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) May 5, 1999
WESTBURY METALS GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New York
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
33-42408-NY 11-3023099
(Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
750 Shames Drive, Westbury, New York 11590
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
(516) 997-8333
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. Acquisition of Disposition of Assets
On May 5, 1999, the Registrant, through its wholly owned
subsidiary, West Tech, Inc. entered into an agreement with
Reliable Corporation ("Reliable") to purchase substantially all
of the assets of Reliable for a purchase price of $2,100,000
plus an amount for inventory and accounts receivable to be
determined at closing and subject to certain adjustments.
Closing of the transaction is expected to occur within sixty
(60) days and is subject to the completion of certain
conditions and covenants. Included in the assets being acquired
is inventory, furniture fixtures and equipment, contract
rights, intellectual property, real estate and accounts
receivable.
The purchase price when determined will be paid in cash
and Promissory Notes of the purchaser. The Notes will be
secured by certain of the assets being purchased as well as a
Letter of Credit. The cash portion of the purchase price will
come from the Company's funds as well as borrowed funds.
At the Closing of the transaction it is anticipated that
the president of Reliable will enter into an Employment
Agreement with the purchaser.
Reliable is a manufacturer of silver, semi-fabricated
products to the industrial plating industries. For the year
ended December 31, 1998 Reliable had gross revenues of
$17,502,428.
ITEM 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(c) Exhibits
1. Copy of Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of
May 5, 1999.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly
authorized.
WESTBURY METALS GROUP, INC.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Mandel Sherman, President
DATED: May 11, 1999
ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF
MAY __, 1999
BETWEEN
RELIABLE CORPORATION AND RAJENDRA A. SHUKLA, AS SELLER
AND
WEST TECH, INC., AS PURCHASER
1
<PAGE>
THIS ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made as of May __,
1999, between RELIABLE CORPORATION, a corporation organized under the laws of
Connecticut ("Seller"), Rajendra A. Shukla ("Shukla"), and WEST TECH, INC., a
New York corporation ("Purchaser"). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in
this Agreement are used as defined in Exhibit A hereto.
WHEREAS, Seller is engaged in the business of manufacturing, processing and
refining metals (hereinafter referred to as the "Business");
WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell and Purchaser desires to acquire from
Seller, as of the Closing Date, all of Seller's right, title and interest in all
assets, property, goodwill and business of Seller, which includes business and
assets of every kind and description, wherever located, whether tangible or
intangible, real, personal, or mixed, whether or not specifically mentioned or
described herein, other than the Excluded Assets (as defined in Section 1.3
hereof) ( which assets together with the "Owned Real Property" are hereinafter
referred to as the "Purchased Assets"), upon the terms and subject to the
conditions contained in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Shukla desires to sell and Purchaser desires to acquire from
Shukla, as of the Closing Date, all of Shukla's right, title and interest in and
to the "Owned Real Property" (defined below), upon the terms and subject to the
conditions contained in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
covenants, agreements and warranties herein contained, the parties agree as
follows:
ARTICLE I
Purchase and Sale of Assets
1. 1 Agreement to Purchase and Sell. On the terms and subject to the conditions
contained in this Agreement, Purchaser agrees to purchase, acquire and accept
from Seller and Shukla, and Seller and Shukla agree to grant, sell, transfer,
convey, assign and deliver to Purchaser, at the Closing, all right, title and
interest in and to the Purchased Assets. The Purchased Assets shall be sold to
Purchaser free and clear of any Liens.
1.2 Enumeration of Purchased Assets. The Purchased Assets include, without
limitation, the following items:
(a) all inventory, including, without limitation, work in
process, finished goods, service and spare parts and production, maintenance and
office supplies (collectively, the "Inventory");
2
<PAGE>
(b) all furniture, fixtures, improvements, equipment
(including office equipment), machinery, parts, computer hardware, tools,
vehicles and all other tangible personal property (other than the Inventory)
including, without limitation, the property, plant and equipment listed on
Section 1.2(b) of the Disclosure Schedule (collectively, the "Equipment");
(c) all claims and rights (and benefits arising therefrom)
relating to the Purchased Assets or the Business with or against all persons
whomsoever, including, without limitation, all rights against suppliers under
warranties covering any of the Inventory or Equipment and all Permits and
Environmental Permits, to the extent they are legally transferable by Seller;
(d) all Intellectual Property, including, without limitation,
the name "Reliable Corporation", and all goodwill associated with the
Intellectual Property; including without limitation, the "registered"
Intellectual Property, listed on Section 1.2(d) of the Disclosure Schedule;
(e) all sales orders and sales contracts, quotations and
bids;
(f) all benefits and rights with respect to contracts
listed on Section 4.4(a) of the Disclosure Schedule;
(g) all books, papers, files and records of Seller, whether in
hard copy, magnetic or other format, including, without limitation, the
following types of files and records: books of account and accounting and Tax
information, current and former customer, dealer and supplier files, customer
credit information, pricing information, historical and current circulation draw
information, personnel and employment files, manufacturing and production
information, market research and survey reports and records, equipment
maintenance records, equipment warranty information, sales and advertising
material, software (including, without limitation, all documentation and source
codes) specifications and drawings, equipment drawings, manuals and data,
written confirmations or certificates relating to Permits and Environmental
Permits, industry information and information relating to the Business' trade
secrets and customer specifications;
(h) all prepaid expenses (excluding insurance other than
notary bonds and flood insurance), all security and other deposits and advances
made by Seller and other prepaid items, credits and discounts for or toward the
purchase of goods, services and Inventory which have not as of the Closing Date
been received in full by Seller, as set forth on Section 1.2(h) of the
Disclosure Schedule (collectively, the "Prepaid");
(i) all telephone numbers of Seller;
(j) the "Owned Real Property" (as defined in
Section 4.8(a));
3
<PAGE>
(k) all of Seller's Accounts Receivable; and
(l) without limitation, all other assets of Seller and the
Business whether or not reflected in, or included in computing the information
reflected by, the Closing Date Balance Sheet.
1.3 Excluded Assets. Notwithstanding Sections 1.1 and 1.2, the
Purchased Assets shall not include the following assets of Seller (the
"Excluded Assets"):
(a) all collective bargaining agreements, all Employee Benefit
Plans and all commitments or agreements with respect to employment, whether
written or oral, express or implied; and
(b) Cash.
ARTICLE II
No Assumption of Liabilities by Purchaser
Purchaser does not assume or agree to pay any liability or obligation
of Seller, direct or indirect, known or unknown, absolute or contingent,
contractual or otherwise, including, without limitation, any of Seller's
liabilities under collective bargaining agreements, Employee Benefit Plans,
severance and vacation pay of any kind, including, without limitation any WARN
liability which may be incurred in connection with this Agreement and any other
commitments or agreements with respect to employment, whether written or oral,
express or implied (all such liabilities not assumed by Purchaser being referred
to herein as the "Excluded Liabilities"). Seller shall remain responsible for
the Excluded Liabilities and shall indemnify Purchaser with respect thereto
pursuant to Section 10.2. To the extent that Purchaser expressly agrees in
writing at the Closing to assume any of the Excluded Liabilities, the amounts of
such assumed liabilities shall be credited against the Purchase Price payable in
cash at the Closing as described in Sections 3.2(b) and 8.2(a).
ARTICLE III
Purchase Price. Manner of Payment and Closing
3.1 Purchase Price. The purchase price of the Purchased Assets shall be equal to
the sum of Two Million One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,100,000) plus the
"Inventory Amount", plus " the Accounts Receivable Amount" subject to the
adjustments described herein. The Inventory Amount is the H & H noon price for
Seller's metals inventory on the Closing Date. The Accounts Receivable Amount is
the face value of all Seller's Accounts Receivable which are less than ninety
days past due as of the Closing Date.
4
<PAGE>
Simultaneously herewith, Purchaser has delivered to Seller's attorney,
Hertzmark & Crean, P.C., as Escrow Agent, (the "Escrow Agent") a check in the
amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000)(the "Deposit"), which check
shall be held by the Escrow Agent, without depositing such check, until the
Deposit is disbursed or returned in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
3.2 Payment of the Purchase Price. At the Closing, Purchaser shall pay
the Purchase Price as follows :
(a) The Escrow Agent shall return the check representing the
Deposit to the Seller; the amount of the Deposit will be included in the One
Million Dollar payment described in Section 3.2(c) below;
(b) Purchaser shall execute and deliver to Shukla a promissory
note in the original principal amount of One Hundred Eighty Five Thousand
Dollars ($185,000) in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit B (the "Shukla Note"),
repayment of which shall be secured by a first mortgage on the Building (defined
in Section 4.8 (a)) in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit B.1 (the "Mortgage").
The Shukla Note shall provide for a fixed rate of interest equal to One Percent
(1%) below the prime rate of interest as announced by Chase Manhattan Bank on
the Closing Date. The Shukla Note shall provide for monthly payments of interest
and principal, payable in seventy two (72) monthly installments, based upon a
fifteen year amortization schedule, with the unpaid principal balance and all
accrued interest payable on the sixth anniversary of the execution of the Shukla
Note. The Shukla Note shall provide for prepayment, at the maker's option
without penalty, and shall provide for acceleration at the holder's option in
the event that the employment agreement between Purchaser and Rajendra Shukla is
terminated by the Purchaser without "Cause" as defined therein or is not renewed
by Purchaser for a period which extends to the maturity date of the Shukla Note.
At the Closing there shall be an adjusting payment between Purchaser and Shukla
for portions of any real estate taxes with respect to the Owned Real Property.;
(c) Purchaser shall pay to Seller an amount equal to (i) the
sum of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) less the amount described in the last
sentence of Article II above, (ii) plus the Inventory Amount; (iii) plus the
Accounts Receivable Amount. Such payment shall be by wire transfer to such
account as Seller shall designate by written notice delivered to Purchaser, or
by delivery of a certified check or bank check payable to the order of Seller;
(d) Purchaser shall execute and deliver to Seller a Promissory
Note in the original principal amount of Nine Hundred Fifteen Thousand Dollars
($915,000) in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit B.2 (the "Reliable Note")
repayment of which shall be secured by, a Security Agreement in the form annexed
hereto as Exhibit B.3 (the "Security Interest") and a Letter of Credit. The
Letter of Credit shall be in the amount of $300,000 and shall be issued by a
reputable financial institution. The Letter of Credit shall be irrevocable and
unconditional except
5
<PAGE>
that Purchaser shall have the right from time-to-time to reduce the amount of
the Letter of Credit, once the principal balance due under the Note is reduced
below $300,000, provided that any such reduction shall not reduce the amount of
the Letter of Credit below the then existing principal balance of the Note. The
Note shall provide for a fixed rate of interest equal to One Percent (1%) below
the prime rate of interest as announced by Chase Manhattan Bank on the Closing
Date. The Note shall provide for monthly payments of interest and principal,
payable in seventy two (72) monthly installments, base upon a fifteen year
amortization schedule, with the unpaid principal balance and all accrued
interest payable on the sixth anniversary of the execution of the Note. The Note
shall provide for prepayment, at the maker's option without penalty, and shall
provide for acceleration at the holder's option in the event that the employment
agreement between Purchaser and Rajendra Shukla is terminated by the Purchaser
without "Cause" as defined therein or is not renewed by Purchaser for a period
which extends to the maturity date of the Note. Purchaser shall have the right
to reduce the principal balance of the Note, but not by more than Two Hundred
Fifty Thousand Dollars upon notice to Seller, at such time or times that
Purchaser incurs "Damages" (as defined in Section 10.1 herein), in accordance
with the terms of Sections 10.2 and 10.5.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section
3.2, in the event that Purchaser elects not to purchase the Owned Real Property
pursuant to Section 7.2 (h), then, the Purchase Price shall be reduced to One
Million Nine Hundred Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($1,915,000) and Purchaser shall
not execute and deliver the Shukla Note.
3.3 Time and Place of Closing. The transaction contemplated by this Agreement
shall be consummated (the "Closing") at 10:00 a.m. at the offices of McLaughlin
& Stern, LLP, 260 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, on July 1, 1999, or on
such other date, or at such other time or place, as shall be mutually agreed
upon by Seller and Purchaser; provided, however, that the date of the Closing
shall be automatically extended from time to time for so long as any of the
conditions set forth in Article VII shall not be satisfied or waived, subject,
however, to the provisions of Section 11.1(b). The date on which the Closing
occurs in accordance with the preceding sentence is referred to in this
Agreement as the "Closing Date".
3.4 Allocation of Purchase Price. The Purchase Price shall be allocated among
the Purchased Assets as mutually agreed upon by Purchaser and Seller in the
manner required by Section 1060 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, and in accordance with Schedule 3.4 hereto as determined by Purchaser
at the Closing, and all tax returns and reports filed by Seller and Purchaser
with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be
consistent with such allocation. It is agreed that the sum of One Hundred Eighty
Five Thousand Dollars ($185,000) shall be the amount of the Purchase Price
allocated to the Owned Real Property, and the sum of Seven Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($700,000) shall be the amount of the Purchase Price allocated to the
Equipment.
6
<PAGE>
ARTICLE IV
Seller's Representations and Warranties
Seller represents and warrants to Purchaser that, except as set forth
in the schedule delivered by Seller to Purchaser concurrently herewith and
identified as the "Disclosure Schedule", that the statements contained in this
Article IV are correct and complete as of the date hereof, and unless a date is
specified in such representation and warranty, will be complete and correct as
of the Closing Date as though made on the Closing Date. To the extent that the
representations and warranties herein relate to the "Owned Real Property", such
representations and warranties are also made by Shukla, provided, however, that
as to Shukla only, such representations and warranties shall not survive the
Closing.
