<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 (Date of earliest event reported): July 29, 1999
Commission File Number: 000-25269
VerticalNet, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter.)
Pennsylvania 23-2815834
- ---------------------------------- -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
700 Dresher Road
Horsham, PA 19044
-----------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices, including
zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (215) 328-6100
2 Walnut Grove Drive, Suite 150
Horsham, PA 19044
---------------------------------
(Former name or former
address, if changed since last report.)
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS
On July 29, 1999, VerticalNet, Inc. ("VerticalNet" or the "Company"), a
Pennsylvania Corporation, purchased all of the capital stock of LabX
Technologies Inc. ("LabX"), a Manitoba, Canada Corporation, the owner and
operator of an Internet trading community focused on the electronic commerce of
scientific equipment on the Internet. LabX's Web site community allows
participants to communicate their buying and selling requirements for laboratory
equipment.
The acquisition was consummated pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement (the
"Agreement") dated July 29, 1999 among the Company, 4052995 Manitoba Ltd., a
Manitoba corporation, LabX, Robert A. Kafato, an individual, Joan A. Kafato, an
individual, Kenneth K. Piech, an individual, and Ronald K. Randall, an
individual. The terms of the Agreement were negotiated on an arms-length basis.
Pursuant to the Agreement, the consideration for the acquisition of LabX was
$1,600,000 in cash and 34,897 shares of VerticalNet common stock having a fair
market value of $2,833,755. The transaction costs incurred by the Company are
approximately $200,000. The cash portion of the purchase price was financed by
proceeds from the Initial Public Offering of the Company's common stock that was
consummated in February 1999.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS
(a) Financial Statements of LabX:
Report of Independent Public Accountants
Balance Sheets
Statements of Operations
Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Deficit)
Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Financial Statements
(b) Pro Forma Financial Information.
Pro Forma Financial Statements (unaudited):
Basis of Presentation
Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Operations
Notes to Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
<PAGE>
(c) Exhibits
2.1 Stock Purchase Agreement by and among VerticalNet, Inc.,
4052995 Manitoba Ltd., LabX Technologies Inc., Robert A.
Kafato, Joan A. Kafato, Kenneth K. Piech, and Ronald K.
Randall
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To LabX Technologies Inc.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of LabX Technologies Inc. (a
Manitoba, Canada corporation) as of September 30, 1998, and the related
statements of operations, shareholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows for the
year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with United States generally accepted
auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of LabX Technologies Inc. as of
September 30, 1998, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the
year then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in
the United States.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
July 30, 1999
<PAGE>
LABX TECHNOLOGIES INC.
----------------------
BALANCE SHEETS
--------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, June 30,
1998 1999
---------------- ----------------
ASSETS (unaudited)
------
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash $24,369 $ 49,714
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of
$4,910 and $7,350 13,649 33,844
Prepaid expenses -- 2,923
------- --------
Total current assets 38,018 86,481
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net 10,877 17,872
------- --------
$48,895 $104,353
======= ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Shareholder advances $ 4,413 $ 3,233
Accounts payable 1,236 943
Accrued liabilities 4,367 8,510
Accrued income taxes 3,892 --
Deferred revenues 32,723 61,819
------- --------
Total current liabilities 46,631 74,505
------- --------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, no par value, unlimited shares
authorized, 100 shares issued and outstanding 73 73
Retained earnings 2,191 29,775
------- --------
Total shareholders' equity 2,264 29,848
------- --------
$48,895 $104,353
======= ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE>
LABX TECHNOLOGIES INC.
----------------------
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
Year Ended June 30,
September 30, ---------------------------
1998 1998 1999
---------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(unaudited)
REVENUES $91,217 $53,973 $155,029
------- ------- --------
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Editorial and operational 20,359 9,037 40,035
Product development 8,497 7,302 30,284
Sales and marketing 18,088 7,837 18,890
General and administrative 20,829 17,600 30,452
------- ------- --------
Total costs and expenses 67,773 41,776 119,661
------- ------- --------
Operating income 23,444 12,197 35,368
INCOME TAXES 3,892 1,372 7,784
------- ------- --------
NET INCOME $19,552 $10,825 $ 27,584
======= ======= ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE>
LABX TECHNOLOGIES INC.
----------------------
STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
--------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total
Common Stock Retained Shareholders'
--------------------------- Earnings Equity
Shares Amount (Deficit) (Deficit)
------------- ------------ ----------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 100 $73 $(17,361) $(17,288)
Net income -- -- 19,552 19,552
------------- ------------ ---------------- -----------------
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 100 73 2,191 2,264
Net income -- -- 27,584 27,584
------------- ------------ ---------------- -----------------
BALANCE, JUNE 30, 1999
(unaudited) 100 $73 $ 29,775 $ 29,848
============= ============ ================ =================
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE>
LABX TECHNOLOGIES INC.
----------------------
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
Year Ended June 30,
September 30, ---------------------------------
1998 1998 1999
------------------ ---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(unaudited)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 19,552 $10,825 $ 27,584
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities-
Depreciation and amortization 6,482 5,098 5,146
Provision for doubtful accounts 4,910 3,480 2,440
Change in assets--
Accounts receivable (16,750) (6,981) (22,635)
Prepaid expenses -- -- (2,923)
Change in liabilities--
Accounts payable (2,017) (2,470) (293)
Accrued liabilities 4,367 1,018 4,143
Accrued income taxes 3,892 1,372 (3,892)
Deferred revenues 25,471 14,277 29,096
-------- ------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 45,907 26,619 38,666
-------- ------- --------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures (7,369) (5,015) (12,141)
-------- ------- --------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net repayments of shareholder advances (15,800) (9,588) (1,180)
-------- ------- --------
INCREASE IN CASH 22,738 12,016 25,345
CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 1,631 1,631 24,369
-------- ------- --------
CASH, END OF PERIOD $ 24,369 $13,647 $ 49,714
======== ======= ========
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Income taxes paid $ -- $ -- $ 11,756
======== ======= ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE>
LABX TECHNOLOGIES INC.
----------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
-----------------------------
(Information as of June 30, 1999 and for the nine months ended
June 30, 1998 and 1999 is unaudited)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
-------------------------------------------
The Company
- -----------
LabX Technologies Inc. ("LabX" or the "Company") is the owner and operator of an
Internet trading community focused on scientific equipment that operates under
the tradename "LabX.Com." The Company's trading community allows participants
to communicate their buying and selling requirements for laboratory equipment.
The Company was incorporated in July 1987.
The Company currently generates its revenue primarily from Internet advertising
and additional revenue from the creation and hosting of Web sites.
Foreign Currency Translation
- ----------------------------
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 52,
"Foreign Currency Translation," the Company has determined that the United
States ("US") dollar is its functional currency since the Company primarily
generates its revenues and bills its customers in US dollars.
The transactions of the Company denominated in Canadian dollars have been
remeasured in US dollars and the resulting gain or loss is included in net
income for the respective period.
Interim Financial Statements
- ----------------------------
The financial statements as of June 30, 1999 and for the nine months ended June
30, 1998 and 1999 are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, include all
adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a
fair presentation of results for these interim periods. The results of
operations for the nine months ended June 30, 1998 and 1999 are not necessarily
indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.
Property and Equipment
- ----------------------
Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and
amortization computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives
of three years for computer equipment and purchased software and five years for
office equipment and furniture.
Revenues and Editorial and Operational Expenses
- -----------------------------------------------
The Company's revenues are derived principally from advertising contracts, which
include the initial construction of the on-line advertisement. The advertising
contracts do not extend beyond one year. Advertising revenues are recognized
ratably over the contract period. Revenue related to the hosting of Web sites
is recognized ratably over the hosting period, while revenue related to the
creation of Web sites is recognized upon completion of the project.
<PAGE>
The Company has not recognized any revenue related to barter transactions, as
such transactions were immaterial for the year ended September 30, 1998 and the
nine months ended June 30, 1998 and 1999.
Editorial and operational expenses primarily consist of Internet connection
charges, depreciation, purchased content, salaries and benefits of operating and
editorial personnel and other related operating costs.
Concentration of Credit Risk
- ----------------------------
The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial
condition and generally does not require collateral on accounts receivable. The
Company maintains allowances for credit losses. No single customer accounted
for greater than 10% of total revenues for the year ended September 30, 1998 and
the nine months ended June 30, 1998 and 1999.
Financial Instruments
- ---------------------
The Company's financial instruments principally consist of cash, accounts
receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and advances that are carried at
cost, which approximates fair value.
Product Development
- -------------------
Product development costs consist principally of salaries and related costs,
which are charged to expense as incurred.
Advertising Costs
- -----------------
The Company charges advertising costs to expense as incurred. Advertising
expense was $7,540, $2,254 and $5,089 for the year ended September 30, 1998 and
the nine months ended June 30, 1998 and 1999, respectively.
<PAGE>
Income Taxes
- ------------
The Company records income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and the tax
effect of net operating loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the
years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or
settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax
rates is recognized in operating results in the period that includes the
enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets if
it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized.
Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
- ----------------------------------------------
The Company records impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations
when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows
estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amount of
such assets.
Use of Estimates
- ----------------
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
2. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
-----------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, June 30,
1998 1999
------------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Computer equipment and purchased software
$ 24,140 $ 32,574
Office equipment and furniture 742 4,449
------------------- -----------------
24,882 37,023
Less-Accumulated depreciation and amortization (14,005) (19,151)
------------------- -----------------
$ 10,877 $ 17,872
=================== =================
</TABLE>
3. SHAREHOLDER ADVANCES AND OTHER RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
----------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder advances consist of advances made by a certain officer/shareholder
to the Company since its inception. The balances outstanding as of September 30,
1998 and June 30, 1999 were $4,413 and $3,233, respectively, have no defined
terms and do not bear interest.
During the nine months ended June 30, 1999, the Company paid $6,500 to a
shareholder for consulting services provided to the Company.
<PAGE>
4. INCOME TAXES:
-------------
During the year ended September 30, 1998, the Company utilized $6,330 of
operating losses from prior years to reduce taxable income for federal and
provincial income tax purposes.
A reconciliation of the federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate
for the year ended September 30, 1998 is as follows:
Federal taxes 28.0%
Provincial taxes 17.0
Federal small business deduction (16.0)
Utilization of loss carryforwards (5.9)
Other (6.5)
-----
16.6%
=====
Deferred income taxes at September 30, 1998 and June 30, 1999 were immaterial.
5. COMMON STOCK:
-------------
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited amount of no par voting Common
stock.
6. SUBSEQUENT EVENT:
-----------------
On July 29, 1999, the Company and its shareholders executed an agreement to sell
the stock of the Company to VerticalNet, Inc., an owner and operator of several
vertical trade communities.
<PAGE>
VERTICALNET, INC.
PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
(unaudited)
The accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet as of
June 30, 1999, and the related pro forma consolidated statements of operations
for the year ended December 31, 1998 and for the six months ended June 30, 1999,
give effect to the acquisition of all the capital stock of LabX, as described in
Note 2 of the Notes to Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, as
if the transaction had occurred as of June 30, 1999, in the case of the pro
forma condensed consolidated balance sheet, and as of January 1, 1998, in the
case of the pro forma consolidated statements of operations.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations for the year ended
December 31, 1998 and for the six months ended June 30, 1999, also give effect
to the acquisition of Techspex, Inc. ("Techspex"), completed on June 14, 1999,
as described in Note 3 of the Notes to the Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated
Financial Statements, as if the transaction had occurred as of Janurary 1, 1998.
In addition, the unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of operations for
the year ended December 31, 1998 also gives effect to the acquisitions of
Boulder Interactive Technology Services Company ("BITC") and Informatrix
Worldwide, Inc. ("Informatrix"), completed in 1998, as described in Note 4 of
the Notes to the Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, as if
the transactions had occurred as of January 1, 1998.
The pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by
the management of the Company and should be read in conjunction with the
Company's historical consolidated financial statements, which have been
previously filed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1998, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
30, 1999, the historical financial statements of LabX, which are included
elsewhere in this Form 8-K, the historical financial statements of Techspex
filed on Form 8-K dated June 14, 1999 and the historical financial statements of
BITC and Informatrix filed in the Company's Registration Statement filed on Form
S-1 effective February 11, 1999. Since the pro forma financial statements which
follow are based upon the financial condition and operating results of LabX,
Techspex, BITC and Informatrix during periods when they were not under the
control or management of VerticalNet, the information presented may not be
indicative of the results which would have actually been obtained had the
acquisitions been completed on January 1, 1998 nor are they indicative of future
financial or operating results.
