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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) DECEMBER 3, 1996
----------------
PREFERRED NETWORKS, INC.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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DELAWARE 0-27658 58-1954892
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(State or other jurisdiction of (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation) Identification No.)
850 CENTER WAY, NORCROSS, GEORGIA 30071
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
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(Registrant's telephone number, including area code) (770) 582-3500
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
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ITEM 2. ACQUISITION OF ASSETS.
On December 3, 1996, Preferred Networks, Inc. ("PNI") acquired
all of the outstanding common stock of EPS Wireless, Inc., a Texas corporation
("EPS"), constituting all of the outstanding capital stock of EPS, pursuant to
an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 13, 1996 (the "Merger
Agreement") among PNI, ECC Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of PNI
("SubCorp"), EPS and the shareholders of EPS (the "Shareholders"). PNI
effected the acquisition pursuant to a merger (the "Merger") of EPS with and
into SubCorp. The Merger became effective under applicable state corporate law
on December 4, 1996. Immediately following the Merger, SubCorp changed its
name to "EPS Wireless, Inc."
The initial consideration for the EPS common stock consists of $500,000
in cash (subject to reduction as set forth in the Merger Agreement), and
662,370 shares of PNI's $.0001 par value common stock. The Shareholders may
also receive possible additional consideration (the "Earn-Out") of up to
$5,000,000 based on the financial performance of EPS during calendar years 1997
and 1998, or, if certain events occur, during a specified period ending prior
to December 31, 1998. The Earn-Out, if any, is payable in cash. PNI will use
working capital to fund the initial cash consideration payable in connection
with the Merger, and intends to use either working capital or debt (or a
combination) to fund any Earn-Out. The total consideration to be paid to the
Shareholders was the result of arms-length negotiations between representatives
of PNI and representatives of EPS and the Shareholders. Mark H. Dunaway, a
director and Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of PNI,
controlled approximately 11.4% of the outstanding shares of EPS common stock
prior to the Merger, and served as a director of EPS prior to the Merger.
EPS is a national provider of paging and cellular product repair
services. EPS also offers product sourcing and sales for refurbished paging
products, inventory management and product fulfillment. EPS has approximately
190 employees and its operations are based in Dallas, Texas. PNI views EPS's
product and service offering as complementary to PNI's business of offering
wholesale paging network services.
PNI intends to account for the acquisition as a purchase and will
include the results of EPS's operations in its consolidated financial
statements as of December 4, 1996.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS.
(a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired.
As of the date of filing of this Current Report on Form
8-K, it is impracticable for PNI to provide the
financial statements required by this Item 7(a). In
accordance with Item 7(a)(4) of Form 8-K, such
financial
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statements will be filed by an amendment to this Form
8-K no later than 60 days after December 18, 1996.
(b) Pro Forma Financial Information.
As of the date of filing of this Current Report on Form
8-K, it is impracticable for PNI to provide the
financial information required by this Item 7(b). In
accordance with Item 7(b) of Form 8-K, such financial
information will be filed by an amendment to this Form
8-K no later than 60 days after December 18, 1996.
(c) Exhibits.
The following exhibits are filed as part of this
Current Report on Form 8-K:
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among
Preferred Networks, Inc., EPS Acquisition
Corp., EPS Wireless, Inc. and the Shareholders
of EPS Wireless, Inc. The exhibits and
schedules to this Agreement and Plan of Merger
have been omitted from this Exhibit 2.1. PNI
agrees to furnish supplementally such
exhibits and schedules to the Securities and
Exchange Commission upon request.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
PREFERRED NETWORKS, INC.
Date: December 16, 1996 By: /s/ Kim Smith Hughes
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Kim Smith Hughes
Chief Financial Officer
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
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Exhibit Sequential Page No.
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2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Preferred Networks, Inc., EPS
Acquisition Corp., EPS Wireless, Inc. and the Shareholders of EPS Wireless, Inc.
The exhibits and schedules to this Agreement and Plan of Merger have been omitted
from this Exhibit 2.1. PNI agrees to furnish supplementally such exhibits and
schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
BY AND AMONG
PREFERRED NETWORKS, INC.,
EPS ACQUISITION CORP.,
EPS WIRELESS, INC.
AND
THE SHAREHOLDERS OF EPS WIRELESS, INC.
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November 13, 1996
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THE SECURITIES EVIDENCED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS IN
RELIANCE ON ONE OR MORE EXEMPTIONS THEREUNDER AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED
EXCEPT IN TRANSACTIONS EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR ANY
APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT THEREUNDER.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE 1
THE BUSINESS COMBINATION.................................................................................1
1.1 THE MERGER......................................................................................1
1.2 CLOSING.........................................................................................2
1.3 EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER....................................................................2
1.4 ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION; BYLAWS...............................................................2
1.5 DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION.............................................2
ARTICLE 2
CONVERSION AND EXCHANGE OF SHARES; ADDITIONAL ACTION
........................................................................................................2
2.1 CONVERSION OF SHARES............................................................................2
(a) SELLER COMMON STOCK....................................................................3
(b) TREASURY SHARES........................................................................3
(c) SUBCORP COMMON STOCK...................................................................3
2.2 INITIAL CONSIDERATION...........................................................................3
(a) CASH PAYMENT...........................................................................3
(b) PURCHASER SHARES.......................................................................5
2.3 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION........................................................................5
(a) DEFINITIONS............................................................................5
(b) PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION....................................................7
(c) ADJUSTMENTS............................................................................8
(d) NO TRANSFER OF RIGHTS TO ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION......................................9
(e) ADDITIONAL CAPITAL INFUSION............................................................9
(f) ACCELERATION OF PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION...................................11
2.4 LIMITATION ON ISSUANCE OF SHARES...............................................................12
2.5 ALLOCATION OF CONSIDERATION AMONG SHAREHOLDERS.................................................12
2.6 STOCK TRANSFER BOOKS...........................................................................12
2.7 SURRENDER AND EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING SELLER COMMON STOCK
..............................................................................................12
(a) EXCHANGE AGENT........................................................................12
(b) SURRENDER OF CERTIFICATES.............................................................13
(c) LOST CERTIFICATES.....................................................................13
(d) NO INTEREST...........................................................................13
(e) DIVIDENDS ON PURCHASER COMMON STOCK...................................................13
(f) NO LIABILITY..........................................................................14
2.8 DISSENTING STOCKHOLDERS........................................................................14
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ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY SELLER AND THE SHAREHOLDERS
14
3.1 ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION.................................................................14
3.2 CAPITALIZATION.................................................................................14
3.3 AUTHORITY......................................................................................15
3.4 NON-CONTRAVENTION..............................................................................15
3.5 CONSENTS.......................................................................................16
3.6 NO SUBSIDIARIES................................................................................16
3.7 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...........................................................................16
3.8 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS...........................................................17
3.9 GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATION AND COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS............................................17
3.10 ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES.............................................................18
3.11 TAX MATTERS....................................................................................18
3.12 TITLE TO PROPERTIES; ADEQUACY..................................................................19
3.13 BANK ACCOUNTS..................................................................................19
3.14 LEASES AND SUBLEASES...........................................................................19
3.15 MATERIAL CONTRACTS.............................................................................20
3.16 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS..............................................................................20
3.17 LABOR RELATIONS................................................................................21
3.18 INSIDER INTERESTS..............................................................................21
3.19 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY..........................................................................21
3.20 INSURANCE......................................................................................22
3.21 EMPLOYEE AND FRINGE BENEFIT PLANS..............................................................22
(a) SCHEDULE OF PLANS.....................................................................22
(b) QUALIFICATION.........................................................................23
(c) ACCRUALS; FUNDING.....................................................................24
(d) REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE..............................................................24
(e) PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS; TERMINATIONS; OTHER REPORTABLE EVENTS........................24
(f) CLAIMS FOR BENEFITS...................................................................25
(g) OTHER.................................................................................25
(h) CREATION OF OBLIGATIONS BY REASON OF SALE OF THE SHARES...............................25
(i) NO MULTI-EMPLOYER PLANS...............................................................25
3.22 MAJOR CUSTOMERS................................................................................25
3.23 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS..........................................................................26
3.24 CORPORATE RECORDS..............................................................................26
3.25 ACCURACY OF SCHEDULES, CERTIFICATES AND DOCUMENTS..............................................26
3.26 BROKERS, FINDERS AND INVESTMENT BANKERS........................................................27
3.27 COMBINATIONS INVOLVING SELLER..................................................................27
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ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SHAREHOLDERS..........................................................27
4.1 OWNERSHIP OF SHARES............................................................................27
4.2 AUTHORIZATION..................................................................................27
4.3 ABSENCE OF VIOLATIONS OR CONFLICTS.............................................................27
4.4 NO CONSENTS REQUIRED...........................................................................28
4.5 NO CLAIMS AGAINST SELLER.......................................................................28
4.6 LITIGATION RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT...........................................................28
4.7 INVESTMENT INTENT..............................................................................28
4.8 ACCESS TO INFORMATION; ACCREDITED INVESTOR STATUS..............................................29
4.9 ECONOMIC RISK..................................................................................29
4.10 TAX ADVICE.....................................................................................29
ARTICLE 5
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER.............................................................30
5.1 ORGANIZATION...................................................................................30
5.2 CAPITALIZATION.................................................................................30
5.3 AUTHORITY......................................................................................30
5.4 NON-CONTRAVENTION..............................................................................30
5.5 CONSENTS.......................................................................................31
5.6 PERIODIC REPORTS...............................................................................31
5.7 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS...........................................................31
5.8 BROKERS, FINDERS AND INVESTMENT BANKERS........................................................31
5.9 ACCURACY OF SCHEDULES, CERTIFICATES AND DOCUMENTS..............................................31
ARTICLE 6
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS.....................................................................31
6.1 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE EFFECTIVE TIME.................................................31
(a) OPERATION BY SELLER IN THE ORDINARY COURSE OF BUSINESS................................31
(b) FORBEARANCES BY SELLER................................................................32
6.2 BEST EFFORTS; FURTHER ASSURANCES; COOPERATION..................................................34
6.3 INVESTIGATION; CONFIDENTIALITY.................................................................34
6.4 EXPENSES.......................................................................................35
6.5 NO SOLICITATION OF TRANSACTIONS................................................................35
6.6 SHARE TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS....................................................................35
6.7 NASDAQ LISTING.................................................................................35
6.8 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS...........................................................................35
6.9 EMPLOYEE MATTERS...............................................................................36
(a) EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.....................................................................36
(b) EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS.................................................................36
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6.10 SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENTS.........................................................................36
6.11 ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS................................................................36
6.12 NO TRANSFERS...................................................................................36
6.13 SPECIAL PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO SELLER......................................................36
6.14 NONCOMPETITION; NONDISCLOSURE..................................................................37
(a) SCOPE AND REASONABLENESS OF RESTRICTIONS..............................................37
(b) USE OF NAMES..........................................................................37
(c) NONCOMPETITION........................................................................37
(d) NO INTERFERENCE WITH CUSTOMERS........................................................37
(e) NO INTERFERENCE WITH EMPLOYEES........................................................38
(f) TRADE SECRETS; CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION...............................................38
(g) REMEDIES..............................................................................39
(h) MODIFICATION..........................................................................39
(i) COVENANTS INDEPENDENT.................................................................39
6.15 TAX MATTERS....................................................................................39
(a) TRANSFER TAXES........................................................................39
(b) PREPARATION AND FILING OF RETURNS.....................................................39
(c) COOPERATION AND EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION...............................................40
(d) TAX-FREE TRANSACTION..................................................................40
6.16 RELEASE OF SELLER BY THE SHAREHOLDERS..........................................................40
6.17 SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING..........................................................................40
6.18 OFFERING MEMORANDUM AND PROXY STATEMENT........................................................40
6.19 QUARTERLY CALCULATIONS.........................................................................41
6.20 BOARD OF SURVIVING CORPORATION.................................................................41
6.21 STOCK OPTIONS..................................................................................41
6.22 BONUS PAYMENTS, ETC............................................................................41
6.23 SEC REPORTS....................................................................................41
6.24 RULE 144.......................................................................................42
6.25 INTENT OF PARTIES REGARDING MUTUAL GOODS AND SERVICES, ETC.....................................42
6.26 RELEASE OF LOPEZ GUARANTEE.....................................................................42
ARTICLE 7
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER................................................................................42
7.1 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF PURCHASER.........................................................42
(a) CONSENTS, AUTHORIZATIONS, ETC.........................................................42
(b) INJUNCTION, ETC.......................................................................42
(c) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS..............................43
(d) CERTIFICATE...........................................................................43
(e) OPINION OF SELLER'S COUNSEL...........................................................43
(f) RESIGNATIONS..........................................................................43
(g) EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS.................................................................43
(h) FINANCING.............................................................................43
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(i) CONTINUANCE OF SELLER'S CREDIT FACILITY...............................................43
(j) BOARD AND SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL........................................................43
(k) ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATES, ETC..........................................................44
(l) TAX EFFECT OF MERGER..................................................................44
7.2 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER AND THE SHAREHOLDERS.......................................44
(a) CONSENTS, AUTHORIZATIONS, ETC.........................................................44
(b) INJUNCTION, ETC.......................................................................44
(c) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS..............................44
(d) PURCHASER COMMON STOCK................................................................44
(e) CERTIFICATE...........................................................................44
(f) OPINION OF PURCHASER'S COUNSEL........................................................45
(g) ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATES, ETC..........................................................45
(h) TAX EFFECT OF MERGER..................................................................45
(i) EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS.................................................................45
(j) BOARD AND SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL........................................................45
ARTICLE 8
DOCUMENTS TO BE DELIVERED AT CLOSING....................................................................45
8.1 DOCUMENTS TO BE DELIVERED BY SELLER............................................................45
8.2 DOCUMENTS TO BE DELIVERED BY PURCHASER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS.....................................46
ARTICLE 9
INDEMNIFICATION.........................................................................................46
9.1 INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SHAREHOLDERS............................................................46
9.2 INDEMNIFICATION BY PURCHASER...................................................................47
9.3 CERTIFICATES...................................................................................47
9.4 CLAIMS FOR INDEMNIFICATION.....................................................................47
9.5 DEFENSE OF CLAIM BY THIRD PARTIES..............................................................47
9.6 THIRD PARTY CLAIM ASSISTANCE...................................................................48
9.7 SETTLEMENT OF INDEMNIFICATION CLAIMS...........................................................48
9.8 MANNER OF INDEMNIFICATION......................................................................48
9.9 INDEMNIFICATION EXCLUSIVE REMEDY...............................................................49
9.10 CERTAIN LIMITATIONS............................................................................49
ARTICLE 10
TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT.............................................................................49
10.1 TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT....................................................................49
10.2 SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE...........................................................................50
10.3 RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UPON TERMINATION........................................................50
10.4 EFFECT OF TERMINATION..........................................................................50
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ARTICLE 11
SHAREHOLDERS' REPRESENTATIVE............................................................................51
11.1 APPOINTMENT; ACCEPTANCE........................................................................51
11.2 AUTHORITY......................................................................................51
11.3 ACTIONS........................................................................................51
11.4 SUCCESSORS.....................................................................................51
11.5 EFFECTIVENESS..................................................................................52
ARTICLE 12
GENERAL PROVISIONS
.......................................................................................................52
12.1 NOTICES........................................................................................52
12.2 TABLE OF CONTENTS; HEADINGS....................................................................53
12.3 AMENDMENT......................................................................................53
12.4 SEVERABILITY...................................................................................54
12.5 WAIVER.........................................................................................54
12.6 NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES; ASSIGNMENT.......................................................54
12.7 TIME OF THE ESSENCE; COMPUTATION OF TIME.......................................................54
12.8 COUNTERPARTS...................................................................................54
12.9 GOVERNING LAW..................................................................................55
12.10 ENTIRE AGREEMENT...............................................................................55
12.11 CERTAIN ACCOUNTING TERMINOLOGY.................................................................55
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LIST OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit A Articles of Merger (Section 1.3)
Exhibit B Opinion of Seller's Counsel (Section 7.1(e))
Exhibit C Form of Lopez Employment Agreement (Section 7.1(g))
Exhibit D Form of Teel Employment Agreement (Section 7.1(g))
Exhibit E Opinion of Purchaser's Counsel (Section 7.2(f))
Exhibit F Tax Opinion (Section 7.2(h))
LIST OF SCHEDULES
Schedule 3.1 Organization and Qualification
3.2 Capitalization
3.4 Non-Contravention
3.5 Consents
3.7 Financial Statements
3.8 Absence of Certain Changes or Events
3.9 Governmental Authorization and Compliance with Laws
3.10 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities
3.13 Bank Accounts
3.14 Leases and Subleases
3.15 Material Contracts
3.16 Legal Proceedings
3.17 Labor Relations
3.18 Insider Interests
3.19 Intellectual Property
3.20 Insurance
3.21 Employee and Fringe Benefit Plans
3.22 Major Customers
3.23 Environmental Matters
4.4 No Consents Required
4.5 No Claims Against Seller
5.4 Non-Contravention
5.5 Consents
6.22 Bonuses, Etc.
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DEFINED TERMS
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TERM PAGE
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10-Q ............................................................................................................29
8-Ks ............................................................................................................29
Acquiror .........................................................................................................8
Acquisition Proposal.............................................................................................35
Additional Consideration..........................................................................................5
Affiliate .......................................................................................................21
Agreement ........................................................................................................1
Articles of Merger................................................................................................2
Authorizations ..................................................................................................16
Average Closing Price.............................................................................................5
Blocked Capital .................................................................................................10
Blocked Capital Account..........................................................................................10
Business Plan ....................................................................................................9
Capital ..........................................................................................................8
Capital Demand ..................................................................................................11
Capital Request ..................................................................................................9
Capital Target ...................................................................................................8
Certificates ....................................................................................................13
Citations .......................................................................................................26
Closing ..........................................................................................................2
Closing Date .....................................................................................................2
Code .............................................................................................................1
Confidential Information.........................................................................................38
Continuing Employees.............................................................................................36
Costs ...........................................................................................................46
Customer ........................................................................................................38
Determination Date...............................................................................................48
DGCL ............................................................................................................43
Earn-Out Period ..................................................................................................5
EBITDA ...........................................................................................................6
EEOC ............................................................................................................21
Effective Time ...................................................................................................2
Employee Plans ..................................................................................................23
Environmental Laws...............................................................................................26
ERISA ...........................................................................................................23
ERISA Affiliate .................................................................................................23
Exchange Agent ..................................................................................................12
Floor ............................................................................................................5
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GBCC .............................................................................................................1
Governmental Entity..............................................................................................16
Indemnified Party ...............................................................................................47
Indemnifying Party...............................................................................................47
Initial Consideration.............................................................................................3
Initial Reduction ................................................................................................3
Intellectual Property............................................................................................22
Intellectual Property Agreements.................................................................................22
Intercompany Revenues.............................................................................................9
IRS .............................................................................................................23
Laws ............................................................................................................15
Material Contracts...............................................................................................20
Measurement Period...............................................................................................12
Merger ...........................................................................................................1
Merger Consideration.............................................................................................12
Multi-Employer Plan..............................................................................................23
Nasdaq ...........................................................................................................5
NLRB ............................................................................................................21
Noncompete Period ...............................................................................................37
Notice of Claim .................................................................................................47
Notice of Possible Claim.........................................................................................47
Offering Memorandum..............................................................................................40
PBGC ............................................................................................................23
Pension/Profit-Sharing Plan......................................................................................23
PNI Rate .........................................................................................................4
Ponte ............................................................................................................1
Prospectus ......................................................................................................29
Provide ..........................................................................................................9
Proxy Statement .................................................................................................40
Purchaser ........................................................................................................1
Purchaser Common Stock............................................................................................1
Purchaser Delivered Agreements...................................................................................30
Purchaser Material Contract......................................................................................30
Purchaser Preferred Stock........................................................................................30
Purchaser's Accountants...........................................................................................4
Quarterly Plan Capital...........................................................................................10
Restricted Business..............................................................................................37
Rule 144 ........................................................................................................42
S Corporation Returns............................................................................................39
Sale Demand .....................................................................................................11
SEC .............................................................................................................23
Securities ......................................................................................................28
Securities Act ..................................................................................................21
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Seller ...........................................................................................................1
Seller Common Stock...............................................................................................1
Seller Delivered Agreements......................................................................................15
Seller Financial Statements......................................................................................16
Seller Licenses .................................................................................................18
September Financials.............................................................................................16
Shareholder ......................................................................................................1
Shareholder Delivered Agreements.................................................................................27
Shareholders .....................................................................................................1
Shareholders' Representative.....................................................................................51
Shares ...........................................................................................................1
State Acts ......................................................................................................28
SubCorp ..........................................................................................................1
Subsidiary ......................................................................................................16
Superfund Notice ................................................................................................26
Surviving Corporation.............................................................................................1
Target ...........................................................................................................7
Tax Returns .....................................................................................................18
Taxes ...........................................................................................................18
TBCA .............................................................................................................1
Teel .............................................................................................................1
Territory .......................................................................................................37
Trade Secret ....................................................................................................38
Undisputed Cash Consideration.....................................................................................4
Welfare Plan ....................................................................................................23
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this "Agreement") is made as of
November 13, 1996, by and among PREFERRED NETWORKS, INC., a Delaware corporation
("Purchaser"), EPS ACQUISITION CORP., a Georgia corporation and a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Purchaser ("SubCorp"), EPS WIRELESS, INC., a Texas corporation
("Seller"), and the undersigned shareholders of Seller (referred to herein
individually as a "Shareholder" and collectively as the "Shareholders"), who are
all of the Shareholders of Seller other than Brian Ponte ("Ponte"), whose shares
of Seller are to be repurchased prior to the Closing (as defined below).
