<PAGE>
______________________________________________________________________________
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report
(Date of earliest event reported)
December 9, 1999
TRANSCEND SERVICES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 0-18217 33-0378756
(State or other jurisdiction of (Commission File Number) (I.R.S.Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
3353 Peachtree Road, Suite 1000
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 364-8000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
______________________________________________________________________________
<PAGE>
Item 2. Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.
-------------------------------------
Pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated December 9, 1999, Transcend
Services, Inc. (the "Company") sold the net assets and contracts of its Utah-
based medical transcription services operation to MedQuist Transcriptions, Ltd.,
a subsidiary of MedQuist, Inc. The purchase price was $2,475,000 consisting of
$2,350,000 in cash and $125,000 in a promissory note due December 10, 2001.
Pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated December 16, 1999, the Company
sold the net assets and contracts of its Northeast-based medical transcription
services operation to MedQuist Transcriptions Ltd, Inc. a subsidiary of
MedQuist, Inc. The purchase price was $4,630,000 consisting of $4,398,500 in
cash and $231,500 in a promissory note due December 17, 2001.
The sales complete the first phase of the overall restructuring plan by
Transcend designed to improve the Company's capital structure, meet Nasdaq's
continued listing requirements, and to focus its operations and growth on its
internet-based transcription service strategy. In this phase, the Company sold
transcription operations that do not operate on the Company's internet platform.
In addition to the Northeast-based and Utah-based operations, the Company
previously sold four contracts associated with other transcription operations to
Medquist Transcriptions, Ltd. for $600,000 in cash and future consideration of
up to $750,000 based on actual revenues earned by MedQuist over a two year
period. In connection with these sales, Transcend signed three year non-compete
agreements with MedQuist Transcriptions, Ltd. prohibiting the Company from
providing transcription services in the states of Utah, New Jersey, New York,
Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine,
subject to certain exceptions.
Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
---------------------------------
(a) Financial Statements of businesses acquired: not applicable
(b) Pro Forma Financial Information
The Company sold the net assets and contracts of its Utah-based and Northeast-
based transcription operations and four other transcription contracts to
MedQuist Transcriptions, Ltd. for cash and notes. The Pro Forma Statements
below present the Condensed Balance Sheets at December 31, 1998 and September
30, 1999 and the Condensed Statements of Income for the year ended December 31,
1998 and the nine months ended September 30, 1999 on a historical basis,
adjustments related to the transactions described above, and on an adjusted Pro
Forma basis.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Transcend Services, Inc.
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
September 30, 1999
(unaudited)
Amounts in Thousands
Historical
As Reported Adjustments Pro Forma
----------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Assets
Cash $ 67 $ 2,300 $ 2,367
Other Current Assets 8,001 (442) 7,559
Property and Equipment, net 7,006 (298) 6,708
Other Assets 519 - 519
Intangible Assets, net 2,546 (752) 1,794
Net Assets Related to
Discontinued Operations 2,692 - 2,692
------- ------- -------
$20,831 $ 808 $21,639
------- ------- -------
Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity
Current Liabilities $ 8,988 $ (512) $ 8,476
Convertible Debentures 2,000 - 2,000
Other Long Term Liabilities 5,185 (5,000) 185
Deferred Income Taxes 539 - 539
Equity 4,119 6,320 10,439
------- ------- -------
$20,831 $ 808 $21,639
------- ------- -------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Transcend Services, Inc.
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
December 31, 1998
(unaudited)
Amounts in Thousands
Historical
As Reported Adjustments Pro Forma
----------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Assets
Cash $ 450 $ 2,000 $ 2,450
Other Current Assets 9,146 (388) 8,758
Property and Equipment, net 7,302 (352) 6,950
Other Assets 482 - 482
Intangible Assets, net 2,865 (842) 2,023
Net Assets Related to
Discontinued Operations 2,726 - 2,726
------- ------- -------
$22,971 $ 418 $23,389
------- ------- -------
Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity
Current Liabilities $ 7,372 $ (511) $ 6,861
Convertible Debentures 2,000 - 2,000
Other Long Term Liabilities 5,547 (5,300) 247
Deferred Income Taxes 540 - 540
Equity 7,512 6,229 13,741
------- ------- -------
$22,971 $ 418 $23,389
------- ------- -------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Transcend Services, Inc.
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999
(unaudited)
Amounts in Thousands
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical
As Reported Adjustments Pro Forma
----------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Revenues $39,770 $(5,436) $34,334
Direct Costs 34,970 (4,262) 30,708
------- ------- -------
Gross Profit 4,800 (1,174) 3,626
------- ------- -------
Marketing and Sales Expenses 1,763 - 1,763
General and Administrative Expenses 4,678 - 4,678
Research and Development Expenses 546 - 546
Amortization Expenses 190 (93) 97
------- ------- -------
Income (loss) from Operations (2,377) (1,081) (3,458)
------- ------- -------
Other Expenses:
Interest Expense 625 (512) 113
Other Expenses - - -
------- ------- -------
Loss Before Tax from Continuing Operations (3,002) (569) (3,571)
------- ------- -------
Income Taxes - -
------- ------- -------
Loss from Continuing Operations $(3,002) $ (569) $(3,571)
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Transcend Services, Inc.
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
Year Ended December 31, 1998
(unaudited)
Amounts in Thousands
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical
As Reported Adjustments Pro Forma
----------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Revenues $53,314 $(6,578) $46,736
Direct Costs 44,748 (5,007) 39,741
------- ------- -------
Gross Profit 8,566 (1,571) 6,995
------- ------- -------
Marketing and Sales Expenses 2,238 - 2,238
General and Administrative Expenses 4,891 - 4,891
Research and Development Expenses 260 - 260
Amortization Expenses 213 (124) 89
------- ------- -------
Income (loss) from Operations 964 (1,447) (483)
------- ------- -------
Other Expenses:
Interest Expense 521 (683) (162)
Other Expenses 61 - 61
------- ------- -------
Income (Loss) Before Tax from Continuing
Operations 382 (764) (382)
------- ------- -------
Income Taxes - -
------- ------- -------
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations $ 382 $ (764) $ (382)
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
(c) Exhibits:
- --- ---------
The following Exhibits are attached:
2(a) Asset Purchase Agreement dated December 9, 1999.
2(b) Press release dated December 9, 1999.
2(c) Non-Competition Agreement dated December 9, 1999
2(d) Asset Purchase Agreement dated December 16, 1999.
2(e) Press release dated December 17, 1999.
2(f) Non-Competition Agreement dated December 16, 1999
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.
TRANSCEND SERVICES, INC.
December 27, 1999 By: /s/ Larry G. Gerdes
----------------------------------
Larry G. Gerdes,
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
December 27, 1999
By: /s/ Doug Shamon
----------------------------------
Doug Shamon
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer (Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 2(a)
ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
------------------------
This Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") is made as of December
9, 1999 by and among MedQuist Transcriptions, Ltd., a New Jersey corporation
("Buyer") and Transcend Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Seller").
BACKGROUND
----------
Seller and Buyer each is engaged in the business of providing medical
transcription services throughout the United States. Buyer desires to purchase
from the Seller and the Seller desires to sell to the Buyer substantially all of
the assets of the Seller used by the Seller in the conduct of its business
relating to its office in Salt Lake City, Utah (the "Target Office"). As used
in this Agreement, defined terms will have the meanings given to them on Exhibit
-------
A unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
- -
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements hereinafter contained, and intending to be legally bound, the parties
hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. Sale and Purchase of Target Office Assets. On the Closing Date,
-----------------------------------------
Seller shall sell, transfer, assign and convey to Buyer and Buyer shall buy,
free and clear of any Encumbrances (other than Permitted Liens and Assumed
Obligations), all of the Target Assets. For purposes of this Agreement, "Target
Assets" shall mean all of the assets of Seller, whether real, personal or mixed,
owned or leased as of November 30, 1999 that are used or intended for use
primarily in the operation of the Target Office and such assets acquired in the
ordinary course of business thereafter and on or prior to the Closing Date which
are used primarily in the operation of the Target Office, including, without
limitation, all accounts receivable arising from services performed by Target
Office. Excluded from the Target Assets are any and all cash and cash
equivalents.
2. Purchase Price; Payment; Adjustment
-----------------------------------
a. As full consideration for the Target Assets, any good will
associated with the Target Assets, the business and the Noncompetition
Agreement, Buyer shall assume the Assumed Obligations and pay to Seller an
aggregate sum of $2,475,000 less cash received by Seller in the realization of
accounts receivable from the Target Office as such accounts receivable are
reflected on the Net Asset Statement (as defined below) after November 30, 1999,
plus accrued and unpaid payroll and payroll tax expenses and health insurance
premiums all as reflected on the Net Asset Statement. Of this net amount, which
will be reflected on a closing settlement statement to be agreed upon by the
parties at Closing, (i) $125,000 will be in the form of a promissory note
payable to Seller on the second anniversary hereof and bearing interest at the
rate of 6% per year and (ii) the balance of which shall be paid
<PAGE>
to Seller in cash to the bank account designated by Seller in writing. pursuant
to wire transfer instructions to be provided by Seller to Buyer. The foregoing
is collectively referred to as the "Purchase Price."
b. Attached as Exhibit 2.b is a net asset statement reflecting
the Target Assets to be purchased and liabilities to be assumed by Buyer and
delivered effective as at the close of business November 30, 1999 (the "Net
Asset Statement"). The Net Asset Statement is to be used for the purposes of the
settlement statement referred to in subsection a. above. The Net Asset Statement
is intended to include all of the Target Assets as of November 30, 1999,
including, without limitation, all accounts receivable as of that date for
services rendered by the Target Office. All Target Assets, whether or not
reflected on the Net Asset statement, are being conveyed to Buyer under this
Agreement and the failure to be reflected on the Net Asset Statement shall not
create any inference to the contrary. On the other hand, Buyer shall not be
responsible for any current liabilities, whether or not Assumed Obligations,
that are not reflected on the Net Asset Statement (it being understood that
Buyer will perform edits as per Section 4.a. hereof).
c. The purchase price shall be allocated in a manner to be
mutually agreed upon between the parties subsequent to Closing. The allocation
shall be binding on the parties hereto for all purposes, including federal
income tax purposes, and the parties agree not to take any contrary position in
respect of the price of any of the Target Assets in any tax return, tax
proceeding, tax audit, or any documents filed by any of said parties with
federal, state or local authorities.
3. Closing. The closing of the transactions contemplated under this
-------
Agreement (the "Closing") will be held at the offices of Buyer commencing at
10:00 a.m. on December 9, 1999 or such other date or place (including Closing
via facsimile signature) as the parties may mutually agree (the "Closing Date").
The effective time of the Closing shall be 12:01 a.m., December 1, 1999.
In addition to Buyer's payment obligations under Section 2.a., at the
Closing:
a. Seller will deliver to Buyer a bill of sale (the "Bill of
Sale") for the Target Assets in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 3.a.
------------
b. Seller and Buyer will execute and deliver an Assignment and
Assumption Agreement ("Assignment and Assumption Agreement") in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit 3.b.;
------------
c. Buyer and Seller will execute and deliver a Noncompetition
Agreement (the "Noncompetition Agreement") in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit 3.c.;
- ------------
<PAGE>
d. Buyer will execute and deliver the Promissory Note (the
"Note") in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 3.d.;
------------
e. Seller and Buyer shall deliver the mutually agreed upon Net
Asset Statement pursuant to Section 2.b. hereof;
This Agreement, the Bill of Sale, the Assignment and Assumption
Agreement, the Noncompetition Agreement, and the Note are collectively referred
to as the "Related Agreements".
4. Assumption of Certain Liabilities; No Assumption of Other
---------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities of Seller. Buyer does not and will not assume or become obligated
- ---------------------
to pay or perform any claims, liabilities or obligations of Seller whatsoever.
