<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
-------------
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report: June 6, 1997
------------
AMERITRUCK DISTRIBUTION CORP.
-----------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 33-99716 75-2619368
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or Other (Commission File (I.R.S. Employer
Jurisdiction of Number) Identification No.)
Incorporation)
City Center Tower II, Suite 1101
301 Commerce Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102-5384
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Address of principal executive offices
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (817) 332-6020
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<PAGE>
Item 5. Other Events
On May 23, 1997, AmeriTruck Distribution Corp. (the "Company") acquired all
-------
of the capital stock of Monfort Transportation Company ("Monfort
-------
Transportation") and Lynn Transportation Co., Inc. ("Lynn"), subsidiaries of
- -------------- ----
ConAgra, Inc. ("ConAgra"). Monfort Transportation and Lynn have operated
-------
primarily as in-house carriers for the red meat division of Monfort, Inc., a
ConAgra subsidiary, and the poultry and turkey divisions of ConAgra Poultry
Company, a ConAgra subsidiary. The purchase price was $15 million, paid in
cash. The Company has also subleased certain operating equipment from ConAgra
and its subsidiaries. In addition, as part of the acquisition the Company has
entered into a Transportation Services Agreement with subsidiaries of ConAgra.
Under the terms of this agreement, these ConAgra subsidiaries have agreed to
tender freight from Monfort, Inc.'s red meat division, ConAgra Poultry Company's
poultry and turkey divisions and Swift-Eckrich Inc.'s processed meats division
in designated lanes and minimum annual volumes. The agreement has a four-year
term, with pricing fixed for the first two years and to be adjusted for the
third and fourth years.
Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and
Exhibits
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description
------ -----------
<S> <C>
(a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired
-----------------------------------------
Note: It is currently impractical to provide
audited and unaudited combined financial
statements for Monfort Transportation and Lynn.
These combined financial statements will be filed
as soon as they are available, but not later than
August 6, 1997.
(b) Pro Forma Financial Information
-------------------------------
Note: It is currently impracticable to provide
the pro forma financial information required by
Article 11 of Regulation S-X. This pro forma
financial information will be filed as soon as it
is available, but not later than August 6, 1997.
(c) Exhibits
--------
2 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 28,
1997, among AmeriTruck Distribution Corp.,
Monfort, Inc. and ConAgra Poultry Company.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
The following exhibits have been omitted:*
Exhibit A: Transition License Agreement
Exhibit B: Services Agreement**
Exhibit C: Tax Agreement
Exhibits D-1, D-2, D-3 and D-4: Real Property Leases
Exhibits E-1 and E-2: Subleases
Exhibit F: Release
Exhibit G: Opinion of Sellers' Counsel
Exhibit H: Opinion of Buyer's Counsel
10 Transportation Services Agreement, dated as of
April 28, 1997, among AmeriTruck Distribution
Corp., Monfort Transportation Company, Lynn
Transportation Company, Inc., Monfort, Inc.,
ConAgra Poultry Company, and Swift-Eckrich, Inc.
The following exhibits have been omitted:*
Exhibit A -- List of Equipment
Exhibit B -- Terms and Conditions Relating to Use of
Equipment
Exhibit C -- Designated Lanes, Freight Rates, and
Annual Minimum Volume
Exhibit D -- Quarterly Components of Annual
Minimum Volume
Exhibit E -- "On-Time Pickup and Delivery"
Procedures
Exhibit F -- Old Bid Rate
Exhibit G -- Accessorial Charges
* The Registrant undertakes to furnish supplementally to the
Commission, upon request, any omitted exhibit.
** See Exhibit 10.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
AMERITRUCK DISTRIBUTION CORP.
Dated: June 6, 1997 By: /s/ J. Michael May
J. Michael May
Title: General Counsel and Secretary
-----------------------------------
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 2
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
By and Among
AMERITRUCK DISTRIBUTION CORP.,
the Buyer
and
MONFORT, INC.,
and
CONAGRA POULTRY COMPANY,
the Sellers
Dated as of April 28, 1997
<PAGE>
Table of Contents
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Section Page
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<C> <S> <C>
1. PURCHASE AND SALE OF STOCK.......................................... 1
1.1. Purchase and Sale............................................ 1
1.2. Delivery of Purchase Price................................... 1
1.3. Future Contingent Consideration.............................. 2
2. CLOSING............................................................. 2
2.1. Time and Place............................................... 2
2.2. Transactions at Closing...................................... 2
3. PURCHASE PRICE ADJUSTMENT........................................... 3
4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS....................... 4
4.1. Organization of the Seller; Authority........................ 4
4.2. Rights to Sell Outstanding Shares, Approvals; Binding Effect. 4
4.3. Subsidiaries................................................. 4
4.4. Capitalization............................................... 5
4.5. Title to Stock, Liens, Etc................................... 5
4.6. Non-Contravention............................................ 5
4.7. Governmental Consents; Transferability of Licenses, Etc...... 5
4.8. Financial Statements......................................... 5
4.9. Absence of Certain Changes................................... 6
4.10. Litigation, Etc.............................................. 7
4.11. Conformity to Law............................................ 7
4.12. Title to Property, Real Property Leases, Etc................. 7
4.13. Real Property; Safety, Zoning and Environmental Matters...... 8
4.14. Insurance.................................................... 8
4.15. Contracts.................................................... 8
4.16. Employment of Officers, Employees............................ 9
4.17. Employee Benefit Plans....................................... 9
4.18. Labor Relations.............................................. 11
4.19. Potential Conflicts of Interest.............................. 12
4.20. Trademarks, Patents, Etc..................................... 12
4.21. Supplies and Customers....................................... 12
4.22. Accounts Receivable.......................................... 13
4.23. No Undisclosed Liabilities................................... 13
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
-ii-
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
4.24. Conduct of Business.......................................... 13
4.25. Tax Matters.................................................. 13
4.26. Indebtedness................................................. 14
4.27. Bank Accounts, Signing Authority, Powers of Attorney......... 14
4.28. Inventory.................................................... 14
4.29. Minute Books................................................. 14
4.30. Broker....................................................... 15
4.31. Disclosure................................................... 15
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BUYER......................... 15
5.1. Organization of Buyer; Authority............................. 15
5.2. Corporate Approval; Binding Effect........................... 15
5.3. Non-Contravention............................................ 15
5.4. Governmental Consents........................................ 16
5.5. Broker....................................................... 16
6. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY THE COMPANIES PENDING CLOSING................ 16
6.1. Full Access.................................................. 16
6.2. Carry on in Regular Course................................... 16
6.3. No General Increases......................................... 16
6.4. No Dividends, Issuances, Repurchases, Etc.................... 17
6.5. Contracts and Commitments.................................... 17
6.6. Purchase and Sale of Capital Assets.......................... 17
6.7. Insurance.................................................... 17
6.8. Preservation of Organization................................. 17
6.9. No Default................................................... 17
6.10. Compliance with Laws......................................... 17
6.11. Advice of Change............................................. 17
6.12. No Shopping.................................................. 17
6.13. Consent of Third Parties..................................... 18
6.14. Satisfaction of Conditions Precedent......................... 18
7. CONDITION PRECEDENT TO BUYER'S OBLIGATION........................... 18
7.1. Representations and Warranties True at Closing............... 18
7.2. Compliance with Agreement.................................... 18
7.3. No Material Change........................................... 18
7.4. Seller's Certificate......................................... 18
7.5. Opinion of Counsel........................................... 19
7.6. Required Approvals........................................... 19
7.7. No Litigation................................................ 19
7.8. Resignations of Directors and Officers....................... 19
7.9. Financing.................................................... 19
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
-iii-
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
7.10. Buyer's Due Diligence........................................ 19
7.11. Consents of Third Parties.................................... 20
7.12. Proceedings and Documents Satisfactory....................... 20
8. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE SELLERS' OBLIGATIONS..................... 20
8.1. Representations and Warranties True at Closing............... 20
8.2. Compliance with Agreement.................................... 20
8.3. Closing Certificate.......................................... 20
8.4. Opinion of Counsel........................................... 20
8.5. Required Approvals........................................... 21
8.6. No Litigation................................................ 21
8.7. Consents of Third Parties.................................... 21
8.8. Proceedings and Documents Satisfactory....................... 21
9. CONFIDENTIALITY...................................................... 21
10. CERTAIN TRANSITIONAL MATTERS......................................... 22
10.1. Insurance Matters............................................ 22
10.2. Trademark and Trade Name..................................... 22
10.3. Access to Books and Records.................................. 22
10.4. Employee Matters............................................. 23
10.5. Audited Financials........................................... 25
10.6. Administrative Support....................................... 25
11. INDEMNIFICATION...................................................... 26
11.1. Indemnity by the Sellers..................................... 26
11.2. Indemnity by the Buyer....................................... 27
11.3. Time Limitations............................................. 27
11.4. Materiality Standards; Dollar Thresholds..................... 27
11.5. Claims....................................................... 28
11.6. Method and Manner of Paying Claims........................... 29
11.7. Insurance Proceeds........................................... 29
11.8. Net Recovery................................................. 30
11.9. Tax Matters.................................................. 30
11.10. Scope of Indemnity........................................... 30
12. DEFINITIONS.......................................................... 30
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
-iv-
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
13. TERMINATION.......................................................... 32
13.1. Termination of Agreement..................................... 32
13.2. Effect of Termination........................................ 32
14. GENERAL.............................................................. 33
14.1. Survival and Materiality of Representations and Warranties... 33
14.2. Expenses..................................................... 33
14.3. Notices...................................................... 34
14.4. Entire Agreement............................................. 35
14.5. Governing Law................................................ 35
14.6. Sections and Section Headings................................ 35
14.7. Assigns...................................................... 35
14.8. Severability................................................. 35
14.9. Further Assurances........................................... 35
14.10. No Implied Rights or Remedies................................ 35
14.11. Counterparts................................................. 36
14.12. Public Statements or Releases................................ 36
14.13. Construction................................................. 36
14.14. Disclosure in Schedules...................................... 36
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
----- -------- ---------
THIS STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT is dated as of the 28th day of April, 1997 by
and among AmeriTruck Distribution Corp., a Delaware corporation (the "Buyer"),
-----
and Monfort, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Monfort"), and ConAgra Poultry
-------
Company, a Delaware corporation ("ConAgra Poultry", with Monfort and ConAgra
------- -------
Poultry sometimes referred to hereinafter individually as the "Seller" and
------
collectively as the "Sellers").
-------
Monfort is the owner of all of the stock of Monfort Transportation Company,
a Colorado corporation ("Monfort Transportation"), and ConAgra Poultry is the
------- --------------
owner of all of the stock of Lynn Transportation Co., Inc., an Iowa corporation
("Lynn", with Monfort Transportation and Lynn sometimes referred to hereinafter
----
individually as the "Company" and collectively as the "Companies"); and
------- ---------
The Sellers desire to sell the capital stock of Monfort Transportation and
Lynn (the "Stock") to the Buyer and the Buyer desires to purchase the Stock from
-----
the Sellers, upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained in this
Agreement.
In connection with the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement, the
Sellers and the Buyer have prepared a set of disclosure schedules, dated the
date hereof and delivered separately as one or more volumes (the "Disclosure
----------
Schedule", with any reference to a Schedule being to the Disclosure Schedule).
- --------
Certain defined terms used in this Agreement are defined in Article 12.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements set
forth herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
Article 1
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Purchase and Sale of Stock
-------- --- ---- -- -----
1.1. Purchase and Sale. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in
-------- --- ----
this Agreement, the Sellers agree to sell to the Buyer, and the Buyer agrees to
purchase from the Sellers, at the Closing referred to in Article 2 of this
Agreement, all of the outstanding shares of Stock, in exchange for the payment
of the aggregate Purchase Price as described below.
1.2. Delivery of Purchase Price. At the Closing, the Buyer shall pay the
-------- -- -------- -----
aggregate purchase price for the Stock, Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000)
(the "Purchase Price"), as provided herein. The Purchase Price is subject to
-------- -----
upward or downward adjustment as provided in Article 3.
<PAGE>
-2-
1.3. Future Contingent Consideration. Buyer shall pay to Sellers, in cash
------ ---------- -------------
as additional consideration for the Stock, an amount equal to any refund of
worker compensation insurance premiums actually received by either Company or
credited to either Company's account, from policies of insurance in effect at
any time prior to the Closing, to the extent said refund, if any, relates to
experience and premiums paid in time periods prior to Closing (an "Insurance
---------
Refund"). Upon the request of the Sellers at any time before or after Closing,
- ------
the Buyer shall execute or cause either Company to execute such documents as the
Sellers deems appropriate to effect an assignment of any Insurance Refund from
either Company to the Sellers, so that the Sellers may receive such Insurance
Refund directly from the applicable insurer. Each of the Sellers and the Buyer
shall notify the other party of any amounts so received.
2. CLOSING.
2.1. Time and Place. The closing of the sale and purchase of the Stock
---- --- -----
(the "Closing") shall be held at the offices of the Sellers' or the Buyer's
-------
counsel as agreed to by the Sellers and the Buyer, at 10:00 a.m. on May 23,
1997, or at such other time, or at such other place, as the Buyer and the
Sellers may agree. The date on which the Closing is actually held hereunder is
sometimes referred to herein as the "Closing Date".
------- ----
2.2. Transactions at Closing. At the Closing, in addition to any other
------------ -- -------
instruments or documents referred to herein:
(a) The Sellers shall deliver to the Buyer, free and clear of any
lien, claim or encumbrance, certificates representing the Stock, duly endorsed
in blank or with duly executed stock powers attached.
(b) The Buyer, Monfort and Monfort Transportation shall enter in a
Transition License Agreement in the form of Exhibit A hereto (the "Transition
------- - ----------
License Agreement").
- ------- ---------
(c) The Companies, the Buyer and the Sellers will enter into a
Transportation Services Agreement in the form of Exhibit B hereto (the "Services
------- - --------
Agreement").
- ---------
(d) The Buyer and the Sellers will enter into a Disaffiliation Tax
Sharing Agreement in the form of Exhibit C hereto (the "Tax Agreement").
------- - --- ---------
(e) The Sellers and the Companies will enter into the Real Property
Leases in the form of Exhibits D-1 and D-2 hereto (the "Real Property Leases").
-------- --- --- ---- -------- ------
(f) The Sellers and the Companies shall enter into Subleases in the
form of Exhibits E-1 and E-2 hereto (the "Subleases").
-------- --- --- ---------
<PAGE>
-3-
(g) The Sellers, Monfort Transportation and Lynn shall enter into a
release in the forms of Exhibit F hereto (the "Release").
------- - -------
(h) The Buyer shall deliver the Purchase Price to the Sellers by wire
transfer to an account previously designated by the Sellers.
Article 3
------- -
Purchase Price Adjustment
-------- ----- ----------
(a) Promptly after the Closing the Sellers and the Buyer will meet to
calculate the Net Working Capital (as defined below) of the Companies as of the
opening of business on the Closing Date, but after giving effect to the Release.