BACKGROUND STATEMENT
The Shareholders own an aggregate of 124,100 shares of the $1.00 par
value common stock of Seller ("Seller Common Stock"), constituting all of the
outstanding shares of Seller Common Stock other than 400 shares held by Ponte.
An additional number of shares of Seller Common Stock shall be acquired by
Steven D. Teel ("Teel"), a Shareholder, pursuant to the exercise of options to
acquire 6,225 shares of Seller Common Stock held by Teel less the shares
surrendered by Teel in payment of the exercise price of such options (all such
shares of Seller Common Stock held by the Shareholders being collectively
referred to as the "Shares"). In order to enable Purchaser to acquire the assets
and business of the Seller, the parties hereto desire to effect a business
combination of Seller and SubCorp pursuant to which Seller will merge with and
into SubCorp, and the Shareholders will receive Purchaser common stock, par
value $.0001 per share ("Purchaser Common Stock") and other consideration as
provided herein, in exchange for their Shares, as provided in this Agreement
(the "Merger"). The Merger is intended to be a "reorganization" under Section
368(a)(2)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree
as follows:
ARTICLE 1
THE BUSINESS COMBINATION
1.1 THE MERGER. At the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.3),
Seller shall be merged with and into SubCorp in accordance with the provisions
of this Agreement, the Texas Business Corporation Act (the "TBCA") and the
Georgia Business Corporation Code (the "GBCC"), and the separate existence of
Seller shall thereupon cease, and SubCorp, as the surviving corporation in the
Merger (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Surviving Corporation"), shall
be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Purchaser under the laws of the State of
Georgia. The Merger shall have the effect provided under the applicable laws of
the States of Texas and Georgia including, but not limited to, Article 5.06 of
the TBCA and Section 11-2-1105 of the GBCC.
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1.2 CLOSING. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement (the "Closing") shall take place at the offices of Sutherland, Asbill
& Brennan, 999 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3996 at 10:00 a.m.
on the third business day after all conditions set forth in Article 7 have been
satisfied or waived in writing or at such other place and time as Purchaser and
Seller may agree (the "Closing Date"). At the Closing, the parties shall execute
and deliver the agreements and other documents referred to in Article 8.
1.3 EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER. If all the conditions set forth in
Article 7 shall have been fulfilled or waived in accordance with this Agreement
and provided that this Agreement has not been terminated pursuant to Article 10,
the parties shall cause the articles of merger attached hereto as Exhibit A (the
"Articles of Merger") to be executed, delivered and filed with the Secretary of
State of Texas and the Secretary of State of Georgia in accordance with the
provisions of the TBCA and the GBCC. The Merger shall become effective at the
time of such filing unless a different effective time is specified in the
Articles of Merger pursuant to the TBCA and the GBCC (the "Effective Time").
1.4 ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION; BYLAWS. The Articles of Incorporation
and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation after the Effective Time shall be the
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of SubCorp as in effect immediately prior
to the Effective Time, except that the name of the Surviving Corporation shall
be "EPS Wireless, Inc."
1.5 DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION. At the
Effective Time, the following persons will become the directors and officers of
the Surviving Corporation until such time as they may be replaced in accordance
with the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation:
Directors: Mark H. Dunaway
Michael J. Saner
Eugene H. Kreeft
David Lopez, Jr.
Steven D. Teel
Officers: David Lopez, Jr. Chief Executive Officer
Steven D. Teel President
Mark B. Jones Vice President and Secretary
Kim Smith Hughes Vice President and Treasurer
ARTICLE 2
CONVERSION AND EXCHANGE OF SHARES; ADDITIONAL ACTION
2.1 CONVERSION OF SHARES. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the
Merger and without any action on the part of any holder thereof:
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(a) SELLER COMMON STOCK. The Shares shall be converted into
the right to receive the Initial Consideration (as defined below) and
the Additional Consideration (as defined below).
(b) TREASURY SHARES. Any shares of the capital stock of Seller
held in the treasury of Seller or held by Purchaser or any of its
Subsidiaries shall be automatically canceled and extinguished, and no
payment shall be made in respect thereof.
(c) SUBCORP COMMON STOCK. Each issued and outstanding share of
SubCorp common stock at the Effective Time shall represent one validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock of the
Surviving Corporation, which shall then constitute all of the issued
and outstanding shares of the Surviving Corporation.
2.2 INITIAL CONSIDERATION. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the
Merger, the Shareholders shall be entitled to receive the following in exchange
for the Shares (the "Initial Consideration"):
(a) CASH PAYMENT. An amount equal to Five Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($500,000) less the amount, if any, by which (i) Seller's total
liabilities as of the Closing Date (as defined below), exclusive of the
accrued amount of loans from certain Shareholders to the Seller, which
are to be repaid by Seller or the Surviving Corporation as contemplated
by Section 6.22, exceeds (ii) Seller's current assets as of the Closing
Date plus, without duplication, the value of those fixed assets of
Seller acquired during the period beginning on October 1, 1996 and
ending on the Closing Date (valued at the purchase price) (the
foregoing reductions being referred to as the "Initial Reduction"). The
cash consideration to be paid pursuant to this Section 2.2(a) shall be
retained by Purchaser until delivery by the Surviving Corporation of a
balance sheet of the Surviving Corporation as of the Closing Date,
which shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles consistently applied, and consistent with the
preparation of the September Financials (as defined below), and a
computation of the Initial Reduction based on such balance sheet, which
balance sheet and computation shall be delivered to the Purchaser and
the Shareholders' Representative no later than thirty (30) days after
the Closing Date. After receipt of the foregoing balance sheet and
computation from the Surviving Corporation, Purchaser and the
Shareholders' Representative shall have ten (10) business days to
verify the calculation of the Initial Reduction, and the Surviving
Corporation shall cooperate with Purchaser and the Shareholders'
Representative to the extent reasonably practicable to support and
document such calculation. In the event that neither Purchaser nor the
Shareholders' Representative objects to such calculation by notice to
the other within such ten business day period, then the calculation of
the Initial Reduction shall become final and binding on the parties
hereto, and Purchaser shall pay to the Shareholders, in cash, within
two (2) business days after the end of such ten-day period, an amount
equal to $500,000 less the Initial Reduction as determined by the
Surviving Corporation. If either Purchaser or the Shareholders'
Representative objects to the Surviving Corporation's calculation of
the Initial Reduction, the party so objecting shall notify the other,
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which notice shall include such party's good faith estimate of the
proper calculation of the Initial Reduction, and Purchaser shall pay to
the Shareholders an amount equal to $500,000 less the highest of the
good faith estimates of the Initial Reduction (the "Undisputed Cash
Consideration"). Purchaser and the Shareholders' Representative will
attempt to resolve such dispute, but if they are unable to do so, the
parties will submit the unresolved aspects to Purchaser's regularly
engaged independent public accountants ("Purchaser's Accountants") to
resolve the dispute and make a determination of the amount of the
Initial Reduction. The fees and expenses of such accounting firm shall
be shared one-half by the Shareholders together (which amount shall be
deducted from the amount of the cash consideration payable to them
pursuant to this Section 2.2(a), when finally determined pursuant to
this Section 2.2(a)) and one-half by Purchaser. If the Shareholders'
Representative disagrees with the determination of Purchaser's
Accountants, the Shareholders' Representative may hire, at the
Shareholders' expense, another "Big Six" accounting firm to review the
determination of Purchaser's Accountants. Purchaser and the
Shareholders' Representative shall request that Purchaser's Accountants
and such accounting firm attempt to agree upon the proper calculation
of the Initial Reduction. If they agree, their determination will be
binding; if they do not agree, their dispute will be submitted to
arbitration in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 9.7.
Within two (2) business days following final determination of the
Initial Reduction, the amount, if any, by which the amount due to the
Shareholders pursuant to this Section 2.2(a) exceeds the Undisputed
Cash Consideration previously paid to them shall be paid by Purchaser
to the Shareholders. To reflect the time value of money, all cash
consideration paid pursuant this Section 2.2(a) shall bear interest
from the Closing Date to the date of payment at the 90-day "Jumbo CD
Rate" as announced from time to time by NationsBank(South), N.A. (the
"PNI Rate"), or if such rate is not then being announced, a comparable
rate selected by Purchaser and consented to by the Shareholders'
Representative, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. If
the Initial Reduction, as finally determined, is in excess of $500,000,
the Shareholders shall deliver to Purchaser either an amount in cash or
promissory notes, or a total number of shares of Purchaser Common
Stock, having a value equal to the amount by which the Initial
Reduction exceeds $500,000, with cash paid by each Shareholder in lieu
of any fractional shares, such shares being valued at the Average
Closing Price (as defined below); provided that prior to any such
delivery of stock, Purchaser will obtain an opinion of Sutherland,
Asbill & Brennan L.L.P., addressed to Purchaser and the Shareholders'
Representative, to the effect that the delivery of shares of Purchaser
Common Stock by the Shareholders will not adversely affect the
treatment of the Merger as a tax-free reorganization under the Code to
the extent the Merger Consideration is Purchaser Common Stock, and if
such an opinion cannot be obtained, then the number of such shares
otherwise deliverable by the Shareholders will be reduced, pro rata as
to each Shareholder based on his ownership of Shares immediately prior
to the Effective Time, and the Shareholders will pay cash or execute
promissory notes in principal amount equal to the value of such
eliminated shares (valued at the Average Closing Price), as necessary
to preserve the status of the Merger as a tax-free reorganization under
the Code. Such promissory notes shall be in commercially reasonable
form, shall bear interest at the PNI Rate, shall become due and payable
in full with accrued interest on April 1, 1999, and may be
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prepaid in whole or in part at any time without penalty. If the Initial
Reduction, as finally determined, is in excess of the estimated Initial
Reduction used in determining the Undisputed Cash Consideration paid to
the Shareholders, each Shareholder shall return to Purchaser his
allocable portion of an amount equal to the difference between the
final Initial Reduction and the estimated Initial Reduction, up to the
total amount of the Undisputed Cash Consideration paid to each
Shareholder, which amount represents an overpayment by Purchaser of the
cash consideration to be paid pursuant to this Section 2.2(a).
(b) PURCHASER SHARES. The number of shares of Purchaser Common
Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) Four Million Five
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($4,500,000) by (ii) the greater of (A) the
average closing price per share of Purchaser Common Stock for the last
twenty (20) days on which such shares were traded on the Nasdaq Stock
Market ("Nasdaq") immediately preceding the date that is five (5) days
prior to the Closing Date (the "Average Closing Price") and (B) Six
Dollars ($6.00). If the Average Closing Price is less than Six Dollars
($6.00) per share, then the Shareholders' Representative may request
that Purchaser increase the amount of the cash consideration to be paid
pursuant to Section 2.2(a) hereof by an amount equal to (i) the
difference between the Average Closing Price and Six Dollars ($6.00),
multiplied by (ii) the number of shares of Purchaser Common Stock to be
issued to the Shareholders pursuant to this Section 2.2(b), assuming an
Average Closing Price of Six Dollars ($6.00), in which case Purchaser
may, at its sole option, elect to so increase the cash consideration or
to terminate this Agreement.
2.3 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION. By virtue of the Merger, the Shareholders
shall be entitled to receive possible additional consideration (the "Additional
Consideration") for the Shares under the circumstances, and in the amount,
specified below:
(a) DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Section 2.3 the
following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
(i) "Additional Consideration" shall mean any and all
consideration payable pursuant to this Section 2.3 for the Earn-Out
Period, which shall be equal to $4,000,000 multiplied by a fraction,
the numerator of which shall be equal to EBITDA for the Earn-Out
Period, and the denominator of which shall be the Target, and which
shall be payable if and only if the conditions set forth in this
Section 2.3 are met. The maximum Additional Consideration payable
pursuant to this Agreement shall not exceed Five Million Dollars
($5,000,000). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the
Additional Consideration, computed as set forth above, without giving
effect to any offsets of Additional Consideration for indemnification
claims of Purchaser pursuant to Section 9.8, is less than Three Million
Dollars ($3,000,000) (the "Floor"), then no Additional Consideration
shall be payable hereunder and the Additional Consideration shall be
deemed to be zero.
(ii) "Earn-Out Period" shall mean the two calendar year
period consisting of calendar years 1997 and 1998.
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(iii) "EBITDA" shall mean, with respect to the Surviving
Corporation during the Earn-Out Period, earnings before interest
expense, interest income, taxes, depreciation and amortization in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently
applied, and Seller's prior practices since July 1, 1996 (to the extent
such practices are in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles), subject to the following:
(A) extraordinary items, as determined under
generally accepted accounting principles, and any adjustments
with respect to periods prior to the EarnOut Period, other than
adjustments to estimates in the normal course of business,
shall be excluded;
(B) any income associated with early termination
of customer or vendor contracts shall be excluded;
(C) all increased amortization of goodwill and
depreciation and any federal, state or local taxes resulting
from the acquisition of the Shares by Purchaser shall be
excluded;
(D) any aggregate net gain (or loss) during the
Earn-Out Period arising from the sale, exchange or other
disposition of capital assets (such term to include all fixed
assets, whether tangible or intangible, all inventory sold in
conjunction with the disposition of fixed assets, all real
estate and all securities), shall be excluded;
(E) any net gain from the collection of the
proceeds of life insurance policies shall be excluded;
(F) any income, gain, loss, charge or expense not
related to the ordinary business operations of the Surviving
Corporation shall be excluded, provided that the foregoing
shall not restrict Purchaser from charging the Surviving
Corporation for costs related to the Surviving Corporation's
business that are borne by Purchaser (including without
limitation the cost of employee benefit programs provided by
Purchaser to employees of the Surviving Corporation); provided,
however, that any such charge shall be excluded only to the
extent that it is in excess of (1) in the case of costs
incurred by Seller or the Surviving Corporation with respect to
functions performed by Seller or Surviving Corporation
personnel that are subsequently borne by Purchaser, the cost to
the Surviving Corporation of such function less the amount of
any overhead related to such function retained by the Surviving
Corporation and not utilized by the Surviving Corporation for
other functions after Purchaser begins performing such function
for the Surviving Corporation; or (2) in the case of other
costs, the charge that would have been paid by the Surviving
Corporation to an unaffiliated third party for the products or
services to which such charge relates;
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(G) any compensation expense resulting from the
issuance of stock or options under Purchaser's stock purchase
or stock option plans to employees of Seller shall be excluded;
and
(H) any general overhead charge imposed by
Purchaser upon the Surviving Corporation shall be excluded.
(iv) "Target" shall mean Four Million Dollars
($4,000,000).
(b) PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION. As additional
consideration for the purchase of the Shares, Purchaser shall pay to
the Shareholders, in accordance with their pro rata ownership of the
Shares, as set forth on Schedule 3.2 hereof (as amended as of the
Closing Date to reflect the repurchase of shares of Seller Common Stock
held by Ponte and the exercise of options to acquire Seller Common
Stock by Teel), the Additional Consideration, if earned, with respect
to the Earn-Out Period. As soon as is reasonably practicable after the
Earn-Out Period, Purchaser shall calculate the amount of the Additional
Consideration, if any, and shall deliver to the Shareholders'
Representative a written calculation of how the Additional
Consideration for the Earn-Out Period, if any, was determined.
Purchaser shall use its reasonable best efforts to complete such
calculation on or about February 15, 1999. The Shareholders'
Representative shall have thirty (30) days after delivery to verify
such calculation, and Purchaser shall cooperate with the Shareholders'
Representative to the extent reasonably practicable to support and
document such calculation. In the event the Shareholders'
Representative does not object to such calculation within such 30-day
period, then such calculation shall become final and binding on the
parties hereto, and Purchaser shall pay to the Shareholders, in cash,
within fifteen (15) business days after the end of such 30-day period,
the Additional Consideration, if any. If the Shareholders'
Representative objects to any such calculation, Purchaser shall pay to
the Shareholders such amount of Additional Consideration as is not in
dispute. Purchaser and the Shareholders' Representative will attempt to
resolve such dispute, but if they are unable to do so, the parties will
submit the unresolved aspects to Purchaser's Accountants to resolve the
dispute and make a determination. The fees and expenses of such
accounting firm shall be shared one-half by the Shareholders together
and one-half by Purchaser. If the Shareholders' Representative
disagrees with the determination of Purchaser's Accountants, the
Shareholders' Representative may hire, at the Shareholders' expense,
another "Big Six" accounting firm to review the determination of
Purchaser's Accountants. Purchaser and the Shareholders' Representative
shall request that Purchaser's Accountants and such accounting firm
attempt to agree upon the proper calculation; if they agree, their
determination will be binding; if they do not agree, the dispute will
be submitted to arbitration in accordance with the procedures set forth
in Section 9.7. To reflect the time value of money, beginning April 1,
1999, the Additional Consideration shall bear interest at the PNI Rate,
or if such rate is not then being announced, a comparable rate selected
by Purchaser and consented to by the Shareholders' Representative which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
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(c) ADJUSTMENTS.
(i) Neither Purchaser nor any Affiliate (as defined
below) or successor thereto shall be under any obligation to maintain
the Surviving Corporation as a separate legal entity for any particular
length of time whatsoever. Purchaser and any successor thereto may at
any time reorganize or merge or otherwise cause the Surviving
Corporation to cease to exist. Should the Surviving Corporation cease
its separate legal existence during the Earn-Out Period, Purchaser or
any successor thereto will continue to compute EBITDA for the remainder
of the Earn-Out Period in such a manner as to enable the Shareholders
to continue to be eligible to earn Additional Consideration as though
no such change to the Surviving Corporation's separate corporate
existence had occurred.
(ii) In the event that Purchaser fundamentally changes
the business of the Surviving Corporation during the Earn-Out Period or
sells a controlling interest in the Surviving Corporation to an entity
other than an Affiliate of Purchaser (whether by merger, sale of stock
or sale of assets or otherwise) (an "Acquiror"), in a manner that
materially and adversely affects the Shareholders with respect to the
earning or computation of Additional Consideration, for purposes of
this Section 2.3, Purchaser will (A) in the case of a fundamental
change to the Surviving Corporation's business, continue to compute
EBITDA during the remainder of the Earn-Out Period in such a manner as
to enable the Shareholders to be eligible to earn Additional
Consideration as though no such change in the business of the Surviving
Corporation had occurred, and (B) in the case of a sale, cause the
Acquiror to assume liability for payment of the Additional
Consideration pursuant to this Agreement (with Purchaser remaining
liable if and to the extent that such acquirer does not make such
payment).