4.1 Corporate.
(a) Seller is a corporation duly organized, existing and in
good standing under the laws of the State of Connecticut. Seller has all
necessary corporate power and authority to own its properties and assets and to
conduct its business as now conducted.
(b) Seller has qualified as a foreign corporation, and is in
good standing, under the laws of each jurisdiction where the nature of the
Business or the nature or location of its assets requires such qualification.
(c) Seller has full corporate power and authority to execute
and deliver this Agreement and all documents and instruments to be executed by
Seller pursuant to this Agreement (collectively, "Seller's Ancillary
Documents"), to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder, and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
(d) All corporate acts required to be taken by Seller to
authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and each of Seller's
Ancillary Documents, the performance of its obligations hereunder and thereunder
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby,
including, without limitation, the approval of Seller's shareholders and board
of directors, have been duly and properly taken, and no other corporate
proceedings on the part of Seller are necessary to authorize such execution,
delivery and performance.
(e) This Agreement has been, and Seller's Ancillary Documents
will be, duly executed and delivered by duly authorized officers of Seller. This
Agreement and each of Seller's Ancillary Documents that is a contract
constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Seller, enforceable in
accordance with its terms.
(f) No consent, authorization, order or approval of, or filing
or registration with, any governmental authority or other person is required for
the execution and delivery of
7
<PAGE>
this Agreement and Seller's Ancillary Documents and the consummation by Seller
of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement and Seller's Ancillary
Documents.
(g) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
Seller's Ancillary Documents by Seller, nor the consummation by Seller of the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, will conflict with or result in a
breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of (i) Seller's Articles of
Incorporation or By-laws, (ii) any statute or administrative regulation, (iii)
any order, writ, injunction, judgment or decree of any court or any governmental
authority or any arbitration award, or (iv) any contract or agreement to which
Seller is a party or by which the Purchased Assets may be bound, nor give rise
to any default, acceleration, or right of termination under any such contract or
agreement.
4.2 Financial.
(a) Seller's financial statements, books, accounts and records
are, and have been, maintained in Seller's usual, regular and ordinary manner,
in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, and all transactions to which
Seller has been a party are properly reflected therein.
(b) Complete and accurate copies of (i) the reviewed balance
sheets, statements of income and retained earnings, statements of cash flows,
and notes to financial statements, together with any supplementary information
thereto, of Seller, all as of and for the year ended December 31, 1996, (ii) the
audited balance sheets, statements of income and retained earnings, statements
of cash flows, and notes to financial statements, together with any
supplementary information thereto, of Seller, all as of and for the year ended
December 31,1997, and (iii) the unaudited balance sheet of Seller as of December
31, 1998, (the "Most Recent Balance Sheet") and the unaudited statement of
income of Seller for the twelve month period then ended (reflecting or attaching
a list of audit adjustments)(collectively, the "Most Recent Financial
Statements") are contained in Section 4.2(b) of the Disclosure Schedule (all of
the foregoing financial statements described in (i),(ii) and (iii) above are
hereinafter referred to as the "Financial Statements"). The Financial Statements
present accurately and completely the financial position of Seller as of the
respective dates thereof, and the results of operations and cash flows of Seller
for the respective periods covered by said statements, in accordance with GAAP,
consistently applied. Except for accounts payable, Taxes payable and other
liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business, Seller has no
liabilities or obligations whatsoever, whether accrued, contingent or otherwise
except as and to the extent reflected in the Most Recent Financial Statements.
Section 4.2(b) of the Disclosure Schedule contains complete and correct copies
of all attorney's responses to audit inquiry letters and all management letters
from the accountants for the last five (5) fiscal years of Seller.
Prior to the Closing Date, and as a condition to Purchaser's obligation
to close, Seller shall deliver to Purchaser the audited balance sheets,
statements of income and retained earnings, statements of cash flows, and notes
to financial statements, together with any supplementary
8
<PAGE>
information thereto, of Seller, all as of and for the years ended December 31,
1997 and December 31,1998 and an unaudited balance sheet and statement of income
for five month period ended May 31, 1999. Upon such delivery, such statements
shall present accurately and completely the financial position of Seller as of
the date thereof, and the results of operations and cash flows of Seller for the
period, covered by said statements, in accordance with GAAP, consistently
applied, and the representations and warranties of this Section 4.2(b) shall be
deemed to apply to such statements.
(c) Seller has good and marketable title to, and the corporate
power to sell, the Purchased Assets, free and clear of any Liens. No unreleased
mortgage, trust deed, chattel mortgage, security agreement, financing statement
or other instrument encumbering any of the Purchased Assets has been recorded,
filed, executed or delivered.
(d) All Tax and information returns required to have been
filed by Seller with any government authority have been duly and timely filed
and each such return correctly reflects Seller's Tax liabilities and all other
information required to be reported thereon as of the Closing. As of the
Closing, Seller will have paid all Taxes payable by Seller and all penalties,
assessments or deficiencies of every nature or description in respect of Seller,
in each case, whether or not yet due, and there currently are, and as of the
Closing there will be, no Liens for unpaid Taxes with respect to the Purchased
Assets, the Business or the Excluded Assets.
(e) Section 4.2(e) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a
complete and correct list and brief description of all Equipment used or usable
in the Business or the Purchased Assets (including, without limitation, whether
or not material, all vehicles, computer equipment, software and software
licenses). Seller owns outright and has, and at Closing will convey to
Purchaser, good title, free and clear of all Liens, to all the Equipment. All of
the Equipment included in the Purchased Assets is in good operating condition
and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and is sufficient and appropriate
for current and contemplated uses.
(f) All of the Inventory is in the physical possession and
control of Seller at its facilities or in transit from suppliers. The Inventory
is recorded at its fair market value and is in usable and/or saleable condition
and of a quality and quantity historically usable and/or saleable in the normal
course of business and consistent with past practice. None of the Inventory is
slow moving, obsolete, below standard quality or damaged, except as reflected in
the Most Recent Financial Statements. Since the date of the Most Recent
Financial Statements, no Inventory has been sold other than in the ordinary
course of business. Seller owns outright and has, and at the Closing will convey
to Purchaser good title to the Inventory, free and clear of all liens.
(g) Section 4.2(g) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth every
business relationship (other than normal employment relationships) between
Seller, on the one hand, and any of Seller's officers, directors, employees or
stockholders or members of their families (or any entity in which any of them
has a material financial interest, directly or indirectly), on the other
9
<PAGE>
hand which is related to the Business. None of said parties (other than Seller)
owns any assets which are used in the Business, or is engaged in any business
which competes with the Business.
(h) All Accounts Receivable, including, without limitation,
those that will be reflected on the Closing Date Balance Sheet, are valid and
have risen in the ordinary course of business, represent indebtedness incurred
by the applicable account debtor in bona fide third party transactions and are
net of reserves. The reserves contained in the Closing Date Balance Sheet, shall
be adequate. Seller owns the Accounts Receivable free and clear of all Liens.
Section 4.2(i) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a summary of Accounts
Receivable of Seller as of December 31, 1998 and February 28, 1999, the carrying
value thereof and the respective age of each such Account Receivable. Seller has
delivered a complete listing of Accounts Receivable at such dates to Purchaser.
4.3 Conduct of Business.
(a) Except as set forth in Section 4.3(a) of the Disclosure
Schedule, since January 1, 1998, Seller has not:
(i) sold or in any way transferred or otherwise disposed of any of its assets
or property, except for (A) use of Inventory in the usual and ordinary course of
business, (B) cash applied in payment of Seller's liabilities in the usual and
ordinary course of business, and (C) disposal of obsolete equipment of Seller
listed in Section 4.3(a) of the Disclosure Schedule, none of which, either
individually or in the aggregate, was material to the operation of the Business;
(ii) entered into any agreement, contract, lease, or
license (or series of
related contracts, leases or licenses) other than in the ordinary course of
business, involving consideration in excess of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000);
(iii) suffered any acceleration, termination,
modification or cancellation of
any agreement, contract, lease or license;
(iv) suffered the creation or imposition of any Lien
upon Seller's assets;
(v) received any notification, either orally or
written, that any material
distributors, customers or suppliers have terminated, intend to terminate or are
considering termination of their respective business relationships or have
modified their relationships with Seller in such a manner that is less favorable
to Seller and Seller has no knowledge of any facts which would be the basis for
such termination or modification;
10
<PAGE>
(vi) suffered any casualty, damage, destruction or
loss, or any material
interruption in use, of any material assets or property (whether or not covered
by insurance), on account of fire, flood, riot, strike or other hazard or Act of
God;
(vii) made or suffered any material change in the
conduct or nature of any
aspect of the Business;
(viii) waived any right or canceled or compromised any debt or claim, other than
in the ordinary course of business and not in excess of $2,500 for any item or
$5,000 in the aggregate;
(ix) increased the cash compensation payable to any
employee in excess of
3 % per year, granted any non-cash compensation to any employee, or entered into
any arrangements with any employee outside of employment Agreements which have
been previously disclosed;
(x) hired, terminated or lost the services through
death, retirement or
resignation of any employee who has or had an annual salary in excess of
$25,000;
(xi) entered into any agreement with any independent
contractor;
(xii) borrowed any money or issued any bonds,
debentures, notes or other
corporate securities evidencing money borrowed;
(xiii) paid, declared or set aside any dividend or other distribution on its
securities of any class or purchased, exchanged or redeemed any of its
securities of any class;
(xiv) committed to make any capital expenditure which
as of the date
hereof and as of the Closing Date has not been paid in full;
(xv) made any change in accounting methods or
principles; or
(xvi) without limitation by the enumeration of any of
the foregoing, except
for the execution of this Agreement, (A) entered into any transaction or taken
any action other than in the usual and ordinary course of business, or (B) taken
any action that, if taken after the date hereof, would constitute a breach of
any of the covenants set forth in Article VI hereof.
(b) Seller has not suffered or been threatened with any
material adverse change in the business, operations, assets, liabilities,
financial condition or prospects of the Business, including, without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, the existence or threat of any labor dispute,
or any material adverse change in, or loss of, any relationship between Seller
and any of its customers (including, without limitation, advertisers,
subscribers and dealers), suppliers or key employees.
11
<PAGE>
(c) Section 4.3(c) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a
complete and accurate list of (i) the ten largest distributors for Seller's
products indicating the specific product, existing contractual arrangements, if
any, with each such distributor and the volume of products distributed, (ii) the
ten largest customers (by dollar volume) of Seller for the current fiscal year,
indicating the existing contractual arrangements with each such customer by
product, and (iii) the ten largest suppliers of significant materials or
services to Seller, indicating the contractual arrangements for continued supply
from such supplier and all outstanding purchase orders submitted to such
suppliers. Except as set forth on Section 4.3(c) of the Disclosure, none of such
distributors, customers or suppliers has terminated or changed significantly or
to the best of Seller's knowledge intends to terminate or change significantly
its relationship with the Business.
4.4 Contracts.
(a) Section 4.4(a) of the Disclosure Schedule correctly and
completely lists and describes all contracts, leases, and agreements to which
Seller is a party and which relate to the conduct of the Business, including,
without limitation: collective bargaining agreements, employment and employment
related agreements; covenants not to compete; loan agreements; notes; security
agreements; sales representative, distribution, franchise, advertising and
similar agreements; license agreements; purchase orders and purchase contracts
and sales orders and sales contracts. All contracts, leases and other
instruments referred to in this Section 4.4(a), and all other contracts or
instruments to which Seller is a party, are in full force and binding upon the
parties thereto. No default by Seller has occurred thereunder and, to the best
of Seller's knowledge, no default by the other contracting parties has occurred
thereunder. No event, occurrence or condition exists which, with the lapse of
time, the giving of notice, or both, or the happening of any further event or
condition, would become a default by Seller thereunder.
(b) Seller is not a party to, or bound by, any unexpired,
undischarged or unsatisfied written or oral contract, agreement, indenture,
mortgage, debenture, note or other instrument under the terms of which
performance by Seller according to the terms of this Agreement will be a default
or an event of acceleration, or whereby timely performance by Seller according
to the terms of this Agreement may be prohibited, prevented or delayed.
(c) Section 4.4(c) of the Disclosure Schedule contains a true
and correct copy of every license, permit, registration and governmental
approval, agreement and consent applied for, pending by, issued or given to
Seller, and every agreement with governmental authorities (Federal, state, local
or foreign) entered into by Seller, which is in effect or has been applied for
or is pending, exclusive of Environmental Permits (the "Permits"). Such Permits
constitute all licenses, permits, registrations, approvals and agreements and
consents (other than Environmental Permits) which are required in order for
Seller to conduct the Business as presently conducted.
