenant shall submit to Landlord a
written request for Landlord's consent to such assignment or
subletting, which request shall contain or be accompanied by the
following information (i) the name and address of the proposed
assignee or subtenant; (ii) the terms and conditions of the proposed
assignment or subletting including, without limitation, all
consideration of every nature whatsoever to be paid to Tenant
(including, without limitation, consideration for the sale or rental
of Tenant's fixtures, leasehold improvements, equipment, furniture
or other personal property) in respect of such assignment or
subletting; (iii) the nature and character of the business of the
proposed assignee or subtenant and its proposed use of the demised
premises; and (iv) banking, financial and other credit information
with respect to the proposed assignee or subtenant reasonably
sufficient to enable Landlord to determine the financial
responsibility of the proposed assignee or subtenant. Landlord shall
then consent or refuse to consent to assignment or sublease,
provided, however that Landlord's consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld, subject to the terms set forth in paragraph D below.
D. Provided that Tenant is not then in default under this
lease and further provided that the following conditions shall be
fulfilled, Landlord shall not unreasonably withhold or delay its
consent to a proposed sublet or assignment:
(a) The subletting or assignment shall be to a tenant whose
occupancy will be in keeping with dignity and character of the then
use and occupancy of the building and whose occupancy will not be
more hazardous than that of Tenant herein or impose any additional
burden upon Landlord or additional operating expense in the
operation of the building.
(b) So long as Landlord shall have comparable space and
terms available in the Building, the proposed sublessee or assignee
shall not be a tenant, subtenant or assignee of any premises in the
building; nor shall the proposed sublessee or assignee be a person
or entity with whom Landlord is then negotiating to lease space in
the building.
(c) In case of a subletting, it shall be expressly subject
to all of the obligations of Tenant under this lease and the further
condition and restriction that the sublease shall not be assigned,
encumbered or otherwise transferred or the subleased premises
further sublet by the sublessee in whole or in part, or any part
thereof suffered or permitted by the sublessee to be used or
occupied by others, without the prior written consent of Landlord in
each instance.
(d) The demised premises shall not have been publicly
advertised for assignment or subletting at a rental rate less than
the then prevailing rental rate for other space in the building.
(e) The character of the business to be conducted or the
proposed use of the demised premises by the proposed sublessee or
assignee shall not (i) be likely to increase the Landlord's
operating expenses beyond that which would be incurred in accordance
with the standards of use of other tenancies in the building;(ii)
increase the burden on existing building services including, without
limitation, cleaning and elevator service over the burden prior to
such proposed subletting or assignment; and (iii) violate or be
likely to violate any provisions or restrictions herein relating to
the use or occupancy of the demised premises, including, but not
limited to, the restrictive covenant annexed hereto and made a part
hereof as Exhibit "C".
E. Anything herein contained to the contrary not
withstanding, but without releasing Tenant from its obligations for
full performance hereunder, Tenant shall have the right, without the
consent of Landlord, to assign or sublet all or any part of the
demised premises to one or more controlled or subsidiary companies,
or to a parent company (existing or future) and Tenant shall have
the right to permit the demised premises or any part thereof to be
used by any controlled subsidiary or affiliated and/or parent
companies, provided that a duplicate original of the assignment or
sublease, if any, shall be delivered to Landlord within seven (7)
days after execution, and provided that such assignment or sublease
shall permit only such use and occupancy as is permitted under
this lease.
Further, Tenant may (i) transfer, by operation of law or
otherwise, Tenant's interest in this Lease, or (ii) transfer a 50%
or greater interest in Tenant, (whether stock, partnership interest
or otherwise), or (iii) assign this Lease in its entirety without
the consent of Landlord to any successor corporation (by
consolidation, merger or sale of substantially all of its assets),
provided the assets and consolidated net worth of such successor
corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles on a
proforma basis from the then-most-recent audited (by independent
certified public accountants) balance sheets of all corporations
which shall have been merged or consolidated with or into
such successor corporation, shall not be materially less than the
assets and consolidated net worth of Tenant and its consolidated
subsidiaries as shown by Tenant's most recent audited (by
independent certified public accountants) balance sheet, unless
Tenant shall be willing to increase the Security Deposit to an
amount equal to three (3) additional months of fixed rent then due
and owing, in which event Landlord shall not have the right to
object to a successor corporation with a lower net worth than
Tenant at that time, provided that Tenant shall have delivered to
Landlord an agreement on the part of such successor corporation
whereby such successor corporation agrees to assume, and does
assume, all of the obligations and duties on the part of the Tenant
to be performed hereunder.
F. No permitted or consented to assignment or subletting
shall be effective or valid for any purpose whatsoever unless and
until a counterpart of the assignment or a counterpart or reproduced
copy of the sublease shall have been first delivered to the Landlord
and, in the event of an assignment, the Tenant shall deliver to
Landlord a written agreement executed and acknowledged by the Tenant
and such assignee in recordable form wherein such assignee shall
assume jointly and severally with Tenant the due performance of this
lease on Tenant's part to be performed to the full end of the term
of this lease notwithstanding any other or further assignment.
G. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth
herein, a "Shared Use" of the demised premises by Tenant shall not
require the consent of the Landlord, provided all of the following
conditions shall have been met:
(1) The Shared Use shall not, in the aggregate,
occupy more than 6,000 square feet in the demised premises;
(2) The Shared Use shall not require the
construction of demising walls to create a separate entrance within
the Demised Premises; and
(3) The Shared Use shall not be simultaneously
occupied by more than three entities.