For purposes of this Article 3, "Net Working Capital" of the Companies means the
--- ------- -------
outstanding accounts receivable of the Companies (less any reserve for doubtful
or uncollectible accounts) less the aggregate current liabilities of the
----
Companies, as reflected on the books of the Companies, excluding any current
liabilities for which the Buyer is entitled to indemnification pursuant to
Section 11.1(iii)-(vii), calculated in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles applied on a basis consistent with the Balance Sheets (as
defined in Section 4.8). If they are unable to agree on the Net Working
Capital, then the Buyer and the Sellers shall select a nationally recognized
independent accounting firm acceptable to the Buyer and the Sellers, to conduct
a review and test of the combined balance sheet of the Companies as of the
Closing Date. The independent accounting firm shall be required to determine,
on or before the 30th day after being retained by the Sellers and the Buyer, the
Net Working Capital based on the requirements described above. Each of the
Sellers and the Buyer shall be bound by such determination of the Net Working
Capital. The fees and expenses of such independent accounting firm shall be
paid one-half by the Sellers and one-half by the Buyer.
(b) Upon the determination of the Net Working Capital pursuant to
paragraph (a) of this Article 3, the amount of the Purchase Price payable
pursuant to this Agreement shall be adjusted upward or downward dollar-for-
dollar in the event the Net Working Capital is greater than or less than
$180,000. If such a downward adjustment is made, the Sellers shall pay the
amount of such adjustment to the Buyer. Any such payment reflecting a downward
adjustment shall also include interest on such amount from the Closing Date to
the date preceding the date of payment, calculated at the rate of 8% per annum.
Any such payment shall be made, within three (3) business days after
determination of the Net Working Capital, in same day funds by wire transfer to
account(s) designated by the Buyer. If an upward adjustment is made, the Buyer
shall pay to the Sellers the amount of such upward adjustment in eighteen (18)
consecutive monthly equal (as equal as practicable) installments, without
interest, commencing on the first month end after final determination of Net
Working Capital as provided above.
<PAGE>
-4-
Article 4
------- -
Representations and Warranties of the Sellers
--------------- --- ---------- -- --- -------
The Sellers jointly and severally represent and warrant to the Buyer as
follows:
4.1. Organization of the Seller; Authority. (a) Each Seller is a
------------ -- --- ------ ---------
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of its jurisdiction of organization, and has full corporate power and authority
to enter into this Agreement, the Transition License Agreement, the Services
Agreement, the Tax Agreement, the Real Property Leases, the Subleases and the
Release (collectively, the "Acquisition Agreements") and to perform its
----------- ----------
obligations hereunder and thereunder.
(b) Each of the Companies is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its jurisdiction of
organization, and each is duly qualified and in good standing as foreign
corporations in all jurisdictions in which the character of the properties owned
or leased or the nature of the activities conducted by it makes such
qualification necessary, except for any jurisdiction in which the failure to so
qualify would not individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse
effect on the operations, assets, business or condition (financial or otherwise)
of the Companies or any material adverse affect on the ability of either Seller
to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any other Acquisition
Agreement (with either of the foregoing referred to as a "Material Adverse
-------- -------
Effect"). The Sellers have delivered to the Buyer complete and correct copies
- -------
of the Companies' Articles of Organization and By-Laws and all amendments
thereto. Each of the Companies has full corporate power and authority to own or
lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as such business
is now conducted.
4.2. Rights to Sell Outstanding Shares, Approvals; Binding Effect. Each
------ -- ---- ----------- ------- --------- ------- ------
Seller has obtained all necessary authorizations and approvals from its Board of
Directors and stockholder required for the execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the other Acquisition Agreements and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by the Sellers and constitutes, and each of the other
Acquisition Agreements will at or prior to the Closing have been duly executed
and delivered by the applicable Seller and will constitute, the legal, valid and
binding obligation of the applicable Seller enforceable against such Seller in
accordance with its terms, except as the enforceability thereof may be limited
by any applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency or other laws affecting
creditors' rights generally or by general principles of equity.
4.3. Subsidiaries. Neither of the Companies has any Subsidiaries and
------------
neither of the Companies owns or holds of record and/or beneficially any shares
of any class in the capital of any corporations, and neither owns any legal
and/or beneficial interests in any partnerships, business trusts or joint
ventures or in any other unincorporated trade or business enterprises.
<PAGE>
-5-
4.4. Capitalization. The authorized capital of Monfort Transportation
--------------
consists of 50,000 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, 2,500
shares of which are issued and outstanding on the date hereof (the "Monfort
-------
Stock"). The authorized capital of Lynn consists of 10,000 shares of common
- -----
stock, par value $1.00 per share, 1,000 shares of which are issued and
outstanding on the date hereof (the "Lynn Stock"). All of the Monfort Stock and
---- -----
the Lynn Stock will be sold by the Sellers to the Buyer pursuant hereto and is
validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable. Except as set
forth on Schedule 4.4, there are no commitments for the purchase or sale of,
-------- ---
and no options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or purchase, any
securities of either of the Companies.
4.5. Title to Stock, Liens, etc. Monfort has, and at the Closing will
----- -- ----- ----- ---
transfer to the Buyer, sole record and beneficial ownership of all of the
Monfort Stock, free and clear of any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security
interest, encumbrance, title retention agreement, option, equity or other
adverse claim thereto. ConAgra Poultry has, and at the Closing will transfer to
the Buyer, sole record and beneficial ownership of all the Lynn Stock, free and
clear of any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest, encumbrance,
title retention agreement, option, equity or other adverse claim thereto.
4.6. Non-Contravention. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.6, the
--- ------------- ------------
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Acquisition Agreements,
and the consummation by the Sellers of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby will not (a) violate or conflict with any provision of the Articles of
Organization or By-Laws of either Seller or either Company, each as amended to
date; or (b) constitute a violation of, or be in conflict with, or constitute or
create a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any
encumbrance upon any property of either Seller or either Company pursuant to (i)
any agreement or instrument to which either Seller or either Company is a party
or by which any of their properties is bound, or (ii) any statute, judgment,
decree, order, regulation or rule of any court or governmental or regulatory
authority, except in the case of clause (b) above for any violations, conflicts,
defaults or encumbrances that individually and in the aggregate will not have a
Material Adverse Effect.
4.7. Governmental Consents; Transferability of Licenses, Etc. Except as
------------ -------- --------------- -- -------- ---
set forth on Schedule 4.7, no consent, approval or authorization of, or
-------- ---
registration, qualification or filing with, any governmental agency or authority
is required for the execution and delivery by the Sellers of this Agreement and
the other Acquisition Agreements or for the consummation by the Sellers of the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. The Companies have and maintain,
and the permits listed on Schedule 4.7 hereto include, all licenses, permits and
-------- ---
other authorizations from all governmental authorities (collectively, the
"Permits") as are necessary or desirable for the conduct of the business of the
- --------
Companies, except for any Permits the lack of which would not individually and
in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as expressly designated
on Schedule 4.7, all of the Permits listed on Schedule 4.7 will remain in effect
-------- --- -------- ---
after the transfer of the Stock to the Buyer.
4.8. Financial Statements. The Sellers have delivered the following
--------- ----------
financial statements (the "Financial Statements") to the Buyer, and there are
--------- ----------
attached as Schedule 4.8:
-------- ---
<PAGE>
-6-
(a) the balance sheets of the Companies as of May 28, 1995 and May 26, 1996
(such balance sheets as of May 31, 1996 being referred to herein as the "Balance
-------
Sheets"), and the related statements of income of the Companies for each of the
- ------
fiscal years then ended and (b) the unaudited balance sheets of the Companies as
of March 23, 1997 and the related statements of income of the Companies for the
ten-month period ended (collectively, the "Interim Financials"). Each of the
------- ----------
Financial Statements are true and correct and have been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles (subject, in the case of the
Interim Financials, to the absence of footnotes and to year-end audit
adjustments consisting only of routine accruals and subject to the transfer of
certain accrual account balances, described in Schedule 4.8, to the Sellers in
-------- ---
anticipation of the sale of the Companies); each of such balance sheets fairly
and accurately presents the financial condition of the Companies as of its
respective date; and such statements of income fairly and accurately present the
results of operations for the periods covered thereby.
4.9. Absence of Certain Changes. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.9,
------- -- ------- ------- -------- ---
since May 26, 1996 the Companies have in all material respects carried on their
business only in the ordinary course, and there has not been (a) any material
change in the assets, liabilities, sales, income or business of either Company
or in their relationships with suppliers, customers or lessors material to the
Companies; (b) any acquisition or disposition by either Company of any asset or
property other than in the ordinary course of business; (c) any damage,
destruction or loss, whether or not covered by insurance, materially and
adversely affecting, either in any case or in the aggregate, the property or
business of either Company; (d) any declaration, setting aside or payment of any
dividend or any other distributions in respect of the Stock; (e) any issuance of
any shares of the capital stock of either Company or any direct or indirect
redemption, purchase or other acquisition of any of the Stock, (f) any increase
in the compensation, pension or other benefits payable or to become payable by
either Company to any of its officers or employees, or any bonus payments or
arrangements made to or with any of them, except for annual merit increases in
wages or salary made in the ordinary course of business and increases in bonuses
made in the ordinary course of business pursuant to the terms of one or more of
the Employee Benefit Plans; (g) any forgiveness or cancellation of any debt or
claim by either Company or any waiver of any right of material value other than
compromises of accounts receivable in the ordinary course of business; (h) any
entry by either Company into any transaction other than in the ordinary course
of business; (i) any incurrence by either Company of any obligations or
liabilities, whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise (including,
without limitation, liabilities as guarantor or otherwise with respect to
obligations of others), other than obligations and liabilities incurred in the
ordinary course of business; (j) any mortgage, pledge, lien, lease, security
interest or other charge or encumbrance on any of the assets, tangible or
intangible, of either Company; or (k) any discharge or satisfaction by either
Company of any lien or encumbrance or payment by either Company of any
obligation or liability (fixed or contingent) other than (A) current liabilities
included in the Balance Sheets and (B) current liabilities incurred since the
date of the Balance Sheets in the ordinary course of business.
<PAGE>
-7-
4.10. Litigation, Etc. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.10 hereto, no
---------- --- -------- ----
action, suit, proceeding or investigation is pending or to the Sellers'
knowledge threatened against either Company.
4.11. Conformity to Law. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.11, each of
---------- -- --- -------- ----
the Companies has complied in all material respects with and is in compliance
in all material respects with (a) all laws, statutes, governmental regulations
and all judicial or administrative tribunal orders, judgments, writs,
injunctions, decrees or similar commands applicable to either Company or any
of their properties (including, without limitation, any labor, occupational
health, zoning or other law, regulation or ordinance but excluding any
Environmental Laws (as defined in Article 12), compliance with which is
addressed solely in Section 4.13 below) and (b) all unwaived terms and
provisions of all contracts, agreements and indentures to which either Company
is a party, or by which either Company or any of their properties is subject.
Except as set forth in Schedule 4.11 hereto, neither Company has committed, been
-------- ----
charged with, or been under investigation with respect to, nor does there exist,
any violation of any provision of any federal, state or local law or
administrative regulation in respect of either Company or any of their
properties, except for any violation that individually and in the aggregate
would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
4.12. Title to Property, Real Property Leases, etc. (a) Except as set
----- -- -------- -------------------- ---
forth on Schedule 4.12(a), each of the Companies has good and marketable title
-------- ----
to all of its properties and assets, including, without limitation, all those
reflected in the Balance Sheets (except for properties or assets sold or
otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business since the date of the
Balance Sheets), all free and clear of all liens, pledges, charges, security
interests, encumbrances or title retention agreements of any kind or nature.
(b) Schedule 4.12(b) lists all tractors and trailers owned or leased
-------- -------
by the Companies or owned or leased by an Affiliate (as defined in Article 12)
of the Companies in connection with the Companies' business operations, in each
case as of April 12, 1997, and all other capital assets of the Companies having
a book value in excess of $100.00 as of February 19, 1997. All such tractors
and trailers and other assets are in good condition and repair, reasonable wear
and tear excepted, and all of such tractors and trailers subject to leases have
been maintained in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the
applicable leases.
(c) Neither Company owns any real property. Schedule 4.12(c) lists
-------- -------
all real property leased by either Company or leased by an Affiliate of a
Company and used by a Company in its business (the "Real Property"). No Seller
---- --------
or Company has received any notice that either the whole or any portion of the
Real Property is to be condemned, requisitioned or otherwise taken by any public
authority. No Seller or Company has any knowledge of any public improvements
that may result in special assessments against or otherwise affect any of the
Real Property. Schedule 4.12(c) also sets forth a complete and correct
-------- -------
description of all leases relating to the Real Property. Complete and correct
copies of all such leases have been delivered to the Buyer. Each such lease is
valid and subsisting, the applicable Company (or, if an Affiliate is the lessee,
such Affiliate) is in compliance in
<PAGE>
-8-
all material respects with the terms of such lease and, to the Sellers'
knowledge, the other party to such lease is in compliance in all material
respects with the terms of such lease. The leasehold interests of the Companies
(or their Affiliates) in the Real Property are subject to no lien or other
encumbrance, and the Companies are in quiet possession of the properties covered
by such leases.
4.13. Real Property; Safety, Zoning and Environmental Matters. To
---- -------- ------ ------ --- ------------- -------
Sellers' knowledge, except as set forth on Schedule 4.13, neither Company: (a)
-------- ----
has caused any releases of any Hazardous Substance (as defined in Article 12)
anywhere which requires remediation or clean-up pursuant to any Environmental
Law (as defined in Article 12), and (b) has disposed of Hazardous Substances
anywhere except in compliance in all material respects with applicable
Environmental Laws. To Sellers' knowledge, neither Company has conducted or
engaged in any operation or activity involving the use, storage or disposal of
any Hazardous Substance except as authorized by applicable Environmental Laws.
There is no pending or, to Sellers' knowledge, threatened, lawsuit, action,
claim or proceeding by any third party alleging or asserting that either Company
has violated or is about to violate any applicable Environmental Law.
4.14. Insurance. Schedule 4.14 lists all policies of fire, liability,
--------- -------- ----
workmen's compensation, life, property and casualty and other insurance owned or
held by either Company or maintained for their benefit. To the Sellers'
knowledge, such policies of insurance are maintained with financially sound and
reputable insurance companies, funds or underwriters and are of the kinds and
cover such risks and are in such amounts and with such deductibles and
exclusions as are consistent with prudent business practice. All such policies
(a) are in full force and effect and (b) are sufficient for compliance by the
Companies with all requirements of law and all agreements to which either
Company is a party. Neither of the Companies is in default in any material
respect with respect to its obligations under any of such insurance policies and
has not received any notification of cancellation of any such insurance
policies.