(d) Section 4.4(d) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a
true and correct list and description (including coverages, deductibles, and
expiration dates) of all of Seller's
12
<PAGE>
insurance policies (including insurance policies providing property, casualty,
liability and worker's compensation coverage and bond and surety arrangements)
which are owned by or which name Seller as an insured and pertain to the
Purchased Assets, the Business or Seller's employees. Seller has furnished
Purchaser with true and complete copies of such insurance policies. With respect
to each such insurance policy : (i) the policy is legal, valid, binding,
enforceable and in full force and effect, (ii) the transactions contemplated
hereby will not result in the cancellation or modification of such policies, and
(iii) neither Seller, nor to Seller's knowledge, any other party is in breach or
default (including with respect to the payment of premiums or the giving of
notices), and no event has occurred which, with notice or the lapse of time,
would constitute such breach or default, or permit termination, modification, or
acceleration under the policy, and (iv) Seller has not received notice of
termination or non-renewal of any such insurance policies. Section 4.4(d)
describes any self insurance arrangements affecting Seller. All such policies
provide adequate coverage for all normal risks incident to Seller's assets,
properties and business operations and are in character and amount at least
equivalent to that carried by those engaged in businesses subject to the same or
similar risks, perils or hazards.
4.5 Employees.
(a) With respect to employees of Seller:
(i) All employee benefit plans, within the meaning of Section 3(3) of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") (the "Employee Benefit
Plans"), maintained by Seller or any affiliate of Seller, as determined under
Section 414(b), (c), (in) or (o) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the
"Code") ("ERISA Affiliate"), comply in all material respects with and are and
have been operated in substantial accordance with each applicable provision of
ERISA, the Code (including, without limitation, the requirements of Code Section
401(a) to the extent any of such plans which is an employee pension benefit plan
(within the meaning of Section 3(a) of ERISA) is intended to conform to that
section), other Federal statutes, state law (including, without limitation,
state insurance law) and the regulations and rules promulgated pursuant thereto
or in connection therewith. None of Seller nor any ERISA Affiliate has any
notice or knowledge of any violation of any of the foregoing by any Employee
Benefit Plan.
All required reports and descriptions have been filed or distributed
appropriately with respect to each Employee Benefit Plan. All contributions
(including all employer contributions and employee salary reduction
contributions) which are due have been paid to each such Employee Benefit Plan
which is an Employee Pension Benefit Plan and all contributions for any period
ending on or before the Closing Date which are not yet due have been paid to
each such Employee Pension Benefit Plan or accrued in accordance with the past
custom and practice of the Company.
13
<PAGE>
(ii) Each Employee Benefit Plan which is an employee
welfare benefit
plan (within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA) and which is a group health
plan (within the meaning of Section 5000(b)(1) of the Code) complies with and
has been maintained and operated in accordance with each of the requirements of
Section 162(i) of the Code as in effect for years beginning prior to 1989,
Section 4890B of the Code for years beginning after December 31, 1988 and Part 6
of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA ("COBRA"). There are no pending or, to the
best knowledge of Seller, threatened claims, suits or other proceedings by any
employee or former employee of the Seller or by the beneficiary, dependent or
representative of any such person, involving the failure of any group health
plan ever maintained by Seller to comply with the health care continuation
requirements of COBRA.
(iii) Each Employee Benefit Plan which is an Employee Pension Benefit Plan
intended to be qualified under Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a) is so
qualified.
(iv) Neither Seller nor any ERISA Affiliate has
incurred any liability to
the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC") as a result of the voluntary
or involuntary termination of any employee pension benefit plan which is subject
to Title IV of ERISA. There is currently no active filing by Seller or any ERISA
Affiliate with the PBGC (and no proceeding has been commenced by the PBGC) to
terminate any employee pension benefit plan which is subject to Title IV of
ERISA, and which has been maintained or funded, in whole or in part, by Seller
or any ERISA Affiliate.
(v) Neither Seller nor any ERISA Affiliate currently
maintains or is
obligated to contribute to, nor has in the past maintained or contributed to,
any multi employer plan, as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA, and neither
Seller nor any ERISA Affiliate has suffered a "complete withdrawal" or "partial
withdrawal" as such terms are defined in Sections 4203 and 4205, respectively,
of ERISA for which it reasonably expects to incur any withdrawal liability.
(vi) The market value of assets under each such
Employee Benefit Plan
which is an Employee Pension Benefit Plan (other than any Multi employer Plan)
equals or exceeds the present value of all vested and nonvested liabilities
thereunder determined in accordance with PBGC methods, factors, and assumptions
applicable to an Employee Pension Benefit Plan terminating on the date for
determination.
(vii) Seller has delivered to Purchaser correct and
complete copies of
the plan documents and summary plan descriptions, the most recent determination
letter received from the Internal Revenue Service, the most recent Form 5500
Annual Report, and all related trust agreements, insurance contracts, and other
funding agreements which implement each such Employee Benefit Plan.
14
<PAGE>
(b) With respect to each Employee Benefit Plan that Seller
maintains or ever has maintained or to which it contributes, ever has
contributed, or ever has been required to contribute:
(i) Except as disclosed in ss.4.5(b)of the Disclosure Schedule, no such Employee
Benefit Plan which is an Employee Pension Benefit Plan (other than any Multi
employer Plan) has been completely or partially terminated or been the subject
of a Reportable Event as to which notices would be required to be filed with the
PBGC. No proceeding by the PBGC to terminate any such Employee Pension Benefit
Plan (other than any Multi employer Plan) has been instituted or threatened.
(ii) There have been no Prohibited Transactions with respect to any such
Employee Benefit Plan. To the knowledge of Seller, no Fiduciary has any
liability for breach of fiduciary duty or any other failure to act or comply in
connection with the administration or investment of the assets of any such
Employee Benefit Plan. No action, suit, proceeding, hearing, or investigation
with respect to the administration or the investment of the assets of any such
Employee Benefit Plan (other than routine claims for benefits) is pending or
threatened, and Seller has any knowledge of any basis for any such action, suit,
proceeding, hearing, or investigation.
(iii) Seller has not incurred, and has no reason to
expect that Seller will
incur, any liability to the PBGC (other than PBGC premium payments) or otherwise
under Title IV of ERISA (including any withdrawal Liability) or under the Code
with respect to any such Employee Benefit Plan which is an Employee Pension
Benefit Plan.
(c) Seller does not contribute to, never has contributed to,
and never has been required to contribute to any Multi employer Plan or has any
liability (including withdrawal liability) under any Multi employer Plan.
(d) No promise or commitment to amend or improve any Employee
Benefit Plan for the benefit of current or former directors, officers, or
employees of the Company which is not reflected in the documentation provided to
Purchaser has been made,
(e) The transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall not
alone or upon the occurrence of any additional or subsequent event, result in
any payment, of severance or otherwise, or acceleration, vesting or increase in
benefits under any Employee Benefit Plan for the benefit of any current or
former director, officer, or employee of Seller.
(f) With respect to employees of Seller, except as provided in Section 4.5(f) of
the Disclosure Schedule:
(i) There are no pending or threatened unfair labor practice charges or employee
grievance charges, or investigations or reviews by the Department of Labor.
15
<PAGE>
(ii) There is no request for union representation,
labor strike, dispute,
slowdown or stoppage actually pending or, to the best of Seller's knowledge,
threatened against or directly affecting Seller.
(iii) No grievance or arbitration proceeding arising
out of or under collective
bargaining agreements is pending and no claims therefor exist.
(iv) Seller shall make all payments required under
the Employee Benefit Plans
and payment of accrued salaries or wages and vacation pay, and all payroll tax
and withholding payments, with respect to employment of any persons by Seller.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, employment obligations
incurred for all shifts commencing prior to the close of business on the day of
Closing, through to the conclusion of such shifts, shall be obligations of the
Seller. Except as required by Section 4980B of the Code, Seller has no liability
to provide medical benefits to former employees of Seller or their spouses or
dependents.
(v) Section 4.5(f)(v) of the Disclosure Schedule
contains a true and complete
list of all employees who were employed by the Seller as of January 1, 1998 and
as of the date hereof, whether active or inactive, and such list correctly
reflects their salaries, hours, wages, other compensation (other than benefits
under the Employee Benefit Plans and including, without limitation, any housing,
lodging or other non-cash compensation paid to or on behalf of such employee)
including all bonuses and incentives paid or accrued since January 1, 1998,
dates and amount and description of last increase/decrease in compensation,
dates of employment, positions, date of birth, a description of all bonus and
incentive plans applicable to them and for inactive employees, and a description
of the reason for such employee's inactive status.
4.6 Litigation and Claims.
(a) Except for a contested collection claim pending in the
Superior Court, Judicial District of Waterbury, with a maximum exposure of
$2,729.10, there are no claims, litigations, arbitrations, or proceedings, in
law or in equity, and there are no proceedings or governmental investigations
before any commission or other administrative authority, pending or threatened,
against Seller or its Affiliates, or with respect to the consummation of the
transaction contemplated hereby, or the use of the Purchased Assets (whether
used by Purchaser after the Closing or by Seller prior thereto). Section 4.6(a)
of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list and description
of all workers' compensation claims made during the years 1996, 1997, 1998, and
1999 to date.
(b) Seller is not a party to, or bound by, any decree, order
or arbitration award (or agreement entered into in any administrative, judicial
or arbitration proceeding with any governmental authority) with respect to its
properties, assets, personnel or business activities.
(c) Seller is not in violation of, or delinquent with respect to, any decree,
order
16
<PAGE>
or arbitration award or law, statute, or regulation of or agreement with, or
Permit from, any Federal, state or local governmental authority (or to which its
properties, assets, personnel, business activities or the Owned Real Property or
the Leased Real Property are subject or to which it, itself, is subject),
including, without limitation, laws, statutes and regulations relating to equal
employment opportunities, fair employment practices, unfair labor practices,
terms of employment, occupational health and safety, wages and hours and
discrimination, and zoning ordinances and building codes. Copies of all notices
of violation of any of the foregoing which Seller has received within the past
three years are attached to Section 4.6(c) of the Disclosure Schedule.
(d) There are no facts which, if known by a potential claimant
or governmental authority, would give rise to a claim or proceeding which, if
asserted or conducted with results unfavorable to Seller, would have an adverse
effect on the business, operations, assets, liabilities, financial condition or
prospects of the Business, or the consummation of the transaction contemplated
hereby, or on the Purchased Assets (whether owned or used by Purchaser after the
Closing or by Seller prior thereto).
(e) There are no conditions which, if left uncorrected would
constitute a violation by Seller of any decree, order or arbitration award or
law, statute, or regulation of or agreement with, or Permit from, any Federal,
state or local governmental authority .
4.7 Environmental Matters.
(a) Except as disclosed in ss.4.7 of the Disclosure Schedule, to the best of
Seller's
knowledge:
(i) Seller is and has been in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws
and Safety Laws;
(ii) Seller has obtained, and is and has been in compliance with the conditions
of, all Environmental Permits required for the continued conduct of the Business
in the manner now conducted and presently proposed to be conducted. Copies of
all Environmental Permits issued to Seller are contained in Section 4.7(a) of
the Disclosure Schedule.;
(iii) Seller has filed all required applications,
notices and other documents
necessary to effect the timely renewal or issuance of all Environmental Permits
for the continued conduct of the Business in the manner now conducted and
presently proposed to be conducted;
(iv) there are no past or present events, conditions
or circumstances, including,
without limitation, to the knowledge of Seller, pending changes in any
Environmental Law or Permit or Safety Laws, that are likely to interfere with or
otherwise affect the Business in the manner now conducted or which would
interfere with compliance with any Environmental Law or Permit or Safety Law;
17
<PAGE>
(v) There has been no storage, treatment, generation, transportation or Release
of any Hazardous Materials by Seller or its predecessors in interest, or by any
other person or entity for which Seller is or may be held responsible, at any
Facility or any Offsite Facility, nor have there been any other circumstances or
conditions present at or arising out of the present or former assets,
properties, leaseholds, businesses or operations of Seller at any Facility or
Off-Site Facility which would reasonably be expected to give rise to any
Environmental Liabilities and Costs;
(vi) there are no circumstances or conditions present
at or arising out of the
present or former assets, properties, leaseholds, businesses or operations of
Seller, including but not limited to any on-site storage, use, disposal or
Release of a Chemical Substance, which would reasonably be expected to give rise
to any Environmental Liabilities and Costs or Safety Liability and Costs;
(vii) Neither Seller nor any of the present or past
assets, properties, businesses,
leaseholds or operations of Seller has received or is subject to, or within the
past five years has been subject to, any outstanding order, decree, judgment,
complaint, agreement, claim, citation, or notice or is subject to any ongoing
judicial or administrative proceeding indicating that Seller or the past and
present assets of Seller are or may be: (A) in violation of any Environmental
Law; (B) in violation of any Safety Laws; (C) responsible for the on-site or
off-site storage or Release of any Chemical Substance; or, (D) liable for any
Environmental Liabilities and Costs or Safety Liabilities and Costs;
(viii) Seller has no reason to believe that Seller
will become subject to a matter
identified in subsection (vii); and, no investigation or review with respect to
such matters is pending or, to the knowledge of the Seller is threatened, nor
has any authority or other third party indicated an intention to conduct the
same;
(ix) Neither the Business nor any of Seller's
properties or assets is subject to,
or as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will be
subject to, the requirements of any Environmental Laws which require notice,
disclosure, cleanup or approval prior to transfer of the Purchased Assets or the
Business or which will impose Liens on any such asset or property or otherwise
interfere with or affect the Business;
(x) Section 4.7 of the Disclosure Schedule lists all
property presently or
previously leased, owned or operated by Seller that has been used by Seller or
by any other Person (including a prior owner or operator) for the storage or
disposal of Chemical Substances;
(xi) Section 4.7 of the Disclosure Schedule lists all
off-site locations,
including, without limitation, commercial waste disposal facilities or municipal
landfills, to which or at which Chemical Substances originating from Seller or
its assets, properties or business have been sent (or otherwise have come to be
located) in amounts that would require a waste manifest under the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 as now in effect for treatment, storage,
disposal, reuse or recycling;
18
<PAGE>
(xii) Section 4.7 of the Disclosure Schedule sets
forth a list of all Containers
owned or operated at any time by Seller or which at any time were removed from
any Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property and, except as disclosed in
ss.4.7 of the Disclosure Schedule, no such Container is leaking or has leaked at
any time in the past, and there is no pollution or contamination of the
Environment caused by or contributed to or threatened by a Release of a Chemical
Substance from any such Container. All Containers which have been heretofore
removed from the Owned Real Property or the Leased Real Property have been
removed in accordance with all applicable Environmental Laws.