<PAGE>
VERTICALNET, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
JUNE 30, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical (Note 1)
-----------------------------
Pro Forma
VertitcalNet LabX Adjustments Pro Forma
------------ ----- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 20,235,068 $ 49,714 $ (1,800,000) (a) $18,484,782
Short-term investments 12,480,457 - - 12,480,457
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts 4,446,631 33,844 - 4,480,475
Prepaid expenses and other assets 2,945,708 2,923 - 2,948,631
------------ --------- ----------- -----------
Total current assets 40,107,864 86,481 (1,800,000) 38,394,345
Property and equipment, net 1,816,460 17,872 - 1,834,332
Goodwill and other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization 8,159,583 - 4,603,907 (b) 12,763,490
Long-term investments 14,376,407 - - 14,376,407
Deferred charges and other assets 1,809,617 - - 1,809,617
------------ --------- ----------- -----------
Total assets $ 66,269,931 $ 104,353 $ 2,803,907 $69,178,191
============ ========= =========== ===========
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt $ 823,480 $ - $ - $ 823,480
Accounts payable 1,896,362 943 - 1,897,305
Accrued expenses 2,372,080 8,510 - 2,380,590
Deferred revenues 5,820,222 61,819 - 5,882,041
Shareholder Advances - 3,233 - 3,233
------------ --------- ----------- -----------
Total current liabilities 10,912,144 74,505 - 10,986,649
Long-term debt, net of current portion 517,293 - - 517,293
2,833,755 (a)
Shareholders' equity 54,840,494 29,848 (29,848) (c) 57,674,249
------------ --------- ----------- -----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 66,269,931 $ 104,353 $ 2,803,907 $69,178,191
============ ========= =========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE>
VERTICALNET, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical (Note 1)
--------------------------------------------------
Pro Forma
VerticalNet BITC Informatrix Techspex Adjustments
------------ --------- ----------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $ 3,134,769 $437,628 $ 32,442 $ 307,554 $ -
------------ --------- ---------- ---------- ------------
Costs and Expenses:
Editorial and operational 3,237,971 121,726 253,503 72,937 (180,000)(h)
Product development 1,404,557 - 75,766 22,142 -
Sales and marketing 7,894,662 123,542 426,058 218,264 -
General and administrative 3,823,593 327,879 93,131 183,518 -
1,114,925 (f)
Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles 282,990 - - - 922,401 (j)
------------ --------- ---------- ---------- ------------
Operating loss (13,509,004) (135,519) (816,016) (189,307) (1,857,326)
------------ --------- ---------- ---------- ------------
Interest and dividend income 212,130 143 - - -
43,144 (g)
Interest expense (297,401) - (37,978) (43,144) 35,025 (i)
------------ --------- ---------- ---------- ------------
Interest, net (85,271) 143 (37,978) (43,144) 78,169
Income taxes - - - - -
------------ --------- ---------- ---------- ------------
Net loss $(13,594,275) $(135,376) $ (853,994) $ (232,451) $ (1,779,157)
============ ========= ========== ========== ============
Basic and diluted net loss per share $ (5.29)
============
Weighted average shares outstanding
used in basic and diluted per-share calculation (Note 5) 2,570,550
============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical
(Note 1)
----------
Pro Forma
Total LabX Adjustments Pro Forma
------------ -------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $ 3,912,393 $ 91,217 $ - $ 4,003,610
------------ -------- ------------ ------------
Costs and Expenses:
Editorial and operational 3,506,137 20,359 - 3,526,496
Product development 1,502,465 8,497 - 1,510,962
Sales and marketing 8,662,526 18,088 - 8,680,614
General and administrative 4,428,121 20,829 - 4,448,950
Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles 2,320,316 - 1,534,636 (d) 3,854,952
------------ -------- ------------ ------------
Operating loss (16,507,172) 23,444 (1,534,636) (18,018,364)
------------ -------- ------------ ------------
Interest and dividend income 212,273 - - 212,273
Interest expense (300,354) - - (300,354)
------------ -------- ------------ ------------
Interest, net (88,081) - - (88,081)
Income taxes - 3,892 (3,892)(e) -
------------ -------- ------------ ------------
Net loss $(16,595,253) $ 19,552 $ (1,530,744) $(18,106,445)
============ ======== ============ ============
Basic and diluted net loss per share $ (6.74)
============
Weighted average shares outstanding
used in basic and diluted per-share calculation (Note 5) 2,686,664
============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE>
VERTICALNET, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical (Note 1)
-------------------------
Pro Forma
VerticalNet Techspex Adjustments Total
------------ --------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $ 5,484,959 $ 151,258 $ - $ 5,636,217
------------ --------- ---------- ------------
Costs and Expenses:
Editorial and operational 2,884,756 32,801 - 2,917,557
Product development 2,694,704 10,344 - 2,705,048
Sales and marketing 9,176,807 95,659 - 9,272,466
General and administrative 3,350,071 54,552 - 3,404,623
Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles 610,469 - 511,007 (f) 1,121,476
------------ --------- ---------- ------------
Operating loss (13,231,848) (42,098) (511,007) (13,784,953)
------------ --------- ---------- ------------
Interest and dividend income 1,037,936 - - 1,037,936
Interest expense (175,557) (12,501) 12,501 (g) (175,557)
------------ --------- ---------- ------------
Interest, net 862,379 (12,501) 12,501 862,379
Income taxes - - - -
------------ --------- ---------- ------------
Net loss $(12,369,469) $ (54,599) $ (498,506) $(12,922,574)
============ ========= ========== ============
Basic and diluted net loss per share $ (0.91)
============
Weighted average shares outstanding
used in basic and diluted per-share calculation (Note 5) 13,520,933
============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical
(Note 1)
----------
Pro Forma
LabX Adjustments Pro Forma
-------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $ 93,571 $ - $ 5,729,788
-------- ---------- ------------
Costs and Expenses:
Editorial and operational 19,328 - 2,936,885
Product development 15,174 - 2,720,222
Sales and marketing 21,855 - 9,294,321
General and administrative 11,983 - 3,416,606
Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles - 767,318 (d) 1,888,794
-------- ---------- ------------
Operating loss 25,231 (767,318) (14,527,040)
-------- ---------- ------------
Interest and dividend income - - 1,037,936
Interest expense - - (175,557)
-------- ---------- ------------
Interest, net - - 862,379
Income taxes 5,632 (5,632)(e) -
-------- ---------- ------------
Net loss $ 19,599 $ (761,686) $(13,664,661)
======== ========== ============
Basic and diluted net loss per share $ (1.00)
============
Weighted average shares outstanding
used in basic and diluted per-share calculation (Note 5) 13,597,612
============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE>
VERTICALNET, INC.
NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
Note 1: HISTORICAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
The historical balances of VerticalNet, Inc. ("VerticalNet" or the "Company")
represent the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 1999, and the
consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 1998 and for
the six months ended June 30, 1999, as reported in the consolidated financial
statements which have been previously filed in the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the three and six months ended June 30, 1999. The historical balances of
Boulder Interactive Technology Services ("BITC") and Informatrix Worldwide, Inc.
("Informatrix") for the year ended December 31, 1998, represent the results of
operations for BITC and Informatrix prior to their acquisition by the Company
during the year ended December 31, 1998, and were derived from their historical
financial statements included in the Company's Registration Statement filed on
Form S-1 effective February 11, 1999. The historical balances of Techspex, Inc.
("Techspex") for the year ended December 31, 1998 and six months ended June 30,
1999, represent the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 1998
and for the six months ended June 30, 1999, which were derived from the
historical financial statements filed in the Form 8-K dated June 14, 1999 and
reflect the results of its operations prior to its acquisition by the Company.
The historical balances of LabX Technologies Inc. ("LabX") were derived from the
historical balance sheet as of June 30, 1999, and the statements of operations
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998 and the nine months ended June 30,
1999, included in this Form 8-K.
Note 2: ACQUISITION OF LABX TECHNOLOGIES, INC:
On July 29, 1999, VerticalNet entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement by and
among VerticalNet, Inc., 4052995 Manitoba Ltd., LabX Technologies Inc., Robert
A. Kafato, Joan A. Kafato, Kenneth K. Piech, and Ronald K. Randall to acquire
all of the capital stock of LabX for approximately $4.6 million, including
transaction costs. The acquisition will be accounted for under the purchase
method of accounting. Under this method, the purchase price is allocated to the
assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the fair values at the
acquisition date. Such allocation, including the amount of deferred revenue
recorded in connection with the acquisition, has been based on estimates that
are tentative and may be revised at a later date. Therefore, actual amounts may
differ from those in the unaudited pro forma condensed financial statements. The
purchase price less the net assets acquired was approximately $4.6 million,
which has been allocated to existing technology and goodwill of approximately
$500,000 and $4.1 million, respectively. The existing technology and goodwill
and will be amortized on a straight-line basis over 36 months.
The following pro forma adjustments for the LabX acquisition are reflected in
the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30,
1999, and the unaudited pro forma statements of operations for the year ended
December 31, 1998 and the six months ended June 30, 1999:
<PAGE>
Unaudited Pro Forma Adjustments to Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Reflects the consideration issued by the Company to consummate the
acquisition as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Cash $1,600,000
Transaction costs 200,000
VerticalNet common stock 2,833,755
----------
$4,633,755
==========
</TABLE>
(b) Reflects the recording of the purchase transaction. The book value of the
assets acquired and liabilities assumed are estimated to approximate fair
value.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Total purchase price $4,633,755
Fair value of net assets acquired (29,848)
----------
$4,603,907
==========
The purchase price was allocated as follows:
Existing technology (estimated useful life of 36 months) $ 500,000
Goodwill (estimated useful life of 36 months) 4,103,907
----------
$4,603,907
==========
</TABLE>
(c) Reflects the elimination of the historical equity accounts of LabX.
Unaudited Pro Forma Adjustments to Consolidated Statements of Operations
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
(d) Represents additional amortization expense for the year ended December 31,
1998 and the six months ended June 30, 1999, respectively, relating to
goodwill and existing technology acquired based upon the estimated useful
life for both of 36 months.
(e) Represents the elimination of tax expense incurred on the net income of
LabX.
<PAGE>
Note 3: TECHSPEX INC. ACQUISTION INFORMATION:
On June 14, 1999, the Company acquired all of the capital stock of Techspex for
approximately $3.3 million, including transaction costs. The consideration for
the acquisition was $311,000 in cash (including transaction costs of $100,000)
and 44,997 shares of Company common stock with a fair market value of
approximately $3.0 million. The acquisition has been accounted for under the
purchase method of accounting. The purchase price plus the net liabilities
assumed was approximately $3.3 million, which has been recorded as goodwill and
will be amortized on a straight-line basis over 36 months. Refer to the
Company's Form 8-K, filed on June 29, 1999, for additional information.
The Techspex acquisition is reflected in the June 30, 1999 VerticalNet
historical balance sheet, therefore pro forma adjustments to the Condensed
Consolidated Balance Sheet are not required.
The following pro forma adjustments for the Techspex acquisition are reflected
in the pro forma consolidated statements of operations for the year ended
December 31, 1998 and the six months ended June 30, 1999:
Unaudited Pro Forma Adjustments to Consolidated Statements of Operations
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
(f) Represents additional amortization expense for the year ended December 31,
1998 and the six months ended June 30, 1999, respectively, relating to
goodwill based upon the estimated useful life of 36 months.
(g) Represents the elimination of interest expense incurred on the notes
payable of Techspex.
<PAGE>
Note 4: BOULDER INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AND INFORMATRIX WORLDWIDE INC.
ACQUISTION INFORMATION:
On September 1, 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock capital
stock of BITC for $1.8 million in cash. On September 30, 1998, the Company
acquired all the outstanding capital stock of Informatrix for 46,154 shares of
the Company's common stock valued at $153,000. Contingent on achieving future
sales targets during 1998, Informatrix shareholders later received 3,738
additional shares of the Company's common stock valued at approximately $32,000.
Both acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
The purchase price plus net liabilities assumed, which was recorded as goodwill
and is being amortized on a straight line basis over 36 months, was
approximately $1.9 million and $903,000 for BITC and Informatrix, respectively.
Refer to the Company's previously filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and
Registration Statement on Form S-1 effective February 11, 1999 for additional
information.
The following pro forma adjustments for the BITC and Informatrix acquisition are
reflected in the pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations for
the year ended December 31, 1998:
Unaudited Pro Forma Adjustments to Condensed Statements of Operations
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
(h) Reflects the elimination of editorial and operational costs charged by
VerticalNet to Informatrix to maintain Informatrix's vertical trade
community.
(i) Reflects the elimination of interest expense incurred by Informatrix on
indebtedness to VerticalNet.
(j) Represents additional amortization expense for the year ended December 31,
1998 relating to goodwill based upon the estimated useful life of 36
months.
Note 5: PRO FORMA BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER SHARE:
The weighted average shares outstanding used in the pro forma basic and diluted
net loss per share calculation for the year ended December 31, 1998, includes
34,897 and 44,997 shares of Company common stock issued in the acquisition of
LabX and Techspex, respectively, and 36,220 incremental shares that would have
been outstanding from the acquisition of Informatrix, as if all of the
acquisitions had occurred on Janurary 1, 1998. For the six months ended June
30, 1999, the weighted average shares outstanding used in the pro forma basic
and diluted net loss per share calculation includes 34,897 shares of Company
common stock issued in the acquisition of LabX and 41,782 incremental shares
that would have been outstanding from the acquisition of Techspex and the
additional consideration given to Informatrix shareholders, as if these
acquisitions had occurred on Janurary 1, 1999.
<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 thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: August 12, 1999 VERTICALNET, INC.
By: /s/ Gene S. Godick
--------------------
Name: Gene S. Godick
Title: Chief Financial Officer
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit
- ----------- ----------------------
2.1 Stock Purchase Agreement by and among VerticalNet, Inc., 4052995
Manitoba Ltd., LabX Technologies Inc., Robert A. Kafato, Joan A.
Kafato, Kenneth K. Piech, and Ronald K. Randall
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
<PAGE>
Exhibit 2.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
by and among
VERTICALNET, INC.
(a Pennsylvania corporation),
4052995 Manitoba Ltd.
(a Manitoba corporation)
LABX TECHNOLOGIES INC.