4.15. Contracts. Schedule 4.15 sets forth a complete and accurate list of
--------- -------- ----
all material contracts to which either Company is a party or by or to which
either of them or any of their assets or properties is bound or subject, except
(a) contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business after the date
hereof and prior to the Closing, which will be identified to the Buyer in
writing prior to the Closing, (b) contracts terminable by the applicable Company
upon thirty (30) days' notice or less without the payment of any termination fee
or penalty, and (c) contracts listed in other sections of the Disclosure
Schedule. As used in this Section 4.15, the phrase "material contract" means
-------- --------
and includes every material agreement or material understanding of any kind,
written or oral, which is legally enforceable by or against the applicable
Company, and specifically includes (a) contracts and other agreements with any
current or former officer, director, employee, consultant or shareholder or any
partnership, corporation, joint venture or any other entity in which any such
person has an interest; (b) agreements with any labor union or association
representing any employee; (c) contracts and other agreements for the provision
of services by the applicable Company with a value in excess of Five Thousand
Dollars ($5,000.00); (d) bonds or other security
<PAGE>
-9-
agreements provided by any party in connection with the business of the
applicable Company; (e) contracts and other agreements for the sale of any of
the assets or properties of the applicable Company other than in the ordinary
course of business or for the grant to any person of any preferential rights to
purchase any of said assets or properties; (f) joint venture agreements relating
to the assets, properties or business of the applicable Company or by or to
which either of them or any of their assets or properties are bound or subject;
(g) contracts or other agreements under which the applicable Company agrees to
indemnify any party, to share tax liability of any party, or to refrain from
competing with any party; (h) any contracts or other agreements with regard to
any Indebtedness of the Company; (i) any capital or operating lease for any
tractors or trailers leased or used by either Company; or (j) any other contract
or other agreement whether or not made in the ordinary course of business and
involving the payment by or to the applicable Company of more than Five Thousand
Dollars ($5,000.00). The Sellers have delivered to the Buyer true, correct and
complete copies of all such contracts, together with all modifications and
supplements thereto. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.15, each of the contracts
-------- ----
listed on Schedule 4.15 is in full force and effect. Neither of the Companies
-------- ----
is in breach of any of the provisions of any such contract, nor, to the
knowledge of the Sellers, is any other party to any such contract in default
thereunder, nor does any event or condition exist which with notice or the
passage of time or both would constitute a default thereunder, except for any
such breach or default that individually and in the aggregate would not have a
Material Adverse Effect. The applicable Company has performed in all material
respects all obligations required to be performed by it to date under each such
contract. No approval or consent of any person is needed in order that the
contracts listed on Schedule 4.15 and other Schedules hereto continue in full
-------- ----
force and effect following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.
4.16. Employment of Officers, Employees. Schedule 4.16 lists the current
---------- -- -------- --------- -------- ----
directors and officers of the Companies. Schedule 4.16 also sets forth the name
-------- ----
and current annual salary and other compensation payable by the Companies to
each exempt non-hourly employee of the Companies.
4.17. Employee Benefit Plans. (a) Except for the arrangements set forth
-------- ------- -----
on Schedule 4.17(a), no Seller or Company now maintains or contributes to, or
-------- -------
has in the current or preceding six (6) calendar years maintained or contributed
to, any pension, profit-sharing, deferred compensation, bonus, stock option,
share appreciation right, severance, group or individual health, dental,
medical, life insurance, survivor benefit, or similar plan, policy or
arrangement, whether formal or informal, for the benefit of any director,
officer, consultant or employee, whether active or terminated, of either of the
Companies. Each of the arrangements set forth on Schedule 4.17(a) is
-------- -------
hereinafter referred to as an "Employee Benefit Plan", except that any such
-------- ------- ----
arrangement which is a multi-employer plan shall be treated as an Employee
Benefit Plan only for purposes of Sections 4.17(d)(iv) and (viii) and 4.17(g)
below.
(b) The Sellers have heretofore delivered to Buyer true, correct and
complete copies of each Employee Benefit Plan and the most recently received IRS
<PAGE>
-10-
determination letters and any governmental advisory opinions or rulings with
respect to each Employee Benefit Plan.
(c) Each Employee Benefit Plan is and has heretofore been maintained
and operated in compliance in all material respects with the terms of such
Employee Benefit Plan and with the requirements prescribed (whether as a matter
of substantive law or as necessary to secure favorable tax treatment) by any and
all statutes, governmental or court orders, or governmental rules or regulations
in effect from time to time, including but not limited to the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA") and the Internal
-----
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code") and applicable to such Employee
----
Benefit Plan. Each Employee Benefit Plan which is intended to qualify under
Section 401(a) of the Code has been determined to be so qualified by the IRS and
nothing has occurred since the date of the last such determination which has
resulted or is likely to result in the revocation of such determination.
(d) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.17(d),
-------- -------
(i) there is no pending or threatened legal action, proceeding
or investigation, other than routine claims for benefits, concerning any
Employee Benefit Plan or to the knowledge of the Sellers any fiduciary or
service provider thereof and, to the knowledge of the Sellers there is no
basis for any such legal action or proceeding;
(ii) no liability (contingent or otherwise) to the Pension
Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC") or any multi-employer plan has been
----
incurred by the Seller or either Company (other than insurance premiums
satisfied in due course);
(iii) no reportable event, or event or condition which presents
a material risk of termination by the PBGC, has occurred with respect to
any Employee Benefit Plan, or any retirement plan of an affiliate of the
Sellers, or either Company, which is subject to Title IV of ERISA;
(iv) no Employee Benefit Plan nor any party in interest with
respect thereof has engaged in a prohibited transaction which could subject
either Company directly or indirectly to liability under Section 409 or
502(i) of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code;
(v) no communication, report or disclosure has been made
which, at the time made, did not accurately reflect the terms and operations of
any Employee Benefit Plan;
(vi) no Employee Benefit Plan provides welfare benefits
subsequent to termination of employment to employees or their beneficiaries
(except to the extent required by applicable state insurance laws and
Title I, Part 6 of ERISA);
<PAGE>
-11-
(vii) no benefits due under any Employee Benefit Plan have been
forfeited subject to the possibility of reinstatement (which possibility
would still exist at or after Closing); and
(viii) neither the Sellers nor either Company has undertaken to
maintain any Employee Benefit Plan for any period of time and each such
Employee Benefit Plan is terminable at the sole discretion of the sponsor
thereof, subject only to such constraints as may be imposed by applicable
law.
(e) With respect to each Employee Benefit Plan for which a separate
fund of assets is or is required to be maintained, full payment has been made
of, or an adequate accrual has been made on the Companies' financial statements
with respect to, all amounts that the Sellers or either Company is required,
under the terms of each such Employee Benefit Plan, to have paid as
contributions to that Employee Benefit Plan as of the end of the most recently
ended plan year of that Employee Benefit Plan, and no accumulated funding
deficiency (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code),
whether or not waived, exists with respect to any such Plan.
(f) The execution of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby will not result in any payment (whether of
severance pay or otherwise) becoming due from any Employee Benefit Plan to any
current or former director, officer, consultant or employee of either Company or
result in the vesting, acceleration of payment or increases in the amount of any
benefit payable to or in respect of any such current or former director,
officer, consultant or employee.
(g) No Employee Benefit Plan is a multi-employer plan.
(h) For purposes of this Section 4.17, "multi-employer plan", "party
in interest", "current value", "accrued benefit", "reportable event" and
"benefit liability" have the same meaning assigned such terms under Sections 3,
4043(b) or 4001(a) of ERISA, and "affiliate" means any entity which under
Section 414 of the Code is treated as a single employer with any of the Seller
or either Company.
4.18. Labor Relations. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.18, each of the
----- --------- -------- ----
Companies is in full compliance in all material respects with all federal and
state laws respecting employment and employment practices, terms and conditions
of employment, wages and hours and nondiscrimination in employment, and is not
engaged in any unfair labor practice. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.18,
-------- ----
there is no charge pending or to the Sellers' knowledge threatened against
either Company alleging unlawful discrimination in employment practices before
any court or agency and there is no charge of or proceeding with regard to any
unfair labor practice against either Company pending before the National Labor
Relations Board. There is no labor strike, dispute, slow-down or work stoppage
actually pending or to the Sellers' knowledge threatened against or involving
either Company. No one has petitioned within the last five (5) years, and no
one is now petitioning, for union representation of any of either Companies'
employees. No grievance or arbitration proceeding arising out of or
<PAGE>
-12-
under any collective bargaining agreement is pending against either Company and
no claim therefor has been asserted. None of the employees of either Company is
covered by any collective bargaining agreement, and no collective bargaining
agreement is currently being negotiated by either Company. Except as fully
described on Schedule 4.18, neither Company has experienced any work stoppage
-------- ----
during the last five years.
4.19. Potential Conflicts of Interest. Except as set forth on
--------- --------- -- --------
Schedule 4.19, no officer, director or stockholder of either Seller or any
- -------- ----
Affiliate of either Seller (a) owns, directly or indirectly, any interest in
(excepting not more than five percent (5%) stock holdings for investment
purposes in securities of publicly held and traded companies) or is an officer,
director, employee or consultant of any Person which is a competitor, lessor,
lessee, customer or supplier of either Company; (b) owns, directly or
indirectly, in whole or in part, any tangible or intangible property which
either Company is using or the use of which is necessary for the business of
either Company; or (c) has any cause of action or other claim whatsoever
against, or owes any amount to, either Company, except for claims in the
ordinary course of business, such as for accrued vacation pay, accrued benefits
under Employee Benefit Plans and similar matters and agreements.
4.20. Trademarks, Patents, Etc. Schedule 4.20 sets forth a complete and
---------- ------- --- -------- ----
accurate list of (a) all patents, trademarks, trade names and copyrights
registered in the name of either Company or used or proposed to be used by
either Company, all applications therefor, and all licenses (as licensee or
licensor) and other agreements relating thereto, and (b) all written agreements
relating to other technology, know-how and processes which either Company is
licensed or authorized by others to use or which either Company has licensed or
authorized for use by others. Except to the extent set forth in Schedule 4.20,
-------- ----
the applicable Company owns or has the sole and exclusive right to use all
patents, trademarks, trade names and copyrights, and has the right without
restrictions to use all technology, know-how and processes, used or necessary
for the ordinary course of business as presently conducted or proposed to be
conducted, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not
alter or impair any such right. No claims have been asserted, and no claims are
pending, by any Person regarding the use of any such patents, trademarks, trade
names, copyrights, technology, know-how or processes, or challenging or
questioning the validity or effectiveness of any license or agreement, and to
the Sellers' knowledge there is no basis for such claim. To the Sellers'
knowledge, the use by the applicable Company of such patents, trademarks, trade
names, copyrights, technology, know-how or processes in the ordinary course of
business does not infringe in any material respect on the rights of any person.
4.21. Suppliers and Customers. Schedule 4.21 sets forth the ten (10)
--------- --- --------- -------- ----
largest suppliers and ten (10) largest customers of each of the Companies for
fiscal year 1996. To the Sellers' knowledge the relationships of the applicable
Company with such suppliers and customers are good commercial working
relationships and, except as set forth on Schedule 4.21, no supplier or customer
-------- ----
of material importance to either of the Companies has cancelled or otherwise
terminated, or to the Sellers' knowledge threatened to cancel or otherwise to
terminate, its relationship with the applicable Company or has during the last
twelve (12) months decreased materially, or threatened to decrease or limit
materially, its
<PAGE>
-13-
services, supplies or materials for use by the applicable Company or its usage
or purchase of the services or products of the applicable Company except for
normal cyclical changes related to customers' businesses. The Sellers have no
knowledge that any such supplier or customer intends to cancel or otherwise
substantially modify its relationship with either Company or to decrease
materially or limit its services, supplies or materials to either Company, or
its usage or purchase of the services of either Company, and to the knowledge of
the Sellers, the communication of the transactions contemplated hereby will not
materially adversely affect the relationship of the Buyer with any such supplier
or customer.
4.22. Accounts Receivable. All accounts and notes receivable reflected on
-------- -----------
the Balance Sheets, and all accounts and notes receivable arising subsequent to
the date of such Balance Sheets, have arisen in the ordinary course of business,
represent valid obligations owing to the applicable Company and have been
collected or are collectible in the aggregate recorded amounts thereof in
accordance with their terms, net of the reserve for uncollected accounts used to
determine the Net Working Capital pursuant to Article 3.
4.23. No Undisclosed Liabilities. Except to the extent (a) reflected or
-- ----------- -----------
reserved against in the Balance Sheets, (b) incurred in the ordinary course of
business after the date of the Balance Sheets or (c) described on any Schedule
(including Schedule 4.23), neither of the Companies has any material liabilities
-------- ----
or any material obligations of any nature, whether accrued, absolute, contingent
or otherwise (including without limitation as guarantor or otherwise with
respect to obligations of others), other than performance obligations with
respect to contracts of the Companies that would not be required to be reflected
or reserved against on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP or in
the footnotes thereto.
4.24. Conduct of Business. Except to the extent disclosed on
------- -- --------
Schedule 4.24 or any other Schedule, since December 29, 1996, the Companies have
- -------- ----
conducted their businesses in compliance with the provisions of Sections 6.2
to 6.10 hereof, as if each of those provisions applied to the conduct of such
businesses at all times since such date.
4.25 Tax Matters.
--- -------
(a) Except as set forth in Schedule 4.25, (i) each Company has filed
-------- ----
all Tax Returns (as defined in Article 12) which are required to be filed as
of the date of this Agreement with any foreign, federal, state or local
governmental authority or agency, and has paid, or made adequate provision for
the payment of, all assessments received and all Taxes (as defined in
Article 12) which have or may become due under applicable foreign, federal,
state or local governmental law or regulations with respect to the periods in
respect of which such Tax Returns were filed. The Sellers do not know of any
additional assessments since the date of such returns and reports.
(b) Except as set forth in Schedule 4.25:
-------- ----
(i) Liens. There are no liens for Taxes (other than current
-----
Taxes not yet due and payable) on assets of the Companies;
<PAGE>
-14-
(ii) Withholding Taxes. The Companies have withheld and paid
----------- -----
all Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with
amounts paid or owing to any employee, creditor, independent
contractor or other third party;
(iii) Foreign Permanent Establishments and Branches. Neither
------- --------- -------------- --- --------
Company has any permanent establishment in any foreign country, as
defined in the relevant tax treaty between the United States of
America and such foreign country, and does not otherwise operate or
conduct business through any branch in any foreign country; and
(iv) Parachute Payments. No obligation of either Company
--------- --------
represents an obligation to make any payments, or an obligation that
under certain circumstances could obligate a Company to make any
payments, that will not be deductible under Code Section 280G.
4.26. Indebtedness. Except for Indebtedness described on Schedule 4.26
------------ -------- ----
hereto, neither of the Companies has any Indebtedness outstanding at the date
hereof.
4.27. Bank Accounts, Signing Authority, Powers of Attorney. Except as set
---- -------- ------- --------- ------ -- --------
forth on Schedule 4.27, neither of the Companies has any account or safe deposit
-------- ----
box in any bank and no Person has any power, whether singly or jointly, to sign
any checks on behalf of either of the Companies to withdraw any money or other
property from any bank, brokerage or other account of either of the Companies or
to act under any power of attorney granted by either of the Companies at any
time for any purpose. Schedule 4.27 also sets forth the names of all persons
-------- ----
authorized to borrow money or sign notes on behalf of either of the Companies.
4.28. Inventory. The inventory and supplies of the Companies are adequate
---------
for their present needs, and are in usable and salable condition in the ordinary
course of business.
4.29. Minute Books. The minute books of the Companies made available to
------ -----
the Buyer for inspection accurately record therein all actions taken by the
respective Boards of Directors and shareholders of the Companies.
4.30. Broker. Neither the Sellers nor any Affiliate of the Sellers has
------
retained, utilized or been represented by any broker, agent, finder or
intermediary in connection with the negotiation or consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
4.31. Disclosure. No representation or warranty by the Sellers in this
----------
Agreement, the Disclosure Schedule or in any certificate delivered or to be
delivered to the Buyer pursuant hereto or in connection with the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby contains or will contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state
<PAGE>
-15-
a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements contained therein not misleading.
Article 5
------- -
Representations and Warranties of the Buyer
--------------- --- ---------- -- --- -----
The Buyer represents and warrants to the Sellers as follows:
5.1. Organization of Buyer; Authority. The Buyer is a corporation duly
------------ -- ----- ---------
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware, and has full corporate power and authority to enter into this
Agreement and the other Acquisition Agreements to which it is a party and to
perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder.
