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: December 20, 1999
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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)
917/339/7100
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(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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Item 5. Other
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On December 20, 1999, we entered into a Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement with
Fusion Networks, Inc. to acquire approximately 10% of Fusion Networks, Inc.
Common Stock with the option to acquire an additional 9.13%. Fusion Networks,
Inc. is a party to an agreement with IDM Corporation to form a holding company
to acquire Fusion Networks, Inc.
In consideration of the sale, we will receive 3,500,000 shares of Fusion
Networks, Inc. common stock in exchange for 1,500,000 shares of our common
stock. In addition, we have the option to acquire up to an additional 3,500,000
shares of Fusion Networks, Inc. common stock in exchange for up to an additional
1,500,000 shares of our common stock.
Fusion Networks, Inc. operates the website www.Latinfusion.com. The web site is
an interactive, multimedia, and entertainment Latin American based portal
featuring television, music, and e-commerce capability. Fusion Networks plans to
launch additional sites in Latin America, Spain and Portugal as well as a
website for the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking community in the United States.
Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits
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(a) Exhibits included herein:
2.1 Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement Between Marketing Services Group,
Inc and Fusion Networks, Inc.
20.1 Press Release dated December 21, 1999
<PAGE>
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: January 10, 2000 By: /s/ Jeremy Barbera
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Title: Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 2.1
STOCK PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
THIS STOCK PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT, dated as of December 20, 1999 is
among FUSION NETWORKS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Fusion"), and
MARKETING SERVICES GROUP, INC., a Nevada corporation ("MSGI").
WHEREAS, Fusion is a newly formed corporation, formed and capitalized
pursuant to a business plan, a copy of which has been provided to MSGI (the
"Business Plan");
WHEREAS, Fusion entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger
Agreement") dated August 18, 1999 with IDM Environmental Corp. ("IDM"), Fusion
Networks Holdings, Inc. (fka, IDM/Fusion Holdings, Inc.) ("Holdings") and
IDM/FNI Acquisition Corporation ("Merger Subsidiary") pursuant to which it is
contemplated that the Merger Subsidiary will merge with and into Fusion (the
"Merger") with both Fusion and IDM becoming wholly-owned subsidiaries of
Holdings and the shareholders of Fusion receiving one share of common stock of
Holdings ("Holdings Common Stock") for each share of Fusion common stock held
(after giving effect to a 1,000 for 1 stock split and a 17.7333333 for 1 stock
split carried out subsequent to the date of the Merger Agreement);
WHEREAS, MSGI, through its subsidiaries is a vertically integrated
provider of direct and Internet marketing services to large and medium sized
companies;
WHEREAS, management of Fusion and MSGI have entered into negotiations and
agreed in principle as to the terms on which (1) MSGI would acquire, and Fusion
would issue, 3,500,000 shares of common stock of Fusion in exchange for the
issuance by MSGI to Fusion of 1,500,000 shares of common stock of MSGI and (2)
Fusion would grant to MSGI an option for a period of six months to acquire up to
an additional 3,500,000 shares of common stock of Fusion in exchange for the
issuance by MSGI to Fusion of up to an additional 1,500,000 shares of common
stock of MSGI on a pro rata basis in the case of a partial exercise; and
WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of Fusion and MSGI, each have,
in light of and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, resolved
to deem this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, taken together,
advisable and fair to, and in the best interests of, their respective
stockholders.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements herein contained, and intending to be
legally bound hereby, Fusion and MSGI hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1. Agreement to Sell and Purchase the Fusion Shares and MSGI
Shares. (a) At the Closing (as defined in Section 3), Fusion will sell to MSGI,
and MSGI will buy from Fusion, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set
forth, 3,500,000 shares of common stock, $0.00001 par value, of Fusion (the
"Fusion Shares").
