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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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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): October 30, 1998
HLM DESIGN, INC.
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(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Delaware 001-14137 56-2018819
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(State or Other Jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer
of Incorporation) File Number) Identification No.)
121 West Trade Street, Suite 2950, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (704) 358-0779
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N/A
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(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
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ITEM 2. ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS
On October 30, 1998, HLM Design, Inc. (the "Company") purchased all of the
issued and outstanding common stock of JPJ Architects, Inc. ("JPJ") for an
aggregate amount equal to $5.0 million, consisting of (i) $2.4 million in cash,
(ii) an aggregate of 240,000 shares of the Company's common stock having an
aggregate value of $1,440,000 to be delivered on a delayed basis (the "Stock"),
and (iii) subordinated promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of
$1,160,000 (the "Notes"). This acquisition was pursuant to a Stock Purchase
Agreement dated October 30, 1998 (the "Agreement") among the Company, JPJ and
JPJ's stockholders.
The Agreement provides for, among other things, the delivery to JPJ's
former stockholders of 30% of the aggregate number of shares of the Stock on
each of October 30, 2000 and October 30, 2001 and 40% of the aggregate number of
shares of the Stock on October 30, 2002. The Notes provide for payment of 30% of
the principal amount on each of October 30, 2000 and October 30, 2001 and 40% of
the aggregate principal amount on October 30, 2002. Following the consummation
of the Agreement, the Company and JPJ entered into a Management and Services
Agreement (the "MSA") whereby the Company will manage all aspects of JPJ other
than the provisions of professional architectural services.
The cash portion of the purchase price has been financed by the proceeds
of the Company's initial public offering and from working capital.
For additional information concerning the transaction, reference is made
to the Agreement, the MSA and to the press releases issued as of November 3,
1998, copies of all of which are attached as exhibits hereto.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(A) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF BUSINESS ACQUIRED. It is impractical to
provide the required financial statements for JPJ at the time of the filing of
this report on Form 8-K. Such required financial statements will be filed on or
before January 15, 1999.
(B) PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION. It is impractical to provide the
required PRO FORMA financial information for the Company at the time of the
filing of this report on Form 8-K. Such PRO FORMA financial information will be
filed on or before January 15, 1999.
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(C) EXHIBITS.
Exhibit Number Description
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99.1 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of October 30,
1998 among HLM Design, Inc., Bill D. Smith, FAIA,
Walter J. Viney, AIA, Richard E. Morgan, AIA,
Weldon W. Nash, Jr., FCSI, Ken G. Rowley, AIA,
Douglas R. Bissell, AIA, Paul H. Woodard, AIA, Jan
G. Blackmon, FAIA and JPJ Architects, Inc.
99.2 Management and Services Agreement dated as of
October 30, 1998 by and between HLM Design, Inc. and
JPJ Architects, Inc.
99.3 Press Releases dated November 3, 1998.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
HLM DESIGN, INC.
Date: November 16, 1998 By: /s/ Vernon B. Brannon
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Vernon B. Brannon
Senior Vice President, Treasurer,
Chief Financial Officer and
Director
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STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
among
HLM DESIGN, INC.
Bill D. Smith, FAIA
Walter J. Viney, AIA
Richard E. Morgan, AIA
Weldon W. Nash, Jr., FCSI
Ken G. Rowley, AIA
Douglas R. Bissell, AIA
Paul H. Woodard, AIA
Jan G. Blackmon, FAIA
and
JPJ ARCHITECTS, INC.
Dated as of October 30, 1998
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I
PURCHASE OF STOCK...........................................................2
Section 1.1 Purchase and Sale...........................................2
Section 1.2 Purchase Price..............................................2
Section 1.3 No Excluded Assets..........................................2
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY AND
THE SELLERS.................................................................3
Section 2.1 Corporate Organization......................................3
Section 2.2 Authorization...............................................3
Section 2.3 No Violation................................................4
Section 2.4 Subsidiaries and Investments................................5
Section 2.5 Stock Records...............................................5
Section 2.6 Corporate Books.............................................5
Section 2.7 Title to Stock..............................................5
Section 2.8 Options and Rights..........................................6
Section 2.9 Financial Statements........................................6
Section 2.10 Employees..................................................7
Section 2.11 Absence of Certain Changes.................................9
Section 2.12 Contracts.................................................10
(a) Generally..........................................10
(b) Compliance.........................................13
Section 2.13 True and Complete Copies..................................13
Section 2.14 Title and Related Matters.................................14
(a) Owned Property.....................................14
(b) Leased Property....................................14
(c) Compliance with Laws...............................15
Section 2.15 Litigation................................................16
Section 2.16 Tax Matters...............................................17
(a) Generally..........................................17
(b) Good Faith.........................................18
(c) Claims.............................................18
(d) Course of Business.................................19
(e) Withholdings.......................................19
(f) Partnerships.......................................19
(g) Accounting Method Adjustments......................19
(h) Power of Attorney..................................20
(i) True and Complete Copies...........................20
Section 2.17 Bank Accounts.............................................20
Section 2.18 Compliance with Applicable Laws, Regulations and Orders...20
Section 2.19 Employee Benefit Plans....................................20
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Section 2.20 Intellectual Property......................................21
Section 2.21 Environmental Matters......................................21
Section 2.22 Capital Expenditures and Investments.......................22
Section 2.23 Insurance..................................................22
Section 2.24 Commissions................................................23
Section 2.25 Permits....................................................23
Section 2.26 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.........................24
Section 2.27 Accounts Receivable........................................25
Section 2.28 Work in Progress and Backlog...............................25
Section 2.29 Customers..................................................26
Section 2.30 Securities Laws Matters....................................27
Section 2.31 Disclosure.................................................29
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER.............................29
Section 3.1 Corporate Organization......................................29
Section 3.2 Authorization...............................................30
Section 3.3 No Violation................................................30
Section 3.4 Investment Intent...........................................31
ARTICLE IV
OTHER AGREEMENTS...........................................................31
Section 4.1 Further Assurances..........................................31
Section 4.2 Consents....................................................32
Section 4.3 No Termination of the Obligations by Subsequent Dissolution.32
Section 4.4 Insurance Policies and Claims Administration................32
Section 4.5 Other Tax Matters...........................................33
(a) Tax Returns........................................33
(b) Information........................................34
(c) Amended Returns....................................34
Section 4.6 Appointment of Seller Representative........................35
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ARTICLE V
CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER..............................37
Section 5.1 Representations and Warranties..............................37
Section 5.2 Consents and Approvals......................................38
Section 5.3 No Material Adverse Change..................................38
Section 5.4 No Proceeding or Litigation.................................38
Section 5.5 Secretary's Certificate.....................................39
Section 5.6 Certificates of Good Standing...............................39
Section 5.7 Employment Agreements.......................................39
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Section 5.8 Resignations................................................40
Section 5.9 Opinion of Sellers' and Company's Counsel...................40
Section 5.10 Delivery of Minute Books and Share Certificates............40
Section 5.11 Regulatory Compliance......................................40
Section 5.12 Due Diligence..............................................40
Section 5.13 Other Documents............................................41
Section 5.14 Liens......................................................41
ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLERS................................41
Section 6.1 Representations and Warranties.............................41
Section 6.2 Consents and Approvals......................................42
Section 6.3 No Proceeding or Litigation.................................42
Section 6.4 Secretary's Certificate.....................................42
Section 6.5 Employment Agreements.......................................42
Section 6.6 Opinion of the Purchaser's Counsel..........................42
ARTICLE VII
CLOSING....................................................................43
Section 7.1 Closing.....................................................43
Section 7.2 Payment of Purchase Price and Receipt of Shares.............43
(a) Deliveries at Closing..................................43
(b) Installment Payments; Subordinated Promissory Notes....44
(c) Delayed Delivery Stock.................................44
Section 7.3 Stock Options...............................................45
Section 7.4 Reservation of Shares.......................................46
Section 7.5 Adjustments to Purchase Price...............................46
ARTICLE VIII
SURVIVAL OF TERMS; INDEMNIFICATION..........................................48
Section 8.1 Survival....................................................48
Section 8.2 Indemnification by the Sellers..............................48
(a) Misrepresentation or Breach............................49
(b) Taxes..................................................49
(c) Third Party Claims.....................................49
(d) Related Expenses.......................................50
Section 8.3 Indemnification by the Purchaser............................50
(a) Misrepresentation or Breach............................50
(b) Taxes..................................................50
(c) Third Party Claims.....................................50
(d) Related Expenses.......................................51
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Section 8.4 Setoff.....................................................51
Section 8.5 Third Party Claims.........................................52
Section 8.6 Limitation on the Sellers' Joint and Several Liability.....52
ARTICLE IX
GENERAL PROVISIONS..........................................................53
Section 9.1 Amendment and Modification.................................53
Section 9.2 Waiver.....................................................53
Section 9.3 Notices....................................................53
Section 9.4 Assignment.................................................54
Section 9.5 Governing Law..............................................55
Section 9.6 Counterparts...............................................55
Section 9.7 Headings...................................................55
Section 9.8 Entire Agreement...........................................55
Section 9.9 No Benefit.................................................56
Section 9.10 Delays or Omissions.......................................56
Section 9.11 Severability..............................................56
Section 9.12 Expenses..................................................57
Section 9.13 Schedules.................................................57
Section 9.14 Limitation of Damages.....................................57
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SCHEDULES
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2.4 Subsidiaries and Investments
2.5 Stock Records
2.10 Employees
2.11 Absence of Certain Changes
2.12(a) Contracts - Generally
2.12(b) Compliance with Contracts
2.14(b) Leased Property
2.15 Litigation
2.17 Bank Accounts
2.19 Employee Benefit Plans
2.20 Intellectual Property
2.22 Capital Expenditures and Investments
2.23 Insurance
2.28 Work in Progress and Backlog
2.29 Material Customers
5.3 Material Adverse Change
EXHIBITS
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A Employment Agreements
B Opinion of Sellers' and Company's Counsel
C Opinion of Purchaser's Counsel
D Allocation of Purchase Price
E Subordinated Promissory Notes
F Stockholders' Agreement
G Registration Rights Agreement
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THIS STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into as of the
30th day of October, 1998, between and among HLM DESIGN, INC., a Delaware
corporation (the "PURCHASER"), and Bill D. Smith, Walter J. Viney, Richard E.
Morgan, Weldon W. Nash, Jr., Ken G. Rowley, Douglas R. Bissell, Paul H. Woodard,
and Jan G. Blackmon, all residents of the State of Texas (collectively referred
to hereinafter as the "Sellers"), and JPJ ARCHITECTS, INC., a Texas corporation
(the "Company").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Sellers own 4,401 shares of common stock, $1.00 par value, of
the Company, the 4,401 shares constituting all of the issued and outstanding
shares of capital stock of the Company (the "Shares");
WHEREAS, the Company is an operating architectural firm that provides
architectural services (the business of the Company is hereinafter referred to
as the "Business" or the "business"); and
WHEREAS, the Sellers desire to sell, and the Purchaser desires to
purchase, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Agreement, the Shares.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants
and agreements set forth herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
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ARTICLE I
PURCHASE OF STOCK
Section 1.1 Purchase and Sale. At the Closing Date (as defined in Section
7.1 hereof), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Agreement, the Sellers agree to sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser agrees
to purchase from the Sellers, the Shares.
Section 1.2 Purchase Price. Subject to Section 7.5 hereof, in
consideration for the conveyance of the Shares, the Purchaser shall pay to the
Sellers an aggregate amount equal to Five Million and No/100 Dollars
($5,000,000) (the "Purchase Price"), by way of cash in the amount of $2,400,000,
an aggregate of 240,000 shares of the Purchaser's delayed delivery common stock
having an agreed upon aggregate value at the Closing Date of $1,440,000, and
subordinated promissory notes in the aggregate original principal amount of
$1,160,000, all as more particularly provided in Section 7.2 hereof.
Section 1.3 No Excluded Assets. The parties hereto agree that no assets of
the Company, whether tangible or intangible, have been or shall be removed from
the Company's premises or from the Company's books and records except in the
ordinary course of the Company's Business as provided herein from and after
April 30, 1998, through the Closing Date.
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ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY AND THE SELLERS
The Company and the Sellers (each acting jointly and severally) hereby
represent and warrant to the Purchaser as follows with respect to the Company
(to the extent a representation is modified by a knowledge requirement, it shall
speak to the knowledge of each of the Sellers and of the Company):
Section 2.1 Corporate Organization. The Company is a corporation duly
organized, validly licensed and existing and in good standing under the laws of
the State of Texas, with full corporate power and authority to own, operate and
lease its properties and to conduct its business as presently conducted. Each of
the Sellers is a resident of the State of Texas. The Company is qualified to do
business and is in good standing in every jurisdiction in which the conduct of
its business, the ownership or lease of its properties, or the execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby requires it to be so qualified. True, complete and correct copies of the
Company's charter, by-laws and Certificates of Authority as presently in effect
have been or shall be, prior to the Closing, delivered to the Purchaser.