5.2. Corporate Approval; Binding Effect. The Buyer has obtained all
--------- -------- ------- ------
necessary authorizations and approvals from its Board of Directors and
stockholders required for the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
other Acquisition Agreements to which it is a party and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by the Buyer and constitutes, and each of the other
Acquisition Agreements to which it is a party will at or prior to the Closing
have been duly executed and delivered by the Buyer and will constitute, the
legal, valid and binding obligation of the Buyer, enforceable against the Buyer
in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability thereof may be limited by
any applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency or other laws affecting
creditors' rights generally or by general principles of equity.
5.3. Non-Contravention. Subject to receipt of the required consents
-----------------
listed on Schedule 5.3, the execution and delivery by the Buyer of this
-------- ---
Agreement and the other Acquisition Agreements to which it is a party and the
consummation by the Buyer of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby
will not (a) violate or conflict with any provisions of the Certificate of
Incorporation or By-Laws of the Buyer, each as amended to date; or (b)
constitute a violation of, or be in conflict with, constitute or create a
default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien upon any
property of the Buyer pursuant to (i) any agreement or instrument to which the
Buyer is a party or by which the Buyer or any of its properties is bound or to
which the Buyer or any of its properties is subject, or (ii) any statute,
judgment, decree, order, regulation or rule of any court or governmental
authority to which the Buyer is subject.
5.4. Governmental Consents. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.4, no
------------ -------- -------- ---
consent, approval or authorization of, or registration, qualification or filing
with, any governmental agency or authority is required for the execution and
delivery by the Buyer of this Agreement and the other Acquisition Agreements to
which it is a party or for the consummation by the Buyer of the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby.
<PAGE>
-16-
5.5. Broker. The Buyer has not retained, utilized or been represented by
------
any broker, agent, finder or other intermediary in connection with the
negotiation or consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Article 6
------- -
Conduct of Business By The
------- -- -------- -- ---
Companies Pending Closing
--------- ------- -------
The Sellers jointly and severally covenant and agree that, from and after
the date of this Agreement and until the Closing, except as otherwise
specifically consented to or approved by the Buyer in writing:
6.1. Full Access. The Sellers shall cause the Companies to afford to the
---- ------
Buyer and its authorized representatives full access during normal business
hours to all properties, books, records, contracts and documents of the
Companies and a full opportunity to make such reasonable investigations as they
shall desire to make of the Companies, and the Sellers shall furnish or cause to
be furnished to the Buyer and its authorized representatives all such
information with respect to the affairs and businesses of the Companies as the
Buyer may reasonably request.
6.2. Carry on in Regular Course. The Sellers shall cause the Companies to
----- -- -- ------- ------
maintain their owned and leased properties consistent with past practice, and to
carry on their business diligently and substantially in the same manner as
heretofore and not make or institute any unusual or novel methods of
manufacture, purchase, sale, lease, management, accounting or operation.
6.3. No General Increases. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.3, the
-- ------- --------- -------- ---
Sellers shall not permit the Companies to grant any general or uniform increase
in the rates of pay of employees of the Companies, nor grant any general or
uniform increase in the benefits under any bonus or pension plan or other
contract or commitment to, for or with any such employees; and the Companies
shall not increase the compensation payable or to become payable to officers,
salaried employees or agents, or increase any bonus, insurance, pension or other
benefit plan, payment or arrangement made to, for or with any such officers,
salaried employees or agents, except for annual merit increases in wages or
salary made in the ordinary course of business and increases in bonuses made in
the ordinary course of business pursuant to the terms of one or more of the
Employee Benefit Plans.
6.4. No Dividends, Issuances, Repurchases, etc. Except as set forth on
-- --------- --------- ------------ ---
Schedule 6.4, the Sellers shall not permit the Companies to declare or pay any
- -------- ---
dividends (whether in cash, shares of stock or otherwise) on, or make any other
distribution in respect of, any shares of its capital stock, or issue, purchase,
redeem or acquire for value any shares of their capital stock.
<PAGE>
-17-
6.5. Contracts and Commitments. The Sellers shall not permit the
--------- --- -----------
Companies to enter into any contract or commitment or engage in any transaction
not in the usual and ordinary course of business and consistent with the current
business practices of the Companies.
6.6. Purchase and Sale of Capital Assets. Except as set forth on Schedule
-------- --- ---- -- ------- ------ --------
6.6, the Sellers shall not permit the Companies to purchase or sell or otherwise
- ---
dispose of any capital asset with a market value in excess of One Thousand
Dollars ($1,000), or of capital assets of market value aggregating in excess of
Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000), without the prior written consent of the Buyer,
and in no event shall purchase, sell or otherwise dispose of any capital asset
other than in the ordinary course of business.
6.7. Insurance. The Sellers shall cause the Companies to maintain in
---------
place their present insurance coverage.
6.8. Preservation of Organization. The Sellers shall cause the Companies
------------ -- ------------
to use their best efforts to preserve their business organization intact, to
keep available to the Buyer the present key officers and employees of the
Companies and to preserve for the Buyer the present relationships of the
suppliers and customers of the Companies and others having business relations
with either Company.
6.9. No Default. The Sellers shall not permit the Companies to do any act
-- -------
or omit to do any act, or permit any act or omission to act, which will cause a
material breach of any contract, commitment or obligation of either Company.
6.10. Compliance with Laws. The Sellers shall cause the Companies to
---------- ---- ----
comply with all laws, regulations and orders applicable with respect to their
business, except where such noncompliances individually and in the aggregate
will not have a Material Adverse Effect.
6.11. Advice of Change. The Sellers will promptly advise the Buyer in
------ -- ------
writing of any material adverse change in the business, condition, operations,
prospects or assets of the Companies.
6.12. No Shopping. The Sellers shall not, and shall not permit either
-- --------
Company to negotiate for, solicit or enter into any agreement with respect to
the sale of the Stock or any substantial portion of the assets of either Company
or any merger or other business combination of either Company, to or with any
Person other than the Buyer.
6.13. Consents of Third Parties. The Sellers will employ their
-------- -- ----- -------
commercially reasonable efforts to secure, before the Closing Date, the consent,
in form and substance satisfactory to the Buyer and the Buyer's counsel, to the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by each party to
any contract, commitment or obligation of either Company, under which such
transactions would constitute a default, would accelerate obligations of either
Company or would permit cancellation of any such contract.
<PAGE>
-18-
6.14. Satisfaction of Conditions Precedent. The Sellers will use their
------------ -- ---------- ---------
commercially reasonable efforts to cause the satisfaction of the conditions
precedent contained herein.
Article 7
---------
Condition Precedent To Buyer's Obligations
--------- --------- -- ------- -----------
The obligation of the Buyer to consummate the Closing shall be subject to
the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing of each of the following conditions
(to the extent noncompliance is not waived in writing by the Buyer):
7.1. Representations and Warranties True at Closing. The representations
--------------- --- ---------- ---- -- -------
and warranties made by the Sellers in or pursuant to this Agreement shall be
true and correct in all material respects (without giving duplicative effect to
any materiality qualification contained in the applicable representation or
warranty) at and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as though such
representations and warranties had been made or given at and as of the Closing
Date.
7.2. Compliance with Agreement. The Sellers shall have performed and
---------- ---- ---------
complied with in all material respects (without giving duplicative effect to any
materiality qualification contained in the applicable obligation) all of their
obligations under this Agreement to be performed or complied with by them on or
prior to the Closing Date.
7.3. No Material Change. There shall not have been or threatened to be,
-- -------- ------
any material damage to or loss or destruction of any properties or assets owned
or leased by either Company (whether or not covered by insurance) or any
material adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise), operations,
business, prospects or assets of either of the Companies or imposition of any
laws, rules or regulations which would materially adversely affect the condition
(financial or otherwise), operations, business, prospects or assets of either of
the Companies.
7.4. Seller's Certificate. The Sellers shall have delivered to the Buyer
-------- -----------
in writing, at and as of the Closing, a certificate duly executed by the
Sellers, in form and substance satisfactory to the Buyer and the Buyer's
counsel, certifying that the conditions in each of Sections 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3
have been satisfied.
7.5. Opinion of Counsel. McGrath, North, Mullin & Kratz, P.C., counsel to
------- -- -------
the Sellers, shall have delivered to the Buyer a written opinion, addressed to
the Buyer and dated the Closing Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit G
------- -
hereto.
7.6. Required Approvals. All corporate, regulatory and other approvals in
-------- ---------
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been
obtained in form and substance satisfactory to the Buyer and its counsel.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Sellers and the Buyer
shall have made the filings required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "H-S-R
-----
<PAGE>
-19-
Act"), and the waiting period under the H-S-R Act shall have been terminated or
- ---
waived without the imposition of any conditions or restrictions that could
adversely impact the economic or business benefits to the Buyer of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
7.7. No Litigation. No restraining order or injunction shall prevent the
-- ----------
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and no action, suit or proceeding
shall be pending or threatened before any court or administrative body (a) in
which it will be or is sought to restrain or prohibit or obtain damages or other
relief in connection with this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, or (b) in connection with any claim for damages in excess
of $50,000 against either Company, except in the case of this clause (b) for the
matters disclosed on Schedule 4.10 and except for any action, suit or proceeding
-------- ----
that the Sellers agree is subject to their indemnification obligations under
Section 11.1(iii)-(vii).
7.8. Resignations of Directors and Officers. Except as set forth on
------------ -- --------- --- --------
Schedule 7.8, all of the directors and officers of the Companies shall have
- -------- ---
resigned their positions with the Companies, on or prior to the Closing Date,
and prior thereto shall have executed such appropriate documents with respect to
the transfer or establishment of bank accounts, signing authority, etc., as the
Buyer shall have reasonably requested.
7.9. Financing. The Buyer shall have obtained debt and equity financing
---------
on terms satisfactory to it, providing the Buyer with sufficient funds to pay
the Purchase Price and all fees and expenses of the Buyer arising in connection
with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and providing the Buyer
with sufficient availability to finance the working capital needs of it and its
Subsidiaries following the Closing, and all conditions precedent to funding
under such financing arrangements (other than the purchase and sale contemplated
hereby) shall have been satisfied or waived.
7.10. Buyer's Due Diligence. The Buyer shall have conducted a full due
------- --- ---------
diligence investigation concerning the Stock, all aspects of the business of the
Companies and their respective assets and liabilities (including environmental
liabilities and the matters set forth in the Disclosure Schedule) and the
creditworthiness of the Sellers, and the Buyer shall have concluded in the
Buyer's sole discretion that it is satisfied with its findings.
7.11. Consents of Third Parties. The Sellers will have obtained the
-------- -- ----- -------
consent, in form and substance satisfactory to the Buyer and the Buyer's
counsel, to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
by each party listed on Schedule 7.11 and each other party to any material
-------- ----
contract, commitment or other obligation of either of the Companies under which
such transactions would constitute a default, would accelerate obligations of
either of the Companies or the Buyer or would permit cancellation of any such
material contract.
7.12. Proceedings and Documents Satisfactory. All proceedings in
----------- --- --------- ------------
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and all
certificates and documents
<PAGE>
-20-
delivered to the Buyer in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be satisfactory in all reasonable respects to the Buyer and the
Buyer's counsel, and the Buyer shall have received the originals or certified or
other copies of all such records and documents as the Buyer may reasonably
request.
Article 8
------- -
Conditions Precedent to the Sellers' Obligations
---------- --------- -- --- -------- -----------
The obligation of the Sellers to consummate the Closing shall be subject to
the satisfaction, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following
conditions (to the extent noncompliance is not waived in writing by the
Sellers):
8.1. Representations and Warranties True at Closing. The representations
--------------- --- ---------- ---- -- -------
and warranties made by the Buyer in this Agreement shall be true and correct in
all materials respects (without giving duplicative effect to any materiality
qualification contained in the applicable representation or warranty) at and as
of the Closing Date with the same effect as though such representations and
warranties had been made or given at and as of the Closing Date.
8.2. Compliance with Agreement. The Buyer shall have performed and
---------- ---- ---------
complied in all material respects (without giving duplicative effect to any
materiality qualification contained in the applicable obligation) with all of
its obligations under this Agreement that are to be performed or complied with
by it at or prior to the Closing.
8.3. Closing Certificate. The Buyer shall have delivered to the Sellers
------- -----------
in writing, at and as of the Closing, a certificate duly executed by each of the
President and Treasurer of the Buyer, in form and substance satisfactory to the
Sellers and the Sellers' counsel, to the effect that the conditions in each of
Sections 8.1 and 8.2 have been satisfied.
8.4. Opinion of Counsel. Bingham, Dana & Gould LLP, counsel to the Buyer,
------- -- -------
shall have delivered to the Seller a written opinion, dated the Closing Date and
addressed to the Seller, substantially in the form of Exhibit H, hereto.
------- -
8.5. Required Approvals. All corporate, regulatory and other approvals in
-------- ---------
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been
obtained in form and substance satisfactory to the Sellers and their counsel.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Sellers and the Buyer
shall have made the filings required under the H-S-R Act, and the waiting
period under the H-S-R Act shall have been terminated or waived without the
imposition of any conditions or restrictions that could adversely impact the
economic or business benefits to the Sellers of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.
8.6. No Litigation. No restraining order or injunction shall prevent the
-- ----------
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and no action, suit or proceeding
shall be pending or
<PAGE>
-21-
threatened before any court or administrative body in which it will be or is
sought to restrain or prohibit or obtain damages or other relief in connection
with this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
8.7. Consents of Third Parties. The Sellers will have obtained the
-------- -- ----- -------
consent to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
by each party to any material contract, commitment or other obligation of either
of the Companies under which such transactions would constitute a default, would
accelerate obligations of either of the Companies or the Buyer or would permit
cancellation of any such material contract.
8.8. Proceedings and Documents Satisfactory. All proceedings in
----------- --- --------- ------------
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and all
certificates and documents delivered to the Sellers in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be satisfactory in all
reasonable respects to the Sellers and their counsel, and the Sellers shall have
received the originals or certified or other copies of all such records and
documents as the Sellers may reasonably request.
Article 9
------- -
Confidentiality
---------------
At all times from and after the Closing Date, each Seller shall keep secret
and maintain in strictest confidence and shall not use for its benefit or for
the benefit of others any confidential or proprietary information relating to
the Companies, including, without limitation, all Intellectual Property and
files and records, other than any of such information that is in the public
domain prior to the date of this Agreement or thereafter comes into the public
domain (unless any of such information is in or becomes in the public domain in
whole or in part due to action or inaction of a Seller in violation of this
Agreement). The foregoing shall not prohibit use of such information as is
required by applicable law, or as is necessary to prepare Tax Returns or other
filings with governmental authorities for the period (including all prior
taxable years) ending on and including the Closing Date, or to assert or protect
any rights of a Seller under this Agreement, provided that the Buyer is given
--------
notice and an adequate opportunity to contest such disclosure or to use any
means available to minimize such disclosure (e.g., the "confidential treatment"
----
provisions of Rule 24b-2 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended).
Article 10
------- --
Certain Transitional Matters
------- ------------ -------
10.1. Insurance Matters. The Buyer acknowledges that the Companies are
--------- -------
covered by certain insurance policies and insurable risk programs made available
through Sellers. As of the Effective Time, such coverage shall be discontinued
and Buyer shall cause each Company to implement its own insurance policies and
programs.