As the sole exception to the foregoing, Buyer shall assume the following
obligations of Seller relating to Target Office (collectively, "Assumed
Obligations"):
a. Any medical transcription services Contracts with clients of
Seller at Target Office (the "Target Contracts") and other Contracts
specifically identified on Schedule 4.a attached hereto ("Other Assumed
------------
Contracts");provided, however, that the Buyer shall not be responsible for any
default with respect to any such Contracts occurring on or prior to the Closing
Date (it being understood that Buyer will perform edits pursuant to the terms of
Target Contracts for reports transcribed thereunder within two (2) weeks prior
to December 1, 1999); and
b. Current operating expenses reflected on the Net Asset Statement
pursuant to Section 2.b hereof and current operating expenses incurred in the
ordinary course of business in connection with operating the Target Office from
and after December 1, 1999, including accrued payroll and payroll taxes,
telecommunication costs, and lease payments for the Target Office.
In addition, for the sake of clarity, Seller and Buyer agree that Buyer shall
not assume or agree to pay any interest bearing obligations, long term
liabilities, the current portion of any long term debt, any amounts payable to
shareholders or affiliates or any obligations under previous acquisitions by
Seller, such as earn-outs or seller notes or any other liabilities not arising
in the ordinary course of business.
5. Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Seller. Except as
---------------------------------------------------
specifically disclosed to Buyer on the Disclosure Memorandum attached to this
Agreement as Exhibit B, Seller represents and warrants and, where applicable,
---------
covenants, as provided in each Section of this Article 5:
<PAGE>
a. Organization and Good Standing. Seller is a corporation duly
------------------------------
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority
to own, lease and operate the Target Office and to carry on its business as
presently conducted at the Target Office. Seller is duly qualified or licensed
and in good standing to do business in the State of Utah.
b. Power and Authority. Seller has the full corporate power and
-------------------
authority, to execute and deliver this Agreement and any and all Related
Agreements and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Related
Agreements. Seller has duly and validly executed and delivered this Agreement
and the Related Agreements, each of which is the valid and binding agreement of
Seller enforceable against Seller in accordance with their respective terms,
except as such enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
moratorium, or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally, or by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such
enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity) (collective,
"Creditor's Rights Laws").
c. Consents and Approvals; No Violations. No filing with, and no
-------------------------------------
Permit, authorization, consent or approval of any Governmental Entity is
necessary for the consummation of transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
the Related Agreements. The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the Related Agreements will not (i) conflict with or result in any
breach of any provision of the Certificate or Articles of Incorporation or
Bylaws of Seller, (ii) result in a violation or breach of, or constitute (with
or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to any
right of termination, cancellation or acceleration) under or result in the
forfeiture of any rights, entitlements or privileges under, or create any right
or entitlement under, or require the consent or approval of any party under, any
of the terms, conditions or provisions of any Contract to which Seller is a
party and which would adversely effect the business of the Target Office or the
transactions contemplated hereunder, (iii) violate any order, writ, injunction,
decree, statute, treaty, rule or regulation applicable to the business of the
Target Office or the Target Assets or (iv) result in the creation of or
imposition of any Encumbrance upon the Target Assets.
d. Income Statements. Attached hereto as Exhibit C are true and
----------------- ---------
correct copies of all of the Income Statements. The Income Statements have been
prepared in accordance with GAAP on a consistent basis during the related
periods from the applicable books and records of the Seller. Each of the Income
Statements fairly presents the results of operations of the Seller for the
Target Office for the respective periods set forth therein.
e. No Undisclosed Liabilities. Since November 30, 1999, Seller
--------------------------
has not incurred any liabilities or obligations relating to the Target Office
(absolute, accrued, fixed,
<PAGE>
contingent, liquidated, unliquidated or otherwise), other than liabilities
incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.
f. No Default. Seller is not in default or violation (and no
----------
event has occurred which with notice or the lapse of time or both would
constitute a default or violation) of any term, condition or provision of (i)
its Articles or Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, or (ii) any Target
Contract or Other Assumed Contracts.
g. Litigation; Compliance with Laws; Permits. There (i) are no
-----------------------------------------
Actions pending or, to the best knowledge of Seller, threatened against or
related to the Seller and the business of the Target Office, or the Target
Assets that could reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect on the Target
Office or the transactions contemplated hereunder or the transactions
contemplated under this Agreement , (ii) is and has been no failure to comply
with by Seller nor any default under any law, ordinance, requirement,
regulation, or order applicable to Seller that could reasonably be expected to
have an adverse effect on the Target Office or the transactions contemplated
hereunder and (iii) is no violation of, default with respect to, or failure to
comply with, any order, writ, injunction, judgment, or decree of any court or
Governmental Entity or other instrumentality, issued or pending against Seller
that could reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect on the Target Office
or the transactions contemplated hereunder. Seller has obtained all Permits
for the operation of the Target Office as presently operated. Seller is in
compliance with all such Permits. Seller has not made any illegal kickbacks,
bribes or political contributions to any Person.
h. Intellectual Property. Seller has complied with its
---------------------
contractual obligations relating to the use and protection of its Intellectual
Property pursuant to licenses used in the operation of the Target Office. No
claim is pending, or, to the best knowledge of Seller, threatened, relating to
the ownership or present or past use of the Intellectual Property used in the
operation of the Target Office, or conflicts with or infringes upon any rights
of any third party with respect to any Intellectual Property used in the
operation of the Target Office.
i. Contracts. Attached to Section 5(i) of the Disclosure
--------- ------------
Memorandum are true, complete and correct copies of all Target Contracts and
Other Assumed Contracts, including all amendments, modifications or extensions
thereof. The terms of any oral contracts (fees, duration, expiration date) are
set forth on Section 5(i) of the Disclosure Memorandum. The Seller has no Target
------------
Contracts or Other Assumed Contracts except as described in Section 5(i) of the
------------
Disclosure Memorandum. Each Target Contract and Other Assumed Contract is valid
and binding and in full force and effect, except as may be limited by Creditor's
Rights Laws. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Related
Agreements and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Related Agreements will not alter or impair any rights of the
Seller under any of the Target Contracts or Other Assumed Contracts, and the
Target Contracts and Other Assumed Contracts will include all Contracts
necessary to permit the Buyer to continue to conduct Seller's business at the
Target Office after the Closing as presently conducted. To Seller's knowledge,
there is no
<PAGE>
unresolved material dispute with a customer regarding services rendered or fees
charged for any services rendered to the customer. There are no pending, or to
Seller's knowledge, threatened, legal or arbitration proceedings between Seller
and any customer serviced by the Target Office. Buyer acknowledges that its
primary purpose in purchasing the Target Contracts is to obtain the opportunity
to continue a relationship with the customers, with the knowledge that in the
case of each customer, such customer may elect to terminate its relationship
based on the terms of the Target Contracts.
j. Employee\Management Agreements. Section 5(j) of the Disclosure
------------------------------ ------------
Memorandum describes all Contracts currently in effect relating to employment,
compensation, severance, consulting, indemnification, service, purchase or any
other matter between or among Seller and its present or former employees,
officers, directors and consultants who perform or who have performed services
for the Target Office.
k. Taxes. As may pertain to Taxes for the operations of the
-----
Target Office: Seller has duly filed, in compliance with applicable laws, all
Tax Returns required to be filed by it prior to the date hereof, and Seller has
duly paid, caused to be paid or made adequate provision and has reserved for the
payment of all Taxes required to be paid in respect of the periods covered by
such Tax Returns and has made adequate provision for payment of all Taxes
anticipated to be payable in respect of all taxable periods since the periods
covered by such returns. No claims for Taxes have been asserted against Seller,
and no deficiency for any Taxes has been proposed, asserted or assessed which
has not been resolved or paid in full. To the best knowledge of Seller, no Tax
Return or taxable period of Seller is under examination and Seller has not
received notice of any pending audit. There are no outstanding agreements or
waivers extending the statutory period of limitation applicable to any Tax
Return for any period of the Seller. Seller has no obligation or liability to
pay Taxes of or attributable to any other person or entity. No issue or claim
has been asserted for Taxes by any taxing authority.
l. Employee Benefit Matters. Section 5(l) of the Disclosure
------------------------ ------------
Memorandum sets forth a true and complete list of all plans, programs or
arrangements of Seller relating to employee benefits or fringe benefits
maintained by Seller for employees at the Target Office ("Target Office Plans").
Each such plan complies in all material respects and has been administered in
accordance with the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code. No facts or
circumstances with respect to Target Office Plans exist which could result in
any liability against the Buyer, or Seller or any benefit plan or any fiduciary
of a benefit plan under any provision of ERISA, the Code or any other applicable
law or otherwise.
m. Assets. Section 5(m) of the Disclosure Memorandum sets forth
------- ------------
all of the Target Assets as of the date of this Agreement. Except as set forth
on Section 5(m) of the Disclosure Memorandum, and except for the Assumed
Obligations and Permitted Liens, the Target Assets are owned free and clear of
all Encumbrances and any Encumbrances shall be removed at or prior to Closing.
The Seller owns or leases all of the assets, properties and rights necessary to
carry on the businesses and operations of the Target Office as presently
conducted.
<PAGE>
The Target Assets include all properties and assets necessary to permit the
Buyer to conduct the business conducted by the Seller at the Target Office as
presently conducted. The Target Assets are in good operating condition and the
operation and use of the Target Assets in the Seller's businesses conform in all
respects to all applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, permits, licenses and
certificates. The Seller owns no real property relating to the Target Office and
the only real property leased by the Seller in the operation of the Target
Office is the Premises.
n. Labor Relations. Seller's employees at the Target Office have
---------------
no written contract of employment and are not represented by any labor union or
other collective bargaining group. As to the Target Office. Seller is and has
been in compliance for the past three years with all applicable laws relating to
employment and employment practices, worker compensation, terms and conditions
of employment, wages and hours, occupational safety and health and notice and
the requirements of the Worker Adjustment Retraining Act of 1988 or similar
state or local law with respect to employees at the Target Office. Seller is not
the subject of any pending, or to its knowledge, threatened EEOC, department of
labor, wage and hour or similar state matters or investigations relating to the
Target Office.
o. Seller's Brokers or Finders. No agent, broker, investment
---------------------------
banker, financial advisor or other firm or person is or will be entitled to any
brokers' or finders' fee or any other commission or similar fee from Seller in
connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
p. Accounts Receivable. The accounts receivable of the Target
-------------------
Office as of November 30, 1999 was $291,028.59, a summary of which is attached
to Section 5.p of the Disclosure Memorandum. All such accounts receivable are:
-----------
(i) valid and genuine; (ii) have arisen only in the ordinary course of
business; and (iii) except to the extent of any reserves with respect thereto
are not subject to valid defenses, set-offs or counterclaims and have been
billed. Seller has not entered into and shall not enter into any agreements for
the prepayment (whether actual or accrued) of work for services to be performed
after the Closing Date. No agreements for deductions or discounts have been made
with respect to any work to be performed on or after the Closing Date or to
encourage or induce the early collection of accounts receivable. All invoices
for services performed by Seller at the Target Offices have been prepared and
submitted in accordance with the terms of the respective Target Contracts.
q. Loans to Employees. There are no outstanding loans made by
------------------
Seller to any employee, director or officer of Seller who will be offered
employment by Buyer.
r. Statements True and Correct. No statement made by Seller in
---------------------------
this Agreement contains or will contain any untrue statement of material fact or
omits or will omit to state a material fact required to be stated herein or
therein, or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading.
<PAGE>
s. Fair Value. After completion of the transactions contemplated
----------
under this Agreement and the Related Agreements, Seller will have adequate
capital to carry on its business and will be able to pay its debts as they
become due. Seller believes the consideration being paid hereunder (including
the Assumed Obligations) is fair for the transactions contemplated hereunder.
t. Y2K Compliance. In order to determine the current status of
---------------
the Target Office and the Target Assets with regard to data processing for dates
on or after January 1, 2000, Seller commissioned an independent report, a copy
of which is set forth as Section 5.t to the Disclosure Memorandum. To the
knowledge of Seller, said report is true and correct in all material respects.
