SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 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: February 1, 1999
MARKETING SERVICES GROUP, INC.
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(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)
Nevada 0-16730 88-0085608
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(State or other (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
jurisdiction of File No.) Identification No.)
incorporation)
333 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10001
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
212/594-7688
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(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
<PAGE>
Item 2. Acquisition or Disposition of Assets
On January 15, 1999, Marketing Services Group, Inc. ("MSGI") entered into a
stock purchase agreement effective as of January 1, 1999 to acquire all of the
issued and outstanding capital stock (the "Shares") of Stevens-Knox and
Associates, Inc., Stevens-Knox List Brokerage, Inc. and Stevens-Knox
International, Inc. (collectively "SKA") from Ralph Stevens (the "Seller"). In
consideration of the purchase of the Shares and other transactions contemplated
in the agreement, MSGI paid the aggregate sum of $3,000,000. The agreement
includes payments of additional consideration of up to $1,000,000 a year for
each year beginning July 1st and ending June 30th for the years of 2000, 2001
and 2002, adjustable forward to apply to the next fiscal year if no additional
consideration is due for one such year. The additional consideration is
contingent upon SKA meeting (a) targeted earnings before interest and taxes and
(b) targeted billings of MSGI subsidiaries and affiliates for services for
clients originally introduced by SKA. The additional consideration shall be paid
in shares of MSGI Common Stock, provided, however, that Seller may elect to
receive up to twenty-five (25) percent in cash, or, with the written consent of
the Chief Executive Officer of MSGI, Seller may elect to receive up to fifty
(50) percent in cash. In addition, the Seller is entitled to receive $500,000 in
stock as consideration for the Shares, in the event that actual billings of MSGI
Subsidiaries and affiliates for services for clients originally introduced by
SKA exceeds targeted billings for the period February 1, 1999 through January
31, 2000.
Concurrent with the acquisition, on January 15, 1999, MSGI entered into an
employment agreement with the Seller to be employed as President and Chief
Executive Officer of SKA continuing until January 31, 2002, renewable for one
additional year.
SKA is a leading list management and brokerage firm based in New York and
London. Its clientele are segmented into four main areas: catalog marketing
(40%), publishing (30%), business-to-business (12%) and general consumer (8%).
Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits
(a) Financial statements of businesses acquired. * (b) Pro forma financial
information * (c) Exhibits included herein:
2.1 Stock Purchase Agreement among Marketing Services Group,
Inc. and Ralph Stevens
10.1 Form of Employment Agreement by and among Marketing
Services Group, Inc.
and Ralph Stevens
20.1 Press Release dated January 22, 1999
20.2 Press Release dated January 26, 1999
* It is impracticable for MSGI to provide the required financial statements and
pro forma financial information as of the date hereof. MSGI will file the
required financial statements and pro forma financial information no later than
60 days after the date hereof.
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.
MARKETING SERVICES GROUP, INC.
Date: February 1, 1999 By: /s/ Cindy H. Hill
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Title: Chief Financial Officer
<PAGE>
Exhibit 2.1
Execution Version
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
between
MARKETING SERVICES GROUP, INC.
and
RALPH STEVENS
RELATING TO THE PURCHASE
of
STEVENS-KNOX & ASSOCIATES, INC.
STEVENS-KNOX LIST BROKERAGE, INC.
and
STEVENS-KNOX INTERNATIONAL, INC.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
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I. PURCHASE AND SALE.....................................................4
1.1 Terms of Purchase and Sale........................................4
1.2 Terms of the Transaction..........................................4
1.3 Closing Date.....................................................12
1.4 Other Transactions at Closing....................................12
II. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLER.........................17
2.1 Organization and Qualification...................................17
2.2 Capitalization...................................................17
2.3 Financial Condition..............................................19
2.4 Tax and Other Liabilities........................................21
2.5 Litigation and Claims............................................25
2.6 Properties of the Companies......................................25
2.7 Contracts and Other Instruments..................................27
2.8 Employees........................................................27
2.9 Patents, Trademarks, Et Cetera...................................28
2.10Questionable Payments............................................29
2.11Authority to Sell................................................29
2.12Nondistributive Intent...........................................31
III. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER......................31
3.1 Organization and Qualification...................................31
3.2 Authority........................................................32
3.3 SEC Filings......................................................33
3.4 Validity of Shares of MSGI Common Stock..........................33
IV. CERTAIN COVENANTS OF THE SELLER AND PURCHASER........................34
4.1 Tax Returns......................................................34
4.2 Employee Options.................................................34
4.3 Line of Credit...................................................34
V. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER...........................35
5.1 Opinion of Counsel...............................................35
5.2 Other Closing Documents..........................................35
5.4 No Governmental Action...........................................36
5.5 Contractual Consents Needed......................................36
5.6 Material Adverse Change..........................................37
VI. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER..................................37
6.1 Legal Action.....................................................37
6.2 Contractual Consents.............................................37
6.3 Opinion of Counsel...............................................38
6.4 Other Closing Documents..........................................38
6.5 No Governmental Action...........................................38
VII. INDEMNIFICATION; SURVIVAL; LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY..................39
7.1 Indemnification of Purchaser.....................................39
7.2 Indemnification of Seller........................................40
7.3 Survival.........................................................41
VIII. MISCELLANEOUS........................................................42
8.1 Brokerage Fees...................................................42
8.2 Further Actions..................................................42
8.3 Submission to Jurisdiction.......................................42
8.4 Merger; Modification.............................................42
8.5 Notices..........................................................43
8.6 Waiver...........................................................44
8.7 Binding Effect...................................................44
8.8 No Third-Party Beneficiaries.....................................45
8.9 Separability.....................................................45
8.10Headings.........................................................45
8.11Counterparts; Governing Law......................................45
<PAGE>
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THIS STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), is being made on this
15th day of January, 1999, between MARKETING SERVICES GROUP, INC., a Nevada
corporation (the "Purchaser" or "MSGI"), with offices at 333 Seventh Avenue, New
York, New York 10001 and RALPH STEVENS, an individual residing at 14 Ketz
Street, New City, New York 10956 (the "Seller"), relating to the sale of all of
the issued and outstanding capital stock of Stevens-Knox & Associates, Inc., a
New York corporation ("SK Associates"), with offices at 304 Park Avenue South,
New York, New York 10010, Stevens-Knox List Brokerage, Inc., a New York
corporation ("SK Brokerage"), with offices at 304 Park Avenue South, New York,
New York 10010, and Stevens-Knox International, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("SK International" together with SK Associates and SK Brokerage each a
"Company" and collectively, the "Companies"), with offices at Manfield House, 1
South Hampton Street, London WCZROLR, United Kingdom.
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, the Seller owns beneficially and of record all of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of SK Associates, which outstanding capital stock
consists of an aggregate of four hundred ninety-nine (499) shares of common
shares, par value $1.00 per share (the "SK Associates Common Shares");
WHEREAS, the Seller owns beneficially and of record all of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of SK Brokerage, which outstanding capital stock
consists of an aggregate of sixty (60) shares of common shares, no par value per
share (the "SK Brokerage Common Shares");
WHEREAS, the Seller owns beneficially and of record all of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of SK International, which outstanding capital stock
consists of an aggregate of sixty (60) shares of common stock, par value $.01
(the "SK International Common Stock," together with the SK Associates Common
Shares and the SK Brokerage Common Shares, the "Shares");
WHEREAS, SK Associates has issued a promissory note, dated March 14, 1997,
in the aggregate amount of one hundred twenty-three thousand seven hundred fifty
dollars ($123,750.00), to the Stevens-Knox & Associates, Inc. Profit Sharing
Plan for the account of Ralph Stevens (the "Stevens 401(k) Note");
WHEREAS, SK Associates has issued a promissory note, dated March 14, 1997,
in the aggregate amount of one hundred fifty-four thousand one hundred
twenty-five dollars ($154,125.00), to the Stevens-Knox & Associates, Inc. Profit
Sharing Plan for the account of James H. Knox ("Knox") (the "Knox 401(k) Note");
WHEREAS, in connection with MSGI's acquisition of all of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of the Companies, MSGI has agreed to execute and
deliver a guaranty for the full amount due and payable on the Stevens 401(k)
Note (the "Stevens 401(k) Note Guaranty"), and the Knox 401(k) Note (the "Knox
401(k) Note Guaranty");
WHEREAS, Knox has sold three hundred thirty-three (333) shares of SK
Associates Common Shares to SK Associates, forty (40) shares of SK Brokerage
Common Shares to SK Brokerage, and forty (40) shares of SK International Common
Stock to SK International (collectively, the "Knox Shares") pursuant to the
terms of the Amended and Restated Shareholders' Agreement, dated May 7, 1996, by
and among Stevens, Knox, the Companies, Jordan Fishbane (the "Trustee"), and the
Stevens-Knox & Associates, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan, as amended on
September 18, 1996 (the "Shareholders' Agreement") and the Agreement by and
among the Companies, Stevens, and Knox, dated as of September 1, 1998 (the
"Closing Agreement" together with the Shareholders' Agreement, the "Purchase
Agreements") and such treasury shares remain issued but not outstanding;
WHEREAS, SK Associates has issued a one million forty thousand one hundred
seven dollar ($1,040,107) promissory note, dated September 1, 1998, to Knox, and
SK Brokerage has issued a three hundred thirty-two thousand eight hundred
thirty-four dollar ($332,834) promissory note, dated September 1, 1998, to Knox,
and SK International has issued a thirteen thousand eight hundred sixty-eight
dollar ($13,868) promissory note, dated September 1, 1998, to Knox, each payable
in one hundred and twenty (120) monthly installments of principal and interest
(collectively, the "Promissory Notes"), as consideration for the Knox Shares;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreements, Knox retains a
security interest in the Knox Shares as collateral for the Promissory Notes;
WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the signing of this Agreement, Knox shall
cancel the Promissory Notes and each Company shall issue to Knox an unsecured
promissory note in the principal amount equal to the remaining principal balance
of each Company's outstanding Promissory Note (the "Unsecured Promissory
Notes"), guaranteed by MSGI and payable in sixty (60) monthly installments; and
WHEREAS, the Purchaser desires to acquire the Shares from the Seller and
the Seller desires to sell the Shares to the Purchaser, subject to the terms and
conditions set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual premises, representations,
warranties, and covenants contained herein, and intending to be legally bound
hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
I. PURCHASE AND SALE
1.1 Terms of Purchase and Sale
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the
Closing (as defined in Section 1.3 below), the Seller shall sell, assign,
transfer, and convey to the Purchaser, effective as of January 1, 1999, the
Shares, free and clear of any liens, pledges, encumbrances, or security
interests (collectively, "Liens") whatsoever.