<PAGE>
-22-
10.2. Trademark and Trade Name. Sellers specifically and exclusively
--------- --- ----- ----
retain, and Buyer acknowledges that it will not acquire, and that neither
Company owns any right, title or interest to the "Monfort" trade name (or
derivations thereof) or to any logos or trademarks related thereto. Subject to
the provisions of the Transition License Agreement Buyer shall discontinue the
use of any advertising or other form of media that uses or references any such
name or logo. Buyer further agrees that as soon as practicable, but in no event
longer than forty-eight (48) months after the Closing Date, it shall remove all
signage which refers to Monfort, and, subject to the provisions of the
Transition License Agreement take all such other action as may be necessary to
dissociate the "Monfort" name and Sellers with the operations of the Companies
after Closing.
10.3. Access to Books and Records.
------ -- ----- --- -------
(a) The Buyer agrees to cooperate with the Sellers and make available
to the Sellers, and permit the Sellers to make copies of, all books and records
of the Companies (including, but not limited to, correspondence, memoranda,
books of account and the like) relating to events occurring prior to the
Closing.
(b) To the extent that after the Closing the Sellers have in their
possession any books and records of the Companies (including, but not limited
to, correspondence, memoranda, books of account and the like) relating to events
occurring prior to the Closing, the Sellers agree to cooperate with the Buyer
and to make available to the Buyer and the Companies, and permit the Buyer and
the Companies to make copies of, such books and records.
(c) The Buyer and the Sellers will each direct its employees to render
any assistance which the other party may reasonably request in examining or
utilizing records referred to in this Section 10.3, provided that each party
shall be reimbursed by the other for any out-of-pocket expenses which it may
incur in rendering the services provided for in this Section 10.3. In addition,
to the extent that either the Buyer or the Sellers concludes at any time more
than sixty (60) days after the Closing Date in its reasonable judgment that its
personnel have been devoting significantly more time providing the services
referred to in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) above than the personnel of the
other party, the Buyer and the Sellers will agree on mutually acceptable
reimbursement provisions to reflect such disparity.
(d) The Buyer and the Sellers each agrees to preserve and protect all
books and, records referred to in paragraph (a) above or paragraph (b) above,
other than driver logs and driver qualification files, for a period of seven (7)
years after the Closing Date, and to preserve and protect drivers logs and
driver qualification files for the period of time required by applicable law.
During the applicable period the Buyer and the Sellers will not destroy any such
records without giving at least thirty (30) days' notice to the other party.
Upon receipt of such notice, such other party may (i) cause to be delivered to
it the records intended to be destroyed, at such other party's expense or (ii)
notify the first party that such other party will pay the cost of storing and
maintaining such books and records (including
<PAGE>
-23-
any necessary costs of moving such books and records to a location under control
of such other party).
(e) The Sellers will keep all information referred to in this Section
10.3 confidential in accordance with Article 9.
10.4. Employee Matters.
-------- -------
10.4.1 General. As of the Effective Time, Buyer will cause the
-------
Companies to offer to continue to employ their then existing employees
("Company Employees") at the same wages and salaries then existing, subject
-------- ---------
to changes as may be made by Buyer or a Company after the Effective Time;
provided that the Companies shall not be required to offer to continue the
-------- ----
employment of any driver determined by the Buyer to have an unsatisfactory
safety record. Buyer and the Companies shall be responsible for any and
all liabilities, obligations and claims of any kind arising out of
employment (or termination of employment, whether actual or constructive)
of the Company Employees on or after the Closing Date, including, but not
limited to, any severance, termination pay, or similar obligations with
respect to employees terminated on or after Closing or resulting from the
consummation of the transactions contemplated herein or from the change in
any benefits provided to the Company Employees, except that the Sellers
shall retain all responsibility to the Company Employees under the Employee
Benefit Plans.
10.4.2 Retirement Plans. As of the Closing Date, Company Employees
---------- -----
shall cease to actively participate in the ConAgra Retirement Income
Savings Plan, the ConAgra Pension Plan for Salaried Employees, and the
ConAgra Pension Plan for Hourly Rate Production Employees (the "Retirement
----------
Plans") and no further contributions shall be made to the Retirement Plans
-----
for the benefit of Company Employees. As of the Closing Date, the
interests of the Company Employees in the Retirement Plans shall be one
hundred percent (100%) vested and shall be fully nonforfeitable.
10.4.3 Health Welfare Plans. The parties acknowledge that the
------ ------- -----
Company Employees participate in Sellers' health welfare benefit plans and
programs. As of the Closing Date, Company Employees shall cease to
participate in such health and welfare plans and programs. Buyer shall
cause the Company Employees to be provided health and welfare benefits in
the existing plans of the Buyer or its Subsidiaries.
10.4.4 WARN. The Buyer agrees that, for a period of 60 days after
----
the Closing Date, it will not permit either Company to cause any of the
Company Employees to suffer "employment loss" for purposes of the Worker
Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, 29 U.S.C. (S)(S)2101-2109, and
related regulations (the "WARN Act") if such employment loss could create
---- ---
any liability for the Sellers,
<PAGE>
-24-
unless the applicable Company delivers notices under the WARN Act in such a
manner and at such a time that the Sellers bear no liability with respect
thereto.
10.4.5 Buyer Plans. Buyer shall cause prior periods of service with
----- -----
the Sellers or any Company to count for purposes of eligibility and vesting
under any benefit plans provided to Company Employees after Closing. Buyer
shall waive and cause each Company to waive preexisting condition
requirements (other than any conditions excluded or excludable under the
Employee Benefit Plans), evidence of insurability provisions, waiting
period requirements or any similar provisions under any employee welfare
benefit plan or compensation arrangements provided to any Company Employees
after the Closing Date (to the extent in excess of comparable requirements
under the Employee Benefit Plans). After Closing, Buyer shall, and shall
also cause each Company to, apply toward any deductible requirements and
out-of-pocket maximum limits under its employee welfare benefit plans any
amounts paid (or accrued) by each Company Employee prior to Closing under
welfare benefit plans during the then-current plan year.
10.4.6 Severance. Buyer agrees that any Company Employee (other than
---------
a driver) terminated without cause during the twelve (12) month period
immediately following the Closing Date shall receive severance from the
Company for which such Company Employee was employed in an amount equal to
one week for each full year of service with the applicable Company.
10.4.7 Cooperation. The parties shall cooperate with each other to
-----------
provide any information, filings or notices as appropriate with respect to
this Section 10.4. Buyer shall assist in providing any information,
filings or notices (including the notice required by Section 204(h) of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA")) as
needed to cease the benefit accruals.
<PAGE>
-25-
10.5. Audited Financials. In the event that the Buyer requires audited
------- ----------
financial statements for the Companies, the Sellers agree that they will provide
reasonable cooperation in connection with the preparation by the Buyer and its
independent public accountants of such financial statements, including the
delivery of "management representation" letters in customary form.
10.6. Administrative Support. At the request of the Buyer, the Sellers
-------------- -------
will provide, and cause their Affiliates to provide, certain administrative
support to the Companies consistent with past practice. This administrative
support will continue for up to one hundred and twenty (120) days after the
Closing, and will include the following:
General Ledger System
Fixed Asset System
MIS Services
Payroll System
Safety and Environmental Programs
Freight and UPS Programs
Electronic Mail System
Telephone Communication Network
Cash Management-- to be limited to use of systems currently in place
to record/track cash receipts and payments, not managing actual cash
balances
However, this administrative support will not include the following
services currently provided to the Companies:
Employee Benefit Programs
Trademark/Trade Name Maintenance
Legal Counsel
Insurance Risk Programs
Vehicle Leasing Arrangements
Tax filings, payments, refunds, protests
Real Estate Lease Services
Travel Services
Internal and External Auditing
Bank Line of Credit
Staff Support for Marketing, Transportation Management,
Government Affairs, Economic Analysis, Public Affairs
The Buyer shall pay the Sellers a monthly fee of $17,100 for each month
that the Sellers provide the administrative support described above. To the
extent that the Buyer terminates any of these services prior to the end of the
one hundred twenty (120) day period referred to above, this monthly fee will be
reduced appropriately based on the prices currently charged to the Companies for
these terminated services.
<PAGE>
-26-
Article 11
----------
Indemnification
---------------
11.1. Indemnity by the Sellers. Subject to the provisions of Sections
--------- -- --- -------
11.3 to 11.10, the Sellers hereby agree jointly and severally to indemnify and
hold the Buyer (and its directors, officers, employees and Affiliates) harmless
from and with respect to any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs
and expenses, including without limitation the reasonable fees and disbursements
of counsel (collectively, "Losses"), related to or arising directly or
------
indirectly out of:
(i) any breach by either Seller of any representation or warranty
contained in this Agreement or in any certificate delivered pursuant hereto
or thereto;
(ii) any breach by either Seller of any covenant, obligation or
undertaking contained in this Agreement;
(iii) any actual or alleged liability for death or injury to Person
or property as a result of any service provided by either Company on or
prior to the Closing Date;
(iv) any actual or alleged liability (including without limitation any
liability or alleged liability for cleanup, removal, remediation or other
response costs or for death or injury to Person or property) arising from
(x) the violation by any Seller or Company of any Environmental Law on or
prior to the Closing Date, (y) the release, emission, discharge or presence
on or prior to the Closing Date of any Hazardous Substance, toxic
pollutants or other chemical by-products onto, from or into any real
property (including the Real Property) presently or formerly owned, leased
or operated by any Seller or Company or any Affiliate thereof or any
predecessors in interest of any of them or (z) the transportation by any
Seller or Company or their subcontractors of any Hazardous Substance, toxic
pollutant or other chemical by-product;
(v) any claim under or pursuant to any Employee Benefit Plan or any
liability under ERISA or the Code with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan
or other benefit plan of any Person that was at any time prior to Closing
an affiliate (as defined in Section 4.17(h)) of any Seller or Company;
(vi) any claims for workmen's compensation relating to the period
prior to the Closing; or
(vii) any liability of either Company with respect to any of the
items disclosed on Schedules 4.10, 4.11, 4.13, 4.17 (d) or 4.18 hereto.
--------- ---- ---- ---- ---- - ----
<PAGE>
-27-
11.2. Indemnity by the Buyer. Subject to the provisions of Sections 11.3
--------- -- --- -----
to 11.10, the Buyer agrees to indemnify and hold the Sellers (and their
directors, officers, employees and Affiliates) harmless from and with respect to
any and all Losses related to or arising directly or indirectly out of:
(i) any breach by the Buyer of any representation or warranty
contained in this Agreement or any certificate delivered pursuant hereto or
thereto; or
(ii) any breach by the Buyer of any covenant, obligation or
undertaking contained in this Agreement.
11.3. Time Limitations. Neither the Sellers nor the Buyer shall be liable
---- -----------
to the other under this Article 11 for any claim relating to a breach of any
representation or warranty referred to in Section 11.1(i) or Section 11.2(i)
unless, (i) in the case of any claim arising under any of Sections 4.1, 4.3,
4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.14, 4.15, 4.16, 4.17, 4.18, 4.19, 4.20,
4.21, 4.22, 4.23, 4.24, 4.26, 4.27, 4.28, 4.29 or 4.31 or Sections 5.1, 5.3 or
5.4 (each a "Specified Misrepresentation Claim"), the claim is asserted in
--------- ----------------- -----
writing by the party seeking indemnification hereunder no later than April 15,
1998, and (ii) in the case of any Misrepresentation Claim arising under Section
4.25 (a "Tax Claim"), not later than three (3) months after the expiration of
--- -----
the applicable statute of limitations with respect to the tax matter to which
the Tax Claim relates, as such limitation period may be extended from time to
time. Any (x) claim for indemnification arising under Section 11.1(i) or
Section 11.2(i) other than a Specified Misrepresentation Claim or a Tax Claim,
and (y) any claim for indemnification under Sections 11.1(ii), 11.1(iii),
11.1(iv), 11.1(v), 11.1(vi) or 11.1(vii) or 11.2(ii) may be made at any time in
the future, subject to any applicable statute of limitations.
11.4. Materiality Standards; Dollar Thresholds.
----------- --------- ------ ----------
(a) For purposes of determining those Losses arising from breaches of
representations, warranties or covenants that will be considered immaterial in
nature and accordingly not subject to indemnification hereunder, the Buyer and
the Sellers have agreed to use predictable dollar thresholds as provided in this
paragraph (a). Accordingly, the Buyer and the Sellers agree that with respect
to any representation, warranty or covenant referred to in Section 11.1(i) or
(ii) or 11.2(i) or (ii), if such representation, warranty or covenant contains a
materiality qualification (e.g., "Material Adverse Effect" "material,"
----
"materially," "material to the Companies," "in all material respects," or
similar qualifiers), such materiality qualification shall be deemed to have been
met, and such representation, warranty or covenant shall be deemed to have been
breached, if the Buyer or the Sellers, as applicable, incurs or is alleged to
have incurred Losses in excess of $2,500 in connection with the matter or event
to which such representation, warranty or covenant relates.
(b) Neither the Sellers nor the Buyer shall be liable to the other for
any Specified Misrepresentation Claim, other than any claim by the Buyer under
Section 11.1(i) relating to a breach of the representation and warranty set
forth in Section 4.22 (an "A/R
---
<PAGE>
-28-
Claim"), if the total Losses with respect to such Specified Misrepresentation
- -----
Claim do not exceed $2,500 ("Minor Claims").
----- ------
(c) The Sellers shall not be liable to the Buyer for any Specified
Misrepresentation Claims, other than A/R Claims, unless and until the total
Losses suffered by the Buyer with respect to all Specified Misrepresentation
Claims, other than A/R Claims, exceeds $400,000, excluding Losses with respect
to Minor Claims, and then only to the extent of such excess; provided that if
-------- ----
the Sellers have received Insurance Refunds, any Specified Misrepresentation
Claims against the Sellers that would not be subject to indemnification because
of the operation of this paragraph (c) shall be subject to indemnification
hereunder, without regard to the $400,000 deductible amount referred to above,
up to the amount of the Insurance Refunds previously received. The Buyer shall
not be liable to the Sellers for any Specified Misrepresentation Claims unless
and until the total Losses suffered by the Seller with respect to all Specified
Misrepresentation Claims exceeds $400,000, excluding Losses with respect to
Minor Claims, and then only to the extent of such excess.
(d) The total amount payable by the Sellers under Section 11.1(i) with
respect to all Specified Misrepresentation Claims, excluding A/R Claims, shall
be Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000). The total amount payable by the Buyer
under Section 11.2(i) with respect to all Specified Misrepresentation Claims
shall be Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000).
(e) No claim for indemnification under Section 11.1 or Section 11.2,
other than a Specified Misrepresentation Claim (other than an A/R Claim), shall
be subject to any threshold amount or deductible amount or cap on liability.
11.5. Claims.
------
(a) Any party seeking indemnification hereunder (the "Indemnified
-----------
Party") shall promptly notify the other party hereto obligated to provide
- -----
indemnification hereunder (the "Indemnifying Party") of any action, suit,
------------ -----
proceeding, demand or breach (a "Claim") with respect to which the Indemnified
-----
Party claims indemnification hereunder, provided that failure of the Indemnified
--------
Party to give such notice shall not relieve any Indemnifying Party of its
obligations under this Article 11 except to the extent, if at all, that such
Indemnifying Party shall have been prejudiced thereby. If such Claim relates to
any action, suit, proceeding or demand instituted against the Indemnified Party
by a third party (a "Third Party Claim"), upon receipt of such notice from the
----- ----- -----
Indemnified Party, the Indemnifying Party may assume the defense of such Third
Party Claim if and only if each of the following conditions is satisfied:
(i) the Indemnifying Party confirms in writing that it is
obligated hereunder to indemnify the Indemnified Party with respect to
such Third Party Claim; and
<PAGE>
-29-
(ii) the Indemnified Party does not give the Indemnifying Party
written notice that it has determined, in the exercise of its
reasonable discretion, that matters of corporate or management policy
or a conflict of interest make separate representation by the
Indemnified Party's own counsel advisable.