6. Representations and Warranties of Buyer.
---------------------------------------
Buyer hereby represents and warrants to Seller as of the date of this
Agreement as follows:
a. Buyer is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and
in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and has
full corporate power and authority to carry on its business as presently
conducted and to assume the Contracts. Buyer is duly qualified or licensed to do
business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the failure to
qualify or to be in good standing would have a material adverse effect on
Buyer's business.
b. Buyer has full corporate power and authority to enter into
this Agreement and the Related Agreements and to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and the Related Agreements. Buyer has duly and
validly authorized the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Related
Agreements and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby, and no other corporate action on the part of Buyer is necessary to
authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Related
Agreements or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
the Related Agreements. The Buyer has (or at Closing shall) duly and validly
executed and delivered this Agreement and the Related Agreements, and this
Agreement is and the Related Agreements when executed at Closing shall be valid
and binding obligations of Buyer, enforceable against Buyer in accordance with
their respective terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by applicable
Creditor's Rights Laws.
c. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement or
the Related Agreements will not (i) conflict with or result in any breach of any
provision of the Certificate or Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the
Buyer, (ii) result in a violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without
due notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to any right of
termination, cancellation or acceleration) under or result in the forfeiture of
<PAGE>
any rights, entitlements or privileges under, or create any right or entitlement
under, or require the consent or approval of any party under, any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of any contract of Buyer, (iii) violate any order,
writ, injunction, decree, statute, treaty, rule or regulation applicable to the
Buyer, or any of its properties or assets or (iv) result in the creation of or
imposition of any lien or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Buyer.
d. No agent, broker, investment banker, financial advisor or
other firm or person is or will be entitled to any brokers' or finders' fee or
any other commission or similar fee from Buyer in connection with this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
7. Further Assurances and Assistance; Records and Inspection.
---------------------------------------------------------
a. After the Closing Date, Seller shall execute and deliver such
further instruments of conveyance and transfer and take such other actions as
Buyer may reasonably request, at Seller's expense, to convey and transfer
effectively to Buyer the Assets in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
b. After the Closing Date, Seller will make available to Buyer,
its counsel, accountants, and other representatives of Buyer access at any
reasonable time to Seller's accounting, tax and other records for any reasonable
purpose, including, without limitation, litigation and insurance claims.
c. Seller will continue to be responsible for all Taxes and the
filing of all Tax Returns relating to Seller.
d. As stated in Section 2.a., Seller will process and fund the
payroll run scheduled for December 15, 1999 that covers the payroll period
ending November 30, 1999.
e. At Closing, Seller will terminate the employment of all of its
employees who render services solely through the Target Office so as to make
their employment available to Buyer. Buyer covenants and agrees to promptly
make offers of employment to all such terminated employees at a rate of pay
which are substantially not less favorable than the salary they received from
Seller prior to the Closing and with benefits substantially the same as those
offered to similarly situated employees of Buyer.
8. Indemnification.
---------------
a. Obligation of Seller. Subject to the limitations set forth in
--------------------
Section 8(c) of this Agreement, Seller hereby indemnifies and holds harmless
Buyer from and against any and all Damages which Buyer may suffer or incur,
resulting from, relating to, or arising out of (i) any misrepresentation, breach
of warranty, breach of guarantee or nonfulfillment of any of
<PAGE>
the covenants of Seller in this Agreement or the Related Agreements, (ii) any
liabilities or obligations of the Seller arising from or relating to the
operation of the business of the Target Office prior to the Closing other than
Assumed Obligations; and (iii) any and all Actions arising out of any of the
foregoing or out of facts that have occurred on or prior to the date hereof even
though such proceeding or claim may not be filed or come to light until after
the date hereof.
b. Obligation of Buyer. Subject to the limitations set forth in
-------------------
Section 8(c) of this Agreement, Buyer hereby indemnifies and holds harmless
Seller from and against any and all Damages which Seller may suffer or incur,
resulting from, relating to, or arising out of (i) any misrepresentation, breach
of warranty, breach of guarantee or nonfulfillment of any of the covenants of
Buyer in this Agreement; (ii) any liabilities or obligations arising from or
relating to the performance of medical transcription services to the Target
Clients after Closing and (ii) any and all Actions arising out of the foregoing;
c. Limitation of Indemnity. Notwithstanding any provisions in
-----------------------
this Agreement to the contrary, an indemnifying party shall not be liable for
any Damages resulting from, relating to or arising out of any misrepresentation,
breach of warranty, or nonfulfillment of any of the covenants in this Agreement
or the Related Agreements except to the extent (and only to the extent) that the
aggregate amount for which the indemnifying party would otherwise (but for this
provision) be liable on account thereof exceeds $40,000. In no event shall the
aggregate liability of either party under this Agreement exceed the amount of
the Purchase Price set forth herein. The foregoing limitations shall not apply
with respect to (i) any obligations of Seller not expressly assumed by Buyer
hereunder or (ii) any ordinary course liabilities of Buyer arising after Closing
under the Contracts.
d. Survival of Representations and Warranties. The
-------------------------------------------
representations and warranties of Seller and Buyer under this Agreement will
survive for a period of two (2) years after the date hereof. Notwithstanding any
of the foregoing, any representation or warranty that was not true when made and
that was made fraudulently or with intent to defraud or mislead shall survive
the closing without limitation as to time.
e. Notice. Promptly after acquiring knowledge of any action
------
against which a party shall have indemnified the other party, the indemnified
party shall give to the indemnifying party notice thereof, provided that the
failure to give such notice will not affect the right to indemnification
hereunder, except to the extent the indemnifying party's ability to defend such
action is prejudiced by such failure. The indemnifying party will, at its own
expense, promptly defend, contest or otherwise protect against any Action
against which it has indemnified the other with counsel reasonably acceptable to
the indemnified party. The indemnifying party may not settle an action without
the consent of the indemnified party unless the settlement provides for an
unconditional release of the indemnifying party.
f. Set Off Against Note. Buyer shall have the right to set off
--------------------
against any payments due under the Note any claim for Damages that Buyer may
have pursuant to this Section 8. Any claims by Buyer for Damages under this
Section 8 shall be satisfied first out of
<PAGE>
the Note prior to Buyer making any claim against other assets of Seller. If
Buyer makes any set off under the Note for Damages suffered under this Section
8, the Note shall cease to bear interest on the amount of the Damages as of the
date the Damages were suffered by Buyer. If Buyer shall make a claim for Damages
and set off against the Note but is later found not to have suffered the entire
amount of Damages for the claim made, Seller shall be entitled to interest under
the Note for such excess amount until the date paid.
g. Effect of Closing. No action of Buyer with respect to Closing
-----------------
shall constitute a waiver of any rights that Buyer may have under this
Agreement. To the actual knowledge of Buyer, the representations and warranties
of Seller under this Agreement are true in all material respects as supplemented
by the Disclosure Memorandum. For purposes of the foregoing, actual knowledge
of Buyer shall mean the actual knowledge of David A. Cohen, CEO, John A.
Donohoe, COO, John M. Suender, Senior Vice President and Bruce Van Fossen, Vice
President and Controller. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this provision shall
not infer that Buyer is assuming or shall become obligated to pay any
liabilities of Seller other than the Assumed Obligations.
9. Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement, the Exhibits hereto
----------------------------
and the Related Agreements constitute the entire understanding among the parties
with respect to the subject matter contained in this Agreement and therein and
supersedes any prior understandings and agreements among them respecting such
subject matter. This Agreement may be amended or supplemented only by a written
instrument duly executed by all of the parties.
10. Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of
--------
reference only and will not affect its interpretation.
11. Gender; Number. Words of gender may be read as masculine,
--------------
feminine, or neuter, as required by context. Words of number may be read as
singular or plural, as required by context.
12. Exhibits and Schedules. The Disclosure Memorandum and each
----------------------
Exhibit and Schedule referred to in this Agreement is incorporated into this
Agreement by such reference.
13. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held illegal,
------------
invalid, or unenforceable, such illegality, invalidity, or unenforceability will
not affect any other provision hereof. This Agreement will, in such
circumstances, be deemed modified to the extent necessary to render enforceable
the provisions hereof.
14. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder will be
-------
in writing and will be given to the person either personally or by sending a
copy thereof certified or express mail, postage prepaid, or courier services,
charges prepaid, to such party's address. If the notice is sent by mail, or
courier services, it will be deemed to have been given to the person
<PAGE>
entitled thereto when delivered or delivery is refused or not accepted, as
evidenced by a receipt or tracking slip:
If to Buyer to:
MedQuist Transcriptions, Ltd.
Five Greentree Centre
Suite 311
Marlton, NJ 08053
Attention: General Counsel
Telecopy: 856-797-5949
Telephone: 856-596-8877
If to Seller to:
Transcend Services, Inc.
3353 Peachtree Rd. NE
Suite 1000
Atlanta, GA 30326
Telephone: 404-836-8598
Attention: Doug Shamon, CFO
Notice of any change in any such address will also be given in the manner set
forth above. Whenever the giving of notice is required, the giving of such
notice may be waived only in writing by the party entitled to receive such
notice.
15. Waiver. The failure of any party to insist upon strict
------
performance of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement will not
constitute a waiver of any of its rights hereunder.
16. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement binds, inures to the
----------------------
benefit of, and is enforceable by the successors, assigns, heirs and personal
representatives of the parties, and does not confer any rights on any other
persons or entities.
17. Governing Law; Choice of Forum. This Agreement will be construed
------------------------------
and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey without
regard to its choice of law principals. Any disputes arising between the
parties will first be submitted to mediation in Burlington County, New Jersey.
If mediation does not provide a resolution within thirty (30) days' or such
other period as the parties may hereafter mutually agree in writing, the dispute
shall be submitted for arbitration in Burlington County, New Jersey in
accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment
upon the award entered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
<PAGE>
18. No Benefit to Others. The representations, warranties, covenants
--------------------
and agreements contained in this Agreement are for the sole benefit of the
parties hereto and their successors and assigns, and they will not be construed
as conferring and are not intended to confer any rights on any other persons.
19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
------------
counterparts and any party hereto may execute any such counterpart, each of
which when executed and delivered will be deemed to be an original and all of
which counterparts taken together will constitute but one and the same
instrument. The execution of this Agreement by any party hereto will not become
effective until counterparts hereof have been executed by all the parties
hereto. It will not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement or any
counterpart hereof to produce or account for any of the other counterparts.
20. Accounts Receivable. Sellers shall cooperate with Buyer in the
-------------------
collection of any accounts receivable comprising part of the Target Assets by
providing written notice to the relevant customers that all payments of such
accounts receivable should be made to Buyer as reasonably instructed by Buyer.
If Seller shall receive payment relating to any such accounts receivable, Seller
shall, within three (3) business days, pay over such amounts to Buyer by wire
transfer or as otherwise instructed by Buyer. The limitation set forth in
Section 9.c. hereof shall not apply with respect to such accounts receivable or
the transfer of any other Target Assets.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound
hereby, have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first above
written.
MEDQUIST TRANSCRIPTIONS, LTD.
By:
-------------------------------
David A. Cohen, CEO
Transcend Services, Inc.
By:
------------------------------
Name:
Title:
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A - DEFINED TERMS
"Action" will mean any and all actions, suits, investigations,
proceedings, demands, assessments, audits, judgments and claims (including
employment-related claims) relating to a Person.
"Assignment and Assumption Agreement" will have the meaning given to
it in Section 3.b. hereof.
"Assumed Obligations" will have the meaning given to it in Section 4
hereof.
"Bill of Sale" will have the meaning given to it in Section 3.a.
hereof.
"Closing Date" will have the meaning given to it in Section 3 hereof.