(a Manitoba corporation),
ROBERT A. KAFATO
(an individual),
JOAN A. KAFATO
(an individual),
KENNETH K. PIECH
(an individual),
and
RONALD K. RANDALL
(an individual)
dated as of July 29, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
----------------------
Page
----
<C> <S> <C>
1. SHARE PURCHASE AND RELATED MATTERS............................................... 1
1.1 Transfer of Shares by the Shareholders.................................... 1
1.2 Purchase Price and Payment Thereof........................................ 1
1.3 Location, Date............................................................ 3
1.4 Currency.................................................................. 3
2. PLEDGE AGREEMENT................................................................. 3
2.1 Creation of Indemnity Pledge.............................................. 3
2.2 Voting and Investment Regarding Escrow Shares............................. 3
3. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS OF
THE SHAREHOLDERS................................................................ 3
3.1 Enforceable Obligations................................................... 4
3.2 Authority; Ownership...................................................... 4
3.3 Validity of Contemplated Transactions..................................... 4
3.4 Consents and Approvals.................................................... 4
3.5 Authorizations............................................................ 5
3.6 Accounts and Notes Receivable, etc........................................ 5
3.7 Litigation................................................................ 5
3.8 Brokers................................................................... 5
3.9 Investment Representations................................................ 5
4. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY......................... 5
4.1 Corporate Existence....................................................... 5
4.2 Corporate Power; Authorization; Enforceable Obligations................... 6
4.3 Authority; Ownership...................................................... 6
4.4 Validity of Contemplated Transactions..................................... 6
4.5 Capitalization of the Company............................................. 6
4.6 Transactions in Capital Stock............................................. 7
4.7 No Subsidiaries, etc...................................................... 7
4.8 Predecessor Status, etc................................................... 7
4.9 Consents and Approvals.................................................... 7
4.10 Third-Party Options, Warrants, etc........................................ 7
4.11 Financial Statements...................................................... 7
4.12 Liabilities and Obligations............................................... 8
4.13 Accounts and Notes Receivable............................................. 8
4.14 Permits................................................................... 8
4.15 Real and Personal Property................................................ 9
4.16 Contracts and Commitments................................................. 9
4.17 Government Contracts...................................................... 11
4.18 Title to Real Property.................................................... 11
4.19 Insurance................................................................. 11
</TABLE>
i
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<C> <S> <C>
4.20 Employees................................................................. 11
4.21 Employee Benefit Plans and Arrangements................................... 12
4.22 Compliance with Law; Authorizations....................................... 12
4.23 Transactions With Affiliates.............................................. 13
4.24 Litigation................................................................ 13
4.25 Restrictions.............................................................. 13
4.26 Taxes..................................................................... 13
4.27 Intellectual Property Matters............................................. 14
4.28 Completeness; No Violations............................................... 15
4.29 Absence of Changes........................................................ 16
4.30 Deposit Accounts; Powers of Attorney...................................... 17
4.31 Books of Account.......................................................... 17
4.32 Environmental Matters..................................................... 18
4.33 No Illegal Payments....................................................... 19
4.34 Disclosure................................................................ 19
4.35 Inventory and Equipment................................................... 20
4.36 Corporate Records......................................................... 20
4.37 Advertising Commitments................................................... 20
4.38 Customers................................................................. 20
4.39 Website Traffic Statements................................................ 20
4.40 Product Warranties........................................................ 20
4.41 No Defective Products..................................................... 21
4.42 Brokers................................................................... 21
5. REPRESENTATIONS OF THE PARENT AND SUBCO.......................................... 21
5.1 Corporate Existence........................................................ 21
5.2 Corporate Power and Authorization.......................................... 21
5.3 Consents and Approvals..................................................... 22
5.4 Parent Common Stock........................................................ 22
5.5 No Conflicts............................................................... 22
5.6 Brokers.................................................................... 22
6. CONDITIONS TO THE CLOSING........................................................ 23
6.1 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party to Effect the Closing.............. 23
6.2 Additional Conditions to Obligations of the Company and the Shareholders... 23
6.3 Additional Conditions to the Obligations of Parent and Subco............... 24
7. INDEMNIFICATION; SURVIVAL........................................................ 25
7.1 General Indemnification by the Company and the Shareholders................ 25
7.2 Indemnification by the Parent and Subco.................................... 26
7.3 Third-Party Claims......................................................... 27
7.4 Limitations on Indemnification............................................. 28
7.5 Survival of Representations and Warranties................................. 29
8. ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS............................................................ 29
</TABLE>
ii
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<C> <S> <C>
8.1 Covenant Not to Compete.................................................... 29
9. PIGGY-BACK REGISTRATION RIGHT.................................................... 30
9.1 Right to Piggy-Back........................................................ 30
10. RULE 144......................................................................... 32
10.1 Holding Period and Filing Requirements.................................... 32
11. GENERAL.......................................................................... 32
11.1 Cooperation............................................................... 32
11.2 Successors and Assigns.................................................... 32
11.3 Entire Agreement.......................................................... 33
11.4 Counterparts.............................................................. 33
11.5 Brokers and Agents........................................................ 33
11.6 Notices................................................................... 33
11.7 Fees and Expenses......................................................... 34
11.8 Governing Law............................................................. 34
11.9 Exercise of Rights and Remedies........................................... 35
11.10 Time...................................................................... 35
11.11 Severability.............................................................. 35
11.12 Remedies Cumulative....................................................... 35
11.13 Captions.................................................................. 35
</TABLE>
iii
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A Securities Escrow Agreement
EXHIBIT B Pledge of Stock and Security Agreements
EXHIBIT C Consulting Agreement
EXHIBIT D Formation Agreement
iv
<PAGE>
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THIS STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made as of July ___,
1999, by and among VERTICALNET, INC., a Pennsylvania corporation ("Parent"),
4052995 Manitoba Ltd. a Manitoba corporation and a subsidiary of Parent
("Subco"), LABX TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a Manitoba corporation (the "Company"),
ROBERT A. KAFATO, an individual, JOAN A. KAFATO, an individual, (Robert Kafato
and Joan Kafato are sometimes referred to herein as the "Principal
Shareholders") KENNETH K. PIECH, an individual, and RONALD K. RANDALL, an
individual (Kenneth Piech and Ronald Randall are sometimes referred to herein as
the "Minority Shareholders") (each individually referred to as, a "Shareholder"
and collectively referred to as, the "Shareholders").
WHEREAS, the Shareholders own all of the issued and outstanding shares of
capital stock of the Company (the "Shares");
WHEREAS, the Shareholders desire to sell, and Subco desires to purchase the
Shares for the consideration described herein; and
WHEREAS, the respective boards of directors of Parent, Subco and the
Company have each approved the purchase of the Shares by Subco in accordance
with this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants, promises,
representations and warranties set forth herein, and for other good and valuable
consideration, intending to be legally bound hereby the parties agree as
follows:
1. SHARE PURCHASE AND RELATED MATTERS
1.1 Transfer of Shares by the Shareholders. Subject to the terms and
--------------------------------------
conditions of this Agreement, and in reliance upon the representations,
warranties and agreements herein contained, the Shareholders agree to sell the
Shares and deliver the certificates evidencing the Shares to Subco on the
Closing Date (as defined in Section 1.3 hereof). The certificates shall be
properly endorsed for transfer or accompanied by a duly executed stock power in
favor of Subco or its nominee, as the case may be, and otherwise in a form
acceptable for transfer on the books of the Company.
1.2 Purchase Price and Payment Thereof.
----------------------------------
(a) Cash and Stock Consideration. (i) The aggregate consideration to
----------------------------
be paid in the form of cash and stock by Subco, to the Shareholders in exchange
for the Shares and for the covenants not to compete set forth in Section 8.1
hereof shall be the aggregate amount of $4,800,000 comprised of (x) $1,600,000,
less the $25,000 deposit paid prior to the Closing Date (the "Cash
Consideration"); (y) that number of shares of the common stock of Parent (the
"Parent Common Stock") equal to the quotient of $886,667 divided by the per
share price of Parent Common Stock equal to the Negotiating Period Average
Price; and (z) that number of shares of Parent Common Stock equal to the
quotient of $2,313,333 divided by the per share price of Parent Common Stock
equal to the Negotiating Period Average Price, ((y) and (z), collectively, the
"Stock Consideration," which together with the Cash Consideration shall
constitute the "Purchase Price"). For the purposes of this Section 1.2(a), the
"Negotiating Period Average Price" shall mean $91.70. Each Shareholder shall be
entitled to his or her share of the Cash Consideration and the Stock
Consideration as set forth opposite his or her name in Appendix 1.2(a).
(b) Payment of Cash Consideration. On the Closing Date, Subco shall
-----------------------------
deliver $1,600,000 less the $25,000 deposit paid prior to the Closing Date by
certified or bank cashier's check or wire transfer of immediately available
funds to such account as the Shareholders shall designate.
<PAGE>
(c) Closing Delivery of Stock Consideration. On the Closing Date,
---------------------------------------
Subco shall deliver to the Shareholders certificates representing that number of
whole shares of Parent Common Stock set forth at Section 1.2(a)(y) above (the
"Closing Shares").
(d) Deferred Delivery of Stock Consideration. On the Closing Date,
----------------------------------------
Subco shall deliver to the Escrow Agent (as defined in the Securities Escrow
Agreement, attached as Exhibit A hereto (the "Securities Escrow Agreement")
certificates representing that number of whole shares of Parent Common Stock set
forth at Section 1.2(a)(z) above (the "Deferred Payment Shares") to be held by
the Trustee in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Securities Escrow
Agreement. The Shareholders shall be entitled to exercise all voting powers
incident to the Deferred Payment Shares held by the Escrow Agent but shall not
have any investment or dispositive powers over such Deferred Payment Shares,
while such shares are held pursuant to the Securities Escrow Agreement.
(e) Section 116 Withholding Tax. Notwithstanding anything else
---------------------------
contained in this Agreement, if Ronald Randall fails to deliver at or before the
Closing Date a certificate of compliance issued by Revenue Canada pursuant to
section 116 of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (a "Certificate of Compliance") in
respect of the Shares to Subco in an amount not less than the Purchase Price
payable to Ronald Randall by Subco hereunder, Subco shall be entitled to
withhold from the Purchase Price payable to Ronald Randall hereunder, an
aggregate amount equal to 33 1/3% (or such greater or lesser percentage as may
be required under the Income Tax Act (Canada) at the applicable time) of the
Purchase Price payable to Ronald Randall hereunder by Subco. Subco, shall remit
such withheld amount to Revenue Canada not later than 30 days following the end
of the month in which the Closing occurs, on account of Ronald Randall's
liability for tax pursuant to section 116 of the Income Tax Act (Canada).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Ronald Randall delivers to Subco, prior to the
date funds are to be remitted to Revenue Canada hereunder, a Certificate of
Compliance in an amount which is not less than the Purchase Price payable by
Subco to Ronald Randall hereunder, Subco, shall forthwith pay such withheld
amount to Ronald Randall.
1.3 Location, Date. The parties hereto shall hold a closing on July 29,
--------------
1999 (the "Closing Date") at the offices of Pitblado, Buchwald, Asper,
Barristers & Solicitors, in Winnipeg, Manitoba at 10:00 a.m. (local time) unless
the parties hereto agree in writing to another date, time or place.
1.4 Currency. Unless otherwise specified, all references in this
--------
Agreement to "cash," "dollars," or "$" shall mean United States dollars.
2. PLEDGE AGREEMENT
2.1 Creation of Indemnity Pledge.
----------------------------
(a) As collateral security for the payment of any indemnification
obligations of the Company and the Shareholders pursuant to Article 7 hereof,
the Shareholders shall execute a Pledge of Stock and Security Agreement, which
shall provide for the pledge and assignment to Parent for the benefit of Parent
of all of the Shareholders' interest in and to that number of Deferred Payment
Shares equal to 15% of the aggregate Purchase Price received by each Shareholder
rounded up to the nearest whole share (the "Escrow Shares"). The number of
Deferred Payment Shares being pledged by each Shareholder is set forth opposite
such Shareholder's name on Schedule 2.1. The Pledge of Stock and Security
------------
Agreement shall be delivered to Parent as a condition of closing.
(b) The Escrow Property (as defined below) shall be held by Parent in
accordance with, and subject to, the terms of a Pledge of Stock and Security
Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B. The "Escrow
---------
Property" shall mean the Escrow Shares together with all dividends and other
property at any time received or otherwise distributed in respect of or in
exchange for any or all of the Escrow Property, all securities hereafter issued
in substitution for any of the foregoing, all certificates and instruments
representing or evidencing such securities, all cash and non-cash proceeds of
all of the foregoing property and all rights, titles, interests, privileges and
preferences appertaining or incident to the foregoing property.
2
<PAGE>
2.2 Voting and Investment Regarding Escrow Shares. Subject to the terms
---------------------------------------------
of the Pledge of Stock and Security Agreement, the Shareholders shall be
entitled to exercise all voting powers incident to the Escrow Shares held by
Parent, but shall not have any investment or dispositive powers over such Escrow
Shares, while such shares are held pursuant to the Pledge of Stock and Security
Agreement.
3. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS OF THE SHAREHOLDERS
Each of the Principal Shareholders jointly and severally (with respect to
their warranties and representations contained in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.9
inclusive) and each of the Minority Shareholders individually and severally but
not jointly (with respect to their individual warranties and representations
contained in paragraphs 3.1 through 3.5 inclusive), represents, warrants and
covenants to the Parent and Subco, as follows:
3.1 Enforceable Obligations. This Agreement and the other agreements,
-----------------------
documents and instruments entered into by each of the Shareholders in connection
with this Agreement (the "Shareholder Documents") have been duly executed and
delivered by the applicable Shareholder, and constitute, the legal, valid and
binding obligations of the applicable Shareholder, enforceable against him or
her in accordance with their respective terms except as the enforceability
thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance,
reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws.
3.2 Authority; Ownership. Each Shareholder has the full legal right,
--------------------
power and capacity or authority to enter into this Agreement and each
Shareholder owns of record all of the shares of capital stock of the Company
identified on Schedule 3.2 as being owned by such Shareholder free and clear of
------------
any and all covenants, conditions, restrictions, voting arrangements,
stockholder or similar agreements, liens, charges, encumbrances, options and
adverse claims or rights whatsoever.
3.3 Validity of Contemplated Transactions. The execution, delivery and
-------------------------------------
performance of this Agreement and the Shareholder Documents by each Shareholder
does not and will not violate, conflict with or result in the breach of any
term, condition or provision of, or require the consent of any other person
under (a) any existing law, ordinance, or governmental rule or regulation to
which the Shareholder is subject, (b) any judgment, order, writ, injunction,
decree or award of any court, administrative or regulatory agency or commission
or other governmental authority or instrumentality whether in the United States
or Canada, foreign (neither the United States nor Canada) or supranational (each
a "Governmental Entity") which is applicable to the Shareholder, or (c) any
mortgage, indenture, agreement, contract, commitment, lease, plan, Authorization
(as defined herein), or other instrument, document or understanding, oral or
written, to which such Shareholder is a party, by which the Shareholder may have
rights or by which any of the properties or assets of the Shareholder may be
bound or affected, or give any party with rights thereunder the right to
terminate, modify, accelerate or otherwise change the existing rights or
obligations thereunder.
3.4 Consents and Approvals. Neither the execution and delivery by the
----------------------
Shareholders of the Agreement or the Shareholder Documents, nor the performance
of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, require the consent or
approval of any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership,
estate, trust, sole proprietorship, unincorporated society or association, or
any entity or organization, including a government or political subdivision or
an agency or instrumentality thereof (each a "Person") nor constitute a default
obligation to arise under (a) any law or court order to which the Shareholders
are subject, (b) any Contract (as defined herein) or other document to which the
Shareholders are a party.
3.5 Authorizations. None of the Shareholders owns or has any
--------------
proprietary, financial or other interest (direct or indirect except solely as a
Shareholder) in any Authorization (as defined herein) which the Company owns,
possesses or uses in the operation of its business as now or previously
conducted.
3.6 Accounts and Notes Receivable, etc. There are no outstanding
-----------------------------------
Company receivables from or advances to the Shareholders. There is no contest,
claim, counterclaim, defense or right of set-off with respect to any amounts
owing from the Shareholders to the Company.