(iii) It is anticipated by the parties hereto that the
Surviving Corporation will acquire Capital (as defined below) from the
Closing Date through the end of the Earn-Out Period. To the extent that
Additional Capital aggregates more or less than $3,000,000 (the
"Capital Target") in the aggregate for the period commencing with the
Closing Date and ending on the last day of the Earn-Out Period, and
provided that the Floor has been achieved without giving effect to the
adjustment set forth in this paragraph, then EBITDA shall be increased
or decreased, inversely on a dollar-for-dollar basis, in the same
amount as Additional Capital is more or less than $3,000,000 (but not
below zero), provided, however, that nothing herein shall be deemed to
require payment of Additional Consideration in excess of Five Million
Dollars ($5,000,000) and provided, further, that if as a result of the
foregoing adjustment the Additional Consideration would be less than
the Floor, then no Additional Consideration shall be payable hereunder
and the Additional Consideration shall be deemed to be zero. For
purposes of this Agreement, "Capital" shall mean capital provided to
the Surviving Corporation, including without limitation, debt (from
Purchaser or a commercial lender) or equity (from Purchaser), net of
repayments of debt, exclusive of trade payables and accrued expenses,
and shall represent the sum, without duplication, of the Surviving
Corporation's (A) current portion of long-term debt, (B) short-term
debt and notes payable,
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(C) long-term liabilities, and (D) additional paid-in capital (each as
defined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles)
and "Additional Capital" shall mean the increase, if any, of Capital of
the Surviving Corporation measured as of the last day of the Earn-Out
Period over Capital of the Surviving Corporation as of the Closing
Date..
(iv) If gross revenues derived by the Surviving
Corporation during the Earn-Out Period from the sale of products and
services to Purchaser ("Intercompany Revenues") do not exceed twenty
percent (20%) of the Surviving Corporation's total gross revenues
during the Earn-Out Period, then for purposes of determining whether or
not the Floor has been achieved, EBITDA shall be reduced by an amount
equal to Intercompany Revenues multiplied by a fraction, the numerator
of which is equal to one-half of EBITDA (computed without regard to the
adjustment set forth in this sentence) and the denominator of which is
equal to the Surviving Corporation's total revenues (computed in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) for the
Earn-Out Period. If, giving effect to the adjustment to EBITDA set
forth in the preceding sentence, (A) the Floor has been achieved, then
no such adjustment to EBITDA shall be made for purposes of calculating
EBITDA, or (B) the Floor has not been achieved, then no Additional
Consideration shall be payable hereunder. If Intercompany Revenues
exceed twenty percent (20%) of the Surviving Corporation's gross
revenues during the Earn-Out Period, then no adjustment to EBITDA shall
be made pursuant to this Section 2.3(c)(iv).
(d) NO TRANSFER OF RIGHTS TO ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION. Each
Shareholder's right to receive Additional Consideration, if any, is
personal to such Shareholder and shall not be sold, transferred,
assigned or pledged, in whole or in part, by such Shareholder otherwise
than upon death of such Shareholder by will or under applicable laws of
descent and distribution.
(e) ADDITIONAL CAPITAL INFUSION.
(i) GENERAL. Purchaser shall provide, arrange for or
consent to ("Provide") Capital to the Surviving Corporation,
upon the request of the Chief Executive Officer or President of
the Surviving Corporation (each a "Capital Request"), in
accordance with the schedule of total additional capital for
each quarter attached to the Business Plan of Seller delivered
by Seller to Purchaser on the date hereof (the "Business
Plan"), so long as the Surviving Corporation has achieved on a
cumulative basis during the Earn-Out Period at least (i) during
calendar year 1997, 50% of EBITDA and total revenue and (ii)
during calendar year 1998, 75% of EBITDA and total revenue,
each as indicated in the schedule attached to the Business Plan
for the period commencing with the first day of the Earn-Out
Period and ending on the last day of the calendar quarter next
preceding the date on which the Capital Request is received by
Purchaser; provided, however, that Purchaser shall be under no
obligation to Provide Capital to the extent that doing so would
result in a breach of or default under, would be prohibited by,
any contract or agreement that is material to Purchaser. Each
Capital Request shall be in writing signed by the Chief
Executive Officer or President of the
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<PAGE> 21
Surviving Corporation and shall state that it is a Capital
Request pursuant to this Section 2.3(e), shall recite the
calendar quarter with respect to which such Capital Request
relates (which shall be either the current or the next
succeeding quarter), and shall be delivered to Purchaser (to
the attention of the Chief Financial Officer) not earlier than
thirty (30) days prior to the first day of such calendar
quarter nor later than thirty (30) days prior to the end of
such calendar quarter, during the period commencing with the
Closing Date and ending on the last day of the Earn-Out Period.
As to the partial quarter commencing with the Closing Date and
ending on December 31, 1996, any Capital Requests for such
partial quarter, if any, shall be delivered to Purchaser not
later than November 30, 1996. Purchaser shall, within thirty
(30) days after receipt of each Capital Request, Provide
Capital to the Surviving Corporation with respect to the
quarter to which such Capital Request relates, provided,
however, that in no event shall Purchaser be required to
Provide Capital with respect to any calendar quarter in excess
of the capital requirement for such quarter set forth in the
schedule to the Business Plan under the heading "Total Addn'l
Capital" ("Quarterly Plan Capital"). During the period
commencing with the Closing Date and ending on the last day of
the Earn-Out Period, the Surviving Corporation shall submit
Capital Requests with respect to all proposed Capital
acquisitions by the Surviving Corporation, whether or not
Capital could be obtained directly by the Surviving
Corporation.
(ii) NONPAYMENT OF BLOCKED CAPITAL. In the event that
Purchaser is unable to Provide all or any portion of the
Capital requested in a Capital Request, up to the amount of
Quarterly Plan Capital not yet requested for the calendar
quarter to which such Capital Request relates, within thirty
(30) days after the date of receipt by Purchaser of the Capital
Request, because doing so would result in a breach of or
default under, or would be prohibited by, any contract or
agreement that is material to Purchaser (such amount of Capital
so requested which would be so prohibited or result in such a
breach or default being referred to herein as "Blocked
Capital"), Purchaser shall give written notice to the person or
persons submitting the Capital Request and the Shareholders'
Representative within five (5) days after the expiration of
such 30-day period, which written notice shall state that it is
a notice of Blocked Capital under this Section 2.3(e)(ii),
shall set forth the amount of Capital set forth in the Capital
Request to which it relates, and shall set forth the amount of
Blocked Capital with respect to such Capital Request and
briefly describe each contract or agreement pursuant to which
Purchaser has determined that the Capital so requested
constitutes Blocked Capital. Purchaser shall account for all
additions to and, as set forth below, reductions in, the
aggregate amount of Blocked Capital at any given time in a
separate account (the "Blocked Capital Account").
(iii) APPLICATION OF BLOCKED CAPITAL ACCOUNT. The
balance, if any, in the Blocked Capital Account shall (A)
reduce the amount of the Capital Target and (B) be deemed to be
additional EBITDA of the Surviving Corporation.
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(f) ACCELERATION OF PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION.
(i) FAILURE TO MAKE CAPITAL INFUSION. Notwithstanding
the foregoing in this Section 2.3, in the event that Purchaser
fails to provide Capital as required under Section 2.3(e)
within thirty (30) days after receipt by the President of
Purchaser of a written request submitted pursuant to Section
2.3(e), then the Shareholders' Representative shall be entitled
thereafter to make a written demand (the "Capital Demand") on
Purchaser to pay the Additional Consideration in accordance
with Section 2.3(f)(iii) below.
(ii) SALE OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION. Notwithstanding
the foregoing in this Section 2.3, in the event that Purchaser
sells a controlling interest in the Surviving Corporation to an
Acquiror during the Earn-Out Period, then the Shareholders'
Representative shall be entitled within thirty (30) days
thereafter to make a written demand (the "Sale Demand") on the
Acquiror to pay the Additional Consideration in accordance with
Section 2.3(f)(iii) below.
(iii) PROCEDURE FOR ACCELERATION OF ADDITIONAL
CONSIDERATION.
(A) Any Capital Demand pursuant to this Section
2.3(f) shall indicate that if it is not satisfied within
thirty (30) days following its receipt by the President
of Purchaser, the Additional Consideration computed in
accordance with this Section 2.3(f) will become due. The
Shareholders' Representative will contact the President
of Purchaser or the Acquiror to confirm he has received
the Capital Demand or the Sale Demand, as applicable. If
Purchaser agrees that the Capital Demand is proper,
Purchaser shall provide the Capital required under
Section 2.3(e) within the thirty (30) day period, or
Purchaser will be required to pay the Additional
Consideration computed in accordance with this Section
2.3(f). If Purchaser or the Acquiror believes that the
Capital Demand or Sale Demand is not proper, it will so
notify the Shareholders' Representative and the dispute
shall be submitted to arbitration in accordance with the
procedures set forth in Section 9.7. If the
Shareholders' Representative believes that the amount of
the payment of the Additional Consideration made by the
Acquiror pursuant to this Section 2.3(f) is erroneous,
he will so notify Purchaser and the dispute shall be
submitted to arbitration in accordance with the
procedures set forth in Section 9.7.
(B) Additional Consideration, if any, which
Purchaser is required to pay pursuant to this Section
2.3(f) shall be determined in accordance with the other
provisions of this Section 2.3 with respect to the full
Earn-Out Period, except that (1) EBITDA for the Earn-Out
Period shall be equal to $4,000,000 multiplied by a
fraction, the numerator of which shall be EBITDA during
the Earn-Out Period through the ending date of the last
calendar quarter prior to the date of
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the Capital Demand or the Sale Demand, as applicable
(the "Measurement Period"), and the denominator of which
shall be forecasted EBITDA of the Surviving Corporation
for the Measurement Period as indicated in the schedule
to the Business Plan, provided that in no event shall
such fraction be greater than 1.25 over 1, and (2)
Additional Capital for the Earn-Out Period shall be
equal to $3,000,000 multiplied by a fraction, the
numerator of which shall be Capital provided to the
Surviving Corporation from the Closing Date through the
end of the Measurement Period and the denominator of
which shall be cumulative Capital to be provided to the
Surviving Corporation from the Closing Date through the
end of the Measurement Period as indicated in the
schedule to the Business Plan.
2.4 LIMITATION ON ISSUANCE OF SHARES. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement, the total number of shares of Purchaser Common
Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement shall be less than five percent
(5%) of the Purchaser Common Stock outstanding before the date of this Agreement
or the Closing, whichever is less, so as to permit the transactions contemplated
hereby to be consummated without stockholder approval under Rule 4460(i)(C)(i)
of the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. If, as a result of the preceding sentence, it
is necessary to reduce the total number of shares of Purchaser Common Stock that
otherwise would be issued pursuant to the Agreement, the amount of cash to be
paid to the Shareholders pursuant to this Agreement shall be correspondingly
increased, with such eliminated shares valued as described in Section 2.2(b).
2.5 ALLOCATION OF CONSIDERATION AMONG SHAREHOLDERS. The consideration
to be paid by Purchaser to the Shareholders shall be allocated among the
Shareholders in accordance with their pro rata ownership of the Shares as
indicated on Schedule 3.2, as amended (which will reflect the exercise of stock
options by Teel), and in the case of consideration in the form of Purchaser
Common Stock, shall be paid only in whole shares with cash being paid in lieu of
any fractional shares based on the valuation described in Section 2.2(b).
2.6 STOCK TRANSFER BOOKS. From and after the Effective Time, no
transfer of Seller Common Stock outstanding prior to the Effective Time shall be
registered on the stock transfer books of the Surviving Corporation. If, after
the Effective Time, certificates for Seller Common Stock are presented to the
Surviving Corporation for transfer, such certificates shall be canceled and
exchanged for the consideration described in Section 2.1(a) (the "Merger
Consideration").
2.7 SURRENDER AND EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING SELLER COMMON
STOCK.
(a) EXCHANGE AGENT. Purchaser shall appoint First Union
National Bank of North Carolina, N.A., or such other financial
institution as may be selected by Purchaser, or Purchaser shall appoint
itself, to act as exchange agent for the Merger (the "Exchange Agent").
At the Effective Time, Purchaser shall, pursuant to irrevocable
instructions, direct the Exchange Agent to deliver the number of shares
of Purchaser Common Stock provided for in Section 2.1.
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(b) SURRENDER OF CERTIFICATES. Prior to the Effective Time,
Purchaser shall cause the Exchange Agent to make available to each
record holder as of the Effective Time of an outstanding certificate or
certificates which immediately prior to the Effective Time represented
Seller Common Stock (the "Certificates"), a letter of transmittal
(which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss
and title to the Certificates shall pass, only upon proper delivery of
the Certificates to the Exchange Agent) and instructions for use in
effecting the surrender of the Certificates for conversion thereof,
which letter of transmittal shall comply with all applicable rules of
Nasdaq. Upon surrender to the Exchange Agent of the Certificates at the
Closing or thereafter, together with such letter of transmittal duly
executed, the holder of such Certificates shall be entitled to receive
at the Closing or promptly after such surrender if after the Closing in
exchange therefor one or more certificates as requested by the holder
(properly issued, executed and counter-signed, as appropriate)
representing that number of whole shares of Purchaser Common Stock to
which such holder of Seller Common Stock shall have become entitled
pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.1 and the Certificates so
surrendered shall forthwith be canceled. From the Effective Time until
surrender in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.7, each
Certificate (other than Certificates representing treasury shares)
shall represent for all purposes only the right to receive the Merger
Consideration. All payments in respect of Seller Common Stock that are
made in accordance with the terms hereof shall be deemed to have been
made in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such securities.
(c) LOST CERTIFICATES. In the case of any lost, misplaced,
stolen or destroyed Certificate, the holder thereof may be required, as
a condition precedent to delivery to such holder of the Merger
Consideration, to deliver to Purchaser an indemnity agreement and a
bond in such reasonable sum as Purchaser may direct as indemnity
against any claim that may be made against the Exchange Agent,
Purchaser or the Surviving Corporation with respect to the Certificate
alleged to have been lost, misplaced, stolen or destroyed.
(d) NO INTEREST. No interest shall be paid or accrued on any
portion of the Merger Consideration regardless of the cause for delay
in payment of the Merger Consideration, except as provided in Sections
2.3(a) and 2.3(b) hereof.
(e) DIVIDENDS ON PURCHASER COMMON STOCK. No holder of a
Certificate shall be entitled to delivery of any dividend or other
distribution from Purchaser having a record date after the Effective
Time until surrender of such holder's Certificate pursuant to this
Section 2.7. Upon such surrender, there shall be paid to the holder the
amount of any dividends or other distributions (without interest) that
theretofore became payable by Purchaser, but were not paid by reason of
the foregoing with respect to the number of whole shares of Purchaser
Common Stock represented by the Certificate or Certificates issued upon
such surrender. From and after the Effective Time, Purchaser shall,
however, be entitled to treat any such Certificate that has not yet
been surrendered for exchange as evidencing the ownership of the
aggregate Merger Consideration into which the Seller Common Stock
represented by such
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Certificate shall have been converted, notwithstanding any failure to
surrender such Certificate.
(f) NO LIABILITY. Neither Purchaser nor Seller shall be liable
to any holder of shares of Seller Common Stock for any Purchaser Common
Stock (or dividends or distributions with respect thereto) delivered to
a public official pursuant to any abandoned property, escheat or
similar law.
2.8 DISSENTING STOCKHOLDERS. Any holder of Seller Common Stock who
dissents from the Merger and exercises dissenters' rights in accordance with the
provisions of Part Five of the TBCA and who perfects such rights pursuant to the
TBCA shall be entitled to receive, in lieu of the consideration provided in
Section 2.1, the value of such shares in cash as determined pursuant to the
applicable provisions of the TBCA. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this
Article 2, Seller Common Stock with respect to which a proper demand has been
made in accordance with Article 5.12 of the TBCA shall not be converted into the
right to receive Merger Consideration applicable to such shares as set forth in
Section 2.1, unless the holder thereof shall have lost his status as a
dissenting shareholder pursuant to Article 5.13 of the TBCA.
ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY SELLER AND THE SHAREHOLDERS
Seller and each of the Shareholders hereby jointly and severally
(subject to Section 9.1 hereof) represent and warrant to Purchaser as follows:
3.1 ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION. Seller is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Texas, has the corporate power and authority to own all of its properties and
assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, and is duly
qualified to do business and is in good standing in the jurisdictions shown on
Schedule 3.1, which include all jurisdictions in which it is required to be
qualified or in which it is subject to any cost, restriction or penalty
(including assessment of taxes, penalties or fees for prior periods) for failing
to qualify. Seller has provided to Purchaser copies of (i) Seller's original
Articles of Incorporation and all amendments, restatements, articles of merger
or other filings with respect thereto (certified by the Secretary of State or
other appropriate official of the State of Texas and any other appropriate
state), and (ii) Seller's currently effective Bylaws (certified by Seller's
Secretary). All amendments to, and articles of merger and other filings with
respect to, Seller's Articles of Incorporation and every other reorganization
involving Seller were made in accordance with its Articles of Incorporation, its
Bylaws and applicable "Law" (as defined below).
3.2 CAPITALIZATION. The authorized capital stock of Seller consists of
1,000,000 shares of $1.00 par value Seller Common Stock. All of the issued and
outstanding shares of Seller Common Stock are duly authorized, validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable, were not issued in violation
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of any preemptive rights, and were issued under available exemptions from
federal and state securities laws. The Shares are the only shares of Seller's
capital stock issued and outstanding, and 21 shares of Seller's capital stock
are held by Seller as treasury shares as of the date hereof (which number may be
increased as of the Closing to 421 treasury shares due to the repurchase of
shares of Seller Common Stock held by Ponte). Except as set forth on Schedule
3.2 and in this Section 3.2, there are no shares of capital stock of Seller
outstanding, and there are no subscriptions, options, convertible securities,
calls, rights, warrants or other agreements, claims or commitments of any nature
whatsoever obligating Seller to issue, transfer, register with any securities
commission or other authority, deliver or sell or cause to be issued,
transferred, so registered, delivered or sold, additional shares of the capital
stock or other securities of Seller or obligating Seller to grant, extend or
enter into any such agreement or commitment. Schedule 3.2 sets forth a list of
each of the Shareholders, their names (as such names appear in the share records
of Seller), their addresses and states of residence, and the number and
percentage of Shares held by each of them.
3.3 AUTHORITY. Seller has the corporate power and authority to execute
and deliver this Agreement and any other agreements, instruments and documents
executed and delivered by Seller pursuant to this Agreement (this Agreement and
such other agreements, instruments and documents are collectively referred to as
the "Seller Delivered Agreements") and, subject to approval of the Shareholders
of Seller, to consummate the transactions contemplated on the part of Seller
hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery by Seller of the Seller Delivered
Agreements and the consummation by Seller of the transactions contemplated on
its part thereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part
of Seller, other than the approval of the Shareholders of Seller. The Seller
Delivered Agreements have been duly executed and delivered by Seller and each is
a valid and binding obligation of Seller enforceable in accordance with its
terms, except (i) as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy,
reorganization, insolvency or other laws and court decisions relating to or
affecting the enforcement of rights generally (including but not limited to
statutory or other law regarding fraudulent transfers), and (ii) as to the
availability of specific performance or other equitable remedies.