(b) At the Closing, MSGI will deliver to Fusion 1,500,000 shares of common
stock, $0.01 par value, of MSGI (the "MSGI Shares"), delivery of which shall
constitute payment in full for the Fusion Shares (the "Purchase Price"). SECTION
2. Options. At the Closing, Fusion shall grant to MSGI the following options:
(a) For a period of six months from the Closing Date, MSGI shall have the
option to purchase (the "Purchase Option") up to an additional 3,500,000 shares
of common stock of Fusion (the "Option Shares") in exchange for the issuance by
MSGI to Fusion of up to an additional 1,500,000 shares of common stock of MSGI
(the "MSGI Option Shares") on a pro rata basis in the case of a partial
exercise.
(b) If the Merger has not been consummated on or before June 30, 2000, or
has otherwise been abandoned or terminated prior to that date, MSGI shall have
the option to put the Fusion Shares and the Option Shares, if the Option Shares
have been acquired, to Fusion (the "Put Option") in exchange for the return to
MSGI of the MSGI Shares and the MSGI Option Shares.
(c) Exercise of the Purchase Option or the Put Option shall be effected,
at the sole discretion of MSGI, by the giving of written notice. Closing with
respect to the exercise of the Purchase Option or the Put Option shall be
effected, within five days after receipt by Fusion of written notice of exercise
of either such option, in a manner substantially identical to the procedures set
forth in Section 3 relating to closing.
SECTION 3. Closing. The completion of the purchase and sale of the Fusion
Shares (the "Closing") shall occur at the offices of Fusion, or such other
location as Fusion and MSGI shall agree, at such time as Fusion and MSGI shall
agree (the "Closing Date"); provided, however, that all appropriate filings and
clearance under the Hart-Scott-Radino Act shall have been made or received prior
to Closing, if required.
(a) At the Closing, Fusion shall deliver to MSGI:
(i) one or more stock certificates, or irrevocable instructions to
Fusion's transfer agent in form satisfactory to MSGI to deliver to MSGI one or
more stock certificates, registered in the name of MSGI, or in such nominee
name(s) as designated by MSGI, representing the Fusion Shares and
(ii) a written confirmation of the Closing Date affirming the grant
of the Purchase Option and the Put Option
(b) At the Closing, MSGI shall deliver to Fusion one or more stock
certificates, or irrevocable instructions to MSGI's transfer agent in form
satisfactory to Fusion to deliver to Fusion one or more stock certificates,
registered in the name of Fusion, or in such nominee name(s) as designated by
Fusion, representing the MSGI Shares.
SECTION 4. Appointment of Director. For a period of not less than one year
following the Closing Date, MSGI shall have the right to nominate one person for
election to the board of directors of Fusion and, following the Merger,
Holdings. Fusion shall use all reasonable efforts to the nominee of MSGI to
elected to the board of such companies.
SECTION 5. Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Fusion. Fusion
hereby represents and warrants to, and covenants with, MSGI as follows:
5.1 Organization and Qualification. Each of Fusion and its
subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and has all
requisite corporate power and authority to conduct its business as currently
conducted. Each of Fusion and its subsidiaries is qualified to do business as a
foreign corporation and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the
failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on the operations of
Fusion and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
5.2 Authorized Capital Stock; Authorization of Securities. (a) As of
November 23, 1999, the authorized capital stock of Fusion consisted of:
60,000,000 shares of common stock ("Common Stock"), of which (i) 29,613,333
shares were validly issued and are outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable,
(ii) 5,320,000 shares were reserved for issuance under the Fusion Networks, Inc.
1999 Stock Option Plan, of which 825,000 options were issued and outstanding,
and (iii) 5,739,330 shares were reserved for issuance under outstanding warrants
of Fusion. Except as set forth above, at November 23, 1999, there were no
outstanding securities exercisable for or convertible into shares of capital
stock of Fusion.
(b) The Fusion Shares and the Option Shares to be issued and
sold by Fusion to MSGI will be, upon issuance and payment therefor, duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and will not be
subject to any preemptive or similar rights.
(c) Upon consummation of the Merger, the shares of Holdings
Common Stock to be issued to MSGI upon surrender of the Fusion Shares and the
Option Shares shall be, upon issuance, duly authorized, validly issued, fully
paid and non-assessable and will not be subject to any preemptive or similar
rights.