3
<PAGE>
3.7 Litigation. (a) No litigation, including any arbitration,
----------
investigation or other proceeding of or before any court, arbitrator or
governmental or regulatory official, body or authority is pending or, to the
knowledge of the Shareholders, threatened against the Company which relates to
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) No litigation, including any arbitration, investigation or other
proceeding of or before any court, arbitrator or governmental or regulatory
official, body or authority is pending or, to the knowledge of the Shareholders,
threatened against the Company or which relates to the Company.
(c) None of the Shareholders knows of any reasonably likely basis for
any litigation, arbitration, investigation or proceeding referred to in Sections
3.7(a) or (b).
3.8 Brokers. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.8, none of the
------- ------------
Shareholders have, on their individual behalf or on behalf of the Company,
employed any broker, financial advisor or finder or incurred any liability for
any brokerage fees, commissions, or finder's fees in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
3.9 Investment Representations. Each of the Shareholders (other than
--------------------------
Ronald Randall) declares and certifies that he or she is not a non-resident of
Canada within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada).
4. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
As of the Closing Date, the Company represents, warrants and covenants to
the Parent and Subco, as follows (for purposes of this Agreement, any references
to the "knowledge of the Company," the "Company's knowledge" or words to that
effect shall refer to the knowledge of Robert A. Kafato and Joan A. Kafato
after due inquiry):
4.1 Corporate existence. The Company is a corporation duly
-------------------
incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
Province of Manitoba, with full power and authority to conduct its business as
now conducted and as currently proposed to be conducted and to own, use and
lease its assets and properties. The Company is duly qualified to do business
and is in good standing as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction where the
conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified. All of the
jurisdictions in which the Company is duly qualified to do business are listed
on Schedule 4.1.
------------
4.2 Corporate Power; Authorization; Enforceable Obligations. The
-------------------------------------------------------
Company has the corporate power, authority and legal right to execute and
deliver this Agreement and to perform the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the
Company has been duly authorized by the Board of Directors and no further
corporate action on the part of the Company is necessary to authorize this
Agreement and the performance of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company, and
constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable
against it in accordance with its terms, except as the enforceability thereof
may be limited by bankruptcy thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws relating
to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by general principles of
equity.
4.3 Authority; Ownership. Attached hereto as Schedule 3.2 is a true,
-------------------- ------------
accurate and correct shareholders' list setting forth the number of Shares owned
beneficially and of record by each Shareholder as of the date of this Agreement,
including the residential addresses of all such Shareholders.
4.4 Validity of Contemplated Transactions. The execution, delivery and
-------------------------------------
performance of this Agreement, by the Company does not and will not violate,
conflict with or result in the breach of any term, condition or provision of, or
require the consent of any other person under (a) any existing law, ordinance,
or governmental rule or regulation to which the Company is subject, (b) any
judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree or award of any Governmental Entity
which is applicable to the Company, (c) the articles, certificates, by-laws
and/or other charter and organizational documents (the "Charter Documents") of
the Company or any securities
4
<PAGE>
issued by the Company, or (d) any mortgage, indenture, agreement, contract,
commitment, lease, plan, Authorization, or other instrument, document or
understanding, oral or written, to which the Company is a party, by which the
Company may have rights or by which any of the properties or assets of the
Company may be bound or affected, or give any party with rights thereunder the
right to terminate, modify, accelerate or otherwise change the existing rights
or obligations of the Company thereunder.
4.5 Capitalization of the Company.
-----------------------------
(a) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of an
unlimited number of shares of one class (the "Company Stock"), of which 100
shares are currently issued and outstanding.
(b) All of the issued and outstanding shares of Company Stock are duly
authorized and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, are owned of record
and beneficially by the Shareholders and are and will have been offered, issued,
sold and delivered by the Company in compliance with all applicable securities
laws concerning the offering, sale or issuance of securities. None of such
shares are or will have been, and none of the shares from which they will have
derived were issued in violation of the preemptive rights of any past or present
shareholder, whether contractual or statutory.
4.6 Transactions in Capital Stock. The Company has no shares held in
-----------------------------
treasury. The Company has no obligation (contingent or otherwise) to purchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire any of its equity securities or any interests
therein or to pay any dividend or make any distribution in respect thereof.
4.7 No Subsidiaries, etc. The Company has no subsidiaries and, does not
---------------------
own, of record or beneficially, or control, directly or indirectly, any capital
stock, any securities convertible into capital stock or any other equity
interest in any corporation, association or other business entity, nor is,
directly or indirectly, a participant in any joint venture, partnership or other
noncorporate entity.
4.8 Predecessor Status, etc. Schedule 4.8 lists all names of all
------------------------ ------------
predecessor companies of the Company, including the names of all entities from
whom the Company previously acquired substantially all of the assets of that
entity. The Company has not been a subsidiary or division of another corporation
or been a part of an acquisition which was later rescinded.
4.9 Consents and Approvals. Neither the execution and delivery by the
----------------------
Company of the Agreement, nor the performance of the transactions contemplated
hereby, require any filing with or consent or approval of any Governmental
Entity or any other third party nor constitute a default or cause any payment
obligation to arise under (a) any law or court order to which the Company is
subject, (b) the Charter Documents of the Company or (c) any Contract,
governmental Permit or other document to which the Company is a party or by
which the properties or other assets the Company may be subject.
4.10 Third-party Options, Warrants, etc. There are no existing
-----------------------------------
agreements, options, warrants, conversion rights, convertible notes, commitments
or any other rights of any kind with, of or to any Person which obligates the
Company to issue any of its respective capital stock or which confers upon
Person any right to acquire any of the properties, assets or rights of the
Company or any interest therein.
4.11 Financial Statements. Attached hereto as Schedule 4.11 are true,
-------------------- -------------
accurate and correct copies of the: (i) audited financial statements of the
Company for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, including without
limitation, the balance sheet, statements of operation, cash flows and changes
in stockholders' equity for the fiscal year then ended; and (ii) the unaudited
financial statements of the Company for the nine-month period ended June 30,
1999, including without limitation, the balance sheet, statements of operation,
cash flows and changes in stockholders' equity for the period then ended each
certified by Arthur Andersen, independent public accountants, together with the
reports of such independent public accountants thereon (collectively, the
"Financial Statements").
To the knowledge of the Company, the Financial Statements have been
prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, consistently applied throughout the
periods involved and including the related notes, fairly present the financial
position, assets and liabilities (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or
otherwise) of the Company at the
5
<PAGE>
dates indicated and such statements of income, cash flows and changes in
stockholders' equity fairly present the results of operations, cash flows and
changes in stockholders' equity of the Company for the periods indicated. The
Financial Statements, as of the delivery date and as of the Closing Date, fairly
and accurately present the financial position of the Company at the dates
indicated, and such statements of income, cash flows and changes in
stockholders' equity fairly present the results of operations, cash flows and
changes in stockholders' equity for the periods indicated, except for normal
recurring year-end adjustments which are not expected to be material in amount
and except for the addition of required footnotes thereto.
4.12 Liabilities and Obligations. The Company is not liable for or
---------------------------
subject to any liability except for: (i) those liabilities and obligations
adequately and specifically disclosed in the Financial Statements and not
heretofore paid or discharged; and (ii) those liabilities and obligations
incurred, consistent with past practice, in the ordinary course of its business
and either not required to be shown in the Financial Statements or arising since
June 30, 1999, which liabilities and obligations in the aggregate are of a
character and magnitude consistent with its past practice. For purposes of this
Agreement, "liabilities" means liabilities of any kind, character or
description, whether accrued or unaccrued, absolute, secured or unsecured,
contingent or otherwise.
4.13 Accounts and Notes Receivable. The Financial Statements present
-----------------------------
fairly the accounts and notes receivable of the Company (including, without
limitation, receivables from and advances to employees and Shareholders
("Shareholder/Employee Notes Receivable")) (collectively, the "Accounts
Receivable"). No amounts are outstanding under the Shareholder/Employee Notes
Receivable. All Accounts Receivable represent valid obligations arising from
bona fide business transactions in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice. The Accounts Receivable are, and as of the Closing Date
will be, collectible net of any respective reserves shown on the Company's books
and records (which reserves are adequate and calculated consistent with past
practice). Subject in the case of Accounts Receivable reflected on the
Company's balance sheet to such reserves reflected on such balance sheet, each
of the Accounts Receivable will be collected in full in the ordinary course of
business. There is no contest, claim, counterclaim, defense or right of set-
off, other than rebates and returns in the ordinary course of business, under
any contract with any obligor of any Account Receivable relating to the amount
or validity of such Account Receivable. The allowance for collection losses in
the Financial Statements has been determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP
consistently applied in accordance with past practice.
4.14 Permits. To the Company's knowledge, all material permits,
-------
licenses, franchises, approvals and authorizations from any Governmental Entity
that are owned or held by the Company, or held by any Shareholder that relate to
the business, property or operations of the Company (each a "Permit"), together
with the name of the Governmental Entity issuing such Permit is set forth on
Schedule 4.14. Such Permits are valid and in full force and effect and none of
- -------------
such Permits will be terminated or impaired or become terminable as a result of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Company has all permits
necessary for the conduct of its business.
4.15 Real and Personal Property. Attached hereto as Schedule 4.15 is an
-------------------------- -------------
accurate list, including substantially complete descriptions as of June 30,
1999, of all the real and personal property (which in the case of personal
property had an original cost in excess of $7,500 owned or leased by the Company
where the Company is a lessee or sublessee, including true and correct copies of
leases for equipment and properties on which are situated buildings, warehouses
and other structures used in the operation of the business of the Company and
including an indication as to which assets were formerly owned by any
Shareholder. All of the equipment and other material items of tangible property
and assets owned or leased by the Company are in good operating condition and
repair, subject to normal wear and maintenance, are usable in the regular and
ordinary course of business and conform to all applicable laws, ordinances,
codes, rules and regulations, and Authorizations relating to their construction,
use and operation. All leases set forth on Schedule 4.15 have been duly
-------------
authorized, executed and delivered and constitute the legal, valid and binding
obligations of the Company and no other party to any such leases is in default
thereunder and, to the best of the Company's knowledge, such leases constitute
the legal, valid and binding obligations of such other parties. All fixed
assets used by the Company in the operation of its business are either owned by
the Company or leased under an agreement set forth on Schedule 4.15. The
-------------
Company has indicated on Schedule 4.15 a summary description of all plans or
-------------
projects involving the opening of new operations, expansion of any existing
operations or the acquisition of any real property or existing business to which
management of the Company has
6
<PAGE>
devoted any significant effort or expenditure in the one-year period prior to
the date of this Agreement which, if pursued by the Company would require
additional expenditures of significant efforts or capital.
4.16 Contracts and Commitments. Schedule 4.16 sets forth an accurate,
------------------------- -------------
correct and complete list of all agreements, contracts, commitments,
arrangements and understandings, written or oral, including all amendments and
supplements thereto, of the Company (the "Contracts"), to which the Company is a
party or is bound, or by which any of its assets are bound, and which involve
any:
(a) agreement, contract, commitment, arrangement or understanding with
any present or former director, officer, employee or consultant with respect to
the employment, engagement, severance or termination of any such person;
(b) agreement, contract, commitment, arrangement or understanding for
the future purchase of, or payment for, supplies or products, or for the
performance of services by a third party involving in any one case $5,000 or
more;
(c) agreement, contract, commitment, arrangement or understanding to
sell or supply products or to perform services involving in any one case $5,000
or more;
(d) agreement, contract, commitment, arrangement or understanding
containing minimum requirements or "take or pay" provisions;
(e) agreement, contract, commitment, arrangement or understanding not
otherwise listed on Schedule 4.16 and continuing over a period of more than six
-------------
months from the date hereof or exceeding $5,000 in value;
(f) distribution, dealer, representative or sales agency agreement,
contract, commitment, arrangement or understanding;
(g) lease financing arrangements and financing contracts;
(h) agreement, contract, commitment, arrangement or understanding
containing a provision to indemnify any person or entity or assume any tax,
environmental or other liability;
(i) agreement, contract, commitment, arrangement or understanding with
federal, state, local, regulatory or other governmental entities;
(j) note, debenture, bond, equipment trust agreement, letter of credit
agreement, loan agreement or other contract or commitment for the borrowing or
lending of money or agreement or arrangement for a line of credit or guarantee,
pledge or undertaking of the indebtedness of any other person;
(k) agreement, contract, commitment, arrangement or understanding for
any charitable or political contribution;
(l) agreement, contract, commitment, arrangement or understanding for
any capital expenditure or leasehold improvement in excess of $5,000;
(m) agreement, contract, commitment, arrangement or understanding
limiting or restraining the Company, or any successor thereto, or any employee
of the Company, or any successor thereto, from engaging or competing in any
manner or in any business;
(n) license, franchise, distributorship or other agreement which
relates in whole or in part to any software, patent, trademark, trade name,
service mark or copyright or to any ideas, technical assistance or other know-
how of or used by the Company;
7
<PAGE>
(o) agreement, contract, commitment, arrangement or understanding to
which the Company, on the one hand, and any affiliate, officer, director or
shareholder of the Company, on the other hand, are parties; or
(p) material agreement, contract, commitment, arrangement or
understanding not made in the ordinary course of business.
Each of the Contracts listed on Schedule 4.16, or not required to be listed
-------------
therein because of the amount thereof, is valid and enforceable in accordance
with its terms; the Company is, and to the knowledge of the Company, all other
parties thereto are, in compliance with the provisions thereof. The Company is
not, and to the knowledge of the Company, no other party thereto is, in default
in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any material obligation,
covenant or condition contained therein; and no event has occurred which with or
without the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a
default thereunder. None of the rights of the Company under any Contract will
be impaired by the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and all
such rights will be enforceable after the Closing Date without the consent or
agreement of any other party. The Company has delivered accurate and complete
copies of each Contract to the Parent. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.16, no
-------------
Contract obligates any party to obtain any consent in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby.
4.17 Government Contracts. The Company is not now nor ever has been a
--------------------
party to any contract with any Governmental Entity.
4.18 Title to Real Property. The Company does not own nor has ever owned
----------------------
any interest in real property.
4.19 Insurance. The assets, properties and operations of the Company are
---------
not insured under any policies of general liability or other forms of insurance
whatsoever.