"Closing" will have the meaning given to it in Section 3 hereof.
"Code" will mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Contracts" will mean collectively the Target Contracts and the Other
Assumed Contracts.
"Creditor's Rights Laws" will have the meaning given to it in Section
5.b. hereof.
"Damages" will mean actual damages, losses, obligations, deficiencies,
liabilities, claims, encumbrances, penalties, costs, and expenses, and will also
include, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements and
expert and consulting fees, costs and expenses. Damages will not include costs
for editing documents that are considered Assumed Obligations pursuant to
Section 4 hereof. Each party will discharge its legal obligations to mitigate
damages. All Damages for which a party seeks indemnification will be calculated
net of any tax benefit the indemnified party may realize as a result of such
Damages.
"Disclosure Memorandum" will mean the Disclosure Memorandum prepared
by Seller and attached to this Agreement as Exhibit B.
---------
"Encumbrances" will mean any claim, mortgage, assignment, conditional
sale, lease, easement, consignment, bailment, contingent interest, pledge, lien,
option, charge, security interest, preemptive right, encumbrance or other
restrictions of any kind or nature whatsoever.
"ERISA" will mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended.
"GAAP" will mean generally accepted accounting principles consistently
applied.
<PAGE>
"Governmental Entity" will mean any federal, state or local
department, official, commission, authority, board, bureau, agency or other
public body, domestic or foreign.
"Income Statements" will mean the income statements of the Seller for
the Target Office, which were provided to Buyer in connection with its due
diligence investigation of the Target Office and are attached hereto as
Exhibit C.
- ----------
"Intellectual Properties" will mean all software, trademarks, trade
names, assumed names, service marks, logos, patents, patent rights, copyrights,
drawings, trade secrets, technology, know-how and processes, applications of or
relating to any of the foregoing or any other intellectual property used by the
Seller in the conduct of its business at the Target Office.
"IRS" will mean the Internal Revenue Service.
"Net Asset Statement" will have the meaning given to it in Section
2.c. hereof.
"Noncompetition Agreement" will have the meaning given to it in
Section 3.c. hereof.
"Other Assumed Contracts" will have the meaning given to it in Section
4.a. hereof.
"Permits" will mean all surety bonds, permits, licenses, zoning
variances, approvals, exemptions, and other authorizations for the operation of
the Target Office as presently operated.
<PAGE>
"Permitted Liens" will mean (i) the UCC financing statements of Coast
Business Credit (a division of Southern Pacific Thrift and Loan Association)
filed in Utah and Georgia and relating to the Target Assets, which Seller shall
cause to be released within 45 days after Closing (but for which Seller shall
deliver a letter of consent from Coast Credit at Closing in form satisfactory to
Buyer) and (ii) liens arising by operation of law relating to the Assumed
Obligations.
"Person" will mean any natural person, corporation, partnership,
unincorporated association, trust, Governmental Entity, joint venture or trade
group, or any individual, entity or group that is a part of, or associated with,
any of the foregoing.
"Premises" will mean the Target Office, which is located at 9437 South
Union Square, Sandy, Utah:
"Purchase Price" will have the meaning given to it in Section 2.a.
hereof.
"Related Agreements" will have the meaning given to it in Section 3.a.
hereof.
"Target Assets" will have the meaning given to it in Section 1 hereof.
"Target Contracts" will have the meaning given to it in Section 4.a.
hereof.
"Target Office" will mean the business conducted at the following
Office of Seller located at the Premises.
"Target Office Plans" will have the meaning given to it in Section
5.l. hereof.
"Taxes" will mean all taxes, fees, levies, duties, charges or other
like assessments including, without limitation, income, withholding (including,
without limitation, FICA, state disability and federal and state unemployment
insurance or taxes), gross receipts, excise, real or personal property, asset,
sales, use, license, payroll, transaction, capital, net worth and franchise
taxes imposed by or payable to any federal, state, county, local or foreign
government, taxing authority, subdivision or agency thereof, including interest,
penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts thereto.
"Tax Return" will mean any report, return, declaration or other
information required to be supplied to a taxing authority in connection with
Taxes.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 2(b)
December 10, 1999
(BW) (TRANSCEND SERVICES, INC.)(TRCR)
TRANSCEND SERVICES, INC. COMPLETES SALE OF TRANSCRIPTION UNIT
Atlanta, Georgia, TRANSCEND SERVICES, INC. (TRCRC/NASDAQ) announced the sale of
its Utah-based medical transcription operations to MedQuist, Inc. (MEDQ/NASDAQ.)
The purchase price was $2.3 million in cash and a $125,000 note.
The sale was part of an overall restructuring by Transcend designed to improve
the Company's capital structure, meet Nasdaq's continued listing requirements,
and to focus its operations and growth on its national transcription service
strategy. The Utah operation, while profitable and generating positive cash
flow, did not utilize the Company's web-based national transcription platform.
In connection with the sale, Transcend signed a 3 year non-compete agreement
prohibiting the Company from providing transcription services in the state of
Utah.
The Company is continuing to execute its restructuring plan and expects to
finalize the sale of its Northeast regions transcription operations, currently
under a letter of intent, before the end of the year.
The restructuring plan also includes selling the Company's medical records
management operations and its Cascade Health Information Software subsidiary.
Transcend Services, Inc. provides patient information management solutions to
hospitals and other associated healthcare providers including management of
medical records operations, transcription of physicians' dictated medical notes,
consulting relating to medical records management and reimbursement coding, and
state-of-the-art software for the management of patient information.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of
risks and uncertainties. Among the important factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking
statements are competitive pressures, the mix of service revenue, changes in
pricing policies, delays in sales revenue recognition, lower-than-expected
demand for Transcend's solutions, business conditions in the integrated
healthcare delivery network market, general economic conditions and the risk
factors detailed from time to time in Transcend's periodic reports and
registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 2(c)
NONCOMPETITION AGREEMENT
THIS NONCOMPETITION AGREEMENT ("Agreement"), dated as of December 9,
1999 is made and entered into by and between MEDQUIST TRANSCRIPTIONS, LTD., a
New Jersey corporation ("MedQuist") and Transcend Services, Inc. ("Seller").
BACKGROUND
----------
MedQuist and Seller have entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement,
dated as of the date hereof (the "Asset Purchase Agreement") pursuant to which
MedQuist purchased the assets of Seller used in the operation of Seller's Salt
Lake City, Utah office (the "Target Office"). Seller and MedQuist are engaged
in the business of providing medical transcription services to hospitals and
other health care providers (the "Business") throughout the United States. As a
material inducement and condition precedent to MedQuist's execution and delivery
of the Asset Purchase Agreement and consummation of the transactions
contemplated under the Asset Purchase Agreement, Seller has agreed to execute,
deliver and perform this Agreement.
Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have
the meanings given to them in the Asset Purchase Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the agreements
herein contained and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto
hereby agree as follows:
1. Covenant Not to Compete. Except as specifically permitted in this
-----------------------
Section 1, for a period of three (3) years after the date of this Agreement (the
"Term"), the Seller shall not, directly, or indirectly as an investor,
contractor, consultant, agent, representative or shareholder, without the prior
written consent of MedQuist:
a. own, purchase, manage, operate, join, control, or invest as a
stockholder, partner, or otherwise, in any business, individual, partnership,
firm, corporation or other entity which is engaged in the Business anywhere in
the State of Utah (the "Territory");
b. solicit, entice or induce any person or entity which presently
is or at any time during the Term shall be, a Business client or Business
customer of: (i) MedQuist in the Territory; or (ii) Seller from the Target
Office (including, without limitation those clients and customers set forth on
Exhibit A attached), to become a Business client or Business customer of Seller
- ---------
or any person or entity who or which is engaged in the Business;
c. hire or engage, or solicit, entice or induce for hire or
engagement any medical transcriptionist or other person: (i) who presently is or
within the last six (6) months was employed or engaged by Seller to perform
services for the Target Office, including, without
<PAGE>
limitation, any person whose name is set forth on Exhibit A attached; or (ii)
---------
who presently is or at any time during the Term shall be employed or engaged by
MedQuist or any of its affiliates to perform services for one of its offices in
the Territory; or (iii) who is a medical transcriptionist and who resides in the
Territory. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any current medical transcriptionist
of Seller who does not have a residence in the Territory, and any medical
transcriptionist hereafter hired or engaged by Seller who does not have a
residence in the Territory, may thereafter move into the Territory and continue
to perform services to Seller.
d. lend any credit or money for the purposes of establishing or
operating a Business for clients or customers in the Territory, or otherwise
give aid or advice about the Business to any other person or entity engaging in
any Business in the Territory.
The foregoing is collectively referred to as the "Competing
Activities." Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller may own any class of
securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
provided their equity interest therein does not exceed five percent (5%) of the
issued and outstanding shares or interest of any class of equity securities or
five percent (5%) of the aggregate principal amount of any class of debt
securities outstanding, as the case may be.
2. Equitable Relief. Seller acknowledges that MedQuist would suffer
----------------
irreparable injury if Seller were to violate the terms of this Agreement and
that MedQuist, in addition to all other remedies that might be available to it,
will be entitled, as a matter of right, to apply for equitable relief in any
court of competent jurisdiction, including the right to seek both temporary and
permanent injunctive relief and specific performance. If, after notice and an
opportunity to be heard, a court finds that Seller has violated this Agreement,
then Seller consents and stipulates to the entry of injunctive relief by any
court of competent jurisdiction prohibiting it from violating any of the terms
of this Agreement.
<PAGE>
3. Interpretation. Seller acknowledges that the time, scope and
--------------
other provisions of Section 1 of this Agreement have been specifically
negotiated by sophisticated, commercial parties and specifically hereby agrees
that such time, scope and other provisions are reasonable under the
circumstances. If, at any time, despite the express agreement of the parties
hereto, a court of competent jurisdiction holds that any portion of Section 1 of
this Agreement is unenforceable by reason of its being too extensive in any
respect, then such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed in such
jurisdiction to the maximum time, geographical area, service or activity or
other limitations permitted in such jurisdiction, all as determined by such
court.
4. Miscellaneous.
-------------
a. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is for the sole benefit
----------------------
of the parties hereto and their permitted assigns under this Agreement and
nothing herein expressed or implied shall give or be construed to give any
person or entity, other than the parties hereto and their permitted assigns, any
legal or equitable rights or rights of subrogation hereunder. This Agreement
binds, insures to the benefit of, and is enforceable by the successors and
assigns of the parties, including, without limitation, any person, firm,
corporation or other business entity which, whether by purchase, merger or
otherwise, directly or indirectly purchases the stock or substantially all of
the assets of Seller (a "Successor"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Successor
shall not be deemed to be in breach of this Agreement to the extent the
Successor is conducting Business in the Territory at the time it acquires or
merges with Seller. However, the Successor shall be bound by all other terms of
this Agreement (other than Section 1.a. to the extent of Business conducted at
the time of closing of the merger or acquisition), including, without
limitation, Sections 1.b., 1.c. and 1.d. hereof, as if the Successor were an
original party to this Agreement.
b. Integration of Prior Understandings. This Agreement
-----------------------------------
exclusively and completely states the rights of the parties with respect to the
transactions contemplated hereunder and supersedes all other agreements and
understandings, oral or written, with respect to the Territory expressed herein.
c. Amendment; Modification. No amendment or modification of this
-----------------------
Agreement shall be valid unless it is in writing and signed by the duly
authorized officers of Seller and MedQuist or their respective successors or
assigns.
d. Applicable Law. The terms of this Agreement and all rights and
--------------
obligations hereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with,
the laws of the State of New Jersey without regard to what other laws might
apply under governing principles of choice or conflict of law.