5.3 Due Execution, Delivery and Performance of the Agreements.
Fusion has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement. This Agreement
has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Fusion. Fusion's execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement will not violate (i) any law, rule or
regulation applicable to Fusion or any of its subsidiaries or (ii) the
Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of Fusion or any of its subsidiaries or
(iii) any provision of any indenture, mortgage, agreement, contract or other
instrument to which Fusion or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which
Fusion or any of its subsidiaries or any of their properties or assets is bound
as of the date hereof, or result in a breach of or constitute (upon notice or
lapse of time or both) a default under any such indenture, mortgage, agreement,
contract or other instrument or result in the creation or imposition of any
lien, security interest, mortgage, pledge, charge or other encumbrance upon any
properties or assets of Fusion or any of its subsidiaries, except, in the case
of such clause (iii), where such violation, breach or default would not have a
material adverse effect on the business, properties, prospects, condition
(financial or otherwise), net worth or results of operations of Fusion and its
subsidiaries taken as a whole (a "Material Adverse Effect"). Upon execution and
delivery (assuming the valid execution thereof by the respective parties thereto
other than Fusion), this Agreement will constitute a valid and binding
obligation of Fusion, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms,
except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors' and contracting
parties' rights generally and except as enforceability may be subject to general
principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in
a proceeding in equity or at law).
<PAGE>
5.4 Litigation. There is no action, suit or proceeding before or by
any court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, now pending, or,
to the knowledge of Fusion, threatened, against or affecting Fusion or any of
its subsidiaries which might result in any material adverse change in the
condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business affairs or
business prospects of Fusion and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or which
might materially and adversely affect their property or assets or which might
materially and adversely affect the consummation of this Agreement; all pending
legal or governmental proceedings to which Fusion or any of its subsidiaries is
a party or of which any of their property or assets is the subject, including
ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, are, considered in the
aggregate, not material to the business of Fusion and its subsidiaries, taken as
a whole.
5.5 No Material Change; No Material Misstatement or Omission. (a) As
of the date hereof, there has been no material adverse change in the financial
condition, business or results of operations of Fusion since the date of the
Business Plan. Since the date of the Business Plan, neither Fusion nor any of
its subsidiaries has incurred, other than in the ordinary course of its
business, any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent, nor has
Fusion or any of its subsidiaries paid or declared any dividends or other
distributions on their capital stock; and, with the exception of (i) a 1,000 for
1 stock split effective August 23, 1999, (ii) a 17.7333333 for 1 stock split
effective November 18, 1999, and (iii) the sale of approximately $9,000,000 of
Units in a private placement, there has been no change in the capital stock or,
long-term debt or, any increase in the short-term borrowings (other than in the
ordinary course of business) of Fusion or any material adverse change to the
business, properties, assets, net worth, condition (financial or other), results
of operations or prospects of Fusion and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole
(other than the continuing losses from operations and the corresponding
reduction of net worth).
(b) As of the date thereof, the Business Plan, including all addenda
and exhibits thereto, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading.
5.6 No Consents, Etc. No consent, approval, authorization, order,
registration, filing, qualification, license or permit of or with any court or
any public, governmental, or regulatory agency or body having jurisdiction over
Fusion or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or
assets is required for the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, except for such as
may be required by under state securities or Blue Sky laws in connection with
the purchase and distribution of the Fusion Shares and the Option Shares.
5.7 Securities Law Compliance. Assuming the compliance by MSGI with
its representations and warranties set forth herein and in the other Agreements,
the issuance, offer and sale by Fusion to MSGI of the Fusion Shares and the
Option Shares is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act
pursuant to Section 4(2) or 3(b) thereof.
5.8 The Merger and IDM. The execution of this Agreement and
performance of the terms set forth herein by Fusion will not constitute a breach
of the terms of the Merger with IDM and Fusion has obtained, or prior to the
Closing Date will obtain, all required consents of IDM to carry out the terms of
this Agreement.