4.20 Employees. Schedule 4.20 contains the following with respect to the
--------- -------------
Company:
(a) a list of all employees of the Company (including name, title and
position);
(b) each such employee's date of hire and length of service; and
(c) the compensation (including terms of payment, bonuses,
commissions and deferred compensation, as well as any material benefits) of each
such employee.
(i) there are and have been no unresolved material violations of any Laws of any
Governmental Entity respecting the employment of any employees; (ii) there is no
unfair labor practice, charge or complaint pending, unresolved or, to the
knowledge of the Company, threatened before the National Labor Relations Board
or similar federal board in Canada or similar body in the Province of Manitoba;
(iii) there is no employment handbook, personnel policy manual, or similar
document that creates prospective employment rights or obligations; (iv) the
employees of the Company are not covered by any collective bargaining agreement;
(v) the Company has provided or will timely provide prior to Closing all
material notices required by law to be given prior to Closing to all local,
state, provincial, federal or national labor, wage-payment, equal employment
opportunity, unemployment insurance and related agencies; (vi) the Company has
paid or properly accrued in the ordinary course of business all wages and
compensation due to employees, including all vacations or vacation pay, holidays
or holiday pay, sick days or sick pay, and bonuses; and (vii) all employees of
the Company are legally able to work in Canada.
8
<PAGE>
4.21 Employee Benefit Plans and Arrangements.
---------------------------------------
(a) The Company (or its predecessors in interest) does not provide nor
has ever provided or maintained and is not required to maintain or provide for
any present or former officers, employees or directors of the Company any
"employee pension benefit plan" (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA,
hereinafter a "Pension Plan"), "employee welfare benefit plan" (as defined in
Section 3(1) of ERISA, hereinafter a "Welfare Plan") and any other plan or
arrangement (written or oral) relating to deferred compensation, bonus,
performance compensation, stock purchase, stock option, stock appreciation,
severance, vacation, sick leave, holiday pay, fringe benefits, personnel policy,
reimbursement program, incentive, insurance, welfare or similar plan, program,
policy or arrangement, in each case maintained or contributed to, or required to
be maintained or contributed to, by the Company or any other person or entity
that, together with the Company, is treated as a single employer under Section
414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (each,
together with the Company, a "Commonly Controlled Entity") for the benefit of
any present or former officer, employee or director.
(b) all benefit plans maintained or provided by the Company in Canada
to any present or former officers, employees or directors of the Company are in
material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and have been
operated in accordance with the plans' respective terms. There are no material
unfunded liabilities under or in respect of such plans, and all contributions or
other payments required to be made to or in respect of such plans prior to the
Closing Date have been made or will be made prior to the Closing Date.
4.22 Compliance with Law; Authorizations. The Company has complied
-----------------------------------
with each, and is not in violation of any, law, ordinance, or governmental or
regulatory rule or regulation, whether federal, state, provincial, local or
foreign ("Regulations"), to which the Company's business, operations, assets or
properties is subject other than such violations which would not result,
individually or in the aggregate, in a material adverse effect on the business,
results, operations or financial condition of the Company. The Company owns,
holds, possesses or lawfully uses in the operation of its business all
franchises, licenses, permits, easements, rights, applications, filings,
registrations and other authorizations ("Authorizations") which are in any
manner necessary for it to conduct its business as now or previously conducted
or for the ownership and use of the assets owned or used by it in the conduct of
its business, free and clear of all liens, charges, restrictions and
encumbrances and in compliance with all Regulations. All such Authorizations
are listed and described on Schedule 4.22. The Company is not in default and
-------------
has not received any notice of any claim of default, with respect to any such
Authorization. All such Authorizations are renewable by their terms or in the
ordinary course of business without the need to comply with any special
qualification procedures or to pay any amounts other than routine filing fees.
None of such Authorizations will be adversely affected by consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby. No director, officer, employee or former
employee of the Company or any affiliates of the Company, or any other person,
firm or corporation, owns or has any proprietary, financial or other interest
(direct or indirect) in any Authorization which the Company owns, possesses or
uses in the operation of its business as now or previously conducted.
4.23 Transactions With Affiliates. Except as set forth in Schedule
---------------------------- --------
4.23, no Shareholder and no director, officer or employee of the Company, or any
- ----
member of his or her immediate family or any other of its, his or her
affiliates, owns or has a 5% or more ownership interest in any corporation or
other entity that is or was during the last three years a party to, or in any
property which is or was during the last three years the subject of, any
contract, agreement or understanding, business arrangement or relationship with
the Company.
4.24 Litigation. (a) No litigation, including any arbitration,
----------
investigation or other proceeding of or before any court, arbitrator or
governmental or regulatory official, body or authority is pending or, to the
knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company which relates to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) No litigation, including any arbitration, investigation or other
proceeding of or before any court, arbitrator or governmental or regulatory
official, body or authority is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company,
threatened against the Company or which relates to the Company.
(c) The Company knows of no reasonably likely basis for any
litigation, arbitration, investigation or proceeding referred to in Sections
4.24(a) or (b).
9
<PAGE>
(d) The Company is not a party to or subject to the provisions of any
judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree or award of any court, arbitrator or
governmental or regulatory official, body or authority.
4.25 Restrictions. The Company is not a party to any indenture, agreement,
------------
contract, commitment, lease, plan, license, permit, authorization or other
instrument, document or understanding, oral or written, or subject to any
charter or other corporate restriction or any judgment, order, writ, injunction,
decree or award which materially adversely affects or materially restricts or,
so far as the Company can now reasonably foresee, may in the future materially
adversely affect or materially restrict, the business, operations, assets,
properties, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company after
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
4.26 Taxes. The Company has duly filed (or caused to be filed) all tax
-----
returns, reports and information statements required to be filed under United
States or Canadian federal, provincial, state or local laws or any foreign (i.e.
neither Canadian or United States) laws, which returns, reports and statements
are true, correct and complete in all material respects, and paid all taxes
required to be paid. All taxes required to be paid in respect of the periods
covered by such returns ("Return Periods") have either been paid or fully
accrued on the books of the Company. The Company has fully accrued all unpaid
taxes in respect of all periods (or the portion of any such periods) subsequent
to the Return Periods. There is no material difference between the amounts of
the book basis and the tax basis of any assets of the Company and its
Subsidiaries that is not reflected in an appropriate accrual of deferred tax
liability on the books of the Company. No deficiencies or adjustments in
respect of taxes payable by the Company have been claimed, proposed or assessed,
or to the best of the Company's knowledge, threatened. Schedule 4.16 accurately
-------------
sets forth the last year for which the Company's federal, provincial and state
income tax returns, respectively, have been audited and any years which are the
subject of a pending audit by the Internal Revenue Service or Revenue Canada and
any applicable provincial, state or local agencies. Except as so disclosed, the
Company is not subject to any pending or, to the best of the Company's
knowledge, threatened, tax investigation, audit or examination. The Financial
Statements contain adequate accruals for all unpaid taxes. For the purposes of
this Agreement, the terms "tax" and "taxes" shall include all United States and
Canadian federal, provincial, state, local or foreign (other than United States
or Canada) taxes, assessments, duties, tariffs, registration fees, and other
governmental charges including without limitation all income, franchise,
property, production, sales, use, payroll, license, windfall profits, severance,
withholding, excise, gross receipts and other taxes, as well as any interest,
additions or penalties relating thereto and any interest in respect of such
additions or penalties. The Company has provided Parent or its designated
representative true and correct copies of all tax returns, information
statements, reports and work papers. The Company has also provided all other
tax data reasonably requested by Parent.
There are no liens for taxes upon the assets of the Company except for
taxes that are not yet payable. The Company has not entered into any
agreements, waivers or other arrangements in respect of the statute of
limitations in respect of its taxes or tax returns. The Company has withheld
all taxes required to be withheld in respect of wages, salaries and other
payments to all employees, officers and directors, and in respect of payments to
any person that is not a Canadian resident and timely paid all such amounts
withheld to the proper taxing authority. The Company has neither collected nor
remitted Goods and Services Taxes (as defined under the Excise Tax Act Canada)
or retail sales tax and, to the best of knowledge of the Company, is not
obligated to do so.
4.27 Intellectual Property Matters.
-----------------------------
(a) The Company has utilized or currently utilizes only those patents,
trademarks, trade names, service marks, copyrights, software, trade secrets or
know-how listed on Schedule 4.27 (the "Intellectual Property"), all of which
-------------
are licensed by the Company or are in the public domain. The Intellectual
Property constitutes all such assets, properties and rights which are used or
held for use in, and are necessary for, the conduct of the business of the
Company, as such business is now conducted and as proposed to be conducted.
(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.27, there are no royalty,
-------------
commission, options, or similar arrangements, and no licenses, sublicenses or
agreements, pertaining to any of the Intellectual Property or products or
services of the Company.
10
<PAGE>
(c) The Company does not infringe upon or unlawfully or wrongfully use
any patent, trademark, trade name, service mark, copyright or trade secret owned
or claimed by another. No action, suit, proceeding or investigation has been
instituted or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened relating to any,
patent, trademark, trade name, service mark, copyright or trade secret formerly
or currently used by the Company. The Company has not agreed to indemnify any
person or entity for or against any infringement of or by the Intellectual
Property.
(d) No present or former employee of the Company and no other person
or entity owns or has any proprietary, financial or other interest, direct or
indirect, in whole or in part, in any patent, trademark, trade name, service
mark or copyright, or in any application therefor, or in any trade secret, which
the Company owns, possesses or uses in its business as now or heretofore
conducted. Schedule 4.27 lists all confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements
--------------
currently in force and effect to which the Company or any of its employees is a
party.
(e) Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.27, all technology owned,
-------------
developed, licensed, or used in connection with the Company, or the Company's
suppliers and vendors, (including, but not limited to, information systems and
technology, commercial and noncommercial hardware and software, firmware,
mechanical or electrical products, embedded systems, or any other electro-
mechanical or processor-based system, whether as part of a desktop system,
office system, building system or otherwise) (collectively, the "Technology"),
is Year 2000 Compliant (as defined below).
"Year 2000 Compliant" means that the Technology does not and will not, without
requiring any modifications, experience any malfunctions, premature cancellation
or expiration of contractual rights or deletion of data, or any other problems
in connection with (i) the year 2000 as distinct from 1900's years, (ii) the
date February 29, 2000, (iii) the date September 9, 1999, or (iv) any other date
before, on, or after January 1, 2000 and ending on December 31, 2000.
4.28 Completeness; No Violations. The certified copies of the Charter
---------------------------
Documents, as amended to date, of the Company, and the copies of all leases,
instruments, agreements, licenses, permits, certificates or other documents
which are included on schedules attached hereto or which have been delivered or
which have been made available to the Parent in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby, are complete and correct; neither the Company nor any
other party to any of the foregoing is in material default thereunder; and,
except as set forth in the schedules and documents attached to this Agreement,
the rights and benefits of the Company thereunder will not be materially and
adversely affected by the transactions contemplated hereby, and the execution of
this Agreement and the performance of the obligations hereunder will not result
in a material violation or breach or constitute a material default under any of
the terms or provisions thereof. None of such leases, instruments, agreements,
contracts, licenses, permits, certificates or other documents requires notice
to, or the consent or approval of, any governmental agency or other third party
to any of the transactions contemplated hereby to remain in full force and
effect. The consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not give
rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration or result in the
loss of any right or benefit thereunder.
4.29 Absence of Changes. Since June 30, 1999, the Company has not:
------------------
(a) incurred any liabilities, other than liabilities incurred in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, or discharged or
satisfied any lien or encumbrance, or paid any liabilities, other than in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, or failed to pay or
discharge when due any liabilities of which the failure to pay or discharge has
caused or will cause any material damage or risk of material loss to it or any
of its assets or properties;
(b) sold, encumbered, assigned or transferred any assets, properties
or rights or any interest therein, except for the sales in the ordinary course
of business consistent with past practice, or made any agreement or commitment
or granted any option or right with, of or to any person to acquire any assets,
properties or rights of the Company or any interest therein;
11
<PAGE>
(c) created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed any indebtedness for
money borrowed, or mortgaged, pledged or subjected any of its assets to any
mortgage, lien, pledge, security interest, conditional sales contract or other
encumbrance of any nature whatsoever, except in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice;
(d) made or suffered any amendment or termination of any material
agreement, contract, commitment, lease or plan to which it is a party or by
which it is bound, or canceled, modified or waived any substantial debts or
claims held by it or waived any rights of substantial value, whether or not in
the ordinary course of business;
(e) declared, set aside or paid any dividend or made or agreed to make
any other distribution or payment in respect of its capital shares or redeemed,
purchased or otherwise acquired or agreed to redeem, purchase or acquire any of
its shares of capital stock or other ownership interests;
(f) suffered any damage, destruction or loss, whether or not covered
by insurance, (i) materially and adversely affecting its business, operations,
assets, properties or prospects or (ii) of any item or items carried on its
books of account individually or in the aggregate at more than $5,000, or
suffered any repeated, recurring or prolonged shortage, cessation or
interruption of supplies or utility or other services required to conduct its
business and operations;
(g) suffered any material adverse change in its business, operations,
assets, properties, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise);
(h) made commitments or agreements for capital expenditures or capital
additions or betterments exceeding in the aggregate $5,000, except such as may
be involved in ordinary repair, maintenance or replacement of its assets;
(i) increased the salaries or other compensation of, or made any
advance (excluding advances for ordinary and necessary business expenses) or
loan to, any of its employees, or their respective family members or made any
increase in, or any addition to, other benefits to which any of its employees
may be entitled, except with respect to non-officer employees of the Company
consistent with practice in the ordinary course of business;
(j) changed any of the accounting principles followed by it or the
methods of applying such principles (other than as required pursuant to this
Agreement);
(k) entered into any transaction other than in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice;
(l) changed its authorized capital or its securities outstanding or
otherwise changed its ownership interests, or granted any options, warrants,
calls, conversion rights or commitments with respect to any of its capital stock
or other ownership interests; or
(m) agreed to take any of the actions referred to above.
4.30 Deposit Accounts; Powers of Attorney. Attached hereto as Schedule
------------------------------------ --------
4.30 is an accurate list of:
- ----
(a) the name of each financial institution in which the Company has
accounts or safe deposit boxes;
(b) the names in which the accounts or boxes are held;
(c) the type of account;
12
<PAGE>
(d) the name of each person authorized to draw thereon or have access
thereto; and
(e) the name of each person, corporation, firm or other entity holding
a general or special power of attorney from the Company and a description of the
terms of such power.