1.2 Terms of the Transaction
(a) At the Closing, the Seller shall deliver to the Purchaser stock
certificates representing the Shares duly endorsed in blank or with stock powers
duly endorsed in blank. Additionally, at the Closing, the Seller shall deliver
to the Purchaser all minute books of the Companies, the corporate seals of the
Companies, if any, the stock ledgers of the Companies, and such other corporate
documents and records as the Purchaser or its counsel shall reasonably request
prior to the Closing.
(b) In consideration of the purchase of the Shares and the other
transactions contemplated hereby, at the Closing the Seller shall receive from
the Purchaser the aggregate sum of three million dollars ($3,000,000), payable
by certified check or wire transfer.
(c) In addition, as consideration for the Shares as set forth in Section
1.2(a) hereof, the Seller is entitled to certain contingent payments of up to
one million dollars ($1,000,000) per year for each of three (3) fiscal years
beginning July 1, 1999 and ending June 30, 2002 or, if extended pursuant to
Section 1.2(c)(iii) hereof, on July 1, 2003 (each year a "Fiscal Year"),
determined according to the following formula and subject to the following
restrictions:
(i) In the event that Actual SKA EBIT (as defined herein) for a Fiscal Year
equals or exceeds 85% of the targeted value of earnings for a Fiscal Year equals
or exceeds 85% of the targeted value of earnings before interest and taxes for
the Companies in such year (the "SKA EBIT Target"), Seller shall be paid an
amount (the "Earnout Payment") equal to one million dollars ($1,000,000)
multiplied by the Percentage of Achieved Target. The "Percentage of Achieved
Target" in one Fiscal Year shall equal a percentage (such percentage shall not
be in excess of one hundred percent) equal to the product of: (A) a fraction,
with the numerator consisting of the Actual SKA EBIT in such year and the
denominator consisting of the SKA EBIT Target for such year, multiplied by (B) a
fraction, the numerator consisting of the Actual MSGI Net Billings (as defined
herein) in such year and the denominator consisting of the target value of MSGI
Net Billings (the "MSGI Billing Target") for such year. For example, if Actual
SKA EBIT for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2000 is $765,000 and Actual MSGI Net
Billings are $780,000 in that year then the Seller's Earnout Payment for Fiscal
Year 2000 will be equal to $540,000, as computed by the following equation:
($1,000,000 (765,000/850,000 x 780,000/1,300,000)). In the event that Actual SKA
EBIT exceeds 100% of the SKA EBIT Target and Actual MSGI Net Billings are less
than the MSGI Billing Target in any Fiscal Year, then each dollar of Actual SKA
EBIT in excess of the SKA EBIT Target shall be added to the Actual MSGI Net
Billings until such number is equal to the MSGI Billing Target; provided,
however, that this provision shall not apply to the determination of Actual MSGI
Net Billings in Section 1.2(d).
(ii) No Earnout Payment shall be payable to Seller for any Fiscal Year for
which Actual SKA EBIT is less than 85% of SKA EBIT Target; provided, however,
Seller shall receive the full Earnout Payment in any Fiscal Year for which one
hundred percent (100%) of the MSGI Billing Target is achieved, as measured by
Actual MSGI Net Billings, and Actual SKA EBIT is equal to or greater than the
goodwill amortization expense incurred by MSGI, determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principals ("GAAP"), in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(iii) If no Earnout Payment is due Seller as provided in subclause (i) and
(ii) of this Section in any one Fiscal Year, Seller shall be entitled to a one
time election to extend the Earnout Payment to the next succeeding Fiscal Year
based on the same formula and values for MSGI Billing Target and SKA EBIT Target
as the Fiscal Year for which no earnout was payable, and the MSGI Billing Target
and SKA EBIT Target for the remaining Fiscal Year(s), if any, will be
correspondingly adjusted forward to apply to the next Fiscal Year(s) thereafter.
For example, if Seller is not entitled to an Earnout Payment in Fiscal Year
ended June 30, 2001, the Earnout Payment for Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2002
will be based on the values for SKA EBIT Target and MSGI Billing Target for June
30, 2001. The Earnout Payment for June 30, 2003 will be based on the values for
SKA EBIT Target and MSGI Billing Target for June 30, 2002. The terms of this
subclause (iii) shall not be construed to permit any accumulation or carryover
of Actual SKA EBIT or Actual MSGI Net Billings from one Fiscal Year to another.
(iv) The Earnout Payment shall be paid not later than the earlier of one
hundred (100) days after the last day of each Fiscal Year or ten (10) days after
the filing of the Form 10K of MSGI (the "Payment Date"). MSGI shall pay Seller
each Earnout Payment in shares ("Earnout Shares") of MSGI common stock, par
value $.01 per share, (the "MSGI Common Stock"); provided, however, that Seller
may elect to receive up to twenty-five percent (25%) of each Earnout Payment in
a Fiscal Year in cash or, with the written consent of the Chief Executive
Officer of MSGI, the Seller may elect to receive up to fifty percent (50%) of
each Earnout Payment in cash. The Earnout Shares shall be valued at the average
of the closing prices for MSGI Common Stock as reported by the NASDAQ SmallCap
Market for the last 30 trading days prior to the three (3) business days before
each Payment Date.
(v) Each year the Board of Directors of MSGI shall consider whether, and if
so to what extent, the Actual MSGI Net Billings for that Fiscal Year shall be
deemed to include MSGI's billings for telemarketing, internet, or other services
to clients originally introduced to MSGI, for those services or others, by the
Companies.
(vi) In no event, shall Seller be entitled to any Earnout Payment for any
period following June 30, 2002; provided, however, if the Fiscal Year is
extended to June 30, 2003 pursuant to the operation of Section 1.2(c)(iii)
hereof, the Seller shall not be entitled to any such payout for any period
following such extended date.
(vii) The parties hereto acknowledge that Actual MSGI Net Billings shall be
subject to the adjustments set forth in this Section 1.2(c)(vii). The Companies
shall introduce to MSGI certain clients (each a "Client Company") who may
subsequently utilize the electronic data processing services set forth in
Schedule 1.2(c)(vii) attached hereto ("EDP Services"). In the event that a
Client Company enters into an oral contract for EDP Services with Metro Direct,
Inc., or any other subsidiary of MSGI which provides EDP Services (collectively,
"Metro"), Actual MSGI Net Billings shall not be reduced by any credits or
adjustments to a Metro invoice to a Client Company which are granted for reason
of a Failure to Perform (as defined below); provided, however, that Metro has
been notified in writing of any problem by the Seller, any Company or the Client
Company within seven (7) business days of the occurrence of such problem. In the
event that a Client Company enters into a written agreement with Metro for EDP
Services under which a Client Company guarantees certain minimum yearly
processing revenue ("Minimum Revenue"), Actual MSGI Net Billings shall not be
reduced by the Minimum Revenue if Metro has been found to breach such contract
by a court of competent jurisdiction or by an arbitrator, as the case may be,
for reason of a Failure to Perform. For the purposes of this Agreement "Failure
to Perform" shall mean the inability of Metro to adequately perform EDP Services
based upon the currently existing standards of service for companies providing
substantially similar EDP Services to customers engaged in direct marketing. Any
oral agreement or written contract referred to in this Section must be approved
by an officer of Metro. In the event that a Client Company terminates EDP
Services for reason of a Failure to Perform and no adjustment is made to Actual
MSGI Net Billings, the Chief Executive Officer of MSGI shall decide if, in the
interest of fairness to the Seller, an adjustment shall be made to Actual MSGI
Net Billings; provided, that any such determination shall be final and binding
between MSGI and the Seller.
(viii) For the purposes of this Agreement "SKA EBIT Target" and "MSGI
Billing Target" shall have the following values in each Fiscal Year:
Fiscal Year Ended SKA EBIT Target MSGI Billing Target
June 30, 2000 $850,000 $1,300,000
June 30, 2001 $1,050,000 $1,600,000
June 30, 2002 $1,250,000 $1,900,000
(ix) For the purposes of this Agreement, "Actual SKA EBIT" shall be defined
as the aggregate earnings for each Fiscal Year, based on GAAP of the Companies,
before charges for interest expense, taxes, one-time facility moving expenses of
the Companies (if MSGI requests the Companies to move), and all costs and
expenses attendant to such a move including, without limitation, any residual
lease payment on the old facility, cost of any new construction, replacement
costs for stationary and forms and allocations to the Companies of expenses of
MSGI including, without limitation, any allocations for MSGI's general
administrative and overhead expenses or goodwill. All cost savings related to a
move of the Companies shall offset all costs and expenses attendant to such a
move for the purpose of computing Actual SKA EBIT.
(x) For the purposes of this Agreement, "Actual MSGI Net Billings" shall be
defined as all billings of MSGI, its subsidiaries, and its affiliates for EDP
Services for a Client Company, less external charges including but not limited
to charges for National Change of Address, data/phone appendage, shipping,
tapes, computer storage media, and sales tax (collectively, "External Charges").
(d) In addition to the consideration set forth in Section 1.2(b) and
Section 1.2(c) hereof, the Seller is also entitled to receive five hundred
thousand dollars ($500,000), as consideration for the Shares, in the event that
Actual MSGI Net Billings equals or exceeds six hundred fifty thousand dollars
($650,000) for the period of February 1, 1999 through January 31, 2000. All of
the payment referred to in this Section 1.2(d) shall be made in shares of MSGI
Common Stock which shall be subject to the same registration and valuation
provisions as the Earnout Shares in Section 1.2(g) of this Agreement.