(xiii) Section 4.7 of the Disclosure Schedule lists
all environmental audits,
inspections, assessments, investigations or similar reports in Seller's
possession or of which Seller is aware relating to Seller's assets, properties
or business or the compliance of the same with applicable Environmental Laws and
Safety Laws.
(b) For purposes of this ss.4.7 only, all references to Seller
are intended to include any and all other entities to which the Seller may be
considered a successor under applicable Environmental Laws.
4.8 Real Estate.
(a) Section 4.8(a) of the Disclosure Schedule lists and
contains a legal description of the real property owned by Shukla located in
Waterbury Connecticut, with its mailing address at 302 Platts Mill Road,
Naugatuck, Connecticut (the "Building") (the "Owned Real Property"), such
description including an identification of the deed thereto and any and all side
letters and other agreements relating thereto, and the address and approximate
size of the premises. Shukla will at Closing hold and convey to Purchaser good
and marketable title in fee simple to the Owned Real Property and to all
buildings, structures and other improvements thereon, in each case free and
clear of all tenancies and occupants (other than the occupancy by Reliable
Precious Metals, Inc.("RPM")) and free and clear of all Liens, subject only to
real estate taxes not yet due and payable, and covenants, conditions,
restrictions and easements of record, none of which make title to the owned Real
Property unmarketable and none of which are violated by the Seller or Shukla or
will interfere with Purchaser's use thereof.
There are no condemnation proceedings, special assessments, impact fees
or similar charges pending or, to the best knowledge of either Shukla or the
Seller, threatened in connection with the Owned Real Property, and neither nor
Seller has received or been served with any notice with respect to any of the
foregoing. The current use by the Seller of the Owned Real Property complies in
all respects with the applicable zoning laws and building and use restrictions
(including, without limitation, all agreements of the Seller applicable
thereto). Neither Shukla nor the Seller has any knowledge of any proposed change
in the zoning or building ordinances affecting the Owned Real Property.
Except for R P M, no third party, tenant or other occupant of space has
any lease, license,
19
<PAGE>
option or other interest in occupancy or possession to the Owned Real Property,
or any part thereof nor any right of refusal, option or other right to purchase
the Owned Real Property. RPM is a tenant in the Building pursuant to an oral
month-to-month lease. RPM occupies approximately one-eighth of the Building.
There are no outstanding requirements or recommendations by any party
including without limitation, any holders of an existing mortgage, or any
federal, state or local governmental authority having or claiming jurisdiction
over the Owned Real Property affecting all or a part of the Owned Real Property
or any insurance companies or insurance-rating organizations, requiring or
recommending that any repairs, alterations or other work be done on or at the
Owned Real Property.
All public utilities required for the operation of the Owned Real
Property, or any part thereof, either enter the Owned Real Property through
adjoining public streets or if they pass through adjoining private land do so in
accordance with valid public easements or private easements which will inure to
the benefit of Purchaser. All of said public utilities are installed and
operating and all installation and connection charges have been paid for in
full.
All curb cut and street opening permits or licenses required for
vehicular access to and from any part of the Owned Real Property to any
adjoining public street have been obtained and paid for by Seller and shall be
in full force and effect on the Closing Date.
There are no service, maintenance or union contracts affecting the
Owned Real Property.
Except as specified herein, Seller has received no violation or note or
notice of violation, and to the best of Seller's knowledge, there exist no
violation or note or notice of violation, of law of municipal, Labor Department
or other governmental ordinances, orders, rules, regulations or requirement
against or affecting the Owned Real Property, or any part thereof, and if any
issue prior to the Closing Date, or after the Closing Date by reason of a
condition which existed prior to the Closing Date, then Seller shall, at its
sole cost and expense, promptly cause the same to be cured and dismissed of
record and pay all fines and penalties in connection therewith. The buildings
and any site improvements located on the Owned Real Property, and any part
thereof, each conform to all requirements of any applicable zoning and building
ordinances, orders, rules, regulations and requirements. No changes or
alterations have been made to the buildings or site improvements, which render
the same in violation of any applicable zoning or building ordinance, order,
rule, regulation or requirement or the existing certificate of occupancy (if
any). Any changes or alterations to the building and site improvements have been
completed in full compliance with all applicable zoning or building ordinances,
orders, rules, regulations or requirements. The existing zoning of the Owned
Real Property and certificate of occupancy permit the Owned Real Property to be
used for the Business. Seller has received no notice and has no knowledge of any
requirement asserted by any governmental authority requiring the installation or
modification of any sewers, sewerage disposal facilities, or other environmental
protection system or facility.
All oil burners, incinerators and other fuel burning devices at the Owned Real
Property
20
<PAGE>
comply with all applicable federal, state and local air pollution control laws,
rules and regulations, if any.
The roof of the building on the Owned Real Property is watertight and
free of leaks, and the same is free from infestation of termites or other wood
destroying insects, or damage caused thereby. There are no material defects in
any component or part of said building, including, without limitation, the
plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and electrical systems and septic tank,
drain field, well and pumps, if any. The term "material defect" as used in the
preceding sentence shall mean that in the aggregate the defects have an
estimated and reasonable cost to correct of more than $5,000, and that for any
one item, it has an estimated and reasonable cost to correct of more than $500.
There is presently in force with respect to the Owned Real Property,
fire, liability and other forms of insurance, in amounts and covering such risks
as comply with the requirements of any contracts or agreements affecting the
Owned Real Property.
(b) Section 4.8(b) of the Disclosure Schedule lists all real
property and interests in real property leased by the Seller as lessee or lessor
(the "Leased Real Property"), including an identification of the lease agreement
therefor and any and all amendments, modifications, side letters and other
agreements relating thereto, the names of the lessor and lessee thereunder, the
title and date thereof, the address and approximate size of the Owned Real
Property leased thereunder, and the rental and term thereunder, including any
extension options. All leases with respect to the Leased Real Property
("Leases") are in effect and create a valid and binding interest in the Leased
Real Property in favor of the Seller and all rents and other amounts (including
taxes, insurance and utilities) required to be paid by the Seller under such
Leases, which have become due, have been paid. The Seller is in compliance with
the terms of any such Lease and there exists no default by the Seller under any
such Lease, and no event, occurrence, condition or act which, with the giving of
notice, the lapse of time or the happening of any further condition, would
become a default by the Seller under any such Lease; and no waiver or indulgence
has been granted by the lessor under any such Lease. There are no condemnation
proceedings, special assessments, impact fees or similar charges pending or, to
the best knowledge of the Seller, threatened in connection with the Leased Real
Property, and Seller has not received nor been served with any notice with
respect to any of the foregoing. The current use by the Seller of the Leased
Real Property complies in all respects with the applicable zoning laws and
building and use restrictions (including, without limitation, all agreements of
the Seller applicable thereto) and condominium restrictions. The Seller has no
knowledge of any proposed change in the zoning or building ordinances affecting
the Leased Real Property.
(c) The Seller has delivered to Purchaser true and complete
copies of (i) all deeds, title insurance policies, surveys, certificates of
occupancy, permits and licenses in the possession of Seller obtained in
connection with or in respect of any Owned Real Property or Leased Real
Property, and (ii) all Leases (including, without limitation, any and all
amendments, modifications, side letters, default notices, estoppel letters and
other instruments or other material correspondence relating thereto).
21
<PAGE>
(d) All buildings, structures, improvements and fixtures on,
under, over or within each Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property, and all
other aspects of each Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property: (1) are in
good operating condition and repair (subject to normal wear and tear) and are
structurally sound and free of any material defects; (2) are suitable,
sufficient and appropriate in all respects for their current uses, comply with
all applicable codes and rules of national and local associations and boards of
insurance underwriters; (3) are within the boundary lines of their respective
Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property, as the case may be; and (4) consist
of sufficient land, parking areas, sidewalks, driveways and other improvements
to permit the continued use of such facilities in the manner and for the
purposes to which they are presently devoted and (5) comply with all applicable
laws. There are no outstanding or, to the knowledge of the Seller, threatened
requirements by any insurance company which has issued an insurance policy
covering any Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property, or by any board of
fire underwriters or other body exercising similar functions, requiring any
material repairs or work to be done on any Owned Real Property or Leased Real
Property.
(e) No material alterations to the Owned Real Property or
Leased Real Property are now required to be made or will be required under Title
III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. ss.ss. 12181-12213, as
presently enacted, or under any other existing legal requirements.
(f) The Seller is now in possession of each Owned Real
Property or Leased Real Property, and no lease relating thereto is subject to
any pledge, lien, sublease, assignment, license or other agreement granting to
any third party any interest in or any right to the use or occupancy of any
Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property. There is no pending or, to the
knowledge of the Seller, threatened proceeding which might interfere with the
Seller's quiet enjoyment as tenant under any Lease. There are no outstanding
defaults by the Seller, or, to the knowledge of the Seller, any other party,
under any Lease, nor are there any matters, facts or circumstances which, upon
the giving of notice or passage of time, or both, would constitute a default or
breach by the Seller or, to the knowledge the Seller, any other party, under any
Lease.
4.9 Intellectual Property.
(a) All (i) trademarks, service marks, slogans, trade names,
trade dress and the like (collectively with the associated goodwill of each,
"Trademarks"), together with information regarding all registrations and pending
applications to register any such rights; (ii) common law Trademarks; (iii)
proprietary formulations, manufacturing methods, know-how and trade secrets
which are related to the Business; (iv) patents on and pending applications to
patent any technology or design; (v) registrations of and applications to
register copyrights; and (vi) licenses of rights in computer software,
Trademarks, patents, copyrights, unpatented formulations, manufacturing methods
and other know-how, whether to or by Seller, are identified in Section 4.9(a) of
the Disclosure Schedule and are referred to herein collectively as the
"Intellectual Property."
(b) (i) Seller is the owner of or duly licensed to use each Trademark and its
22
<PAGE>
associated goodwill; (ii) each Trademark registration exists and has been
maintained in good standing; (iii) each patent and application included in the
Intellectual Property exists, is owned by or licensed to Seller, and has been
maintained in good standing; (iv) each copyright registration exists and is
owned by Seller; (v) to the best of Seller's knowledge, no other firm,
corporation, association or person claims the right to use in connection with
similar or closely related goods and in the same geographic area, any mark which
is identical or confusingly similar to any of the Trademarks; (vi) Seller has no
knowledge of any claim with respect to, and has no reason to believe that any
third party asserts ownership rights in, any of the Intellectual Property; (vii)
Seller has no knowledge of any claim and has no reason to believe that Seller's
use of any Intellectual Property infringes any right of any third party; (viii)
Seller has no knowledge or any reason to believe that any third party is
infringing any of Seller's rights in any of the Intellectual Property; (ix)
Seller is under no obligation to pay any royalties or similar payments in
connection with any license of Intellectual Property; (x) the consummation of
the transaction contemplated by this Agreement will not result in the impairment
of Seller's right to use any of the Intellectual Property nor infringe upon the
rights of any third party; and (xi) Seller is the owner of or duly licensed to
use all Intellectual Property necessary for or useful in the conduct of the
Business and the operation of the Purchased Assets as now conducted and
operated.
4.10 General.
(a) The Purchased Assets constitute (i) all of the assets and
property owned by Seller (except for the Excluded Assets), (ii) all of the
assets and property used, useful or held for use by Seller in, or related to the
operations of, the Business and (iii) all of the assets necessary to own and
conduct the Business as it is presently conducted, and as it is contemplated (to
the knowledge of Seller) to be conducted, and there are no properties or assets
of the type described in the definition of Purchased Assets owned, used, useful
or held for use by Seller that are not included in the Purchased Assets. All the
Purchased Assets that constitute tangible real or personal property are located
in the State of Connecticut. Other than the Excluded Assets, Seller does not
own, hold or use any assets other than the Purchased Assets.
(b) The representations and warranties of Seller in this
Agreement and in Seller's Ancillary Documents do not omit to state a material
fact necessary in order to make the representations, warranties or statements
contained herein not misleading. To the knowledge of Seller there is no fact
relating to the Seller or its assets, properties or business which may adversely
affect the same which has not been disclosed in this Agreement.
(c) Seller has no liability and has no knowledge of any basis
for any present or future action, suit, proceeding, hearing, investigation,
charge, complaint, claim, or demand against Seller giving rise to any
liability), except for (i) liabilities set forth in the Most Recent Balance
Sheet and (ii) liabilities which have arisen after the date of the Most Recent
Balance Sheet in the ordinary course of business (none of which liabilities
results from, arises out of, relates to, is in the nature of, or was caused by
any breach of contract, breach of warranty, tort infringement, or violation of
law).