H. If the Landlord shall give its consent to any assignment
of this Lease or to any sublease, Tenant shall in consideration
therefore, pay to Landlord, as additional rent:
(A) In the case of an assignment, an amount equal
to fifty (50%) percent of all sums and other considerations paid to
Tenant by the assignee for or by reason of such assignment in excess
of the total rent payable by Tenant hereunder, (including, but not
limited to, sums paid for the sale of Tenant's fixtures, leasehold
improvements, equipment, furniture, furnishings or other personal
property, in excess of the Fair Market Value of such fixtures,
leasehold improvements, etc.), less the cost of any leasing
commissions, rent concessions or abatements or Tenant fit-up
incurred by Tenant in connection with such assignment.
(B) in the case of a sublease of the demised
premises, an amount equal to fifty (50%) percent of any rents,
additional charge or other consideration payable under the sublease
to Tenant by the subtenant which is in excess of the fixed rent and
additional rent accruing during the term of the sublease in respect
of the subleased space (at the rate per square foot payable by
Tenant hereunder), pursuant to the terms hereof, (including, but not
limited to, sums paid for the sale or rental of Tenant's fixtures,
leasehold, improvements, equipment, furniture or other personal
property, in excess of the Fair Market Value or Fair Rental Value,
as the case may be, of such fixtures, leasehold improvements, etc.),
less the cost of any leasing commissions, rent concessions or
abatements or Tenant fit-up incurred by Tenant in connection with
such sublease. The sums payable under this Section shall be paid to
Landlord as and when payable by the subtenant to Tenant.
43. Tenant's Changes:
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in
Article 3 of this Lease:
Landlord's consent shall be required for only any
alterations, renovations or improvements within the demised
premises, ("Tenant's Changes"), which either: (i) are structural in
nature; (ii) require a building permit; or (iii) affect the
mechanical, electrical, sanitary or other service system in the
Building. In granting its consent to any Tenant's Changes, Landlord
may impose such conditions (as to guarantee of completion, payment,
restoration and otherwise) as Landlord may reasonably require. In no
event shall Landlord be required to consent to any Tenant's Change
which would physically affect the proper functioning of the
mechanical, electrical, sanitary or other service systems of the
building. At the time Tenant requests Landlord's written consent to
any Tenant's Changes, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord detailed
plans and specifications therefor. Tenant shall pay to Landlord any
reasonable fees or expenses incurred by Landlord in connection with
Landlord submitting such plans and specifications it reasonably
deems necessary to an architect or engineer selected by Landlord for
review or examination. Landlord's approval of any plans or
specifications does not relieve Tenant from the responsibility for
the legal sufficiency and technical competency thereof. Tenant
before commencement of any Tenant's Changes shall:
(1) Obtain the necessary consents, authorizations
and licenses from all federal, state and/or municipal authorities
having jurisdiction over such work;
(2) Furnish to Landlord a certificate or
certificates of Workman's Compensation Insurance covering all
persons who will perform Tenant's Changes for Tenant or any
contractor, subcontractor or other person;
(3) Furnish to Landlord an original Policy of Public
Liability Insurance covering Landlord in limit of not less than One
Million ( $1,000,000.00 ) Dollars for injuries or damages to person
and property, in a company approved by Landlord, which approval
shall not be unreasonably withheld. Such policy shall be maintained
at all times during the progress of Tenant's Changes and until
completion thereof, and shall provide that no cancellation shall be
effective unless ten (10) days prior written notice has been given
to Landlord;
(4) Tenant shall employ as its general contractor
for the performance of Tenant's Changes such contractor as Tenant
may select and Landlord shall approve. Landlord shall not
unreasonably withhold or delay such approval.
B. Tenant agrees to indemnify and save Landlord
harmless from and against any and all bills for labor performed and
equipment, fixtures and materials furnished to Tenant and from and
against any and all liens, bills or claims therefor or against the
demised premises or the building containing the same and from and
against all losses, damages, costs, expenses suits and claims
whatsoever in connection with Tenant's changes. The cost of
Tenant's changes shall be paid for in cash or its equivalent, so
that the demised premises and the building containing the same shall
at all times be free of liens for labor and materials supplied or
claimed to have been supplied.
C. Tenant, at its expense, shall cause any
Tenant's Changes consented to by Landlord to be performed in
compliance with all applicable requirements of insurance bodies
having jurisdiction and in such manner as not to interfere with,
delay or impose any additional expense upon the Landlord in the
maintenance or operation of the building. Landlord acknowledges
that Tenant shall have the right to use non-union labor and
contractors.
D. If the performance of Tenant's Change shall
interfere with the comfort and/or convenience of other tenants in
the building or shall cause damage to or otherwise interfere with
the occupancy of adjacent buildings, Tenant shall upon Landlord's
demand remedy or remove the condition or conditions complained of.
Tenant further covenants and agrees to indemnify and save Landlord
harmless from and against any and all claims, losses, damages,
costs, expenses suits and demands whatsoever made or asserted
against landlord by reason of the foregoing.