<PAGE>
5.9 Investment Representations. In connection with its acceptance of
the MSGI Shares as payment of the Purchase Price with respect to the Fusion
Shares, and the MSGI Option Shares as payment with respect to the Option Shares,
Fusion represents and warrants to, and covenants with, MSGI as follows:
(a) Fusion is knowledgeable, sophisticated and experienced in
making, and is qualified to make, decisions with respect to investments in
shares presenting an investment decision like that involved in accepting the
MSGI Shares as payment of the Purchase Price, and acceptance of the MSGI Option
Shares as payment for the Option Shares, and has requested, received, reviewed
and considered all information it deems relevant in making an informed decision
to accept the MSGI Shares and MSGI Option Shares;
(b) Fusion is acquiring the MSGI Shares, and the MSGI Option Shares,
in the ordinary course of its business and for its own account for investment
only and with no present intention of distributing any of such MSGI Shares, or
MSGI Option Shares, or any arrangement or understanding with any other persons
regarding the distribution or purchase of such MSGI Shares or MSGI Option
Shares;
(c) Fusion will not, directly or indirectly, offer, sell, pledge,
transfer or otherwise dispose of (or solicit any offers to buy, purchase or
otherwise acquire or take a pledge of) any of the MSGI Shares or MSGI Option
Shares except in compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and
under the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,
and the terms and conditions of this Agreement;
(d) Fusion, in connection with its decision to accept the MSGI
Shares and MSGI Option Shares, has reviewed all filings of MSGI with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or with other public agencies and
has been given the opportunity to ask questions of management of MSGI to the
extent it deems necessary to enter into the transactions contemplated hereby and
has relied solely upon its own investigation and the reports filed by MSGI with
the SEC and the representations and warranties of MSGI contained in writing
herein, and has not relied upon any other statements, representations,
warranties, covenants or assurances of MSGI;
(e) Fusion understands that (i) the MSGI Shares and MSGI Option
Shares are not a liquid investment, (ii) it may sell or otherwise transfer the
MSGI Shares or MSGI Option Shares only if such transaction is duly registered
under the Securities Act, or pursuant to an opinion of counsel, satisfactory to
MSGI and its counsel, to the effect that such sale or transfer may be made in
the absence of registration under the Securities Act and (iii) the MSGI Shares
and MSGI Option Shares will be subject to stop transfer instructions and will
contain legends to the following effect:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED. THE SECURITIES HAVE BEEN
ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED IN
THE ABSENCE OF EITHER AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THESE SHARES
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL
THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT. THE SECURITIES
REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS OF A STOCK
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 20, 1999, INCLUDING THE
PROVISIONS OF A PUT OPTION INCLUDED IN SAID AGREEMENT.
SECTION 6. Representations, Warranties and Covenants of MSGI. MSGI
represents and warrants to, and covenants with, Fusion as follows:
6.1 Organization and Qualification. Each of MSGI and its
subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and has all
requisite corporate power and authority to conduct its business as currently
conducted. Each of MSGI and its subsidiaries is qualified to do business as a
foreign corporation and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the
failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on the operations of
MSGI and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
6.2 Authorized Capital Stock; Authorization of Securities. (a) As of
June 30, 1999, the authorized capital stock of MSGI consisted of: 75,000,000
shares of common stock, of which (i) 22,513,772 shares were validly issued and
are outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable, including 423,894 shares held in
treasury, (ii) 1,000,000 shares were reserved for issuance under the 1999 Stock
Option Plan, of which 190,000 options were issued and outstanding, (iii)
2,960,053 shares were reserved for issuance under older option plans or nonplan
options and (iv) 204,185 shares were reserved for issuance under outstanding
warrants of MSGI. In addition, MSGI is a party to an Agreement and Plan of
Merger, dated July 8, 1999 with GCG Merger Corp., and Grizzard Advertising
Incorporated ("Grizzard") pursuant to which it shall issue $50,000,000 of its
common stock pursuant to a market valuation calculation as set forth in such
agreement. MSGI is also a party to certain agreements with GE Capital as
described in the MSGI SEC Reports. Except as set forth above or in the MSGI SEC
Reports, at June 30, 1999, there were no outstanding securities exercisable for
or convertible into shares of capital stock of MSGI.