Section 2.2 Authorization. Each of the Sellers and the Company has full
power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby. The Board of Directors and all of the
stockholders of the Company have duly authorized the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement, and no other corporate proceedings on
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the Company's part are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby. This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding
obligation of the Sellers and the Company enforceable against each such party in
accordance with its terms, subject to equitable considerations and the effect of
bankruptcy and other laws affecting the rights of creditors generally. The
Sellers will, at the Closing, have full power and authority to deliver good and
valid title to the Shares and to the certificates evidencing the Shares to the
Purchaser as provided for herein, free and clear of all liens of every kind.
Section 2.3 No Violation. The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by each
of the Sellers and the Company do not and will not (a) conflict with or result
in a breach of the terms, conditions or provisions of, (b) constitute a default
or event of default under (with due notice, lapse of time or both), (c) result
in the creation of any lien upon the Company or its capital stock or assets
pursuant to, (d) give any third party the right to accelerate any obligation
under, (e) result in a violation of, or (f) require any authorization, consent,
approval, exemption or other action by, or notice to, any person pursuant to (i)
the charter or by-laws of the Company, (ii) any applicable regulation, (iii) any
order to which any of the Sellers or the Company is subject, or (iv) any
contract to which any of the Sellers or the Company or any of their properties
is subject. The Sellers and the Company have complied with all applicable
regulations and orders in connection with the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, subject
to the requirements which are conditions to the Closing.
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Section 2.4 Subsidiaries and Investments. Except as set forth on Schedule
2.4 hereto, the Company has no subsidiaries or investments in any person or
entity of any kind, nor any affiliated companies or entities.
Section 2.5 Stock Records. The stock record book of the Company is
complete and correct in all material respects. No shares of capital stock of the
Company are currently reserved for issuance for any purpose or upon the
occurrence of any event or condition. The Shares constitute all of the
outstanding capital stock of the Company. The Sellers are the true and lawful
owners of the Shares. Schedule 2.5 sets forth the total number of authorized
shares of capital stock for the Company, and the number of Shares held of record
by each of the Sellers.
Section 2.6 Corporate Books. The corporate minute books of the Company are
complete and correct in all material respects and contain minutes of all of the
proceedings of the stockholders and directors of the Company since
incorporation. A true, complete and correct copy of the Company's corporate
minute books have been or shall be, prior to the Closing (as defined in Section
7.1 hereof) delivered to the Purchaser. No action was authorized by the
Company's Executive Committee that was not also properly authorized by the
Company's Board of Directors and/or stockholders, as appropriate.
Section 2.7 Title to Stock. The Shares, which constitute all of the issued
and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company, are owned of record and
beneficially solely by the Sellers. No shares of preferred stock or other class
of capital stock are authorized, issued or outstanding with
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respect to the Company. The Shares have been duly authorized and validly issued
and are fully paid and nonassessable. The Shares were issued pursuant to
applicable exemptions from registration under Federal securities laws and the
securities laws of the State of Texas, and the Shares are owned of record by the
Sellers and will be sold pursuant hereto free and clear of all liens. Upon
payment of the Purchase Price to the Sellers in accordance with this Agreement,
the Sellers will convey to the Purchaser good and marketable title to the
Shares, free and clear of all liens whatsoever. The assignments, endorsements,
stock powers and other instruments of transfer delivered by the Sellers to the
Purchaser at the Closing will be sufficient to transfer the Sellers' entire
interest, and all of the interests, legal and beneficial, of the Sellers and of
all other persons in and to the Shares. No dividends or other distributions are
owed by the Company in connection with any of the Shares and none have been paid
or made to any stockholder of the Company since at least April 30, 1998.
Section 2.8 Options and Rights. Except for the Company's present Stock
Purchase Agreement dated November 5, 1986, which will be terminated and released
at Closing, and with respect to which neither the Company nor the Purchaser
shall have any continuing liability or obligation, there are no outstanding
subscriptions, options, warrants, rights, puts, calls or other contracts by
which the Company is bound to issue or to repurchase or otherwise acquire shares
of its capital stock, or pursuant to which any person has a right to purchase or
to acquire, through conversion or otherwise, shares of the Company's capital
stock.
Section 2.9 Financial Statements. The Sellers have delivered to the
Purchaser correct and complete copies of audited balance sheets of the Company
as of April 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996 and
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the related statements of income for the fiscal year reporting periods then
ended (the "Audited Financial Statements"). The Audited Financial Statements (a)
have been prepared in accordance with the books and records of the Company, and
(b) fairly present the financial condition and results of operations and cash
flows of the Company as of, and for the respective periods ended on, such dates,
all in conformity with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)
consistently applied. Since April 30, 1998 and except as fully set forth in the
Audited Financial Statements, the Company has no liabilities other than those
incurred or arising in the ordinary course of business (whether accrued,
absolute, contingent, unliquidated or otherwise, whether due or to become due,
whether known or unknown, and regardless of when asserted) arising out of
transactions or events heretofore entered into or any action or inaction or
state of facts existing, with respect to, or based upon transactions or events
heretofore occurring.
Section 2.10 Employees.
(a) Schedule 2.10 sets forth a list of all of the Company's
officers, directors, consultants and independent contractors (other than
those which are serving as subconsultants pursuant to the Company's
architectural services contracts), together with a description of any
contract regarding the terms of service and the rate and basis for total
compensation of such persons or any restrictions upon any person's right
to compete with the Company or with any other person or entity. No
employee of the Company is, to the Sellers' or the Company's knowledge, a
party to any agreement with a former employer in any way restricting his
or her employment activities.
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(b) Except as shown on Schedule 2.10 hereto, the Company has paid or
made provisions for the payment of all salaries and accrued wages,
bonuses, accrued vacation and sick leave, and any other form of accrued,
but unpaid, compensation, and has complied in all material respects with
all applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to the employment of
labor, including those relating to wages, hours, collective bargaining and
the payment and withholding of taxes, and has withheld and paid to the
appropriate governmental authority, or is holding for payment not yet due
to such authority, all amounts required by law or agreement to be withheld
from the wages or salaries of its employees.
(c) Except as set forth on Schedule 2.12 hereto, the Company is not
a party to any (i) outstanding employment agreements or contracts with
officers, directors, consultants, independent contractors or employees
that are not terminable at will, or that provide for payment of any bonus
or commission, (ii) agreement, policy or practice that requires it to pay
termination or severance pay to salaried, non-exempt or hourly employees
or to any other person, or (iii) collective bargaining agreement or other
labor union contract applicable to persons employed by the Company, nor do
the Sellers or the Company know of any activities or proceedings of any
labor union to organize any such employees. The Company has furnished to
Purchaser complete and correct copies of all such agreements, if any
("Employment and Labor Agreements"). The Company has not breached or
otherwise failed to comply with any provisions of any Employment or Labor
Agreement.
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(d) There are no charges with respect to or relating to the Company
pending before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any state,
local or foreign agency responsible for the prevention of unlawful
employment practices, and the Company has not received formal notice from
any federal, state, local or foreign agency responsible for the
enforcement of labor or employment laws of an intention to conduct an
investigation of the Company and, to the knowledge of the Sellers and
Company, no such investigation is in progress.
Section 2.11 Absence of Certain Changes. Except as set forth on Schedule
2.11, since April 30, 1998, the Company's business has been operated in the
ordinary course, and there has been no: (a) Material Adverse Change in the
business, properties, financial statements, business prospects, customers,
condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of the Company, and
no event has occurred which is likely, individually or in the aggregate, to
result in any such Material Adverse Change; (b) damage, destruction or loss,
whether covered by insurance or not, having a Material Adverse Effect on the
business, properties, business prospects, condition (financial or otherwise) or
results of operations of the Company; (c) declaration, setting aside or payment
of any dividend or distribution (whether in cash, capital stock or property) in
respect of the Shares or any redemption of shares by the Company; (d) increase
in the compensation payable or paid to or to become payable by the Company to
its employees, officers, directors, stockholders, consultants or independent
contractors; (e) entry by the Company into any contract not in the ordinary
course of business, including, without limitation, any borrowing or capital
expenditure; (f) change in accounting methods or principles used by the Company,
except for any such change which is necessitated by
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a change in GAAP; (g) sale, assignment, lease, distribution, disposal or
transfer of any assets or properties of the Company except in the ordinary
course of business, or any theft, damage, removal or destruction of such assets
or properties or any casualty loss affecting the Company or its business; (h)
amendment or termination of any of the Company's permits, licenses or material
contracts; (i) waiver or release of any material right or claim of the Company;
(j) labor dispute or union activity which affects the operation of the Company;
(k) proposal or bid still outstanding for work at less than full fair market
value; or (l) agreement by any of the Sellers or the Company to take any of the
actions described in the preceding clauses (a) through (k), except as
contemplated by this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the term "Material
Adverse Change" shall mean shall mean any developments or changes which would
have a Material Adverse Effect. "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean any
circumstances, state of facts or matters which could reasonably be expected,
either individually or in conjunction with any other circumstance, state of
facts or matter, to have a material adverse effect in respect of the Company's
business, business prospects, properties, assets, customers, condition
(financial or otherwise) or results of operations.
Section 2.12 Contracts.
(a) Generally. Except as listed on Schedule 2.12, and except for
personal matters of the Sellers which do not in any manner involve,
pertain to or otherwise affect the Company or its Business, and excluding
all contracts for the performance by the Company of architectural
services, the Company and the Sellers are not a party to any agreement,
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contract, commitment, instrument or other binding arrangement or
understanding, whether written or oral (a "Contract"), relating to:
(1) Bonus, pension, profit sharing, retirement, stock option,
employee stock purchase or other plans providing for deferred
compensation;
(2) Collective bargaining agreements or any other Contract
with any labor union;
(3) Hospitalization or life insurance or other welfare benefit
plans or practices;
(4) Loans to its employees, officers, directors, consultants,
independent contractors, stockholders or Affiliates;
(5) The borrowing or loaning of money to or from any person or
the mortgaging, pledging or otherwise placing a lien on any asset or
property of the Company;
(6) A guarantee of any obligation;
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(7) The ownership, lease (whether as lessee or lessor) or
operation of any property, real or personal;
(8) Intangible property (including proprietary rights) and
software or hardware license agreements;
(9) Warranties with respect to its services rendered;
(10) Registration or preemptive rights with respect to any
securities;
(11) Prohibitions preventing it from freely engaging in any
business;
(12) The purchase, acquisition, disposition or supply of
inventory and other property and assets;
(13) Employees, independent contractors, consultants, or other
agents;
(14) Sales, commissions, advertising or marketing;
(15) Unconditional purchase or payment obligations.
(16) Any investment by the Company;
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(17) Restricting in any way the sale of the Shares (including
any stockholders' agreement); or
(18) Any other contract not of the type covered by any of the
foregoing items of this Section 2.12(a) requiring total payments by
the Company in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(b) Compliance. Except as shown on Schedule 2.12(b), the Company has
performed all obligations required to be performed by it, and is not in
receipt of any claim of default or breach or notice of audit, under any
Contract to which it is subject (including, without limitation, those
required to be disclosed on Schedule 2.12). No event has occurred which
with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would result in a
material default, breach or event of non-compliance by the Company under
any Contract to which it is subject. The Company has no present
expectation or intention of not fully performing all of its obligations
under any Contract to which it is subject and has no knowledge of any
breach or anticipated breach by any other party to any Contract to which
it is subject.
Section 2.13 True and Complete Copies. The Sellers and the Company have
delivered or made available to the Purchaser true and complete copies of all
Contracts and documents listed in the Schedules to this Agreement. Further, the
Sellers and the Company have made all contracts for the performance of
architectural services and all contracts with consultants and independent
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contractors entered into by the Company in connection with its architectural
services contracts available to Purchaser for review.
Section 2.14 Title and Related Matters.
(a) Owned Property. With respect to all real and personal property
owned by the Company, the Company has valid and marketable title to all
such property, free and clear of all liens. All such properties owned by
the Company as of April 30, 1998 are reflected in the Audited Financial
Statements in accordance with and to the extent required by GAAP and with
particularity on the books and records of the Company.
(b) Leased Property. Set forth in Schedule 2.14(b) is a description
of all real and personal property leased by the Company. Except as
otherwise set forth in Schedule 2.14(b), the Company's leases are in full
force and effect and are valid and enforceable in accordance with their
respective terms. There exists no event of default or event which
constitutes or would constitute (with notice or lapse of time or both) a
default by the Company or any other person under any such lease, and
neither the Sellers nor the Company has received notice of such default or
event. All rent and other amounts due and payable with respect to each of
the Company's leases have been or shall be paid by the Company through the
Closing Date. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.14(b), neither the Sellers
nor the Company have received notice that the landlord with respect to any
real property or personal property lease
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would refuse to renew such lease upon expiration of the period thereof
upon substantially the same terms, except for rent increases consistent
with past experience or market rentals.
(c) Compliance with Laws. The Company does not own any real
property. The Company has complied, with respect to its leased real
property, with all applicable restrictions, building ordinances and zoning
ordinances and all regulations of the applicable health and fire
departments. No alteration, repair, improvement or other work which could
give rise to a lien has been performed by, for or on behalf of the Company
with respect to such Improvements within the last one hundred twenty (120)
days. The Company's leased real property and its continued use, occupancy
and operation as currently used, occupied and operated does not constitute
a nonconforming use under any regulation or order affecting such real
property, and the continued existence, use, occupancy and operation of
such Improvements is not dependent on any special permit, exception,
approval or variance. There is no pending or, to the Sellers' or Company's
knowledge, threatened or proposed action or proceeding by any authority to
modify the zoning classification of, to condemn or take by the power of
eminent domain (or to purchase in lieu thereof), to classify as a
landmark, to impose special assessments on or otherwise to take or
restrict in any way the right to use, develop or alter all or any part of
the Company's leased real property.