44. Certificates by Tenant:
At any time and from time to time, Tenant, for the
benefit of Landlord and the lessor under any ground lease or
underlying lease or the holder of any leasehold mortgage affecting
any ground lease or underlying lease, or of any fee mortgage
covering the land or the land and building containing the demised
premises, on at least five (5) days prior written request by
Landlord, will deliver to Landlord a statement, certifying
that this lease is not modified and is in full force and effect as
modified, and stating the modifications, the Commencement and
Expiration Dates hereof, the dates to which the fixed rent,
additional rent and other charges have been paid, and whether or
not, to the best knowledge of the signer of such statement, there
are any then existing defaults on the part of either Landlord or
Tenant in the performance of the terms, covenants and conditions of
this lease, and if so, specifying the default of which the signer of
such statement has knowledge.
45. Limitation of Liability:
(a) Tenant agrees that the liability of Landlord under
this lease and all matters pertaining to or arising out of the
tenancy and the use and occupancy of the demised premises, shall be
limited to Landlord's interest in the Building and in no event shall
Tenant make any claim against or seek to impose any personal
liability upon any general or limited partner of Landlord, or any
principal of any firm or corporation that may hereafter be or become
the Landlord.
(b) Landlord agrees that the liability of Tenant under
this lease and all matters pertaining to or arising out of the
tenancy and the use and occupancy of the demised premises shall be
limited to Tenant's assets and in no event shall Landlord make any
claim against or seek to impose, any personal liability upon any
corporate officer, director or shareholder of Tenant.
46. Indemnification and Insurance:
A. Tenant will indemnify, defend and save Landlord harmless
from and against all damages, liabilities, claims, costs and
expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees, arising out of the
use of the demised premises or any work or thing done, or any
condition created by Tenant or its employees, agents or contractors,
whether or not caused by negligence or breach of an obligation by
Tenant.
B. Tenant shall, throughout the terms of this lease, at its
own cost and expense, but for the mutual benefit of Landlord and
Tenant, maintain, General Public Liability Insurance against claims
for personal injury, death or property damage occurring upon, in or
about the demised premises, such insurance to afford protection to
the limit of not less than Three Million ($3,000,000.00) Dollars in
respect of personal injury or death and damage to property in
respect of any one occurrence. Tenant shall use best efforts to
require that Certificate of Insurance should specifically have the
proposed indemnity clause referred to in the first paragraph of this
Article typed on the certificate evidencing that the "hold harmless"
clause has been insured. Tenant shall use best efforts to furnish
to Landlord certificates of such policies and provide for the
insurance carrier's endorsements and such policies shall not be
terminated without ten (10) days prior notice to Landlord as well as
Tenant. In the event of the Tenant's failure to provide insurance
coverage as specified herein, the Landlord may, at its option, cause
the said insurance coverage to be effected and pay the premium
therefore and the cost of same shall be due and payable by the
Tenant to the Landlord and shall be deemed to be, and be paid as,
additional rental.
47. Electricity:
A: (1) The Demised Premises are, or prior to the
Commencement Date, the Building and Demised Premises will be,
equipped by Landlord with a meter, risers, feeders and wiring, as
set forth in Exhibit "B" hereunder. Upon completion of Landlord's
Work as set forth in Exhibit "B", there will be 1000 amps of
electricity available to Tenant in the Demised Premises which shall
be provided in accordance with applicable building codes.
(2) Tenant shall obtain and pay for Tenant's entire
separate supply of electric current by direct application to and
arrangement with the public utility company servicing the Building.
Landlord will permit its electric feeders, risers and wiring
servicing the Demised Premises to be used by Tenant to the extent
available, (as required by this Lease) and safely capable of being
used for such purpose.
B: After the Commencement Date, any additional risers,
feeders or other equipment or service proper or necessary to supply
Tenant's electrical requirements, upon written request of Tenant,
will be installed by Landlord, at the sole cost and expense of
Tenant, if in Landlord's sole judgment, the same are necessary and
will not cause permanent damage or injury to the Building or the
Demised Premises or cause or create a dangerous or hazardous
condition or entail excessive or unreasonable alterations, repairs
or expense or interfere with or disturb other tenants or occupants.
Rigid conduit only will be allowed.
C: Landlord shall not in anywise be liable or responsible
to Tenant for any loss or damage or expense which Tenant may sustain
or incur if either the quantity or character of electric service is
changed or is no longer available or suitable for Tenant's
requirements and is not due to the gross negligence or intentional
act of Landlord.
D: In no event shall Tenant use or install any fixtures,
equipment or machines, the use of which in conjunction with other
fixtures, equipment and machines in the Demised Premises would
result in an overload of the electrical circuits servicing the
Demised Premises.
E: Tenant shall furnish, install and replace, as required,
all lighting tubes, lamps, bulbs and ballasts required in the
Demised Premises, at Tenant's sole cost and expense. All lighting
tubes, lamps, bulbs and ballasts so installed shall become
Landlord's property upon the expiration or sooner termination of
this lease.
48. Broker:
Tenant and Landlord each represents and warrants to the
other that it neither consulted nor negotiated with any broker or
finder with regard to the rental of the demised premises from
Landlord other than Williams Real Estate Co., Inc. and The Lansco
Corporation. Tenant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Landlord
harmless from any damages, costs and expenses suffered by Landlord
by reason of any breach of the foregoing representation. Landlord
agrees to pay such brokers' fees per separate agreement.
49. Binding Effect:
It is specifically understood and agreed that this lease is
offered to Tenant for signature by the managing agent of the
building solely in its capacity as such agent and subject to
Landlord's acceptance and approval, and that Tenant shall have
affixed its signature hereto with the understanding that such act
shall not, in any way, bind Landlord or its agent until such time as
this lease shall have been approved and executed by Landlord and
delivered to Tenant.