(b) The MSGI Shares to be issued to Fusion as payment of the
Purchase Price, and the MSGI Option Shares to be issued as payment for the
Option Shares, will be, upon issuance and payment therefor, duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and will not be subject to any
preemptive or similar rights.
6.3 Due Execution, Delivery and Performance of the Agreements. MSGI
has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement. This Agreement has
been duly authorized, executed and delivered by MSGI. MSGI's execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement will not violate (i) any law, rule or
regulation applicable to MSGI or any of its subsidiaries or (ii) the Articles of
Incorporation or Bylaws of MSGI or any of its subsidiaries or (iii) any
provision of any indenture, mortgage, agreement, contract or other instrument to
which MSGI or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which MSGI or any of its
subsidiaries or any of their properties or assets is bound as of the date
hereof, or result in a breach of or constitute (upon notice or lapse of time or
both) a default under any such indenture, mortgage, agreement, contract or other
instrument or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, security
interest, mortgage, pledge, charge or other encumbrance upon any properties or
assets of MSGI or any of its subsidiaries, except, in the case of such clause
(iii), where such violation, breach or default would not have a material adverse
effect on the business, properties, prospects, condition (financial or
otherwise), net worth or results of
<PAGE>
operations of MSGI and its subsidiaries taken as a whole (a "Material Adverse
Effect"). Upon execution and delivery (assuming the valid execution thereof by
the respective parties thereto other than MSGI), this Agreement will constitute
a valid and binding obligation of MSGI, enforceable in accordance with their
respective terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting
creditors' and contracting parties' rights generally and except as
enforceability may be subject to general principles of equity (regardless of
whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
6.4 Litigation. There is no action, suit or proceeding before or by
any court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, now pending, or,
to the knowledge of MSGI, threatened, against or affecting MSGI or any of its
subsidiaries which might result in any material adverse change in the condition,
financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business affairs or business
prospects of MSGI and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or which might
materially and adversely affect their property or assets or which might
materially and adversely affect the consummation of this Agreement; all pending
legal or governmental proceedings to which MSGI or any of its subsidiaries is a
party or of which any of their property or assets is the subject, including
ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, are, considered in the
aggregate, not material to the business of MSGI and its subsidiaries, taken as a
whole.
6.5 SEC Reports; Financial Statements. MSGI has filed all required
forms, reports and documents with the SEC since January 1, 1999, each of which
has complied in all material respects with all applicable requirements of the
Securities Act and the Exchange Act, each as in effect on the dates such forms,
reports and documents were filed. MSGI has heretofore provided to Fusion access
to all reports, proxy statements and other filings with the SEC (including any
amendments thereto)(the "MSGI SEC Reports"). None of such forms, reports or
documents, including, without limitation, any financial statements or schedules
included or incorporated by reference therein, contained, when filed, any untrue
statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be
stated or incorporated by reference therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading. The consolidated financial statements included in the MSGI SEC
Reports complied as to form in all material respects with applicable accounting
requirements and the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect
thereto and fairly present, in conformity with GAAP on a consistent basis
(except as may be indicated in the notes thereto), the consolidated financial
position of MSGI and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and
their consolidated results of operations and changes in financial position for
the periods then ended (subject, in the case of the unaudited interim financial
statements, to normal year-end adjustments). Since January 1, 1999, there has
not been any change, or any application or request for any change, by MSGI or
any of its subsidiaries in accounting principles, methods or policies for
financial accounting or tax purposes.
6.6 No Material Change. As of the date hereof, there has been no
material adverse change in the financial condition, business or results of
operations of MSGI since June 30, 1999. Since June 30, 1999, neither MSGI nor
any of its subsidiaries has incurred, other than in the ordinary course of its
business, any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent, nor has
MSGI or any of its subsidiaries paid or declared any dividends or other
distributions on their capital stock; and, there has been no change in the
capital stock or, long-term debt or, any increase in the short-term borrowings
(other than in the ordinary course of business) of MSGI or any material adverse
change to the business, properties, assets, net worth, condition (financial or
other), results of operations or prospects of MSGI and its subsidiaries, taken
as a whole (other than the continuing losses from operations and the
corresponding reduction of net worth).