In the event of an assumption as provided above, the Indemnifying
Party shall have the authority to negotiate, compromise and settle such
Third Party Claim. The Indemnified Party shall retain the right to employ
its own counsel and to participate in the defense of any Third Party Claim,
the defense of which has been assumed by the Indemnifying Party pursuant
hereto, but the Indemnified Party shall bear and shall be solely
responsible for its own costs and expenses in connection with such
participation.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 11.5, (i)
no Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to settle any Third Party Claim without
the Indemnified Party's prior written consent unless as part of such settlement
the Indemnified Party is released in writing from all liability with respect to
such Third Party Claim and (ii) no Indemnified Party shall be entitled to settle
any Third Party Claim without the Indemnifying Party's prior written consent
unless as part of such settlement the Indemnifying Party is released in writing
from all liability with respect to such Third Party Claim.
(c) In the event one party hereunder should have a claim for
indemnification that does not involve a Third-Party Claim, the party seeking
indemnification shall promptly send notice of such Claim to the other party.
11.6. Method and Manner of Paying Claims. Subject to the Indemnifying
------ --- ------ -- ------ ------
Party's right pursuant to Section 11.5 to defend, negotiate, compromise and
settle a Third Party Claim, the amount of any Claim shall be paid by the
Indemnifying Party forthwith on demand. The unpaid balance of a Claim shall
bear interest at PRIME (as defined in Article 12) plus 2% from the date notice
thereof is given by the Indemnified Party to the Indemnifying Party; provided
that the Indemnifying Party shall only be obligated to pay interest on that
portion of such Claim ultimately determined to be owed to the Indemnified Party.
11.7. Insurance Proceeds.
--------- --------
(a) No Indemnified Party shall be obligated to pursue or collect from
any insurer prior to making a claim for indemnification pursuant to this Article
11 and no Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to postpone performance of any
indemnification obligation under this Article 11 while an insurance claim is
pending. However, without limiting any of the provisions of Sections 11.1
through 11.6, in connection with any matter subject to indemnification under
this Article 11, each party shall cooperate with the other in giving notice of
any claim to any insurer (including an insurer of an Indemnified Party) and
shall provide reasonable assistance in the collection of any such claim;
provided, however,
- --------- --------
<PAGE>
-30-
that there is no duty to provide notice, cooperate or assist with respect to an
Indemnified Party's insurance policies (including the Insurance Policies) where
the Indemnified Party determines in its sole discretion that such notice,
cooperation or assistance could invalidate any portion of the coverage available
under such policy or result in the imposition of retroactive premiums or
prospective premium increases. In addition, if an Indemnified Party makes such a
determination after it has notified its insurer, it shall be entitled to retract
such notice.
(b) If an Indemnified Party actually receives insurance proceeds, as
provided in Section 11.8 the amount for which such Indemnified Party is entitled
to indemnification under this Article 11 shall be reduced appropriately. In the
event an Indemnified Party receives insurance proceeds after being paid by the
Indemnifying Party with respect to an indemnifiable matter under this Article
11, the Indemnified Party will remit such proceeds to the Indemnifying Party, up
to the amount previously paid by the Indemnifying Party with respect to such
matter. Nothing in this Section 11.7 shall be deemed to waive or limit the
subrogation rights of any insurer.
11.8 Net Recovery. The amount to which an Indemnified Party may become
--- --------
entitled hereunder shall be net of any recovery (whether by way of payment,
discount, credit, set off, tax benefit, counterclaim or otherwise) received from
a third party (including any insurer or taxation authority) in respect of such
claim. Any such recovery shall be promptly repaid by the Indemnified Party to
the Indemnifying Party, less all reasonable costs, charges and expenses incurred
by the Indemnified Party in obtaining such recovery from the third party, up to
the amount previously paid by the Indemnifying Party.
11.9 Tax Matters. If any matter is subject to indemnification under this
--- -------
Article 11 and subject to indemnification under the Tax Agreement, such matter
shall be resolved pursuant to the provisions of the Tax Agreement.
11.10 Scope of Indemnity. The Sellers and the Buyer each acknowledge and
----- -- ---------
agree that, except to the extent equitable relief may be available to any party,
their sole and exclusive remedy with respect to any and all claims relating to
the subject matter of this Agreement shall be pursuant to the indemnification
provisions set forth in this Article 11. This Article 11 does not govern any
party's rights and remedies with respect to any breaches of the other
Acquisition Agreements.
Article 12
------- --
Definitions
-----------
As used herein the following terms not otherwise defined have the following
respective meanings:
"Affiliate": with respect to any Person means any Person controlling,
---------
controlled by or under common control with such Person.
<PAGE>
-31-
"Environmental Law": any judgment, decree, order, law, license, permit,
------------- ---
rule or regulation pertaining to environmental matters, including without
limitation those arising under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
("RCRA"), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
----
Act of 1980 as amended ("CERCLA"), the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization
------
Act of 1986 ("SARA"), the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Solid Waste
----
Disposal Act, as amended, the Federal Clean Water Act, the Federal Clean Air
Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, or any state or local statute,
regulation, ordinance, order or decree relating to health, safety or the
environment.
"GAAP": generally accepted accounting principles which are (a) consistent
----
with the principles promulgated or adopted by the Financial Accounting Standards
Board and its predecessors, in effect for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1996, (b) applied on a basis consistent with prior periods, and (c) such that a
'big six" accounting firm would, insofar as the use of accounting principles is
pertinent, be in a position to deliver an unqualified opinion as to financial
statements in which such principles have been properly applied.
"Hazardous Substances": any hazardous waste, as defined by 42 U.S.C.
--------- ----------
(S)6903(5), any hazardous substance as defined by 42 U.S.C. (S)9601(14), any
pollutant or contaminant as defined by 42 U.S.C. (S)9601(33) or any toxic
substance, oil or hazardous material or other chemical or substance regulated by
any Environmental Laws.
"Indebtedness": As applied to any Person (as defined in this Article 12),
------------
(a) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money, whether current or
funded, or secured or unsecured, (b) all indebtedness of such Person for the
deferred purchase price of property or services represented by a note or other
security, (c) all indebtedness of such Person created or arising under any
conditional sale or other title retention agreement with respect to property
acquired by such Person (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or
lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession
or sale of such property), (d) all indebtedness of such Person secured by a
purchase money mortgage or other lien to secure all or part of the purchase
price of property subject to such mortgage or lien, (e) all obligations under
leases which shall have been or must be, in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, recorded as capital leases in respect of which such
Person is liable as lessee, (f) any liability of such Person in respect of
banker's acceptances or letters of credit, and (g) all indebtedness referred to
in clause (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) above which is directly or indirectly
guaranteed by such Person or which such Person has agreed (contingently or
otherwise) to purchase or otherwise acquire or in respect of which it has
otherwise assured a creditor against loss.
"IRS": The United States Internal Revenue Service.
---
"knowledge", when used in the phrase "to the Sellers' knowledge" or "to the
---------
knowledge of the Sellers" or similar phrases, shall mean the actual knowledge of
any of the following persons: David Balint, Dale Bricker and Bill Hughes.
<PAGE>
-32-
"Person": A corporation, an association, a partnership, an organization, a
------
business, an individual, a government or political subdivision thereof or a
governmental agency.
"PRIME" means, with respect to any payment to be made pursuant to this
-----
Agreement, the average (rounded to the nearest 1/16th) of the rate per annum set
forth in The Wall Street Journal, from time to time under its "Money Rates"
--- ---- ------ -------
column as the "Prime Rate".
"state": Any state or commonwealth of the United States of America; the
-----
District of Columbia; the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and any other dependency,
possession or territory of the United States of America.
"Subsidiary": With respect to any Person, any corporation a majority (by
----------
number of votes) of the outstanding shares of any class or classes of which
shall at the time be owned by such Person or by a Subsidiary of such Person, if
the holders of the shares of such class or classes (a) are ordinarily, in the
absence of contingencies, entitled to vote for the election of a majority of the
directors (or persons performing similar functions) of the issuer thereof, even
though the right so to vote has been suspended by the happening of such a
contingency, or (b) are at the time entitled, as such holders, to vote for the
election of a majority of the directors (or persons performing similar
functions) of the issuer thereof, whether or not the right so to vote exists by
reason of the happening of a contingency.
"Tax": Any federal, state, local, or foreign income, gross receipts,
---
franchise, estimated, alternative minimum, add-on minimum, sales, use, transfer,
registration, value added, excise, natural resources, severance, stamp,
occupation, premium, windfall profit, environmental, customs, duties, real
property, personal property, capital stock, intangibles, social security,
unemployment, disability, payroll, license, employee, or other tax or levy, of
any kind whatsoever, including any interest, penalties, or additions to tax in
respect of the foregoing.
"Tax Return": Any return, declaration, report, claim for refund,
--- ------
information return, or other document (including any related or supporting
estimates, elections, schedules, statements, or information) filed or required
to be filed in connection with the determination, assessment, or collection of
any Tax or the administration of any laws, regulations, or administrative
requirements relating to any Tax.
Article 13
------- --
Termination
-----------
13.1. Termination of Agreement. The parties may terminate this Agreement
----------- -- ---------
as provided below:
(a) the Buyer and the Sellers may terminate this Agreement by mutual
written consent at any time prior to the Closing;
<PAGE>
-33-
(b) the Buyer may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice
to the Sellers at any time prior to the Closing in the event either Seller is in
material breach, and the Sellers may terminate this Agreement by giving written
notice to the Buyer at any time prior to the Closing in the event the Buyer is
in material breach, of any covenant contained in this Agreement, in either case
only to the extent that such material breach is not cured within thirty (30)
days after the date of the applicable notice;
(c) the Buyer may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice
to the Sellers at any time prior to the Closing if the Closing has not occurred
on or before May 25, 1997, by reason of the failure to occur of any closing
condition under Article 7 (unless the failure results primarily from the Buyer
itself breaching any representation, warranty or covenant contained in this
Agreement); or
(d) The Sellers may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice
to the Buyer at any time prior to the Closing if the Closing has not occurred on
or before May 25, 1997, by reason of the failure to occur of any closing
condition under Article 8 (unless the failure results primarily from either
Seller itself breaching any representation, warranty or covenant contained in
this Agreement).
13.2. Effect of Termination. If either party terminates this Agreement
------ -- -----------
pursuant to Section 13.1, all obligations of the parties hereunder will
terminate without liability of any party to the other party (except for any
liability of either party for breach of this Agreement prior to such
termination); provided that the confidentiality provisions contained in Article
9 and the expense allocation provisions contained in Section 14.2 will survive
termination and remain in full force and effect.
Article 14
------- --
General
-------
14.1. Survival and Materiality of Representations and Warranties. The
-------- --- ----------- -- --------------- --- ----------
representations and warranties of the parties hereto contained in this Agreement
or otherwise made in writing in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby (in each case except as affected by the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement) shall survive the Closing and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby pursuant to the terms of Section 11.3. Such representations
and warranties shall expire on the last day (if any) on which a claim for
indemnification may be made pursuant to Article 11 for a breach thereof.
14.2. Expenses. All transfer and sales taxes payable in connection with
--------
the sale of the Stock, including any transfer or sale taxes arising in
connection with any election that may be made under Section 338(h)(10) of the
Code pursuant to Article 4 of the Tax Agreement, shall be borne 50/50 by the
Sellers and the Buyer. All expenses of the preparation, execution and
consummation of this Agreement and of the transactions contemplated hereby,
including without limitation attorneys', accountants' and outside advisers' fees
and disbursements, shall be borne by the party incurring such expenses.
<PAGE>
-34-
14.3. Notices. All notices, demands and other communications hereunder
-------
shall be in writing or by written telecommunication, and shall be deemed to have
been duly given if delivered personally or if mailed by certified mail, return
receipt requested, postage prepaid, or if sent by overnight courier, or sent by
written telecommunication, as follows:
If to the Sellers, to:
ConAgra Refrigerated Foods Companies
2000 Batavia Avenue
Geneva, IL 60134
Attn.: Controller
with copies sent contemporaneously to:
ConAgra, Inc.
One ConAgra Drive
Omaha, NE 68102-5001
Attn.: Vice President/Controller
McGrath, North, Mullin & Kratz, P.C.
Roger W. Wells, Esq.
Suite 1400, One Central Park Plaza
222 South Fifteenth Street
Omaha, NE 68102
If to the Buyer, to:
J. Michael May
AmeriTruck Distribution Corp.
301 Commerce Street, Suite 1101
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
with a copy sent contemporaneously to:
John R. Utzschneider, Esq.
Bingham, Dana & Gould LLP
150 Federal Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Any such notice shall be effective (a) if delivered personally, when
received, (b) if sent by overnight courier, when receipted for, (c) if mailed,
three (3) days after being mailed as described above, and (d) if sent by written
telecommunication, when dispatched.
<PAGE>
-35-
14.4. Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the exhibits and
------ ---------
schedules hereto) contains the entire understanding of the parties, supersedes
all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof
and shall not be amended except by a written instrument hereafter signed by all
of the parties hereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each
of the Sellers and the Buyer acknowledges that no party hereto is making any
representation or warranty relating to the subject matter of this Agreement
except as expressly set forth in this Agreement.
14.5. Governing Law. The validity and construction of this Agreement
--------- ---
shall be governed and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal
laws (and not the choice-of-law rules) of the State of Delaware.
14.6. Sections and Section Headings. The headings of sections and
-------- --- ------- --------
subsections are for reference only and shall not limit or control the meaning
thereof.
14.7. Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
-------
benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, successors and
permitted assigns. Neither this Agreement nor the obligations of any party
hereunder shall be assignable or transferable by such party without the prior
written consent of the other party hereto; provided, however, that nothing
-------- -------
contained in this Section 14.7 shall prevent the Buyer, without the consent of
the Sellers, (a) from transferring or assigning this Agreement or its rights or
obligations hereunder to another entity controlling, under the control of, or
under common control with the Buyer or (b) from assigning all or part of its
rights or obligations hereunder by way of collateral assignment to any bank or
financing institution providing financing for the acquisition contemplated
hereby, but no such transfer or assignment made pursuant to clauses (a) or (b)
shall relieve the Buyer of its obligations under this Agreement.
14.8. Severability. In the event that any covenant, condition, or other
------------
provision herein contained is held to be invalid, void, or illegal by any court
of competent jurisdiction, the same shall be deemed to be severable from the
remainder of this Agreement and shall in no way affect, impair, or invalidate
any other covenant, condition, or other provision contained herein.
14.9. Further Assurances. The parties agree to take such reasonable steps
------- ----------
and execute such other and further documents as may be necessary or appropriate
to cause the terms and conditions contained herein to be carried into effect.
14.10. No Implied Rights or Remedies. Except as otherwise expressly
-- ------- ------ -- --------
provided herein, nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall be
construed to confer upon or to give any person, firm or corporation, other than
the Sellers and the Buyer any rights or remedies under or by reason of this
Agreement.