(e) Seller and his representatives, upon his request, shall be given access
to all reports, documents, books, and ledgers used to determine the Earnout
Payment; provided, that the Seller bears all costs, including, but not limited
to, legal and accounting costs related to a review of such material. Any dispute
or controversy arising solely from the provisions of Section 1.2(c) or (d) shall
be determined by arbitration to be held in the City of New York before one
arbitrator in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association,
and an award thereon may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
Each party shall bear its own costs relating to any arbitration, hearing, or
judicial relief relating to a claim made pursuant to this Section 1.2(e).
(f) The purchase price as set forth in Section 1.2(b), (c) and (d) shall be
allocated between the Companies as described in Schedule 1.2(f), attached
hereto.
(g) The MSGI Common Stock delivered or to be delivered pursuant to Section
1.2(c) and (g) shall not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "1933 Act"). Seller acknowledges that he may not sell or otherwise
dispose of such shares in the absence of either a registration statement under
the 1933 Act or an exemption from the registration provisions of the 1933 Act.
The certificates representing such shares will contain a legend substantially to
the effect that such shares have not been registered under the 1933 Act, and may
not be sold or transferred without an effective registration statement under the
1933 Act or an exemption from the registration provisions under the 1933 Act.
The Earnout Shares shall be unregistered shares of MSGI Common Stock which MSGI
shall cause to be registered under the 1933 Act within 90 days of receipt by
Seller.
(h) In the event the Employment Agreement between Seller, the Companies,
and MSGI, dated the date hereof (the "Stevens Employment Agreement"), is
terminated other than by operation of Section 9(a), (b), or (c) therein, Seller
shall be paid an Earnout Payment consisting of a single lump sum distribution in
MSGI Common Stock (with no present value adjustment) equal to one million
dollars ($1,000,000) for each Fiscal Year, or any portion thereof, remaining
after the date of such termination. Such payments shall be made within sixty
(60) days from the date of such termination. The value of the MSGI Common Stock
used for such payments shall be based on the average closing price of the Common
Stock on NASDAQ Small Cap Market for the thirty (30) days after such
termination.
(i) In the event of a future disposition of the properties and business of
MSGI, substantially as an entirety, by merger, consolidation, sale of assets,
sale of stock, or otherwise where fifty-one percent (51%) or more of MSGI Common
Stock is acquired by a party which is not an affiliate of MSGI ("Change of
Control") and such person does not assume the obligations of MSGI under Section
1.2(c) of this Agreement, then the Seller shall receive an Earnout Payment
consisting of a single lump sum distribution (with no present value adjustment)
equal to one million dollars ($1,000,000) for each Fiscal Year, or any portion
thereof, remaining from the date of the Change of Control.
1.3 Closing Date
The closing (the "Closing") of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall take place at the offices of Camhy Karlinsky & Stein LLP, 1740
Broadway, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10019, contemporaneously with the
execution of this Agreement (the "Closing Date"), but in no event not later than
January 15, 1999.
1.4 Other Transactions at Closing
(a) The obligation of the Purchaser to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment by the Seller
at the Closing of the following conditions:
(i) Executed confidentiality, non-competition, and release agreements by
and among the persons listed on Schedule 1.4(a)(i) and the Companies,
substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto;
(ii) Certificates of Good Standing, with "bring down" telegrams or similar
documentation as of the Closing Date, as to SK Associates, issued by the
appropriate governmental authorities of the State of New York and each state in
which SK Associates is required to be qualified to do business;
(iii) Certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of SK Associates,
and all amendments thereto, certified by the Secretary of State of the State of
New York;
(iv) Copies of the by-laws of SK Associates, resolutions of the Board of
Directors of the Company authorizing the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, and a statement of incumbency and authority of the signing officers,
certified by the secretary or assistant secretary thereof as being true and
correct;
(v) Certificates of Good Standing, with "bring down" telegrams or similar
documentation as of the Closing Date, as to SK Brokerage issued by the
appropriate governmental authorities of the State of New York and each state in
which SK Brokerage is required to be qualified to do business;
(vi) Certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of SK Brokerage,
and all amendments thereto, certified by the Secretary of State of the State of
New York;
(vii) Copies of the by-laws of SK Brokerage, resolutions of the Board of
Directors of the Company authorizing the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, and a statement of incumbency and authority of the signing officers,
certified by the secretary or assistant secretary thereof as being true and
correct;
(viii) Certificates of Good Standing, with "bring down" telegrams or
similar documentation, as to SK International issued by the appropriate
governmental authorities of the State of Delaware and each state in which SK
International is required to be qualified to do business;
(ix) Certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of SK
International, and all amendments thereto, certified by the Secretary of State
of the State of Delaware;
(x) Copies of the by-laws of SK International, resolutions of the Board of
Directors of the Company authorizing the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, and a statement of incumbency and authority of the signing officers,
certified by the secretary or assistant secretary thereof as being true and
correct;
(xi) Agreement by and among the Companies, MSGI and Knox, substantially in
the form of Exhibit B attached hereto, which shall provide that: (i) MSGI will
guarantee the Unsecured Notes, (ii) the Trustee will release the Knox Shares to
the Companies, (iii) Knox will release his security interest in the Knox Shares,
(iii) the Companies will cancel the Knox Shares, (iv) Knox acknowledges that the
Knox Payment and the Unsecured Notes represent all of the payment obligations
due Knox by the Companies, MSGI, or Stevens under the terms of the Purchase
Agreements, (v) Knox will execute a general release in favor of the Companies
and MSGI, and (vi) the Knox Shares are free and clear of all liens and adverse
claims and are not subject to any claim pursuant to Part B Section 236 of the
New York Domestic Relations Law, or any similar provision of any successor
statute;
(xii) Canceled Promissory Notes;
(xiii) Letter from Stevens and Knox, substantially in the form of Exhibit C
attached hereto, releasing the Trustee from his obligations under the
Shareholder's Agreement;
(xiv) Letter from Knox, substantially in the form of Exhibit D attached
hereto, authorizing the Trustee to release the Knox Shares;
(xv) Delivery by the Trustee of the Knox Shares together with stock powers
endorsed in blank by Knox and any financing statements endorsed by Knox or
Stevens;
(xvi) Letter from Seller to the Internal Revenue Service electing tax
allocation under Section 1362(e)(3) and a physical closing of the books;
(xvii) Cross Receipt of MSGI and Stevens;
(xviii) Cross Receipt of MSGI and Knox;
(xix) Release of SK Associates by the Seller of (A) all obligations to pay
interest or principal under the Mortgage Agreement (as defined below) and (B)
the Security Agreement of October 14, 1992 relating to such Mortgage Agreement;
and
(xx) Canceled Demand Note (as defined below).
(b) The obligation of the Seller to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment by the
Purchaser at the Closing of the following conditions:
(i) Executed Stevens Employment Agreement, substantially in the form of
Exhibit E attached hereto;
(ii) Executed Unsecured Promissory Notes, guaranteed by MSGI, to Knox, each
in an amount representing the remaining principal payments due on each of the
canceled Promissory Notes, substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit F
attached hereto;
(iii) Payment by MSGI to Seller of one hundred fifty-nine thousand three
hundred ninety-five dollars and five cents ($159,395.05) representing the
remaining balance of the loan obligation of SK Associates to Seller pursuant to
an agreement between Seller and SK Associates, dated October 14, 1992 (the
"Mortgage Agreement");
(iv) Payment by MSGI of the remaining balance of twenty thousand dollars
($20,000) of the one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) promissory note between
SK Associates (the "Demand Note"), as maker, and Seller, as payee, dated October
14, 1992 and the cancellation of such note by Seller;
(v) Evidence of payment by MSGI of two hundred fifty-four thousand four
hundred seventeen dollars ($254,417) to Knox (the "Knox Payment") made pursuant
to the terms of the Shareholders' Agreement; and
(vi) The execution and delivery of the Stevens 401(k) Note Guaranty and the
Knox 401(k) Note Guaranty in the form of Exhibit G attached hereto.
II. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLER
The Seller represents and warrants to the Purchaser as follows:
2.1 Organization and Qualification
Except as set forth on Schedule 2.1, the Companies do not own any capital stock
of any corporation or any interest in any joint venture, partnership,
association, trust, or other entity. The business and operations of the
Companies are conducted solely by and through the Companies. Each Company is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the
laws of the state under which they are incorporated, with all requisite
corporate power and authority and all necessary consents, authorizations,
approvals, orders, licenses, certificates, and permits of and from, and
declarations and filings with, all federal, state, local, and other governmental
authorities, and all courts and other tribunals to own, lease, license, and use
their properties and assets and to carry on the business in which it is now
engaged. Each Company is duly qualified to transact the business in which it is
now engaged and is in good standing as a foreign corporation in every
jurisdiction in which their ownership, leasing, licensing, or use of property or
assets or the conduct of their business makes such qualification necessary.
2.2 Capitalization
The authorized capital stock of SK Associates consists of: (i) twenty thousand
(20,000) shares of common shares, par value $1.00 per share, of which four
hundred ninety-nine (499) shares are outstanding and are owned beneficially and
of record by the Seller, and three hundred thirty-three (333) shares which are
treasury shares held in escrow by the Trustee, and (ii) two hundred fifty (250)
shares of preferred shares par value $.01 per share, of which no shares are
outstanding. Each such outstanding share of SK Associates Common Shares is
validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable, and has not been issued and is
not owned or held in violation of any preemptive right of stockholders. The
authorized capital stock of SK Brokerage consists of two hundred (200) shares of
common shares, no par value per share, of which sixty (60) shares are
outstanding and are owned beneficially and of record by the Seller and forty
(40) shares which are treasury shares held in escrow by the Trustee. Each such
outstanding share of SK Brokerage Common Shares is validly issued, fully paid,
and nonassessable and has not been issued and is not owned or held in violation
of any preemptive right of stockholders and is owned of record and beneficially
by the Seller. The authorized capital stock of SK International consists of two
hundred (200) shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of which sixty
(60) shares are outstanding and are owned beneficially and of record by the
Seller and forty (40) shares which are treasury shares held in escrow by the
Trustee. Each such outstanding share of SK International Common Stock is validly
issued, fully paid, and nonassessable and has not been issued and is not owned
or held in violation of any preemptive right of stockholders and is owned of
record and beneficially by the Seller. The Shares owned by the Seller are held
free and clear of all liens whatsoever. The Knox Shares are treasury shares
owned by the Companies and, to the Seller's knowledge, except for the lien by
Knox on the Knox Shares, are held free and clear of all liens whatsoever. There
is no commitment, plan, or arrangement to issue, and no outstanding option,
warrant, or other right calling for the issuance of, any share of capital stock
of any of the Companies or any security or other instrument convertible into,
exercisable for, or exchangeable for capital stock of any of the Companies.