<PAGE>
e. Execution of Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
-------------------------
any number of counterparts.
f. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held
------------
illegal, invalid or unenforceable, such illegality, invalidity or
unenforceability will not affect any other provision hereof. This Agreement
shall, in such circumstances, be deemed modified to the extent necessary to
render enforceable the other provisions hereof.
g. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall
-------
be in writing and shall be given to the other party hereto either personally, by
sending a copy thereof by hand delivery, by U.S. express mail, postage prepaid,
by overnight courier services, charges prepaid, or by telecopier, to such
party's address appearing in the Asset Purchase Agreement (or to such party's
telecopier number). If the notice is sent by mail or courier service, it shall
be deemed to have been given to the person entitled thereto when received or
refused. If the notice is sent by telecopier, it shall be deemed to have been
given on the business day of transmission if a hard copy of the transmission,
accompanied by a machine-generated confirmation of transmission, is dispatched
to the recipient on or before the conclusion of the business day after
transmission.
h. Waiver. The failure of any party to insist upon strict
------
performance of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement will not
constitute a waiver of any of its rights hereunder. No waiver shall be
effective unless it is in writing and signed by the party who is purported to
have given the waiver. If one party waives any condition or the breach of any
obligation or the misrepresentation by any party hereunder, the party waiving
such a condition, breach or misrepresentation shall retain all rights, remedies
and causes of action arising therefrom, notwithstanding such waiver.
i. Headings; References to Seller or MedQuist. The headings of
------------------------------------------
the sections, articles and paragraphs of this Agreement have been inserted for
convenience of reference only and shall not restrict or otherwise modify any of
the terms or provisions hereof. Any reference in this Agreement to Seller or
MedQuist shall be deemed to include each of them, their respective parent
companies, and the direct and indirect subsidiaries (or other entities in which
they have an interest) of each of them and their parent companies and their
Successors.
j. Choice of Forum. Any action or proceeding with respect to this
---------------
Agreement shall be brought in the courts of the State of New Jersey or of the
United States of America for the District of New Jersey. Each party hereby
accepts such jurisdiction and irrevocably waives any right it now has or may
later acquire to object to the bringing of any action in such jurisdictions.
Each party consents to the service of process in any such action or proceeding
by mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail to the address set
forth herein.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Seller and MedQuist have executed this
Agreement on the day and year first above written.
TRANSCEND SERVICES, INC.
By:
---------------------------------
Name:
Title:
MEDQUIST TRANSCRIPTIONS, LTD.
By:
--------------------------------
Name:
Title:
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 2(d)
ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
------------------------
This Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") is made as of December
16, 1999 by and among MedQuist Transcriptions, Ltd., a New Jersey corporation
("Buyer") and Transcend Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Seller").
BACKGROUND
----------
Seller and Buyer each is engaged in the business of providing medical
transcription services throughout the United States. Buyer desires to purchase
from the Seller and the Seller desires to sell to the Buyer substantially all of
the assets of the Seller used by the Seller in the conduct of its business
relating to its offices in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Boston, Massachusetts,
it being understood the Boston office was recently closed (the "Target
Offices"). As used in this Agreement, defined terms will have the meanings
given to them on Exhibit A unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
---------
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements hereinafter contained, and intending to be legally bound, the parties
hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. Sale and Purchase of Target Offices Assets. On the Closing Date,
------------------------------------------
Seller shall sell, transfer, assign and convey to Buyer and Buyer shall buy,
free and clear of any Encumbrances (other than Permitted Liens and Assumed
Obligations), all of the Target Assets. For purposes of this Agreement, "Target
Assets" shall mean all of the assets of Seller, whether real, personal or mixed,
owned or leased as of November 30, 1999 that are used or intended for use
primarily in the operation of the Target Offices and such assets acquired in the
ordinary course of business thereafter and on or prior to the Closing Date which
are used primarily in the operation of the Target Offices, including, without
limitation, all accounts receivable arising from services performed by Target
Offices. Excluded from the Target Assets are any and all cash and cash
equivalents, and the NEC PBX telephone system in the former Boston office.
2. Purchase Price; Payment; Adjustment
-----------------------------------
a. As full consideration for the Target Assets, any good will
associated with the Target Assets, the business and the Noncompetition
Agreement, Buyer shall assume the Assumed Obligations and pay to Seller an
aggregate sum of $4,630,000 less cash received by Seller in the realization of
accounts receivable from the Target Offices as such accounts receivable are
reflected on the Net Asset Statement (as defined below) after November 30, 1999,
plus accrued and unpaid payroll and payroll tax expenses and health insurance
premiums all as reflected on the Net Asset Statement. Of this net amount, which
will be reflected on a closing settlement statement to be agreed upon by the
parties at Closing, (i)
<PAGE>
$231,500 will be in the form of a promissory note payable to Seller on the
second anniversary hereof and bearing interest at the rate of 6% per year and
(ii) the balance of which shall be paid to Seller in cash to the bank account
designated by Seller in writing pursuant to wire transfer instructions to be
provided by Seller to Buyer. The foregoing is collectively referred to as the
"Purchase Price."
b. Attached as Exhibit 2.b is a net asset statement reflecting the
Target Assets to be purchased and liabilities to be assumed by Buyer and
delivered effective as at the close of business November 30, 1999 (the "Net
Asset Statement"). The Net Asset Statement is to be used for the purposes of
the settlement statement referred to in subsection a. above. The Net Asset
Statement is intended to include all of the Target Assets as of November 30,
1999, including, without limitation, all accounts receivable as of that date for
services rendered by the Target Offices. All Target Assets, whether or not
reflected on the Net Asset Statement, are being conveyed to Buyer under this
Agreement and the failure to be reflected on the Net Asset Statement shall not
create any inference to the contrary. On the other hand, Buyer shall not be
responsible for any current liabilities, whether or not Assumed Obligations,
that are not reflected on the Net Asset Statement (it being understood that
Buyer will perform edits as per Section 4.a. hereof).
c. The purchase price shall be allocated in a manner to be
mutually agreed upon between the parties subsequent to Closing. The allocation
shall be binding on the parties hereto for all purposes, including federal
income tax purposes, and the parties agree not to take any contrary position in
respect of the price of any of the Target Assets in any tax return, tax
proceeding, tax audit, or any documents filed by any of said parties with
federal, state or local authorities.
3. Closing. The closing of the transactions contemplated under this
-------
Agreement (the "Closing") will be held at the offices of Buyer commencing at
10:00 a.m. on December 16, 1999 or such other date or place (including Closing
via facsimile signature) as the parties may mutually agree (the "Closing Date").
The effective time of the Closing shall be 12:01 a.m., December 1, 1999.
In addition to Buyer's payment obligations under Section 2.a., at the
Closing:
a. Seller will deliver to Buyer a bill of sale (the "Bill of
Sale") for the Target Assets in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 3.a.
------------
b. Seller and Buyer will execute and deliver an Assignment and
Assumption Agreement ("Assignment and Assumption Agreement") in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit 3.b.;
------------
<PAGE>
c. Buyer and Seller will execute and deliver a Noncompetition
Agreement (the "Noncompetition Agreement") in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit 3.c.;
- ------------
d. Buyer will execute and deliver the Promissory Note (the
"Note") in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 3.d.;
------------
e. Seller and Buyer shall deliver the mutually agreed upon Net
Asset Statement pursuant to Section 2.b. hereof;
This Agreement, the Bill of Sale, the Assignment and Assumption
Agreement, the Noncompetition Agreement, and the Note are collectively referred
to as the "Related Agreements".
4. Assumption of Certain Liabilities; No Assumption of Other
---------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities of Seller. Buyer does not and will not assume or become obligated
- ---------------------
to pay or perform any claims, liabilities or obligations of Seller whatsoever.
As the sole exception to the foregoing, Buyer shall assume the following
obligations of Seller relating to Target Offices (collectively, "Assumed
Obligations"):
a. Any medical transcription services Contracts with clients of
Seller at Target Offices (the "Target Contracts") and other Contracts
specifically identified on Section 5(i) of the Disclosure Memorandum attached
hereto ("Other Assumed Contracts");provided, however, that the Buyer shall not
be responsible for any default with respect to any such Contracts occurring on
or prior to the Closing Date (it being understood that Buyer will perform edits
pursuant to the terms of Target Contracts for reports transcribed thereunder
within two (2) weeks prior to December 1, 1999); and
b. Current operating expenses reflected on the Net Asset Statement
pursuant to Section 2.b hereof and current operating expenses incurred in the
ordinary course of business in connection with operating the Target Offices from
and after December 1, 1999, including accrued payroll and payroll taxes,
telecommunication costs, and lease payments for the Target Office in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania.
In addition, for the sake of clarity, Seller and Buyer agree that Buyer shall
not assume or agree to pay any interest bearing obligations, long term
liabilities, the current portion of any long term debt, any amounts payable to
shareholders or affiliates or any obligations under previous acquisitions by
Seller, such as earn-outs or seller notes or any other liabilities not arising
in the ordinary course of business.
5. Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Seller. Except as
---------------------------------------------------
specifically disclosed to Buyer on the Disclosure Memorandum attached to this
Agreement as
<PAGE>
Exhibit B, Seller represents and warrants and, where applicable, covenants,
- ---------
as provided in each Section of this Article 5:
a. Organization and Good Standing. Seller is a corporation duly
------------------------------
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority
to own, lease and operate the Target Offices and to carry on its business as
presently conducted at the Target Offices. Seller is duly qualified or licensed
and in good standing to do business in the States of Pennsylvania and
Massachusetts.
b. Power and Authority. Seller has the full corporate power and
-------------------
authority, to execute and deliver this Agreement and any and all Related
Agreements and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Related
Agreements. Seller has duly and validly executed and delivered this Agreement
and the Related Agreements, each of which is the valid and binding agreement of
Seller enforceable against Seller in accordance with their respective terms,
except as such enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
moratorium, or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally, or by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such
enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity) (collective,
"Creditor's Rights Laws").
c. Consents and Approvals; No Violations. No filing with, and no
-------------------------------------
Permit, authorization, consent or approval of any Governmental Entity is
necessary for the consummation of transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
the Related Agreements. The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the Related Agreements will not (i) conflict with or result in any
breach of any provision of the Certificate or Articles of Incorporation or
Bylaws of Seller, (ii) result in a violation or breach of, or constitute (with
or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to any
right of termination, cancellation or acceleration) under or result in the
forfeiture of any rights, entitlements or privileges under, or create any right
or entitlement under, or require the consent or approval of any party under, any
of the terms, conditions or provisions of any Contract to which Seller is a
party and which would adversely effect the business of the Target Offices or the
transactions contemplated hereunder, (iii) violate any order, writ, injunction,
decree, statute, treaty, rule or regulation applicable to the business of the
Target Offices or the Target Assets or (iv) result in the creation of or
imposition of any Encumbrance upon the Target Assets.
d. Income Statements. Attached hereto as Exhibit C are true and
----------------- ---------
correct copies of all of the Income Statements. The Income Statements have been
prepared in accordance with GAAP on a consistent basis during the related
periods from the applicable books and records of the Seller. Each of the Income
Statements fairly presents the results of operations of the Seller for the
Target Offices for the respective periods set forth therein.
<PAGE>
e. No Undisclosed Liabilities. Since November 30, 1999, Seller
--------------------------
has not incurred any liabilities or obligations relating to the Target Offices
(absolute, accrued, fixed, contingent, liquidated, unliquidated or otherwise),
other than liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice.
f. No Default. Seller is not in default or violation (and no
----------
event has occurred which with notice or the lapse of time or both would
constitute a default or violation) of any term, condition or provision of (i)
its Articles or Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, or (ii) any Target
Contract or Other Assumed Contracts.
g. Litigation; Compliance with Laws; Permits. There (i) are no
-----------------------------------------
Actions pending or, to the best knowledge of Seller, threatened against or
related to the Seller and the business of the Target Offices or the Target
Assets that could reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect on the Target
Offices or the transactions contemplated under this Agreement, (ii) is and has
been no failure to comply with by Seller nor any default under any law,
ordinance, requirement, regulation, or order applicable to Seller that could
reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect on the Target Offices or the
transactions contemplated hereunder and (iii) is no violation of, default with
respect to, or failure to comply with, any order, writ, injunction, judgment, or
decree of any court or Governmental Entity or other instrumentality, issued or
pending against Seller that could reasonably be expected to have an adverse
effect on the Target Offices or the transactions contemplated hereunder.