<PAGE>
6.7 No Consents, Etc. No consent, approval, authorization, order,
registration, filing, qualification, license or permit of or with any court or
any public, governmental, or regulatory agency or body having jurisdiction over
MSGI or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets
is required for the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement or the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, except for such as may be
required by under state securities or Blue Sky laws in connection with the
purchase and distribution of the MSGI Shares, except for the consent of
Grizzard, which has been obtained.
6.8 Securities Law Compliance. Assuming the compliance by Fusion
with its representations and warranties set forth herein and in the other
Agreements, the issuance by MSGI to Fusion of the MSGI Shares, and the MSGI
Option Shares, is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities
Act pursuant to Section 4(2) or 3(b) thereof.
6.9 Investment Representations. In connection with the offer and
sale of the Fusion Shares and the Option Shares, MSGI represents and warrants
to, and covenants with, Fusion as follows:
(a) MSGI is knowledgeable, sophisticated and experienced in making,
and is qualified to make, decisions with respect to investments in shares
presenting an investment decision like that involved in the purchase of the
Fusion Shares and the Option Shares and has requested, received, reviewed and
considered all information it deems relevant in making an informed decision to
purchase the Fusion Shares and the Option Shares;
(b) MSGI is acquiring the Fusion Shares, and the Option Shares, in
the ordinary course of its business and for its own account for investment only
and with no present intention of distributing any of such Fusion Shares, or
Option Shares, or any arrangement or understanding with any other persons
regarding the distribution or purchase of such Fusion Shares, or Option Shares;
(c) MSGI will not, directly or indirectly, offer, sell, pledge,
transfer or otherwise dispose of (or solicit any offers to buy, purchase or
otherwise acquire or take a pledge of) any of the Fusion Shares, or Option
Shares, except in compliance with the Securities Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder and under the Exchange Act, and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, and the terms and conditions of this
Agreement;
(d) MSGI, in connection with its decision to purchase the Fusion
Shares, and the Option Shares, has been provided with the Business Plan and has
had such access to financial and other information concerning Fusion and the
Fusion Shares, and Option Shares, as it deemed necessary to enter into the
transactions contemplated hereby, including an opportunity to ask questions and
request information from Fusion and its management, and all such questions have
been answered and all information requested has been provided to the
satisfaction of MSGI, and MSGI has relied solely upon its own investigation and
the representations and warranties of Fusion contained in writing herein, and
has not relied upon any other statements, representations, warranties, covenants
or assurances of Fusion.
(e) MSGI understands and acknowledges that Fusion is newly formed,
has no operating history and limited financial resources and there is no
assurance that Fusion can carry out its business plan as described in the
Business Plan or that the Merger will be consummated on the terms described, or
at all, in which case, MSGI will continue to hold common stock of Fusion, for
which no liquid market exists, and, in which case, MSGI may be required to hold
the Fusion Shares, and the Option Shares, for an indefinite period of time; and
(f) MSGI understands that (i) the Fusion Shares, and the Option
Shares, are not a liquid investment, (ii) it may sell or otherwise transfer the
Fusion Shares, and the Option Shares, only if such transaction is duly
registered under the Securities Act, or pursuant to an opinion of counsel,
satisfactory to Fusion and its counsel, to the effect that such sale or transfer
may be made in the absence of registration under the Securities Act and (iii)
the Fusion Shares, and the Option Shares, will be subject to stop transfer
instruction and will contain a legend to the following effect:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED. THE SECURITIES HAVE BEEN
ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED IN THE
ABSENCE OF EITHER AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THESE SHARES
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL THAT
REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT.
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS OF
A STOCK PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 20, 1999, INCLUDING THE
PROVISIONS OF A PUT OPTION INCLUDED IN SAID AGREEMENT.
SECTION 7. Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements.
Notwithstanding any representation made by any party to this Agreement, all
covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by Fusion and MSGI in
writing herein shall survive the execution of this Agreement, the delivery to
MSGI of the Fusion Shares being purchased, and the Option Shares, and the
delivery to Fusion of the MSGI Shares, and the MSGI Option Shares, in payment
therefor.