There is no outstanding security or other instrument convertible into or
exchangeable for capital stock of any of the Companies.
2.3 Financial Condition
The Seller has delivered to the Purchaser true and correct copies of the
following: (i) the unaudited combined balance sheet of the Companies at
September 30, 1998, December 31, 1997, and December 31, 1996 and the unaudited
combined statements of income, statements of retained earnings, and (ii)
combined statements of cash flows of the Companies for the nine-month period
ended September 30, 1998 and for each of the years ended December 31, 1997, and
December 31, 1996. Except as disclosed in this Agreement or any Schedule hereto,
each such balance sheet presents fairly the financial conditions, assets,
liabilities, and stockholders' equity of the Company reported on as of its date;
each such statement of income and statement of retained earnings presents fairly
the results of operations of the Company reported on for the period indicated
and its retained earnings as of the date indicated; and each such statement of
cash flows presents fairly the information purported to be shown therein. Except
for the absence of footnotes and vacation accruals and, with the exception that
the balance sheet and other financial statements for the nine-month period ended
September 30, 1998 are subject to normal year-end adjustments, the financial
statements referred to in this Section 2.3 have been prepared in accordance with
GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods involved and are in accordance
with the books and records of the Companies. Except as disclosed on Schedule
2.3, since September 30, 1998:
(a) there has not been a material adverse change in the financial condition,
results of operations, business, properties, assets, or liabilities of the
Companies.
(b) the operations and business of the Companies have been conducted only in the
ordinary course;
(c) the Companies have not suffered an extraordinary loss (whether or not
covered by insurance) or waived any right of substantial value (for the purpose
of this Section 2.3(c) an "extraordinary loss" or "substantial value" shall be,
in the case of an extraordinary loss, an event or, in the case of substantial
value, a waiver, either of which result in a liability in excess of fifty
thousand dollars ($50,000); and,
(d) The Companies have not paid to date any expense resulting from the
preparation of, or the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement (it being
understood that the Seller shall pay all such expenses, including without
limitation, their legal expenses resulting from this Agreement), except for work
performed by the employees of the Companies related to assembling and furnishing
reports, data, and information in connection with the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement.
Except as disclosed in this Agreement or in any Schedule hereto, there is no
fact known to the Seller which materially and adversely affects the financial
condition, results of operations, business, properties, assets, or liabilities
of the Companies; provided, however, that the Seller does not express any
representation or warrantee as to political, business, or economic matters of
general applicability or as to business or economic matters of general
applicability to the mailing list industry. There is no fact known to the Seller
today, which if not remedied on the date hereof, would have a material adverse
effect on any Company, alone or in the aggregate, with the passage of time.
2.4 Tax and Other Liabilities
(a) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.4(a), the Companies have no liability in
excess of $5,000, individually or in the aggregate, of any nature, accrued or
contingent, including without limitation liabilities for Taxes (as defined in
Section 2.4(c)) and liabilities to customers or suppliers, required by GAAP to
be reflected on a balance sheet or in notes thereto, other than the following:
(i) Liabilities as set forth or reflected on each respective Company's balance
sheet (the "Last Balance Sheet") as of September 30, 1998 (the "Last Balance
Sheet Date");
(ii) Other liabilities arising since the Last Balance Sheet Date and prior to
the Closing in the ordinary course of business which are not inconsistent with
the representations and warranties of the Seller or any other provision of this
Agreement; and
(iii) Liabilities disclosed in this Agreement or in any Schedule hereto or in
any materials furnished to the Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement.
(b) Without limiting the generality of Section 2.4(a) and except as set forth on
Schedule 2.4(b):
(i) The Companies and any combined, consolidated, unitary, or affiliated group
of which the Companies are or have been a member prior to the Closing Date: (i)
have paid all Taxes (as defined in Section 2.4(c)) required to be paid on or
prior to the Closing Date (including, without limitation, payments of estimated
Taxes) for which the Companies could be held liable, except for Taxes which are
being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings as set forth in
Schedule 2.4(b)(i); and (ii) have accurately and timely filed (or filed an
extension for), all federal, state, local, and foreign Tax Returns (as defined
in Section 2.4(c)), reports, and forms with respect to the Taxes required to be
filed by them on or before the Closing Date;
(ii) The amount set up as provisions for Taxes on each Company's Last Balance
Sheet is sufficient in all material respects for all accrued and unpaid Taxes of
the respective Companies, whether or not due and payable and whether or not in
dispute, under applicable laws relating to Taxes as in effect on the Last
Balance Sheet Date or now in effect, for the period ended on such date and for
all periods prior thereto;
(iii) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.4(b)(iii), with respect to each taxable
period of each of the Companies, either such taxable period has been audited by
the Internal Revenue Service or other appropriate taxing authority or the time
for assessing or collecting Tax with respect to such taxable period has closed
and such taxable period is no longer subject to review;
(iv) No deficiency or proposed adjustment which has not been settled or
otherwise resolved for any amount of Tax has been proposed, asserted, or
assessed by any taxing authority against, or with respect to the activities of
each of the Companies;
(v) None of the Companies has consented to extend the time in which any Tax may
be assessed or collected by a taxing authority;
(vi) None of the Companies has requested or been granted an extension of time
for filing any Tax Return to a date later than the Closing Date;
(vii) There is no action, suit, taxing authority proceeding, or audit now in
progress, pending, or threatened against or with respect to any of the Companies
with respect to any Tax assessment or deficiency;
(viii) None of the Companies is or has been a member of an affiliated group as
defined in Section 1504 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), or filed or been included in a combined, consolidated, or unitary Tax
Return;
(ix) No claim has ever been made by a taxing authority in a jurisdiction where
any of the Companies does not pay Tax or file Tax Returns that any of the
Companies may be subject to the Taxes assessed by such jurisdiction;
(x) The Companies have withheld and paid all Taxes required to have been
withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee,
creditor, independent contractor, or other party; (xi) Schedule 2.4(b)(xi)
contains a list setting forth all the states, territories, or jurisdictions, if
any, in which any of the Companies is required to file a Tax Return relating to
their operations;
(xii) SK Associates (and any predecessors) has been a validly electing S
corporation within the meaning of Code Sections 1361 and 1362 at all times and
for all periods between (x) January 1, 1987 through December 31, 1992 and (y)
January 1, 1997 through and including all taxable periods thereafter up to and
including the day of the Closing Date;
(xiii) The Companies have delivered to MSGI complete and correct copies of all
federal, state, local, and foreign income tax returns filed with respect to the
Companies for taxable periods on or after January 1, 1992; and
(xiv) None of the Companies have made any payments, nor are they obligated to
make any payments, nor are they a party to any agreement that under certain
circumstances could obligate it to make any payment that will not be deductible
under Section 280G of the Code. The Companies will not have any liability on or
after the Closing Date pursuant to any tax sharing or tax allocation agreement.
The Companies have no liability for the Taxes of any other person under Treasury
Regulation 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local, or foreign law),
as a transferee or successor, by contract, or otherwise.
(c) For purposes of this Agreement, "Taxes" shall mean all federal, state,
local, or foreign taxes, assessments or duties which are payable or remittable
by the Companies or levied upon any property of the Companies, or levied with
respect to either of their assets, franchises, income, receipts, including,
without limitation, import duties, excise, franchise, gross receipts, utility,
real property, capital, personal property, withholding, FICA, unemployment
compensation sales or use tax, governmental charges (whether or not requiring
the filing of a return), and all additions to tax, penalties, and interest
relating thereto. Tax Return means any return, declaration, report, claim for
refund, information return, or other statement relating to Taxes filed with or
sent to any federal, state, local, or foreign governmental entity or
subdivision.
(d) Schedule 2.4(d) sets forth the principal amount, due date, interest rate and
remaining balance for all loans, lines of credit, promissory notes, or
guaranties of any of the Companies. The Companies have paid all currently
outstanding principal and interest which are due on such obligations as of the
Closing Date.
2.5 Litigation and Claims
Except as disclosed in Schedule 2.5, to the Seller's knowledge there is no
litigation, arbitration, claim, governmental, or other proceeding (formal or
informal), or investigation pending, threatened, or in prospect (or any basis
therefor known to the Seller) with respect to the Companies, or their
businesses, properties, or assets. The Companies are not affected by any present
or threatened strike or other labor disturbance nor, to the knowledge of the
Seller, is any union attempting to represent any employee of the Companies as
collective bargaining agent. To the Seller's knowledge, the Companies are not in
violation of, or in default with respect to, any material law, rule, regulation,
order, judgment, or decree where the violation or default will have a material
adverse effect on the Companies.
2.6 Properties of the Companies
(a) Set forth on Schedule 2.6(a) is a list of all real property owned or leased
by each Company. With respect to real property that is owned by the Companies,
the Companies have good and marketable title to all such property and such
property is clear of all Liens, except as otherwise disclosed on Schedule
2.6(a).
(b) Set forth in Schedule 2.6(b) is a true and complete list of all material
personal property and assets (other than real property), owned by the Companies
or leased or licensed by the Companies from or to a third party. All such
material property and assets owned by any of the Companies on the Last Balance
Sheet Date are reflected on such Company's respective Last Balance Sheet (except
for material acquisitions subsequent to the Last Balance Sheet Date which are
noted on Schedule 2.6(b)). All such material property and assets owned, leased,
or licensed by the Companies is in usable condition (reasonable wear and tear
which is not such as to affect adversely the operation of the business
excepted).