4.31 Books of Account. The books, records and accounts of the Company
----------------
accurately and fairly reflect, in reasonable detail, the transactions and the
assets and liabilities of the Company. The Company has not engaged in any
transaction, maintained any bank account or used any of the funds of the Company
except for transactions, bank accounts and funds which have been and are
reflected in the normally maintained books and records of the business.
4.32 Environmental Matters.
---------------------
(a) All property owned, leased or occupied by the Company and the
businesses conducted thereon by the Company are in compliance with all
Environmental Laws; the Company has accurately disclosed all information and
filed all notices or reports required under any Environmental Laws (if any) to
the environmental Governmental Entities. Company does not require any Permits
for the operation of their businesses under Environmental Laws.
(b) No Contaminant has been released into the environment by the
Company, or deposited, discharged, placed or disposed of in contravention of any
Environmental Laws by the Company at, on or near any property owned, leased or
occupied by the Company or by any other person in contravention of any
Environmental Law. No Company property has been used at any time by any person
as a landfill or waste disposal site.
(c) The Company has not used, handled, treated, stored, recycled,
transported or disposed of any Contaminant on any property owned, leased or
occupied by the Company in contravention of any Environmental Law.
(d) The Company has not received any written notice, namely a notice
of correction, notice of infraction or Order issued under any Environmental Law
from any Governmental Entity or court.
(e) The Company has not received any written claim, demand or suit
from any third person alleging that the Company property or the operations or
activities carried out thereon is not in compliance with Environmental Laws.
(f) The Company has not received any written notice of claim or other
written notification that it is or may be subject to or responsible for any
cleanup or other remediation of a Contaminant present on any Company property.
(g) There have been no environmental inspections, investigations,
studies, audits, tests, reviews or other analyses, the purpose of which was to
discover, identify or otherwise characterize the condition of the soil,
groundwater, air, or presence of asbestos, PCB materials or urea formaldehyde at
any property owned, leased or occupied by Company.
(h) There is not asbestos present in any property presently owned,
leased or operated by Company and no asbestos has been removed from any Company
property while such property was owned, leased or operated by Company.
(i) There is no PCB or urea Formaldehyde insulation present on any
property presently owned, leased or operated by the Company whether above
ground, underground or within a structure thereon.
(j) There are no underground storage tanks, active or abandoned, on,
in or under any property and no underground storage tanks have been closed or
removed from any property which are or have been owned, leased or occupied by
the Company.
13
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"Contaminant" means any substance, waste, solid, liquid or gaseous matter
deemed hazardous, dangerous or toxic, any hazardous waste, any solid waste, any
pollutant or any contaminant under any Environmental Laws.
"Environmental Laws" means all applicable United States or Canadian
federal, provincial, state, municipal, regional or local statute, regulation,
Order, bylaw, policy, directive or Permit relating to the environment or its
protection, including without limitation The Environment Act (Manitoba) and The
Dangerous Goods and Transportation Act (Manitoba) and the Canadian Environmental
Protection Act (Canada).
"Order" means legally binding orders, decisions, directives, declarations,
injunctions, decrees, writs, judgments, rulings, awards or the like rendered by
any Governmental Entity, court or arbitrator having jurisdiction.
4.33 No Illegal Payments. None of the Company nor any affiliate, officer,
-------------------
agent or employee thereof, directly or indirectly, has, on behalf of or with
respect to the Company or any affiliate thereof, (a) made any unlawful political
contributions in the United States, Canada or any foreign (neither the United
States nor Canada) country, (b) made any payment or provided services which were
not legal to make or provide or which the Company or any such officer, agent or
employee should have known were not legal for the payee or the recipient of such
services to receive, (c) received any payment or any services which were not
legal for the payer or the provider of such services to make or provide, (d)
made any payment to any person or entity, or agent or employee thereof, in
connection with any Lease (as hereinafter defined) to induce such person or
entity to enter into a Lease transaction, (e) had any transactions or payments
related to the Company which are not recorded in their accounting books and
records or (f) had any off-book bank or cash accounts or "slush funds" related
to the Company.
4.34 Disclosure. The Company has delivered to the Parent true and
----------
complete copies of each agreement, contract, commitment or other document (or,
in the case of any such document not in the possession of or reasonably
available to the Company or a Shareholder, accurate and complete summaries
thereof) that is referred to in the schedules to this Agreement or that has been
requested by the Parent or its representatives. Without limiting any exclusion,
exception or other limitation contained in any of the representations and
warranties made herein, this Agreement and the schedules hereto do not and will
not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements herein and therein not misleading in light
of the circumstances in which they were made. If the Company becomes aware of
any fact or circumstance that would change a representation or warranty in this
Agreement or any representation made on behalf of the Company, then the Company
shall immediately give notice of such fact or circumstance to the Parent.
However, such notification shall not relieve the Company of its obligations
under this Agreement, and at the sole option of the Parent, the truth and
accuracy of any and all warranties and representations of the Company at the
date of this Agreement and at the Closing, shall be a precondition to the
consummation of this transaction.
4.35 Inventory and Equipment. All inventory and equipment of the
-----------------------
Company reflected on the Financial Statements, and all inventory and equipment
owned by the Company was acquired and has been maintained in accordance with the
regular business practices of the Company, consists of items of a quality and
quantity useable in the ordinary course of its business consistent with past
practice, and is valued in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles applied on a consistent basis; no significant amount of such
inventory or equipment is obsolete.
4.36 Corporate Records. The minute books of the Company contain
-----------------
complete, correct and current copies of its Charter Documents and the records of
all minutes of meetings, resolutions and other proceedings of its Board of
Directors and shareholders set forth in such minute books are accurate. The
stock record books of the Company are complete, correct and current.
4.37 Advertising Commitments. Schedule 4.37 is a true, correct and
----------------------- -------------
complete list of all the commitments of the Company to third parties to provide
advertising on each Website (as defined below) pursuant to which they are
unbilled, partially billed or unfulfilled obligations and included in such
schedule shall be with respect to each such commitment the name of the
advertising party, any amounts unbilled to or unpaid by such party and the terms
of the obligation to provide advertising on each Website (as defined below).
14
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4.38 Customers. The Company has used reasonable business efforts to
---------
maintain, and currently maintains, good working relationships with all of its
customers. None of such customers has given the Company written notice
terminating, canceling or threatening to terminate or cancel any material
Contract or relationship with the Company.
4.39 Website Traffic statements. Attached as Schedule 4.39 are true and
-------------------------- -------------
complete copies of all statements of traffic (certified by an officer of the
Company) (the "Traffic Statements") for each of the Internet Website developed,
owned and operated by the Company named Labx.com and MedDeals.com, respectively
(each a "Website"). The Traffic Statements present fairly the traffic of users
and visitors to each Website for the periods indicated.
4.40 Product Warranties.
------------------
(a) The Company does not have any unexpired expressed or implied
product warranty with respect to any product that it manufactures or sells or
that it has heretofore manufactured or sold.
(b) The Company has not received any notice of any claim based on any
product warranty.
(c) The Company does not know nor has any reasonable ground to know of
any claim (actual or threatened) based on any product warranty. The Company
does not make any other warranties expressed or implied, with respect to any of
the products that it manufactures or sells.
4.41 No Defective Products. The Company has not manufactured, sold or
---------------------
supplied any products or services which are, have or, to the knowledge of the
Company, will become in any material respect faulty or defective or which do not
comply in any material respect with any warranty or representation expressly or
impliedly made by it, or with all laws, regulations, standards and requirements
applicable to such products or the provision of such services.
4.42 Brokers. Except as described in Schedule 3.8, none of the Company
------- ------------
nor any of its officers, directors or employees have employed any broker,
financial advisor or finder or incurred any liability for any brokerage fees,
commissions or finder's fees in connection with the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.
50 REPRESENTATIONS OF THE PARENT AND SUBCO
As of the Closing Date, the Parent and Subco, jointly and severally,
represent and warrant to the Shareholders as follows. As used in this
Agreement, any reference to any event, change or effect being material or having
a material adverse effect on or with respect to the Parent means such event,
change or effect is materially adverse to the financial condition, properties,
business or results of operations of the Parent and its subsidiaries, taken as a
whole, it being understood that a change in the market price or trading volume
of the Parent's Common Stock shall be deemed by itself not to constitute a
material adverse effect.
5.1 Corporate Existence. The Parent is a corporation duly incorporated,
-------------------
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania and Subco is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of the Province of Manitoba, each with full
corporate power and authority to conduct its business as now conducted and as
currently proposed to be conducted and to own, use and lease its assets and
properties. Each of the Parent and Subco are duly qualified, licensed or
admitted to do business and are in good standing in each jurisdiction in which
the ownership, use, licensing or leasing of its assets and properties, or the
conduct or nature of its business, makes such qualification, licensing or
admission necessary, except for such failures to be so duly qualified, licensed
or admitted and in good standing that would not reasonably be expected to have a
material adverse effect on the business or condition of the Parent.
15
<PAGE>
5.2 Corporate Power and Authorization. Each of the Parent and Subco has
---------------------------------
full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the
Pledge of Stock and Security Agreement, the Securities Escrow Agreement, the
Formation Agreement and the Consulting Agreement to which Parent and/or Subco is
a party, as the case may be (the "Parent Documents"), to perform their
obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby. The execution and delivery by the Parent and Subco of this Agreement
and the Parent Documents and the consummation by the Parent and Subco of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all
necessary actions by the Board of Directors of each of the Parent and Subco, and
no other action on the part of the Board of Directors of either the Parent or
Subco is required to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the consummation by the Parent and Subco of the transactions
contemplated hereby. This Agreement and the Parent Documents have been duly and
validly executed and delivered by the Parent and Subco and, assuming the due
authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the Company and the
Shareholders, constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Parent and
Subco enforceable against the Parent and Subco in accordance with their terms,
except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws relating
to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by general principles of
equity.
5.3 Consents and Approvals. Neither the execution and delivery by the
----------------------
Parent and Subco of this Agreement, nor the performance of the transactions
contemplated hereby, require any filing, consent or approval, constitute a
default or cause any payment obligation to arise under (a) any law or court
order to which the Parent or Subco is subject, (b) the Charter Documents of the
Parent or Subco, or (c) any contract, Governmental Permit or other document to
which any the Parent or Subco is a party or by which the properties or other
assets of the Parent or Subco may be subject.
5.4 Parent Common Stock. The shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued
-------------------
pursuant to this Agreement have been duly authorized, and when issued pursuant
to this Agreement will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
5.5 No Conflicts. The execution and delivery by the Parent and Subco of
------------
this Agreement does not, and the performance by the Parent and Subco of its
respective obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not:
(a) conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any of the
terms, conditions or provisions of the Charter Documents of the Parent or Subco;
or
(b) conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any law or
order applicable to the Parent or Subco or their respective assets or
properties, except as would not be reasonably expected to have material adverse
effect on the business or condition of the Parent or Subco.
5.6 Brokers. Neither the Parent or Subco or any of their respective
-------
officers, directors or employees have employed any broker, financial advisor or
finder or incurred any liability for any brokerage fees, commissions or finder's
fees in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
60 CONDITIONS TO THE CLOSING
6.1 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party to Effect the Closing. The
-------------------------------------------------------------
respective obligations of each party to this Agreement to effect the Closing
shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing of the following
conditions:
(a) Governmental Entity Approvals. Approvals from any Governmental
-----------------------------
Entity (if any) deemed appropriate or necessary by any party to this Agreement
shall have been timely obtained.
(b) No Injunctions or Regulatory Restraints; Illegality. No temporary
---------------------------------------------------
restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by
any court of competent jurisdiction or Governmental Entity or other legal or
regulatory restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the Agreement
shall be in
16
<PAGE>
effect; nor shall there be any action taken, or any law enacted,
entered, enforced or deemed applicable to this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated by the terms of this Agreement that would prohibit the consummation
of this Agreement or which would permit consummation of transactions
contemplated by this Agreement only if certain divestitures were made or if
Parent were to agree to limitations on its business activities or operations
(unless such divestitures would be required as a result of the acquisition of
another business entity by Parent after the date hereof).
6.2 Additional Conditions to Obligations of the Company and the
-----------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders. The obligations of the Company and the Shareholders hereunder
- ------------
shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing of each of
following conditions, any of which may be waived, in writing, exclusively by the
Company:
(a) Representations and Warranties. Each of the representations and
------------------------------
warranties made by Parent and Subco in this Agreement shall be true and correct
on and as of the Closing Date as though each such representation and warranty
was made on and as of the Closing Date, and any representation and warranty made
as of a specified date shall also have been true and correct on and as of such
earlier date, except where the failure of any such representations and
warranties to be true and correct (without regard to any materiality qualifier
contained therein and considered individually or in the aggregate) would not be
reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the business or
condition of Parent.
(b) Performance. Parent and Subco shall have performed and complied
-----------
with in all material respects each agreement, covenant and obligation required
by this Agreement to be so performed or complied with by the Parent or Subco at
or before the Closing, and the Company shall have received a certificate to such
effect signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Parent.
(c) Consulting Agreement. Parent and Robert A. Kafato shall have
--------------------
executed and delivered to each other the Consulting Agreement in the form
attached as Exhibit C hereto.
(d) Formation Agreement. Parent and Robert A. Kafato shall have
-------------------
executed and delivered to each other the Formation Agreement in the form
attached as Exhibit D hereto.
(e) Securities Escrow Agreement. Parent, the Escrow Agent and the
---------------------------
Shareholders shall have executed and delivered to each other the Securities
Escrow Agreement.
6.3 Additional Conditions to the Obligations of Parent and Subco. The
------------------------------------------------------------
obligations of Parent and Subco shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior
to the Closing of each of the following conditions, any of which may be waived,
in writing, exclusively by Parent or Subco, as the case may be:
(a) Representations and Warranties. Each of the representations and
------------------------------
warranties made by the Company and the Shareholders in this Agreement shall be
true and correct on and as of the Closing Date as though each such
representation and warranty made as of a specified date shall also have been
true and correct on and as of such earlier date, except where the failure of any
such representations and warranties to be true and correct (without regard to
any materiality qualifier contained therein and considered individually or in
the aggregate) would not be reasonably expected to have a material adverse
effect on the business or condition of the Company.
(b) Performance. The Company and the Shareholders shall have
-----------
performed and complied with in all material respects each agreement, covenant
and obligation required by this Agreement to be so performed or complied with by
the Company and the Shareholders on or before the Closing Date, and Parent and
Subco shall have received a certificate to such effect signed by the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company.
(c) Repayment of Indebtedness. Prior to and as of the Closing Date,
-------------------------
the Shareholders and the employees of the Company shall have repaid to the
Company in full all amounts owing to the Company by the Shareholders and the
employees of the Company and the Company shall have repaid to the Shareholders
and the employees of the Company in full all amounts owing to them by the
Company.
17
<PAGE>
(d) Pledge of Stock and Security Agreements. Parent and the
---------------------------------------
Shareholders shall have executed and delivered to each other the Pledge of Stock
and Security Agreements in the form attached as Exhibit B hereto.
(e) Consulting Agreement. Parent and Robert A. Kafato shall have
--------------------
executed and delivered to each other the Consulting Agreement in the form
attached as Exhibit C hereto.
(f) Formation Agreement. Parent and Robert A. Kafato shall have
-------------------
executed and delivered to each other the Formation Agreement in the form
attached as Exhibit D hereto.
(g) Securities Escrow Agreement. Parent and the Shareholders shall
---------------------------
have executed and delivered to each other the Securities Escrow Agreement.
(h) Release Agreement. The Company shall have delivered satisfactory
-----------------
evidence to Parent that all fees payable to, or any liability incurred in
respect of any broker, financial advisor or finder in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been fully paid or discharged
or otherwise secured for payment, to the satisfaction of Parent.
70 INDEMNIFICATION; SURVIVAL
7.1 General Indemnification by the Company and the Shareholders.
-----------------------------------------------------------
(a) Subject to the limitations contained in Section 7.4 hereof, each
of the Principal Shareholders jointly and severally, covenant and agree that
they will indemnify, defend, protect and hold harmless the Parent, Subco and
the Company and their respective officers, shareholders, directors, divisions,
subdivisions, affiliates, subsidiaries, parents, agents, employees, successors
and assigns at all times from and after the date of this Agreement until the
Expiration Date (as defined in Section 7.5) from and against all claims,
damages, losses, liabilities, actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments,
adjustments, costs and expenses (including specifically, but without limitation,
reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses of investigation) (collectively,
"Losses") incurred by the Parent, Subco or the Company as a result of or arising
from (i) any breach of the representations and warranties made by the Company or
the Principal Shareholders set forth herein or on the schedules or certificates
delivered in connection herewith; provided that any representation or warranty
of the Company or the Principal Shareholders qualified as to materiality or as
to "material adverse effect" or words to that effect shall be deemed not to be
so qualified for purposes of determining whether a breach of such representation
or warranty shall have occurred for purposes of this Article 7; (ii) any
nonfulfillment of any covenant or agreement on the part of the Shareholders or
the Company under this Agreement, provided that any covenant or agreement of the
Company or the Principal Shareholders qualified as to materiality or as to
"material adverse effect" or words to that effect shall be deemed not to be so
qualified for purposes of determining whether a breach of such covenant or
agreement shall have occurred for purposes of this Article 7; (iii) the
business, operations or assets of the Company prior to the Closing Date or the
actions or omissions of the Company's directors, officers, shareholders,
employees or agents prior to the Closing Date, other than Losses arising from
matters expressly disclosed in the Financial Statements, this Agreement or the
Schedules to this Agreement, or incurred by the Company in the ordinary course
of business, (iv) any liability or Losses in connection with the failure by the
Company to withhold or pay payroll Taxes prior to the Closing Date, or (v) any
claims or litigation involving the Company which are pending or, to the
knowledge of the Company, threatened prior to the Closing Date, or (vi) any
liability under the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act"), The Securities Act (Manitoba) or other federal or
state law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, arising out of or based
upon (A) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
relating to the Company or the Shareholders contained in any preliminary
prospectus, registration statement or any prospectus forming a part thereof, or
any amendment thereof or supplement thereto (including any additional
registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act),
which statement was provided or was based upon information or documents provided
to the Parent or its counsel by the Company or the Shareholders, or (B) any
omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact relating to the
Company or the Shareholders required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading, which information was not provided to the
Parent or its counsel by the Company or the Shareholders;
18
<PAGE>
provided, however, that such indemnity shall not inure to the benefit of the
Parent or Subco to the extent that such untrue statement (or alleged untrue
statement) was made in, or such omission (or alleged omission) occurred in, any
preliminary prospectus and the Shareholders provided, in writing, corrected
information to the Parent for inclusion in the final prospectus, and such
information was not so included.
(b) Subject to the limitations contained in Section 7.4 hereof, the
Minority Shareholders individually and separately, but not jointly, covenant and
agree that they will indemnify, defend, protect and hold harmless the Parent,
Subco and the Company and their respective officers, shareholders, directors,
divisions, subdivisions, affiliates, subsidiaries, parents, agents, employees,
successors and assigns at all times from and after the date of this Agreement
until the Expiration Date (as defined in Section 7.5) from and against all
Losses incurred by the Parent, Subco or the Company as a result of or arising
from (i) any breach of the representations and warranties made by the Minority
Shareholders set forth herein or on the schedules or certificates delivered in
connection herewith; provided that any representation or warranty of the
Minority Shareholders qualified as to materiality or as to "material adverse
effect" or words to that effect shall be deemed not to be so qualified for
purposes of determining whether a breach of such representation or warranty
shall have occurred for purposes of this Article 7; (ii) any nonfulfillment of
any covenant or agreement on the part of the Minority Shareholders under this
Agreement, provided that any covenant or agreement of the Company or the
Shareholders qualified as to materiality or as to "material adverse effect" or
words to that effect shall be deemed not to be so qualified for purposes of
determining whether a breach of such covenant or agreement shall have occurred
for purposes of this Article 7.
7.2 Indemnification by the Parent and Subco. Subject to the limitations
---------------------------------------
contained in Section 7.4 hereof, the Parent and Subco, jointly and severally,
covenant and agree that they will indemnify, defend, protect and hold harmless
the Shareholders, their respective heirs, personal representatives, and
successors at all times from and after the date of this Agreement from and
against all Losses incurred by the Shareholders as a result of or arising from
(a) any breach of the representations and warranties made by the Parent and
Subco set forth herein or on the schedules or certificates attached hereto or
(b) any nonfulfillment of any agreement on the part of the Parent and Subco
under this Agreement or (c) any liability under the Securities Act, the Exchange
Act, The Securities Act (Manitoba) or other federal or state law or regulation,
at common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of a material fact relating to the Parent and Subco
contained in any preliminary prospectus, registration statement or any
prospectus forming a part thereof, or any amendment thereof or supplement
thereto (including any registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b)
under the Securities Act), or arising out of or based upon any omission or
alleged omission to state therein a material fact relating to the Parent or
Subco required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
not misleading, which liability is not the subject of indemnification of the
Parent or Subco pursuant to Section 7 above.
7.3 Third-Party Claims.
------------------
(a) In order for a party hereto eligible to be indemnified hereunder
(an "Indemnified Party") to be entitled to any indemnification provided for
under this Agreement in respect of, arising out of or involving a claim or
demand made by any person or entity against the Indemnified Party (a "Third-
Party Claim"), such Indemnified Party must notify the parties obligated to
provide indemnification pursuant to Section 7.1 or 7.2 hereof (each, an
"Indemnifying Party") in writing, and in reasonable detail, of the Third-Party
Claim within 30 Business Days after receipt by such Indemnified Party of written
notice of the Third-Party Claim; provided, however, that failure to give such
notification shall not affect the indemnification provided hereunder except to
the extent the Indemnifying Party shall have been actually prejudiced as a
result of such failure. Such notice shall state the nature and the basis of
such claim and a reasonable estimate of the amount thereof. Thereafter, the
Indemnified Party shall deliver to the Indemnifying Party, within five Business
Days after the Indemnified Party's receipt thereof, copies of all notices and
documents (including court papers) received by the Indemnified Party relating to
the Third-Party Claim. To the extent the Indemnifying Party has actually paid
any amount to the Indemnified Party in respect of any Loss in connection with
such Third-Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall have a right of subrogation
with respect to such Third-Party Claim to the extent of such payment.
(b) The Indemnifying Party shall have right to defend and settle, at
its own expense and by its own counsel (provided that such counsel is not
reasonably objected to by the Indemnified Party), any Third-
19
<PAGE>
Party Claim as the Indemnifying Party pursues the same in good faith and
diligently and so long as the Third-Party Claim does not relate to an actual or
potential Loss to which Section 7.3(e) applies in which the Indemnified Party is
the Parent, Subco or the Company. If the Indemnifying Party undertakes to defend
or settle, it shall promptly notify the Indemnified Party of its intention to do
so, and the Indemnified Party shall cooperate with the Indemnifying Party and
its counsel in the defense thereof and in any settlement thereof. Such
cooperation shall include, but shall not be limited to, furnishing the
Indemnifying Party with any books, records or information reasonably requested
by the Indemnifying Party that are in the Indemnified Party's possession or
control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnified Party shall have the
right to participate in any matter through counsel of its own choosing at its
own expense (unless there is a conflict of interest that prevents counsel for
the Indemnifying Party from representing the Indemnified Party, in which case
the Indemnifying Party will reimburse the Indemnified Party for the expenses of
its counsel). After the Indemnifying Party has notified the Indemnified Party of
its intention to undertake to defend or settle any such asserted liability, and
for so long as the Indemnifying Party diligently pursues such defense, the
Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any additional legal expenses
incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with any defense or settlement
of such asserted liability, except to the extent such participation is requested
by the Indemnifying Party, in which event the Indemnified Party shall be
reimbursed by the Indemnifying Party for reasonable additional legal expenses
and out-of-pocket expenses, and except in the case of a Third-Party Claim
relating to an actual or potential Loss to which Section 7.3(e) applies in which
the Indemnified Party is the Parent or Subco.
(c) No Indemnifying Party shall, in the defense of any Third-Party
Claim, consent to entry of any judgment (other than a judgment of dismissal on
the merits without costs) or enter into any settlement, except with the written
consent of the Indemnified Party, which does not include as an unconditional
term thereof the giving by the claimant or the plaintiff to the Indemnified
Party of a release from all liability in respect of such claim or matter.
(d) If the Indemnifying Party does not assume the defense of any
Third-Party Claim, then the Indemnified Party may defend against such Third-
Party Claim in such manner as it deems appropriate at the expense of the
Indemnifying Party.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article 7, if at
any time, in the reasonable opinion of the Parent, Subco or the Company as the
Indemnified Party (notice of which opinion shall be given in writing to the
Indemnifying Party), any Third-Party Claim seeks material prospective relief
which could have an adverse effect on any such Indemnified Party or any
subsidiary, then such Indemnified Party shall have the right to control or
assume (as the case may be) the defense of any such Third-Party Claim and the
amount of any judgment or settlement and the reasonable costs and expenses of
defense (including, but not limited to, fees and disbursements of counsel and
experts, as well as any sampling, testing, investigation, removal, treatment or
remediation undertaken by the Parent or Subco and all counseling or engineering
fees and expenses related thereto) shall be included as part of the
indemnification obligations of the Indemnifying Party hereunder. If the
Indemnified Party elects to exercise such right, then the Indemnifying Party
shall have the right to participate in, but not control, the defense of such
Third-Party Claim at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party.
(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Article 7, the
Shareholders shall until July 29, 2001, at their option, have the right to
satisfy any claim for indemnification pursuant to Section 7.1 by paying a
minimum of one-third of the amount of the claim in cash, and the balance by the
payment to the Indemnified Party of Deferred Payment Shares which the parties
agree shall be valued for the purposes of satisfaction of such indemnified
claim, at $91.70, subject to any stock dividend, subdivisions,
reclassifications, split, combination or exchange of shares of Parent Common
Stock, upon which such amount shall be adjusted accordingly to reflect such
stock dividend, subdivision, reclassification, combination or exchange of
shares.
7.4 Limitations on Indemnification. No Indemnified Party shall assert
------------------------------
any claim (other than a Third-Party Claim) for indemnification hereunder until
such time as the aggregate of all claims which such Indemnified Party may have
against an Indemnifying Party shall equal twenty thousand ($20,000), at which
time an Indemnified Party shall be entitled to indemnification for the total
amount for which indemnification may be owing, excluding the first twenty
thousand ($20,000). For purposes of the preceding sentence, the Parent and
Subco shall
20
<PAGE>
be considered to be a single Indemnifying and Indemnified Party and
the Company and the Shareholders shall be considered to be a single Indemnifying
and Indemnified Party. Notwithstanding any other term of this Agreement, in no
event shall any Shareholder be liable under this Article 7 for an amount which
exceeds the aggregate value (determined at the Closing Date) of the Purchase
Price received by such Shareholder under this Agreement, and in no event (other
than as provided in the following sentence) shall the indemnification
obligations of the Company and the Shareholders herein exceed the Purchase Price
in the aggregate. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
Agreement, the limitations upon indemnification contained in this Section 7.4
shall not apply to Losses arising out of: (i) any breach of the representations
and warranties of the Company contained in Sections 3.2, 3.3, 4.3, 4.5, 4.10,
4.11, 4.12, 4.26 and 4.32 hereof; and (ii) any employee benefit matters arising
under Section 4.21, including without limitation, any Losses incurred in
connection with fair wage issues.
7.5 Survival of Representations and Warranties. The parties agree that
------------------------------------------
representations and warranties made by the parties in this Agreement, or in any
certificate or other instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, shall
survive until the date which is 12 months from the Closing Date (which date is
referred to herein as the "Expiration Date"), except that the respective
representations and warranties of the Shareholders and the Company contained in
Sections 3.2, 3.3, 4.3, 4.5, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.26 and 4.32 shall survive the
Closing Date until the expiration of all applicable statute of limitations.
8. ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
8.1 Covenant Not to Compete.
-----------------------
(a) For a period of one (1) year commencing on the Closing Date, each
of the Principal Shareholders and Ken Piech hereby agrees that he or she will
not directly or indirectly own, manage, operate, finance, join, control or
participate in the ownership, management, operation, financing or control of, or
be connected as an officer, employee, partner, principal, agent, representative,
consultant or otherwise with any business or enterprise engaged anywhere in the
world that shall be competitive with any of those activities in which Parent,
the Company and/or the Principal Shareholders and Kenneth Piech were engaged as
of the Closing Date, including without limitation any business or enterprise
that:
(i) is engaged in the business of (x) owning or operating
industrial trade communities or portal sites on the Internet, (y) facilitating
electronic commerce on the Internet, or (z) selling of advertising or
sponsorships rights on the Internet; and/or
(ii) is a competitor of Parent or the Company.