SECTION 8. Lock-Up Agreement. (a) MSGI agrees that it will not, without
the prior written consent of Fusion, directly or indirectly, offer, offer to
sell, grant an option for the sale of, transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate or
otherwise encumber any securities of Fusion whether or not owned by or
registered in the name of or beneficially owned by MSGI, or otherwise dispose of
any interest therein prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date.
(b) Fusion agrees that it will not, without the prior written
consent of MSGI, directly or indirectly, offer, offer to sell, grant an option
for the sale of, transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise encumber any
securities of MSGI whether or not owned by or registered in the name of or
beneficially owned by Fusion, or otherwise dispose of any interest therein prior
to the first anniversary of the Closing Date.
(c) In order to enforce the "lock-up" requirements of this
provision, the certificates evidencing the Fusion Shares, the Option Shares, the
MSGI Shares, and the MSGI Option Shares shall bear a legend with shall read as
follows:
THE SHARES EVIDENCED HEREBY ARE SUBJECT TO A LOCK-UP AGREEMENT PURSUANT TO
WHICH SUCH SHARES MAY NOT BE SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED,
HYPOTHECATED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF
THE ISSUING COMPANY PRIOR TO __________________, 2000.
(d) Each of MSGI and Fusion agree that if any request is made
to shorten the "lock-up" period provided for in this Section 7, such request,
and any agreement to so shorten said period, shall be reciprocal as to the same
relative amount of shares on a percentage basis.
SECTION 9. Broker's Fee. No broker, finder or investment banker is
entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission or expense
reimbursement in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
based upon arrangements made by and on behalf of Fusion or MSGI or any of their
affiliates.
SECTION 10. Notices. All notices, requests, consents and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall be by telecopier, with a
copy being mailed by a nationally recognized overnight express courier, and
shall be deemed given when receipt is acknowledged by transmit confirmation
report and shall be addressed as follows:
(a) if to Fusion, to:
Fusion Networks, Inc.
8115 N.W. 29th Street
Miami, Florida 33122
Attn: Hernando Bahamon, President
Telephone: (305) 477-6701
Telecopier: (305) 477-6703
or to such other person at such other place as Fusion shall designate to
MSGI in writing;
(b) if to MSGI, to:
Marketing Services Group, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10001
Attn: Jeremy Barbara, President
Telephone: (917) 339-7100
Telecopier: (917) 339-7111
or at such other address or addresses as may have been furnished to Fusion
in writing.
SECTION 11. Changes. This Agreement may not be modified or amended except
pursuant to an instrument in writing signed by Fusion and MSGI.
SECTION 12. Headings. The headings of the various sections of this
Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be
deemed to be part of this Agreement.
SECTION 13. Severability. In case any provision contained in this
Agreement should be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the
validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained
herein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
SECTION 14. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida (without reference
to its rules as to conflicts of law) and the federal law of the United States of
America.
SECTION 15. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which, when
taken together, shall constitute but one instrument, and shall become effective
when one or more counterparts have been signed by each party hereto and
delivered to the other parties. Facsimile signatures are considered to be
originals and shall have the same effect.
SECTION 16. Entire Agreement. This Agreement is intended by the parties as
a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and
exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in
respect of the subject matter contained herein. This Agreement supersedes all
prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such
subject matter.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed
by their duly authorized representatives as of the day and year first above
written.
FUSION NETWORKS, INC. MARKETING SERVICES GROUP, INC.
By:__________________________ By:____________________________
Name: Hernando Bahamon Name: Jeremy Barbara
Title: President Title: President
Exhibit 20.1
MSGI ACQUIRES UP TO 19% EQUITY POSITION
IN FUSION NETWORKS, INC
Represents Fourth MSGI Internet Transaction In Recent Months
New York, NY - December 21, 1999 - Marketing Services Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:
MSGI), an integrated marketing and Internet services industry leader, today
announced the signing of a definitive purchase agreement and concurrent closing
through which the Company will acquire up to a 19.13% equity position in Fusion
Networks, Inc. (www.latinfusion.com), an interactive, multimedia and
entertainment Latin-American portal. Under the terms of the all-stock
transaction, MSGI will initially acquire approximately 10% of Fusion Networks
Common Stock. MSGI also has an option to acquire an additional 9.13% of Fusion
Networks within six months under the same terms. As part of this agreement, MSGI
will have a seat on the Board of Directors of Fusion Networks.