(c) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.6(c), all accounts and notes receivable
reflected on the Last Balance Sheet, or arising since the Last Balance Sheet
Date have arisen in bona fide arms-length transactions in the ordinary course of
the Companies respective businesses and, to the knowledge of the Seller are not
subject to any right of recourse, defense, deduction, return counterclaim,
offset, or set-off.
(d) To the knowledge of the Seller, no real property owned, leased, or licensed
by the Companies lies in an area which is, or will be subject to zoning, use, or
building code restrictions that would prohibit the continued effective
ownership, leasing, licensing, or use of such real property in the business in
which the Companies are now engaged.
(e) No Company has caused or permitted their respective businesses, properties,
or assets to be used to generate, manufacture, refine, transport, treat, store,
handle, dispose of, transfer, produce, or process any Hazardous Substance (as
such term is defined in this Section 2.6(e)) except in compliance with all
applicable laws, rules, regulations, orders, judgments, and decrees, and has not
caused or permitted the Release (as such term is defined in this Section 2.6(e))
of any Hazardous Substance on or off the site of any property of the Companies.
The term "Hazardous Substance" shall mean any hazardous waste, as defined by 42
U.S.C. 6903(5), any hazardous substance, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 9601(14), any
pollutant or contaminant, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 9601(33), and all toxic
substances, hazardous materials, or other chemical substances regulated by any
other law, rule, or regulation. The term "Release" for the purposes of this
paragraph shall have the meaning set forth in 42 U.S.C. 9601(22).
2.7 Contracts and Other Instruments
Schedule 2.7(a) accurately and completely sets forth a list of all material
contracts, agreements, loan agreements, instruments, leases, licenses,
arrangements, or understandings with respect to the business of the Companies.
Except as set forth in Schedule 2.7(b), each such contract, agreement, loan
agreement, instrument, lease, or license is in full force and is the legal,
valid, and binding obligation of the Company which is a party thereto, and
(subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, and other laws affecting the
enforceability of creditors' rights generally) is enforceable as to it in
accordance with its terms. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.7(c), none of the
Companies are in violation, in breach of, or in default with respect to any
material terms of any such contract, agreement, loan agreement, instrument,
lease, or license. Except for employment agreements and as disclosed in Schedule
2.7(d), none of the Companies are a party to any contract, agreement, loan
agreement, instrument, lease, license, arrangement, or understanding with any
affiliated company, or to the Seller's knowledge any director, officer, or
employee of any of the Companies, or any relative or affiliate of any of the
Companies or of any such director, officer, or employee.
2.8 Employees
(a) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.8(a) or in any schedule hereto or in the
employment agreements referred to in such schedules, no Company has contributed
to, any pension, profit sharing, option, other incentive plan, or any other type
of Employee Benefit Plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA")), and does not have any
non-customary arrangement which are not within the standard policies, procedures
and guidelines of the Companies with employees for bonuses, incentive
compensation, vacations, severance pay, insurance, or other benefits.
(b) Schedule 2.8(b) contains a true and correct statement of the names,
relationship with each Company, present rates of compensation (whether in the
form of salary, bonuses, commissions, or other supplemental compensation now or
hereafter payable), and aggregate compensation, for the past calendar year or
expected in the current calendar year, of each director, officer, or other
employee of each Company whose aggregate compensation for such time exceeded
forty thousand dollars ($40,000) per annum or whose aggregate compensation
presently exceeds the rate of forty thousand dollars ($40,000) per annum. Except
as set forth in Schedule 2.8(b), since September 30, 1998, the Companies have
not changed the rate of compensation of any of their directors, officers,
employees, or sales representatives, nor has any Employee Benefit Plan or
program been instituted or amended to increase benefits thereunder.
2.9 Patents, Trademarks, Et Cetera
Except as set forth in Schedule 2.9, none of the Companies do own or have
pending, nor are licensed under, any patent, patent application, trademark,
trademark application, trade name, service mark, copyright, franchise, or other
intangible property or asset (all of the foregoing being herein called
"Intangibles"). Neither Seller, nor to the Sellers' knowledge any director,
officer, or employee of any of the Companies, nor any relative or affiliate of
any of the Companies or the Seller, possesses any Intangible which relates to
the business of any of the Companies. There is no right under any Intangible
necessary to the business of any of the Companies as presently conducted, except
such as are so designated in Schedule 2.9. None of the Companies have infringed,
is infringing, nor has received notice of infringement with asserted Intangibles
of others. To the knowledge of the Seller, there is no infringement by others of
Intangibles of any of the Companies.
2.10 Questionable Payments
None of the Companies, the Seller, nor, to the knowledge of the Seller, any
director, officer, agent, employee, or other person associated with or acting on
behalf of the Companies or Seller has, directly, or indirectly: used any
corporate funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment, or other
unlawful expenses relating to political activity; made any unlawful payment to
foreign or domestic government officials or employees or to foreign or domestic
political parties or campaigns from corporate funds; established or maintained
any unlawful or unrecorded fund of corporate monies or other assets; made any
false or fictitious entry on the books or records of any of the Companies; or
made any bribe, kickback, or other payment of a similar or comparable nature,
whether lawful or not, to any person or entity, private or public, regardless of
form, whether in money, property, or services, to obtain favorable treatment in
securing business or to obtain special concessions, or to pay for favorable
treatment for business secured or for special concessions already obtained.
2.11 Authority to Sell
(a) The Seller has the capacity to execute, deliver, and perform this Agreement.
This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Seller, is the legal,
valid, and binding obligation of the Seller and is enforceable as to him in
accordance with its terms. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.11(a), the Seller
is not under any contractual restriction or obligation which is inconsistent
with the execution and performance of this Agreement. The Seller has no
knowledge of any consent, authorization, approval, order, license, certificate,
or permit of or from, or declaration or filing with, any federal, state, local,
or other governmental authority or any court or other tribunal that is required
by the Companies or the Seller for the execution, delivery, or performance of
this Agreement by the Seller.
(b) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.11(b)(i), no consent of any party to any
material lease, license, distribution, agency, consulting, employment,
financing, lending, installment sale or conditional sale, security, pledge,
guarantee, or other agreement, arrangement, or understanding to which the
Companies or the Seller are a party, or to which any of their or his properties
or assets are subject, is required for the execution, delivery, or performance
of this Agreement. None of the Companies nor the Seller has made any agreement
or understanding not approved in writing by the Purchaser as a condition for
obtaining any consent, authorization, approval, order, license, certificate, or
permit required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.11 (b)(ii), the execution,
delivery, and performance of this Agreement by the Seller does not and will not
(i) violate, result in a breach of, or conflict with any term of the
Certificates of Incorporation (or other charter document) or by-laws of any of
the Companies; (ii) violate, result in a breach of, or conflict with any
material law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, or decree binding on Seller or
any of the Companies, or to which any of its operations, business, properties,
or assets are subject; or (iii) violate, result in a breach of, or conflict
with, or (with or without the giving of notice or the passage of time or both)
entitle any party to terminate or call a default under, or result in the
creation of an encumbrance on any of the assets or properties of the Seller or
any of the Companies pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract,
agreement, lease, sublease, license, permit, franchise, or other instrument or
arrangement to which Purchaser is a party or by which any of its assets or
properties are bound or affected and which could have a material adverse effect
on the abilities of the Seller or any of the Companies to perform this Agreement
or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
2.12 Nondistributive Intent
The Seller is acquiring the shares of MSGI Common Stock to be issued pursuant to
Section 1.2(b) hereof for his own account (and not for the account of others)
for investment and not with a view to the distribution thereof. The Seller will
not sell or otherwise dispose of such shares without registration under the 1933
Act, or an exemption therefrom.
III. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER
The Purchaser represents and warrants to the Seller as follows:
3.1 Organization and Qualification
Purchaser and each of its subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized and
validly existing under the laws of its respective state of incorporation as
listed on Schedule 3.1. Purchaser has full corporate power and authority and
possesses all material governmental franchises, licenses, permits,
authorizations, and approvals necessary to enable it to use its corporate name
and to own, lease, or otherwise hold its properties and assets and to carry on
its business in all material respects as presently conducted. Except as set
forth in Schedule 3.1, Purchaser and each of its subsidiaries is duly qualified
and in good standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of
its business or the ownership, leasing, or holding of its properties makes such
qualification necessary to the extent material. Purchaser has caused to be
delivered to the Seller true and complete copies of its Articles of
Incorporation, as amended to date, and the By-laws, as in effect on the date
hereof, of Purchaser.
3.2 Authority
The Purchaser has all requisite power and authority to execute, deliver, and
perform this Agreement. All necessary corporate proceedings of the Purchaser
have been duly taken to authorize the execution, delivery, and performance of
this Agreement by the Purchaser. This Agreement has been duly authorized,
executed, and delivered by the Purchaser, is the legal, valid, and binding
obligation of the Purchaser, and is enforceable as to them in accordance with
its terms. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement by the
Purchaser does not and will not (i) violate, result in a breach of, or conflict
with any term of the Certificate of Incorporation (or other charter document) or
By-laws of Purchaser; (ii) violate, result in a breach of, or conflict with any
material law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, or decree binding on Purchaser,
or to which any of its operations, business, properties, or assets are subject;
or (iii) violate, result in a breach of, or conflict with, or (with or without
the giving of notice or the passage of time or both) entitle any party to
terminate or call a default under, or result in the creation of an encumbrance
on any of the assets or properties of Purchaser pursuant to, any note, bond,
mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, sublease, license, permit,
franchise, or other instrument or arrangement to which Purchaser is a party or
by which any of its assets or properties are bound or affected and which could
have a material adverse effect on the abilities of Purchaser to perform this
Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
3.3 SEC Filings
Since January 1, 1995, Purchaser has timely filed all required reports,
statements, schedules, and registration statements (collectively, "Purchaser's
Filings") with the Securities and Exchange Commission required to be filed by
Purchaser pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), all of which complied in all material respects with all
applicable requirements of the Exchange Act. Purchaser has delivered to Seller:
(i) its annual reports on Form 10-KSB for its fiscal years ended June 30, 1997
and 1998, and (ii) its proxy or information statements relating to meetings of,
or action taken without a meeting by, the stockholders of Purchaser held since
January 1, 1996 and prior to the date hereof. None of Purchaser's Filings,
including without limitation, any financial statements or schedules included
therein, at the time filed, contained any untrue statements of a material fact
or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading.