3.4 NON-CONTRAVENTION. The execution and delivery of the Seller
Delivered Agreements by Seller do not and the consummation by Seller of the
transactions contemplated thereby does not and will not (i) violate or conflict
with any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of Seller, or
(ii) except as set forth on Schedule 3.4, violate or conflict with, or result
(with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both) in a violation of or
constitute a default under any provision of, or result in the acceleration or
termination of or entitle any party to accelerate or terminate (whether after
the giving of notice or lapse of time or both), any obligation or benefit under,
or result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of the assets or
properties of Seller or require consent, authorization or approval of any person
or entity pursuant to any provision of any "Material Contract" (as defined
below), "Intellectual Property Agreement" (as defined below), or other license
granted or issued by any "Governmental Entity" (as defined below) to Seller,
law, ordinance, regulation, policy, order or rule (collectively "Laws"),
arbitration award, judgment or decree to which Seller is a party or by which it
or its assets or properties are bound and do not and will not violate or
conflict with any other restriction of any kind or character to which Seller is
subject or by which any
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of its assets or properties may be bound, and the same does not and will not
constitute a breach of, default under, or an event permitting termination of any
Material Contract or Intellectual Property Agreement to which Seller is a party.
Except as set forth on Schedule 3.4, no such violation, conflict, default,
acceleration, termination, entitlement, creation or imposition of a Lien,
regardless of whether it is described on Schedule 3.4, shall cause any damage,
additional cost or expense (including any payments or expenses incurred to
obtain consents or waivers) to Seller or Purchaser. Except as set forth on
Schedule 3.4, Seller believes that it will be able to obtain (without material
additional payment or expense) all consents and waivers necessary to avoid any
such violation, acceleration, entitlement to accelerate, creation or imposition
of a lien, charge, pledge, security interest or other encumbrance, conflict or
event.
3.5 CONSENTS. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.5, no consent,
authorization, clearance, order or approval of, or filing or registration with
(collectively, "Authorizations") any executive, judicial or other public
authority, agency, department, bureau, division, unit or court or other public
person or entity (collectively, a "Governmental Entity") or any other party is
required for, or in connection with, the execution and delivery of the Seller
Delivered Agreements by Seller and the consummation by Seller of the
transactions contemplated thereby.
3.6 NO SUBSIDIARIES. As used in this Agreement, the term "Subsidiary"
means, with respect to any person, corporation or other entity, any corporation
or other organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated, of which at least
a majority of the securities or interests having by the terms thereof voting
power to elect a majority of the board of directors or others performing similar
functions with respect to such corporation or other organization is at that time
directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such person, corporation or other
entity. There are no Subsidiaries of Seller.
3.7 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
(a) Seller has previously furnished Purchaser with a true and complete
copy of (i) the balance sheets of Seller as of December 31, 1990, 1991, 1992 and
1993 and the related statements of income and cash flows for the years then
ended, including the notes thereto, prepared by Seller and compiled by Robert
Ambrosio, C.P.A., whose report is included, (ii) the unaudited balance sheets of
Seller as of December 31, 1994 and 1995 and the related statements of income and
cash flows for the years then ended, including the notes thereto, prepared by
Seller, and (iii) the unaudited balance sheet and related statements of income
and cash flow for the nine-month period ending September 30, 1996 (the
"September Financials") (collectively, the "Seller Financial Statements"). The
Seller Financial Statements have been prepared from, and are in accordance with,
the books and records of Seller and present fairly the financial position and
results of operations of Seller as of the dates and for the periods indicated,
in each case in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles,
consistently applied, except as otherwise stated in the Seller Financial
Statements or on Schedule 3.7, and include all adjustments (consisting only of
normal recurring accruals) that are necessary for the fair presentation of the
financial position of Seller and the results of operations and cash flows,
except as otherwise stated in the Seller Financial Statements or on Schedule
3.7. Seller has also furnished
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Purchaser with true and complete copies of its Tax Returns (as defined below)
for its 1993, 1994 and 1995 taxable years. Such Tax Returns have been prepared
from, and are in accordance with, the books and records of Seller.
(b) The accounts receivable of Seller as reflected in the latest Seller
Financial Statements and the accounts receivable on Seller's books:
(i) are valid, existing and, to the extent uncollected, fully
collectible (net of the respective reserves shown on the latest Seller
Financial Statements and a comparable reserve at the Closing Date,
determined consistent with the last sentence of this subsection (b)),
without resort to legal proceedings, within ninety (90) days from
invoice date;
(ii) represent monies due for goods sold and delivered or
services rendered; and
(iii) are subject to no refunds or other adjustments (except
discounts for prompt payment given in the ordinary course of business
that are described in Schedule 3.7) or to any defenses, rights of
set-off, assignments, restrictions, security interests, encumbrances or
conditions enforceable by third parties on or affecting any of them.
The reserves on the Seller Financial Statements are adequate and
calculated consistent with past practice, and, in the case of the
reserves as of the Closing Date, will not represent a greater
percentage of the accounts receivable as of the Closing Date than the
reserves reflected in the September 30, 1996 Seller Financial
Statements represented of the accounts receivable reflected therein.
3.8 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS. Except as disclosed on
Schedule 3.8 or permitted by Section 6.1(b), since December 31, 1995, there has
not been: (i) any material adverse change in the assets, liabilities, business,
financial position, results of operations or prospects of Seller; (ii) any
damage, destruction, loss or casualty to property or assets of Seller, whether
or not covered by insurance; (iii) any strike, work stoppage or slowdown or
other labor trouble involving Seller; (iv) any declaration, setting aside or
payment of any dividend or distribution (whether in cash, capital stock or
property) with respect to the capital stock of Seller; (v) any redemption or
other acquisition by Seller of any of the capital stock of Seller; (vi) any
split, combination, reclassification or other similar change in the outstanding
capital stock of Seller; (vii) any transaction entered into by Seller other than
in the ordinary course of business; or (viii) any agreement to do any of the
foregoing. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.8, since December 31, 1995, there
has not been any issuance by Seller of any shares, or options, calls or
commitments relating to shares of its capital stock, or any securities or
obligations convertible into or exchangeable for, or giving any person any right
to acquire from it, any shares of its capital stock.
3.9 GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATION AND COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Except as
disclosed on Schedule 3.9, Seller has been and is in compliance with all Laws of
all Governmental Entities applicable to Seller or its business, properties or
assets. Seller holds all licenses, permits, certificates, franchises,
registrations, consents, approvals, Authorizations or other rights filed with,
granted, issued by, or entered by any Governmental Entity, that are required for
the conduct of its business as now
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being conducted (collectively, "Seller Licenses"). The Seller Licenses are set
forth on Schedule 3.9 and are valid and in full force and effect, and the terms
of the Seller Licenses are not subject to any restrictions or conditions that
limit or would limit the operations of the business of Seller as presently
conducted, other than restrictions or conditions generally applicable to
licenses of that type. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.9, there are no
proceedings pending or, to the best knowledge of Seller, complaints or petitions
by others, or threatened proceedings, before any Governmental Entity relating to
the business or operations of Seller or the Seller Licenses, and to the best
knowledge of Seller there are no facts or conditions that reasonably could be
expected to constitute grounds for any Governmental Entity to revoke, terminate,
suspend, deny, annul, or impose conditions on any renewal of the Seller
Licenses, or impair the ability of Seller to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby or to impose any fines, forfeitures or other penalties on
Seller.
3.10 ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. Except as set forth in the
balance sheet as of September 30, 1996, or on Schedule 3.10, Seller (i) did not
have, as of September 30, 1996, debts, liabilities or obligations, whether
accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due
(including without limitation any uninsured liabilities or liabilities resulting
from failure to comply with any Laws); (ii) has not incurred since September 30,
1996, any such debts, liabilities or obligations (other than debts, liabilities
or obligations incurred in the ordinary and usual course of business after
September 30, 1996 which, in the aggregate, are not material), and (iii) since
September 30, 1996, has not conducted its business otherwise than in the
ordinary and usual course.
3.11 TAX MATTERS. All taxes arising under the Code or any Law
promulgated thereunder, or arising under any federal, state, local or foreign
Law, including, without limitation, any income, profits, employment, sales, use,
occupation, excise, real property, personal property or ad valorem taxes or any
license or franchise fee or tax and all penalties and interest related thereto
(collectively, "Taxes"), due and payable by Seller have been paid or provided
for in the Seller Financial Statements and are not delinquent. All Taxes not yet
due have been fully accrued on the books of Seller and adequate reserves have
been established therefor. The charges, accruals and reserves which have been
provided in the September Financials in respect of Taxes for all fiscal periods
prior to and ending at September 30, 1996, are sufficient for the payment of all
unpaid Taxes, whether or not disputed, that are accrued or applicable for the
period ended September 30, 1996, and for all years and periods ended prior
thereto. There are no pending claims asserted for Taxes against Seller or
outstanding agreements or waivers extending the statutory period of limitation
applicable to any Tax return of Seller for any period. Seller has duly and
timely filed all federal, state, local and foreign tax returns and all other
returns heretofore required to be filed ("Tax Returns") with respect to all
Taxes. Seller has delivered to Purchaser true and correct copies of all Tax
Returns for its 1993, 1994 and 1995 taxable years. Seller has not filed a
consent to the application of Section 341(f) of the Code. Seller has made all
estimated income tax deposits and all other required Tax payments or deposits
and has complied for all prior periods with the Tax withholding provisions of
all applicable federal, state, local and other Laws. Seller has had a valid
election under Section 1362 of the Code and comparable provisions of state law
to be taxed as an S corporation and has qualified and will qualify as of the
Closing to be taxed as an S corporation for all of its taxable years beginning
January 1, 1993 and ending on or prior to the Closing Date.
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3.12 TITLE TO PROPERTIES; ADEQUACY. Seller has good and marketable
title to all properties and assets reflected in the balance sheet dated
September 30, 1996 (or acquired after that date), or valid leasehold or license
interests in all properties and assets not reflected on such balance sheet but
used by Seller, free and clear of any title defects or Liens, except (i)
mortgages and Liens securing debt reflected as liabilities on such balance
sheet, (ii) Liens for current Taxes and assessments not in default, (iii)
mechanics', carriers', workers', repair persons', landlords', statutory or
common law Liens either not delinquent or being contested in good faith and (iv)
Liens, covenants, rights-of-way, building or use restrictions, easements,
exceptions, variances, reservations and other matters or limitations of any
kind, if any, which do not have an adverse effect on Seller's use of the
property affected. No person other than Seller is currently entitled to
possession of any of the properties of Seller, whether owned or leased by
Seller. To the actual knowledge of Seller, the real property, buildings,
structures and improvements owned or leased by Seller conform to all applicable
Laws, including zoning regulations, none of which would upon consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby adversely interfere with the use of such
properties, buildings, structures or improvements for the purposes for which
they are now utilized. Seller has not received notice nor has actual knowledge
of (A) any pending or contemplated condemnation or eminent domain proceeding
affecting the properties owned or leased by Seller, (B) any proposal for
increasing the assessed value of any such properties for state, county, local or
other ad valorem Taxes or (C) any pending or contemplated proceedings or public
improvements that would result in the levy of any special Tax or assessment
against any such properties; and there are no outstanding requirements or
recommendations by Seller's insurance providers requiring or recommending any
repairs or work to be done with reference to any such properties or any basis
for such. The properties and assets owned or leased by Seller are adequate for
the conduct of its business as presently conducted and are in good repair and
operating condition, normal wear and tear excepted. The properties and assets
owned by Seller constitute all of the property and assets which Seller uses or
may reasonably need in connection with the operation of its business as
presently conducted, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement will not impair the ability of Purchaser to use such properties
and assets.
3.13 BANK ACCOUNTS. Schedule 3.13 lists all bank, money market, savings
and similar accounts and safe deposit boxes of Seller, specifying the account
numbers and the authorized signatories or persons having access to them.
3.14 LEASES AND SUBLEASES. Schedule 3.14 sets forth each lease or
sublease pursuant to which Seller leases or subleases any real or personal
property, either as lessor or lessee, except any lease or sublease of personal
property that (i) can be canceled by the Seller upon 30 or fewer days' notice
without cost or penalty, acceleration of rentals or exercise of an option to
purchase the leased property or (ii) involves an annual rental of $5,000 or
less, and the leases and subleases not required to be disclosed on Schedule 3.14
do not involve annual payments by or to the Seller of more than $50,000 in the
aggregate. Seller has delivered to Purchaser true and correct copies of all
leases and subleases required to be set forth on Schedule 3.14, and: (A) Seller
is not in default in connection with any lease or sublease to which it is a
party or by which it is bound nor, so far as Seller knows, is there any basis
for any claim or default in any respect under any of the foregoing; and so far
as
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Seller knows, no other party is in default under any such lease or sublease; (B)
no act or event has occurred which with notice or lapse of time, or both, would
constitute a default under any such lease or sublease and, so far as Seller
knows, there is no basis for such; (C) there is no outstanding notice of
cancellation or termination in connection therewith; and (D) each such lease or
sublease is a valid and binding agreement of the parties thereto which is in
full force and effect in accordance with its terms.
3.15 MATERIAL CONTRACTS. Schedule 3.15 contains a correct and complete
list of the following (collectively, the "Material Contracts"):
(a) all bonds, debentures, loan agreements, notes, mortgages,
deeds to secure debt, deeds of trust, reinsurance and other risk
sharing agreements, indentures or guaranties to which Seller is a party
or by which Seller or its properties or assets are bound;
(b) all leases (whether capital or operating) under which
Seller is the lessee of real or personal property;
(c) all employment agreements of Seller; and
(d) all existing contracts and commitments (other than those
described in subparagraphs (a), (b) or (c) and any "Employee Plans" (as
defined below)) to which Seller is a party or by which Seller or its
properties or assets may be bound involving an annual commitment or
annual payment by any party thereto of more than $10,000 individually
or $50,000 in the aggregate, or which have a fixed term extending more
than 12 months from the date hereof.
True and complete copies of all Material Contracts, including all amendments
thereto, have been delivered to Purchaser. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.15:
(A) all Material Contracts are in full force and effect and constitute the valid
and binding obligations of the respective parties thereto; (B) there has not
been and there currently is no default under any Material Contract by Seller or,
to the knowledge of Seller, any other party thereto; (C) no event has occurred
which (whether with or without notice, lapse of time or the happening or
occurrence of any other event) would constitute a default thereunder entitling
any party to terminate a Material Contract; and (D) the continuation, validity
and effectiveness of all such Material Contracts under the current terms thereof
and the current rights and obligations of Seller thereunder will in no way be
affected, altered or impaired by the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.15, there are no
contracts or options to sell or lease any properties or assets of Seller.
3.16 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.16, (i) there
is no claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the
knowledge of Seller, contemplated or threatened against Seller or any of its
properties or assets (or any of its officers or directors in connection with the
business of Seller), before any arbitrator or Governmental Entity, domestic or
foreign, which in the event of a final adverse determination, considered
individually or in the aggregate with all such
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other claims, actions, suits or proceedings, would adversely affect the assets,
liabilities, financial position, results of operations, business or prospects of
Seller, or which seeks treble damages, seeks damages in connection with any of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or seeks to prohibit, restrict
or delay consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or any of the
conditions to consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or to limit
the right of Purchaser to control Seller or any aspect of the business of Seller
after the Closing, nor is there any judgment, decree, injunction, ruling or
order of any Governmental Entity, arbitrator or any other person outstanding
against Seller having any such effect; and (ii) Seller is not a party to or
bound by any judgment, decree, injunction, ruling or order of any Governmental
Entity, arbitrator or any other person against Seller that, when considered
individually or in the aggregate with all such other judgments, decrees,
injunctions, rulings or orders, adversely affects the assets, liabilities,
financial position, results of operations, business or prospects of Seller.
3.17 LABOR RELATIONS. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.17, Seller is
in compliance with all federal and state Laws respecting employment and
employment practices, terms and conditions of employment, wages and hours, and
is not engaged in any unfair labor or unlawful employment practice. There is no
unlawful employment practice or discrimination charge pending before the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") or any EEOC recognized state
"referral agency." There is no unfair labor practice charge or complaint against
Seller pending before the National Labor Relations Board ("NLRB"). There is no
labor strike, dispute, slowdown or stoppage actually pending or, to the best
knowledge of Seller, threatened against or involving or affecting Seller and no
NLRB representation question exists respecting any of its employees. No
grievance or arbitration proceeding is pending and no written claim therefor
exists. There is no collective bargaining agreement that is binding on Seller.
Except for any Material Contract disclosed pursuant to Section 3.15, Seller is
not a party to or bound by any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any
employee or consultant that cannot be terminated on notice of ninety (90) or
fewer days without liability to Seller or that entitles the employee or
consultant to receive any salary continuation or severance payment or retain any
specified position with Seller.
3.18 INSIDER INTERESTS. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.18, no
affiliate (an "Affiliate"), as that term is defined in Rule 405 of Regulation C
promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
officer, director or Shareholder of Seller (i) has any agreement with Seller or
any interest in any property, real or personal, tangible or intangible,
including without limitation trade names or trademarks used in or pertaining to
the business of Seller, except for the normal rights as a stockholder or (ii)
has any claim or cause of action against Seller, except for accrued compensation
and benefits, expenses and similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course
of business (including reimbursement of medical expenses pursuant to Employee
Plans) with respect to employees of Seller.
3.19 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.19, and
except for licenses of generally available computer programs for personal
computers, Seller owns and has owned all patents, trademarks, service marks,
trade names, copyrights or applications for the foregoing, and all computer
programs, firmware and documentation relating thereto, and trade secrets and
other intel-
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<PAGE> 33
lectual properties (collectively, the "Intellectual Property") that are or were
used in the conduct of the business of Seller. Except as disclosed on Schedule
3.19, Seller has and has had the unrestricted right to produce, market, license
and sell all of the products and services produced, marketed and licensed by it
in the jurisdictions in which Seller produces, markets, licenses and sells its
products and services, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement will not alter or impair any such rights. Schedule 3.19 lists all
of the Intellectual Property other than trade secrets, which have been
separately disclosed to Purchaser, and lists all licenses or other agreements
(other than licenses of generally available computer programs for personal
computers) pursuant to which Seller has any right to use or enjoy any
Intellectual Property that is owned by others or pursuant to which Seller is
under a duty of confidentiality with respect to any Intellectual Property owned
by others (the "Intellectual Property Agreements"). Except as disclosed on
Schedule 3.19, all of the Intellectual Property is owned free and clear of all
assignments, licenses, sublicenses, and Liens, including claims of employees,
former employees or independent contractors of Seller, and Seller has not
received notice that the use of any of the Intellectual Property in the business
of Seller, any of the products or services of Seller or any products or services
held for future sale or license by Seller violates or infringes upon the claimed
rights of others and there is no valid basis for such a claim. As to the
Intellectual Property Agreements, except as set forth on Schedule 3.19, (i) all
are in full force and effect; (ii) Seller is not, nor to the best of the
knowledge of Seller, is any other party thereto, in default under any
Intellectual Property Agreement; (iii) Seller is not obligated to make any
royalty, transfer or similar payments under any Intellectual Property Agreement,
(iv) the rights of Seller under the Intellectual Property Agreements will not be
affected by the consummation of the transactions provided for herein, and (v)
the exercise by Seller of its respective rights under any Intellectual Property
Agreement, in the manner and in the jurisdictions currently used by Seller, will
not infringe upon the claimed rights of others.
3.20 INSURANCE. Seller maintains the amount and scope of all insurance
policies or contracts providing coverage as summarized on Schedule 3.20. All
such policies or contracts of insurance are of a scope and, in the opinion of
management, in an amount usual and customary for businesses engaged in the
business of Seller and are sufficient for compliance with all Laws and of all
agreements to which Seller is a party. All insurance policies pursuant to which
any such insurance is provided are in full force and effect and no effective
notice of cancellation or termination of any such insurance policies has been
given to Seller by the carrier of any such policy. All premiums required to be
paid in connection therewith have been paid in full.