50. Miscellaneous:
A. Without incurring any liability to Tenant, Landlord may
permit access to the demised premises and open the same, whether or
not Tenant shall be present, upon demand of any receiver, trustee,
assignee for the benefit of creditors, sheriff, marshall or court
officer entitled to, or reasonably purporting to be entitled to,
such access for the purpose of taking possession of, or removing,
Tenant's property or for any other lawful purpose (but this
provision and any action by Landlord hereunder shall not be deemed a
recognition by Landlord that the person or official making such
demand has any right or interest in or to this lease, or in or to
the premises), or upon demand of any representative of the fire,
police, building, sanitation or other department of the city,
state or federal governments.
B. The terms "person" and "persons" as used in this lease,
shall be deemed to include natural persons, firms, corporations,
associations and any other private or public entities.
C. No receipt of monies by Landlord from Tenant, after any
reentry or after the lawful cancellation or termination of this
lease in any lawful manner, shall reinstate the lease; and after the
service of notice to terminate this lease, or after the commencement
of any action, proceeding or other remedy, Landlord may demand,
receive and collect any monies due, and apply them on account of
Tenant's obligations under this lease but without in any respect
affecting such notice, action, proceeding or remedy, except that if
a money judgment is being sought in any such action or proceeding,
the amount of such judgment shall be reduced by such payment.
D. If Tenant is in arrears in the payment of fixed rent or
additional rent, Tenant waives its right, if any, to designate the
items in arrears against which any payments made by Tenant are to be
credited and Landlord may apply any of such payments to any such
items in arrears as Landlord, in its sole discretion, shall
determine, irrespective of any designation or request by Tenant as
to the items against which any such payments shall be credited.
E. No payment by Tenant nor receipt by Landlord of a
lesser Amount than may be required to be paid hereunder shall be
deemed to be other than on account of any such payment, nor shall
any endorsement or statement on any check or any letter accompanying
any check tendered as payment be deemed an accord and satisfaction
and Landlord may accept such check or payment without prejudice to
Landlord's right to recover the balance of such payment due or
pursue any other remedy in this lease provided.
51. Subordination:
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in
Article 7 of this Lease:
A. The termination of any ground or underlying lease, by
its terms or otherwise, or the institution of any summary of other
proceedings by the ground or underlying lessor against the lessee
under any such ground lease shall not result in the termination of
this lease unless Tenant is named as a party and served with process
in any such proceedings for possession of the demised premises and a
warrant or judgment for possession is issued and executed in any
such proceedings;
B. In the event of termination of any ground or underlying
lease, Tenant will attorn and pay rent to any such ground or
underlying lessor.
C. If, in connection with the procurement, continuation or
renewal of any financing for which the land and/or the building or
the interest of the lessee therein under a superior lease represents
collateral in whole or in part an institutional lender shall request
modifications of this lease as a condition of such financing, Tenant
will not wIthhold its consent thereto provided that such
modifications do not materially increase the obligations of Tenant
under this lease or materially and adversely affect any rights of
Tenant under this lease.
D. Landlord promptly upon execution of this Lease, shall
request a non-disturbance agreement from any present or future
mortgagee of the Building with respect to this Lease.
52. Fees and Expenses:
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in
Articles 17, 18 or 19 of this Lease:
A. Late Charges: If Tenant shall fail to make payment of
any installment of Rent or additional rent within ten (10) days
after the date when such payment is due, then Tenant shall pay to
Landlord a late charge of 5% of such late payment, payable as
additional rent; provided, however, Tenant shall not be obligated to
pay any Late Charges for the first two (2) occurrences of late
payments within any twelve (12) month period.
B. Interest Upon Amounts in Default: If Tenant shall fail
to make payment of any installment of Rent or any additional rent
(after any applicable grace period), Tenant shall pay to Landlord,
in addition to such installment of Rent or additional rent (and in
addition to any amounts payable pursuant to subsection A of this
Article) and as additional rent, interest on the amount unpaid,
computed from the date such payment was due to and including the
date of payment, with interest accruing at the rate of eighteen
percent (18%) per annum.
C. A default in the payment of rent shall occur should the
Landlord fail to receive from the Tenant any and all sums within ten
(10) days of the date that said sums are due and owing. If Tenant
fails to cure the default within ten (10) days from the time period
prescribed, (provided, however, in the case of a non-monetary
default which by its nature cannot reasonably be cured within such
ten (10) day period, the ten (10) day period shall be reasonably
extended for the time necessary to cure such non-monetary default
provided Tenant promptly commences and diligently proceeds to cure
the same), Landlord shall have the option to terminate this Lease
Agreement and to pursue all rights and remedies afforded under the
terms of this Lease Agreement and by law. Tenant's obligation to
pay rent through the balance of the Lease term shall survive the
termination of the Lease Agreement, provided Landlord shall
make reasonable efforts to mitigate its damages hereunder. Landlord
also will be entitled to recover all reasonable attorneys fees,
court and collection costs, brokerage commissions, construction and
decoration costs incurred by Landlord in the event of a default or
sooner termination of the Lease Agreement by the Tenant, other than
by reason of default by Landlord after notice and applicable cure
periods.