23
<PAGE>
(d) The copies of all documents furnished by Seller to
Purchaser pursuant to the terms of this Agreement are complete and accurate. The
Disclosure Schedule contains complete and accurate copies of all documents
referred to therein. The information contained in the Disclosure Schedule is
complete and accurate.
(e) Since the date of the Most Recent Financial Statements,
there has not been any change which has resulted in a material adverse effect on
the Business or the Purchased Assets and no event has occurred or circumstance
exists that would reasonably be expected to result in such a material adverse
effect.
(f) None of the directors, officers, employees or agents of
Seller, has (a) directly or indirectly given or agreed to give any illegal gift,
contribution, payment or similar benefit to any supplier, customer, governmental
official or employee or other person who was, is or may be in a position to help
or hinder Seller (or assist in connection with any actual or proposed
transaction) or made or agreed to make any illegal contribution, or reimbursed
any illegal political gift or contribution made by any other person, to any
candidate for federal, state, local or foreign public office (i) which might
subject Seller to any damage or penalty in any civil, criminal or governmental
litigation or proceeding or (ii) the non-continuation of which has had or might
have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the
Business or the Purchased Assets, or (b) established or maintained any
unrecorded fund or asset or made any false entries on any books or records for
any purpose.
(g) Neither Seller nor any of its Affiliates has dealt with
any person or entity who is or may be entitled to a broker's commission,
finder's fee, investment banker's fee or similar payment for arranging the
transaction contemplated hereby or introducing the parties to each other.
ARTICLE V
Purchaser's Representations and Warranties
5.1 General. Purchaser represents and warrants to Seller that:
---------
(a) Purchaser is a corporation duly organized, existing and in
good standing under the laws of the State of New York.
(b) Purchaser has full corporate power and authority to enter
into and perform (i) this Agreement and (ii) all documents and instruments to be
executed by Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement (collectively, "Purchaser's
Ancillary Documents"). This Agreement has been, and Purchaser's Ancillary
Documents will be, duly executed and delivered by duly authorized officers of
Purchaser.
(c) No consent, authorization, order or approval of, or filing or registration
with,
24
<PAGE>
any governmental authority or other person is required for the execution and
delivery by Purchaser of this Agreement and Purchaser's Ancillary Agreements,
and the consummation by Purchaser of the transaction contemplated by this
Agreement and Purchaser's Ancillary Documents.
(d) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
Purchaser's Ancillary Documents by Purchaser, nor the consummation by Purchaser
of the transaction herein contemplated, will conflict with or result in a breach
of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of Purchaser's Certificate of
Incorporation or By-laws, or of any statute or administrative regulation, or of
any order, writ, injunction, judgment or decree of any court or governmental
authority or of any arbitration award.
(e) Neither Purchaser, nor any of its Affiliates, has dealt
with any person or entity who is or may be entitled to a broker's commission,
finder's fee, investment banker's fee or similar payment for arranging the
transaction contemplated hereby or introducing the parties to each other.
ARTICLE VI
Conduct Prior to the Closing
6.1 General. Seller and Purchaser shall have the rights and obligations with
respect to the period between the date hereof and the Closing Date (the "Due
Diligence Period") which are set forth in the remainder of this Article VI.
6.2 Seller's Obligations. The following are Seller's obligations:
(a) Seller shall give to Purchaser's officers, employees,
attorneys, consultants and accountants reasonable access during normal business
hours to all of the properties, books, contracts, documents, records and
personnel of Seller and shall furnish to Purchaser such information as Purchaser
may at any time and from time to time reasonably request.
Purchaser shall have the right to cause the Owned Real Property and the
Leased Real Property to be inspected by surveyors, engineers or other
consultants. Promptly after the date of this agreement, Seller shall deliver to
Purchaser copies of all documents, agreements and other written material and
information in Seller's possession or control concerning the Owned Real Property
and the Leased Real Property for Purchaser's inspection and review.
Seller shall permit Purchaser and its agents or designees to enter the
Owned Real Property and the Leased Real Property at reasonable times upon
reasonable notice to Seller or Seller's agent
25
<PAGE>
to make physical inspections including, without limitation, soil samplings and
borings and surveys of the Owned Real Property and the Leased Real Property and
to inspect the same and conduct tests, environmental studies and site
investigations in order to examine such properties, including the soils, roof,
physical structure, foundation, plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning
and mechanical systems, and all other items Purchaser deems necessary. Purchaser
shall repair and restore at its sole cost and expense any and all damage to such
properties as a result of its activities under this provision. Seller shall
cause a "Phase 2" Environmental Study to be completed by a company reasonably
acceptable to Purchaser and to be delivered to Purchaser not later than May
31,1999. The cost of all environmental testing shall be shared equally by Seller
and Purchaser, provided that Seller's responsibility for such costs shall not
exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) and further provided that if and when the
Closing occurs, Purchaser shall reimburse Seller for the costs paid by Seller.
(b) Seller shall use its best efforts and make every good
faith attempt (and Purchaser shall cooperate with Seller) to obtain all consents
specified by Purchaser to the assignment of, or alternate arrangements
satisfactory to Purchaser with respect to, any contract, lease, insurance
policy, agreement, purchase order, sales order, or other instruments, Permit or
Environmental Permit, which is to be assigned to Purchaser hereunder and which
may be required for such assignment to be effective (the "Consents").
(c) Seller shall carry on the Business in the usual and
ordinary course of business, consistent with past practices, and shall use its
best efforts to preserve its business and the goodwill of its customers,
suppliers and others having business relations with Seller and to retain its
business organization intact, including keeping available the services of its
present employees, representatives and agents, and shall maintain all of its
properties in good operating condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear
excepted.
(d) Without the prior written consent of Purchaser, and
without limiting the generality of any other provision of this Agreement, Seller
shall not:
(i) change any term of existing agreements, make any payments or
distributions to its employees, officers, directors, agents, independent
contractors or shareholders, except such amounts as constitute currently
effective compensation for services rendered or for reimbursement for ordinary
and necessary out-of-pocket business expenses and payment of accrued bonuses set
forth in Section 4.5(b)(v) of the Disclosure Schedule;
(ii) hire any new employee or terminate the employment of any employee or engage
any independent contractor or terminate any existing agreement with an
independent contractor;
(iii) incur or commit to incur any capital expenditures not set forth in the
Disclosure Schedule, and which will not be made prior to Closing in excess of
$5,000 in the aggregate;
26
<PAGE>
(iv) prepay any of its material obligations;
(v) incur, assume or guarantee any long-term or
short-term indebtedness;
(vi) directly or indirectly, enter into or assume any
contract, agreement,
obligation, lease, license or commitment;
(vii) adopt or amend any Plan, Welfare Plan or
Employee Benefit Plan;
(viii) increase the compensation payable to any employee;
(ix) enter into any new collective bargaining
agreement or modify or extend
any existing collective bargaining agreement with the effect of incurring
obligations after the Closing Date, or take any action which could cause the
Purchaser to be obligated under Seller's collective bargaining agreements or the
wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment thereunder;
(x) pay or incur any management or consulting fee;
(xi) sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any
material asset or property except
for use of Inventory in the usual and ordinary course of business and except for
cash applied in payment of Seller's trade liabilities in the usual and ordinary
course of business;
(xii) amend, terminate or give notice of termination
with respect to any
existing agreement to which Seller is a party, or waive any material rights;
(xiii) directly or indirectly, enter into any transaction (including, without
limitation, the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property or the
rendering of services) with any Affiliate of Seller; or
(xiv) pay, declare or set aside any dividend or other
distribution on its
securities of any class or purchase or redeem any of its securities of any
class.
(e) Seller shall satisfy before, or concurrently with, the
Closing, all of the Excluded Liabilities.
(f) Seller shall deliver to Purchaser, within 15 days after
each month's end between the date hereof and the Closing Date, year to date
profit and loss statements and balance sheets for the month then ended,
certified by Seller's President that such information has been prepared in
accordance with GAAP, consistently applied and presents accurately and
completely Seller's financial position for the period shown.
(g) On or before the Closing, Seller shall deliver to
Purchaser a copy of its audit reports for the years ending December 31, 1997 and
December 31, 1998, (the "Audit Reports"),
27
<PAGE>
including balance sheets, statements of income and retained earnings, statements
of cash flows and notes to such financial statements, certified in a manner
acceptable to Purchaser by Purchaser's accountants and accompanied by a
certificate of Seller's President that the Audit Reports present accurately and
completely the financial position of the Seller at December 31, 1997 and
December 31, 1998 respectively and the results of operations and cash flows for
the years ending December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1998, in accordance with
GAAP consistently applied. Seller shall also deliver to Purchaser, with the
Audit Reports, copies of all attorneys' responses to audit inquiry letters and
all management letters from the accountants with respect to the Audit Reports.
(h) Seller shall promptly disclose to Purchaser any
information contained in its representations and warranties or the Disclosure
Schedule which, because of an event occurring after the date hereof, is
incomplete or is no longer correct as of all times after the date hereof until
the Closing Date; provided, however, that none of such disclosures shall be
deemed to modify, amend or supplement the representations and warranties of
Seller or the Disclosure Schedule hereto for the purposes of Article VI hereof,
unless Purchaser shall have consented thereto in writing.
(i) Seller shall refrain, beginning from the date hereof
through 12:01 a.m. on the day next succeeding the Closing Date, from taking any
action which would result in an "employment loss" (as such term is defined in
WARN) for any employee of the Seller.
(j) During the period from the date of this Agreement until
either the Closing or the date that this Agreement is terminated in accordance
with Section 11.1 hereof Seller will not directly or indirectly through any
representative or otherwise, solicit or entertain offers from, negotiate with or
in any manner encourage or consider other proposals relating to the transactions
described in this Agreement.
6.3 Joint Obligations. The following shall apply with equal force to Seller and
Purchaser:
(a) Without implication that such laws apply to the
transaction contemplated hereby, Seller and Purchaser shall not comply with the
provisions of the laws of any state relating to bulk sales.
(b) No party shall intentionally perform any act which, if
performed, or omit to perform any act which, if omitted to be performed, would
prevent or excuse the performance of this Agreement by any party hereto or which
would result in any representation or warranty herein contained of said party
being untrue in any material respect as if originally made on and as of the
Closing Date.
6.4 Purchaser's Obligations. Until the Closing, or, if this agreement is
terminated in accordance with Section 11.1, then for the longest period
permitted by law after such termination, Purchaser agrees that it shall hold in
strictest confidence and shall not, without the prior approval of Seller, use
for its own benefit (other than in evaluating the transaction described herein)
or
28
<PAGE>
disclose to any person, firm or corporation (other than its attorneys,
accountants, and other professionals retained in connection with the evaluation
of the transaction described herein) any information provided by the Seller
relating to its business or the Purchased Assets, except to the extent that such
information is otherwise publicly available.
ARTICLE VII
Conditions to Closing
7.1 Conditions to Seller's Obligations. The obligation of Seller to consummate
the transaction contemplated hereby is subject to the fulfillment of all of the
following conditions on or prior to the Closing Date, upon the non-fulfillment
of any of which this Agreement may, at Seller's option, be terminated pursuant
to and with the effect set forth in Article XI:
(a) Each and every representation and warranty made by
Purchaser shall have been true and correct when made and shall be true and
correct in all material respects as if originally made on and as of the Closing
Date.
(b) All obligations of Purchaser to be performed hereunder
through, and including on, the Closing Date shall have been performed.
(c) Seller shall have received all of the agreements,
certificates, documents and items specified in Section 8.2.
(d) No suit, proceeding or investigation shall have been
commenced or threatened by any governmental authority or private person on any
grounds to restrain, enjoin or hinder, or to seek material damages on account
of, the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby.
7.2 Conditions to Purchaser's Obligations. The obligation of Purchaser to
consummate the transaction contemplated hereby is subject to the fulfillment of
all of the following conditions on or prior to the Closing Date, upon the
non-fulfillment of any of which this Agreement may, at Purchaser's option, be
terminated pursuant to and with the effect set forth in Article XI:
(a) Each and every representation and warranty made by Seller
shall have been true and correct when made and shall be true and correct in all
material respects as if originally made on and as of the Closing Date.
(b) All obligations of Seller to be performed hereunder
through, and including on, the Closing Date shall have been performed.
(c) Purchaser shall have received all of the agreements,
certificates, documents and items specified in Section 8.3.
29
<PAGE>
(d) All of the Consents and all other consents of third
parties required with respect to the transaction contemplated hereby shall have
been obtained.
(e) No suit, proceeding or investigation shall have been
commenced or threatened by any governmental authority or private person on any
grounds to restrain, enjoin or hinder, or to seek material damages on account
of, the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby.
(f) Seller shall have obtained from the State of Connecticut
tax clearances including income, sales and unemployment taxes and premiums of
the transaction contemplated herein and shall have paid all necessary fees,
costs, taxes and other charges related thereto.
(g) There shall not have been any material adverse change in
the financial condition, results of operations, business, assets, future
prospects or liabilities of Seller between the date of the Most Recent Financial
Statement and the Closing Date.