3.21 EMPLOYEE AND FRINGE BENEFIT PLANS.
(a) SCHEDULE OF PLANS. Schedule 3.21 lists each of the
following that Seller or any "ERISA Affiliate" (as defined below)
either maintains, is required to contribute to or otherwise
participates in (or at any time maintained, contributed to or otherwise
participated in) or as to which Seller or any ERISA Affiliate has any
unsatisfied liability or obligation, whether accrued, contingent or
otherwise:
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<PAGE> 34
(i) any employee pension benefit plan
("Pension/Profit-Sharing Plan") (as such term is defined in the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
("ERISA")), including any pension, profit-sharing, retirement,
thrift or stock bonus plan;
(ii) any "multi-employer plan" ("Multi-Employer
Plan") (as such term is defined in ERISA);
(iii) any employee welfare benefit plan ("Welfare Plan")
(as such term is defined in ERISA); or
(iv) any other compensation, stock option, restricted
stock, fringe benefit or retirement plan, program, policy,
understanding or arrangement of any kind whatsoever, whether
formal or informal, not included in the foregoing and providing
for benefits for, or the welfare of, any or all of the current
or former employees or agents of Seller or any ERISA Affiliate
or their beneficiaries or dependents, including any group
health, life insurance, retiree medical, bonus, incentive or
severance arrangement, and all outstanding stock options,
restricted shares, phantom stock awards, stock appreciation
rights, performance share unit awards or cash or other similar
incentive awards thereunder;
(all of the foregoing in items (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) being referred
to as "Employee Plans"). "ERISA Affiliate" means each trade or business
(whether or not incorporated) which together with Seller is treated as
a single employer pursuant to Code Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o).
Seller has delivered to Purchaser (and Schedule 3.21 lists each item
delivered) copies of the following: (1) each written Employee Plan, as
amended (including either the original plan or the most recent
restatement and all subsequent amendments); (2) the most recent
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") determination letter issued with
respect to each Pension/ProfitSharing Plan; (3) the latest actuarial
valuation (if any) for each Pension/Profit-Sharing Plan; (4) all annual
reports on the Form 5500 series; (5) each trust agreement, insurance
contract or document setting forth any other funding arrangement, if
any, with respect to each Employee Plan; (6) the most recent ERISA
summary plan description or other summary of plan provisions
distributed to participants or beneficiaries for each Employee Plan;
(7) each opinion or ruling from the IRS, the Department of Labor or the
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC") concerning any Employee
Plan; and (8) each Registration Statement, amendment thereto and
prospectus relating thereto filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC") or furnished to participants in connection with
any Employee Plan.
(b) QUALIFICATION. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.21 each
Pension/Profit-Sharing Plan of Seller: (i) has received a favorable
determination letter from the IRS to the effect that it is qualified
under Code Sections 401(a) and 501, both as to the original plan and
all restatements or material amendments; (ii) has never been subject to
any assertion by any
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<PAGE> 35
Governmental Entity that it is not so qualified; and (iii) has been
operated so that it has always been so qualified.
(c) ACCRUALS; FUNDING.
(i) Pension/Profit-Sharing Plans. None of the Employee
Plans is a Pension/Profit-Sharing Plan subject to ERISA Title
IV (including those for retired, terminated or other former
employees and agents).
(ii) Other Plans. Schedule 3.21 fully and accurately
sets forth any funding liability under each Employee Plan not
subject to ERISA Title IV, whether insured or otherwise,
specifically setting forth any liabilities under any retiree
medical arrangement and specifically designating any insured
plan which provides for retroactive premium or other
adjustments. The levels of insurance reserves and accrued
liabilities with regard to each such Employee Plan are
reasonable and are sufficient to provide for all incurred but
unreported claims and any retroactive premium adjustments.
(iii) Contributions. Except as set forth on Schedule
3.21: (1) Seller and each ERISA Affiliate have made full and
timely payment of all amounts required to be contributed under
the terms of each Employee Plan and applicable Law, or required
to be paid as expenses under such Employee Plan, including PBGC
premiums and amounts required to be contributed under Code
Section 412; (2) all contributions have been made in accordance
with the actuarial recommendations; and (3) no excise taxes are
assessable as a result of any nondeductible or other
contributions made or not made to an Employee Plan.
(d) REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE. Summary plan descriptions and all
other returns, reports, registration statements, prospectuses,
documents, statements and communications which are required to have
been filed, published or disseminated under ERISA or other Law and the
rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Labor under
ERISA and the Treasury Department or by the SEC with respect to the
Employee Plans have been so filed, published or disseminated.
(e) PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS; TERMINATIONS; OTHER REPORTABLE
EVENTS. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.21:
(i) neither Seller, any ERISA Affiliate, any Employee
Plan, any trust or arrangement created under any of them, nor
any trustee, fiduciary, custodian, administrator or any person
or entity holding or controlling assets of any of the Employee
Plans has engaged in any "prohibited transaction" (as such term
is defined in ERISA or the Code) which could subject any of the
foregoing persons or entities, or any person or entity dealing
with them, to any tax, penalty or other cost or liability of
any kind; and
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<PAGE> 36
(ii) no termination, whether partial or complete, has
occurred with respect to any Employee Plan.
(f) CLAIMS FOR BENEFITS. Other than claims for benefits arising
in the ordinary course of the administration and operation of the
Employee Plans, no claims, investigations or arbitrations are pending
or threatened against any Employee Plan or against Seller, any ERISA
Affiliate, any trust or arrangement created under or as part of any
Employee Plan, any trustee, fiduciary, custodian (to Seller's actual
knowledge), administrator (to Seller's actual knowledge), or to
Seller's actual knowledge, other person or entity holding or
controlling assets of any Employee Plan, and no basis to anticipate any
such claim or claims exists.
(g) OTHER. Each of Seller and all ERISA Affiliates have fully
complied with all of their obligations under each of the Employee Plans
and with all provisions of ERISA and any and all other Laws applicable
to the Employee Plans. No written notice has been received by Seller of
any claim by any participant in the Employee Plans of any violations of
such Laws, and to the best knowledge of Seller or the Shareholders, no
such claims are pending or threatened.
(h) CREATION OF OBLIGATIONS BY REASON OF SALE OF THE SHARES.
Except as set forth on Schedule 3.21, the execution and delivery of the
Seller Delivered Agreements and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by the Seller Delivered Agreements will not constitute an
event under any Employee Plan that will or may result in any payment
(whether of severance pay or otherwise), acceleration, forgiveness of
indebtedness, vesting, distribution, increase in benefits or obligation
to fund benefits with respect to any employee, including any obligation
to make a payment that would be nondeductible under Code Section 280G
or any other Code provision.
(i) NO MULTI-EMPLOYER PLANS. Except as set forth on Schedule
3.21, none of the Employee Plans is a Multi-Employer Plan, and neither
Seller nor any ERISA Affiliate has any liability, joint or otherwise,
for any withdrawal liability (potential, contingent or otherwise) under
ERISA Title IV for a complete or partial withdrawal from any
Multi-Employer Plan.
3.22 MAJOR CUSTOMERS. Schedule 3.22 sets forth (i) the name of each
customer of Seller which was among the twenty-five (25) customers which
generated the greatest amount of revenue during the year ended December 31, 1995
and of any other customer of Seller which during the year ended December 31,
1995 generated revenue of $30,000 or more, (ii) the name of each customer of
Seller which was among the twenty-five (25) customers which generated the
greatest amount of revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 1996, and
of any other customer of Seller which during the nine months ended September 30,
1996, generated revenue of $30,000 or more and (iii) the name of each customer
of Seller which during the year ended December 31, 1995, or during the nine
months ended September 30, 1996, generated revenue of $30,000 or more and as to
which Seller has received a termination notice or otherwise has a reasonable
basis to believe that such customer will terminate its relationship with Seller
on or before December 31, 1996. The revenues
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<PAGE> 37
generated during the year ended December 31, 1995 or during the nine months
ended September 30, 1996, under contracts providing for recurring revenues with
Seller with respect to which Seller has received a termination notice (or has
been informed that such notice is forthcoming) since December 31, 1995 or
September 30, 1996, as the case may be, did not exceed the estimated revenues to
be received during the year ending December 31, 1996 under new contracts
providing for recurring revenues with customers of Seller commencing in 1996.
3.23 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.23:
(a) Seller has obtained all Authorizations, kept all records
and made all filings required by applicable "Environmental Laws" (as
defined below) with respect to emissions or dis charges into the
environment and the proper disposal of any hazardous wastes, hazardous
substances, or other hazardous or toxic materials as defined in the
Environmental Laws. None of the properties occupied or used by Seller
has been contaminated by Seller or, to Seller's actual knowledge, any
other party, with any such hazardous wastes, hazardous sub stances, or
other hazardous or toxic materials. Seller has conducted its operations
and will consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in
compliance with all Envi ronmental Laws and all Authorizations obtained
pursuant thereto.
(b) Seller has not received any notice from the United States
Environmental Protection Agency that it is a potentially responsible
party under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act ("Superfund Notice"), any citation from any Governmental
Entity for noncompliance with its requirements with respect to air,
water or environmental pollution, or the improper storage, use or
discharge of any hazardous waste, other waste or other substance or
material pertaining to its business ("Citations") or any written notice
from any private party alleging any such noncompliance or impropriety;
and there are no pending or unresolved Superfund Notices, Citations or
written notices from private parties alleging any such noncompliance or
impropriety.
(c) The term "Environmental Laws" shall mean all Laws relating
to pollution or protection of the environment.
3.24 CORPORATE RECORDS. The corporate record books (including the share
records) of Seller are complete, accurate and up to date with all necessary
signatures and set forth all meetings and actions taken by the stockholders and
directors of Seller and all transactions involving the shares of Seller (and
contain all canceled share certificates).
3.25 ACCURACY OF SCHEDULES, CERTIFICATES AND DOCUMENTS. All information
concerning Seller contained in this Agreement, in any certificate furnished to
Purchaser pursuant hereto and in each schedule hereto is both complete (in that
it does not omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements
contained therein not misleading) and accurate; and all documents furnished to
Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement as being documents described in this
Agreement or in any schedule attached hereto are true and correct copies of the
documents which they purport to represent.
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3.26 BROKERS, FINDERS AND INVESTMENT BANKERS. Neither the Shareholders,
nor Seller nor any of its officers, directors or employees have employed any
broker, finder or investment banker or incurred any liability for any investment
banking fees, financial advisory fees, brokerage fees or finders' or similar
fees in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
3.27 COMBINATIONS INVOLVING SELLER. All mergers, consolidations or
other business combinations involving Seller and all liquidations, purchases or
other transactions by which Seller acquired any of its business and property
were conducted in accordance with applicable certificates of incorporation,
bylaws, any other applicable agreements, instruments and documents and
applicable Law.
ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SHAREHOLDERS
Each Shareholder represents and warrants to Purchaser, severally and
not jointly, with respect to himself and his ownership of Shares, as follows:
4.1 OWNERSHIP OF SHARES. The Shareholder owns of record and
beneficially all of the Shares set forth opposite his name on Schedule 3.2. Such
Shareholder owns all right, title and interest in and to such Shares, free and
clear of all Liens (including those for federal or state estate or inheritance
taxes), options, rights of refusal or similar rights or other transfer
restrictions of any nature whatsoever (including any arising from any pending or
threatened litigation) other than restrictions on transfers arising out of
applicable federal and state securities Laws and the agreements identified on
Schedule 3.2 (which shall be terminated at or prior to the Closing). The
Shareholder owns no other security of Seller except for Seller stock options,
none of which shall survive the Closing.
4.2 AUTHORIZATION. With respect to this Agreement and any other
agreements, instruments and documents executed and delivered by the Shareholder
pursuant to this Agreement (this Agreement and such other agreements,
instruments and documents, are collectively referred to as the "Shareholder
Delivered Agreements"): (i) such Shareholder has the right, power and authority
to enter into the Shareholder Delivered Agreements executed and delivered by him
and to consummate the transactions contemplated by, and otherwise to comply with
and perform his obligations under, them; and (ii) the Shareholder Delivered
Agreements will, when delivered, constitute valid and binding obligations of
such Shareholder enforceable against such Shareholder in accordance with their
terms.
4.3 ABSENCE OF VIOLATIONS OR CONFLICTS. The execution and delivery of
the Shareholder Delivered Agreements and the consummation by such Shareholder of
the transactions contemplated by, or other compliance with the performance
under, them do not and will not with the passing of time or giving of notice or
both: (i) constitute a violation of, be in conflict with, constitute a default
or require any payment under, permit a termination of, or result in the creation
or imposition of any Lien upon any assets of Seller or any of the Shares under
(A) any contract, agreement, commitment,
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<PAGE> 39
undertaking or understanding (including rights of refusal or similar rights or
other transfer restrictions) to which such Shareholder is a party or to which he
or his properties or Seller or its properties are subject or bound, (B) any
judgment, decree or order of any Governmental Entity to which such Shareholder
or his properties are subject or bound, or (C) any applicable Laws; or (ii)
create, or cause the acceleration of the maturity of, any debt, obligation or
liability of such Shareholder that would result in any Lien or other claim upon
the assets of Seller.
4.4 NO CONSENTS REQUIRED. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.4, no
Authorization of or with any Governmental Entity or any other Authorization of
or with any other third party, on the part of such Shareholder is required in
connection with his execution or delivery of the Shareholder Delivered
Agreements or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by, or other
compliance with the performance under, such Shareholder Delivered Agreements by
such Shareholder.
4.5 NO CLAIMS AGAINST SELLER. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.5, such
Shareholder has no claim against Seller, except for accrued compensation and
benefits and expenses or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of
business (including reimbursement of medical expenses pursuant to the Employee
Plans disclosed pursuant to this Agreement), and except as otherwise
specifically provided in this Agreement.
4.6 LITIGATION RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT. Such Shareholder is not a
party to, or subject to any judgment, decree or order entered in, any lawsuit or
proceeding brought by any Governmental Entity or other third party seeking to
prevent the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby.
4.7 INVESTMENT INTENT. Such Shareholder will acquire the securities
issued pursuant to this Agreement (the "Securities") for his own account, to
hold for investment and with no present intention of dividing his participation
with others or reselling or otherwise participating, directly or indirectly, in
a distribution thereof, and he will not make any sale, transfer or other
disposition of the Securities in violation of the Securities Act or any
applicable state securities laws (the "State Acts").
Without limiting the foregoing, such Shareholder has no plan or intention to
sell or otherwise dispose of any of the Purchaser Common Stock issued to him
pursuant to this Agreement or to effect any other transaction which would
adversely affect the status of the Merger as a tax-free reorganization under the
Code to the extent the Merger Consideration is Purchaser Common Stock. Such
Shareholder agrees that there will be placed on the certificate or other
evidence of the Securities, or any substitutions therefor, a legend stating in
substance:
THE SECURITIES EVIDENCED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN
REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED
(THE "SECURITIES ACT"), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS IN
RELIANCE ON ONE OR MORE EXEMPTIONS THEREUNDER AND MAY
NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN TRANSACTIONS EXEMPT
FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND ANY
APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR PURSUANT TO AN
EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION
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STATEMENT THEREUNDER. THESE SECURITIES ARE SUBJECT TO
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER SET FORTH IN AN AGREEMENT AND
PLAN OF MERGER (THE "AGREEMENT") DATED NOVEMBER 13, 1996
AMONG THE CORPORATION AND THE HOLDER OF THESE SECURITIES
AND OTHERS. ANY ATTEMPTED TRANSFER IN VIOLATION OF THE
AGREEMENT SHALL BE NULL AND VOID. A COPY OF THE
AGREEMENT OR A SUMMARY OF SUCH RESTRICTIONS IS AVAILABLE
FROM THE CORPORATION UPON REQUEST.
4.8 ACCESS TO INFORMATION; ACCREDITED INVESTOR STATUS. Such Shareholder
has been given access to all material and relevant information concerning
Purchaser, thereby enabling such Shareholder to make an informed investment
decision concerning his investment in the Securities. Such Shareholder has
relied solely upon an independent investigation made by him and his
representatives, if any, and has, prior to the date hereof, been given access to
and the opportunity to examine data and information relating to Purchaser. In
making his investment decision to acquire the Securities pursuant to this
Agreement, such Shareholder is not relying on any oral or written
representations or assurances from Purchaser or any other person or any
representative of Purchaser or any other person other than as set forth in this
Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, such Shareholder has reviewed
Purchaser's Prospectus dated February 26, 1996 (the "Prospectus"), and
Purchaser's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, June
30, and September 30, 1996, respectively (the "10-Qs") and Purchaser's Current
Reports on Form 8-K dated July 3 and September 13, 1996, respectively (the
"8-Ks"). Such Shareholder has reviewed the definition of "accredited investor"
as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D under the Securities Act and such
Shareholder is an accredited investor.
4.9 ECONOMIC RISK. Such Shareholder represents that he is able to bear
the economic risk of an investment in the Securities, which such Shareholder
acknowledges is currently illiquid, including a possible total loss of his
investment. In making this statement, such Shareholder hereby represents and
warrants to Purchaser that he has adequate means of providing for his current
needs and contingencies; he is able to afford to hold the Securities for an
indefinite period and he further represents that he has such knowledge and
experience in financial and business matters that he is capable of evaluating
the merits and risks of the investment in the Purchaser Common Stock. Further,
such Shareholder represents that he has no present need for liquidity in the
Purchaser Common Stock and is willing to accept such investment risks.
4.10 TAX ADVICE. Such Shareholder has reviewed with his tax advisor the
U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of an investment in the
Purchaser Common Stock and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Such
Shareholder is relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or
representations of Purchaser or any of its agents, except as provided herein and
in the tax opinion delivered hereunder and understands that he (and not
Purchaser) shall be responsible for his own tax liability that will arise as a
result of this investment or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
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<PAGE> 41
ARTICLE 5
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER
Purchaser represents and warrants to Seller and the Shareholders as
follows:
5.1 ORGANIZATION. Purchaser is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has
the corporate power and authority to own all its properties and assets and to
carry on its business as it is now being conducted.
5.2 CAPITALIZATION. The authorized capital stock of Purchaser consists
of 70,000,000 shares of Purchaser Common Stock and 5,000,000 shares of $.01 par
value preferred stock (the "Purchaser Preferred Stock"). As of November 7, 1996,
14,612,897 shares of Purchaser Common Stock were validly issued and outstanding,
fully paid and non-assessable, no shares of Purchaser Common Stock were held in
the treasury of Purchaser, and no Purchaser Preferred Stock was issued or
outstanding or held in the treasury of Purchaser.
5.3 AUTHORITY. Purchaser has the corporate power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement and any other agreements, instruments and
documents executed and delivered by Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement (this
Agreement and such other agreements, instruments and documents are collectively
referred to as the "Purchaser Delivered Agreements") and to consummate the
transactions contemplated on the part of Purchaser thereby. The execution and
delivery by Purchaser of the Purchaser Delivered Agreements and the consummation
by Purchaser of the transactions contemplated on its part thereby have been duly
authorized by its Board of Directors. No other corporate action on the part of
Purchaser is necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of the Purchaser
Delivered Agreements by Purchaser or the consummation by Purchaser of the
transactions contemplated thereby. The Purchaser Delivered Agreements have been
duly executed and delivered by Purchaser, and each is a valid and binding
obligation of Purchaser enforceable in accordance with its terms, except (i) as
such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency or
other laws and court decisions relating to or affecting the enforcement of
rights generally (including but not limited to statutory or other law regarding
fraudulent transfers), and (ii) as to the availability of specific performance
or other equitable remedies.
5.4 NON-CONTRAVENTION. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.4, the
execution and delivery of the Purchaser Delivered Agreements by Purchaser do not
and the consummation by Purchaser of the transactions contemplated thereby does
not and will not (i) violate or conflict with any provision of the Certificate
of Incorporation or Bylaws of Purchaser or (ii) violate or conflict with, or
result (with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both) in a violation
of or constitute a default under, any provision of, or result in the
acceleration or termination of or entitle any party to accelerate or terminate
(whether after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both) any obligation or
benefit under, or result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of
the assets or property of Purchaser pursuant to any provision of, any contract,
agreement, commitment, undertaking, arrangement or understanding to which
Purchaser is a party or bound or to which any of their assets or properties are
subject that is required to be disclosed in response to Items 601(b)(4) and
601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Act (a "Purchaser
Material Contract"), Law, order,
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<PAGE> 42
arbitration award, judgment or decree to which Purchaser is a party or by which
Purchaser or its assets or properties is bound, and the same does not and will
not constitute an event permitting termination of any Purchaser Material
Contract.
5.5 CONSENTS. Except for any required filings with the SEC under
Regulation D or any state securities commissions, and as reflected on Schedule
5.5, no Authorization of any Governmental Entity is required for, or in
connection with, the execution and delivery of the Purchaser Delivered
Agreements by Purchaser and the consummation by Purchaser of the transactions
contemplated thereby, where the failure to make such filing or registration or
to obtain such consent, authorization, order or approval would have a material
and adverse effect on the ability of Purchaser to consummate the transactions
contemplated by the Purchaser Delivered Agreements.
5.6 PERIODIC REPORTS. The Prospectus, the 10-Qs and the 8-Ks did not,
as of their respective dates, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading.
5.7 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS. Since September 30, 1996,
there has not been any material adverse change in the financial position or
results of operations or prospects of Purchaser and its Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole.
5.8 BROKERS, FINDERS AND INVESTMENT BANKERS. Neither Purchaser nor any
of its officers, directors or employees has employed any broker, finder or
investment banker or incurred any liability for any investment banking fees,
financial advisory fees, brokerage fees or finders' or similar fees in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.9 ACCURACY OF SCHEDULES, CERTIFICATES AND DOCUMENTS. All information
concerning Purchaser contained in this Agreement, in any certificate furnished
to Seller pursuant hereto and in each schedule hereto is both complete (in that
it does not omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements
contained therein not misleading) and accurate; and all documents furnished to
Seller pursuant to this Agreement as being documents described in this Agreement
or in any schedule attached hereto are true and correct copies of the documents
which they purport to represent.
ARTICLE 6
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS
6.1 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE EFFECTIVE TIME. During the period
from the date hereof to the Effective Time (except as required by Law and for
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement):
(a) OPERATION BY SELLER IN THE ORDINARY COURSE OF BUSINESS.
Seller shall conduct its operations according to its ordinary and usual
course of business in substantially the same
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manner as heretofore conducted and use its reasonable best efforts to
preserve intact its business organization, to maintain all
Authorizations, to keep available the services of its officers and
employees, and to maintain satisfactory relationships with the relevant
Governmental Entities, licensors, suppliers, distributors, customers
and others having business relationships with it. Seller shall prepare
and file all federal, state, local and foreign returns for Taxes and
other Tax reports, filings and amendments thereto required to be filed
by it, and allow Purchaser, at its request, to review all such returns,
reports, filings and amendments at Seller's offices prior to the filing
thereof, which review shall not interfere with the timely filing of
such returns.
(b) FORBEARANCES BY SELLER. Seller shall not without the prior
written consent of Purchaser, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld:
(i) except as otherwise permitted pursuant to clause
(vi) below, incur any debt, liability or obligation, direct or
indirect, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise,
other than current liabilities incurred in the ordinary and
usual course of business, or pay any debt, liability or
obligation of any kind other than such current liabilities and
current maturities of existing long-term debt (including
interest when due) in each case only in accordance with the
terms of the document creating and evidencing such debt, or
fail to pay any debt when due or take or fail to take any
action, the taking of which, or the failure to take of which,
would permit any debt to be accelerated; provided, however,
that Seller shall be entitled to pay outstanding loans from
Shareholders in principal amount not to exceed $128,000;
(ii) assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise become
responsible for the obligations of any other individual, firm
or corporation or make any loans or advances to any individual,
firm or corporation (other than through endorsement of checks
in the ordinary course of business);
(iii) declare, set aside or pay any dividend (whether in
cash, capital stock or property) with respect to its capital
stock or declare or make any distribution on, redeem, or
purchase or otherwise acquire any Seller Common Stock, or
split, combine or otherwise similarly change the outstanding
Seller Common Stock, or authorize the creation or issuance of
or issue or sell any shares of its capital stock or any
securities or obligations convertible into or exchangeable for,
or giving any person any right to acquire from it, any shares
of its capital stock; provided, however, that Seller may (A)
declare and pay a dividend on Seller Common Stock in an amount
up to forty percent (40%) of the taxable income reportable by
the shareholders of Seller for the period commencing January 1,
1996 and ending on the Closing Date in respect of their
ownership of Seller Common Stock, (B) repurchase shares of
Seller Common Stock held by Ponte, and (C) permit Teel to
exercise options to acquire up to 6,225 Shares and surrender
Shares held by Teel in payment of the exercise price of such
options;
(iv) mortgage, pledge or otherwise encumber any
property or asset, except in the ordinary and usual course of
business;
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(v) sell, lease, transfer or dispose of any of its
properties or assets, waive or release any rights or cancel,
compromise, release or assign any indebtedness owed to it or
any claims held by it, except in the ordinary and usual course
of business but in no event shall any such sale, lease,
transfer, disposition, waiver, release, cancellation,
compromise or assignment exceed $5,000;
(vi) make any investment of a capital nature either by
purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital,
property transfers or otherwise, or by the purchase of any
property or assets of any other individual, firm or
corporation, except in the ordinary and usual course of
business but in no event greater than $5,000;
(vii) fail to perform its obligations under Material
Contracts (except those being contested in good faith) or enter
into, assume or amend any contract or commitment that would be
a Material Contract other than contracts to provide services
entered into in the ordinary and usual course of business;
(viii)except as provided on Schedule 6.22 and except for
regularly scheduled increases in accordance, both as to timing
and amount, with normal prior practice, increase in any manner
the compensation or fringe benefits of any of its officers or
employees or pay or agree to pay any pension or retirement
allowance not required by any existing plan or agreement to any
such officers or employees, or commit itself to or enter into
any employment agreement or any incentive compensation,
deferred compensation, profit sharing, stock option, stock
purchase, savings, consulting, retirement, pension or other
"fringe benefit" plan, award or arrangement with or for the
benefit of any officer, employee or other person;
(ix) permit any insurance policy naming it as a
beneficiary or a loss payable payee to be canceled or
terminated or any of the coverage thereunder to lapse, unless
Seller makes reasonable efforts to obtain simultaneously with
such termination or cancellation replacement policies providing
substantially the same coverage on commercially reasonable
terms and, if so available, such policies are in full force and
effect;
(x) amend its Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws;
(xi) enter into any union, collective bargaining or
similar agreement; or
(xii) enter into an agreement to take any of the actions
described in clauses (i) through (xi).
In connection with the continued operation of the business of Seller between the
date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, Seller shall confer in good faith
on a regular basis with representatives of Purchaser on operational matters of
materiality and the general status of ongoing operations. Seller acknowledges
that Purchaser does not thereby waive any rights it may have under this
Agreement as a result of this covenant to engage in consultations nor shall
Purchaser be
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responsible for any decisions made by Seller's officers and directors with
respect to matters which are the subject of such consultation.
6.2 BEST EFFORTS; FURTHER ASSURANCES; COOPERATION. Subject to the other
provisions in this Agreement, the parties hereto shall in good faith perform
their obligations under this Agreement before, at and after the Effective Time,
and shall each use their reasonable best efforts to do, or cause to be done, all
things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Law to obtain all
Authorizations and satisfy all conditions to the obligations of the parties
under this Agreement and to cause the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement to be carried out promptly in accordance with the terms hereof and
shall cooperate fully with each other and their respective officers, directors,
employees, agents, counsel, accountants and other designees in connection with
any steps required to be taken as part of their respective obligations under
this Agreement. Upon the execution of this Agreement and thereafter, each party
shall take such actions and execute and deliver such documents as may be
reasonably requested by the other parties hereto in order to consummate more
effectively the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Without limiting
the foregoing, the parties shall exercise good faith and prudent business
judgment in the operation of the businesses of the Surviving Corporation and
Purchaser and shall not operate the Surviving Corporation or Purchaser in a
manner that distorts EBITDA or Additional Capital for purposes of computing the
Additional Consideration.
6.3 INVESTIGATION; CONFIDENTIALITY.
(a) Purchaser may, prior to the Effective Time, make or cause
to be made, such investigation of the business and properties of Seller
and its financial and legal condition as Purchaser deems necessary or
advisable to familiarize itself therewith, provided that such
investigations shall not unreasonably interfere with normal operations
of Seller. Seller agrees to permit Purchaser and its authorized
representatives to have or cause them to be permitted to have, after
the date hereof, full access to the premises, books and records of
Seller at reasonable hours, and the officers of Seller shall furnish
Purchaser with such financial and operating data and other information
with respect to Seller's businesses and properties as Purchaser shall
from time to time reasonably request. Seller agrees to permit Purchaser
and its authorized representatives to conduct, at Purchaser's expense,
an audit of Seller's books and records, and Seller will request its
auditing firm to permit Purchaser and its representatives, including
its auditing firm, to review the work papers of the auditing firm of
Seller relating to their examination of Seller's financial statements.
The completion of such audit is not a condition to the Closing or the
Merger. No investigation by Purchaser heretofore or hereafter made
shall affect the representations and warranties of Seller, and each
such representation and warranty shall survive any such investigation,
subject to Article 9.
(b) Except as contemplated by this Agreement or as necessary to
carry out the transactions contemplated hereby, all information or
documents furnished to Purchaser shall be kept confidential by
Purchaser (and Purchaser shall cause its agents and representatives to
maintain the confidentiality of such documents) and in the event such
transactions are not consummated, Purchaser shall return to Seller all
information furnished hereunder and shall not thereafter use the same
for any purpose until such time as such information becomes publicly
available from sources other than parties to this Agreement, except to
the extent (i) it
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was known by Purchaser prior to being received, (ii) it is or
thereafter becomes lawfully obtainable from other sources, (iii)
Purchaser is legally required to disclose the same to any Governmental
Entity having jurisdiction over Purchaser or as otherwise may be
required by applicable law, or (iv) such duty of confidentiality is
waived in writing by Seller. Purchaser will give Seller as much advance
notice as is reasonably possible of any disclosure to be made pursuant
to (iii) above and will provide a copy of the intended disclosure to
Seller.
6.4 EXPENSES. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, whether
or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, all costs and
expenses (including any brokerage commissions or any finder's or investment
banker's fees and including attorney's and accountant's fees) incurred in
connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be
paid by the party incurring such expenses; provided that each Shareholder
acknowledges and agrees that all fees and expenses of his and Seller's advisors
in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby are
the expenses of the Shareholders, and not of Seller, and Purchaser acknowledges
and agrees that the time and expenses of Seller personnel and their costs are
expenses of Seller, and not of the Shareholders.
6.5 NO SOLICITATION OF TRANSACTIONS. Prior to the termination and
abandonment of this Agreement, neither the Seller nor the Shareholders will, or
will direct their Affiliates, officers, di rectors, or representatives to: (i)
solicit, initiate or encourage submission of proposals or offers from any person
other than Purchaser relating to any acquisition or purchase of all or a
material part of the stock or assets of, or any merger, consolidation, share
exchange or business combination with, or any recapitalization, restructuring or
issuance or offering of debt (except loans to Seller contemplated by the
Business Plan after December 1, 1996) or equity securities of, Seller (an
"Acquisition Proposal"); or (ii) participate in any discussions or negotiations
regarding, or furnish to any person other than Purchaser and its
representatives, any information with respect to, or otherwise cooperate in any
way or assist, facilitate or encourage, any Acquisition Proposal by any person
other than Purchaser. Seller and the Shareholders will immediately cease and
cause to be terminated any existing activity, discussions or negotiations with
any person other than Purchaser and its representatives conducted prior to the
execution and delivery of this Agreement with respect to any Acquisition
Proposal. If, notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller, the Shareholders or any of
their Affiliates or representatives should receive any Acquisition Proposal or
any inquiry regarding any such proposal from a third party, the person or entity
making such inquiry shall be notified that no negotiations or discussions will
take place.
6.6 SHARE TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS. No Shareholder shall transfer any
Purchaser Common Stock received by him pursuant to this Agreement from the
Effective Time through December 31, 1998 other than pursuant to Rule 144.
6.7 NASDAQ LISTING. Purchaser shall cause the shares of Purchaser
Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Merger to be authorized for
listing on Nasdaq within sixty (60) days after the Closing Date.
6.8 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS. Neither Seller nor any of the Shareholders
shall make any public announcement regarding any aspect of this Agreement to the
financial community,
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Governmental Entities, employees or the general public without Purchaser's prior
written consent. Whenever practicable until the end of the Earn-Out Period,
Purchaser shall deliver to the Shareholders' Representative a copy of any press
release featuring the Surviving Corporation prior to its release.
6.9 EMPLOYEE MATTERS.
(a) EMPLOYEE BENEFITS. Purchaser shall take all action
necessary or appropriate to permit the employees of Seller at the
Effective Time who shall continue to be employed by Seller thereafter
("Continuing Employees") to participate after the Effective Time in
Purchaser's employee benefit programs and to cause Seller to take all
actions necessary or appropriate to adopt Purchaser's employee benefit
programs effective as of the Effective Time. Purchaser will cause
Seller to give each Continuing Employee full credit for service with
Seller for purposes of eligibility to participate in, vesting and
payment of benefits under, and eligibility for any subsidized benefit
provided under (but not, except as provided in the preceding sentence,
for purposes of determining the amount of any benefit under) any
Purchaser employee benefit plan; provided, however, that nothing in
this Agreement shall be deemed to require Purchaser to cause to be
continued any employee's employment, responsibilities or officer title
for any definite period, or to change the terms or conditions of any
existing employee benefit program.
(b) EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS. On or prior to the Closing Date, all
agreements between Seller and any of its employees (other than
agreements relating to confidentiality, ownership of inventions and
materials and similar agreements benefitting Seller) shall have been
canceled at no cost to Seller.
6.10 SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENTS. On or prior to the Closing Date, all
agreements among the Shareholders and Seller relating to Seller or any stock or
securities of Seller shall have been canceled at no cost to Seller, except for
costs incurred by Seller in connection with the termination of outstanding
options to acquire Seller Common Stock.
6.11 ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Prior to the Effective Time, as
soon as practicable after the end of every month (but in no event later than the
thirtieth day of the following month) beginning with the month in which this
Agreement is signed, Seller will deliver to Purchaser an unaudited balance sheet
as of the end of such month, and related statements of income and cash flows for
such month, each certified by an officer of Seller as meeting the standards for
financial statements set forth in Section 3.7.
6.12 NO TRANSFERS. Except pursuant to this Agreement or with the prior
written consent of Purchaser, the Shareholders shall not transfer any or all of
the Shares after the date of this Agreement; provided, however, that Steven and
Denise Teel shall be permitted to cause shares held jointly by them to be
transferred to them individually.
6.13 SPECIAL PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO SELLER. If the Closing occurs
as provided herein, then at that time all representations, warranties, covenants
and agreements to the extent made or
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adopted by Seller (and only to such extent) shall expire and be of no further
force and effect, and Seller's having made representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements shall in no way limit the liability of the Shareholders
for those representations, warranties, covenants and agreements pursuant to this
Agreement.
6.14 NONCOMPETITION; NONDISCLOSURE.
(a) SCOPE AND REASONABLENESS OF RESTRICTIONS. The Shareholders
acknowledge that Purchaser and Seller sell services or have licenses or
pending applications for licenses throughout the United States (the
"Territory") and that Purchaser would not purchase the Shares without
the assurance that the Shareholders will not engage in the activities
prohibited by this Section for the periods set forth herein, and to
induce Purchaser to consummate the purchase of the Shares, the
Shareholders agree to restrict their actions and those of the
respective Affiliates which they control throughout the Territory and
otherwise as provided in this Section 6.14. The Shareholders
acknowledge that such restrictions are reasonable in light of the
business of Purchaser and the benefits of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement to the Shareholders; provided, however, that such
restrictions shall not apply to any activities undertaken by such
individuals after the Closing solely in their capacities as employees
of Seller or Purchaser, if such individuals are in fact employed by
Seller or Purchaser after the Closing.
(b) USE OF NAMES. Except for any relationship or involvement
with Purchaser or its Affiliates, the Shareholders agree that from and
after the Closing neither the Shareholders nor any of the Affiliates
controlled by them will, either individually or jointly, manage,
operate, join, control or participate in the ownership, management or
control of any business under the name or style of Seller, or any name
or style incorporating any such name or style or any name or style
confusingly similar to such name or style.
(c) NONCOMPETITION. During the period commencing on the Closing
Date and terminating on the third anniversary thereof (the "Noncompete
Period"), neither the Shareholders nor any of their respective
Affiliates which they control will either engage directly in the
business of repairing pagers and cellular telephones for third parties
(the "Restricted Business") within the Territory, or acting as
consultant, advisor, independent contractor, officer, manager,
employee, principal, agent, trustee of any corporation (other than
Purchaser or an Affiliate thereof), partnership, association or agent
or agency, or directly or indirectly owning more than one (1%) percent
of the outstanding capital stock of any corporation (other than
Purchaser or an Affiliate thereof), or being a member or employee of
any partnership or any owner or employee of any other business, any of
which is engaged in the Restricted Business in the Territory during the
Noncompete Period.
(d) NO INTERFERENCE WITH CUSTOMERS. The Shareholders agree
that, during the Noncompete Period, neither the Shareholders nor any of
their respective Affiliates which they control will induce a "Customer"
(as defined below): (i) to patronize any business entity engaged in the
Restricted Business in the Territory (other than Purchaser or an
Affiliate thereof); or (ii) to withdraw, curtail or cancel such
Customer's business with Seller or
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Purchaser. As used in this Section 6.14, "Customer" means any actual
customer of Seller, Purchaser or its Affiliates, or any potential
customer of Purchaser or its Affiliates served or solicited by
Purchaser or Seller within the 12-month period prior to the Closing
Date.
(e) NO INTERFERENCE WITH EMPLOYEES. The Shareholders agree
that, during the Noncompete Period, neither the Shareholders nor any of
their Affiliates which they control will directly or indirectly request
or induce any employee to terminate his employment with Purchaser or
its Affiliates and accept employment with another business entity
engaged in the Restricted Business in the Territory or hire during the
Noncompete Period, any employee within twelve (12) months after
termination of such person's employment with Purchaser or any of its
Affiliates.
(f) TRADE SECRETS; CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.
(i) The Shareholders recognize and acknowledge that they
have had access to certain highly sensitive, special, unique
information of Seller that is confidential or proprietary. The
Shareholders hereby covenant and agree that they and their
Affiliates which they control will not (A) as to Trade Secrets
(as defined in this Section 6.14(f)), as long as they remain
Trade Secrets, and (B) as to Confidential Information (as
defined in this Section 6.14(f)), during the Noncompete Period,
use or disclose any Trade Secrets or Confidential Information,
except for disclosures to authorized representatives of Seller
or Purchaser; provided, however, that the foregoing
restrictions shall not apply to items that have entered the
public domain other than by an unauthorized disclosure by the
Shareholders or their Affiliates, or any items required to be
disclosed by a Governmental Authority or under applicable Laws.
(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, (A) "Trade Secret"
means any information, including, but not limited to, technical
or non-technical data, a formula, a pattern, a compilation, a
program, a device, a method, a technique, a set of guidelines,
a procedure, a drawing, a process, financial data, financial
plans, product plans or a list of actual or potential customers
or suppliers of Seller, whether currently existing or hereafter
developed or acquired by Seller, that derives economic value,
actual or potential, from not being generally known to and not
being readily ascertainable by proper means by other persons
who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use and is
the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the
circumstances to maintain its secrecy; and (B) "Confidential
Information" is any data or information of Seller other than
Trade Secrets which is competitively sensitive and not
generally known to the public.
(iii) The Shareholders acknowledge that all Trade
Secrets and Confidential Information are and shall remain the
sole, exclusive and valuable property of Seller or Purchaser,
and that the Shareholders and their Affiliates do not have and
shall acquire no right, title or interest therein. Any and all
printed, typed, written or other material that the Shareholders
or their Affiliates may have or obtain with respect to Trade
Secrets or Confidential Information (including all copyrights
therein) shall be and
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remain the exclusive property of Seller or Purchaser, and any
and all such material (including any copies) shall, upon
request of Purchaser, be promptly delivered by the Shareholders
or their Affiliates controlled by them to Seller or Purchaser.
(g) REMEDIES. The Shareholders acknowledge that any violation
of the provisions of this Section 6.14 may cause irreparable harm to
Seller or Purchaser and that damages are not an adequate remedy. The
Shareholders therefore agree that Seller and Purchaser shall be
entitled to an injunction by an appropriate court in the appropriate
jurisdiction, enjoining, prohibiting and restraining the Shareholders
or their Affiliates from the continuance of any such violation, in
addition to any monetary damages that might occur by reason of the
violation of this Section 6.14. The remedies provided in this Section
6.14 are cumulative and shall not exclude any other remedies to which
either party to this Agreement may be entitled under this Agreement or
applicable Law, and the exercise of a remedy shall not be deemed an
election excluding any other remedy (any such claim by any other party
to this Agreement being hereby waived).
(h) MODIFICATION. The parties agree that should any portion,
provision or clause of this Section 6.14 be deemed too broad to permit
enforcement to its full extent, then it shall be enforced to the
maximum extent permitted by Law, and the Shareholders hereby consent
and agree that such scope may be judicially modified accordingly in any
proceeding brought to enforce such restriction.
(i) COVENANTS INDEPENDENT. The covenants and agreements set
forth in this Section 6.14 shall be deemed and shall be construed as
separate and independent covenants and agreements, and, should any
portion of such covenants and agreements be held invalid, void or
unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity,
voidness, or unenforceability shall in no way render invalid, void or
unenforceable any other portion thereof or any separate covenant not
declared invalid, void or unenforceable; and this Section 6.14 shall in
that case be construed as if the void, invalid or unenforceable
portions were omitted.
6.15 TAX MATTERS.
(a) TRANSFER TAXES. The Shareholders shall pay all stock
transfer and other similar Taxes and fees in respect of the exchange of
the Shares and shall be responsible for paying all the costs of filing
all returns relating to such Taxes and fees.
(b) PREPARATION AND FILING OF RETURNS. The Shareholders shall
be responsible for the good faith preparation of all federal S
corporate income Tax Returns (i.e., Form 1120S) and state S corporate
income Tax Returns for Seller (collectively, the "S Corporation
Returns"), including extensions, for taxable periods ending on or prior
to the Effective Time. At least thirty (30) days prior to the due date
(including extensions) of any S Corporation Return, the Shareholders
shall cause such S Corporation Return to be delivered to Purchaser, and
the Purchaser will thereafter cause such Return to be filed as
prepared, unless Purchaser believes that there is not a reasonable
basis for any position taken on such return. Purchaser
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shall timely file all S Corporation Returns delivered to it by the
Shareholders and shall furnish the Shareholders with evidence regarding
the filing of such S Corporation Returns. No modification to the S
Corporation Returns shall be made without prior consultation with the
Shareholders' Representative.
(c) COOPERATION AND EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION. The Shareholders,
the Surviving Corporation and Purchaser agree to furnish, or to cause
to be furnished in good faith to each other, such cooperation and
assistance as is reasonably necessary to respond to audits, to
negotiate settlements with Tax authorities, and to prosecute and defend
against Tax claims.
(d) TAX-FREE TRANSACTION. The parties hereto intend that the
Merger shall be treated as a tax-free reorganization under the Code to
the extent the Merger Consideration is Purchaser Common Stock, shall
report the Merger as such for federal and state income tax purposes,
and shall take no action after the Effective Time to adversely effect
the status of the Merger as a tax-free reorganization under the Code to
the extent the Merger Consideration is Purchaser Common Stock.
6.16 RELEASE OF SELLER BY THE SHAREHOLDERS. If the Closing occurs as
contemplated by this Agreement, then the Shareholders hereby release Seller from
any and all claims, rights and causes of action that the Shareholders may have
or may have had against Seller arising out of any transactions between the
Shareholders and Seller or its predecessors in interest prior to, or arising
with respect to any act or omissions occurring prior to the Effective Time;
provided, however, that the foregoing release does not apply to accrued
compensation and benefits and expenses or similar obligations incurred in the
ordinary course of business (including reimbursement of medical expenses
pursuant to the Employee Plans disclosed pursuant to this Agreement).
6.17 SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING. As soon as practicable after the date of
this Agreement, Seller shall duly and properly call a special meeting of its
Shareholders for the purpose of approving this Agreement, the Merger, and all
other matters necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby,
shall submit all of the foregoing to its Shareholders for such approval as soon
as reasonably practicable, shall recommend such approval and shall use its best
efforts to obtain such approval. The Shareholders may effect such approval by
unanimous written consent in lieu of a shareholders' meeting at any time after
they have had a reasonable time within which to review the Offering Memorandum
(as defined below) and Proxy Statement (as defined below) prepared in connection
therewith.
6.18 OFFERING MEMORANDUM AND PROXY STATEMENT. Seller shall deliver to
the Shareholders copies of an Offering Memorandum describing Purchaser and the
shares of Purchaser Common Stock to be issued in the Merger (the "Offering
Memorandum"), which shall be prepared by Purchaser, and a Proxy Statement with
respect to the approval of this Agreement and the Merger (the "Proxy
Statement"), which shall be prepared by Seller, each of which shall be in
compliance with applicable Law and subject to review and approval of Purchaser
and Seller. The Shareholders shall be responsible for the accuracy of the
information supplied by Seller or the Shareholders for inclusion therein, and
Purchaser shall be responsible for the accuracy of the information supplied by
Purchaser for inclusion therein.
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6.19 QUARTERLY CALCULATIONS. As soon as is reasonably practicable after
each fiscal quarter of the Surviving Corporation during the Earn-Out Period, the
Surviving Corporation shall calculate EBITDA and Additional Capital and total
revenue for the Surviving Corporation for such quarter and deliver such
calculation to Purchaser and the Shareholders' Representative. Such calculation
shall not be binding upon Purchaser or the Shareholders, but its purpose shall
be to help ensure that the method of calculating EBITDA and Additional Capital
and total revenue is understood and agreed to by the parties hereto. If
Purchaser or the Shareholders' Representative disagrees with any calculation of
EBITDA, Additional Capital or total revenue made by the Surviving Corporation,
he or it shall inform and the Surviving Corporation, and they shall attempt to
resolve such disagreement.
6.20 BOARD OF SURVIVING CORPORATION. Until the expiration of the
Earn-Out Period, Purchaser will, so long as Purchaser is the controlling
shareholder of the Surviving Corporation and so long as they are employees of
the Surviving Corporation and in compliance with their employment agreements and
performing their duties as directors with diligence and prudence, elect David
Lopez, Jr. and Steven Teel to the Board of Directors of the Surviving
Corporation. If the Surviving Corporation ceases to be a separate legal entity
or is sold to an entity other than an Affiliate of Purchaser, the obligations
imposed by this Section 6.20 shall terminate. In the event that the employment
of either Lopez or Teel with the Surviving Corporation is terminated during the
EarnOut Period, a majority in interest of the Shareholders (based on the number
of Shares held by each immediately prior to the Effective Time) shall be
entitled to designate a replacement, who shall be knowledgeable in the business
of the Surviving Corporation. If there is no Board of Directors because the
Surviving Corporation ceases to be a separate legal entity, a management
committee will be formed consistent with the foregoing.
6.21 STOCK OPTIONS. Prior to the Effective Time, Seller shall take all
action necessary to cause the exercise, termination or cancellation of all
options to purchase Seller Common Stock, such that no options to purchase Seller
Common Stock remain outstanding after the Effective Time and not more than 6,225
shares of Seller Common Stock shall have been issued to Teel pursuant to the
exercise of such options.
6.22 BONUS PAYMENTS, ETC. Prior to the Closing, (i) either Seller or
one or more of the Shareholders shall repurchase the shares of Seller Common
Stock held by Ponte prior to the approval of Shareholders referred to in Section
6.17, (ii) Seller shall accrue the bonuses to Seller employees set forth on
Schedule 6.22 hereto, (iii) Seller shall make payments to discharge Seller's
obligations in regard to all outstanding stock options of Seller other than
certain options held by Teel, and (iv) Seller shall cause the exercise of stock
options of Teel, all as described on Schedule 6.22 hereto. Immediately after the
Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall pay all outstanding loans from
Shareholders to Seller, which are in an aggregate principal amount not in excess
of $128,000, together with accrued interest thereon, and the accrued bonuses
described above, and Purchaser shall provide the funds to the Surviving
Corporation to pay all of the foregoing and the legal and accounting fees of
Seller arising out of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
6.23 SEC REPORTS. Between the date hereof and the Closing, Purchaser
shall deliver a copy of each document it files with the SEC to the Shareholders.
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6.24 RULE 144. At all times after two years from the Closing (or, if
Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act ("Rule 144") is amended to reduce
the holding period thereunder to less than two years, at such earlier date as
sales would be permitted by Shareholders of Purchaser Common Stock received in
the Merger pursuant to Rule 144), Purchaser shall take all actions to permit
Rule 144 to be available for sales of such Purchaser Common Stock by the holders
thereof; provided, however, that Purchaser shall not be in violation of this
requirement if Rule 144 is so available for at least ten (10) days in any thirty
(30) day period. Prior to making any sales of Purchaser Common Stock under Rule
144, the Shareholders shall consult with Purchaser so as to endeavor sell such
shares in a manner intended to maintain an orderly market for Purchaser Common
Stock.
6.25 INTENT OF PARTIES REGARDING MUTUAL GOODS AND SERVICES, ETC..
Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, it is the intention of Purchaser
and the Surviving Corporation to charge each other for goods and services during
the Earn-Out Period on an arms-length basis, and the Business Plan has been
prepared on this basis.
6.26 RELEASE OF LOPEZ GUARANTEE. If the Closing occurs, Purchaser and
the Surviving Corporation shall use all reasonable efforts to cause David Lopez,
Jr. to be released from all obligations to guarantee debt of the Surviving
Corporation to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. under the Loan Agreement dated April 12,
1996, and Purchaser shall indemnify and defend Mr. Lopez for all debts of the
Surviving Corporation sought to be recovered from Mr. Lopez under the terms of
such Guaranty Agreement after the Effective Time.
ARTICLE 7
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
7.1 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF PURCHASER. Purchaser's obligation to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the
fulfillment to the reasonable satisfaction of Purchaser, prior to or at the
Effective Time, of each of the following conditions (any or all of which may be
waived by Purchaser):
(a) CONSENTS, AUTHORIZATIONS, ETC. All Authorizations of or
with any Governmental Entity or any nongovernmental third party that
are required for or in connection with the execution and delivery by
Seller and the Shareholders of this Agreement and the consummation by
Seller and the Shareholders of the transactions contemplated hereby
shall have been obtained or made.
(b) INJUNCTION, ETC. The consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby will not violate the provisions of any injunction,
order, judgment, decree or Law applicable or effective with respect to
Purchaser or its officers and directors. No suit or proceeding shall
have been instituted by any person, or, to the knowledge of Purchaser,
shall have been threatened by any Governmental Entity, and not
subsequently withdrawn, dismissed or otherwise eliminated, which seeks
(i) to prohibit, restrict or delay consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby or to limit in any material respect the right of
Purchaser to
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control any material aspect of the business of Purchaser and its
Subsidiaries or Seller after the Effective Time, or (ii) to subject
Purchaser or Seller or their respective directors or officers to
material liability on the ground that it or they have breached any law
or regulation or otherwise acted improperly in relation to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(c) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS.
The representations and warranties of Seller and the Shareholders
contained in this Agreement shall have been true and correct in all
respects at the date hereof and shall also be true and correct in all
material respects at and as of the Effective Time, with the same effect
as if made at and as of the Effective Time, except that representations
and warranties that are confined to a specified date shall speak only
as of such date, and Seller and the Shareholders shall have performed
or complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants
required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by them at
or prior to the Effective Time.
(d) CERTIFICATE. Seller shall have delivered to Purchaser a
certificate, dated as of the Effective Time, executed on behalf of
Seller by the President of Seller and by the Shareholders to the effect
that the conditions specified in paragraph (c) of this Section 7.1 have
been satisfied.
(e) OPINION OF SELLER'S COUNSEL. Purchaser shall have received
an opinion, dated as of the Closing Date, of counsel to Seller and the
Shareholders, to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto.
(f) RESIGNATIONS. Seller shall have delivered to Purchaser, the
written resignations of the directors and officers of Seller, other
than David Lopez, Steven Teel, Michael Ward, and Mark Dunaway.
(g) EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS. David Lopez and Steven Teel shall
have executed employment agreements with Purchaser in the forms of
Exhibit C and Exhibit D hereto, respectively.
(h) FINANCING. Purchaser shall have received all necessary
consents and waivers under Purchaser's Credit Agreement, dated as of
August 8, 1996, with NationsBank, N.A. (South) with respect to
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(i) CONTINUANCE OF SELLER'S CREDIT FACILITY. Seller's credit
facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. shall remain in effect as of and
immediately following the Effective Time, or shall have been replaced
with another credit facility in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Purchaser.
(j) BOARD AND SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL. The Board of Directors of
Purchaser shall have approved this Agreement and the Merger in
accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), and
all of the outstanding shares of Seller Common Stock shall have been
voted to approve this Agreement and the Merger in accordance with the
TBCA. Each of the Shareholders shall have executed this Agreement.
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(k) ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATES, ETC. Seller and the Shareholders
shall have furnished to Purchaser such additional certificates,
opinions and other documents as Purchaser may have reasonably requested
as to any of the conditions set forth in this Section 7.1.
(l) TAX EFFECT OF MERGER. Purchaser shall have received a
written opinion of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, L.L.P., in the form of
Exhibit F hereto, to the effect that to the extent the Merger
Consideration is Purchaser Common Stock, the Merger shall be treated as
a tax-free reorganization under the Code. In rendering such opinion,
Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, L.L.P. shall be entitled to rely on the
representations of Purchaser, Seller and the Shareholders contained in
this Agreement or a written certificate from each of Purchaser and
Seller.
7.2 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER AND THE SHAREHOLDERS. The
obligation of Seller and the Shareholders to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby is subject to the fulfillment to the reasonable satisfaction
of the Seller and Shareholders' Representative, prior to or at the Effective
Time, of each of the following conditions (any or all of which may be waived by
mutual agreement of the Seller and the Shareholders' Representative):
(a) CONSENTS, AUTHORIZATIONS, ETC. All Authorizations of or
with any Governmental Entity or any non-governmental third party which
are required for or in connection with the execution and delivery of
this Agreement by Purchaser and the consummation by Purchaser of the
transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained or made
except where the failure to obtain such consent, authorization, or
approval would not have a material adverse effect on the financial
position and results of operations of Purchaser and its Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole.
(b) INJUNCTION, ETC. The consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby will not violate the provisions of any injunction,
order, judgment, decree or Law applicable or effective with respect to
Seller or its officers or directors.
(c) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS.
The representations and warranties of Purchaser contained in this
Agreement shall have been true and correct in all respects at the date
hereof and shall also be true and correct in all material respects at
and as of the Effective Time, with the same effect as if made at and as
of the Effective Time, except that representations and warranties that
are confined to a specified date shall speak only as of such date; and
Purchaser shall have performed or complied in all material respects
with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be
performed or complied with by it at or prior to the Effective Time.
(d) PURCHASER COMMON STOCK. The shares of Purchaser Common
Stock issued to the Shareholders pursuant to the Merger shall, upon
consummation of the Merger, be validly authorized and issued, fully
paid and nonassessable.
(e) CERTIFICATE. Purchaser shall have delivered to the
Shareholders a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, executed on
behalf of Purchaser by the Chairman of the Board,
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President or other executive officer of Purchaser to the effect that
the conditions specified in paragraph (c) of this Section 7.2 have been
satisfied.
(f) OPINION OF PURCHASER'S COUNSEL. The Shareholders shall have
received an opinion, dated as of the Closing Date, of Sutherland,
Asbill & Brennan, L.L.P., counsel to Purchaser, to the effect set forth
in Exhibit E hereto.
(g) ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATES, ETC. Purchaser shall have
furnished to the Shareholders such additional certificates, opinions
and other documents as Seller may have reasonably requested as to any
of the conditions set forth in this Section 7.2.
(h) TAX EFFECT OF MERGER. The Shareholders shall have received
a written opinion of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, L.L.P., in the form
of Exhibit F hereto, to the effect that to the extent the Merger
Consideration is Purchaser Common Stock, the Merger shall be treated as
a tax-free reorganization under the Code. In rendering such opinion,
Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, L.L.P. shall be entitled to rely on the
representations of Purchaser, Seller and the Shareholders contained in
this Agreement or a written certificate from each of Purchaser and
Seller.
(i) EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS. Purchaser shall have executed
employment agreements with David Lopez and Steven Teel in the forms of
Exhibit C and Exhibit D hereto, respectively.
(j) BOARD AND SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL. The Board of Directors of
Purchaser shall have approved this Agreement and the Merger in
accordance with the DGCL, and at least two-thirds of the outstanding
shares of Seller Common Stock shall have been voted to approve this
Agreement and the Merger in accordance with the TBCA. Each of the
Shareholders shall have executed this Agreement.
ARTICLE 8
DOCUMENTS TO BE DELIVERED AT CLOSING
8.1 DOCUMENTS TO BE DELIVERED BY SELLER AND THE SHAREHOLDERS. In
addition to the other documents specified in Section 2.2, at the Closing, Seller
and the Shareholders shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Purchaser the
following:
(i) The certificate referred to in Section 7.1(d).
(ii) The opinion referred to in Section 7.1(e).
(iii) The written resignations of the directors and officers
of Seller pursuant to Section 7.1(f).
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(iv) The employment agreements referred to in Section 7.1(g).
(v) Any additional documents requested by Purchaser pursuant
to Section 7.1(k).
(vi) The books and records of Seller.
(vii) Such other documents as Purchaser may reasonably
request.
8.2 DOCUMENTS TO BE DELIVERED BY PURCHASER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS. At the
Closing, Purchaser shall deliver to Seller and the Shareholders' Representative
the following:
(i) The certificate referred to in Section 7.2(e).
(ii) The opinions referred to in Sections 7.2(f) and 7.2(h).
(iii) Any additional documents requested by the Shareholders
pursuant to Section 7.2(g).
(iv) The employment agreements referred to in Section 7.1(g).
(v) The transmittal letters referred to in Section 2.7(b)
above if not previously delivered to the Shareholders' Representative
or the Shareholders.
ARTICLE 9
INDEMNIFICATION
9.1 INDEMNIFICATION BY THE SHAREHOLDERS. The Shareholders shall,
severally and not jointly, in proportion to their holdings of Shares as of the
Closing, indemnify and hold harmless Purchaser and Seller in respect of any and
all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, assessments, judgments, costs
and expenses (including, without limitation, settlement costs and any legal or
other expenses for investigating, bringing or defending any actions or
threatened actions) reasonably incurred by Purchaser or Seller (collectively,
the "Costs") resulting from any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant
or agreement made by the Shareholders or Seller under the Seller Delivered
Agreements or the Shareholder Delivered Agreements. The Shareholders shall also
pay to Purchaser interest at the prime rate specified in the "Money Rates"
section of The Wall Street Journal on the disbursement date referred to in the
immediately following clause (a) on any such indemnification payments the
receipt of which is deferred from (a) the later to occur of (i) the date of
notice of request for indemnification to Seller as set forth in Section 9.4
hereof, or (ii) the date on which Purchaser or an Affiliate thereof disburses
funds to a third party in connection with the claim or other matter giving rise
to the claim for indemnification hereunder, through (b) the date such
indemnification payment is actually received by Purchaser.
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9.2 INDEMNIFICATION BY PURCHASER. Purchaser agrees to indemnify and
hold harmless the Shareholders in respect of any and all Costs reasonably
incurred by the Shareholders in connection with any breach of any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by Purchaser under the
Purchaser Delivered Agreements. Purchaser shall also pay to the Shareholders
interest in the manner as set forth in Section 9.1.
9.3 CERTIFICATES. Any claim based, in whole or in part, upon any untrue
or incorrect statement set forth in the certificate delivered pursuant to
Section 7.1(d) or Section 7.2(e) shall be deemed to be a claim for breach of
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement under this Agree ment.
9.4 CLAIMS FOR INDEMNIFICATION. The representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements in this Agreement shall survive the Closing subject to
the limitations set forth herein and shall not be affected by any investigation
made by the parties hereto prior to the date hereof or the Effective Time. The
party seeking indemnification (the "Indemnified Party") shall give the party
from whom indemnification is sought (the "Indemnifying Party") a written notice
("Notice of Claim") within sixty (60) days of the discovery of any loss,
liability, claim or expense in respect of which the right to indemnification
contained in this Article 9 may be claimed; provided, however, that the failure
to give such notice within such sixty (60) day period shall not result in the
waiver or loss of any right to bring such claim hereunder after such period
unless, and only to the extent that, the other party is actually prejudiced by
such failure. In the event a claim is pending or threatened or the Indemnified
Party has a reasonable belief as to the validity of the basis for such claim,
the Indemnified Party may give written notice (a "Notice of Possible Claim") of
such claim to the Indemnifying Party, regardless of whether a loss has arisen
from such claim. A party shall have no liability under this Article 9 for breach
of a representation or warranty, unless a Notice of Claim or Notice of Possible
Claim therefor is delivered by the Indemnified Party prior to the second
anniversary of the Effective Time; provided, however, that as to any liability
arising pursuant to Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.9, 3.11, 3.18, 3.21 or 3.23,
Article 4 or Sections 5.1, 5.2 or 5.3 hereof, any Notice of Claim or Notice of
Possible Claim must be delivered by the Indemnified Party not later than ninety
(90) days after the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations
(including any extensions) therefor; and provided, further, that the limitations
set forth in this Section 9.4 shall not apply to liability under this Article 9
for any intentional breach of a representation or warranty in this Agreement.
Any Notice of Claim or Notice of Possible Claim shall set forth the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements with respect to which the
claim is made, the specific facts giving rise to an alleged basis for the claim
and the amount of liability asserted or anticipated to be asserted by reason of
the claim.
9.5 DEFENSE OF CLAIM BY THIRD PARTIES. If any claim is made by a third
party against a party to this Agreement that, if sustained, would give rise to a
liability of another party under this Agreement, the party against whom the
claim is made shall promptly cause notice of the claim to be delivered to the
other party and shall afford the other party and its counsel, at the other
party's sole expense, the opportunity to join in the defense and settlement of
the claim. The failure to provide such notice will not relieve the Indemnifying
Party of liability under this Agreement unless, and only to the extent that, the
Indemnifying Party is actually prejudiced by such failure.
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9.6 THIRD PARTY CLAIM ASSISTANCE. From time to time after the Closing,
Purchaser, the Surviving Corporation, and the Shareholders shall provide or
cause their appropriate employees or representatives to provide the other party
with information or data in connection with the handling and defense of any
third party claim or litigation (including counterclaims filed by the parties)
in respect to which a party may be required to indemnify another party under
this Agreement. The party receiving such information or data shall reimburse the
other party for all of its reasonable costs and expenses in providing these
services, including, without limitation, (i) all out of pocket, travel and
similar expenses incurred by its personnel in rendering these services; and (ii)
all fees and expenses for services performed by third parties engaged by or at
the request of such other party.
9.7 SETTLEMENT OF INDEMNIFICATION CLAIMS. If a recipient of a Notice of
Claim desires to dispute such claim, it shall, within thirty (30) days after
receipt of the Notice of Claim, give counternotice, setting forth the basis for
disputing such claim, to Purchaser or the Shareholders' Representative, as the
case may be. If no such counternotice is given within such thirty (30) day
period, or if Purchaser, or the Shareholders' Representative, as the case may
be, acknowledges liability for indemnification, then the amount claimed shall be
promptly satisfied as provided in Section 9.8. If, within thirty (30) days after
the receipt of counternotice by Purchaser or the Shareholders' Representative,
as the case may be, the Shareholders' Representative and Purchaser shall have
not reached agreement as to the claim in question, then the party disputing the
claim shall satisfy any undisputed amount as specified in Section 9.8 and the
disputed amount of the claim of indemnification shall be submitted to and
settled by arbitration in accordance with the then prevailing commercial
arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. Such arbitration
shall be held in the Atlanta, Georgia area before a panel of three (3)
arbitrators, one selected by each of the parties and the third selected by
mutual agreement of the first two, and all of whom shall be independent and
impartial under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The decision
of the arbitrators shall be final and binding as to any matter submitted under
this Agreement. To the extent the decision of the arbitrators is that a party
shall be indemnified hereunder, the amount shall be satisfied as provided in
Section 9.8. Judgment upon any award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered
in any court of competent jurisdiction. The date of the arbitrator's decision or
the date a claim otherwise becomes payable pursuant to this Section 9.7 is
referred to as the "Determination Date."
9.8 MANNER OF INDEMNIFICATION. All indemnification under this Article 9
shall be made by payment of cash or delivery of a certified or cashier's check
in the amount of the indemnification liability no later than five (5) days
following the Determination Date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in
this Agreement, however, and without precluding Purchaser from exercising any
other right, power or remedy it would be entitled to exercise at law or in
equity, if the Shareholders are obligated to indemnify Purchaser pursuant to
this Article 9, then Purchaser shall be entitled to offset such indemnification
payments against, and to deduct such amounts from payments to be made in respect
of, the Additional Consideration, if any, to be paid to the Shareholders
pursuant to Section 2.3, and such amounts shall, to the extent offset and
deducted from payments to be made in respect of such Additional Consideration,
be deemed to be a reduction in the amount of the Additional Consideration
otherwise payable under this Agreement, but such reduction shall not affect the
amount of EBITDA for purposes of determining whether the Floor has been met.
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9.9 INDEMNIFICATION EXCLUSIVE REMEDY. In the absence of fraud, and
except for non-monetary equitable relief, if the Closing occurs, indemnification
pursuant to the provisions of this Article 9 shall be the sole and exclusive
remedy of the parties for any breach of any representation or warranty contained
in this Agreement.
9.10 CERTAIN LIMITATIONS. The foregoing indemnification obligations are
subject to the limitation that no Indemnifying Party shall have any liability
for indemnification for breaches of representations and warranties pursuant to
this Article 9 unless the total Costs for which the Indemnifying Party would be
liable exceed Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) in the aggregate, and then
only for the excess; provided, however, that the foregoing limitation shall not
apply to any Costs with respect to, as a result of or involving any intentional
breach of a representation or warranty in this Agreement. In no event shall the
liability of the Shareholders and Purchaser under this Article 9 exceed the
total consideration paid by Purchaser for the Shares.
ARTICLE 10
TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT
10.1 TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT. This Agreement may be terminated and
abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time:
(a) By mutual written consent of Seller and Purchaser.
(b) By Purchaser:
(i) if any event shall have occurred as a result of
which any condition set forth in Section 7.1 is no longer
capable of being satisfied; or
(ii) if there has been a breach by Seller or the
Shareholders of any representation or warranty contained in
this Agreement or of any of the covenants or agreements set
forth in this Agreement, in each case which breach is not
curable, or, if curable, is not cured within five (5) days
after written notice of such breach is given by Purchaser to
the Shareholders' Representative; or
(iii) if the Average Closing Price is less than Six
Dollars ($6.00) per share and the Shareholders' Representative
requests that Purchaser increase the cash consideration
pursuant to Section 2.2(b) and Purchaser elects not to grant
such request.
(c) By Seller:
(i) if any event shall have occurred as a result of
which any condition set forth in Section 7.2 is no longer
capable of being satisfied; or
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(ii) if there has been a breach by Purchaser of any
representation or warranty contained in this Agreement or of
any of the covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement,
in each case which breach is not curable or, if curable, is not
cured within five (5) days after written notice of such breach
is given by the Shareholders to Purchaser; or
(iii) if the Average Closing Price is greater than Ten
Dollars ($10.00) per share.
(d) By Purchaser or Seller if the Closing shall not have
occurred by February 1, 1997.
10.2 SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. The parties acknowledge that the rights of
each party to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby are special,
unique, and of extraordinary character, and that, in the event that either
violates or fails and refuses to perform any covenant made by it herein, the
other party or parties will be without adequate remedy at law. Each party
agrees, therefore, that, in the event that it violates, fails or refuses to
perform any covenant or agreement made by it herein, the other party or parties
so long as it or they are not in breach hereof, may, in addition to any remedies
at law, institute and prosecute an action in a court of competent jurisdiction
to enforce specific performance of such covenant or agreement or seek any other
equitable relief.
10.3 RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UPON TERMINATION. If this Agreement is not
consummated for any reason, each party will redeliver all documents, work
papers, and other materials of any party relating to the transactions
contemplated hereby, whether obtained before or after the execution hereof, to
the party furnishing the same, except to the extent previously properly
delivered to third parties in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby, and all information received by any party hereto with respect to the
business of any other party shall not at any time be used for the advantage of,
or disclosed to third parties by, such party to the detriment of the party
furnishing such information; provided, however, that this Section 10.3 shall not
apply to any documents, work papers, material, or information which is a matter
of public knowledge or which heretofore has been or hereafter is published in
any publication for public distribution or filed as public information with any
governmental agency.
10.4 EFFECT OF TERMINATION. Except for the provisions of Sections 6.3,
6.4, 6.8, 10.3 and 10.4, which shall survive any termination of this Agreement,
in the event of the termination and abandonment of this Agreement pursuant to
Article 10, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no further
effect, without any liability on the part of any party hereto or its respective
officers, directors or stockholders; provided, however, that, unless this
Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 10.1(a), nothing in this Section
10.4 shall prejudice any claim any party may have under this Agreement that
arises prior to the effectiveness of such termination.
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ARTICLE 11
SHAREHOLDERS' REPRESENTATIVE
11.1 APPOINTMENT; ACCEPTANCE. By executing this Agreement, each of the
Shareholders (notwithstanding any Shareholder's current or future mental or
physical disability or incompetency) hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints
David Lopez, Jr. and his successors, acting as hereinafter provided, as his
attorney-in-fact and agent in his name, place and stead in connection with the
transactions and agreements contemplated by this Agreement with respect to (i)
matters prior to the Closing Date, as specified herein, and (ii) matters
subsequent to the Closing Date (the "Shareholders' Representative"), and
acknowledges that such appointment is coupled with an interest. By executing
this Agreement under the heading "Shareholders' Representative," David Lopez,
Jr. hereby (i) accepts his appointment and authorization to act as Shareholders'
Representative as attorney-in-fact and agent on behalf of the Shareholders in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and (ii) agrees to perform his
obligations under, and otherwise comply with, this Article 11.
11.2 AUTHORITY. Without limiting the generality of Section 11.1, each
Shareholder by this Agreement fully and completely, hereby: (a) authorizes the
Shareholders' Representative (i) to dispute or to refrain from disputing any
claim made by Purchaser under the Shareholder Delivered Agreements, (ii) to
negotiate and compromise any dispute which may arise under, and to exercise or
refrain from exercising remedies available under the Shareholder Delivered
Agreements and to sign any release or other document with respect to such
dispute or remedy, (iii) to give such instructions and to do such other things
and refrain from doing such other things as the Shareholders' Representative
shall deem necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions of the
Shareholder Delivered Agreements, (iv) to waive any condition to the Closing,
and (v) to agree in his discretion with the Purchaser to amend this Agreement or
the Business Plan from time to time; and (b) agrees to be bound by all
agreements and determinations made by and documents executed and delivered by
the Shareholders' Representative under the Shareholder Delivered Agreements.
11.3 ACTIONS. Each of the Shareholders hereby expressly acknowledges
and agrees that the Shareholders' Representative is authorized to act on his
behalf, notwithstanding any dispute or disagreement between the Shareholders,
and that Purchaser and any other person or entity shall be entitled to rely on
any and all actions taken by the Shareholders' Representative under the
Shareholder Delivered Agreements without any liability to, or obligation to
inquire of, any of the Shareholders. Purchaser and any other person or entity is
hereby expressly authorized to rely on the genuineness of the signatures the
Shareholders' Representative, and upon receipt of any writing which reasonably
appears to have been signed by Shareholders' Representative, Purchaser and any
other person or entity may act upon the same without any further duty of inquiry
as to the genuineness of the writing.
11.4 SUCCESSORS. If David Lopez, Jr. ceases to function in his capacity
as the Shareholders' Representative for any reason whatsoever, then Steven D.
Teel shall be appointed as his successor, and if Steven D. Teel ceases to
function in such capacity for any reason whatsoever, then the Shareholders, by
action of the holders of Shareholders who formerly held a majority of the Shares
immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall have the right to appoint his
successor; provided,
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however, that if for any reason no successor has been appointed pursuant to the
foregoing within thirty (30) days, then Purchaser shall have the right to
appoint a successor.
11.5 EFFECTIVENESS. The authorizations of the Shareholders'
Representative shall be effective until its rights and obligations under this
Agreement terminate by virtue of the termination of any and all obligations of
the Shareholders to Purchaser and of Purchaser to the Shareholders under this
Agreement.
ARTICLE 12
GENERAL PROVISIONS
12.1 NOTICES. All notices and other communications under this Agreement
shall be in writing and may be given by any of the following methods: (i)
personal delivery; (ii) facsimile transmission; (iii) registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested; or (iv) overnight delivery
service requiring acknowledgment of receipt. Any such notice or communication
shall be sent to the appropriate party at its address or facsimile number given
below (or at such other address or facsimile number for such party as shall be
specified by notice given hereunder):
If to Purchaser, to:
Preferred Networks, Inc.
850 Center Way
Norcross, Georgia 30071
Fax No. (770) 582-3669
Attention: President
with a copy to:
Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, L.L.P.
999 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3996
Fax No. (404) 853-8806
Attention: Mark D. Kaufman
If to Seller to:
EPS Wireless, Inc.
1801 Realty Road
Dallas, Texas 75244
Attention: David Lopez, Jr.
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with a copy to:
G. James Williams, Jr.
Chrisman, Bynum & Johnson, P.C.
1900 Fifteenth Street
Boulder, Colorado 80302
Fax No. (303) 449-5426
If to the Shareholders, to the Shareholders'
Representative:
David Lopez, Jr.
3101 Havenwood Court
Highland Village, Texas 75067
with a copy to:
G. James Williams, Jr.
Chrisman, Bynum & Johnson, P.C.
1900 Fifteenth Street
Boulder, Colorado 80302
Fax No. (303) 449-5426
and
Steven D. Teel
340 Dogwood Trail
Coppell, Texas 75019
All such notices and communications shall be deemed received upon (i) actual
receipt thereof by the addressee, (ii) actual delivery thereof to the
appropriate address as evidenced by an acknowledged receipt, or (iii) in the
case of a facsimile transmission, upon transmission thereof by the sender and
confirmation of receipt. In the case of notices or communications sent by
facsimile transmission, the sender shall contemporaneously mail a copy of the
notice or communication to the addressee at the address provided for above.
However, such mailing shall in no way alter the time at which the facsimile
notice or communication is deemed received.
12.2 TABLE OF CONTENTS; HEADINGS. The Table of Contents, cross
reference pages and headings contained herein are for convenience of reference
only, do not constitute a part of this Agreement, and shall not be deemed to
limit or affect any of the provisions hereof.
12.3 AMENDMENT. No amendment, modification or discharge of this
Agreement shall be valid or binding unless set forth in writing and executed (i)
if prior to the Effective Time, by Seller, Purchaser and the Shareholders'
Representative, and (ii) if after the Effective Time, by Purchaser, the
Surviving Corporation and the Shareholders' Representative.
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12.4 SEVERABILITY. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is
invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law or public
policy, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement will nevertheless
remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of
the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner adverse to
any party hereto. Upon any such determination that any term or other provision
is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto will
negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original
intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end
that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated to the
extent possible.
12.5 WAIVER. The failure of any party hereto at any time or times to
require performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect the right
to enforce the same. No waiver by any party of any condition, or the breach of
any term, provision, warranty, representation, agreement or covenant contained
in this Agreement or the other agreements contemplated hereby, whether by
conduct or otherwise, in any one or more instances shall be deemed or construed
as a further or continuing waiver of any such condition or breach or a waiver of
any other condition or of the breach of any other term, provision, warranty,
representation, agreement or covenant herein or therein contained.
12.6 NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES; ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and
permitted assignees. Nothing in this Agreement shall create or be deemed to
create any third party beneficiary rights in any person or entity. Except (after
the Effective Time) for (a) assignments to wholly-owned Subsidiaries of
Purchaser, in which event Purchaser shall remain liable for the performance of
this Agreement, or (b) any transfer or assignment after the Closing by Purchaser
in connection with the sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the
business or assets of Purchaser or the Surviving Corporation, whether by sale of
stock or assets, merger or otherwise, no transfer or assignment of this
Agreement or of any rights or obligations under this Agreement may be made by
any party without the prior written consent of the other parties (which consent
shall not be withheld unreasonably) and any attempted transfer or assignment
without that required consent shall be void. No transfer or assignment by a
party of its rights under this Agreement shall relieve it of any of its
obligations to the other parties under this Agreement.
12.7 TIME OF THE ESSENCE; COMPUTATION OF TIME. Time is of the essence
of each and every provision of this Agreement. Whenever the last day for the
exercise of any right or the discharge of any duty under this Agreement shall
fall upon Saturday, Sunday or a federal, public or legal holiday, the party
having such right or duty shall have until 5:00 p.m. Atlanta, Georgia time on
the next succeeding regular business day to exercise such right or to discharge
such duty.
12.8 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed by each party upon a
separate copy, and in such case one counterpart of this Agreement shall consist
of enough of such copies to reflect the signatures of all of the parties. This
Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be an
original, and each of which shall constitute one and the same agreement. Any
party may deliver an executed copy of this Agreement and of any documents
contemplated hereby by facsimile transmission to another party and such delivery
shall have the same force and effect as any other delivery of a manually signed
copy of this Agreement or of such other documents.
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12.9 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, without giving effect to
the conflicts of law principles thereof.
12.10 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement (with its Schedules and
Exhibits) contains, and is intended as, a complete statement of all the terms of
the arrangements among the parties with respect to the matters provided for,
supersedes any previous agreements and understandings between the parties with
respect to those matters and cannot be changed or terminated orally.
12.11 CERTAIN ACCOUNTING TERMINOLOGY. Except as otherwise specifically
provided in this Agreement, all references to financial statement items of
Seller, including without limitation references to assets, liabilities or debt,
refer to such items determined on an accrual basis in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, consistently applied.
[Signatures on following pages]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed, as of the date first above written.
PREFERRED NETWORKS, INC.
By: /s/ Kathryn Loev Putnam
-------------------------------------------
Kathryn Loev Putnam, Vice President
Attest:
/s/ Mark B. Jones
- ------------------------
Mark B. Jones, Secretary
EPS ACQUISITION CORP.
By: /s/ Kathryn Loev Putnam
-------------------------------------------
Kathryn Loev Putnam, President
Attest:
/s/ Mark B. Jones
- ------------------------
Mark B. Jones, Secretary
EPS WIRELESS, INC.
By: /s/ David Lopez, Jr.
-------------------------------------------
David Lopez, Jr., Chief Executive
Officer
Attest:
/s/ Steven D. Teal
- -------------------------
Steven D. Teel, Secretary
[Signatures continued on next page]
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SHAREHOLDERS:
/s/ David Lopez, Jr.
-------------------------------
David Lopez, Jr.
/s/ Mark H. Dunaway
-------------------------------
Mark H. Dunaway
/s/ Marcia M. Dunaway
-------------------------------
Marcia M. Dunaway
/s/ Steven D. Teel
-------------------------------
Steven D. Teel
/s/ Denise Teel
-------------------------------
Denise Teel
/s/ John P. Butorac
-------------------------------
John P. Butorac, as Trustee
SHAREHOLDERS' REPRESENTATIVE:
/s/ David Lopez, Jr.
-------------------------------
David Lopez, Jr.
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The Exhibits and Schedules to this Agreement and Plan of Merger have
been omitted but will be provided to the Commission upon request.