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Section 2.15 Litigation. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.15:
(a) Neither the Sellers nor the Company are engaged in or a party
to, or threatened with, any claim, controversy, investigation, legal
action or other proceeding, relating to or which may relate to the
Business, whether or not before any court, governmental or regulatory
authority or administrative agency;
(b) Neither the Sellers nor the Company are in default under or in
violation of any contracts, commitments or restrictions to which the
Company is a party or by which the Company is bound, or of any statute or
law or judgment, order, decree, regulation or rule of any court or
governmental authority applicable to the Company;
(c) Neither the Sellers nor the Company are a party to or subject to
any judgment, decree or order entered in any lawsuit or proceeding brought
by any governmental agency or by any other person against the Sellers or
the Company relating to or which may relate to the Company or the
Business; and
(d) Neither the Sellers nor the Company know of any valid basis for
any of the foregoing.
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Section 2.16 Tax Matters.
(a) Generally. As used herein, the term "Tax" or "Taxes" means any
income, gross receipt, net proceeds, alternative or add-on minimum, ad
valorem, value added, estimated, turnover, sales, use, property, personal
property (tangible and intangible), stamp, leasing, lease, user, excise,
duty, franchise, transfer, license, withholding, payroll, employment,
foreign, fuel, excess profits, occupational and interest equalization,
windfall profits, severance and other taxes, charges, fees, levies or
other assessments of any kind whatsoever (including interest, penalties,
fines and additions thereto) imposed by any taxing authority, federal,
state, local or foreign. The Company has timely filed all federal, state,
local and foreign tax reports, returns, information returns and any other
documents required to be filed by it (collectively, "Tax Returns") and has
duly paid all taxes shown to be due and payable on such Tax Returns and
all estimated or advance payments required by law. All Taxes for periods
ending on or prior to or including the Closing Date have been fully paid
or reserved against on the financial statements and on the books of the
Company in accordance with GAAP. All Taxes which are required to be
withheld or collected by the Company have been duly withheld or collected
and, to the extent required, have been paid to the proper federal, state,
local or foreign authorities or properly segregated or deposited as
required by applicable regulations. There are no liens for Taxes upon any
property or assets of the Company, except for liens for Taxes not yet due
and payable or for Taxes being contested in a manner permitted by
applicable law. The Company has not requested an extension of time within
which to file any Tax Return and has not waived the statute of
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limitations on the right of the IRS or any other taxing authority to
assess or collect additional Taxes or to contest the information reported
on any Tax Return. The Company is not currently and has never been a
member or part of a group which is or was treated as an affiliated group
for federal income tax purposes.
(b) Good Faith. All Tax Returns described in Section 2.16(a) have
been prepared in good faith and are correct and complete in all respects,
and there is no basis for assessment of any addition to the Taxes shown
thereon.
(c) Claims. With respect to all Taxes and Tax Returns described in
Section 2.16(a): (i) there are no proceedings, examinations or claims
currently pending by any taxing authority in connection with any Tax
Returns nor with respect to the periods to which such Tax Returns relate;
and (ii) there are no unresolved issues or unpaid deficiencies or
outstanding or proposed assessments relating to any such proceedings,
examinations, claims or Tax Returns. None of the Tax Returns described in
Section 2.16(a) currently is under audit or has been audited. The items
relating to the Business, properties and operations of the Company on the
Tax Returns filed by the Company (including the supporting schedules filed
therewith), true, correct and complete copies of which have been supplied
to the Purchaser, state accurately, in all respects, the information
requested with respect to the Company, which information was derived from
the books and records of the Company.
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(d) Course of Business. The Company has not taken any action in
anticipation of the Closing that would have the effect of deferring any
liability for Taxes of the Company to any period (or portion thereof)
ending after the Closing Date.
(e) Withholdings. All payments for withholding Taxes, unemployment
insurance, sales and use Taxes and other amounts required to be withheld
and deposited or paid to any relevant taxing authorities have been so
withheld, deposited or paid by or on behalf of the Company.
(f) Partnerships. The Company is not subject to any joint venture,
partnership or other arrangement or Contract which is treated as a
partnership for federal income tax purposes. Any tax-sharing agreement
between the Company and any other person shall terminate as of the Closing
Date and any such tax-sharing agreement has been fully disclosed to the
Purchaser in writing.
(g) Accounting Method Adjustments. The Company will not be required
to recognize after the Closing Date any taxable income in respect of
accounting method adjustments required to be made under any Regulation
relating to Taxes, including without limitation, the Tax Reform Act of
1986 and the Revenue Act of 1987.
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(h) Power of Attorney. No power of attorney has been granted by the
Company with respect to any matter, including, without limitation, the
payment of Taxes, which is currently in force.
(i) True and Complete Copies. The Seller and the Company have
delivered to the Purchaser true and complete copies of all Tax Returns
filed by the Company with respect to its years ended December 31, 1995,
1996 and 1997.
Section 2.17 Bank Accounts. Set forth in Schedule 2.17 hereto is a list of
the bank accounts maintained by the Company and the authorized signatories for
each such account.
Section 2.18 Compliance with Applicable Laws, Regulations and Orders. The
Company has been and is presently in material compliance with all laws,
ordinances, codes, rules, regulations and orders applicable to the conduct of
its Business, including, without limitation, all regulations relating to
employment, health, sanitation, fire, zoning, building, occupational safety, and
the practice of architecture.
Section 2.19 Employee Benefit Plans. Except for the Company's 401(k) plan
and any other plans listed and described in Schedule 2.19, true and complete
documentation of which has been made available to the Purchaser, and except as
shown on Schedule 2.19, the Company does not currently have, has never had, and
as of the Closing Date will not have, any: (i) "employee pension benefit plans"
and "employee benefit plans" as defined respectively in Sections 3(2) and 3(3)
of the
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Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), including
without limitation multiemployer plans as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA; nor
(ii) any other pension, profit sharing, retirement, deferred compensation,
welfare, stock purchase, stock option, phantom stock, incentive, bonus,
vacation, severance, disability, hospitalization, medical insurance or other
employee benefit plan or program which the Company or any subsidiary or any
other entity which constitutes a controlled group (within the meaning of Section
4001(b) of ERISA and/or Sections 414(b)-(n) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code")) maintains or to which the Company has any present
or future obligation to contribute.
Section 2.20 Intellectual Property. Schedule 2.20 sets forth a complete
and accurate list of the proprietary rights owned or used by the Company,
including any and all software and computer licenses and agreements. No other
person has any rights to such proprietary rights, except pursuant to agreements
or licenses specified in Schedule 2.20. To the Sellers' and Company's knowledge,
no other person is infringing, violating or misappropriating any such
proprietary right. If necessary, the Company owns or holds valid licenses to use
all proprietary rights used in the operation of its Business as presently
conducted and proposed to be conducted, including, without way of limitation,
all applicable licenses and rights pertaining to hardware and software used in
any aspect of the Business' operations.
Section 2.21 Environmental Matters. To the best of Sellers' and Company's
knowledge and belief every premises which the Company currently occupies is free
from any and all hazardous materials, or soil or other geological condition,
which would adversely affect the Purchaser's use
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of or further improvements to the premises, or which would or could impose any
burden, cost or public or private liability upon the Purchaser. Further, the
Company's existing and prior uses of and activities on the premises it currently
occupies, and all other premises which the Company has ever occupied, comply and
have at all times complied with all applicable environmental laws.
Section 2.22 Capital Expenditures and Investments. Except as set forth on
Schedule 2.22 hereto, the Company has no outstanding Contracts or commitments
for capital expenditures and investments.
Section 2.23 Insurance. The Company currently is covered by insurance
policies which provide for coverages that are usual and customary as to amount
and scope in the Business, descriptions of which policies, including the names
of the insurer and the insured, the amount of annual premiums, and the types and
amounts of coverage, are set forth on Schedule 2.23. All of such policies are in
full force and effect, all premiums with respect thereto have been paid or
accrued therefor, and no notice of cancellation or termination has been received
with respect to any such policy. Such policies are sufficient for compliance
with (i) all applicable regulations and (ii) all contracts to which the Company
is a party. The Company has not breached or otherwise failed to perform its
obligations under any of such policies, nor has the Company received any adverse
notice from any of the insurers party to such policies with respect to any
alleged breach or failure in connection with any of such policies. Such policies
will not terminate or lapse by reason of the execution and delivery of this
Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. Except as
set forth on Schedule 2.23, there are no pending or, to the Sellers' or
Company's
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knowledge, threatened claims under any policy relating to the Company. Also set
forth on Schedule 2.23 is a true and complete listing of any and all claims
(excluding claims made with respect to the Company's health insurance policy)
made by the Company under any such policy since December 31, 1994.
Section 2.24 Commissions. There are and will be no claims for brokerage
commissions, finder's fees, fees for fairness opinions or financial advisory
services or similar compensation in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement based on any arrangement or agreement made by or
on behalf of the Sellers, the Company or any of their affiliates.
Section 2.25 Permits. The Company holds all permits, licenses,
registrations, certificates, orders, approvals or other authorizations from any
authority or other person including, without limitation, the Texas Board of
Architectural Examiners ("Permits") issued to or held by the Company or any of
its employees in connection with its operations. Such Permits are the only
Permits that are required for the Company to conduct its business as presently
conducted and proposed to be conducted. Each such Permit is in full force and
effect, and the Sellers and Company have not received notice that any
suspension, cancellation or modification of the terms of any such Permit is
threatened. The Company is in full compliance with the terms of each such
Permit, and the Sellers and the Company are not aware of any reason not set
forth in said Permit why any such Permit would not be renewed, upon
substantially the same terms as currently exist, upon expiration of such Permit.
No authorization, consent or notification of or filing with any authority is
necessary in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
the consummation of the
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transactions contemplated hereby, and each Permit issued to or held by the
Company will continue in full force and effect following the Closing Date. All
returns, reports, applications, statements and other documents required to be
filed by the Company with any applicable regulatory or governmental authority or
municipality (including taxing authorities) with respect to the Business on or
before the date hereof have been duly filed or properly extended as permitted by
law, and are true and complete in all material respects, and all reporting
requirements of all applicable regulatory or governmental authorities or
municipalities (including taxing authorities) having jurisdiction thereof have
been complied with in all material respects. True and complete copies of all
returns, reports, applications, statements and other documents filed by the
Company within the past three (3) years with any applicable regulatory or
governmental authority (including taxing authorities) or municipality have been
previously provided or made available to the Purchaser by the Sellers.
Section 2.26 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. The Company does not have
any liability of any nature whatsoever (whether known or unknown, due or to
become due, accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise), except for (i)
liabilities fully stated or fully reserved against in the Audited Financial
Statements, and (ii) current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of
business and consistent with past practice after the date of the Audited
Financial Statements which, individually and in the aggregate, do not have, and
cannot reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect (as defined in
Section 2.11 hereof). The Company is not a party to any contract, or subject to
any articles of incorporation or bylaw provision, any other corporate limitation
or any legal requirement which has, or can reasonably be expected to have, a
Material Adverse Effect.
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Section 2.27 Accounts Receivable. All accounts receivable of the Company
as of the Closing Date: (i) have arisen from bona fide sales transactions in the
ordinary course of business of the Company on ordinary terms, consistent with
past practices; (ii) represent valid and binding obligations due to the Company,
enforceable in accordance with their terms; and (iii) are collectible in the
ordinary course of business, within one hundred twenty (120) days following the
Closing Date, in the aggregate recorded amounts thereof in accordance with their
terms without setoff or counterclaim, except as otherwise expressly reserved in
the Audited Financial Statements. This representation and warranty is limited
and qualified, however, as follows: In the event any such account receivable of
the Company is not collected within one hundred twenty (120) days following the
Closing Date, and as a result thereof any one or more of the Sellers is called
upon to indemnify the Purchaser with respect thereto under the provisions of
Article VIII hereof, either through direct payments to the Purchaser or through
the Purchaser's exercise of its right of setoff under the provisions of Section
8.4 hereof or under the provisions of the subordinated promissory notes executed
of even date herewith, then in the event the Company thereafter collects such
account receivable, in whole or in part, the Company shall tender such amount as
is collected to the respective Sellers, pro rata in proportion to the amounts so
paid by the respective Sellers to the Purchaser therefor.
Section 2.28 Work in Progress and Backlog. The Sellers have provided the
Purchaser with full, accurate and complete financial data and other
documentation with respect to the Company's work currently in progress ("Work in
Progress and Backlog"). Except as listed on Schedule 2.28, each item of the
Company's Work in Progress and Backlog which is in excess of five thousand
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dollars ($5,000), either individually with respect to such item or in the
aggregate with respect to the applicable client, is subject to a binding
contract, either estimated, bid, or based upon a fee schedule, but in any event
entered into and performed by the Company in good faith, consistent in all
events with past practices. Without limiting the foregoing, all data and
documentation provided to the Purchaser with respect to the Work in Progress and
Backlog setting forth percentages or breakdowns to date and estimated to
completion of revenues, costs, fees, expenses, time or other factors, fully,
completely and accurately disclose the current status of each listed project and
the Company's best good faith estimate with respect to such factors over the
life of each such project.
Section 2.29 Customers. Except as shown on Schedule 2.29 hereto, neither
the Sellers nor the Company are involved in any material dispute with any of the
Company's customers, and neither the Sellers nor the Company have received
notice (whether oral or written) or have any knowledge of the intention of any
customer to discontinue or decrease in any way the customer's business with the
Company. Neither the Sellers nor the Company have any reason to believe that the
consummation of the transactions provided for herein will cause any of the
Company's customers not to conduct business with the Purchaser after the Closing
Date on terms substantially the same as those on which such customer now does
business with the Company. By way of example and not limitation, this Section
shall apply specifically to the Company's business relationship with those
material customers set forth on Schedule 2.29 hereto.
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Section 2.30 Securities Laws Matters.
(a) Each Seller acknowledges that the HLM Stock, the Stock Options
and any shares issued upon exercise of the Stock Options, all as defined
in Article VII hereof (the "Securities"), will not be registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") or under any
state securities laws, and may not be transferred except in a transaction
which either is registered under the Securities Act and any such state
securities laws or is exempt from such registrations. Further, such
Securities shall be subject to other agreements, including but not limited
to the Stockholders' Agreement and such Stock Option grant documents
referred to in Article VII hereof restricting their transferability and
setting forth certain other restrictions.
(b) Each Seller represents and warrants that his residence and
principal place of business is located in the State of Texas and that
Purchaser has not communicated with such Seller with respect to the offer
or sale of the Securities at any time such Seller was located in any other
State.
(c) Each Seller represents and warrants that:
(1) such Seller is well versed in financial matters and has
such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters and
that he is fully capable of
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understanding the merits and risks of the investment being made in
the Securities and the risks involved in connection therewith;
(2) such Seller is acting herein for such Seller's own account
and is acquiring the Securities for investment without a view to the
resale or other distribution thereof. Such Seller is financially
able to hold the Securities for long-term investment, believes that
the nature and amount of the Securities to be acquired hereunder is
consistent with such Seller's overall investment program and
financial position, and recognizes that there are substantial risks
involved in an investment in the Securities; and
(3) such Seller has received and reviewed the prospectus dated
June 12, 1998 related to the initial public offering of the
Purchaser's Common Stock, its annual report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended May 1, 1998, and its quarterly report on Form 10-Q
for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 1998.
(d) Each Seller acknowledges and agrees that Purchaser may, if it so
desires, permit transfers, or authorize its transfer agent to permit
transfers, of the Securities only when such Securities have been
registered under the Securities Act or and applicable state securities
laws when the request for transfer is accompanied by satisfactory
assurance (including, if requested, an opinion of counsel acceptable to
Purchaser) that the sale or proposed transfer does not require
registration under the Securities Act and applicable state
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securities laws, and each Seller agrees that a legend to such effect will
be placed on the Securities.
Section 2.31 Disclosure. Neither this Agreement nor any of the
attachments, written statements, documents, certificates or other items prepared
for or supplied to the Purchaser by or on behalf of the Sellers or the Company
with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omits any material fact necessary to make each
statement contained herein or therein not misleading.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER
The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Sellers as follows:
Section 3.1 Corporate Organization. The Purchaser is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware, with full corporate power and authority to own, operate and lease its
properties and to conduct its business as presently conducted. The Purchaser is
qualified to do business and is in good standing in every jurisdiction in which
the conduct of its business, the ownership or lease of its properties, or the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby requires it to be so qualified.
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Section 3.2 Authorization. The Purchaser has full power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The Board of Directors of the Purchaser has duly authorized
the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, and no other
corporate proceedings on the Purchaser's part are necessary to authorize the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid
and binding obligation of the Purchaser enforceable against the Purchaser in
accordance with its terms, subject to equitable considerations and the effect of
bankruptcy and other laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.
Section 3.3 No Violation. The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by the
Purchaser do not and will not (a) conflict with or result in a breach of the
terms, conditions or provisions of, (b) constitute a default or event of default
under (with due notice, lapse of time or both), (c) result in the creation of
any lien upon the Purchaser or its assets pursuant to, (d) give any third party
the right to accelerate any obligation under, (e) result in a violation of, or
(f) require any authorization, consent, approval, exemption or other action by,
or notice to, any person pursuant to any applicable regulation, any order to
which the Purchaser is subject or any contract to which the Purchaser or any of
its properties are subject. The Purchaser has complied with all applicable
regulations and orders in connection with the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, subject
to the requirements which are conditions to the Closing.
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Section 3.4 Investment Intent. The Purchaser represents and warrants to
the Sellers that it is purchasing the Shares for investment purposes and not
with a view to distribution thereof and agrees that it shall not make any sale,
transfer, or other disposition of the Shares in violation of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, or the regulations thereunder or under any other applicable
securities laws.
ARTICLE IV
OTHER AGREEMENTS
The parties hereto further agree as follows:
Section 4.1 Further Assurances. On the terms and subject to the conditions
of this Agreement, the parties hereto shall use all reasonable efforts at their
own expense to take, or cause to be taken, all action, and to do, or cause to be
done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable regulations to
consummate and make effective as promptly as possible the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, and to cooperate with each other in connection
with the foregoing, including, without limitation, using all reasonable efforts
(a) to obtain all necessary waivers, consents and approvals from other parties
to loan agreements, leases, mortgages and other Contracts, (b) to obtain all
necessary consents, approvals and authorizations as are required to be obtained
under any regulations or in connection with any permits, (c) to lift or rescind
any injunction or restraining order or other order adversely affecting the
ability of the parties to consummate the
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transactions contemplated hereby, and (d) to fulfill all conditions to the
obligations of the parties under this Agreement.
Section 4.2 Consents. Without limiting the generality of Section 4.1, each
of the parties hereto shall use all reasonable efforts to obtain all waivers,
permits, authorizations, consents and approvals of all persons and authorities
necessary, proper or advisable in connection with the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement prior to the Closing Date.
Section 4.3 No Termination of the Obligations by Subsequent Dissolution.
Each of the parties hereto specifically agrees that its obligations hereunder,
including, without limitation, obligations pursuant to this Article IV, shall
not be terminated by the dissolution of such party, whether by operation of law
or otherwise.
Section 4.4 Insurance Policies and Claims Administration. The Sellers and
the Company shall be responsible for the administration of all claims made under
the Company's insurance policies prior to the Closing Date. If any claim is
asserted against the Company prior to the Closing Date, the Company and the
Sellers shall promptly assert and pursue coverage and payment for such claim
with the appropriate insurance carrier. With respect to such claims which arise
prior to the Closing Date, after the Closing Date the Sellers shall provide the
Company and the Purchaser with reasonable cooperation and assistance in
asserting and pursuing such coverage. In particular, the Sellers shall, upon
request by the Purchaser, assist the Company with the filing of all necessary
claims and take all such other action as may reasonably be requested by the
Purchaser to pursue such
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coverage. As between the Sellers, on the one hand, and the Purchaser and the
Company, on the other hand, the Purchaser and the Company shall be entitled to
recover all insurance proceeds with respect to any claim, except for health
insurance claims and except to the extent the Sellers have previously provided
indemnification therefor to the Purchaser or the Company under this Agreement.
Section 4.5 Other Tax Matters.
(a) Tax Returns. The Purchaser, the Sellers, the Company and their
successors shall cooperate in the preparation of all Tax Returns and
reports and shall make available all necessary records and timely take all
action necessary to allow for the preparation and filing of all Tax
Returns and reports. Within ten (10) days following the Closing, the
Sellers and the Company shall deliver or shall cause to be delivered to
the Purchaser all books, records, returns, schedules, work papers, and
other documents (including without limitation, appraisals and other
background information) which are in the possession of the Sellers or the
Company and which relate to any Taxes of the Company for any taxable
period. Prior to the delivery of the materials described in the preceding
sentence, the Sellers shall cooperate with the Purchaser in providing
access to such materials as is reasonably required by the Purchaser.
The parties hereto agree that the Sellers shall cause the Company to
prepare or have prepared, and pay prior to the Closing all taxes arising
therefrom, all Tax Returns for the
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Company for the periods ended on or before December 31, 1997. Purchaser
shall prepare and file all Tax Returns for the Company for the periods
commencing after December 31, 1997. Further, Purchaser shall pay all taxes
arising from the Company's operations after the Closing. With respect to
any Taxes of the Company for the 1998 calendar year commencing January 1,
1998 and continuing through the Closing, the Company shall pay all such
Taxes, and Sellers shall have no liability therefore, so long as the
Sellers shall have caused the Company to have fully and properly reserved
for all such Taxes through the Closing Date.
(b) Information. The Purchaser and the Sellers agree to furnish or
cause to be furnished to each other, as promptly as practicable, such
information (including access to books and records) and assistance
relating to the Company as is reasonably requested for the filing of any
Tax Return, in determining a Tax liability or right to refund, for the
preparation of any audit or other proceeding, and for the prosecution of
any claim, suit or proceeding relating to a proposed Tax adjustment. The
Purchaser and the Sellers shall cooperate with each other in the conduct
of any Tax audit or other Tax proceedings involving the Company. The
parties shall execute and deliver such powers of attorney and other
documents as are reasonably requested to carry out the administration of
the Tax provisions of this Agreement.
(c) Amended Returns. From and after the Closing Date, the Purchaser
may file an amended Tax Return for any period ending on or prior to the
Closing Date without the consent of the Sellers. Any additional Taxes
resulting from such an amended Tax Return shall be the responsibility of,
and shall be paid solely by (i) the Sellers (through
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indemnification pursuant to Article VIII hereof), to the extent such Taxes
result from an amended Tax Return filed to correct any "understatement,"
as such term is defined in Section 6662 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, by the Sellers or the Company with respect to any or all
reporting periods ending on or before the Closing Date, and (ii) the
Company in all other events. The Purchaser shall provide the Sellers with
notice of and a reasonable opportunity to participate in the preparation
of any such amended Tax Return, and the Sellers agree to provide the
Purchaser with reasonable cooperation and assistance in connection
therewith. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any and all determinations
regarding any and all such Tax Returns shall ultimately be made by the
Purchaser, in its sole discretion.
Section 4.6 Appointment of Seller Representative.
(a) Each of the Sellers hereby irrevocably appoints Bill D. Smith
and Walter J. Viney each to be the representative of the Sellers (singly
and collectively, including any successor of each, the "Seller
Representative") and irrevocably authorizes each Seller Representative,
acting alone or jointly, to take all actions, exercise all powers, give
all notices and execute all documents on behalf of Sellers as Seller
Representative may deem necessary or desirable in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. The Purchaser and
after the Closing the Company shall be entitled to rely upon any
communication, instrument, notice or document signed or sent by any Seller
Representative. All documents executed and all actions taken by Seller
Representative shall be binding and
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enforceable upon all of the Sellers as though each Seller had executed
such document and/or taken such action.
(b) In the event of the resignation, death or other inability to
serve of a Seller Representative, the Sellers shall appoint a successor
Seller Representative by majority vote (based upon the percentage of the
Purchase Price allocatable to each such Seller) and Purchaser shall be
entitled to rely upon any notification of a new Seller Representative
believed by Purchaser to be genuine. Purchaser shall be protected in
dealing with a Seller Representative before receipt of actual notice that
the Seller Representative has been replaced and if the Seller
Representative has resigned, died or is otherwise unable to serve,
Purchaser may deal with another Seller Representative or, if none exists,
with another Seller of Purchaser's choosing, who shall serve as Seller
Representative until replaced in accordance with this Section. Purchaser
shall not be deemed to have any knowledge of any replacement of a Seller
Representative until receipt of written notice signed by a Seller
Representative, his executor or a majority in interest of the Sellers.
(c) Purchaser shall send all payments, certificates evidencing the
HLM Stock and all notices to any Seller Representative, pursuant to such
written directions as are provided to the Purchaser by the Seller
Representative from time to time, at the notice address set forth in
Section 9.3 and such Seller Representative shall have complete
responsibility to distribute such payments, certificates and notices among
the Sellers, and each Seller hereby releases Purchaser, the Company and
all of their affiliates, shareholders,
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directors, officers, employees and agents from any claim or liability in
connection therewith, other than with respect to the Purchaser's
obligation to make delivery of such payments, certificates and notices to
a Seller Representative as provided herein. The relationship and
liabilities of the Sellers and the Seller Representatives inter se, shall
be governed by such other agreements as the Sellers and the Seller
Representatives shall deem appropriate, but Purchaser shall not be
affected by or have any liability with respect to any such agreement.
ARTICLE V
CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER
The obligations of the Purchaser under this Agreement shall be subject to
the satisfaction of each of the following conditions on or prior to Closing
unless waived in writing by the Purchaser:
Section 5.1 Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties of the Sellers and the Company contained in Article II hereof and
elsewhere in this Agreement and all information contained in any Exhibit,
Schedule or attachment hereto shall be true and correct in all material respects
when made and on the Closing Date as though then made. The Sellers and the
Company shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all
agreements, covenants and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed
and complied with by them prior to the Closing Date.
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Section 5.2 Consents and Approvals. The Sellers, the Company and the
Purchaser shall have obtained all consents, approvals, orders, qualifications,
licenses, Permits or other authorizations, required by all applicable
regulations, orders and contracts binding on any of the Sellers, the Company or
the Purchaser or any of their respective properties and assets, with respect to
the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the financing and
consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and the conduct of the
business of the Company in the same manner after the Closing Date as before the
Closing Date.
Section 5.3 No Material Adverse Change. Except as shown on Schedule 5.3,
there shall have been no Material Adverse Change (as defined in Section 2.11
hereof) in the business, properties, revenues, accounts receivable, Work in
Progress and Backlog, financial statements, customers, business prospects,
condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of the Company since
April 30, 1998, including, without limitation, the payment of any bonuses, any
amendment to the Company's charter or bylaws, any borrowings, the purchase of
real or personal property at an aggregate purchase price of over $1,000, any
increase in compensation of the Company's employees, or the distribution or
declaration of dividends or distributions, any extension of leases, or the
commitment to do any of the foregoing (unless the Purchaser shall have first
consented thereto in writing or except as shown on Schedule 2.10 hereto).
Section 5.4 No Proceeding or Litigation. No order or regulation shall be
in effect which would prevent the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby.
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Section 5.5 Secretary's Certificate. The Purchaser shall have received a
duly executed original of the approvals referenced in Section 2.2 hereof,
together with a certificate, executed by the Secretary of the Company, dated the
Closing Date, as to the charter and by-laws of the Company and the resolutions
adopted by the stockholders and directors of the Company in connection with this
Agreement in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser and its counsel.
Section 5.6 Certificates of Good Standing. At the Closing, the Company
shall have delivered to the Purchaser certificates issued by the appropriate
governmental authorities evidencing the good standing of the Company in the
State of Texas and in each jurisdiction in which the Company is qualified to do
business, such certificates dated as of a date not more than thirty (30) days
prior to the Closing Date.
Section 5.7 Employment Agreements. Bill D. Smith, Walter J. Viney, Richard
E. Morgan and Weldon W. Nash, Jr. shall have entered into Employment Agreements
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Employment
Agreement"). Additionally, the Purchaser shall have received such assurances as
it deems necessary, in its sole discretion (and the Sellers and the Company
shall assist the Purchaser in obtaining such assurances), that key personnel of
the Company (as determined by mutual agreement of the Seller Representative and
the Purchaser) shall remain in the Company's employ following the consummation
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Purchaser shall not be deemed to be obligated by reason of this
Agreement or consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby to retain in
employment any employee of the Company.
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Section 5.8 Resignations. The Sellers shall have caused all directors and
officers of the Company to have resigned, using such form of resignation as is
satisfactory to the Purchaser and its counsel.
Section 5.9 Opinion of Sellers' and Company's Counsel. The Sellers shall
deliver at Closing an opinion of counsel to the Sellers and the Company
addressed to Purchaser in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.
Section 5.10 Delivery of Minute Books and Share Certificates. The Sellers
shall deliver at Closing all original minute books and stock transfer records of
the Company, together with any and all original certificates evidencing the
Shares and any shares of the Company's capital stock which have been cancelled
of record or which are held in the form of treasury stock.
Section 5.11 Regulatory Compliance. Counsel for the Purchaser shall have
determined to its satisfaction that the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement are in compliance with all applicable federal and state law and
regulations, including, without way of limitation, those pertaining to the
practice of architecture.
Section 5.12 Due Diligence. Purchaser and its counsel shall have
completed, to their satisfaction, a due diligence review of the Company's books
and records and such other documentation as is requested pertaining to the
Company's operations, and the results of such due diligence must be satisfactory
to the Purchaser and its counsel, in their sole discretion.
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Section 5.13 Other Documents. The Purchaser shall have been furnished with
such other and further documents and certificates, including certificates of the
Sellers and/or the Company's officers, directors and others, as the Purchaser
shall reasonably request to evidence compliance with the conditions set forth in
this Agreement.
Section 5.14 Liens. The Sellers shall have removed all liens on the Shares
and on the assets and properties of the Company.
ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLERS
The obligations of the Sellers under this Agreement shall be subject to
the satisfaction of each of the following conditions on or prior to Closing
unless waived in writing by the Sellers:
Section 6.1 Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties of the Purchaser contained in Article III hereof and elsewhere in
this Agreement and all information contained in any Exhibit, Schedule or
attachment hereto shall be true and correct in all material respects when made
and on the Closing Date as though then made. The Purchaser shall have performed
and complied in all material respects with all agreements, covenants and
conditions required by this Agreement to be performed and complied with by it
prior to the Closing Date.
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Section 6.2 Consents and Approvals. The Purchaser, the Sellers and the
Company shall have obtained all consents, approvals, orders, qualifications,
licenses, Permits or other authorizations required by all applicable
regulations, orders and contracts binding on the Purchaser, the Sellers or the
Company or any of their respective properties and assets, with respect to the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement.
Section 6.3 No Proceeding or Litigation. No order or regulation shall be
in effect which would prevent the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby.
Section 6.4 Secretary's Certificate. The Sellers shall have received a
duly executed original of the approvals referenced in Section 3.2 hereof,
together with a certificate, executed by the Secretary of the Purchaser, dated
the Closing Date, as to the charter and by-laws of the Purchaser and the
resolutions adopted by the directors of Purchaser in connection with this
Agreement in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Sellers and their counsel.
Section 6.5 Employment Agreements. The Purchaser shall have entered into
or caused the Company to enter into the Employment Agreements.
Section 6.6 Opinion of the Purchaser's Counsel. The Purchaser shall
deliver at Closing an opinion of its counsel addressed to the Sellers in
substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.
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ARTICLE VII
CLOSING
Section 7.1 Closing. Unless this Agreement shall have been terminated or
abandoned pursuant to the provisions of Articles V and VI hereof, a closing of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the "Closing") shall be held on
or before October 30, 1998 (or such date either before or after October 30, 1998
as the parties hereto shall mutually agree) (the "Closing Date") in the offices
of the Company in Dallas, Texas (or at such other place as the parties hereto
shall mutually agree).
Section 7.2 Payment of Purchase Price and Receipt of Shares.
(a) Deliveries at Closing. On the Closing Date, (i) the Sellers will
assign and transfer to the Purchaser good and valid title in and to the
Shares, free and clear of all liens, by delivering to the Purchaser stock
certificates representing the Shares, duly endorsed for transfer or
accompanied by duly executed stock powers endorsed in blank with requisite
stock transfer tax stamps, if any, attached; (ii) the Purchaser shall, by
wire transfer of same- day funds, pay to the Sellers an aggregate amount
of Two Million Four Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($2,400,000) to be
divided among the Sellers as shown on Schedule D hereto; (iii) the
Purchaser shall deliver to the Sellers the subordinated promissory notes
in the aggregate original principal amount of $1,160,000 described in
Section 7.2(b) below, in the amount for each Seller set forth on Schedule
D hereto; and (iv) the parties shall deliver
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to each other the documents required under this Agreement to be delivered
at or prior to the Closing.
(b) Installment Payments; Subordinated Promissory Notes. Each Seller
shall receive a subordinated promissory note substantially in the forms
attached hereto as Exhibit E. Thirty percent (30%) of the principal amount
of each subordinated promissory note will be paid on each of the second
and third anniversaries of the Closing Date and forty percent (40%) of
each subordinated promissory note will be paid on the fourth anniversary
of the Closing Date, all as provided in each Seller's subordinated
promissory note. Interest shall accrue on the subordinated promissory
notes at the rate of seven percent (7%) per annum. The Purchaser's
obligation to make any and all payments otherwise due and payable under
the terms of the subordinated promissory notes, however, shall be subject
to the Purchaser's right of setoff as provided in Sections 7.5 and 8.4
below.
(c) Delayed Delivery Stock. In addition to the forms of Purchase
Price provided to Sellers in Sections 7(a) and (b) above, the Sellers
shall receive from Purchaser, at such times following Closing as
hereinafter set forth, an aggregate of 240,000 shares of the Purchaser's
"delayed delivery stock", constituting shares of the Purchaser's Common
Stock, $.001 par value, having an agreed upon value at the Closing Date of
$1,440,000 (such "delayed delivery stock" to be hereinafter referred to as
the "HLM Stock"). Such shares shall be restricted, shall not be registered
under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and shall bear an
appropriate registration legend. The HLM Stock shall be delivered to each
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Seller in such amounts as set forth on Schedule D hereto. Thirty percent
(30%) of each Seller's HLM Stock shall be delivered on each of the second
and third anniversaries of the Closing Date and forty percent (40%) shall
be delivered on the fourth anniversary of the Closing Date.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to delivery of the first installment
of HLM Stock, each Seller shall be required to execute (i) the then
current form of the Company's Stockholders' Agreement, which shall be
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F, which
Stockholders' Agreement shall be applicable to all of each Seller's HLM
Stock, and which Stockholders' Agreement in all instances shall provide
for the termination of such Stockholders' Agreement upon the earlier to
occur of (i) the completion of six (6) months following the registration
of the Seller's HLM Stock which is subject to such Stockholders'
Agreement, or (ii) the completion of three and one-half (3 1/2) years
following the Closing Date, and (ii) a Registration Rights Agreement,
which shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit G. The
Purchaser's obligations to deliver the HLM Stock shall be subject to the
Purchaser's right of setoff as provided in Sections 7.5 and 8.4 below.
Section 7.3 Stock Options. In addition to the Purchase Price, the Sellers
shall be eligible to receive options to purchase up to twenty-four thousand
(24,000) shares of the Purchaser's Common Stock, $.001 par value (the "Stock
Options"). Such options shall be granted by the Purchaser, pursuant to the terms
and conditions (including the exercise price) of the Purchaser's then applicable
stock option plan, on the third anniversary of the Closing (the "Stock Option
Grant Date") to such of the Sellers then still in the employ of the Company, the
Purchaser or any of their
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affiliates, in proportion to the ownership of Shares of the Company each of such
Sellers then still in the employment of the Company, the Purchaser or any of
their affiliates owned at the Closing Date bear to each other. Each such Seller
granted Stock Options shall be required to execute any and all of the grant
documents then required pursuant to the Purchaser's then applicable stock option
plan.
Section 7.4 Reservation of Shares. The Purchaser shall reserve on its
books any and all shares of the Purchaser's Common Stock, $.001 par value, as
shall be required to fulfill its obligations set forth in Section 7.2(c) and 7.3
hereof.
Section 7.5 Adjustments to Purchase Price.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein provided, the
Purchaser shall have the absolute right to reduce the Purchase Price
should the Company's stockholders' equity as at April 30, 1999, as shown
on financial statements prepared by the Company in accordance with GAAP
and consistent with the Audited Financial Statements (the "1999 Financial
Statements"), not equal or exceed $1,400,000 (the "Minimum Equity Level")
and/or the Company's after tax earnings as shown on the 1999 Financial
Statements not equal or exceed $600,000 (the "Minimum Earnings Level").
For these calculations, no additional corporate overhead shall be
allocated to the Company. For each dollar the Company's stockholders'
equity is below the Minimum Equity Level, the aggregate Purchase Price
shall be reduced by one dollar. For each dollar the Company's after-tax
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earnings is below the Minimum Earnings Level, the aggregate Purchase Price
shall be reduced by six dollars. The Purchase Price shall be so reduced by
first reducing the Company's obligations under the subordinated promissory
notes, for each Seller in proportion to the whole and, if necessary, by
then reducing the Company's obligations to deliver the HLM Stock, again
for each Seller in proportion to the whole. The parties hereto agree to
enter into any and all amendments, filings and agreements as may be
necessary to document and communicate any such reduction in the Purchase
Price.
(b) Further, the Purchaser shall have the absolute right to reduce
the Purchase Price should an audit of the Company's activities under the
Southwestern Bell Telephone Company agreement dated as of November 26,
1996 be undertaken for any period prior to the Closing Date and should
such audit result in there being a final determination and request for
reimbursement by Southwestern Bell, or an admission by the Company, of an
aggregate overstatement of revenue by the Company for any and all periods
prior to the Closing Date of more than $140,000. In that event, there
shall be a reduction in the aggregate Purchase Price as hereinafter
provided and an offset in the same manner as set forth in Section 7.5(a)
hereof. For each dollar of overstatement in excess of $140,000, the
aggregate Purchase Price shall be reduced by six dollars. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in the event any such overstatement arises from the actions
of any third party, then to the extent the Company recovers any portion or
all of such overstatement from such third party, the aggregate Purchase
Price shall not be reduced with respect to the amount so recovered (net of
any expenses incurred by the Company in recovering such amount). In the
event such reduction
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has already occurred prior to the recovery of such amount, then such
reduction shall be reversed with respect to the amount so recovered (net
of any applicable expenses) and each of the Sellers shall be paid such
amount which such Seller would have otherwise been paid had such reduction
not occurred.
ARTICLE VIII
SURVIVAL OF TERMS; INDEMNIFICATION
Section 8.1 Survival. All of the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
together with the representations, warranties, covenants and obligations
contained herein or in any instrument or document delivered or to be delivered
pursuant to this Agreement and the agreements of the parties to indemnify,
defend and hold harmless each other as set forth in this Article VIII shall
survive the execution of this Agreement and the Closing Date notwithstanding any
investigation heretofore or hereafter made by or on behalf of any party hereto
and shall continue until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations
with respect to any and all claims in connection therewith.
Section 8.2 Indemnification by the Sellers. After the Closing Date, the
Purchaser and the Company shall be indemnified, defended and held harmless as
hereinafter provided by the Sellers, jointly and severally (subject to the
limitations set forth in this Section 8.2 and in Section 8.6 hereof), against
and in respect of any and all damage, loss, liability, cost or expense
(including, unless otherwise provided herein, the reasonable fees and expenses
of counsel and any Tax liability resulting from any indemnity payment made
hereunder) resulting from, or in respect of, any of the
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following (provided, however, that the liability of each of Douglas R. Bissell,
Jan G. Blackmon, Ken G. Rowley and Paul H. Woodard under this Article VIII shall
be limited to an amount equal to the portion of the Purchase Price allocated to
and received by such party as set forth in Schedule D hereto):
(a) Misrepresentation or Breach. Any misrepresentation or breach of
warranty of the Sellers, or nonfulfillment of any obligation on the part
of either the Company (to be performed on or prior to the Closing) or the
Sellers under this Agreement, or contained in any Schedule or Exhibit to
this Agreement delivered by Sellers or Company or from any
misrepresentation in or omission from any certificate, Schedule, Exhibit,
related agreement, financial statement, or instrument delivered by or on
behalf of the Sellers or the Company hereunder.
(b) Taxes. All Taxes of the Company attributable to any period
ending prior to or on the Closing Date.
(c) Third Party Claims. Any Claim of a third party arising out of
the business or operations of the Company prior to or on the Closing Date
or any Claim resulting from or arising out of the ownership, management or
use of the Shares and/or the business of the Company prior to the Closing
Date.
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(d) Related Expenses. All expenses and costs, including but not
limited to legal fees, reasonably paid or incurred in connection with any
of the foregoing.
Section 8.3 Indemnification by the Purchaser. After the Closing Date, the
Sellers shall be indemnified, defended and held harmless as hereinafter provided
by the Purchaser against and in respect of any and all damage, loss, liability,
cost or expense (including, unless otherwise provided herein, the reasonable
fees and expenses of counsel and any Tax liability resulting from any indemnity
payment made hereunder) resulting from, or in respect of, any of the following:
(a) Misrepresentation or Breach. Any misrepresentation or breach of
warranty of the Purchaser, or nonfulfillment of any obligation on the part
of the Company (to be performed after the Closing) or the Purchaser under
this Agreement, or contained in any Schedule or Exhibit to this Agreement
delivered by Purchaser or from any misrepresentation in or omission from
any certificate, Schedule, Exhibit, related agreement or instrument
delivered by or on behalf of the Purchaser hereunder.
(b) Taxes. All Taxes of the Company attributable to any period
ending after the Closing Date.
(c) Third Party Claims. Any Claim of a third party arising out of
the business or operations of the Company after the Closing Date. By way
of example and not limitation, the Purchaser specifically agrees to
indemnify the Sellers hereunder with respect to any
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payments such Seller is required to make under such Seller's personal
guaranty of the Company's revolving line of credit with NationsBank of
Texas, N.A. (the "NationsBank Revolver"). Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in this Agreement, the Purchaser's indemnification obligation
hereunder with respect to each such Seller's guaranty of the NationsBank
Revolver shall continue until such time as such Seller's personal guaranty
thereof has been released by NationsBank of Texas, N.A.
(d) Related Expenses. All expenses and costs, including but not
limited to legal fees, reasonably paid or incurred in connection with any
of the foregoing.
Section 8.4 Setoff. Without limiting its other rights and remedies
hereunder, and in addition to its rights and remedies in this Agreement provided
(but subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 8.6 and 9.14 hereof), the
Purchaser shall have the right to withhold and setoff against payments otherwise
due and payable to the Sellers hereunder the amount of any damages it suffers as
a result of any breach by the Sellers of any representation, warranty, agreement
or term hereof (including Sellers' continuing obligations under the Employment
Agreements), and for any and all amounts with respect to which the Purchaser is
entitled to indemnification as provided in Section 8.2 hereof. Any and all such
setoffs shall be applied by the Purchaser against the Sellers pro rata in
proportion to the amount of the total Purchase Price allocated to each Seller
pursuant to Exhibit D hereto. In the event the subject of such indemnification
is a third party claim, as provided in Section 8.5 below, the Purchaser shall be
entitled, in its sole discretion, to make direct payments to any such third
party creditor or claimant in satisfaction of its claim if, within twenty (20)
days after
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giving written notice of such claim to the Sellers, such claim has not been paid
or settled or the Sellers have not assumed the defense of such action to the
reasonable satisfaction of the Purchaser. The Purchaser shall notify the Sellers
of any such sums to be set off, specifying the basis for such set off and the
amount thereof.
Section 8.5 Third Party Claims. In the event a party seeking
indemnification hereunder (the "Indemnitee") shall receive written notice of any
claim or proceeding against it that, if successful, might result in an
indemnifiable claim under this Article VIII, then the Indemnitee shall give the
party which may be liable for such indemnification hereunder (the "Indemnitor")
prompt written notice of such claim or proceeding and shall permit the
Indemnitor to participate in the defense of such claim or proceeding by counsel
of the Indemnitor's own choosing and at the Indemnitor's expense. In addition,
the Indemnitor, upon written request, and upon the Indemnitee's written consent
which shall be in its sole discretion, may assume carriage of the defense of any
such claim or proceeding, provided that the Indemnitee may participate in any
such defense as it may deem necessary or appropriate to protect its interests
and the Indemnitor shall assume the cost thereof.
Section 8.6 Limitation on the Sellers' Joint and Several Liability.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the liability of
each of the Sellers under this Article VIII shall not be joint and several with
respect to claims arising from or with respect to any actual or alleged breach
of or noncompliance with the terms of any of the Employment Agreements, and each
Seller shall be liable only with respect to claims pertaining to such Seller's
own Employment Agreement, if any. For example, it is expressly agreed that in
the event any Seller breaches the
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noncompetition covenants contained in his Employment Agreement, with the result
that the Purchaser suffers damages which are indemnifiable hereunder or
thereunder, then only the breaching Seller shall be required to indemnify the
Purchaser with respect to such damages, and the Purchaser shall not be entitled,
and shall not seek, to pursue a claim for indemnification or to exercise its
right of offset under the provisions of this Article VIII with respect to such
damages against any Seller other than the breaching Seller.
ARTICLE IX
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 9.1 Amendment and Modification. This Agreement may be amended,
modified and supplemented at any time with respect to any of the terms contained
herein, by a written agreement signed by all of the parties hereto.
Section 9.2 Waiver. The failure of any party hereto to comply with any
obligation, covenant, agreement or condition herein may be waived in writing by
the other party or parties hereto affected thereby, but such waiver shall not
operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any subsequent waiver or
other failure. Whenever this Agreement requires or permits consent by or on
behalf of any party hereto, such consent shall be given in writing.
Section 9.3 Notices. All notices, claims, requests, demands or other
communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given
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when delivered by hand, by first class certified mail, return receipt requested,
with postage paid, or by receipted overnight courier service to the intended
recipient at the address specified below or at such other address as shall be
designated by such party in any notice delivered as above provided to the other
parties hereto.
Notices to Purchaser: With a Copy to:
- --------------------- ---------------
HLM Design, Inc. Underwood Kinsey Warren & Tucker, P.A.
Suite 2950 Suite 2020
121 West Trade Street 102 South College Street
Charlotte, NC 28202-5399 Charlotte, NC 28244-2020
ATTN: Vernon B. Brannon ATTN: Shirley J. Linn, Esq.
Notices to Sellers: With a Copy to:
- ------------------- ---------------
JPJ Architects, Inc. Looper, Reed, Mark & McGraw Incorporated
Suite 1200 4100 Thanksgiving Tower
5910 North Central Expressway 1601 Elm Street
Dallas, TX 75206 Dallas, TX 75201
ATTN: Bill D. Smith ATTN: John K. Rothpletz, Esq.
Section 9.4 Assignment. This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof
shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns, but neither this Agreement
nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by
any of the parties hereto (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the
prior written consent of the other parties hereto; provided, that the Purchaser
may, without the prior written consent of the Sellers and the Company, assign
its rights hereunder and under any other Contracts or documents executed or
delivered in connection herewith to (i) an affiliate of the
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Purchaser, or (ii) its lenders as collateral in connection with the financing of
the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, further that in any such event
the Purchaser shall remain liable with respect to all of the Purchaser's
obligations under this Agreement or such other Contracts or documents
notwithstanding Purchaser's assignment pursuant hereto.
Section 9.5 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of
the State of North Carolina, without regard to its principles of conflict of
laws.
Section 9.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall
constitute one and the same instrument.
Section 9.7 Headings. The Article and Section headings contained in this
Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the
meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
Section 9.8 Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement
and understanding of the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof
and supersedes all prior agreements, representations, warranties, promises,
covenants, arrangements and understandings, oral or written, express or implied,
among the parties with respect to such subject matter. There are no agreements,
representations, warranties, promises, covenants, arrangements or understandings
among the parties hereto with respect to such subject matter other than those
expressly set forth or referred to herein.
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Section 9.9 No Benefit. This Agreement shall not be construed so as to
confer any right or benefit upon any person other than the signatories to this
Agreement and each of their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns.
Section 9.10 Delays or Omissions. No delay or omission to exercise any
right, power or remedy accruing to any party hereto upon any breach or default
of another party hereto under this Agreement shall impair any such right, power
or remedy of such party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such
breach or default or an acquiescence therein or of or in any similar breach or
default thereafter occurring. All remedies, whether under this Agreement, by law
or otherwise, afforded to any party shall be cumulative and not alternative.
Section 9.11 Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be
separable and a determination that any provision of this Agreement is either
unenforceable or void shall not affect the validity of any other provision of
this Agreement. Wherever possible all provisions shall be interpreted so as not
to be unenforceable and any court of competent jurisdiction is authorized and
directed by the parties to enforce any otherwise unenforceable provision in
part, to modify it, to enforce it only to a degree and not fully, or otherwise
to enforce that provision only in a manner and to an extent, or for a shorter
period of time, that renders the provision valid or enforceable. The intent of
the parties is that this Agreement be enforceable and enforced to the maximum
extent possible after excising (or deeming excised) all invalid or unenforceable
provisions, whether or not the remaining provisions are grammatically correct.
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Section 9.12 Expenses. The Sellers and the Purchaser shall bear their
respective own expenses with respect to this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby. Any such fees shall not be borne by the Company, either
directly or indirectly. The cost of the April 30, 1998 audit will be borne by
Purchaser if the transactions contemplated herein are closed no later than
October 30, 1998 and shall be split equally by the Sellers and Purchaser should
the transactions not so close. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall
bear its own legal and accounting fees and expenses (excluding accounting fees
and expenses pertaining to the April 30, 1998 audit, which shall be allocated
and paid as provided above) incurred in connection with this transaction.
Section 9.13 Schedules. Matters shown on Schedules to this Agreement are
deemed disclosed in the Agreement.
Section 9.14 Limitation of Damages. The liability of each of Ken G.
Rowley, Douglas R. Bissell, Paul H. Woodard and Jan G. Blackmon to the Purchaser
for any and all damages (liquidated or otherwise) for which each of them may be
liable as a result of the breach or violation of any provision of this Agreement
and/or any Schedule or Exhibit attached hereto shall be limited to the portion
of the Purchase Price allocated to and received by such party as set forth in
Schedule D hereto.
[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first written above.
HLM DESIGN, INC
ATTEST:
/s/ VERNON B. BRANNON By: /s/ JOSEPH M. HARRIS
-------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Asst. Secretary President
(Corporate Seal)
/s/ BILL D. SMITH
--------------------------------------(SEAL)
BILL D. SMITH
/s/ WALTER J. VINEY
--------------------------------------(SEAL)
WALTER J. VINEY
/s/ RICHARD E. MORGAN
--------------------------------------(SEAL)
RICHARD E. MORGAN
/s/ WELDON W. NASH, JR.
--------------------------------------(SEAL)
WELDON W. NASH, JR.
/s/ KEN G. ROWLEY
--------------------------------------(SEAL)
KEN G. ROWLEY
/s/ DOUGLAS R. BISSELL
--------------------------------------(SEAL)
DOUGLAS R. BISSELL
/s/ PAUL H. WOODARD
--------------------------------------(SEAL)
PAUL H. WOODARD
/s/ JAN G. BLACKMON
--------------------------------------(SEAL)
JAN G. BLACKMON
JPJ ARCHITECTS, INC.
By: /s/ BILL D. SMITH
-----------------------------------------
President
ATTEST:
/s/ RICHARD E. MORGAN
--------------------
Secretary
(Corporate Seal)
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MANAGEMENT AND SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Management and Services Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into
effective as of October 30, 1998, by and between JPJ ARCHITECTS, INC., a Texas
corporation (hereinafter referred to as "JPJ"), and HLM DESIGN, INC., a Delaware
corporation (hereinafter referred to as "Design").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, JPJ has heretofore provided architectural services through the
services of duly licensed architects engaged by JPJ as employees or independent
contractors, and may in the future provide engineering services through the
services of duly licensed engineers engaged by JPJ as employees or independent
contractors;
WHEREAS, Design is in the business of providing comprehensive management
services to architectural and engineering firms, including the provision of
office space and equipment, the recruitment, hiring and employment of
architectural and engineering personnel and support personnel, and the provision
of billing and collection services;
WHEREAS, Design has special expertise and experience in the operation,
management and marketing of the non-architectural and
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non-engineering aspects of architectural and engineering firms of the type
intended to be operated by JPJ; and
WHEREAS, JPJ desires that Design provide the above-described services to
JPJ, and Design desires to provide such services to JPJ, pursuant to the
provisions of this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises
of the parties hereto and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to
be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:
1. Term of Agreement; Termination. Commencing on the effective date set
forth above, and subject to the termination provisions set forth below, this
Agreement shall continue in effect until the fortieth (40th) annual anniversary
of the effective date hereof. Thereafter, this Agreement shall automatically
renew for successive one (1) year terms, unless either party shall provide the
other with written notice of termination at least thirty (30) days prior to the
expiration of the then current term hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
either party hereto may terminate this Agreement at any time upon written notice
to the other in the event of any of the following:
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a. The filing of a petition in voluntary bankruptcy or an assignment
for the benefit of creditors by the other, or upon other action taken or
suffered, voluntarily or involuntarily, under any federal or state law for
the benefit of debtors by the other, except for the filing of a petition
in involuntary bankruptcy against the other which is dismissed within
thirty (30) days thereafter; or
b. In the event the other shall materially default in the
performance of any duty or obligation imposed upon it by this Agreement
and such default shall continue for a period of thirty (30) days after
written notice thereof has been given to the defaulting party by the
non-defaulting party.
c. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 1
provided, Design may terminate this Agreement at any time with or without
cause upon the giving of at least sixty (60) days prior written notice to
JPJ.
2. Obligations of Design.
a. General. JPJ hereby appoints Design as its sole and exclusive
manager and administrator of all of JPJ's day-to-day business functions.
JPJ acknowledges and agrees that the purpose and intent of this Agreement
is to relieve JPJ to the maximum extent possible of the administrative,
accounting,
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personnel and business aspects of JPJ's operations, with Design assuming
responsibility and being given any and all necessary authority to perform
these functions. In connection with the foregoing, JPJ hereby agrees that
Design shall have the authority, duties and obligations set forth in
Sections 2.b. through 2.d. below, and JPJ agrees to take no actions in
contravention thereof without the express prior written consent of Design.
b. Financial Planning. Design shall prepare such budgets, plans and
policies as are necessary and appropriate in connection with the
operations of JPJ, reflecting the anticipated sources and uses of capital
for JPJ, and JPJ's anticipated revenues and expenses. All operations of
JPJ shall be conducted in accordance with such budgets, plans and
policies, which shall establish, by way of example and not limitation, the
following:
(1) the amounts, purpose and priority of all
capital expenditures;
(2) the amounts and sources of all additional capital,
including without way of limitation the issuance of any and all
additional capital stock and the incurring of any and all
indebtedness;
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(3) the amounts, manner of payment and timing of all
dividends; and
(4) the amount, form and manner of payment of all employee
compensation and benefits, including without way of limitation all
compensation and benefits pertaining to personnel employed or
engaged by JPJ, or pertaining to personnel employed or engaged by
Design on JPJ's behalf.
c. Facilities, Equipment and Supplies. During the term of this
Agreement, and all renewals and extensions hereof, Design shall analyze,
select and negotiate for the lease and/or purchase by JPJ or Design, as
the case may be, of (1) suitable office facilities ("Offices") in which
JPJ can provide architectural and engineering services, (2) such
architectural and engineering equipment, office equipment, furniture,
fixtures, furnishings and leasehold improvements (collectively,
"Equipment") as necessary for the performance by JPJ of its architectural
and engineering services, and (3) business supplies of every kind, name or
nature, which may reasonably be required by JPJ for its operations. Design
shall have the authority to negotiate for the purchase or lease of any or
all such items on JPJ's behalf, either in JPJ's or Design's name, as shall
be deemed appropriate by Design in its sole discretion, and all such items
shall in all
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events be subject to, and leased or purchased in accordance with, the
budgets, plans and policies referenced in Section 2.b. above.
d. Development, Management and Administrative Services. During the
term of this Agreement, and all renewals and extensions hereof, Design
shall furnish to JPJ, or assist JPJ in obtaining, as deemed appropriate by
Design in its sole discretion, all of the non-architectural and
non-engineering development, management and administrative services as may
be needed by JPJ in connection with JPJ's operations. Additionally, Design
shall provide JPJ with such advice and supervision regarding all aspects
of JPJ's architectural and engineering services as JPJ may request from
time to time, subject in all events to the limitations set forth in
Section 4 hereof. Such non-architectural and non-engineering development,
management and administrative services shall include, by way of example
and not limitation, the following:
(1) Bookkeeping and Accounts. Design shall establish and
maintain all bookkeeping and accounting services necessary and
appropriate to support the Offices, including, without limitation,
maintenance, custody and supervision of all business records,
papers, documents, ledgers, journals and reports, and the
preparation, distribution and recordation of all bills and
statements for professional services rendered by JPJ
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<PAGE>
(collectively, "Books and Records"). Notwithstanding the foregoing,
JPJ shall be responsible for maintaining full and accurate
accounting records of all services rendered and such additional
information as may be required in order for JPJ to satisfy any and
all applicable reporting requirements.
(2) General Administrative Services. Design shall provide JPJ
with overall supervision and management, including the maintenance
and repair, of the Offices, and of all Equipment located in or at
the Offices.
(3) Contract Negotiation and Administration. Design shall
negotiate and administer all non-architectural and non-engineering
aspects of all agreements pertaining to the provision of
architectural and engineering services by JPJ to third parties
("Architectural and Engineering Agreements"). By way of example and
not limitation, Design shall have the authority to negotiate and
administer the provisions of the Architectural and Engineering
Agreements pertaining to such matters as pricing and scheduling, and
shall also provide JPJ with such advice and supervision regarding
all other aspects of the Architectural and Engineering Agreements as
JPJ may request from time to time, subject in all events to the
limitations set forth in Section 4
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hereof. Additionally, Design administer all aspects of JPJ's
agreements which do not pertain directly to the provision of
architectural or engineering services by JPJ to third parties
("General Business Contracts").
(4) Personnel. Subject to the provisions of Section 4 hereof,
Design shall provide such personnel to JPJ as Design shall determine
in its sole discretion to be necessary to enable JPJ to perform all
services contemplated under the Architectural and Engineering
Agreements and the General Business Contracts. Design shall provide
such personnel by either (1) engaging such personnel directly on
JPJ's behalf (for example, as employees or independent contractors
of JPJ), or (2) engaging such personnel directly (for example, as
employees or independent contractors of Design) and then leasing or
subcontracting such personnel to JPJ. Design shall have the sole
discretion to determine the manner in which such personnel are
provided to JPJ. In no event shall Design provide or be required to
provide architect or engineer employees or independent contractors
(whether licensed or unlicensed) to JPJ in any manner not in
compliance with all applicable codes, rules and regulations adopted
by any authority regulating the licensing of architects or engineers
for the applicable
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<PAGE>
jurisdiction. Design shall advise JPJ with the hiring and
termination of all JPJ personnel, and shall determine compensation
for all JPJ and all Design personnel, including determination of
salaries, fringe benefits, bonuses, health and disability insurance,
workers' compensation insurance, and any other benefits that each
such employee shall receive. JPJ shall compensate all JPJ personnel
(including those leased or subcontracted to JPJ by Design) and make
any and all applicable withholding filings and payments in
connection therewith. Additionally, Design shall manage and
supervise any licensed personnel employed or engaged by JPJ, or
employed or engaged by Design on behalf of JPJ, regarding those
aspects of their employment that do not involve performance under
the scope of their licensure; provided, however, that JPJ shall
manage and supervise all activities of such licensed personnel
performed under the scope of their licensure.
(5) Security and Maintenance. Design shall advise JPJ with
respect to all services and personnel necessary to provide JPJ with
proper security, maintenance, and cleanliness of the Offices and the
Equipment.
(6) Architectural and Engineering Recruiting and Training.
Design shall, in its sole discretion, either
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<PAGE>
perform on JPJ's behalf, or assist JPJ in performing, all
recruiting, screening and evaluating of prospective architect and
engineer employees and contractors for JPJ, and Design shall assist
JPJ in training JPJ's architects and engineers in the delivery of
architectural and engineering services at the Offices in a manner
consistent with JPJ's and Design's established standards, practices,
procedures and policies.
(7) Insurance. Design shall, in its sole discretion, either
provide directly or advise and direct JPJ with respect to selecting
and negotiating for the provision of professional liability,
commercial general liability and property insurance to protect
against loss in the nature of fire, other catastrophe, theft,
business interruption, general liability, and non-architectural and
non-engineering negligence.
(8) Billing and Collections. In order to relieve JPJ of the
administrative burden of handling the billing and collection of sums
due under Architectural and Engineering Agreements, Design shall be
responsible, on behalf of and for JPJ, for billing and collecting
the charges made with respect to Architectural and Engineering
Agreements and any or all other services provided at the Offices;
provided that responsibility for
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<PAGE>
specific accounts may be retained by JPJ at the mutual agreement of
JPJ and Design. In such event JPJ agrees that it will keep and
provide to Design all invoices, documents, evidence and records
necessary for the purpose of supporting the fees charged for all
architectural and engineering services from time to time. It is
expressly understood that the extent to which Design will endeavor
to collect such charges, the methods of collecting, the settling of
disputes with respect to charges, and the writing off of charges
that may be or appear to be uncollectible shall at all times be
within the sole discretion of Design (but subject to all applicable
governmental regulations and the terms and conditions of applicable
agreements), and that Design does not guarantee the extent to which
any charges billed will be collected. At JPJ's request, Design will
reassign to JPJ for collection by JPJ, any accounts which Design has
determined to be uncollectible.
(9) Bank Accounts and Disbursements. During the term of this
Agreement, Design shall have access to any and all bank accounts of
JPJ, and in connection therewith JPJ hereby appoints Design for the
term hereof as its lawful attorney-in-fact to deposit in such
accounts fees generated from JPJ's architectural and engineering
practice which are collected by Design, and to make
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<PAGE>
withdrawals from such accounts for the payment of expenses arising
from or relating to JPJ's operations, for Design's compensation
hereunder, and for all other costs, expenses and disbursements which
are required or authorized by this Agreement. Such withdrawals and
payments may be made by Design at any time and from time to time as
Design deems appropriate in its sole discretion. For administrative
convenience, JPJ shall not make any withdrawal(s) from such accounts
without the prior written consent of Design. JPJ agrees to execute
from time to time any and all additional documents required by the
banks at which JPJ's accounts are maintained to effectuate the power
of attorney granted above.
(10) Approval of Stock Transfers. Design shall have the sole
authority and discretion to approve or deny on behalf of JPJ any and
all proposals by stockholders of JPJ to encumber, sell, pledge, give
or otherwise transfer JPJ capital stock.
(11) Marketing Support. Design shall provide JPJ with such
marketing support as Design in its sole discretion deems appropriate
to develop, enhance and continue JPJ's practice. Such support may
include, by way of example and not limitation, making available such
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brochures, literature and sales aids as Design develops,
providing JPJ with access to pertinent economic and market data
acquired or developed by Design, and developing and implementing a
comprehensive marketing plan designed to foster client relations and
enhance JPJ's name recognition as a high quality provider of
professional architectural and engineering services.
3. Compliance with Architectural and Engineering Agreements. Design agrees
to perform its duties hereunder so as to comply with JPJ's obligations under the
Architectural and Engineering Agreements.
4. Conduct of Architectural and Engineering Practice. JPJ agrees to assign
a duly licensed architect and, to the extent engineering services are provided,
a duly licensed engineer to assure that its Offices are adequately staffed with
such architectural and engineering personnel as may be necessary to efficiently
perform architectural and engineering services at such Offices. Notwithstanding
any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, Design shall have no authority,
directly or indirectly, to perform, and shall not perform, any function of JPJ's
operations pertaining to services ("Professional Services") which are required
to be performed by duly licensed architects and/or engineers pursuant to any and
all applicable codes, or rules or regulations adopted by any authority
regulating the licensing of
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<PAGE>
architects (the "Architecture Board") or engineers (the "Engineering Board").
Design may, however, advise JPJ as to the relationship between JPJ's performance
of Professional Services and the overall administrative and business functions
of JPJ's operations. To the extent Design assists JPJ in performing Professional
Services, all personnel employed or engaged by JPJ or by Design on JPJ's behalf
shall be subject to the professional direction and supervision of JPJ, and in
the performance of such Professional Services, such personnel shall not be
subject to any direction or control by, or liability to, Design, except as may
be specifically authorized by JPJ in accordance with applicable codes, rules or
regulations.
To the extent any provision of this Agreement is determined to violate any
provision of the applicable codes, or any rule or regulation of the Architecture
Board or of the Engineering Board, then such provision of this Agreement shall
be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to cure such violation.
5. Non-Exclusive Nature of Design's Duties. The parties acknowledge that
Design is in the business of providing services of the nature provided to JPJ
hereunder to architectural and engineering firms located throughout the United
States, and that Design may currently be a party to or may at any time hereafter
enter into contracts with other architectural and engineering firms in that
regard. Additionally, Design may also directly or
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indirectly provide architectural and engineering services from time to time. No
such activities by Design shall be deemed a breach of or a conflict with the
duties of Design hereunder.
6. Design's Compensation. As compensation for the provision of its
services hereunder, Design shall be paid, no less frequently than on a quarterly
basis, an estimate of the balance, if any, of JPJ's cash flow (as determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent
basis) following the payment by JPJ or by Design on JPJ's behalf of all of JPJ's
expenses, and the deduction from such cash flow of an amount equal to one
percent (1.00%) of JPJ's net profits (as determined in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis) for such time
period as has elapsed subsequent to the last payment to Design (such deducted
amount to be retained by JPJ as compensation for services provided to JPJ by JPJ
or by JPJ's personnel, and to be distributed or retained by JPJ as JPJ deems
appropriate in its sole discretion).
7. Ownership of Books and Records. The books and records generated and
maintained by each of the parties hereto shall be and remain the property of
each such party. JPJ agrees to make all of its books and records (subject to
applicable ethical and legal confidentiality requirements) available for
inspection, examination or copying by duly authorized representatives of Design
from time to time throughout the term hereof, and upon written request by
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Design to JPJ following the termination hereof, all to enable Design to better
perform its duties hereunder.
8. Liability and Indemnification. Neither Design nor its stockholders,
directors, officers, employees or agents shall have any liability for action
taken or omitted by such person(s) in the performance of its duties hereunder if
such action or omission is taken in good faith and without negligence. Each
party to this Agreement respectively assumes responsibility for liability,
actual or alleged, arising from its respective activities performed pursuant to
this Agreement. JPJ agrees, during the term of this Agreement and thereafter, to
the extent necessary to effectuate the purpose hereof, to indemnify and hold
harmless Design against any claims or liabilities arising under this Agreement
which arise out of or in connection with the Architectural and Engineering
Agreements, the General Business Contracts or the actions of JPJ's architect and
engineer employees or contractors (including, without way of limitation, those
employees and contractors employed or engaged by Design on JPJ's behalf or
otherwise).
9. Confidentiality. JPJ acknowledges that due to the nature of this
Agreement, JPJ will have access to information of a proprietary nature owned by
Design including, but not limited to, any and all computer programs (whether or
not completed or in use) and any and all operating manuals or similar materials
which constitute the non-architectural and non-engineering systems,
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policies and procedures, and methods of doing business, developed by Design for
the operation of facilities managed by Design. Consequently, JPJ acknowledges
and agrees that Design has a proprietary interest in all such information and
that all such information constitutes confidential and proprietary information
and the trade secret property of Design. JPJ hereby waives any and all right,
title and interest in and to such confidential information and trade secrets and
agrees to return all copies of such confidential information and trade secrets
to Design, at JPJ's expense, upon the termination of the Agreement.
JPJ further acknowledges and agrees that Design is entitled to prevent its
competitors from obtaining and utilizing its confidential information and trade
secrets. Therefore, JPJ agrees to hold Design's confidential information and
trade secrets in strictest confidence and not to disclose them to or allow them
to be disclosed to or used by, directly or indirectly, any person or entity
other than those persons or entities who are employed by or affiliated with
Design or JPJ, either during the term of this Agreement, or at any time after
the expiration or sooner termination of this Agreement, without the prior
written consent of Design. JPJ agrees to require each independent contractor and
employee of JPJ, and any such persons or entities to whom such information is
disclosed for the purpose of performance of Design's or JPJ's obligations under
this Agreement, to execute a
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"Confidentiality Agreement" in a form acceptable to Design, upon
the request of Design.
JPJ acknowledges and agrees that a breach of this Section 9 will result in
irreparable harm to Design which cannot be reasonably or adequately compensated
in damages, and therefore Design shall be entitled to injunctive and equitable
relief to prevent a breach and to secure enforcement thereof, in addition to any
other relief or award to which Design may be entitled.
10. Cooperation. JPJ and Design agree that they shall at all times
maintain an effective liaison and close cooperation with each other to
facilitate the provision of high quality and cost effective architectural and
engineering services. Each of the parties agrees to cooperate fully with each
other in connection with the performance of their respective obligations under
this Agreement, and both parties agree to employ their best efforts to resolve
any dispute that may arise under or in connection with this Agreement. JPJ shall
provide to Design full and complete access to JPJ's premises, and to JPJ's Books
and Records (as defined in Section 2.d.(1) hereof), in order that Design may
perform its functions hereunder. Notwithstanding any other provisions contained
herein, Design shall not be liable to JPJ, and shall not be deemed to be in
default hereunder, for the failure to perform or provide any of the supplies,
services, personnel, or other obligations to be performed or provided by Design
pursuant to this
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Agreement if such failure is a result of a labor dispute, act of God, or any
other event which is beyond the reasonable control of Design.
11. Arbitration. If a dispute or matter in controversy arises between the
parties hereto which they are unable to resolve to their mutual satisfaction
within ten (10) days of written notice from one to the other of the existence of
such dispute, then either party may notify the other party in writing (the
"Notice") that the dispute be submitted to binding arbitration as provided
herein. Such arbitration shall take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, in
accordance with the Rules of Commercial Arbitration of the American Arbitration
Association, or its successor. The provisions of ss.ss. 1-567.1 et seq. of the
General Statutes of North Carolina, or any successor or amended statute or law
containing similar provisions, shall apply in any such arbitration. Any
arbitration pursuant to this Agreement shall be conducted by one (1) arbitrator.
The judgment upon the award rendered in any such arbitration shall be final and
binding upon the parties and may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
over any party.
12. Waiver of Violation. The waiver by either party of a breach or
violation of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate as or be
construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach thereof.
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13. Miscellaneous.
a. Notices. All notices, offers and acceptances or rejections
thereof required to be given hereunder, shall be given by certified mail
to the parties hereto at the addresses listed below, or at such other
address as may be stated from time to time, and shall be deemed delivered
upon deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid:
To JPJ: JPJ Architects, Inc.
C/O HLM Design, Inc.
121 West Trade Street, Suite 2950
Charlotte, NC 28202
ATTN: Vernon B. Brannon
To Design: HLM Design, Inc.
121 West Trade Street, Suite 2950
Charlotte, NC 28202
ATTN: Vernon B. Brannon
With a Copy to: Shirley J. Linn, Esq.
Underwood Kinsey Warren & Tucker, P.A.
2020 Charlotte Plaza
201 S. College Street
Charlotte, NC 28244-2020
b. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be separable
and a determination that any provision of this Agreement, or subpart
thereof, is either unenforceable or void shall not affect the validity of
any other provision of this Agreement, or subpart thereof. Wherever
possible all provisions shall be interpreted so as not to be unenforceable
and any court of competent jurisdiction is authorized and directed by the
parties hereto to enforce any otherwise
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unenforceable provision in part, to modify it, to enforce it only to a
degree and not fully, or otherwise to enforce that provision only in a
manner and to an extent, that renders the provision valid or enforceable.
The intent of the parties is that this Agreement be enforceable and
enforced to the maximum extent possible after excising (or deeming
excised) all invalid or unenforceable provisions, whether or not the
remaining provisions are grammatically correct.
c. Amendments or Modifications. This Agreement constitutes the
entire understanding between the parties hereto with respect to the
subject matter hereof, and no changes, amendments or alterations shall be
effective unless agreed to in writing by both parties hereto, provided
that no such amendment shall conflict with applicable laws or regulations.
d. Relationship of the Parties. The relationship of the parties
hereto shall at all times be that of independent contractors. Except as
expressly provided herein, nothing contained in this Agreement shall be
construed to constitute either party as an agent, legal representative,
partner, joint venturer or employee of the other, and neither party hereto
shall have the power to bind the other with respect to any obligation to
any third party.
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<PAGE>
e. Assignability. Design may assign this Agreement, and/or transfer,
assign or delegate any or all of its rights, obligations and
responsibilities under this Agreement, without the consent of JPJ. This
Agreement is not transferrable or assignable by JPJ without the prior
written consent of Design.
f. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their duly authorized representatives.
HLM DESIGN, INC.
By: /s/ JOSEPH M. HARRIS
-------------------------------
Title: President
JPJ ARCHITECTS, INC.
By: /s/VERNON B. BRANNON
-------------------------------
Title:
----------------------------
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE,
CONTACT:
[HLM logo appears here]
HLM Design
J. Rossi Bob Schu Architecture Atlanta, GA
Corporate Director of Desmond Towey Engineering Charlotte, NC
Marketing and Communications Desmond Towey Planning Chicago, IL
HLM Design, Inc. & Associates Denver, CO
Tel: 704-358-0779 Tel: 212-888-7600 Iowa City, IA
Fax: 704-358-0229 Fax: 212-888-7686 Orlando, FL
Philadelphia, PA
Portland, OR
Sacramento, CA
Washington, DC
HLM DESIGN, INC. COMPLETES PURCHASE OF JPJ ARCHITECTS, INC.
Charlotte, North Carolina (November 2, 1998) - HLM DESIGN, INC. (NASDAQ Small
Cap: HLMD) announced today that it has completed the acquisition of JPJ
Architects, Inc., one of Dallas' larger architectural and interior design firms
with over 65 employees.
The acquisition has raised HLM Design, Inc.'s annualized design construction
volume to over $900 million and annualized gross income to over $45 million.
By integrating the capabilities of JPJ Architects, Inc., HLM Design, Inc. is now
able to pursue broader business opportunities.
HLM Design, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph M. Harris, AIA
said, "The combination of JPJ's presence in Dallas with the national expertise
of HLM Design will present substantial competitive advantages. JPJ's focus in
the corporate, education and university markets broadens the existing HLM
Design client base."
JPJ Architects, Inc.'s diversified practice spans over 36 years and includes
completed projects in 80 cities in Texas, 19 states, and eight countries outside
the U.S. JPJ Architects has developed a strong portfolio in corporate
facilities, interior design, office buildings, educational facilities, master
planning, and large public projects.
HLM Design, Inc. consolidates architectural, engineering and planning firms. The
company provides operating efficiencies and geographic and service
diversification for its clients and component firms. Firms managed by HLM
Design, Inc. are located in eleven cities and serve commerical and institutional
clients nationwide.
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Suite 2950
121 West Trade Street
Charlotte, NC 28202-5399
704.
358.0229 fax
358.0779
<PAGE>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
[HLM logo appears here]
HLM Design
J. Rossi Architecture Atlanta, GA
Corporate Director of Engineering Charlotte, NC
Marketing and Communications Planning Chicago, IL
HLM Design, Inc. Denver, CO
Tel: 704-358-0779 Iowa City, IA
Fax: 704-358-0229 Orlando, FL
Philadelphia, PA
Portland, OR
Sacramento, CA
Washington, DC
JPJ ARCHITECTS JOINS HLM DESIGN
Charlotte, North Carolina, (November 3, 1998)--HLM Design announced today that
JPJ Architects, Inc., one of Dallas' larger architectural and interior design
firms with over 65 employees, joined the firm.
By integrating the capabilities of JPJ Architects, Inc., HLM Design, Inc. is now
able to pursue broader business opportunities. HLM Design, Inc. President and
Chief Executive Officer Joseph M. Harris, AIA, said, "The combination of JPJ's
presence in Dallas with the national expertise of HLM Design will present
substantial competitive advantages. JPJ's focus in the corporate, education and
university markets broadens the existing HLM Design client base."
JPJ Architects, Inc.'s diversified practice spans over 36 years and includes
completed projects in 80 cities in Texas, 19 states, and eight countries
outside the U.S. JPJ Architects has developed a strong portfolio in corporate
facilities, interior design, office buildings, educational facilities, master
planning, and large public projects.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, HLM Design in addition to Dallas
also has offices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Washington, D.C.; Orlando,
Florida; Chicago, Illinois; Iowa City, Iowa; Denver, Colorado; Portland,
Oregon; and Sacramento, California. HLM Design's national practice includes
healthcare planning and design for major medical centers including Duke Medical
University Medical Center and the University of Chicago.
more
Suite 2950
121 West Trade Street
Charlotte, NC 28202-5399
704.
358.0229 fax
358.0779
<PAGE>
JPJ Architects Joins HLM Design
Page two
[HLM logo appears here]
HLM Design
Architecture Atlanta, GA
Engineering Charlotte, NC
Planning Chicago, IL
Denver, CO
Iowa City, IA
Orlando, FL
Philadelphia, PA
Portland, OR
Sacramento, CA
Washington, DC
The firm has designed major research facilities for Johns Hopkins University
and the Mayo Foundation, and is currently designing two new biomedical
research facilities for the National Institutes of Health.
HLM Design also maintains a national practice in courts design. Among the
award-winning courthouses designed by the firm are: U.S. Federal Courthouse,
Sacramento, California; Orange County Courthouse Complex, Orlando, Florida;
U.S. Federal Courthouse, St. Louis, Missouri; Arlington County Courthouse,
Arlington, Virginia; and the Howard H. Baker Federal Courthouse, Knoxville,
Tennessee.
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Suite 2950
121 West Trade Street
Charlotte, NC 28202-5399
704.
358.0229 fax
358.0779