(h) Purchaser's inspections and investigations of the Owned
Real Property and the Leased Real Property, including without limitation, review
of title reports and surveys for such properties and the investigations
described in Section 6.2 (a), do not reveal any state of facts which are
unsatisfactory to Purchaser in its sole discretion (hereinafter referred to as
"Purchaser's Objections"), provided, however, if all conditions described in
clauses (a) through (g) above have been satisfied, and Purchaser's Objections
pursuant to this clause (h) relate only to Evironmental Liabilities and Costs ,
and the total Environmental Liabilities and Costs are reasonably estimated by
Purchaser to be Three Hundred Thousand Dollars or less, then Purchaser shall be
obligated to purchase the Owned Real Property at the Closing and Seller shall
promptly undertake all measures (the "Remedial Measures") necessary to remedy
all conditions necessary to remove all Hazardous Materials and to comply with
all Environmental Laws. The first Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) of
costs of the Remedial Measures shall be shared equally by Purchaser and Shukla;
the next One Hundred Thousand Dollars of such costs shall be paid by Shukla. In
the event that the costs of such Remedial Measures exceeds Three Hundred
Thousand Dollars, Purchaser shall have the option to either(a) elect not to
purchase the Owned Real Property or (b) elect to purchase the Owned Real
Property in which event Shukla shall be required to pay his $200,000 share of
the costs and Purchaser shall pay its $100,000 share plus all such costs in
excess of $300,000. In the event that Purchaser elects to purchase the Owned
Real Property and Shukla breaches his obligations pursuant to this clause (h)
then Purchaser shall have the right to off-set the amount of such breach against
Purchaser's obligations under the Reliable Note and/or the Shukla Note by an
immediate reduction to the principal balances due under such Notes. In the event
that Purchaser elects not to Purchase the Owned Real Property, (in the case
where all other conditions other than Objections regarding Environmental
Liabilities and Costs have been satisfied) then Purchaser shall still be
obligated to purchase all of the other Purchased Assets in accordance with
Sections 3.2 (a)(c), (d) and (e) above and Purchaser shall have the right to
either (x) remove all of the Purchased Assets from the Building, in which event
Shukla and/or Seller jointly and severally agree to pay to Purchaser its actual
cost of moving the Purchased Assets, but not more than One Hundred Thousand
Dollars
30
<PAGE>
($100,000), or (y) rent the Building on terms and conditions to be mutually
agreed upon between Purchaser and Shukla.
ARTICLE VIII
Closing
8.1 Form of Documents. At the Closing, the parties shall deliver the documents,
and shall perform the acts, which are set forth in this Article VIII. All
documents which Seller shall deliver shall be in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Purchaser and Purchaser's counsel. All documents which Purchaser
shall deliver shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Seller
and Seller's counsel.
8.2 Purchaser's Deliveries. Subject to the fulfillment or waiver of the
conditions set forth in Section 7.2, Purchaser shall execute and/or deliver to
Seller all of the following:
(a) an amount equal to the sum set forth in Section 3.2(b)
plus the amount necessary to reimburse Seller for the environmental testing
pursuant to Section 6.2(a), by wire transfer to such account as Seller shall
designate by written notice delivered to Purchaser, or by delivery of a
certified check or bank check payable to the order of Seller;
(b) the Reliable Note and, subject to the provisions of Section 7.2(h), the
Shukla Note;
(c) the employment agreement between Purchaser and Rajendra Shukla in the form
annexed hereto as Exhibit C (the "Employment Agreement");
(d) written authorization to the Escrow Agent to pay the Deposit to Seller;
(e) a certified copy of Purchaser's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws;
(f) a certificate of good standing of Purchaser, issued not
earlier than ten (10) days prior to the Closing Date by the Secretary of State
of New York;
(g) an incumbency and specimen signature certificate with
respect to the officers of Purchaser executing this Agreement and Purchaser's
Ancillary Documents on behalf of Purchaser;
(h) a certified copy of resolutions of Purchaser's board of
directors, authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
and Purchaser's Ancillary Documents;
(i) a closing certificate executed by an officer of Purchaser
(or any other officer of Purchaser specifically authorized to do so), on behalf
of Purchaser, pursuant to which Purchaser
31
<PAGE>
represents and warrants to Seller that Purchaser's representations and
warranties to Seller are true and correct as of the Closing Date as if then
originally made (or, if any such representation or warranty is untrue in any
respect, specifying the respect in which the same is untrue), that all covenants
required by the terms hereof to be performed by Purchaser on or before the
Closing Date, to the extent not waived by Purchaser in writing, have been so
performed (or, if any such covenant has not been performed, indicating that such
covenant has not been performed), and that all documents to be executed and
delivered by Purchaser at the Closing have been executed by duly authorized
officers of Purchaser;
(j) the written opinion of McLaughlin & Stern, LLP, counsel to
Purchaser, addressed to Seller, dated as of the Closing Date, in substantially
the form of Exhibit D attached hereto;
(k) without limitation by the specific enumeration of the
foregoing, all other documents required from Purchaser to consummate the
transaction contemplated hereby; and
(l) the Mortgage and the Security Interest.
8.3 Seller's Deliveries. Subject to the fulfillment or waiver of the conditions
set forth in Section 7.1, Seller shall deliver to Purchaser physical possession
of all tangible Purchased Assets, and shall execute (where applicable in
recordable form) and/or deliver or cause to be executed and/or delivered to
Purchaser all of the following:
(a) the deed(s) with respect to the Owned Real Property in the
form annexed hereto as Exhibit E, subject to the provisions of Section 7.2(h);
(b) Photocopies of any and all affidavits, indemnities and
other instruments and documents which Purchaser's title insurance company shall
reasonably require to insure title to the Owned Real Property subject only to
the matters contained in the preliminary title report annexed hereto as Exhibit
F.
(c) A Certification of Non-Foreign Status of Seller, pursuant to Section 1445 of
the Internal Revenue Code.
(d) the Employment Agreement, executed by Rajendra Shukla;
(e) certified copies of Seller's Articles of Incorporation and By-laws;
(f) certificates of good standing of Seller, issued not
earlier than ten (10) days prior to the Closing Date by the Secretary of State
of Connecticut.
(g) an incumbency and specimen signature certificate with
respect to the officers of Seller executing this Agreement and Seller's
Ancillary Documents on behalf of Seller;
32
<PAGE>
(h) a certified copy of resolutions of Seller's board of
directors and shareholders, authorizing the execution, delivery and performance
of this Agreement and Seller's Ancillary Documents;
(i) a bill of sale, executed by Seller, conveying all of the Inventory,
Equipment and other tangible personal property included in the Purchased Assets
to Purchaser, free and clear of all Liens and containing the warranties of title
set forth in this Agreement;
(j) an assignment to Purchaser, to be subject to acceptance by Purchaser,
executed by Seller, assigning to purchaser all of the Purchased Assets (other
than the Inventory and the Equipment), along with the original instruments (if
any) representing, evidencing or constituting such Purchased Assets, free and
clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens and containing the warranties of
title set forth in this Agreement. If necessary in the opinion of Purchaser's
counsel, Seller shall also execute and deliver (in recordable form where
required) separate assignments of any of the Purchased Assets, where applicable,
in the form required by the applicable governmental agencies, insurance
companies, customers, lessors, and other parties with whom the assignments must
be filed;
(k) a closing certificate duly executed by the President and Vice President of
Seller, on behalf of Seller, pursuant to which Seller represents and warrants to
Purchaser that Seller's representations and warranties to Purchaser are true and
correct as of the Closing Date as if then originally made (or, if any such
representation or warranty is untrue in any respect, specifying the respect in
which the same is untrue), that all covenants required by the terms hereof to be
performed by Seller on or before the Closing Date, to the extent not waived by
Seller in writing, have been so performed (or, if any such covenant has not been
so performed, indicating that such covenant has not been performed), and that
all documents to be executed and delivered by Seller at the Closing have been
executed by duly authorized officers of Seller;
(l) to the extent obtained, all necessary Consents or alternate arrangements
with respect thereto, all as reasonably acceptable to Purchaser;
(m) certificates of title or origin (or like documents) with respect to all
vehicles included in the Purchased Assets and other Equipment for which a
certificate of title or origin is required in order for title thereto to be
transferred to Purchaser;
(n) the written opinion of Hertzmark & Crean, P.C., counsel to Seller, addressed
to Purchaser, dated as of the Closing Date, in substantially the form of Exhibit
G attached hereto with such changes thereto as shall be reasonably requested by
Purchaser's lenders (it being understood that Purchaser's lenders may rely upon
such opinion);
(o) a list of all employees of Seller who have been terminated by Seller during
the 90 days prior to Closing;
33
<PAGE>
(p) the Closing Date Balance Sheet, together with a certificate duly executed by
the President, on behalf of Seller, pursuant to which Seller represents and
warrants to Purchaser that the Closing Date Balance Sheet delivered with the
certificate has been prepared in accordance with GAAP in a manner consistent
with the Financial Statements and the Audit Reports and is a reasonable good
faith estimate of the Seller's financial position as of the close of business on
the Closing Date,
(q) satisfactory evidence from a qualified environmental engineer reasonably
acceptable to Purchaser that the transfer of the Owned Real Property is not
subject to the requirements of Connecticut General Statute Sec. 22a-134 et. seq,
and
(r) Such other documents and instruments as Purchaser shall reasonably request
in order to consummate the purchase contemplated by this Agreement.
Post-Closing Agreements
9.1 Post-Closing Agreements. From and after the Closing, the parties shall have
the respective rights and obligations which are set forth in the remainder of
this Article IX.
9.2 Certain Assignments. Any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding, this Agreement shall not constitute an agreement to transfer or
assign, or a transfer or assignment of, any claim, contract, lease, Permit,
Environmental Permit, commitment, or sales order, or any liability or benefit
arising thereunder or resulting therefrom, if an attempt at transfer or
assignment thereof without the consent required or necessary for such assignment
would constitute a breach thereof or in any way adversely affect the rights of
Purchaser or Seller thereunder. If such a consent or agreement to transfer or
assign is not obtained for any reason, Purchaser and Seller shall cooperate in
any arrangement Purchaser may reasonably request to provide for Purchaser the
benefits under such claim, contract, lease, Permit, Environmental Permit,
commitment or order.
9.3 Use of Trademarks: References to Seller. Seller shall cease to use and shall
not license or permit any third party to use any name, slogan, logo or trademark
which is similar or deceptively similar to any of the Trademarks. Purchaser may
refer to its business as formerly being Seller's.
9.4 Employees. Purchaser shall not be obligated to offer employment to any
employee of Seller, but Purchaser shall have the right to employ individuals
previously employed by Seller as of the Closing Date, on terms and conditions
established by Purchaser in its sole discretion.
9.5 Payments of Accounts Receivable. At the Closing Seller shall provide
Purchaser with a detailed aging report of Seller's Accounts Receivable.
Purchaser shall use reasonable efforts, consistent with its existing business
practices to collect such Accounts Receivable. Purchaser shall within fifteen
days after the end of each calendar month following the calendar month of the
Closing, deliver to Seller an accounting showing for such month the amount
received in collections on
34
<PAGE>
Seller's Accounts Receivable, specifying the amount received on each invoice of
Seller (the "Collection Report"). If the amount of Accounts Receivable collected
by Purchaser exceeds the Accounts Receivable Amount, then Purchaser shall remit
to Seller the amount of such excess. Such payment(s) shall be made
simultaneously with Purchaser's delivery of the Collection Reports. If by the
sixtieth day following the Closing, Purchaser has not received payments with
respect to Seller's Accounts Receivable equal to Accounts Receivable Amount,
then Rajendra Shukla shall pay to Purchaser within ten (10) days after receipt
of written demand therefor, an amount equal to the difference between Seller's
Accounts Receivable collected and the Accounts Receivable Amount.
9.6 Sales and Transfer Taxes and Fees. Seller shall pay when due all sales taxes
and/or use taxes and fees, recording fees, personal property title application
fees, patent and trademark assignment registration fees, transfer taxes and
fees, fees relating to the transfer of software licenses, and other sales taxes
and transfer taxes and fees on transfer of the Purchased Assets arising by
virtue of the sale of the Purchased Assets to Purchaser, regardless of whether
the liability for said taxes or fees is imposed by law upon Seller or upon
Purchaser, and shall make all necessary filings with respect thereto.
9.7 Disclosure of Confidential Information. As a further inducement for
Purchaser to enter into this Agreement, Seller agrees that for the longest
period permitted by law after the Closing Date, Seller shall, and shall cause
its Affiliates to, and Rajendra Shukla shall hold in strictest confidence, and
not, without the prior written approval of Purchaser, use for their own benefit
or the benefit of any party other than Purchaser or disclose to any person, firm
or corporation other than Purchaser (other than as required by law) any
information of any kind relating to the Business or this Agreement, except such
information as was publicly available prior to the Closing Date. This provision
shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
9.8 Covenants Not to Compete: Not to Solicit. As an inducement for Purchaser to
enter into this Agreement, Seller and Rajendra Shukla agree that from and after
the Closing and continuing until the later of five (5) years from the Closing
Date or two years following the termination of Rajendra Shukla's employment with
Purchaser, provided that Purchaser is not in default of its payment obligations
pursuant to the Note, neither Rajendra Shukla nor Seller nor any of its
Affiliates, shall (i) directly or indirectly engage or participate, anywhere in
the Restricted Area, as an owner, partner, shareholder, consultant or (without
limitation by the specific enumeration of the foregoing) otherwise, in any
business which is competitive with the Business or (ii) hire, enter into any
Agreement with or solicit any of Purchaser's employees, agents, consultants, or
independent contractors or encourage any of them to terminate their relationship
with Purchaser.