14.11. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple
------------
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
<PAGE>
-36-
14.12. Public Statements or Releases. Each of the parties hereto agrees
------ ---------- -- --------
that prior to the consummation of the Closing no party to this Agreement will
make, issue or release any public announcement, statement or acknowledgment of
the existence of, or reveal the status of, this Agreement or the transactions
provided for herein, without first obtaining the consent of the other party
hereto. No such public announcement, statement or acknowledgment shall be made,
issued or released without the prior consent of the other party or parties
hereto. Nothing contained in this Section 14.12 shall prevent either party from
making such disclosures as such party may consider necessary to satisfy such
party's legal obligations, provided that the disclosing party shall to the
extent practicable give prior notice to the non-disclosing party of such legal
obligation and an opportunity to review the text of any proposed disclosure.
14.13. Construction. The language used in this Agreement will be deemed
------------
to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent and no
rule of strict construction will be applied against either party. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the language in all parts of this
Agreement shall in all cases be construed as a whole according to its fair
meaning, strictly neither for nor against any party hereto, and without implying
a presumption that the terms thereof shall be more strictly construed against
one party by reason of the rule of construction that a document is to be
construed more strictly against the Person who drafted the same. It is hereby
agreed that representatives of both parties have participated in the preparation
hereof.
14.14. Disclosure in Schedules. For purposes of this Agreement, with
---------- -- ---------
respect to any matter that is clearly disclosed in any Section of the Disclosure
Schedule in such a way as to make its relevance to the information called for by
another Section of this Agreement readily apparent, such matter shall be deemed
to have been included in the Disclosure Schedule in response to such other
Section, notwithstanding the omission of any appropriate cross-reference
thereto.
<PAGE>
-37-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties
hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as a sealed
instrument as of the date and year first above written.
BUYER:
-----
AMERITRUCK DISTRIBUTION CORP.
By: /s/ Michael L. Lawrence
----------------------------
Title: Chairman
MONFORT, INC.
By: /s/ Robert H. Burns
-----------------------------
Title: Authorized Representative
CONAGRA POULTRY COMPANY
By: /s/ Robert H. Burns
-----------------------------
Title: Authorized Representative
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AGREEMENT
---------------------------------
This Transportation Services Agreement ("Services Agreement") is made and
entered into this 23rd day of May, 1997, by and between MONFORT, INC., a
Delaware corporation ("Monfort"), CONAGRA POULTRY COMPANY, a Delaware
corporation ("Poultry"), SWIFT-ECKRICH, INC., a Delaware corporation ("S-E")
(collectively, the "Shipper"), MONFORT TRANSPORTATION COMPANY, a Colorado
corporation ("Monfort Transportation"), and LYNN TRANSPORTATION CO., INC., an
Iowa corporation ("Lynn"), and together with Monfort Transportation, the
"Companies", and AMERITRUCK DISTRIBUTION CORP., a Delaware corporation (the
"Carrier").
RECITALS:
- --------
This Services Agreement is made with reference to the following facts and
circumstances:
(a) On this date, Monfort, Poultry and Carrier are consummating the
transactions contemplated by that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated April
28, 1997, pursuant to which Carrier agreed to acquire all of the issued and
outstanding shares of the Companies.
(b) For purposes of this Services Agreement, "Shipper" will be solely
limited to Monfort's red meat division, Poultry's poultry and turkey divisions
and S-E's processed meats division, all as such divisions exist on the date
hereof.
(c) The Companies have heretofore been furnishing certain transportation
services to the Shipper using transportation equipment leased
<PAGE>
-2-
from various lessors, a listing of which is set forth on Exhibit "A" attached
-----------
hereto (the "Equipment").
(d) Shipper desires to tender future transportation business to the
Companies upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.
(e) Carrier and the Companies desire to continue to use the Equipment and
perform all lease obligations involving or related to the Equipment.
(f) Carrier and the Companies are contract carriers by motor vehicle and
possess all necessary licenses and other authorizations to perform
transportation in intrastate, interstate or foreign commerce to the extent that
such transportation is contemplated by this Services Agreement.
(g) Carrier and the Companies are fit, willing, and able to provide
contract motor transportation, using the Equipment, which is designed to meet
the distinct needs of Shipper.
AGREEMENT:
- ---------
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals which are
incorporated with and made a part of this Services Agreement, and in further
consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the
parties agree as follows:
1. Term. The term of this Services Agreement shall be four (4) years
----
from the date hereof. In the event Carrier desires to continue to provide
transportation services to Shipper for the two (2) year period following the
expiration of this Agreement, Carrier shall notify Shipper at least six (6)
months prior to the expiration of this Agreement of such desire and the parties
will, in good faith, for a period of ninety (90) days thereafter, attempt to
negotiate a new two (2) year Transportation Services Agreement with respect to
the commodities
<PAGE>
-3-
and lanes covered by this Agreement on terms and conditions mutually acceptable.
If the parties agree on such terms and conditions within such period, the
parties shall enter into a new Transportation Services Agreement reflecting such
terms and conditions. If the parties are unable to reach agreement on such terms
and conditions within such ninety (90) day period, Shipper may seek
transportation services from other parties to be effective upon termination of
this Agreement without any obligation to Carrier or the Companies.
2. Equipment. Carrier and the Companies hereby accept the Equipment
---------
from Shipper and agree during the term of this Agreement to use the Equipment to
provide the transportation services hereunder for Shipper pursuant to the terms
and conditions set forth on Exhibit "B". Carrier and the Companies may also use
-----------
the Equipment for other customers. As the various leases applicable to items of
Equipment expire or terminate, Carrier shall be responsible to obtain and pay
for all replacement transportation equipment necessary for the Companies to
perform the transportation services hereunder. In exchange for the use of the
Equipment the Carrier shall pay the amounts set forth on Exhibit "B". These
-----------
amounts shall be paid on a monthly basis in advance.
3. Minimum Volume.
--------------
(a) During the term of this Services Agreement, Shipper will tender
shipments of commodities and products to the Companies and/or Carrier, in
the lanes identified in Exhibit "C" (the "Designated Lanes") and the
-----------
Companies and/or Carrier shall transport, in the annual aggregate volume
described on Exhibit "C" (the "Annual Minimum Volume"). Any such traffic
-----------
volume tendered to either of the Companies
<PAGE>
-4-
which is not, for any reason, transported by Carrier or one of its
subsidiaries or pursuant to Section 12 shall be offset against the Annual
Minimum Volume.
(b) The Annual Minimum Volume shall be tendered to the Carrier and/or
the Companies in quarterly volumes as shown on Exhibit "D". Without
-----------
Carrier's or either of the Company's consent, no more than ten percent
(10%) of any monthly volume shall be tendered on any one (1) business day,
and no more than thirty five percent (35%) of any monthly volume shall be
tendered in any consecutive five (5) day period.
(c) In addition to tendering the Annual Minimum Volume of shipments,
Monfort shall continue to direct the corrugated supplier traffic currently
directed to Monfort Transportation so long as such traffic exists during
the term of this Services Agreement. This traffic will be directed to
Monfort Transportation at the prevailing rates then in effect from time to
time.
4. Replacement Volume. If Shipper is unable to continue to tender to the
------------------
Companies the Annual Minimum Volume in the Designated Lanes due to loss of
market or plant closing or sales or plant or production realignment, or any
other reason within the reasonable control of Shipper (other than Shipper's
desire to tender Annual Minimum Volume shipments to Carrier and/or the Companies
in lanes other than the Designated Lanes), or due to an event of force majeure
or any other reason outside the control of Shipper, then Shipper shall have the
option within thirty (30) days to replace said traffic volumes with truck
freight from other Shipper originations ("Replacement Lanes") to the extent that
Shipper has available replacement truck volumes and, in all events, subject to
other contractual freight commitments Shipper then has in effect (the
<PAGE>
-5-
"Replacement Volume"). The Replacement Volume shall be transported at the
average bid received with respect to the Replacement Lane from the lowest
bidding five (5) Large Carriers bidding on such lane in the Shipper's core
carrier bid program conducted in Shipper's previous fiscal year (excluding
ConAgra, Inc. and its affiliates and Carrier and its affiliates). If fewer than
five (5) Large Carriers bid on such lane, then the applicable rate shall be the
average bid of the Large Carriers which submitted bids, if any, or if no Large
Carriers bid on such lane, then the applicable rate shall be the average bid
received from the five (5) largest carriers bidding on such lane. The
Replacement Volume shall be subject to the service standards and equipment
standards set forth in Sections 5 and 17, respectively. Shipper shall use
commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Replacement Lanes to be lanes
comparable to the Designated Lanes and where truck transportation rates are
comparable to the rates charged hereunder. In the event that Shipper does not
replace such traffic volumes as required in this Section 4, then Shipper shall,
as the sole and exclusive remedy for such failure, pay the amounts referred to
in Section 19(c). If the Companies and/or the Carrier elects not to transport
any Replacement Volume or are unable to satisfactorily transport any Replacement
Volume, then the amount of such Replacement Volume shall be offset against the
Annual Minimum Volume. Shipper specifically acknowledges that any volume
separately awarded to Carrier or its subsidiaries in connection with Shipper's
core carrier bid program conducted in 1996 or 1997 cannot be used by Shipper as
Replacement Volume.
5. Performance Standards.
---------------------
(a) Overall Performance. During the term of this Service Agreement,
-------------------
the Companies and the Carrier shall maintain an average on-time pickup and
delivery service level of ninety-six percent (96%) in all
<PAGE>
-6-
traffic lanes, in the aggregate, each month (the "Overall Standard"). If
the Companies and the Carrier fail during any month to meet the Overall
Standard, and such failure is not cured in the following month, then
Shipper may, notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, reduce,
without liability or obligation, by five percent (5%) the volume in those
particular lanes for each month in which it failed to meet the Overall
Standard and, in the event of such reduction, the Annual Minimum Volume
shall be reduced accordingly. Such lost volume shall be restored (and the
Annual Minimum Volume shall be readjusted) after it meets the Overall
Standard in two (2) consecutive months both in the aggregate and as to the
particular lane from which the volume was lost. The foregoing shall
constitute the Shipper's sole remedy for the Carrier's failure to meet the
Overall Standard, but this limitation shall not preclude the Shipper from
asserting claims under Section 16 for losses, damages, expenses and the
like resulting from or arising in connection with Carrier's and/or the
Companies' failure to meet the Overall Standard.
(b) Lane Performance. The Carrier and the Companies shall maintain a
----------------
ninety percent (90%) monthly average on-time pickup and delivery service
level in each traffic lane (the "Lane Standard"). If either the Carrier or
the Companies fail to meet such Lane Standard in any lane during any one
(1) month period, and such failure is not cured within thirty (30) days
after receipt of written notice from Shipper, then Shipper may terminate
this Services Agreement as to that specific traffic lane and the Annual
Minimum Volume shall be reduced accordingly. The foregoing shall
constitute the Shipper's sole remedy for the Carrier's failure to meet
<PAGE>
-7-
the Lane Standards, but this limitation shall not preclude the Shipper from
asserting claims under Section 16 for losses, damages, expenses and the
like resulting from or arising in connection with Carrier's and/or the
Companies' failure to meet the Lane Standards.
(c) Measurements. In determining the Overall Standard and Lane
------------
Standard, any on-time pickup and delivery failures attributable to Acts of
God, weather conditions, strikes or other labor disturbances, or other
factors beyond the control of the Companies, shall be discounted in
measuring the service levels. "On-time pickup and delivery" shall be
consistent with past practices as set forth on Exhibit "E" attached hereto.
-----------
6. Service Fee. The service fee to be paid by Shipper to the Companies
-----------
during the term hereof (the "Fee") shall be an amount equal to the freight rates
described in Sections 6(a) and 6(b) below (the "Freight Rates").
(a) Freight Rates. Except as set forth in Section 4, during the first
-------------
two (2) years of this Services Agreement, Shipper shall pay the freight
rates set forth on Exhibit "C". Such Freight Rates will be adjusted weekly
-----------
based on then current fuel costs (as reported in the Diesel Fuel Price
Index published by the United States Department of Energy) as compared to
"Base Fuel Costs". During the first two (2) years of this Service
Agreement, "Base Fuel Cost" shall be One Dollar and Fifteen Cents ($1.15)
per gallon of diesel fuel. For every Five Cents ($.05) movement up or down
from the Base Fuel Costs, the applicable Freight Rates under this Agreement
shall be adjusted, up or down, by One Cent ($.01) per mile.
(b) Freight Rate Adjustments. Beginning one hundred twenty (120) days
------------------------
prior to the second anniversary of this Agreement ("Second
<PAGE>
-8-
Anniversary") Shipper and Carrier shall renegotiate in good faith the
applicable freight rates to be applicable during the third and fourth years
of this Agreement. If the parties have not agreed to new freight rates for
any lane on or before ninety (90) days prior to the Second Anniversary, the
freight rates for such lane or lanes during the third and fourth years of
this Agreement shall be the "Competitive Rate". For purposes hereof the
"Competitive Rate" shall mean the "Beginning Rate" for such lane multiplied
by the "Adjustment Fraction." For purposes hereof, the following
definitions shall apply:
"Beginning Rate" shall mean, for any Designated Lane, the freight rate
for such lane set forth on Exhibit "C", and for any Replacement Lane, the
-----------
Replacement Lane Rate.
"Adjustment Fraction" shall mean a fraction, the numerator of which is
the "New Bid Rate" and the denominator of which is the "Old Bid Rate."
"New Bid Rate" shall mean the average bid received with respect to
such lane from the lowest bidding five (5) Large Carriers bidding on such
lane (excluding ConAgra, Inc. and its affiliates and Carrier and its
affiliates) in the Shipper's core carrier bid program conducted in 1998.
If fewer than five (5) Large Carriers bid on such lane, then the applicable
rate shall be the average bid of the Large Carriers which submitted bids,
if any, or if no Large Carriers bid on such lane, then the New Bid Rate
shall be the average bid received from the five (5) largest carriers
bidding on such lane.
"Old Bid Rate" shall mean the average bid received with respect to
such lane from the lowest bidding five (5) Large Carriers bidding on such
<PAGE>
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lane (excluding ConAgra, Inc. and its affiliates and Carrier and its
affiliates) in the Shipper's core carrier bid program conducted in 1996, as
set forth on Exhibit "F".
-----------
The applicable freight rates for the third and fourth years determined as
provided above will be adjusted weekly based on then current fuel costs (as
reported in the Diesel Fuel Price Index published by the United States
Department of Energy) as compared to "Base Fuel Costs". For purposes of the
third and fourth years of this Services Agreement, "Base Fuel Costs" shall be
the cost per gallon of diesel fuel reported for the week preceding the week in
which final bids are due for the Shipper's core carrier bid program conducted in
1998. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Large Carrier" is one with no fewer
than 250 temperature-controlled trailers.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Carrier may elect by written notice to
Shipper within ten (10) days following receipt of the Competitive Rates, not to
accept the Competitive Rate with respect to any lane, in which case such lane
shall be deemed eliminated from this Agreement and the Annual Minimum Volume
shall be adjusted accordingly.
7. Accessorial Charges. Charges for accessorial services shall be
-------------------
addressed as identified on Exhibit "G" hereto.
-----------
8. Abandoned Traffic. Carrier and/or the Companies shall transport the
-----------------
Annual Minimum Volume or otherwise cause the freight to be transported in
accordance with the terms and conditions of this Services Agreement. Carrier
and/or the Companies shall not, during the initial or any renewal term, abandon
any Designated Lane, or any Replacement Lane, without first providing Shipper
with fifteen (15) days' prior written notice of its intent to abandon traffic
and assisting Shipper in obtaining alternate service. The Annual Minimum Volume
<PAGE>
-10-
shall be adjusted with respect to any Lane abandoned by Carrier and/or the
Companies.