(b) For a period of two years commencing on the Closing Date, each of
the Principal Shareholders and Ken Piech hereby agrees that he or she will not
directly or indirectly own, manage, operate, finance, join, control or
participate in the ownership, management, operation, financing or control of, or
be connected as an officer, employee, partner, principal, agent, representative,
consultant or otherwise with any business or enterprise engaged anywhere in the
world that is:
(i) engaged in the business of (i) owning or operating industrial
trade communities or portal sites on the Internet specializing in the scientific
equipment industry, (ii) facilitating electronic commerce on the Internet in the
scientific equipment industry, or (iii) selling of advertising or sponsorships
rights on the Internet in the scientific equipment industry (the foregoing being
activities in which the Company and the Shareholders were engaged as of the
Closing Date); and/or
(ii) a competitor of Parent or the Company in the scientific
equipment industry.
(c) Each of the Principal Shareholders and Kenneth Piech acknowledges
and understands that (i) each of Parent and Subco (and the Company) is and will
be relying upon the agreements made by each Shareholder in this Section 8.1 in
entering into this Agreement and consummating the transactions
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contemplated hereby; (ii) the restrictions contained in this Section 8.1 are
reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate interests of each of Parent
and Subco (and the Company) and that any violation will result in irreparable
injury to each of Parent and Subco (and the Company); (iii) the covenants
contained in this Section 8.1 are reasonable as to geographic and temporal scope
and that such restrictions are intended solely to protect the legitimate
interests of each of Parent and Subco (and the Company), rather than to prevent
each applicable Shareholder from earning a livelihood; (iv) each of Parent and
Subco (and the Company) will compete in the scientific equipment industry on the
Internet on a worldwide basis, and that each Shareholder's access to
confidential information makes it necessary for Parent and Subco to restrict
each applicable Shareholder's activities in such market and where such
applicable Shareholder's access to Confidential Information and other
proprietary information could be used to the detriment of Parent and Subco; and
(v) each applicable Shareholder has the skills and training to be able to
continue to earn a livelihood without violating the terms of the covenants
contained in this Section 8.1.
(d) Each of the Principal Shareholders and Kenneth Piech agrees that
each of Parent and Subco shall be entitled to preliminary and permanent
injunctive relief, without the necessity of proving actual damages, as well as
an equitable accounting of all earnings, profits and other benefits arising from
any violation of this Section 8.1, which rights shall be cumulative and in
addition to any other rights or remedies to which each of Parent and Subco (and
the Company) may be entitled. In the event that any of the provisions of this
Section 8.1 should ever be adjudicated to exceed the time, geographic, product
or service, or other limitations permitted by applicable law in any
jurisdiction, then such provisions shall be deemed reformed in such jurisdiction
to the maximum time, geographic, product or service, or other limitations
permitted by applicable law.
9. PIGGY-BACK REGISTRATION RIGHT
9.1 Right to Piggy-Back.
-------------------
(a) If at any time after the Closing Date until the date which is
one (1) year from the date hereof, Parent proposes to file a registration
statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), with
respect to Parent Common Stock (other than a registration statement (i) on Form
S-8 or Form S-4 or any successor form to such Forms or (ii) filed in connection
with an exchange offer or an offering of Parent Common Stock or of securities
convertible or exchangeable into Parent Common Stock made solely to its existing
shareholders in connection with a rights offering or solely to employees of
Parent), whether or not for its own account, then Parent shall give notice of
such proposed filing to the Shareholders 20 days prior to the anticipated filing
date. Such written notice or electronic notice confirmed subsequently in
writing shall offer the Shareholders, the opportunity to register such amount of
Deferred Payment Shares as such Shareholders may request (the "Piggy-Back
Registration"). Subject to Section 9.1(b) hereof, Parent shall include in each
such Piggy-Back Registration all Deferred Payment Shares with respect to which
Parent has received from the Shareholders holding 50% or more of the outstanding
Deferred Payment Shares received by the Shareholders in accordance with this
Agreement a written request for inclusion therein within 10 days after which the
foregoing has been duly given to the Shareholders. Parent shall only be
obligated to effect two (2) Piggy-Back Registrations pursuant to this Section
9.1(a), provided, however, that Parent shall not be obligated to effect such
-------- -------
registration as to any shareholder at such time as all Deferred Payment Shares
held by such Shareholders can be sold within a given three month period in
accordance with the requirements of Rule 144 under the 1933 Act or successor
rule. Parent shall not be liable to the Shareholders in the event the
registration statement filed under the 1933 Act is not declared effective by the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
(b) Parent's registration obligations hereunder shall be limited to a
registration in conformity with the requirements of the 1933 Act, and shall be
suspended during such time as such form may not be available for use by the
shareholders of Parent, as a result of a legal duty to update a registration
statement because of material change.
(c) Parent shall use its reasonable efforts to cause the managing
underwriter or underwriters of a proposed underwritten offering to permit the
Shareholders to include all the Deferred Payment Shares that the Shareholders
have requested to be included in such offering on the same terms and conditions
as any
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similar securities, if any, of Parent included therein. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, if the managing underwriter or underwriters of such offering
deliver(s) a written opinion to the Parent and the Shareholders that the total
amount of securities which the Shareholders, Parent, and any other persons or
entities having registration rights, intend to include in such offering is such
as to materially and adversely affect the success of such offering, then the
amount of securities to be offered for the account of all persons shall be
reduced or limited pro rata in proportion to the amount of securities proposed
--- ----
to be registered in such offering by each person to the extent necessary to
reduce the total amount of securities to be included in such offering to the
amount recommended by such managing underwriter or underwriters, provided that
in the event such reduction amounts to more than 50% of the total number of
Deferred Payment Shares requested to be registered pursuant to such Piggy-Back
Registration, then such registration shall no longer constitute a Piggy-Back
Registration and shall not reduce the number of Piggy-Back Registrations to
which the Shareholders are otherwise entitled.
(d) When required under Section 9.1(a) hereof to effect a Piggy-Back
Registration, Parent shall use its reasonable commercial efforts to register and
qualify the securities covered by such registration statement under such other
securities or Blue Sky Laws applicable in the United States as shall be
reasonably requested by the Shareholders, provided Parent shall not be required
to become subject to taxation, to qualify to do business or to file a general
consent to service of process in any such states or jurisdiction.
(e) Parent and the Shareholders shall agree to such other reasonable
customary arrangements, undertakings and indemnifications with respect to such
Piggy-Back Registration as may be requested by any of them.
(f) All expenses incurred by or on behalf of Parent in connection
with registrations, filings or qualifications pursuant to Section 9.1 shall be
borne by Parent. In no event shall Parent by obligated to bear underwriting,
brokerage or related fees, discounts or commissions or the fees or expenses of
counsel to the Shareholders.
10. RULE 144
10.1 Holding Period and Filing Requirements. Parent and the
--------------------------------------
Shareholders hereby acknowledge and agree that:
(a) the holding period for purposes of Rule 144 promulgated under the
1933 Act for the Deferred Payment Shares (as defined in the Securities Escrow
Agreement) shall commence on the date of the Securities Escrow Agreement.
(b) from and after the first anniversary of the date of the
Securities Escrow Agreement, Parent shall use reasonable efforts to file the
reports required to be filed by it under the 1933 Act and the Exchange Act in a
timely manner so long as necessary to permit the sale of its securities pursuant
to Rule 144. Parent further covenants that it will take action as any
Shareholder may reasonably request to the extent required to enable such
Shareholder to sell shares under Rule 144.
11. GENERAL
11.1 Cooperation. The Shareholders, the Company, Subco and the Parent
-----------
shall each deliver or cause to be delivered to the other on the Closing Date,
and at such other times and places as shall be reasonably agreed to, such
additional instruments as the other may reasonably request for the purpose of
carrying out this Agreement. The Company and the Shareholders will cooperate
and use their respective best efforts to have the officers, directors and
employees of the Company prior to the Closing Date cooperate with the Parent and
Subco, as the case may be, on and after the Closing Date in furnishing
information, evidence, testimony and other assistance in connection with any
actions, proceedings, arrangements or disputes of any nature with respect to
matters pertaining to all periods prior to the Closing Date, including any
information required by the Parent and Subco, as the case may be, with respect
to any tax returns required to be prepared and filed for all periods ending on
or prior to the Closing Date which are filed after the Closing Date.
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11.2 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement and the rights of the
----------------------
parties hereunder may not be assigned (by operation of law or otherwise) and
shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, the
successors of the Parent, and the heirs and legal representatives of the
Shareholders.
11.3 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the schedules,
----------------
exhibits and annexes attached hereto) and the documents delivered pursuant
hereto constitute the entire agreement and understanding among the Shareholders,
the Company, the Parent and Subco and supersedes any prior agreement and
understanding relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement,
upon execution, constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the parties hereto,
enforceable in accordance with its terms, and may be modified or amended only by
a written instrument executed by the Shareholders, the Company, the Parent and
Subco acting through their respective officers, duly authorized by their
respective Boards of Directors.
11.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two
------------
or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
11.5 Brokers and Agents. Each of the Parent and Subco, on the one hand,
------------------
and each of the Company and the Shareholders, jointly and severally on the other
hand, agrees to indemnify the other against all loss, liability, cost damages or
expense arising out of or related to claims for fees or commissions of brokers
employed or alleged to have been employed by such indemnifying party.
11.6 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
-------
writing (including wire, telefax or similar writing) and shall be delivered,
addressed, or telefaxed as follows:
(a) If to the Parent or Subco, addressed to them at:
VerticalNet, Inc.
700 Dresher Road, Suite 100
Horsham, PA 19044
Attention: Mr. Gene S. Godick
Telefax: (215) 784-1960
with a copy to:
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
1701 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2921
Attention: James W. McKenzie, Esq.
Telefax: (215) 963-5299
(b) If to the Company or the Shareholders at:
15 Upton Place
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada R2N 158
Attention: Mr. Robert A. Kafato
Telefax: (204) 256-6624
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with a copy to:
Taylor McCaffrey
9th Floor, 400 St. Mary Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada R3C 4K5
Attention: Timothy Kurbis, Esq.
Telefax: (204) 957-0945
Each such notice, request or other communication shall be given by hand
delivery, by internationally recognized courier service or by telefax, receipt
confirmed. Each such notice, request or communication shall be effective (i) if
delivered by hand or by internationally recognized courier service, when
delivered at the address specified in this Section 11.6 (or in accordance with
the latest unrevoked written direction from such party); (ii) if given by
telefax, when such telefax is transmitted to the telefax number specified in
this Section 11.6 (or in accordance with the latest unrevoked written direction
from such party), and the appropriate confirmation is received.
11.7 Fees and Expenses. Parent has and will pay the fees, expenses and
-----------------
disbursements of Parent and Subco and their agents, representatives,
accountants, and counsel incurred in connection with the subject matter of this
Agreement, and the Shareholders (and not the Company) have and will pay the
fees, expenses and disbursements of the Shareholders and the Company and their
agents, representatives, accountants and counsel in connection with the subject
matter of this Agreement; provided, however that Parent shall pay the reasonable
fees and expenses of Arthur Andersen, independent public accountants, to perform
an audit of the financial statements of the Company and except for fees already
paid or to be paid by the Company to counsel or other agents, representatives or
consultants, prior to the Closing Date for certain corporate and commercial
matters of an overall general nature which do not exceed the sum of $12,500; and
provided, further that the parties hereto agree that the fees, expenses and
disbursements of the parties and their agents, representatives, accountants and
counsel incurred in connection with the creation of the exchangeable share
structure referenced in that certain letter of intent dated June 14, 1999 shall
be shared equally among the Shareholders, on the one hand, and Parent and Subco
on the other, upon presentation of invoices relating thereto. Parent agrees to
pay the accounting fees of PricewaterhouseCoopers in the approximate amount of
CDN$16,000, subject to receipt of satisfactory invoice(s) in respect thereof.
11.8 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance
-------------
with the laws of the Province of Manitoba and the laws of Canada applicable
thereto, without giving effect to any of the provisions thereof that would
require the application of the substantive laws of any other jurisdiction.
11.9 Exercise of Rights and Remedies. Except as otherwise provided
-------------------------------
herein, no delay of or omission in the exercise of any right, power or remedy
accruing to any party as a result of any breach or default by any other party
under this Agreement shall impair any such right, power or remedy, nor shall it
be construed as a waiver of or acquiescence in any such breach or default, or of
any similar breach or default occurring later; nor shall any waiver of any
single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default
occurring before or after that waiver.
11.10 Time. Time is of the essence with respect to this Agreement.
----
11.11 Severability. In case any provision of this Agreement shall be
------------
invalid, illegal or unenforceable, it shall, to the extent possible, be modified
in such manner as to be valid, legal and enforceable but so as to most nearly
retain the intent of the parties, and if such modification is not possible, such
provision shall be severed from this Agreement, and in either case the validity,
legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall
not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
11.12 Remedies Cumulative. No right, remedy or election given by any
-------------------
term of this Agreement shall be deemed exclusive but each shall be cumulative
with all other rights, remedies and elections available at law or in equity.
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11.13 Captions. The headings of this Agreement are inserted for
--------
convenience only and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement or be used to
construe or interpret any provision hereof.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Stock Purchase
Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
VERTICALNET, INC.
By: _____________________________________
Name:
Title:
4052995 MANITOBA LTD.
By: _____________________________________
Name:
Title:
LABX TECHNOLOGIES INC.
By: _____________________________________
Name:
Title:
By: _____________________________________
Name:
Title:
[signatures continue on following page]
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[continuation of signature page
to Stock Purchase Agreement]
_____________________________________
ROBERT A. KAFATO, an individual
_____________________________________
JOAN A. KAFATO, an individual
_____________________________________
KENNETH K. PIECH, an individual
_____________________________________
RONALD K. RANDALL, an individual
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Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report, included in this Form 8-K, into VerticalNet, Inc.'s previously filed
Form S-8 Registration Statement File No. 333-72143.
/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
August 12, 1999