Rajendra Shukla, Seller and its Affiliates recognize that the
territorial, time and scope limitations set forth in this Section 9.8 are
reasonable and are required for the protection of Purchaser, and in the event
that any such territorial, time or scope limitation is deemed to be unreasonable
by a court of competent jurisdiction, Purchaser and Seller agree to the
reduction of any of said territorial, time or scope limitations to such an area,
period or scope as said court shall deem reasonable under the circumstances.
35
<PAGE>
9.9 Injunctive Relief. Seller and Rajendra Shukla specifically recognize that
any breach of Section 9.7 or Section 9.8 will cause irreparable injury to
Purchaser and that actual damages may be difficult to ascertain, and in any
event, may be inadequate. Accordingly (and without limiting the availability of
legal or equitable, including injunctive, remedies under any other provisions of
this Agreement), Seller and Rajendra Shukla agree that in the event of any such
breach, Purchaser shall be entitled to injunctive relief in addition to such
other legal and equitable remedies that may be available. Seller, Rajendra
Shukla and Purchaser recognize that the time limitation or absence of a time
limitation in Section 9.7 and Section 9.8 is reasonable and properly required
for the protection of Purchaser and in the event that such limitation or absence
is deemed to be unreasonable by a court of competent jurisdiction, Seller and
Rajendra Shukla agree and submit to the imposition of such a limitation as said
court shall deem reasonable.
9.10 Change of Seller Name. Within thirty days after the Closing, Seller will
file with the Secretary of State of Connecticut and any other appropriate
authority a Certificate of Amendment to Seller's Articles of Incorporation
changing Seller's corporate name to one that is not deceptively similar to
Seller's present name and does not include the word "Reliable"
9.11 Occupancy by RPM After the Closing, RPM may continue to occupy the portion
of the Building which it currently occupies (the "RPM Space") on a month to
month basis. The license payment for the occupancy of the RPM Space shall be
mutually determined by the Purchaser and RPM. RPM shall vacate the RPM Space
within thirty days after receipt of written notice from Purchaser. RPM shall
have the right to vacate the RPM Space at any time upon thirty days written
notice to Purchaser.
9.12 Further Assurances. The parties shall execute such further documents, and
perform such further acts, as may be necessary to transfer and convey the
Purchased Assets to Purchaser, on the terms herein contained, and to otherwise
comply with the terms of this Agreement and to consummate the transaction
contemplated hereby.
ARTICLE X
Indemnification
10.1 General. From and after the Closing, the parties shall indemnify each other
as provided in this Article X. For the purposes of this Article X, each party
shall be deemed to have remade all of its representations and warranties
contained in this Agreement at the Closing with the same effect as if originally
made at the Closing. As used in this Agreement, the term "Damages" shall mean
all liabilities, demands, claims, actions or causes of action, regulatory,
legislative or judicial proceedings or investigations, assessments, levies,
losses, fines, penalties, damages, costs and expenses, including, without
limitation: (a) reasonable attorneys', accountants', investigators', and
experts' fees and expenses, sustained or incurred in connection with the defense
or investigation of any such claim and (b) costs and expenses reasonably
incurred to bring the Purchased Assets and
36
<PAGE>
the Business into compliance with any laws or regulations, including, without
limitation, Environmental Laws.
10.2 Indemnification Obligations of Seller. Seller shall defend, indemnify, save
and keep harmless Purchaser and its successors and permitted assigns against and
from all Damages sustained or incurred by any of them resulting from or arising
out of or by virtue of:
(a) any inaccuracy in or breach of any representation or
warranty made by Seller in this Agreement or in any closing document delivered
to Purchaser in connection with this Agreement;
(b) any breach by Seller of, or failure by Seller to comply
with, any of its covenants or obligations under this Agreement (including,
without limitation, its obligations under this Article X);
(c) the failure to discharge when due any of the Excluded
Liabilities, or any claim against Purchaser with respect to any Excluded
Liability or alleged Excluded Liability;
(d) any claims by parties other than Purchaser to the extent
caused by acts or omissions of Seller on or prior to the Closing Date,
including, without limitation, claims for Damages which arise or arose out of
Seller's operation of the Business or by virtue of Seller's ownership of the
Purchased Assets on or prior to the Closing Date;
(e) any Plan or Welfare Plan which Seller or an ERISA
Affiliate has at any time maintained or administered or to which Seller or any
ERISA Affiliate has at any time contributed (including, without limitation, any
liability for health continuation requirements under Code Section 4980B or Part
6 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA and any liability arising pursuant to Title
IV of ERISA for plan termination, withdrawal or partial withdrawal from any
Multiemployer Plan, or any lien to enforce any Title IV liability or any
liability for retiree benefits);
(f) any benefits accrued pursuant to any Employee Benefit
Plan, or any action or failure to act, in whole or in part, with respect to any
Employee Benefit Plan;
(g) any failure of the parties to comply with any applicable
bulk transfer laws contained in the Uniform Commercial Code of the State of
Connecticut in connection with the transaction contemplated by this Agreement,
as contemplated by Section 6.3(a);
(h) without being limited by the foregoing paragraphs (a)
through (g), and without regard to whether any one or more of the items listed
in this paragraph (h) may be disclosed in the Disclosure Schedule or otherwise
known to Purchaser as of the date hereof or the Closing Date:
(i) any violation of, or delinquency with respect to, any decree, order or
arbitration award or law, statute, or regulation in effect on or prior to the
Closing Date of or
37
<PAGE>
agreement of Seller with, or any license, Permit or Environmental Permit granted
to Seller from, any Federal, state or local governmental authority to which the
properties, assets, personnel or business activities of the Business are subject
(or to which the Seller is subject as it relates to the properties, assets,
personnel or business activities of the Business), including, without
limitation, laws, statutes and regulations relating to occupational health and
safety, building codes, zoning, equal employment opportunities, fair employment
practices and discrimination;
(ii) any generation, transportation, storage, treatment or Release of any
Hazardous Materials occurring on or prior to the Closing Date (including without
limitation those that allegedly result in, or result in, any Release or
treatment of Hazardous Materials after the Closing Date), regardless of when
liability is asserted, at (A) any Facility, regardless of whether Seller owned,
operated or leased such Facility at the time any such activity occurred, or (B)
any Offsite Facility with regard to any Hazardous Materials with which Seller
was involved in any way at any time;
(iii) any discharges to or from storm, ground or surface waters or wetlands, and
any air emissions or pollution, which result from or are caused by activities,
events, conditions or occurrences on or prior to the Closing Date;
(iv) the exposure of and resulting consequences to
any persons, including,
without limitation, employees of Seller, to any Hazardous Materials created,
generated, processed, handled or originating on or prior to the Closing Date at
a Facility or otherwise used by Seller or its predecessors in the conduct of its
business or contained in or constituting a part of merchandise sold by Seller or
its predecessors; or
(v) any violation or alleged violation of, or obligation imposed by, any
Environmental Law as a result of activities, events, conditions or occurrences
prior to the Closing Date, regardless of when the violation or alleged violation
or obligation arises or is asserted.
The obligations of Seller under this Section 10.2 shall extend for five
(5) years following the Closing Date, except for their obligations with respect
to the accuracy of the representations and warranties contained in Sections
4.2(c), 4.2(d), 4.5 and 4.7 of this Agreement, which obligations shall extend
until the applicable statute of limitations with respect to Seller's liability
for such matters shall have expired or, if no statute of limitations is
applicable, for a period of six years following the Closing Date.
10.3 Purchaser's Indemnification Covenants. Purchaser shall defend, indemnify,
save and keep harmless Seller and its successors and permitted assigns against
and from all Damages sustained or incurred by any of them resulting from or
arising out of or by virtue of:
(a) any inaccuracy in or breach of any representation or
warranty made by Purchaser in this Agreement or in any closing document
delivered to Seller in connection with this Agreement;
38
<PAGE>
(b) any breach by Purchaser of, or failure by Purchaser to
comply with, any of its covenants or obligations under this Agreement
(including, without limitation, its obligations under this Article X);
(c) any claims by parties other than Seller to the extent
caused by the acts or omissions of Purchaser after the Closing Date and not
constituting an Excluded Liability, including, without limitation, claims for
Damages which arise out of Purchaser's operation of the Business after the
Closing Date.
Purchaser's obligations under Section 10.3 shall extend for three (3)
years following the Closing Date.
10.4 Subrogation. Each Indemnifying Party shall be subrogated to all rights of
the Indemnified Party against any third party (including, without limitation,
any insurer) with respect to any claim for which indemnity is paid.
10.5 Set-Off. If, at any time, Purchaser or any other Indemnified Party of
Purchaser shall give notice to Seller pursuant to this Article X of one or more
claims for indemnity (including reasonable estimates thereof in anticipation of
Damages) pursuant to this Article X (any such claim for indemnity as to which
such notice is given being hereinafter referred to as a "Covered Claim"), and
Seller does not promptly thereafter pay the amount of such Covered Claim to
Purchaser or any other Indemnified Party of Purchaser, Purchaser (including on
behalf of any such Indemnified Party of Purchaser) shall have the right, but not
the obligation, upon further notice to Seller, setting forth the amount and
nature of each such Covered Claim in reasonable detail (the "Set-Off Notice"),
to immediately reduce the principal balance due under the Note by the amount of
such Covered Claims (the "Set-Off"") provided, however, that such remedies shall
not reduce the principal balance of the Note by more than Two Hundred Fifty
Thousand Dollars ($250,000), and provided further that with respect to the
"Limited Set-Off Claims" (defined below) Purchaser shall only have a right of
Set- Off against the Note to the extent that the aggregate amount of Damages
incurred with respect to the Limited Set-Off Claims exceeds Ten Thousand
Dollars($10,000). Purchaser's set-off right with respect to the Limited Set-Off
Claims shall be limited to Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) in the
aggregate (i.e. if the aggregate amount of Damages with respect to the Limited
Set-Off Claims are Thirty Five Thousand Dollars ($35,000) or more, Purchaser's
Set-Off right with respect to such claims would be limited to Twenty Five
Thousand Dollars ($25,000).
The "Limited Set-Off Claims" are any claims for Damages other than those arising
out of :
(a) any inaccuracy in or breach of any representation or warranty made
by Seller in :
(i) Section 4.2 (d)(i.e. Seller's representations regarding Taxes), or
(ii) Section 4.2 (c), the second sentence of Section
4.2(e) or the last sentence of Section 4.2 (f ) (i.e
Seller's representations regarding title to the
Purchased Assets), or
(b) any claim against Purchaser with respect to any Excluded Liability
or alleged Excluded Liability, or
(c) any claims by parties other than Purchaser to the extent caused by
acts or omissions of Seller on or prior to the Closing Date, including, without
limitation, claims for Damages which arise or arose out of Seller's operation of
the Business or by virtue of Seller's ownership of the Purchased Assets on or
prior to the Closing Date.
If Seller disputes Purchaser's right to a Set-Off for any
Limited Set-Off Claim then Seller shall send written notice to Purchaser not
later than ten days after Seller's receipt of Purchaser's Set-Off Notice. If the
parties cannot settle the dispute within fifteen days after Purchaser's receipt
of Seller's Dispute Notice then such dispute shall be settled by arbitration ion
accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 12.12 below.
The foregoing Set-Off rights shall not limit Purchaser's
ability to enforce any claim for indemnification against Seller to the extent
that the Damages exceed the amount of the allowable Set-Off as described above.
ARTICLE XI
Effect of Termination/Proceeding
11.1 Right to Terminate. This Agreement and the transaction contemplated hereby
may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing by prompt notice given in
accordance with Section 12.2:
(a) by the mutual written consent of Purchaser and Seller; or
(b) by either of such parties if the Closing shall not have
occurred at or before 11:59 p.m. on July 1, 1999; provided, however, that the
right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 11.1(b) shall not be
available to any party whose failure to fulfill any material obligation under
this Agreement has been the cause of, or resulted in the failure of the Closing
to occur on or prior to the aforesaid date.
11.2 Remedies. In the event of a breach of this Agreement, the non-breaching
party shall not be limited to the remedy of termination of this Agreement, but
shall be entitled to pursue all available legal and equitable rights and
remedies, including the right to specific performance of this Agreement, and
shall be entitled to recover all of its reasonable costs and expenses incurred
in pursuing them (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees).
39
<PAGE>
ARTICLE XII
Miscellaneous
12.1 Publicity. All press releases concerning this transaction shall be made by
Purchaser only, and Seller shall not make any press releases or other publicity
with respect to this transaction. Prior to making any press release, Purchaser
shall give Seller a copy of same and not less than twenty four hours to review
and comment.
12.2 Notices. All notices required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be
in writing and may be delivered by hand, by facsimile, by nationally recognized
private courier, or by United States mail. Notices delivered by mail shall be
deemed given three (3) business days after being deposited in the United States
mail, postage prepaid, registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.
Notices delivered by hand, by facsimile or by nationally recognized private
carrier shall be deemed given on the first business day following receipt;
provided, however, that a notice delivered by facsimile shall only be effective
if such notice is also delivered by hand, or deposited in the United States
mail, postage prepaid, registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
on or before two (2) business days after its delivery by facsimile. All notices
shall be addressed as follows:
If to Seller or Rajendra Shukla:
Addressed to :
Mr. Rajendra Shukla
1 Pell Farm Road
Saddle River, New Jersey 07458
with a copy to:
Allan Hertzmark
Hertzmark & Crean, P.C.
76 Center Street
Waterbury, Connecticut 06722
If to Purchaser:
Addressed to:
West Tech, Inc.