9. Invoice and Payment. Carrier shall submit to Shipper daily during
-------------------
the term of this Services Agreement a report detailing all Fees and other
charges payable with respect to shipments transported or other services rendered
by either the Carrier or its other subsidiaries or pursuant to Section 12 for
Shipper for such day and Shipper shall also submit to Carrier at the same time a
schedule of freight tendered to Carrier or either Company but which was not
transported by Carrier or either Company. Shipper shall pay (in accordance
with, and subject to, normal DOT rules) all Fees and other charges within
fourteen (14) days of Shipper's receipt of each such report from Carrier.
10. Service Needs. Shipper, Carrier and the Companies agree that the
-------------
services provided hereunder are designed to meet the distinct transportation
needs of Shipper under this Agreement, and Shipper and Carrier agree that the
services hereunder are offered and accepted as contract carriage as provided in
49 U.S.C. (S) 14101(b). The motor carriage provided by the Companies and/or
Carrier shall be designed to meet the distinct service needs of Shipper, and
Carrier shall cause the Companies to dedicate a sufficient number of experienced
drivers and tractors and trailers, in addition to the Equipment, as needed to
transport the Annual Minimum Volume which is not transported by brokered
carriers.
11. Insurance. Carrier shall maintain and shall cause each Company to
---------
maintain the following insurance in full force and effect throughout the term of
this Services Agreement and shall provide satisfactory evidence of such
insurance to Shipper for:
<PAGE>
-11-
(a) Cargo liability with limits of not less than Five Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($500,000) per occurrence,
(b) Third party liability (including comprehensive general liability
insurance and automobile bodily injury and property damage insurance) with
limits of not less than Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) per occurrence,
and
(c) Statutory worker compensation coverage as required by applicable
law.
12. Brokered Shipments. Carrier shall have the right to broker any
------------------
shipment tendered by Shipper. Carrier shall be responsible for such brokered
carrier's full compliance with this Services Agreement and such brokered
carrier's performance standards shall be included in computing the Companies'
performance standards under Section 5 above.
13. Bid on Motor Carriage. Shipper shall allow Carrier and the Companies
---------------------
to bid on all motor carriage (including dedicated fleet services) required by
Shipper in excess of the Annual Minimum Volume involving the same commodities
subject to this Services Agreement. Shipper shall have the sole right to accept
or reject any such bid based upon price, service, timing or any other standards
normally utilized by Shipper to be relevant in making its carrier selection.
14. Outsourcing. If, during the term of this Services Agreement, Shipper
-----------
decides to outsource any of its logistics functions (other than those functions
currently outsourced), Carrier and the Companies shall have the right to bid on
such services. Shipper shall have the sole right to accept or reject any such
bid based on price, service, timing or any other standards normally utilized by
Shipper.
<PAGE>
-12-
15. Indemnification. Subject to the limitations on remedies set forth in
---------------
Sections 5(a) and (b) for failure to meet the Overall Standard and Lane
Standard, Carrier and the Companies shall indemnify and hold harmless Shipper
and its subsidiaries and affiliates and its respective officers, directors and
employees from and against all liabilities, which are a result of or may arise
out of the performance, or failure to perform, this Services Agreement by
Carrier, either Company or their respective contractors, subcontractors,
vendors, agents or employees, including, without limitation, all losses,
damages, expenses and the like which result from or arise in connection with
Carrier's or either Company's failure to pick-up or deliver shipments as
scheduled, as well as any spoilage of any products transported by Carrier or
either Company. Subject to the limitations on remedies set forth in Section
19(c) for failure to tender the Annual Minimum Volume, Shipper shall indemnify
and hold harmless Carrier and the Companies and their subsidiaries, affiliates
and their respective officers, directors and employees from and against all
liabilities, which are a result of or may arise out of the performance, or
failure to perform, this Services Agreement by Shipper or its contractors,
subcontractors, vendors, agents or employees.
16. Carrier Liability. Carrier and the Companies shall have full common
-----------------
carrier liability for loss, damage and delay of cargo, including, but not
limited to, liability to Shipper for full actual loss, damage, or injury to
property occurring while in the possession or under the control of Carrier or
either Company or resulting from the Carrier's or either Company's performance
of, or failure to perform, the services provided for in this Services Agreement,
unless such loss, damage, or injury is caused by Acts of God, weather
conditions, the inherent vice of the property being transported, or any act or
omissions of
<PAGE>
-13-
Shipper, its employees or its agents. For purposes of a loss or damage claim,
the value of Shipper's commodity shall be the price at which the commodities
were sold prior to shipment; or if commodities are being transported for
purposes other than to satisfy a purchase contract, the value will be the
currently published, lowest sales price for that commodity at the location at
which the shipment was received by Carrier or either Company. Shipper and
Carrier shall follow the rules and regulations codified at 49 C.F.R. (S) 1005 in
handling claims for loss, damage or delay of cargo.
17. Equipment. In addition to the Equipment, Carrier shall cause each
---------
Company to furnish suitable motor carrier equipment at its own expense as needed
for transporting Shipper's commodities and products pursuant to this Services
Agreement. All such additional equipment furnished by the Companies under this
Services Agreement shall be in good and safe condition and repair, shall have
passed a current safety inspection and shall otherwise be in full compliance
with all applicable laws and regulations and shall be suitable for the
transportation in accordance with the Shipper's distinct needs of the
commodities and products to be transported hereunder. Carrier warrants that it
will utilize trailers to transport food products hereunder which are in full
compliance with all the requirements of the Sanitary Food Transportation Act of
1990, Pub. L. 101-500, and all regulations promulgated thereunder and which
otherwise are fully suitable for use in the transportation of any Food, Food
Additive, Drug, Cosmetic or Devise within the meaning of those terms as used in
21 U.S.C. (S) 321.
18. Compliance with Laws. Carrier and the Companies shall be solely
--------------------
responsible for maintenance and operation of all transportation equipment,
utilization of drivers and performance of transportation service in
<PAGE>
-14-
strict compliance with all applicable state and federal statutes and
regulations, including, in particular, but not limited to, the requirements of
the Sanitary Food Transportation Act of 1990, Pub. L., 101-500 and regulations
thereunder as well as all U.S. Department of Transportation safety rules and
regulations.
19. Default.
-------
(a) Default. The occurrence of any one (1) or more of the following
-------
events shall constitute a default and breach of this Agreement:
(i) Any of Monfort, Poultry, S-E or Carrier makes a general
assignment for the benefit of creditors, files a petition in
bankruptcy, is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt, petitions a court
for the appointment of any receiver or trustee for any substantial
part of its property, commences any proceeding under any arrangement
or debt readjustment law or statute of any jurisdiction whether now or
hereafter in effect;
(ii) An involuntary case or other proceeding shall be commenced
against any of Monfort, Poultry, S-E or Carrier seeking liquidation,
reorganization or other relief with respect to it or its debts under
any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in
effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator,
custodian or other similar official of it or any substantial part of
its property, and such involuntary case or other proceeding shall
remain undismissed and unstayed for a period of sixty (60) days; or an
order for relief shall be entered against any of Monfort, Poultry, S-E
or Carrier under the federal bankruptcy laws as now or hereafter in
effect;
<PAGE>
-15-
(iii) Carrier and its affiliated companies shall be prohibited
or otherwise materially restrained from conducting their business
operations by virtue of any determination, ruling, decision, decree or
order of any court or governmental or regulatory authority of
competent jurisdiction and as a result the Carrier is unable to
fulfill its obligations under this Agreement (including through the
use of brokered carriers) for any period of thirty (30) consecutive
days.
(b) Remedies. Subject to the provisions of Section 19(c) and (d)
--------
below, in the event of any such default or breach of this Agreement by
Carrier, on the one hand, and Monfort, Poultry or S-E on the other, the
other party or parties may at any time hereafter, with or without notice or
demand or without limiting such party in the exercise of any right or
remedy which such party or parties may have at law or equity by reason of
such breach or default:
(i) Exercise all rights and remedies available to such party
or parties under applicable federal or state law including in the case
of Shipper, without limitation, the right, with or without notice to
Carrier or the Companies or without legal process, to enter onto any
premises where the Equipment is located and repossess the Equipment or
any item thereof;
(ii) Subject to the provisions of Section 19(d) below, in the
event of any default of the type set forth in paragraph (a) above,
terminate and cancel this Agreement without any fault or liability
whatsoever for such termination; or
(iii) Pursue any other remedy now or hereafter available under
applicable laws or judicial decisions.
<PAGE>
-16-
(c) If Shipper fails to tender the Annual Minimum Volume in any year,
then Shipper shall pay to Carrier, as the sole and exclusive remedy of
Carrier and the Companies with respect to such failure, One Hundred Fifty
Dollars ($150) per truckload shipment not tendered, based upon the
difference between (i) the number of loads that should have been tendered
equal to the Annual Minimum Volume for that year, less (ii) the number of
loads actually tendered during that year. Solely for purposes of making
such payment, the parties shall measure, on a quarterly basis, shipments
tendered during the preceding quarter (or quarters). If such tendered
shipments are less than the corresponding proportionate amount of the
Annual Minimum Amount, Shipper shall make a preliminary payment to Carrier
equal to the total number of shipments represented by such shortfall
multiplied by $150. If, at the end of any quarter, Shipper has overpaid
such amount, Carrier shall immediately refund to Shipper such overpayment.
The final settlement and payment for each year shall be made within thirty
(30) days following each anniversary date of this Agreement. Carrier and
the Companies hereby release Shipper and its affiliates from any liability
or responsibility for indirect, consequential and/or punitive damages, and
hereby waive any claim for indirect, consequential and/or punitive damages
either of them may have against Shipper or any of its affiliates, which may
result from or arise out of Shipper's failure to tender the Annual Minimum
Volume.
(d) Subject to the provisions of Section 19(c), in the event of any
breach of this Agreement, the non-breaching party shall be entitled to seek
legal or equitable relief with respect to such breach but, except for the
Shipper's right to reduce the volume to be tendered as provided in
<PAGE>
-17-
Sections 5(a) and (b) and the mutual right to terminate as provided in
Section 19(b) in the event of any default of the type set forth in Section
19(a), the non-breaching party shall not be entitled to terminate this
Agreement or to suspend or withhold the performance of any of its or their
obligations under this Agreement.
20. Confidentiality. Neither Shipper, Carrier nor the Companies shall
---------------
disclose, and shall cause its respective employees and agents not to disclose,
the terms and conditions of this Services Agreement other than to their
respective auditors or attorneys, except as required by Federal or State statute
or regulations.
21. Miscellaneous.
-------------
(a) Non-Assignability. No party shall assign its rights or, except as
-----------------
provided in Section 12, delegate its duties under this Services Agreement
without the prior written consent of the other party. However,
notwithstanding the foregoing either Company may assign its rights and
obligations under this Agreement to another subsidiary of Carrier, but no
such assignment shall relieve Carrier of any of its obligations under this
Agreement. Any attempted assignment or designation in contravention of
this provision shall be void. Subject to the foregoing, this Services
Agreement shall be binding on, and inure to the benefit of, the parties and
their respective affiliates, successors and assigns.
(b) Governing Law. This Services Agreement shall be governed by and
-------------
construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of Nebraska.
(c) Third Party Beneficiaries. Except as otherwise expressly provided
-------------------------
in this Services Agreement, the provisions of this Services
<PAGE>
-18-
Agreement are for the benefit of the Carrier, the Companies and Shipper and
not for any other person. This Services Agreement shall not provide any
third person with any remedy, claim, reimbursement, claim of action or
other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Services
Agreement.
(d) No Partnership. Nothing contained in this Services Agreement
--------------
shall be deemed or construed to create a partnership or a joint venture
between the parties hereto or to cause Shipper to be responsible in any way
for the debts or obligations of Carrier, either Company or any other party.
The parties acknowledge that Carrier and the Companies shall each be an
independent contractor in the performance of the services contemplated
herein.
(e) Notices. All notices or other communications under this Services
-------
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be duly given when (i)
delivered in person, or (ii) sent by facsimile, (iii) sent by private
express mail, or (iv) deposited in the United States mail or certified
mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
If to Shipper: ConAgra Refrigerated Foods Companies
2000 South Batavia Avenue
Geneva, Illinois 60134
Attn: Controller
Fax No: (630) 262-4004
With a copy to: ConAgra, Inc.
One ConAgra Drive
Omaha, Nebraska 68102-5001
Attn: Vice President/Controller
Fax No: (402) 595-4611
If to Carrier or J. Michael May
the Companies: AmeriTruck Distribution Corp.
<PAGE>
-19-
301 Commerce Street, Suite 1101
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Fax No: (817) 332-2556
Either party may, by notice to the other party, change the address to which
such notices are to be given.
(f) Severability and Invalidity. Any provision of this Services
---------------------------
Agreement which is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as
to that jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or
unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining
provisions of this Services Agreement or affecting the validity or
enforceability of any of the provisions of this Services Agreement in any
other jurisdiction. If any provision of this Services Agreement is so
broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted to be only
so broad as is enforceable.
(g) Captions. The paragraph headings and captions contained in this
--------
Services Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in
any way the meaning of interpretation of this Services Agreement.
(h) Authority. Each party represents and warrants that the officer
---------
executing this Services Agreement on its behalf is duly authorized to so
execute this Services Agreement, and this Services Agreement, when executed
and delivered by such party, shall constitute the valid and binding
agreement of such party, enforceable in accordance with its terms.
(i) Amendments. No provisions of this Services Agreement shall be
----------
deemed waived, amended, supplemented or modified by either party, unless
such waiver, amendment, supplement or modification is in writing and signed
by the authorized representative of the party against
<PAGE>
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whom it is sought to enforce such waiver, amendment, supplement or
modification.
(j) Entire Agreement. This Services Agreement, including all Exhibits
----------------
attached hereto, sets forth the entire agreement of the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements,
writings, communications, negotiations, discussions and understandings
between the parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof.
(k) Counterparts. This Services Agreement may be executed in one or
------------
more counterparts, each of which is to be deemed an original, and all of
which constitute, collectively, one agreement.
(l) Liability. The liability of Carrier and the Companies on the one
---------
hand, and Monfort, Poultry and S-E on the other hand, shall be joint and
several hereunder.
<PAGE>
-21-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Services Agreement to be
executed by their duly authorized representatives.
CONAGRA POULTRY COMPANY, AMERITRUCK
a Delaware corporation AmeriTruck Distribution Corp.
a Delaware corporation
By: /s/ Robert H. Burns By: /s/ Michael L. Lawrence
------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Its: Authorized Representative Its: Chief Executive Officer
------------------------------ ------------------------------------
MONFORT INC., a MONFORT TRANSPORTATION
Delaware corporation COMPANY, a Colorado
corporation
By: /s/ Robert H. Burns By: /s/ Michael L. Lawrence
------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Its: Authorized Representative Its: President
------------------------------ ------------------------------------
SWIFT-ECKRICH, a LYNN TRANSPORTATION CO.,
Delaware corporation INC., an Iowa corporation
By: /s/ Robert H. Burns By: /s/ Michael L. Lawrence
------------------------------ ---------------------------------
Its: Authorized Representative Its: President
------------------------------ ------------------------------------