D. In the event any check from Tenant shall be returned to
Landlord by a bank marked "Insufficient Funds", "Uncollected Funds",
"Payment Stopped", etc. on one occasion during any calendar year,
Tenant shall pay as additional rent a Bounced Check Fee equal to the
greater of $20.00 or the actual amount charged to Landlord for such
bounced check. In the event more than one check from Tenant shall
be returned from a bank during a calendar year, (other than by
reason of a wrongful action by the bank), Tenant shall pay to
Landlord a 5% Bounced Check for any check returned to Landlord by
bank marked "Insufficient Funds", "Uncollected Funds", "Payment
Stopped", etc., payable as additional rent.
53. End of Term: Amending Article 22
A. The parties acknowledge and agree that the damage to
Landlord resulting from any failure by Tenant to timely surrender
possession of the Premises as aforesaid will be substantial, will
exceed the amount of the monthly installments of the rent
theretofore payable hereunder, and will be impossible to accurately
measure. Tenant therefore agrees that if possession of the Premises
is not surrendered to Landlord within twenty-four (24) hours after
the Expiration Date or sooner termination of the Term, in addition
to any other rights or remedy Landlord may have hereunder or at law,
Tenant shall pay to Landlord for each month and for each portion of
any month during which Tenant holds over in the Premises after the
Expiration Date or sooner termination of this Lease, a sum equal to
two (2) times the aggregate of the rent which was payable under
the Lease during the last month of the term, and such tenancy shall
continue until terminated by the Landlord, or until the Tenant shall
have given to Landlord at least three (3) business days prior
written notice of at least three (3) business days prior to the
intended date of intent to terminate such tenancy, whichever occurs
first.
B. If Tenant shall hold-over to remain in possession of
any portion of the Premises beyond the Expiration Date of this
Lease, notwithstanding the acceptance of any rent paid by Tenant
pursuant to the above, Tenant shall be subject to summary
proceedings and all damages related thereto. All damages to
Landlord by reason of such holding over by Tenant may be the subject
of a separate action and need not be asserted by Landlord in any
summary proceedings against Tenant.
54. Mechanics Liens: If any mechanics or other lien or
order for the payment of money or any notice on intention to file a
lien shall be filed against the Leased Premises due to the act of
Tenant, or the building or improvement of which said premises form a
part, by reason of or arising out of any labor or material furnished
or alleged to have been furnished, or to be furnished to or for the
Demised Premises or any occupant thereof, except for Landlord's acts
or omissions or work performed by Landlord, unless such work shall
be in fulfillment of Tenant's obligations under the Lease or for or
by reason of any change, alteration, or addition or the cost of
expense thereof, or any contract relating thereto, or against the
interest of Landlord, Tenant shall cause the same to be canceled and
discharged of record by bond or otherwise as allowed by law at the
expense of Tenant within twenty (20) days after the filing thereof;
and Tenant shall also defend on behalf of Landlord, at Tenant's sole
cost and expense, any action, suit or proceeding which may be
brought therefor or for the enforcement of such lien, liens, or
orders, and Tenant will pay any damages and satisfy and discharge
any judgment entered thereon and save harmless Landlord from any
claim or damage resulting therefrom.
55. Increase in Fire Insurance Premiums: Without limiting
any of the other covenants or agreements of Tenant herein contained,
but in addition thereto, Tenant agrees not to do or permit anything
to be done which will be in conflict with any provision of, or
violate any policy of fire insurance, at any time during the term
hereof on the building, or do or permit to be done any act or thing
because of which any insurer shall cancel any such policy on the
building or on the property of Landlord therein or increase the
policy premium rate. If, because of anything done on the Demised
Premises, except for Landlord's acts or omissions or work performed
by Landlord, unless such work shall be in fulfillment of Tenant's
obligations under the Lease, whether it be the conduct of the
business permitted herein or otherwise, the fire insurance rate on
the building or any property of the Landlord herein shall be
increased, then, in that event, Tenant agrees to pay as additional
rental any increase in Landlord's insurance premiums consequent upon
such increase in rate. A schedule of "make-up" of insurance rates
for the building of which the Demised Premises form a part issued by
the local fire insurance rating organization or similar body as
aforesaid shall be prima facie evidence of the facts therein stated
and of any changes in the fire insurance rates applicable to the
premises.
56. Landlord's Work and Tenant's Work:
A. Prior to the Commencement Date, Landlord shall
perform the work set forth in Part A of Exhibit B, annexed hereto
and made a part hereof. The facilities, materials and work so
furnished, installed and performed in the Demised Premises by
Landlord at its expense, pursuant to Part A of Exhibit B, are
hereinafter and in Exhibit B referred to as "Landlord's Work". All
such other installations, materials and work which may be undertaken
by or for the account of Tenant to prepare, equip, decorate and
furnish the Demised Premises for Tenant's initial occupancy, are
hereinafter and in Exhibit B referred to as "Tenant's Work".
B. Except as set forth in Section 56 (A) or Section 47
(A) above, the Tenant has inspected the demised premises and agrees
to accept the same in its present "as is" condition, and the
Landlord makes no representation as to the condition of the
premises.
57. Cleaning of Premises:
A. Landlord, at its expense, shall cause the Demised
Premises, other than the Storage Space, to be cleaned in accordance
with the cleaning specifications annexed hereto as Exhibit "D".
Tenant shall pay to Landlord on demand the costs incurred by
Landlord for (a) extra cleaning work in the Demised Premises
required because of (i) misuse or neglect on the part of Tenant or
its employees or visitors, (ii) use of portions of the Demised
Premises for preparation, serving or consumption of food or
beverages, data processing or reproducing operations, private
lavatories or toilets, (other than up to three (3) bathrooms
servicing the Demised Premises), or other special purposes requiring
greater or more difficult cleaning work than office areas, (iii)
unusual quantity of interior glass surfaces, (iv) non-building
standard materials or finishes installed by Tenant or at its
request, and (b) removal from the Demised Premises and the Building
of so much of any refuse and rubbish of Tenant as shall exceed that
ordinarily accumulated daily in the routine of business office
occupancy. Landlord, its cleaning contractor and their employees
shall have after hours access to the Demised Premises and the
free use of light, power and water in the Demised Premises as
reasonably required for the purpose of cleaning the Demised Premises
in accordance with Landlord obligations hereunder. Tenant may
request that the cleaning contractor commence cleaning services in
the afternoon, but Landlord shall not be liable if such request is
not satisfied. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant may elect to
contract for rubbish removal, at its sole cost, in the event it
deems Landlord's charges to be excessive.
B. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set in the
Lease, Tenant shall have a one (1) time right to notify Landlord of
its desire to be solely responsible for the cleaning of the
premises, in which even Tenant shall be entitled to a reduction of
rent equal to $0.50 per square foot per annum, (or such greater
amount that Landlord shall be paying for the cleaning of the Demised
Premises at the time Tenant shall exercise such right), for so long
as Tenant shall remain responsible for such cleaning. Landlord
shall nevertheless remain responsible for the removal of rubbish
collected within the Demised Premises from the Building.
58. Relocation: Landlord reserves the right to relocate
Tenant during the term to a comparable floor within the building
upon thirty (30) days written notice, at Landlord's cost and
expense, including but not limited to moving expenses, telephone
relocation, etc., so long as such relocation shall not unreasonably
interfere with the conduct of Tenant's business and Landlord builds,
decorates and furnishes the space so that it reasonably duplicates
the Demised Premises. Landlord shall have ninety (90) days to
relocate Tenant after the expiration of the thirty (30) day period.
59. Building Directory: Landlord agrees to provide to
Tenant thirteen (13) listings on the original Lobby Directory of the
Building. At the time the Lobby Directory shall be upgraded, Tenant
shall have the first right to available additional listings on the
Directory.
60. Heat, Ventilation and Air Conditioning:
A. Landlord, at its expense, shall maintain all
radiators and repair all leaks that may occur, maintain and operate
the heating system, (hereafter referred to as the "heating system")
and shall furnish heat in the Demised Premises consistent with the
standards provided in comparable office buildings in Manhattan,
(hereinafter referred to as the "heat service"). Heat service shall
be provided during "regular hours", (that is between the hours of
8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.) on "business days", (which term is used
herein to mean all days except Saturdays, Sundays and
days now or hereafter observed by the Federal or New York State
government as legal holidays and those now or hereafter designated
by the building service union employees service contract, if
applicable, or by the Operating Engineers contract, if applicable)
and between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
B. Air conditioning shall be provided to Tenant by the
currently existing air conditioning package units(s), (hereinafter
referred to as the "A/C Units"), located in and servicing the
Demised Premises. Tenant, at its expense, shall pay the cost of the
Service Contract annexed hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit
"E" or any replacement thereof. Landlord, at its expense, shall be
responsible for any repairs or replacements, (as required) of the
A/C units, unless such repair or replacement shall result from any
negligent act or omission of Tenant or its agents, servants,
employees or contractors, in which event Tenant shall be liable for
the same. Tenant agrees to notify Landlord of any required major
repairs or replacements of the A/C units promptly following Tenant's
determination of the requirement therefor.
61. Tenant represents that Marc H. Bell, President and
Chief Executive Officer, is authorized to execute this Lease and
bind Bell Technology Group, Ltd. and will provide Landlord an
appropriate corporate resolution upon lease execution, if
applicable.
62. Security Deposit:
A. Tenant shall deliver to Landlord a clean, irrevocable
and unconditional Letter of Credit issued by and drawn upon any
commercial bank which is a member of the New York Clearing House
Association, (hereinafter referred to as the "Issuing Bank" with
offices for banking purposes in the City of New York and having a
net worth of not less than One Hundred Million and 00/100
($100,000,000.00) Dollars, which Letter of Credit shall have a term
of not less than one year, be in form and content satisfactory to
Landlord, be for the account of Landlord and be in the amount of
$400,000.00. The Letter of Credit shall provide that:
(1) The Issuing Bank shall pay to Landlord or its duly
authorized representative an amount up to the face amount of the
Letter of Credit upon presentation of the Letter of Credit, a sight
draft in the amount to be drawn and an affidavit of a general
partner or person duly authorized on behalf of Landlord stating that
Landlord is entitled to draw upon the Letter of Credit based upon
the provisions of Section 62 (E) hereof;
(2) The Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be
automatically renewed, without amendment, for consecutive periods of
one year each during the term of this Lease, unless the Issuing Bank
sends written notice, (hereinafter referred to as the "Non-Renewal
Notice") to Landlord by certified or registered mail, return receipt
requested, not less than thirty (30) days next preceding the then
expiration date of the Letter of Credit, that it elects not to have
such Letter of Credit renewed;
(3) Landlord, within twenty (20) days of its receipt of the
Non-Renewal Notice, shall have the right, exercisable by a sight
draft, to receive the monies represented by the Letter of Credit,
(which monies shall be held by Landlord as a cash deposit pursuant
to the terms of this Article 62 pending the replacement of such
Letter of Credit or Tenant's default hereunder); and
(4) Upon Landlord's sale of Landlord's interest in the land
and the Building, the Letter of Credit shall be transferable by
Landlord as provided in Section 62 (C) hereof.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 62(A) hereof,
provided that Tenant shall not be in material default of this Lease
on the date which is the second (2nd) anniversary of the
Commencement Date, and no event shall have occurred which, with the
passage of time, would constitute a material default by Tenant
hereunder, Landlord shall, within twenty (20) days following receipt
of notice from Tenant requesting a reduction in the amount of
Tenant's security deposit, in accordance with the provisions of this
Section 62(B), consent to an amendment to the Letter of Credit then
held by Landlord as security hereunder, reducing the amount thereof
by $75,000.00. Similarly, pursuant to the provisions of this
Section 62(B), Landlord shall consent to an amendment to the Letter
of Credit further reducing the amount by $75,000.00 after the third
(3rd) anniversary of the Commencement Date; and a further amendment
to the Letter of Credit reducing the amount by $150,000.00 after
the fourth (4th) anniversary of the Commencement Date. The Letter
of Credit in the amount of $100,000.00 shall remain in full force
and effect for the remainder of the Lease term.
C. In the event of a sale of Landlord's interest in the
land and the Building, Landlord shall have the right to transfer the
cash security or Letter of Credit, as the case may be, deposited
hereunder to the vendee or lessee, and Landlord shall thereupon be
released by Tenant from all liability for the return of such cash
security or Letter of Credit. In such event, Tenant agrees to look
solely to the new Landlord for the return of said cash security or
Letter of Credit. It is agreed that the provisions hereof shall
apply to every transfer or assignment made of said cash security or
Letter of Credit to a new Landlord.
D. Tenant covenants that it will not assign or encumber, or
attempt to assign or encumber, the Letter of Credit deposited
hereunder as security, and that neither Landlord nor its successors
or assigns shall be bound by any such assignment, encumbrance,
attempted assignment or attempted encumbrance.
E. Landlord agrees that it will not draw down the proceeds
of the Letter of Credit except in the event of a default by Tenant
hereunder or the non-renewal of such Letter of Credit by the Issuing
Bank.
F. In the event that at any time during the term of this
Lease Landlord, in Landlord's reasonable opinion, believes (a) that
the net worth of the Issuing Bank shall be less than the minimum
amount specified in Section 62(A), or (b) that circumstances have
occurred indicating that the Issuing Bank may be incapable of,
unable to, or prohibited from honoring the then existing Letter of
Credit (hereinafter referred to as the "Existing L/C") in accordance
with the terms thereof, then, upon the happening of either of the
foregoing, Landlord may send written notice to Tenant (hereinafter
referred to as the "Replacement Notice"), requiring Tenant within
ten (10) days to replace the Existing L/C with a new Letter of
Credit, (hereinafter referred to as the "Replacement L/C") from an
Issuing Bank meeting the qualifications described in 62(A). Upon
receipt of a Replacement L/C meeting the qualifications of Section
62(A), Landlord shall forthwith return the Existing L/C to Tenant.
In the event that (i) a Replacement L/C meeting the qualifications
of Section 62(A) is not received by Landlord within the time
specified or (ii) Landlord reasonably believes an emergency exists,
then in either event, the Existing L/C may be presented for payment
by Landlord and the proceeds thereof shall be held by Landlord in
accordance with Article 34 of the Lease subject, however, to
Tenant's right, at any time thereafter prior to a Tenant's default
hereunder, to replace such cash security with a new letter of credit
meeting the qualifications of Section 62(A).
63. Storage Space:
A. Provided Tenant shall not be in material default
hereunder and no event shall have occurred which, with the passage
of time, would constitute a material default by Tenant, Tenant shall
have the right, during the first eighteen (18) months of the Lease,
to lease storage space in the basement of the Building, as shown on
Exhibit "F" annexed hereto and made a part hereof, (the "Storage
Space") for the sum of Four ($4.00) Dollars per useable square foot
per annum, which shall be paid as additional rent hereunder by
notifying Landlord, which notice shall be accompanied by submission
of a floor plan designating such space. The Storage Space shall be
used solely for storage, shipping and receiving of goods, to the
extent permitted by law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the
event Landlord shall desire to offer a portion of the storage space
to another tenant, Landlord shall notify Tenant, whereupon Tenant
shall have ten (10) days to notify Landlord if it shall desire to
lease such storage space. If Landlord shall not receive notice from
Tenant of its desire to lease such space, Landlord shall have the
right to lease the space to another tenant, provided such other
lease shall be executed within sixty (60) days of the expiration of
such ten (10) day period.
B. Tenant shall have the right to erect a chain link fence
or cinder block wall along the vault line and relocate the entrance
way of the Storage Space. Tenant accepts the Storage Space in "as
is" condition.
C. Tenant shall have the right to install a sign in the
basement near the freight elevator, subject to landlord's approval,
which shall not be unreasonably withheld.
64. Satellite Dishes and Generator:
Tenant may, at its sole cost and expense, install two (2) satellite
dishes and a generator, subject to landlord's approval which
shall not be unreasonably withheld, on the roof of the Building in
an area to be designated by Landlord and a license to run the
necessary cables and wires from the roof to the third floor,
provided: (i) Tenant shall obtain any necessary governmental
permits or approvals; (ii) Tenant shall be responsible for any
damage or injury resulting from the installation, maintenance,
repair or operation of the satellite dishes and generator; (iii)
such installation and connections shall not interfere with the
building systems or operations and (iv) Tenant shall remove the
satellite dishes and generator prior to the expiration of this
Lease and repair any damage resulting therefrom.
65. Jersey Street Elevator:
Tenant shall have the right upon notice to Landlord, to use the
freight elevator located on the Jersey Street side of the Building
in conjunction with Elizabeth Wayman seven (7) days a week, 24 hours
a day. No other tenants shall have the right to use such elevator,
so long as Tenant continues to use such elevator. Landlord shall be
obligated to maintain and repair the elevator provided Tenant shall
pay fifty (50%) percent of the cost of such maintenance and repair,
unless such maintenance and repair shall be necessitated by any act
of Tenant, its employees or agents in which event Tenant shall be
liable for the full cost of same, provided further that if any such
repair or maintenance is required by reason of an act of Landlord,
the Landlord shall be liable for the cost of such repair,
replacement or maintenance. Tenant may install, at its own expense,
any security equipment it reasonably requires provided such
equipment shall not preclude Elizabeth Wayman from using the
elevator. Tenant shall have the right to rescind its use of
the elevator upon notice to Landlord.
66. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth
in Article 9 of this Lease, if the demised premises or building
shall be totally or substantially damaged or destroyed and Landlord
shall not terminate this Lease within sixty (60) days after such
damage or destruction, Tenant shall have the right to terminate this
Lease if, in the written opinion of Landlord's architect, the
premises cannot reasonably be restored within a one hundred eighty
(180) day period, by providing written notice to Landlord within ten
(10) days of receipt of Landlord's architect's opinion, or in the
event the premises shall not be repaired or restored within one
hundred eighty (180) days of such damage or destruction.
67. In the event that either party commences a lawsuit
against the other in order to enforce any of the terms or provisions
of this Lease, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover
from the other party, reasonable legal fees and reasonable costs
incurred in connection with such lawsuit.
68. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth
herein, Tenant shall have the right to spend a maximum of $1,000.00
to perform an emergency repair within the Demised Premises and off-
set said amount from the rental payment next due provided Tenant
shall have attempted to contact Landlord or its agents at the time
and shall not have received a response within one (1) hour of such
contact.
69. Landlord agrees that the antique elevator in the
Building hall operate on the third floor of the Building so long as
it shall be functioning. Landlord agrees that the freight elevator
shall be available between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.,
Monday through Friday. Any overtime use of the freight elevator
shall be charged at a rate of $30.00 per hour, which fee shall be
due and payable as additional rent hereunder.
70. In the event Landlord's consent or approval shall
required under this Lease, Landlord shall not unreasonably withhold
such consent or approval provided Tenant shall have satisfied any
conditions required under this Lease for such consent or approval.
71. Throughout the term of this Lease, Tenant shall have
access to the rest rooms on the first floor of the Building which is
currently in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
72. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth
in Article 28, all notices to Tenant shall be to:
Mark H. Bell, President
295 Lafayette Street
New York, New York
with a copy to:
Mark H. Bell
77 Bleecker Street
New York, New York
73. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth
in the Lease, in the event the New York City Landmark's Commission
shall take no action on Tenant's application for approval within
ninety (90) days of submission, either party may cancel this Lease
upon written notice to the other, whereupon Tenant shall receive a
refund of the first month's rent, Landlord shall return the LC and
neither party shall have any further rights or liability to the
other hereunder.
74. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth
herein, Tenant shall use the Demised Premises, (excluding Storage
Space), for executive and general business purposes, including but
not limited to, training facilities, shipping and receiving and
computer and product repairs to the extent permitted by local law.
PUCK ASSOCIATES
BY: SKS PROPERTY CORP.,
General Partner
/s/ Richard Stadtmauer
BY: _________________________
RICHARD STADTMAUER,
Vice President
BELL TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LTD.
/s/ Marc H. Bell
BY: _____________________________
MARC H. BELL, President and
Chief Executive Officer
EXHIBIT 21
BELL TECHNOLOGY GROUP LTD.
LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES
The following is a list of all of the subsidiaries of Bell
Technology Group Ltd. of which all are incorporated in the State of
New York. All of the listed subsidiaries do business under the
names presented below:
PFM Communications, Inc.
Naft International Ltd.
Naft Computer Services Corp.
Bluestreak Digital, Inc.
GameNet, Inc.
EXHIBIT 23
BELL TECHNOLOGY GROUP LTD.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in
Registration Statement No. 33-09027 of Bell Technology Group, Ltd.
on Form S-8 of our report dated December 23, 1996 appearing in this
Annual Report on Form 10-KSB of Bell Technology Group, Ltd. for the
year ended September 30, 1996.
Arthur Andersen
January 13, 1997
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-1996
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1996
<CASH> 2,742,011
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 1,912,760
<ALLOWANCES> 64,842
<INVENTORY> 758,353
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 5,543,395
<PP&E> 2,565,527
<DEPRECIATION> 414,233
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 7,809,782
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,720,082
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 30,832
<OTHER-SE> 6,058,868
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 7,809,782
<SALES> 10,373,664
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 10,373,664
<CGS> 8,599,241
<TOTAL-COSTS> 12,062,385
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 136,135
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 98,520
<INCOME-PRETAX> (1,923,376)
<INCOME-TAX> (29,896)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (1,893,480)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (1,893,480)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (0.72)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.72)
</TABLE>