750 Shames Drive
Westbury, N.Y. 11590
Attn: Mandel Sherman
with a copy to:
40
<PAGE>
McLaughlin & Stern, LLP
260 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10016
Attention: David W. Sass
and/or to such other respective addresses and/or addressees as may be designated
by notice given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 12.2.
12.3 Expenses. Except as set forth in Section 6.2, each party hereto shall bear
all fees and expenses incurred by such party in connection with, relating to or
arising out of the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the
consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby, including, without
limitation, attorneys', accountants' and other professional fees and expenses.
12.4 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the instruments to be delivered by the
parties pursuant to the provisions hereof constitute the entire agreement
between the parties. Each exhibit, and the Disclosure Schedule, shall be
considered incorporated into this Agreement.
12.5 Survival: Non-Waiver. All representations and warranties shall survive the
Closing regardless of any investigation or lack of investigation by any of the
parties hereto, except as previously described in the last sentence of the
introductory paragraph of Article IV In the event of a breach of any
representations, warranties or covenants, the party to whom such
representations, warranties or covenants have been made shall have all rights
and remedies for such breach available to it under this Agreement, Seller's
Ancillary Documents, Purchaser's Ancillary Documents or otherwise, whether at
law or in equity, regardless of any disclosure to, or investigation made by or
on behalf of, such party on or before the Closing Date. The failure in any one
or more instances of a party to insist upon performance of any of the terms,
covenants or conditions of this Agreement or to exercise any right or privilege
in this Agreement conferred, or the waiver by said party of any breach of any of
the terms, covenants or conditions of this Agreement, shall not be construed as
a subsequent waiver of any such terms, covenants, conditions, right or
privileges, but the same shall continue and remain in full force and effect as
if no such forbearance or waiver had occurred. No waiver shall be effective
unless it is in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the
waiving party.
12.6 Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed and controlled as to
validity, enforcement, interpretation, construction, effect and in all other
respects by the internal laws of the State of Connecticut applicable to
contracts made and wholly to be performed in that State.
12.7 Binding Effect: Benefit. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and
be binding upon the parties hereto and their successors and permitted assigns.
Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer on any
person other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and
permitted assigns any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by
reason
41
<PAGE>
of this Agreement.
12.8 Assignability. This Agreement shall not be assignable by either party
without the prior written consent of the other party, except that at or prior to
the Closing Purchaser may assign its rights and delegate its duties under this
Agreement to a subsidiary or affiliated corporation and may assign its rights
under this Agreement to its lenders or its affiliates for collateral security
purposes, and after the Closing Purchaser may assign its rights and delegate its
duties under this Agreement to any third party. No such assignment shall relieve
Purchaser of any of its liabilities under this Agreement.
12.9 Amendments. This Agreement shall not be modified or amended except pursuant
to an instrument in writing executed and delivered on behalf of each of the
parties hereto.
12.10 Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this
Agreement.
12.11 Escrow Provisions
(a) The check representing the Deposit shall be delivered to and held
by the Escrow Agent until the Closing at which time the Deposit shall be paid to
Seller as described in Section 3.2(a), or until it is otherwise paid out in
accordance with the joint written instructions of Seller and Purchaser or in
accordance with this agreement; provided, however, that if Purchaser shall
terminate this agreement in accordance with the terms of Section 11.1 hereof,
the Deposit shall be disbursed to Purchaser.
(b) The parties agree that the duties of Escrow Agent under this
agreement are subject to the following terms and conditions which shall govern
and control the rights, duties, liabilities and immunities of Escrow Agent.
(c) (i) The parties acknowledge that Escrow Agent is acting solely as a
stakeholder at their request and for their convenience. Escrow Agent is not a
party to and is not bound by any other agreement between the parties. Escrow
Agent is acting in the capacity of a depository only. Escrow Agent shall not be
deemed to be the agent of either of the parties and Escrow Agent shall not be
liable to either of the parties for any act or omission on its part unless taken
or suffered in bad faith, in willful disregard of this agreement or involving
gross negligence. Seller and Purchaser shall jointly and severally indemnify and
hold Escrow Agent harmless from and against all costs, claims and expenses,
including reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements incurred in connection
with the performance of the Escrow Agent's duties hereunder, except with respect
to acts or omissions taken or suffered by Escrow Agent in bad faith, in willful
disregard of this agreement or involving gross negligence on the part of Escrow
Agent.
(ii) Escrow Agent may consult with and obtain advice of legal counsel in the
event of any dispute or question as to the construction of any of the provisions
of this
42
<PAGE>
agreement. Escrow Agent shall incur no liability and shall be fully protected in
acting in good faith in accordance with the opinion and instructions of its
counsel.
(d) If the Closing does not occur and either Seller or
Purchaser makes a written demand upon Escrow Agent for payment of the Deposit or
any portion of the Deposit, Escrow Agent shall give at least five (5) business
days' written notice to the other party of such demand and of its intention to
release the Deposit to the other party on a stated date. If Escrow Agent does
not receive a written objection to the proposed payment before the proposed
payment date, Escrow Agent may deposit the check representing the Deposit and
make the payment. If the other party delivers to Escrow Agent a written
objection to the payment before the proposed payment date or if Escrow Agent
shall be uncertain of its duties or in the event of a dispute, Escrow Agent
shall (i) continue to hold the Deposit until otherwise directed by joint written
instructions signed by both Seller and Purchaser or by a final judgment of a
court of competent jurisdiction, or (ii) Escrow Agent may deposit the check
representing the Deposit with a court of competent jurisdiction and, after
giving written notice of such action to Seller and Purchaser, Escrow Agent shall
have no further obligations or liability with respect to the Deposit.
(e) Escrow Agent is Seller's attorney. Seller and Purchaser
each acknowledge and agree that, if a dispute arises with respect to the Deposit
or otherwise in connection with this agreement, Escrow Agent may continue to
represent Seller.
12.12 Arbitration All disputes directed to be settled in accordance with the
provisions of this Section ("Arbitrable Disputes") will be submitted by the
Seller for resolution upon the filing of a written demand, with notice to the
Purchaser, to and under the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American
Arbitration Association ("AAA") in Stamford, Connecticut before a panel of three
(3) arbitrators. One arbitrator shall be appointed by each party within ten (10)
days after the AAA has given notice of the filing of the demand for Arbitration.
The two arbitrators so selected shall select a third, or, if such arbitrators
are unable to select another arbitrator, the AAA shall select a third arbitrator
within five (5) days after the date the latter of the first two arbitrators are
selected. Upon such Arbitrable Dispute being submitted for resolution, the
arbitrators shall assume exclusive jurisdiction over the Arbitrable Dispute, and
shall utilize consultants or experts as they shall deem appropriate to assist
them. The decision of the arbitrators shall be a final, binding determination,
not subject to appeal.
43
<PAGE>
12.13 Cumulative Remedies. All rights and remedies of either party hereto are
cumulative of each other and every other right or remedy such party may
otherwise have at law or in equity, and the exercise of one or more rights or
remedies shall not prejudice or impair the concurrent or subsequent exercise of
other rights or remedies. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this
Agreement on the date first above written.
SELLER:
--------------------------
RAJENDRA SHUKLA
RELIABLE CORPORATION
By:_______________________
Its:
PURCHASER:
WEST TECH, INC.
By:_________________________
Its:
As to Section 9.11 ONLY
RELIABLE PRECIOUS METALS, INC.
By:_______________________________
RAJENDRA SHUKLA, ________
As to Escrow Provisions only:
HERTZMARK & CREAN, P.C.
By:________________________
44
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
"Accounts Receivable" shall mean trade accounts receivable, both billed
and unbilled, notes receivable, negotiable instruments and chattel paper.
"Affiliate" means any person or entity which controls a party to this
Agreement, which that party controls, or which is under common contract with
that party. "Control" means the power, direct or indirect, to direct or cause
the direction of the management and policies of a person or entity through
voting securities, contracts or otherwise.
45
<PAGE>
"CERCLA" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 9601 et seq., as amended and reauthorized.
"Chemical Substance" means any chemical substance, including, but not
limited to any (i) pollutant, contaminant, irritant, chemical, raw material,
intermediate, product, by-product, slag, construction debris,; (ii) industrial,
solid, liquid or gaseous toxic or hazardous substance, material or waste; (iii)
petroleum or any fraction thereof; (iv) asbestos or asbestos-containing
material; (v) polychlorinated biphenyl; (vi) chlorofluorocarbons; and (vii) any
other substance, material or waste, which is identified or regulated under any
Environmental Law or Safety Law, as now or hereafter in effect, or other
comparable laws.
"Closing Date Balance Sheet" shall mean a balance sheet of Seller as of
the close of business on the Closing Date, together with a schedule of the
categories and amounts of all Current Assets and Current Liabilities as of the
Closing Date, prepared in accordance with GAAP in a manner consistent with the
preparation of the Financial Statements and the Audit Reports.
"COBRA" shall mean the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985.
"Containers" means above-ground and underground storage tanks, vessels
and related equipment and containers."Environment" means soil, land surface or
subsurface strata, real property, surface waters (including navigable waters,
ocean waters, streams, ponds, drainage basins and wetlands), groundwater, water
body sediments, drinking water supply, stream sediments, ambient air (including
indoor air), plant and animal life and any other environmental medium or natural
resource.
"Environmental Laws" means all Federal, state and local statutes,
regulations, ordinances, rules, regulations and policies, all court orders and
decrees and arbitration awards, and the common law, which pertain to
environmental matters or contamination of any type whatsoever.
Environmental Laws include, without limitation, those relating to:
manufacture, processing, use, distribution, treatment, storage, disposal,
generation or transportation of Hazardous Materials; air, surface or ground
water or noise pollution; Releases; protection of wildlife, endangered species,
wetlands, and natural resources; Containers; health and safety of employees and
other persons; and notification requirements relating to the foregoing.
"Environmental Liabilities and Costs" means all losses and expenses,
including without limitation, all fines, liabilities, or other costs incurred or
which may be required to be incurred: (i) to comply with any Environmental Law;
(ii) as a result of a Release of any Chemical Substance; or (iii) as a result of
any environmental conditions present at, created by or arising out of the past
or present operations of Seller through the Closing Date or of any prior owner
or operator of a facility or site at which Sellers now operate or have
previously operated.
"Environmental Permits" means licenses, permits, registrations, governmental
approvals,
46
<PAGE>
agreements and consents which are required under or are issued pursuant to
Environmental Laws.
"Facility" means any facility as defined in CERCLA.
"GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in effect at
the date when applied, consistent with prior periods.
"Hazardous Materials" means: (a) pollutants, contaminants, pesticides
radioactive substances, solid wastes or hazardous or extremely hazardous,
special, dangerous or toxic wastes, substances chemicals or materials within the
meaning of any Environmental Law, including without limitation any (i) hazardous
substance" as defined in CERCLA, and (ii) "hazardous waste" as defined in RCRA;
and (b) even if not prohibited, limited or regulated by Environmental Laws, all
pollutants, contaminants, hazardous, dangerous or toxic chemical materials,
wastes or any other substances, including, without limitation, any industrial
process or pollution control waste (whether or not hazardous within the meaning
of RCRA) which could pose a hazard to the environment or the health and safety
of any person, or impair the use or value of any portion of the Leased Real
Property.
"Indemnified Party" means a party entitled to indemnification under this
Agreement.
"Indemnifying Party" means a party from whom indemnification is sought
under this Agreement.
"Liens" shall mean any lien, security interest, mortgage, restriction,
pledge, option, lease or sublease, claim, easement, encroachment or encumbrance.
"Offsite Facility" means any Facility which is not presently, and has
not heretofore been, owned, leased or occupied by Seller.
"RCRA" means the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 6902 et
seq., as amended and reauthorized.
"Release" means any spill, discharge, leak, emission, escape,
injection, dumping, or other release or threatened release of any Hazardous
Materials into the environment, whether or not notification or reporting to any
governmental agency was or is required, including, without limitation, any
Release which is subject to CERCLA.
"Restricted Area" means the United States of America and Canada.
"Safety Laws" means the Occupational Safety and Health Act and any
other federal, state, and local and foreign law, regulation or legal requirement
relating to health or safety, each as now or hereinafter in effect, including
any such law, regulation or legal requirement relating to the (a) exposure of
employees to any Chemical Substance, air quality or working conditions or noise
or (b) the physical structure, use or condition of a building, facility, fixture
or other structure, including,
47
<PAGE>
without limitation, those relating to equipment or manufacturing processes, or
the management, use, storage, disposal, cleanup or removal of any Chemical
Substances, air quality or working conditions.
"Safety Liabilities and Costs" means all losses and expenses incurred
to comply with any Safety Law or as a result of any health or safety conditions
present at, created by or arising out of the past or present operations of the
Seller through the Closing Date.
"Tax" or "Taxes" shall mean all taxes and other charges imposed by any
governmental authority, including, without limitation taxes or other
governmental charges imposed on gross or net incomes minimum tax, gross
receipts, profits or gains, property tangible or intangible assets, transfers,
(including stock transfers), sales, use, ad valorem, franchise, capital, net
worth, license, withholding on amounts paid to any person, payroll, employment,
excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, environmental or windfall
profits, customs, duty or other tax, governmental fee or other like assessment
or charge of any kind whatsoever together with any interest or any penalty,
additions to tax or additional amount.
"WARN" shall mean the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988,
29 U.S. ss. 2101 et seq.
48