Seller has obtained all Permits for the operation of the Target Offices as
presently operated. Seller is in compliance with all such Permits. Seller has
not made any illegal kickbacks, bribes or political contributions to any Person.
h. Intellectual Property. Seller has complied with its
---------------------
contractual obligations relating to the use and protection of its Intellectual
Property pursuant to licenses used in the operation of the Target Offices. No
claim is pending, or, to the best knowledge of Seller, threatened, relating to
the ownership or present or past use of the Intellectual Property used in the
operation of the Target Offices, or conflicts with or infringes upon any rights
of any third party with respect to any Intellectual Property used in the
operation of the Target Offices.
i. Contracts. Attached to Section 5(i) of the Disclosure
--------- ------------
Memorandum are true, complete and correct copies of all Target Contracts and
Other Assumed Contracts, including all amendments, modifications or extensions
thereof. The terms of any oral contracts (fees, duration, expiration date) are
set forth on Section 5(i) of the Disclosure Memorandum. The Seller has no Target
------------
Contracts or Other Assumed Contracts except as described in Section 5(i) of the
------------
Disclosure Memorandum. Each Target Contract and Other Assumed Contract is valid
and binding and in full force and effect, except as may be limited by Creditor's
Rights Laws. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Related
<PAGE>
Agreements and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Related Agreements will not alter or impair any rights of the
Seller under any of the Target Contracts or Other Assumed Contracts, and the
Target Contracts and Other Assumed Contracts will include all Contracts
necessary to permit the Buyer to continue to conduct Seller's business at the
Pittsburgh office after the Closing as presently conducted. To Seller's
knowledge, there is no unresolved material dispute with a customer regarding
services rendered or fees charged for any services rendered to the customer.
There are no pending, or to Seller's knowledge, threatened, legal or arbitration
proceedings between Seller and any customer serviced by the Target Offices.
Buyer acknowledges that its primary purpose in purchasing the Target Contracts
is to obtain the opportunity to continue a relationship with the customers, with
the knowledge that in the case of each customer, such customer may elect to
terminate its relationship based on the terms of the Target Contracts.
j. Employee\Management Agreements. Section 5(j) of the Disclosure
------------------------------ ------------
Memorandum describes all Contracts currently in effect relating to employment,
compensation, severance, consulting, indemnification, service, purchase or any
other matter between or among Seller and its present or former employees,
officers, directors and consultants who perform or who have performed services
for the Target Offices.
k. Taxes. As may pertain to Taxes for the operations of the Target
-----
Offices: Seller has duly filed, in compliance with applicable laws, all Tax
Returns required to be filed by it prior to the date hereof, and Seller has duly
paid, caused to be paid or made adequate provision and has reserved for the
payment of all Taxes required to be paid in respect of the periods covered by
such Tax Returns and has made adequate provision for payment of all Taxes
anticipated to be payable in respect of all taxable periods since the periods
covered by such returns. No claims for Taxes have been asserted against Seller,
and no deficiency for any Taxes has been proposed, asserted or assessed which
has not been resolved or paid in full. To the best knowledge of Seller, no Tax
Return or taxable period of Seller is under examination and Seller has not
received notice of any pending audit. There are no outstanding agreements or
waivers extending the statutory period of limitation applicable to any Tax
Return for any period of the Seller. Seller has no obligation or liability to
pay Taxes of or attributable to any other person or entity. No issue or claim
has been asserted for Taxes by any taxing authority.
l. Employee Benefit Matters. Section 5(l) of the Disclosure
------------------------ ------------
Memorandum sets forth a true and complete list of all plans, programs or
arrangements of Seller relating to employee benefits or fringe benefits
maintained by Seller for employees at the Target Offices ("Target Office
Plans"). Each such plan complies in all material respects and has been
administered in accordance with the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code.
No facts or circumstances with respect to Target Office Plans exist which could
result in any liability against the Buyer, or Seller or any benefit plan or any
fiduciary of a benefit plan under any provision of ERISA, the Code or any other
applicable law or otherwise.
<PAGE>
m. Assets. Section 5(m) of the Disclosure Memorandum sets forth all
------ ------------
of the Target Assets as of the date of this Agreement. Except as set forth on
Section 5(m) of the Disclosure Memorandum, and except for the Assumed
- ------------
Obligations and Permitted Liens, the Target Assets are owned free and clear of
all Encumbrances and any Encumbrances shall be removed at or prior to Closing.
The Seller owns or leases all of the assets, properties and rights necessary to
carry on the businesses and operations of the Target Offices as presently
conducted. The Target Assets include all properties and assets necessary to
permit the Buyer to conduct the business conducted by the Seller at the Target
Offices as presently conducted. The Target Assets are in good operating
condition and the operation and use of the Target Assets in the Seller's
businesses conform in all respects to all applicable laws, ordinances,
regulations, permits, licenses and certificates. The Seller owns no real
property relating to the Target Offices and the only real property leased by the
Seller in the operation of the Target Offices is the Premises.
n. Labor Relations. Seller's employees at the Target Offices have
---------------
no written contract of employment and are not represented by any labor union or
other collective bargaining group. As to the Target Offices, Seller is and has
been in compliance for the past three years with all applicable laws relating to
employment and employment practices, worker compensation, terms and conditions
of employment, wages and hours, occupational safety and health and notice and
the requirements of the Worker Adjustment Retraining Act of 1988 or similar
state or local law with respect to employees at the Target Offices. Seller is
not the subject of any pending, or to its knowledge, threatened EEOC, department
of labor, wage and hour or similar state matters or investigations relating to
the Target Offices.
o. Seller's Brokers or Finders. No agent, broker, investment banker,
---------------------------
financial advisor or other firm or person is or will be entitled to any brokers'
or finders' fee or any other commission or similar fee from Seller in connection
with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
p. Accounts Receivable. The accounts receivable of the Target
-------------------
Offices as of November 30, 1999 was $300,222, a summary of which is attached to
Section 5.p of the Disclosure Memorandum. All such accounts receivable are: (i)
- -----------
valid and genuine; (ii) have arisen only in the ordinary course of business; and
(iii) except to the extent of any reserves with respect thereto are not subject
to valid defenses, set-offs or counterclaims and have been billed. Seller has
not entered into and shall not enter into any agreements for the prepayment
(whether actual or accrued) of work for services to be performed after the
Closing Date. No agreements for deductions or discounts have been made with
respect to any work to be performed on or after the Closing Date or to encourage
or induce the early collection of accounts receivable. All invoices for
services performed by Seller at the Target Offices have been prepared and
submitted in accordance with the terms of the respective Target Contracts.
<PAGE>
q. Loans to Employees. There are no outstanding loans made by
------------------
Seller to any employee, director or officer of Seller who will be offered
employment by Buyer.
r. Statements True and Correct. No statement made by Seller in
---------------------------
this Agreement contains or will contain any untrue statement of material fact or
omits or will omit to state a material fact required to be stated herein or
therein, or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading.
s. Fair Value. After completion of the transactions contemplated
----------
under this Agreement and the Related Agreements, Seller will have adequate
capital to carry on its business and will be able to pay its debts as they
become due. Seller believes the consideration being paid hereunder (including
the Assumed Obligations) is fair for the transactions contemplated hereunder.
t. Y2K Compliance. In order to determine the current status of the
---------------
Target Offices and the Target Assets with regard to data processing for dates on
or after January 1, 2000, Seller commissioned an independent report, a copy of
which is set forth as Section 5.t to the Disclosure Memorandum. To the
knowledge of Seller, said report is true and correct in all material respects.
6. Representations and Warranties of Buyer.
---------------------------------------
Buyer hereby represents and warrants to Seller as of the date of this
Agreement as follows:
a. Buyer is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and
in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and has
full corporate power and authority to carry on its business as presently
conducted and to assume the Contracts. Buyer is duly qualified or licensed to do
business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the failure to
qualify or to be in good standing would have a material adverse effect on
Buyer's business.
b. Buyer has full corporate power and authority to enter into
this Agreement and the Related Agreements and to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and the Related Agreements. Buyer has duly and
validly authorized the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Related
Agreements and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby, and no other corporate action on the part of Buyer is necessary to
authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Related
Agreements or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
the Related Agreements. The Buyer has (or at Closing shall) duly and validly
executed and delivered this
<PAGE>
Agreement and the Related Agreements, and this Agreement is and the Related
Agreements when executed at Closing shall be valid and binding obligations of
Buyer, enforceable against Buyer in accordance with their respective terms,
except as such enforcement may be limited by applicable Creditor's Rights Laws.
c. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement or
the Related Agreements will not (i) conflict with or result in any breach of any
provision of the Certificate or Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the
Buyer, (ii) result in a violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without
due notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to any right of
termination, cancellation or acceleration) under or result in the forfeiture of
any rights, entitlements or privileges under, or create any right or entitlement
under, or require the consent or approval of any party under, any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of any contract of Buyer, (iii) violate any order,
writ, injunction, decree, statute, treaty, rule or regulation applicable to the
Buyer, or any of its properties or assets or (iv) result in the creation of or
imposition of any lien or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Buyer.
d. No agent, broker, investment banker, financial advisor or
other firm or person is or will be entitled to any brokers' or finders' fee or
any other commission or similar fee from Buyer in connection with this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
7. Further Assurances and Assistance; Records and Inspection.
---------------------------------------------------------
a. After the Closing Date, Seller shall execute and deliver such
further instruments of conveyance and transfer and take such other actions as
Buyer may reasonably request, at Seller's expense, to convey and transfer
effectively to Buyer the Assets in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
b. After the Closing Date, Seller will make available to Buyer,
its counsel, accountants, and other representatives of Buyer access at any
reasonable time to Seller's accounting, tax and other records for any reasonable
purpose, including, without limitation, litigation and insurance claims.
c. Seller will continue to be responsible for all Taxes and the
filing of all Tax Returns relating to Seller.
d. As stated in Section 2.a., Seller will process and fund the
payroll run scheduled for December 15, 1999 that covers the payroll period
ending November 30, 1999, and maintain the employees of the Target Offices on
Seller's health insurance through January 31, 2000.
<PAGE>
e. At Closing, Seller will terminate the employment of all of its
employees who render services solely through the Target Offices so as to make
their employment available to Buyer. Buyer covenants and agrees to promptly
make offers of employment to all such terminated employees at a rate of pay
which are substantially not less favorable than the salary they received from
Seller prior to the Closing and with benefits substantially the same as those
offered to similarly situated employees of Buyer.