3.4 Validity of Shares of MSGI Common Stock
The shares of MSGI Common Stock to be issued and delivered to Seller pursuant to
this Agreement and the shares issuable upon the exercise of the Employee Options
(as defined in Section 4.2), when issued in accordance with the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully
paid, and nonassessable.
IV. CERTAIN COVENANTS OF THE SELLER AND PURCHASER
4.1 Tax Returns
The Seller covenants and agrees that with respect to the "S termination year" of
SK Associates that includes the Closing Date, (i) all items of income, gain,
loss, deduction, and credit of each such corporation shall be allocated by the
Purchaser between the "S short year" and the "C short year" in a manner
consistent with Code Section 1362(e)(3) and the Treasury Regulations promulgated
thereunder, and (ii) the Seller agrees to file his individual Tax Returns in a
manner consistent with such allocation. Anything set forth herein or in the
Schedules notwithstanding, Seller shall promptly pay all corporate level taxes
due under section 1374 of the Code as a result of any income recognized by the
Companies for the transactions that occur prior to the Closing.
4.2 Employee Options
The Purchaser covenants and agrees that as soon as practicable after the
Closing, in consideration of the future services of the employees of the
Companies, MSGI shall issue options ("Employee Options") to purchase an
aggregate of two hundred thousand (200,000) shares of MSGI Common Stock at an
exercise price equal to the greater of the then outstanding conversion price of
the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock of MSGI or the fair market value of a
share of MSGI Common Stock at the time of the grant, allocated in the names and
in such amounts as specified by the Seller.
4.3 Line of Credit
The Purchaser covenants and agrees to relieve Seller from any liability relating
to the hundred and fifty thousand dollar ($150,000) line of credit to the
Companies from Chase Manhattan Bank within sixty (60) days of the Closing.
V. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER
The obligations of the Purchaser under this Agreement are subject, at the option
of the Purchaser, to the following conditions:
5.1 Opinion of Counsel
The Seller has delivered to MSGI on the date of the Closing the opinion of
counsel to the Seller, dated as of the Closing Date, in form and substance
satisfactory to counsel for the Purchaser.
5.2 Other Closing Documents
The Seller shall have delivered to the Purchaser at or prior to the Closing such
other documents as the Purchaser may reasonably request prior to the Closing
Date in order to enable the Purchaser to determine whether the conditions to its
obligations under this Agreement have been met and otherwise to carry out the
provisions of this Agreement.
5.3 Legal Action.
There shall not have been instituted or threatened any legal proceeding relating
to, or seeking to prohibit or otherwise challenge the consummation of, the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or to obtain substantial damages
with respect thereto.
5.4 No Governmental Action
There shall not have been any action taken, or any law, rule, regulation, order,
judgment, or decree proposed, promulgated, enacted, entered, enforced, or deemed
applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by any federal,
state, local, or other governmental authority or by any court or other tribunal,
including the entry of a preliminary or permanent injunction, which, in the sole
judgment of the Purchaser, (a) makes any of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement illegal, (b) results in a delay in the ability of the Purchaser
to consummate any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (c)
requires the divestiture by the Purchaser of a material portion of the business
of the Purchaser and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, or of the Companies (d)
imposes material limitations on the ability of the Purchaser effectively to
exercise full rights of ownership of the shares to be acquired from the Seller,
or (e) otherwise prohibits or restricts consummation of any of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or impairs the contemplated benefits to the
Purchaser of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.5 Contractual Consents Needed
Each Company shall have obtained at or prior to the Closing all consents
required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
from any party to any contract, agreement, instrument, lease, license,
arrangement, or understanding to which it is a party, or to which it or any of
its respective businesses, properties, or assets are subject.
5.6 Material Adverse Change
Except as disclosed in this Agreement or in any Schedule hereto, since September
30, 1998 there has been no event or development or combinations of changes or
developments, individually or in the aggregate, that could be reasonably
expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, or
future prospects of any of the Companies.
VI. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER.
The obligations of the Seller under this Agreement are subject, at the option of
the Seller, to the following:
6.1 Legal Action
There shall not have been instituted or threatened any legal proceeding relating
to, or seeking to prohibit or otherwise challenge the consummation of, the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or to obtain substantial damages
with respect thereto.
6.2 Contractual Consents
The Purchasers shall have obtained at or prior to the Closing all consents
required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
from any party to any contract, agreement, instrument, lease, license,
arrangement, or understanding to which it is a party, or to which any of its
respective businesses, properties, or assets are subject.
6.3 Opinion of Counsel
The Purchaser has delivered to the Seller on the date of the Closing the opinion
of counsel to the Purchaser, dated as of the Closing Date, in form and substance
satisfactory to counsel for the Seller.
6.4 Other Closing Documents
The Purchaser shall have delivered to the Seller at or prior to the Closing such
other documents as the Seller may reasonably request prior to the Closing Date
in order to enable the Seller to determine whether the conditions to its
obligations under this Agreement have been met and otherwise to carry out the
provisions of this Agreement.
6.5 No Governmental Action
There shall not have been any action taken, or any law, rule, regulation, order,
judgment, or decree proposed, promulgated, enacted, entered, enforced, or deemed
applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by any federal,
state, local, or other governmental authority or by any court or other tribunal,
including the entry of a preliminary or permanent injunction, which, in the sole
judgment of the Seller, (a) makes any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement illegal, (b) results in a delay in the ability of the Seller to
consummate any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or (c)
otherwise prohibits or restricts consummation of any of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or impairs the contemplated benefits to the
Seller of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
VII. INDEMNIFICATION; SURVIVAL; LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY
7.1 Indemnification of Purchaser
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Section 7.3, the Seller
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Purchaser, its officers, directors,
employees, counsel, and agents, (collectively, the "Purchaser Indemnitees"), on
an after-tax basis against and in respect of any and all claims, suits, actions,
proceedings (formal or informal), investigations, judgments, deficiencies,
damages, settlements, liabilities, and reasonable legal and other expenses
related thereto (collectively, "Claims"), as and when incurred, arising out of
or based upon any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement
of the Seller contained in this Agreement or any document or instrument
delivered in connection with this Agreement.
(b) Each of the Purchaser Indemnitees shall give the Seller prompt notice of any
Claim on the basis of which any such Purchaser Indemnitees intends to seek
indemnification (but the obligations of the Seller shall not be conditions upon
receipt of such notice, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is
actually prejudiced by such failure to give notice). The Seller shall promptly
assume the defense of any of the Purchaser Indemnitees, with counsel reasonably
satisfactory to such Purchaser Indemnitees, and the fees and expenses of such
counsel shall be at the sole cost and expense of the Seller. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, any of the Purchaser Indemnitees shall be entitled, at his or its
expense, to employ counsel separate from counsel for the Seller and from any
other party in such action, proceeding, or investigation. None of the Purchaser
Indemnitees may agree to a settlement of a Claim without the prior written
approval of the Seller, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
7.2 Indemnification of Seller
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Section 7.3, the Purchaser
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Seller, the Companies, and each of
their respective officers, directors, employees, counsel, and agents,
(collectively, the "Seller Indemnitees"), on an after-tax basis against and in
respect of any and all Claims as and when incurred, arising out of or based upon
any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement of the
Purchaser contained in this Agreement or any document or instrument delivered in
connection with this Agreement.
(b) Each of the Seller Indemnitees shall give the Purchaser prompt notice of any
Claim on the basis of which any such Seller Indemnitees intends to seek
indemnification (but the obligations of the Purchaser shall not be conditions
upon receipt of such notice, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is
actually prejudiced by such failure to give notice). The Purchaser shall
promptly assume the defense of any of the Seller Indemnitees, with counsel
reasonably satisfactory to any such Seller Indemnitees, and the fees and
expenses of such counsel shall be at the sole cost and expense of the Purchaser.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any of the Seller Indemnitees shall be entitled,
at his or its expense, to employ counsel separate from counsel for the Purchaser
and from any other party in such action, proceeding, or investigation. None of
the Seller Indemnitees may agree to a settlement of a Claim without the prior
written approval of the Purchaser, which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld.
7.3 Survival
(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 7.3(b) the covenants, agreements,
representations, and warranties contained in or made pursuant to this Agreement
shall survive the Closing and the delivery of the purchase price by the
Purchaser, irrespective of any investigation made by or on behalf of any party.
(b) The liabilities and obligations of the Seller and the Purchaser under this
Agreement shall be subject to the following limitations. The Seller and the
Purchaser shall have no liability or obligation with respect to any Claim for a
breach of a representation or warranty under this Agreement made after one (1)
year from the Closing Date except for claims arising out of a breach of the
representations as to (i) Taxes under Section 2.4 or Section 4.1, with respect
to which the Seller shall remain liable until ninety (90) days after the
expiration of the applicable statute of limitations relating to such tax
liabilities and (ii) capitalization under Section 2.2, which shall continue
indefinitely. In addition, the Seller shall not be responsible for any Claims
until the cumulative aggregate amount thereof shall exceed one hundred fifty
thousand dollars ($150,000) (the "Minimum Amount"), or after the cumulative
aggregate amount thereof exceeds one million dollars ($1,000,000) (the "Maximum
Amount") excluding any liabilities for a breach of a representation or warranty
relating to Capitalization under Section 2.2 which shall not be subject to the
Minimum Amount or Maximum Amount.
VIII. MISCELLANEOUS
8.1 Brokerage Fees
Each party hereto will indemnify and hold harmless the others against and in
respect of any and all Claims for brokerage or other commissions relative to
this Agreement or to the transactions contemplated hereby, based in any way on
agreements, arrangements, or understandings made by such party with any third
party.
8.2 Further Actions
At any time and from time to time, each party agrees, as its or his expense, to
take such actions and to execute and deliver such documents as may be reasonably
necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Agreement.
8.3 Submission to Jurisdiction
Each of the parties hereto irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of the courts
of the State of New York, and of any federal court located in the State of New
York, in connection with any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to,
or a breach of, this Agreement, or of any document or instrument delivered
pursuant to, in connection with, or simultaneously with this Agreement.
8.4 Merger; Modification
This Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto set forth the entire
understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof,
supersede all existing agreements among them concerning such subject matter, and
may be modified only by a written instrument duly executed by each party to be
charged.
8.5 Notices
Any notice or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be mailed by certified mail, return receipt
requested (or by the most nearly comparable method if mailed from or to a
location outside of the United States) or by Federal Express, express mail, or
similar overnight delivery or courier service or delivered (in person or by
telecopy or similar telecommunications equipment) against receipt to the party
to whom it is to be given at the address of such party set forth in the preamble
to this Agreement (or to such other address as the party shall have furnished in
writing in accordance with the provisions of this Section 8.5). Any notice given
to the Purchaser shall be addressed to the attention of Jeremy Barbera, 333
Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10001, and a copy of such notice (which copy
shall not constitute notice) shall also be sent to Camhy Karlinsky & Stein LLP,
1740 Broadway, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10019-4315 Attention: Alan I.
Annex, Esq. Any notice given to the Seller shall be addressed to the attention
of Ralph Stevens, 14 Ketz Street, New City, New York 10956. A copy of any notice
to the Seller (which copy shall not constitute notice) shall also be sent to
Rand Rosenzweig Smith Radley Gorden & Burstein LLP, 605 Third Avenue, New York,
New York 10158, Attention: E. Cooke Rand, Esq. Notice to the estate of any party
shall be sufficient if addressed to the party as provided in this Section 8.5.
Any notice or other communication given by certified or express mail (or by such
comparable method) shall be deemed given three (3) business days after the time
of certification or mailing thereof (or comparable act) except for a notice
changing a party's address which will be deemed given at the time of receipt
thereof. Any notice given by other means permitted by this Section 8.5 shall be
deemed given at the time of receipt thereof.
8.6 Waiver
Any waiver by any party of a breach of any terms of this Agreement shall not
operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other breach of that term or of
any breach of any other term of this Agreement. The failure of a party to insist
upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on one or more occasions
will not be considered a waiver or deprive that party of the right thereafter to
insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement.
Any waiver must be in writing.
8.7 Binding Effect
The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
of the Purchaser, and its successors and assigns and the Seller and their
respective assigns, heirs, and personal representatives, and shall inure to the
benefit of each Indemnitee and its successors and assigns (if not a natural
person) and his assigns, heirs, and personal representatives (if a natural
person). Neither the Purchaser or the Seller may assign this Agreement without
obtaining the other party's prior written consent. Nothing in this Section 8.7
shall be construed to preclude Seller from transferring and assigning all or any
portion of his right and entitlement under this Agreement to receive Earnout
Payments pursuant to Section 1.2(c) or the payment referred to in Section
1.2(d). If Seller makes such a transfer and assignment, he shall notify
Purchaser in writing and thereafter Purchaser shall pay the assigned portion of
such payments to such designated assignee(s) at such time and in the same manner
Seller would be entitled to receive such payments.
8.8 No Third-Party Beneficiaries
This Agreement does not create, and shall not be construed as creating, any
rights enforceable by any person not a party to this Agreement (except as
provided in 8.7).
8.9 Separability
If any provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the
balance of this Agreement shall remain in effect, and if any provision is
inapplicable to any person or circumstance, it shall nevertheless remain
applicable to all other persons and circumstances.
8.10 Headings
The headings in this Agreement are solely for convenience of reference and shall
be given no effect in the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.
8.11 Counterparts; Governing Law
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and
the same instrument. It shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with,
the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the rules governing
the conflict of laws.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement on the
date set forth above.
MARKETING SERVICES GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ J.Jeremy Barbera
--------------------
Name: J. Jeremy Barbera
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
By: /s/ Ralph Stevens
-----------------
Name: Ralph Stevens
Exhibit 10.1
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is being made as of the 15th day of January,
1999 between MARKETING SERVICES GROUP, INC., ("MSGI"), a Nevada corporation,
having its principal office at 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10001, and
RALPH STEVENS ("Employee"), an individual residing at 14 Ketz Street, New City,
New York 10956.
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, Stevens-Knox & Associates, Inc., a New York corporation ("SK
Associates"), Stevens-Knox List Brokerage, Inc., a New York corporation ("SK
Brokerage"), and Stevens-Knox International, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("SK
International", together with SK Associates and SK International, the
"Companies") contemporaneously herewith will become wholly-owned subsidiaries of
MSGI, and MSGI desires to have Employee continue as President and Chief
Executive Officer of SK Associates and SK International and Chief Executive
Officer of SK Brokerage and Employee desires to be so employed, upon the terms
and conditions contained herein; and
WHEREAS, MSGI and the Employee have simultaneously entered into a Stock Purchase
Agreement dated as of January 15, 1999 (the "Stock Purchase Agreement") for the
purchase of all of the Employee's shares of common stock of the Companies (the
"Shares") by MSGI.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual premises and agreements contained
herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as
follows:
1. Nature of Employment; Term of Employment. MSGI and each Company hereby
employs Employee and Employee agrees to serve SK Associates and SK International
as their President and Chief Executive Officer and SK Brokerage as its Chief
Executive Officer, upon the terms and conditions contained herein, for a term
commencing as of the date hereof and continuing until January 31, 2002 unless
such dated is extended at the option of MSGI for one year if Employee makes an
election to extend the term of the earnout pursuant to Section 1.2(c)(iii) of
the Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Initial Term"). This Agreement shall
automatically be renewed for one (1) additional year period after the Initial
Term (the "Renewal Term" and the Initial Term collectively, the "Employment
Term") upon terms no less favorable than the terms existing in the latest year
of the Employment Term, unless MSGI or Employee gives written notice to the
other party of its intention not to renew this Agreement at least sixty (60)
days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or the Renewal Term.
2. Duties and Powers as Employee. During the Employment Term, Employee agrees to
devote all of his full working time, energy, and efforts to the business of the
Companies. Employee understands that the principal offices of the Companies are
currently held at 304 Park Avenue South, New York, New York 10010, and agrees to
perform his duties at such location or at such other location as the offices may
be located. In performance of his duties, Employee shall be subject to the
reasonable direction of the Chief Executive Officer of MSGI or his designee.
Subject to the foregoing, Employee shall have sole authority over the business
and operations of the Companies. Employee shall be available to travel as the
needs of the Companies' business reasonably requires. Employee agrees that the
Companies or MSGI may obtain a life insurance policy on the life of Employee
naming the Companies or MSGI as the beneficiary thereof. Employee shall consult
with and obtain the approval from the Chief Executive Officer of MSGI on any
single expenditure by the Companies other than a payment made to a list manager
or list broker in the ordinary course of business, either individually or in the
aggregate, in excess of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or compensation payments
by any of the Companies to an employee or a consultant that alone or in the
aggregate exceeds seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) per annum.
3. Compensation. As compensation for his services hereunder, MSGI and the
Companies shall pay Employee a salary (the "Base Salary"), payable in equal
semi-monthly installments, in the aggregate at the annual rate of two hundred
fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) for each year of the Employment Term.
Additionally, Employee shall participate in all present or future employee
benefit plans offered to senior executives of the Companies or subsidiaries of
MSGI; provided, that he meets the eligibility requirements of any such plans.
During the Employment Term, Employee shall be eligible for consideration for
stock options and bonuses to the same extent as are other heads of subsidiaries
of MSGI.
4. Expenses; Vacations. Employee shall be entitled to reimbursement for
reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses necessarily incurred in the
performance of his duties hereunder, upon submission and approval of written
statements and bills in accordance with the then regular procedures of MSGI.
Employee shall be entitled to four (4) weeks paid vacation time in accordance
with the then regular procedures of MSGI governing executives as determined from
time to time by the MSGI's Board of Directors and communicated, in writing to
Employee. Employee shall be entitled to sick and personal days as provided by
the Companies' employee handbook.
5. Representations and Warranties of Employee. Employee represents and warrants
to MSGI and the Companies that: (i) Employee is under no contractual or other
restriction or obligation which is inconsistent with the execution of this
Agreement, the performance of his duties hereunder, or the other rights of the
Companies and MSGI hereunder; and (ii) Employee is under no physical or mental
disability that would hinder the performance of his duties under this Agreement.
6. Non-Competition. (a) Employee agrees that during the Employment Term he will
not engage in, or otherwise directly or indirectly be employed by, or act as a
consultant, or be a director, officer, employee, owner, agent, member, or
partner of, any other business or organization that is or shall then be
competing with the Companies or MSGI, except that in each case the provisions of
this Section 6 will not be deemed breached merely because Employee owns not more
than five percent (5.0%) of the outstanding common stock of a corporation, if,
at the time of its acquisition by Employee, such stock is listed on a national
securities exchange, is reported on NASDAQ, or is regularly traded in the
over-the-counter market by a member of a national securities exchange.
(b) If this Agreement is terminated "For Cause" (as defined in Section 9 hereof,
Employee, for a period of three (3) years from the date of termination, shall
not, directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage any person who was a customer
of the Companies or MSGI during the three (3) years prior to the date of such
termination to cease doing business with the Companies or MSGI or to do business
with any other enterprise that is engaged in the same or similar business to
that of the Companies or MSGI. If this Agreement is terminated other than
pursuant to Section 9(a) or (b) hereof, and if MSGI pays Employee the Earnout
Payment pursuant to Section 1.2(h) of the Stock Purchase Agreement, the
restrictions in the preceding sentence shall be applicable to Employee for a
period of one (1) year from the date of termination.
(c) Employee acknowledges that: (i) the consideration for this Agreement not to
compete includes the consideration he received in the sale of his Shares; (ii)
monetary damages are not sufficient to compensate MSGI and the Companies for a
breach of this Agreement; (iii) MSGI and the Companies shall be irreparably
harmed if Employee breaches this covenant not to compete; and (iv) the issuance
of injunctive relief on behalf of MSGI and the Companies is appropriate to
remedy any such breach.