Fusion Networks has entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with IDM Corp
(Nasdaq: IDMC) pursuant to which IDM will form a holding company to acquire
Fusion Networks. Consummation of the IDM Merger is subject to stockholder
approval and other customary terms and conditions. Fusion Networks recently
completed a $9 million private placement with Infospace.com (Nasdaq: INSP) and
Naveen Jain, Chairman and CEO of Infospace as investors in the round.
In addition to the equity investment, through its Wired Empire
(www.wiredempire.com) subsidiary, MSGI will also provide Fusion Networks with
e-relationship tools and solutions to accelerate deployment of its business.
Fusion Networks will also utilize the services of other MSGI companies.
"With an estimated 12 million Spanish and Portuguese Internet users, of which
nearly 5 million are living in the United States, we see Latin Fusion as a
remarkably effective vehicle to enter the online Latin American market," said
Jeremy Barbera, Chairman and CEO of MSGI. "This represents an initial equity
investment of $17.5 million, which may increase to $35 million over the next six
months as Fusion Networks executes on its business plan."
Mr. Barbera added, "We believe that the Internet provides a strong platform for
business, and, with this, our fourth Internet investment in recent months, we
continue to actively pursue our strategy of building, investing, acquiring and
incubating promising Internet businesses."
"We are very excited about this investment, as we see many business synergies
between Fusion Networks and MSGI," said Hernando Bahamon, Chief Executive
Officer of Fusion Networks. "Fusion Networks will be a vehicle through which
MSGI will be able to enter the Latin American market. With MSGI's expertise and
WiredEmpire's tools, we see them as a powerful partner to build market share."
About Fusion Networks
Fusion Networks, Inc. launched its first website, www.Latinfusion.com, on a
pilot basis, on October 12, 1999. The site is an advanced interactive,
multimedia and entertainment Latin-American based portal with voluminous
content, including, multimedia, television, music and extensive e-commerce
capability. Fusion Networks plans to launch additional sites in Latin America,
Spain and Portugal and also to launch a website for the Spanish and
Portuguese-speaking community in the United States.
About MSGI
Marketing Services Group, Inc. is a leader in the Internet and marketing
services industries. MSGI's revenues have grown from $16 million in fiscal 1996
to in excess of $100 million on an annualized basis. GE Capital is the owner of
an 18 percent stockholder position in MSGI and CMGI is the owner of a 10 percent
stockholder position in MSGI.
MSGI is organized into two business divisions: The Internet Group and The Direct
Group. The Internet Group's mission is to acquire, invest in and incubate
Internet companies. Its preliminary focus is on WiredEmpire, and its Marketing
Agent technology. MSGI plans to expand into other strategic areas. The Internet
Group provides Internet marketing, e-commerce applications, Web development and
hosting, online ad sales and consulting. The Direct Group provides strategic
planning, direct marketing, database marketing, telemarketing, telefundraising,
media planning and buying. Through this business segment, MSGI will continue to
grow by leveraging the synergies it has across all its companies in marketing,
technology, and capabilities.
Thousands of clients worldwide are provided services by MSGI, which has offices
throughout the United States and in London. Corporate headquarters are located
at 333 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10001. Telephone: 917-339-7100. Additional
information is available on the company's Website: http://www.msginet.com.
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 its 10-Q for the
period ended September 30, 1999 and the annual report on Form 10-K for the year
ended June 30, 1999.
###
Contacts:
MSGI Morgen-Walke Associates Fusion Networks, Inc.
Jamie Shaber For MSGI Traci Hammes
917-339-7100 Cheryl Olson 212-581-0500
Press: Eileen King
212-850-5600