8. Indemnification.
---------------
a. Obligation of Seller. Subject to the limitations set forth in
--------------------
Section 8(c) of this Agreement, Seller hereby indemnifies and holds harmless
Buyer from and against any and all Damages which Buyer may suffer or incur,
resulting from, relating to, or arising out of (i) any misrepresentation, breach
of warranty, breach of guarantee or nonfulfillment of any of the covenants of
Seller in this Agreement or the Related Agreements, (ii) any liabilities or
obligations of the Seller arising from or relating to the operation of the
business of the Target Offices prior to the Closing other than Assumed
Obligations; and (iii) any and all Actions arising out of any of the foregoing
or out of facts that have occurred on or prior to the date hereof even though
such proceeding or claim may not be filed or come to light until after the date
hereof.
b. Obligation of Buyer. Subject to the limitations set forth in
-------------------
Section 8(c) of this Agreement, Buyer hereby indemnifies and holds harmless
Seller from and against any and all Damages which Seller may suffer or incur,
resulting from, relating to, or arising out of (i) any misrepresentation, breach
of warranty, breach of guarantee or nonfulfillment of any of the covenants of
Buyer in this Agreement; (ii) any liabilities or obligations arising from or
relating to the performance of medical transcription services to the Target
Clients after Closing and (ii) any and all Actions arising out of the foregoing;
c. Limitation of Indemnity. Notwithstanding any provisions in
-----------------------
this Agreement to the contrary, an indemnifying party shall not be liable for
any Damages resulting from, relating to or arising out of any misrepresentation,
breach of warranty, or nonfulfillment of any of the covenants in this Agreement
or the Related Agreements except to the extent (and only to the extent) that the
aggregate amount for which the indemnifying party would otherwise (but for this
provision) be liable on account thereof exceeds $40,000. In no event shall the
aggregate liability of either party under this Agreement exceed the amount of
the Purchase Price set forth herein. The foregoing limitations shall not apply
with respect to (i) any obligations of Seller not expressly assumed by Buyer
hereunder or (ii) any ordinary course liabilities of Buyer arising after Closing
under the Contracts.
d. Survival of Representations and Warranties. The
------------------------------------------
representations and warranties of Seller and Buyer under this Agreement will
survive for a period of two (2) years after the date hereof. Notwithstanding any
of the foregoing, any representation or warranty that
<PAGE>
was not true when made and that was made fraudulently or with intent to defraud
or mislead shall survive the closing without limitation as to time.
e. Notice. Promptly after acquiring knowledge of any action
------
against which a party shall have indemnified the other party, the indemnified
party shall give to the indemnifying party notice thereof, provided that the
failure to give such notice will not affect the right to indemnification
hereunder, except to the extent the indemnifying party's ability to defend such
action is prejudiced by such failure. The indemnifying party will, at its own
expense, promptly defend, contest or otherwise protect against any Action
against which it has indemnified the other with counsel reasonably acceptable to
the indemnified party. The indemnifying party may not settle an action without
the consent of the indemnified party unless the settlement provides for an
unconditional release of the indemnifying party.
f. Set Off Against Note. Buyer shall have the right to set off
--------------------
against any payments due under the Note any claim for Damages that Buyer may
have pursuant to this Section 8. Any claims by Buyer for Damages under this
Section 8 shall be satisfied first out of the Note prior to Buyer making any
claim against other assets of Seller. If Buyer makes any set off under the Note
for Damages suffered under this Section 8, the Note shall cease to bear interest
on the amount of the Damages as of the date the Damages were suffered by Buyer.
If Buyer shall make a claim for Damages and set off against the Note but is
later found not to have suffered the entire amount of Damages for the claim
made, Seller shall be entitled to interest under the Note for such excess amount
until the date paid.
g. Effect of Closing. No action of Buyer with respect to Closing
-----------------
shall constitute a waiver of any rights that Buyer may have under this
Agreement. To the actual knowledge of Buyer, the representations and warranties
of Seller under this Agreement are true in all material respects as supplemented
by the Disclosure Memorandum. For purposes of the foregoing, actual knowledge
of Buyer shall mean the actual knowledge of David A. Cohen, CEO, John A.
Donohoe, COO, John M. Suender, Senior Vice President and Bruce Van Fossen, Vice
President and Controller. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this provision shall
not infer that Buyer is assuming or shall become obligated to pay any
liabilities of Seller other than the Assumed Obligations.
9. Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement, the Exhibits hereto
----------------------------
and the Related Agreements constitute the entire understanding among the parties
with respect to the subject matter contained in this Agreement and therein and
supersedes any prior understandings and agreements among them respecting such
subject matter. This Agreement may be amended or supplemented only by a written
instrument duly executed by all of the parties.
10. Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of
--------
reference only and will not affect its interpretation.
<PAGE>
11. Gender; Number. Words of gender may be read as masculine,
--------------
feminine, or neuter, as required by context. Words of number may be read as
singular or plural, as required by context.
12. Exhibits and Schedules. The Disclosure Memorandum and each
----------------------
Exhibit and Schedule referred to in this Agreement is incorporated into this
Agreement by such reference.
13. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held illegal,
------------
invalid, or unenforceable, such illegality, invalidity, or unenforceability will
not affect any other provision hereof. This Agreement will, in such
circumstances, be deemed modified to the extent necessary to render enforceable
the provisions hereof.
14. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder will be
-------
in writing and will be given to the person either personally or by sending a
copy thereof certified or express mail, postage prepaid, or courier services,
charges prepaid, to such party's address. If the notice is sent by mail, or
courier services, it will be deemed to have been given to the person entitled
thereto when delivered or delivery is refused or not accepted, as evidenced by a
receipt or tracking slip:
If to Buyer to:
MedQuist Transcriptions, Ltd.
Five Greentree Centre
Suite 311
Marlton, NJ 08053
Attention: General Counsel
Telecopy: 856-797-5949
Telephone: 856-596-8877
If to Seller to:
Transcend Services, Inc.
3353 Peachtree Rd. NE
Suite 1000
Atlanta, GA 30326
Telephone: 404-836-8598
Attention: Doug Shamon, CFO
Notice of any change in any such address will also be given in the manner set
forth above. Whenever the giving of notice is required, the giving of such
notice may be waived only in writing by the party entitled to receive such
notice.
<PAGE>
15. Waiver. The failure of any party to insist upon strict
------
performance of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement will not
constitute a waiver of any of its rights hereunder.
16. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement binds, inures to the
----------------------
benefit of, and is enforceable by the successors, assigns, heirs and personal
representatives of the parties, and does not confer any rights on any other
persons or entities.
17. Governing Law; Choice of Forum. This Agreement will be construed
------------------------------
and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey without
regard to its choice of law principals. Any disputes arising between the
parties will first be submitted to mediation in Burlington County, New Jersey.
If mediation does not provide a resolution within thirty (30) days' or such
other period as the parties may hereafter mutually agree in writing, the dispute
shall be submitted for arbitration in Burlington County, New Jersey in
accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment
upon the award entered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
18. No Benefit to Others. The representations, warranties, covenants
--------------------
and agreements contained in this Agreement are for the sole benefit of the
parties hereto and their successors and assigns, and they will not be construed
as conferring and are not intended to confer any rights on any other persons.
19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
------------
counterparts and any party hereto may execute any such counterpart, each of
which when executed and delivered will be deemed to be an original and all of
which counterparts taken together will constitute but one and the same
instrument. The execution of this Agreement by any party hereto will not become
effective until counterparts hereof have been executed by all the parties
hereto. It will not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement or any
counterpart hereof to produce or account for any of the other counterparts.
20. Accounts Receivable. Sellers shall cooperate with Buyer in the
-------------------
collection of any accounts receivable comprising part of the Target Assets by
providing written notice to the relevant customers that all payments of such
accounts receivable should be made to Buyer as reasonably instructed by Buyer.
If Seller shall receive payment relating to any such accounts receivable, Seller
shall, within three (3) business days, pay over such amounts to Buyer by wire
transfer or as otherwise instructed by Buyer. The limitation set forth in
Section 9.c. hereof shall not apply with respect to such accounts receivable or
the transfer of any other Target Assets.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound
hereby, have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first above
written.
MEDQUIST TRANSCRIPTIONS, LTD.
By:___________________________
Name:
Title:
Transcend Services, Inc.
By:____________________________
Name:
Title:
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A - DEFINED TERMS
"Action" will mean any and all actions, suits, investigations,
proceedings, demands, assessments, audits, judgments and claims (including
employment-related claims) relating to a Person.
"Assignment and Assumption Agreement" will have the meaning given to
it in Section 3.b. hereof.
"Assumed Obligations" will have the meaning given to it in Section 4
hereof.
"Bill of Sale" will have the meaning given to it in Section 3.a.
hereof.
"Closing Date" will have the meaning given to it in Section 3 hereof.
"Closing" will have the meaning given to it in Section 3 hereof.
"Code" will mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Contracts" will mean collectively the Target Contracts and the Other
Assumed Contracts.
"Creditor's Rights Laws" will have the meaning given to it in Section
5.b. hereof.
"Damages" will mean actual damages, losses, obligations, deficiencies,
liabilities, claims, encumbrances, penalties, costs, and expenses, and will also
include, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements and
expert and consulting fees, costs and expenses. Damages will not include costs
for editing documents that are considered Assumed Obligations pursuant to
Section 4 hereof. Each party will discharge its legal obligations to mitigate
damages. All Damages for which a party seeks indemnification will be calculated
net of any tax benefit the indemnified party may realize as a result of such
Damages.
"Disclosure Memorandum" will mean the Disclosure Memorandum prepared
by Seller and attached to this Agreement as Exhibit B.
---------
"Encumbrances" will mean any claim, mortgage, assignment, conditional
sale, lease, easement, consignment, bailment, contingent interest, pledge, lien,
option, charge, security interest, preemptive right, encumbrance or other
restrictions of any kind or nature whatsoever.
"ERISA" will mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended.
<PAGE>
"GAAP" will mean generally accepted accounting principles consistently
applied.
"Governmental Entity" will mean any federal, state or local
department, official, commission, authority, board, bureau, agency or other
public body, domestic or foreign.
"Income Statements" will mean the income statements of the Seller for
the Target Offices, which were provided to Buyer in connection with its due
diligence investigation of the Target Offices and are attached hereto as
Exhibit C.
- ---------
"Intellectual Properties" will mean all software, trademarks, trade
names, assumed names, service marks, logos, patents, patent rights, copyrights,
drawings, trade secrets, technology, know-how and processes, applications of or
relating to any of the foregoing or any other intellectual property used by the
Seller in the conduct of its business at the Target Offices.
"IRS" will mean the Internal Revenue Service.
"Net Asset Statement" will have the meaning given to it in Section
2.c. hereof.
"Noncompetition Agreement" will have the meaning given to it in
Section 3.c. hereof.
"Other Assumed Contracts" will have the meaning given to it in Section
4.a. hereof.
"Permits" will mean all surety bonds, permits, licenses, zoning
variances, approvals, exemptions, and other authorizations for the operation of
the Target Offices as presently operated.
"Permitted Liens" will mean (i) the UCC financing statements of Coast
Business Credit (a division of Southern Pacific Thrift and Loan Association)
filed in Utah and Georgia and relating to the Target Assets, which Seller shall
cause to be released within 45 days after Closing (but for which Seller shall
deliver a letter of consent from Coast Credit at Closing in form satisfactory to
Buyer) and (ii) liens arising by operation of law relating to the Assumed
Obligations.
<PAGE>
"Person" will mean any natural person, corporation, partnership,
unincorporated association, trust, Governmental Entity, joint venture or trade
group, or any individual, entity or group that is a part of, or associated with,
any of the foregoing.
"Premises" will mean the office of Seller located at 1500 Ardmore
Blvd., Suite 501, Pittsburgh, PA 15221.
"Purchase Price" will have the meaning given to it in Section 2.a.
hereof.
"Related Agreements" will have the meaning given to it in Section 3.a.
hereof.
"Target Assets" will have the meaning given to it in Section 1 hereof.
"Target Contracts" will have the meaning given to it in Section 4.a.
hereof.
"Target Offices" will have the meaning given to it in the Background
paragraph of this Agreement.
"Target Office Plans" will have the meaning given to it in Section
5.l. hereof.
"Taxes" will mean all taxes, fees, levies, duties, charges or other
like assessments including, without limitation, income, withholding (including,
without limitation, FICA, state disability and federal and state unemployment
insurance or taxes), gross receipts, excise, real or personal property, asset,
sales, use, license, payroll, transaction, capital, net worth and franchise
taxes imposed by or payable to any federal, state, county, local or foreign
government, taxing authority, subdivision or agency thereof, including interest,
penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts thereto.