7. Inventions; Patents; Copyrights. Any interest in patents, patent
applications, inventions, copyrights, developments, and processes ("Inventions")
which Employee now or hereafter during the period he is employed by the
Companies under this Agreement may, directly or indirectly, own or develop
relating to the fields in which the Companies or MSGI may then be engaged shall
belong to the Companies or MSGI; and forthwith upon request of the Companies or
MSGI, Employee shall execute all such assignments and other documents and take
all such other action as the Companies or MSGI may reasonably request in order
to vest in the Companies or MSGI all of his right, title, and interest in and to
such Inventions, free and clear of all liens, charges, and encumbrances.
8. Confidential Information. Except in the course of performing his duties
hereunder, all confidential information which Employee may now possess, may
obtain during the Employment Term, or may create prior to the end of the period
he is employed by the Companies under this Agreement, relating to the business
of the Companies or MSGI or of any customer or supplier of the Companies or
MSGI, shall not be published, disclosed, or made accessible by him to any other
person, firm, or corporation during the Employment Term or any time thereafter
without the prior written consent of the Companies and MSGI. Employee shall
return all tangible evidence of such confidential information to the Companies
or MSGI prior to or at the termination of his employment.
9. Termination. (a) Notwithstanding anything herein contained, if on or after
the date hereof and prior to the end of the Employment Term, Employee is
terminated "For Cause" then the Companies shall have the right to give notice of
termination of Employee's services hereunder as of a date to be specified in
such notice, and this Agreement shall terminate on the date so specified.
Termination "For Cause" shall mean Employee shall: (i) be charged with a felony
crime, (ii) commit any act or omit to take any action in bad faith and to the
material detriment of the Companies or MSGI, (iii) commit an act of moral
turpitude, (iv) commit an act of fraud against the Companies or MSGI, or (v)
materially breach any term of this Agreement or the Stock Purchase Agreement and
fail to correct such breach within ten (10) days after written notice thereof.
In the event this Agreement is terminated "For Cause" pursuant to Section 9(a),
then Employee shall be entitled to receive only the Base Salary at the rate
provided in Section 3 to the date on which termination shall take effect plus
any compensation which is accrued but unpaid on the date of termination.
(b) In the event that Employee shall be physically or mentally incapacitated or
disabled such that he is unable to fully discharge his duties hereunder for a
period of six (6) months, then this Agreement shall terminate upon ninety (90)
days written notice to Employee, and no further compensation (other than accrued
but unpaid Base Salary or bonus through the date of termination) shall be
payable to Employee, except as may otherwise be provided under any disability
insurance policy.
(c) In the event that Employee shall die, then this Agreement shall terminate on
the date of Employee's death, and no further compensation (other than accrued
but unpaid Base Salary or bonus through the date of death) shall be payable to
Employee, except as may otherwise be provided under any insurance policy or
similar instrument.
(d) Nothing contained in this Section 9 shall be deemed to limit any other right
MSGI may have to terminate Employee's employment hereunder upon any ground
permitted by law.
10. Merger. In the event of a future disposition of the properties and business
of MSGI, substantially as an entirety, by merger, consolidation, sale of assets,
sale of stock, or otherwise where fifty-one percent (51%) or more of MSGI Common
Stock is acquired by a party which is not an affiliate of MSGI ("Change of
Control"), then the Company may elect to assign this Agreement and all of its
rights and obligations hereunder to the acquiring or surviving corporation.
11. Survival. The covenants, agreements, representations, and warranties
contained in or made pursuant to this Agreement shall survive Employee's
termination of employment, irrespective of any investigation made by or on
behalf of any party.
12. Modification. This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding of the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, supersedes all existing
agreements between them concerning such subject matter, and may be modified only
by a written instrument duly executed by each party.
13. Notices. Any notice or other communication required or permitted to be given
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sent by telecopier, by overnight
courier, certified mail, return receipt requested, or delivered against receipt
to the party to whom it is to be given at the address of such party set forth in
the preamble to this Agreement (or to such other address as the party shall have
furnished in writing in accordance with the provisions of this Section 13). In
the case of a notice to the Companies or MSGI, a copy of such notice (which copy
shall not constitute notice) shall be delivered to Camhy Karlinsky & Stein LLP,
1740 Broadway, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10019, Attn: Alan I. Annex, Esq.
In the case of a notice to Employee, a copy of such notice (which copy shall not
constitute notice) shall be delivered to Rand Rozenzweig Smith Radley Gordon &
Burnstein LLP, 605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158, Attention: E. Cooke Rand,
Esq. Notice to the estate of Employee shall be sufficient if addressed to
Employee as provided in this Section 13. Any notice or other communication given
by certified mail shall be deemed given three (3) business days after
certification thereof (or comparable act), all other notices shall be deemed
given three (3) business days after the time of mailing, except for a notice
changing a party's address which shall be deemed given at the time of receipt
thereof.
14a Waiver. Any waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this
Agreement shall not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other
breach of such provision or of any breach of any other provision of this
Agreement. The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of
this Agreement on one or more occasions shall not be considered a waiver or
deprive that party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to
that term or any other term of this Agreement. Any waiver must be in writing and
signed by the party against who the waiver is asserted.
15a Binding Effect. Employee's rights and obligations under this Agreement shall
not be transferable by assignment or otherwise, such rights shall not be subject
to encumbrance or the claims of Employee's creditors, and any attempt to do any
of the foregoing shall be void. The provisions of this Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of Employee and his heirs and personal
representatives, and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
Companies and its successors and those who are its assigns.
16a Headings. The headings in this Agreement are solely for the convenience of
reference and shall be given no effect in the construction or interpretation of
this Agreement.
17a Counterparts; Governing Law. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument. It shall be governed by,
and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without
given effect to the rules governing the conflicts of laws. Each of the parties
hereto agrees that such court may award reasonable legal fees and expenses to
the prevailing party.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as
of the date first written above.
MARKETING SERVICES GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ J. Jeremy Barbera
---------------------
Name: J. Jeremy Barbara
Title:Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer
RALPH STEVENS
By: /s/ Ralph Stevens
-----------------
Ralph Stevens
Exhibit 20.1
MSGI COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF STEVENS-KNOX & ASSOCIATES
NEW YORK (Jan. 22) -- Marketing Services Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: MSGI), an
integrated marketing services industry leader, today announced the completion of
its acquisition of Stevens-Knox & Associates, Inc., a leading direct marketing
firm located in New York and London. Details will be made available early next
week.
Marketing Services Group, Inc.(www.msginet.com) provides direct marketing and
database marketing, telemarketing and telefundraising, media planning and
buying, interactive fulfillment, Web development, online consulting and
e-commerce to nearly 1,000 clients worldwide.
Exhibit 20.2
For Immediate Release Contact: Jamie Shaber
MSGI 212/594-7688
Robbie Tarpley Raffish
MSGI 610/918-1675
MSGI REACHS $100 MILLION REVENUE WITH PURCHASE OF
STEVENS-KNOX & ASSOCIATES
Acquisition Gives MSGI A Foothold in Europe and New Markets
NEW YORK (Jan 26) -- Marketing Services Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: MSGI), an
integrated marketing services industry leader, today announced it has completed
the acquisition of Stevens-Knox & Associates, a leading list management and
brokerage firm based in New York and London. The transaction represents the
completion of the deal that had been announced by MSGI last week. Terms of the
cash deal were not disclosed.
The addition of Stevens-Knox, with annual revenues of approximately $30 million
(for the year ended December 31, 1998), boosts MSGI's annual revenues to $100
million (proforma for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998.) Stevens-Knox &
Associates estimated sales for calendar 1999 are $35 million.
Stevens-Knox was founded in 1972 as Woodruff-Stevens Associates. In 1992, Ralph
Stevens and partner Jim Knox reorganized the firm as Stevens-Knox. The company
has enjoyed tremendous growth under their leadership, posting annual
double-digit increases in revenue since the reorganization. Mr. Stevens will
continue to run the company after the acquisition by MSGI, with no job
attrition.
"Acquiring Stevens-Knox was a logical next step in our long-term plan," said
Jeremy Barbera, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MSGI. "Our objective is
to bring our clients, and those of the companies we acquire, integrated
marketing services that enhance their own strategic marketing goals.
MSGI & Stevens-Knox/2-2-2-2
"This deal's greatest impact, beyond moving us into ethnic and international
markets, is that the acquisition of just one more division fuels the growth of
the other five," continued Jeremy Barbera. "Stevens-Knox will bring business to
our direct marketing and database marketing, telemarketing, fulfillment, media
planning and buying, and online consulting and e-commerce divisions, so we add
not only their current revenue but the revenue that will inevitably come from
cross-selling our integrated approach."
"In addition, the acquisition provides us with an office in the Covent Gardens
section of London from which we will build an entertainment practice in the
United Kingdom," he added. "As the dominant arts and entertainment direct
marketer in North America, we can apply our highly successful models to major
shows that are debuted in London before they reach America; a very natural
expansion of our current business model."
Stevens-Knox is organized under four distinct service headings: Stevens-Knox
List Management, Database Management (specializing in ethnic marketing),
Steven-Knox List Brokerage and Stevens-Knox International. Its clientele are
segmented in four main areas: catalog marketing (40%), publishing (30%),
business-to-business (12%) and general consumer (8%).
"In an industry where success is built on the strength of relationships, there
is some added synergy to this deal," said Mr. Barbera. "Ralph and my
relationship dates back more than 20 years, when I worked at Lincoln Center for
the Performing Arts. Ralph introduced me to the concept of strategic direct
marketing when I hired his company (then Woodruff-Stevens) to manage Lincoln
Center's database. It gives me personal pride and satisfaction to announce that
Stevens-Knox has agreed to become an MSGI company, and I am thrilled to be able
to work with Ralph and his team once again."
MSGI & Stevens-Knox/3-3-3-3
Matters discussed in this release include forward-looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may be materially different.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ are stated in the company's
reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission including it's 10-Q for the
period ended September 30, 1998 and the annual report on Form 10-KSB for the
year ended June 30, 1998.
Marketing Services Group, Inc. (www.msginet.com) provides direct marketing and
database marketing, telemarketing and telefundraising, media planning and
buying, interactive fulfillment, Web development, online consulting and
e-commerce to more than 1,000 clients worldwide.