"Tax Return" will mean any report, return, declaration or other
information required to be supplied to a taxing authority in connection with
Taxes.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 2(e)
December 17, 1999
(BW) (TRANSCEND SERVICES, INC.)(TRCR)
TRANSCEND SERVICES, INC. SELLS NORTHEAST
TRANSCRIPTION OPERATIONS
Atlanta, Georgia, TRANSCEND SERVICES, INC. (TRCRC/NASDAQ) announced the sale of
its Northeast-based medical transcription operations to MedQuist Transcriptions,
Ltd., a subsidiary of MedQuist, Inc. (MEDQ/NASDAQ.) The purchase price was $4.4
million in cash and a $231,500 note.
The sale completes the first phase of the overall restructuring plan by
Transcend designed to improve the Company's capital structure, meet Nasdaq's
continued listing requirements, and to focus its operations and growth on its
internet-based transcription service strategy. In this phase, the Company sold
transcription operations that do not operate on the Company's internet platform.
In addition to the Northeast-based operations, the Company previously sold its
Utah-based operations and assigned four contracts associated with other
transcription operations. In connection with these sales, Transcend signed three
year non-compete agreements with MedQuist Transcriptions, Ltd. prohibiting the
Company from providing transcription services in the states of Utah, New Jersey,
New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and
Maine, subject to certain exceptions.
The combined revenue for the operations sold was approximately 15% of total
current revenues and 28% of transcription revenues. Total sales price from
these three transactions was $7.7 million, or $.32 per share. In addition, the
Company could realize up to an additional $750,000 in earn-out payments under
the contract assignment agreement over the next two years.
These transactions will result in a gain on sale, which will improve the
Company's tangible net worth, as calculated by Nasdaq. The Company's common
stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under an exception
granted by Nasdaq through January 14, 2000. In addition to tangible net worth
requirements, Nasdaq requires that the Company's stock price exceed $1.00 per
share on January 14, 2000. The Company has called a special meeting of its
shareholders on December 30, 1999 to vote on a proposal to effect a 1 for 5
reverse stock split in order to comply with Nasdaq listing requirements. Should
the shareholders approve the reverse split, the Company will monitor how the
stock trades on its own and may defer making the reverse stock split effective.
Commenting on these transactions, Larry G. Gerdes, Chief Executive Officer of
Transcend stated, "These sales help solidify our capital structure by providing
the Company with significant
<PAGE>
cash which we will use to repay debt and grow our operations. We are very
excited about the new direction of Transcend. Operating on a single, web-enabled
transcription platform will afford tremendous advantages in the coming years to
customers, employees and shareholders. With the enormous size of the
transcription market opportunity, which industry analysts have estimated at over
$6 billion, there is plenty of room for rapid growth by all the players in this
segment. Increasing prices and improved communications and technology make this
an attractive market opportunity. Transcend is fortunate to be among the largest
players in this segment and our technology will allow us to compete with anyone
today."
Transcend Services, Inc. provides patient information management solutions to
hospitals and
other associated healthcare providers including management of medical records
operations, transcription of physicians' dictated medical notes, consulting
relating to medical records management and reimbursement coding, and state-of-
the-art software for the management of patient information.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of
risks and uncertainties. Among the important factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking
statements are competitive pressures, the mix of service revenue, changes in
pricing policies, delays in sales revenue recognition, lower-than-expected
demand for Transcend's solutions, business conditions in the integrated
healthcare delivery network market, general economic conditions and the risk
factors detailed from time to time in Transcend's periodic reports and
registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 2(f)
NONCOMPETITION AGREEMENT
THIS NONCOMPETITION AGREEMENT ("Agreement"), dated as of December 16,
1999 is made and entered into by and between MEDQUIST TRANSCRIPTIONS, LTD., a
New Jersey corporation ("MedQuist") and Transcend Services, Inc. ("Seller").
BACKGROUND
----------
MedQuist and Seller have entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement,
dated as of the date hereof (the "Asset Purchase Agreement") pursuant to which
MedQuist purchased the assets of Seller used in the operation of Seller's
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Boston, Massachusetts offices (the "Target
Offices"). Seller and MedQuist are engaged in the business of providing medical
transcription services to hospitals and other health care providers (the
"Business") throughout the United States. As a material inducement and condition
precedent to MedQuist's execution and delivery of the Asset Purchase Agreement
and consummation of the transactions contemplated under the Asset Purchase
Agreement, Seller has agreed to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement.
Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have
the meanings given to them in the Asset Purchase Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the agreements
herein contained and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto
hereby agree as follows:
1. Covenant Not to Compete. Except as specifically permitted in this
-----------------------
Section 1, for a period of three (3) years after the date of this Agreement (the
"Term"), the Seller shall not, directly, or indirectly as an investor,
contractor, consultant, agent, representative or shareholder, without the prior
written consent of MedQuist:
a. own, purchase, manage, operate, join, control, or invest as a
stockholder, partner, or otherwise, in any business, individual, partnership,
firm, corporation or other entity which is engaged in the Business anywhere in
the States of New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts,
Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine (the "Territory");
b. solicit, entice or induce any person or entity which presently
is or at any time during the Term shall be, a Business client or Business
customer of: (i) MedQuist in the Territory; or (ii) Seller from the Target
Offices (including, without limitation those clients and
<PAGE>
customers set forth on Exhibit A attached), to become a Business client or
---------
Business customer of Seller or any person or entity who or which is engaged in
the Business;
c. hire or engage, or solicit, entice or induce for hire or
engagement any medical transcriptionist or other person: (i) who presently is or
within the last six (6) months was employed or engaged by Seller to perform
services for the Target Offices, including, without limitation, any person whose
name is set forth on Exhibit A attached; or (ii) who presently is or at any time
---------
during the Term shall be employed or engaged by MedQuist or any of its
affiliates to perform services for one of its offices in the Territory; or (iii)
who is a medical transcriptionist and who resides in the Territory.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any current medical transcriptionist of Seller
who does not have a residence in the Territory, and any medical transcriptionist
hereafter hired or engaged by Seller who does not have a residence in the
Territory, may thereafter move into the Territory and continue to perform
services to Seller. In the event that MedQuist terminates the employment of
Karen Zapf and Karen Zapf does not voluntarily resign, Seller may hire her
without being subject to the restrictions imposed by this Paragraph 1(c).
d. lend any credit or money for the purposes of establishing or
operating a Business for clients or customers in the Territory, or otherwise
give aid or advice about the Business to any other person or entity engaging in
any Business in the Territory.
The foregoing is collectively referred to as the "Competing
Activities." Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller may own any class of
securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
provided their equity interest therein does not exceed five percent (5%) of the
issued and outstanding shares or interest of any class of equity securities or
five percent (5%) of the aggregate principal amount of any class of debt
securities outstanding, as the case may be.
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary,
Seller may (i) transact business with Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
pursuant to current contracts (as such contracts may be extended or renewed, or
replaced with other contracts for substantially the same services), or (ii)
transact any business with Thompson Health of Canandaigua, New York, in each
case without being subject to the restrictions imposed by this Agreement.
2. Equitable Relief. Seller acknowledges that MedQuist would suffer
----------------
irreparable injury if Seller were to violate the terms of this Agreement and
that MedQuist, in addition to all other remedies that might be available to it,
will be entitled, as a matter of right, to apply for equitable relief in any
court of competent jurisdiction, including the right to seek both temporary and
permanent injunctive relief and specific performance. If, after notice and an
opportunity to be heard, a court finds that Seller has violated this Agreement,
then Seller consents and stipulates to the entry of
<PAGE>
injunctive relief by any court of competent jurisdiction prohibiting it from
violating any of the terms of this Agreement.
3. Interpretation. Seller acknowledges that the time, scope and
--------------
other provisions of Section 1 of this Agreement have been specifically
negotiated by sophisticated, commercial parties and specifically hereby agrees
that such time, scope and other provisions are reasonable under the
circumstances. If, at any time, despite the express agreement of the parties
hereto, a court of competent jurisdiction holds that any portion of Section 1 of
this Agreement is unenforceable by reason of its being too extensive in any
respect, then such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed in such
jurisdiction to the maximum time, geographical area, service or activity or
other limitations permitted in such jurisdiction, all as determined by such
court.
4. Miscellaneous.
-------------
a. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is for the sole benefit
----------------------
of the parties hereto and their permitted assigns under this Agreement and
nothing herein expressed or implied shall give or be construed to give any
person or entity, other than the parties hereto and their permitted assigns, any
legal or equitable rights or rights of subrogation hereunder. This Agreement
binds, insures to the benefit of, and is enforceable by the successors and
assigns of the parties, including, without limitation, any person, firm,
corporation or other business entity which, whether by purchase, merger or
otherwise, directly or indirectly purchases the stock or substantially all of
the assets of Seller (a "Successor"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Successor
shall not be deemed to be in breach of this Agreement to the extent the
Successor is conducting Business in the Territory at the time it acquires or
merges with Seller. However, the Successor shall be bound by all other terms of
this Agreement as provided herein as if the Successor were the Seller.
b. Integration of Prior Understandings. This Agreement
-----------------------------------
exclusively and completely states the rights of the parties with respect to the
transactions contemplated hereunder and supersedes all other agreements and
understandings, oral or written, with respect to the Territory expressed herein.
c. Amendment; Modification. No amendment or modification of this
-----------------------
Agreement shall be valid unless it is in writing and signed by the duly
authorized officers of Seller and MedQuist or their respective successors or
assigns.
d. Applicable Law. The terms of this Agreement and all rights
--------------
and obligations hereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance
with, the laws of the State of New Jersey without regard to what other laws
might apply under governing principles of choice or conflict of law.
<PAGE>
e. Execution of Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
-------------------------
any number of counterparts.
f. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held illegal,
------------
invalid or unenforceable, such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability will
not affect any other provision hereof. This Agreement shall, in such
circumstances, be deemed modified to the extent necessary to render enforceable
the other provisions hereof.
g. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be
-------
in writing and shall be given to the other party hereto either personally, by
sending a copy thereof by hand delivery, by U.S. express mail, postage prepaid,
by overnight courier services, charges prepaid, or by telecopier, to such
party's address appearing in the Asset Purchase Agreement (or to such party's
telecopier number). If the notice is sent by mail or courier service, it shall
be deemed to have been given to the person entitled thereto when received or
refused. If the notice is sent by telecopier, it shall be deemed to have been
given on the business day of transmission if a hard copy of the transmission,
accompanied by a machine-generated confirmation of transmission, is dispatched
to the recipient on or before the conclusion of the business day after
transmission.
h. Waiver. The failure of any party to insist upon strict
------
performance of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement will not
constitute a waiver of any of its rights hereunder. No waiver shall be
effective unless it is in writing and signed by the party who is purported to
have given the waiver. If one party waives any condition or the breach of any
obligation or the misrepresentation by any party hereunder, the party waiving
such a condition, breach or misrepresentation shall retain all rights, remedies
and causes of action arising therefrom, notwithstanding such waiver.
i. Headings; References to Seller or MedQuist. The headings of the
------------------------------------------
sections, articles and paragraphs of this Agreement have been inserted for
convenience of reference only and shall not restrict or otherwise modify any of
the terms or provisions hereof. Any reference in this Agreement to Seller or
MedQuist shall be deemed to include each of them, their respective parent
companies, and the direct and indirect subsidiaries (or other entities in which
they have an interest) of each of them and their parent companies and their
Successors.
j. Choice of Forum. Any action or proceeding with respect to this
---------------
Agreement shall be brought in the courts of the State of New Jersey or of the
United States of America for the District of New Jersey. Each party hereby
accepts such jurisdiction and irrevocably waives any right it now has or may
later acquire to object to the bringing of any action in such jurisdictions.
Each party consents to the service of process in any such action or
<PAGE>
proceeding by mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail to the
address set forth herein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Seller and MedQuist have executed this
Agreement on the day and year first above written.
TRANSCEND SERVICES, INC.
By: ____________________________
Name:
Title:
MEDQUIST TRANSCRIPTIONS, LTD.
By: ____________________________
Name:
Title:
