<PAGE> 1
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) September 18, 1996
EQUITY MARKETING, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
Delaware 23346 13-3534145
(State or other jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer
of incorporation) File Number) Identification No.)
131 South Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90212
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (310) 887-4300
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
<PAGE> 2
ITEM 2. ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS.
On September 18, 1996, Equity Marketing, Inc. (the "Company")
acquired EPI Group Limited, a Delaware company ("EPI Group"), through the
purchase of all of the issued and outstanding common stock of EPI Group from the
individual stockholders of EPI Group in exchange for $2,891,851 in cash plus
potential additional cash consideration based upon the results of operations of
the EPI Group during the three-year period ending December 31, 1999 as set forth
in the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 18, 1996, by and among
Equity Marketing, Inc. and the stockholders of EPI Group. The funds used for
the acquisition were provided by the Company's cash reserves on hand.
EPI Group is a designer, developer, producer and marketer of
promotional and retail toys and other products. Its operations are located in
Southport, Connecticut. The press release issued by Equity Marketing, Inc. dated
September 18, 1996 is attached hereto as Exhibit 99 and incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS.
a. Financial Statements of Business Acquired.
1. Financial Statements of EPI Group Limited as of
December 31, 1995 and for the nine months ended
December 31, 1995.
Report of Independent Auditors.
Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1995.
Statement of Operations for the nine
months ended December 31, 1995.
Statement of Cash Flows for the nine
months ended December 31, 1995.
Statement of Stockholders' Equity at
December 31, 1995.
Notes to Financial Statements.
2. Interim Financial Statements of EPI Group Limited as
of August 31, 1996 and for the eight-month periods
ended August 31, 1996 and 1995.
Statements of Operations for the
eight months ended August 31, 1996
and 1995.
-2-
<PAGE> 3
Statement of Stockholders' Equity at
August 31, 1996.
Statements of Cash Flows for the
eight months ended August 31, 1996
and 1995.
Notes to Interim Financial Statements.
It is impracticable for the Company to provide the required
Interim Financial Statements as of August 31, 1996 and for the eight-month
periods ended August 31, 1996 and 1995 of EPI Group Limited (the Business
Acquired) on the date this report is being filed. The Company intends to file
the required Interim Financial Statements under cover of Form 8-K/A as soon as
practicable, but not later than 60 days after the date this report must have
been filed.
Since the Company will be filing its quarterly report on Form
10-Q prior to filing Form 8-K/A, the balance sheet of EPI Group as of August 31,
1996 will be consolidated with the September 30, 1996 balance sheet of the
Company.
b. Pro Forma Financial Information.
It is impracticable for the Company to provide the required pro
forma financial information on the date this report is being filed. The Company
intends to file the required Financial Statements under cover of Form 8-K/A as
soon as practicable; but not later than 60 days after the date this report must
have been filed.
c. Exhibits.
10. Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Equity Marketing, Inc.
and the stockholders of EPI Group Limited.
99. Press Release issued by Equity Marketing, Inc. dated
September 18, 1996.
-3-
<PAGE> 4
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 thereunto duly authorized.
EQUITY MARKETING, INC.
Date: October 2, 1996 By: /s/ Kenneth M. Fisher
_____________________________
Kenneth M. Fisher
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
-4-
<PAGE> 5
EXHIBIT INDEX
No. Description
10. Stock Purchase Agreement, dated September 18, 1996, by
and among Equity Marketing, Inc. and the Stockholders
of EPI Group Limited.
99. Press Release issued by Equity Marketing, Inc., dated
September 18, 1996.
-5-
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF
SEPTEMBER 18, 1996
BY AND AMONG
EQUITY MARKETING, INC.
AND
THE STOCKHOLDERS OF EPI GROUP LIMITED
<PAGE> 2
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of September 18, 1996 (this
"AGREEMENT"), by and among Equity Marketing, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("EQUITY") and Michael Beck, Philip D. Beck, Christopher Reynolds, Merryl
Lambert Reynolds and Ronda Drummond (the "EPI HOLDERS"). Capitalized terms used
in this Agreement are defined in Article VII.
R E C I T A L S :
WHEREAS, the EPI Holders in the aggregate hold all of the common stock,
par value $.01 per share (the "EPI COMMON STOCK"), of EPI Group Limited, a
Delaware corporation ("EPI");
WHEREAS, the parties wish for Equity or a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Equity to acquire all of the issued and outstanding EPI Common Stock (the
"ACQUISITION") subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the representations,
warranties and agreements herein contained and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and
subject to the conditions set forth herein, Equity and the EPI Holders hereby
agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES
SECTION 1.01. PURCHASE PRICE. On the Closing Date Equity or a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Equity shall purchase from the EPI Holders and each
EPI Holder shall sell to Equity or to such subsidiary the shares of EPI Common
Stock held by such EPI Holder, which in the aggregate shall constitute all of
the issued and outstanding equity securities of EPI. As aggregate consideration
for such EPI Common Stock, Equity will pay the EPI Holders, ratably in
proportion to their holdings of the respective classes of EPI Common Stock as
set forth on Schedule A:
(a) Initial Consideration. On the Closing Date, Equity shall
pay initial cash consideration of $2,891,851, of which $1,640,518 shall be paid
to the Class A Holders, $1,051,333 shall be paid to the Class B Holders and
$200,000 shall be paid to the Class C Holder.
(b) Yearly Installment Payments for 1997, 1998, and 1999. If
the Pre-tax Income of the EPI Business in 1997, 1998, or 1999 is equal to or
greater than
-1-
<PAGE> 3
$736,791.75 (as from time to time adjusted pursuant to Section 1.03, the
"MINIMUM EPI INCOME"), Equity will make an installment payment to the EPI
Holders in the following year equal to the product of (i) $713,950 for 1997,
$713,950 for 1998 and $463,951 for 1999 (as from time to time adjusted pursuant
to Section 1.03, the respective "MAXIMUM INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS") and (ii) a
number the numerator of which shall be the amount of Pre-Tax Income earned in
that year and the denominator of which (as from time to time adjusted pursuant
to Section 1.03, the "BASE INCOME") shall be $982,389; provided, however, that
no such payment shall exceed the applicable Maximum Installment Payment.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Equity terminates the employment of any Class
B Holder or the Class C Holder within one year from the date hereof other than
for justifiable cause, the installment payment due to the EPI Holders for 1997
shall be $713,950 without regard to the 1997 Base Income. Except as set forth in
the immediately preceding sentence, no payment under this Section 1.01(b) will
be made for any year in which Pre-tax Income is less than the Minimum EPI
Income. Any payments under this Section 1.01(b) shall be allocated 49.5% to the
Class A Holders, 40.5% to the Class B Holders and 10% to the Class C Holder;
provided, however, that any such payments shall be made 90% to the Class B
Holders and 10% to the Class C Holder until the Class B Holders and the Class C
Holder shall have received aggregate consideration under this Section 1.01 of
$177,778. These payments shall be made no later March 31 of the following year.
(c) Incremental Payments for 1997, 1998, or 1999. To the
extent the Pre-tax Income of the EPI Business in any of 1997, 1998 and 1999
exceeds the Base Income, Equity will pay the Class B Holders incremental
consideration equal to 13.3% of the difference between the Base Income and the
Pre-tax Income of the EPI Business for that year and will pay the Class C Holder
incremental consideration equal to 6.7% of the difference between the Base
Income and the Pre-tax Income of the EPI Business for that year; provided,
however, that the maximum aggregate consideration payable by Equity under this
Agreement shall be $12,500,000. Any payments under this Section 1.01(c) shall be
contingent upon the recipient being an employee of Equity on the last Business
Day of the year to which such payment relates; provided, however, that Equity
shall make such payments to any Class B Holder or Class C Holder whose
employment is terminated by Equity other than for justifiable cause (as defined
in the employment agreement between Equity and such holder). These payments
shall be made no later than March 31 of the following year.
Section 1.02. Calculation of Installment and Incremental Payments.
(a) For each of 1997, 1998 and 1999, Equity and the Class B
Holders and the Class C Holder (if then employed by Equity) shall collectively
prepare an EPI pre-tax income budget in a form substantially similar to Exhibit
I (the "EPI PRE-TAX INCOME BUDGET"). The EPI Pre-tax Income Budget shall be
prepared in accordance with the accounting methods utilized by Equity for other
business units of Equity and shall be incorporated into the overall pre-tax
income budget for Equity, subject to the approval by the Board of Directors of
Equity of such overall budget.
(b) Upon determination of Equity's financial results for each
of 1997, 1998 and 1999 but in any event no later than March 31 of the following
year, Equity
-2-
<PAGE> 4
shall prepare and submit to the EPI Holders (i) a schedule setting forth the
actual EPI Pre-tax Income for the applicable year and a comparison of the EPI
Pre-tax Income Budget to the actual EPI Pre-tax Income for such year, and (ii) a
schedule setting forth any yearly installment payment and incremental payment
due to the EPI Holders pursuant to Section 1.01 and the calculations upon which
such payment amounts are based. Additionally, Equity shall cause Arthur Andersen
or another accounting firm mutually agreeable to Equity and the EPI Holders to
prepare and submit to the EPI Holders an "agreed upon procedures" letter
verifying the accuracy of the calculations utilized in preparing such schedules,
and which shall include "negative assurances" that nothing has come to the
attention of such firm to indicate that the calculation of Pre-tax Income was
not prepared based upon the same accounting methodology as that used with
respect to other business units of Equity. The EPI Holders shall be deemed to
have accepted such schedule and calculations unless they notify Equity in
writing within fourteen days of the delivery of such schedules and the related
"agreed upon procedures" letter or, if no Class B Holder is then employed by
Equity, within 30 days of such delivery.
(c) If one or more EPI Holders notify Equity in writing within
fourteen days of the delivery of such schedules and the related "agreed upon
procedures" letter (or, if no Class B Holder is then employed by Equity, within
30 days of such delivery) of any dispute with the schedules and calculations
provided by Equity pursuant to Section 1.02(b) (a "DISPUTE NOTICE"), Equity
shall consult with the EPI Holders or their representatives to answer questions
with respect to such schedule and calculations and attempt in good faith to
resolve such dispute. Equity shall pay any undisputed amounts due under Section
1.01 to the EPI Holders no later than March 31 of the year following the year to
which such payment relates.
(d) So long as either Class B Holder is employed by Equity,
such Class B Holder or Holders shall be entitled to receive copies of the EPI
Pre-tax Income Budget and a monthly report comparing actual EPI Pre-tax Income
for the prior month with the EPI Pre-tax Income Budget, and Equity shall consult
with such EPI Holders to answer questions with respect to such budget, report
and calculations.
(e) If both Class B Holders for any reason have ceased to be
employed by Equity, and the aggregate amount of all disputed items is $25,000 or
greater, the EPI Holders may refer the matter, within fourteen days of the
delivery to Equity of the Dispute Notice, to a "big six" accounting firm
mutually agreeable to the EPI Holders and Equity (the "INDEPENDENT
ACCOUNTANTS"), which firm shall then review the item or items in dispute and
determine any amount due from Equity to the EPI Holders hereunder. The
Independent Accountants shall act as experts and not as arbitrators. Equity
shall cooperate fully with the Independent Accountants and shall make available
to the Independent Accountants all records, working papers and other information
as the Independent Accountants may reasonably request. The Independent
Accountants shall communicate their determination in writing to Equity and the
EPI Holders, and their determination shall be final and binding upon Equity and
the EPI Holders except in the case of manifest error. Equity shall pay promptly
to the EPI Holders any additional amounts that the Independent Auditors
determine are due hereunder and the EPI Holders shall promptly refund to Equity
any overpayments that the
-3-
<PAGE> 5
Independent Accountants determine have been made by Equity. If the Independent
Accountants determine that the additional amount of Pre-Tax Income is $25,000 or
greater, the costs of the Independent Accountants shall be borne by Equity;
otherwise, the cost of the Independent Accountants shall be borne jointly by the
EPI Holders.
SECTION 1.03. SALE OF EPI BUSINESS.
(a) If Equity shall sell all or substantially all of the EPI
Business prior to December 31, 1999, it shall pay to the EPI Holders promptly
following the closing of such sale the present value of the maximum payments
remaining under Section 1.01(b) (discounted at the one-year United States
treasury bill rate then in effect from the date on which such payments otherwise
would have become due). In addition, to the extent that the sale price is
greater than the aggregate of amounts (i) paid by Equity to the EPI Holders
prior to the date of such sale, (ii) due to the EPI Holders with respect to any
prior year and (iii) due to the EPI Holders pursuant to the first sentence of
this Section 1.03(a), Equity will pay the Class B Holders incremental
consideration equal to 13.3% of such excess amount and will pay the Class C
Holder incremental consideration equal to 6.7% of such excess amount; provided,
however, that the maximum aggregate consideration payable by Equity under this
Agreement, including any payments made pursuant to this Section 1.03(a), shall
be $12,500,000.
(b) If Equity shall sell a portion (but less than
substantially all) of the EPI Business prior to December 31, 1999, it shall pay
to the EPI Holders promptly following the closing of such sale the present value
(discounted at the one-year United States treasury bill rate then in effect from
the date on which such payments otherwise would have become due) of the product
of (i) the maximum payments remaining under Section 1.01(b) and (ii) a number
(the "PARTIAL SALE MULTIPLIER") the numerator of which is the revenues of the
portion of the EPI Business being sold for the last twelve complete months prior
to the date of such sale and the denominator of which is the revenues of the EPI
Business as a whole for the last twelve complete months prior to the date of
such sale. Following any such partial sale the Base Income shall be equal to the
product of the Base Income immediately prior to such sale and a number equal to
the difference between one and the Partial Sale Multiplier (the "REMAINDER
MULTIPLIER"); the Minimum EPI Income shall be the product of the Minimum EPI
Income immediately prior to such sale and the Remainder Multiplier; and the
aggregate amount of any remaining Maximum Installment Payments shall be reduced
by the aggregate amount paid to the EPI Holders under this Section 1.03(b), such
reduction to be divided evenly among the remaining installment payments.
SECTION 1.04. CLOSING.
(a) The closing (the "CLOSING") of the Acquisition shall take
place at the offices of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., 666 Fifth Avenue, New York,
New York 10103, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement.
(b) At the Closing, each EPI Holder shall deliver to Equity
certificate(s) representing all of the EPI Common Stock owned by such EPI
Holder, accompanied by
-4-
<PAGE> 6
stock power(s) duly executed in blank, and with all necessary stock transfer and
other documentary stamps attached.
(c) At the Closing, Equity shall pay the initial consideration
to each EPI Holder as set forth in Section 1.01(a) in same day funds or by wire
transfer.
(d) If any EPI Holder, in breach of such EPI Holder's
obligations under this Agreement, shall fail or refuse to deliver to Equity at
the Closing any of his or her EPI Common Stock, or shall fail or refuse to sign
and deliver any other document or instrument required to be signed and
delivered, or perform any other act required to be performed by such EPI Holder
by any of the provisions of this Agreement, such failure or refusal shall not
relieve the other EPI Holders of their obligations under this Agreement.
(e) Each EPI Holder hereby waives any and all rights of
pre-emption that such EPI Holder may have in relation to the transfer by any
other EPI Holder to Equity of shares of EPI Common Stock and each EPI Holder
hereby consents to the transfer of such shares to Equity in accordance with the
provisions of this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
INDIVIDUAL REPRESENTATIONS OF
THE EPI HOLDERS
Each EPI Holder, severally and not jointly, hereby represents and
warrants to Equity as follows:
SECTION 2.01. OWNERSHIP OF EPI COMMON STOCK. Such EPI Holder is the
record and beneficial owner of all the outstanding shares of the capital stock
of EPI set forth opposite the name of such EPI Holder on Schedule A to this
Agreement, and owns such shares free and clear of all Liens, restrictions and
other encumbrances (other than restrictions imposed by United States and state
securities laws).
SECTION 2.02. AUTHORITY. Such EPI Holder has full right, power and
authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate and perform
the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by him or her and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation
of such EPI Holder, enforceable against him or her in accordance with its terms.
SECTION 2.03. VALIDITY OF TRANSACTIONS. The execution and delivery of
this Agreement by such EPI Holder does not, and the performance of this
Agreement (including without limitation the execution, delivery and performance
of the ancillary agreements referred to herein) by such EPI Holder will not,
conflict with, or result in any violation of or default or loss of any benefit
under, or require the consent of any other party to, any permit, concession,
grant, franchise, law, rule or regulation, or any judgment, decree or order of
any court or other governmental agency or instrumentality
-5-
<PAGE> 7
to which such EPI Holder is a party or to which any of the property of such EPI
Holder is subject.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE
CLASS A AND CLASS B HOLDERS RESPECTING EPI
Except as set forth (by reference to the applicable section of this
Agreement) in the disclosure schedule previously delivered to Equity (the "EPI
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE"), the Class A and Class B Holders, severally in the
proportions set forth on Schedule B and subject to Section 6.03, hereby
represent and warrant to Equity as follows:
SECTION 3.01. ORGANIZATION. EPI is a corporation duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware
and has full corporate power and authority to conduct its business as it is now
being conducted and to own, operate or lease the properties and assets it
currently owns, operates or holds under lease. EPI is duly qualified or licensed
to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation in each
jurisdiction where the character of its business or the nature of its properties
makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except where the failure to so
qualify or be licensed would not have a Material Adverse Effect, all of which
jurisdictions are set forth on the EPI Disclosure Schedule. The EPI Holders have
heretofore delivered to Equity true and correct copies of the Certificate of
Incorporation and By-laws of EPI as in effect on the date hereof.
SECTION 3.02. [intentionally omitted]
SECTION 3.03. SUBSIDIARIES. The EPI Disclosure Schedule contains a list
of all corporations, partnerships, joint ventures and other entities in which
EPI has, directly or indirectly, any legal or beneficial interest (individually
a "EPI SUBSIDIARY" and collectively the "EPI SUBSIDIARIES") and indicates: (a)
the percentage and type of equity securities of or other interest in the EPI
Subsidiary owned or controlled by EPI; (b) the identity of any other beneficial
or record owner of any such EPI Subsidiary, the percentage and type of such
ownership and the terms related thereto; (c) the jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization; (d) each jurisdiction in which it is qualified or licensed to
conduct its business; and (e) in the case of any joint venture, the identity of
each other joint venture partner and the terms related thereto.
SECTION 3.04. CAPITALIZATION; STOCK OWNERSHIP.
The authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of EPI is
as set forth on the EPI Disclosure Schedule. All of the issued and outstanding
shares of EPI are owned, of record and beneficially, by the EPI Holders as set
forth on Schedule A. There are no shares of common stock of EPI held as treasury
shares. The designations, powers, preferences, rights, qualifications,
limitations and restrictions in respect of each class and series of authorized
capital stock of EPI are as set forth in EPI's Certificate of Incorporation, and
all such designations, powers, preferences, rights, qualifications,
-6-
<PAGE> 8
limitations and restrictions are valid, binding and enforceable and in
accordance with all applicable laws. All outstanding shares of capital stock of
EPI have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and
non-assessable. All of the outstanding securities of EPI were issued in
compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws. None of the
outstanding securities has been issued in violation of any pre-emptive rights,
rights of first refusal or similar rights. There are no outstanding options,
warrants, convertible securities, calls, rights, commitments, pre-emptive rights
or agreements or instruments or understandings of any character to which EPI is
a party or by which EPI is bound, obligating either EPI to issue, deliver or
sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, contingently or otherwise,
additional shares of its capital stock or any securities or obligations
convertible into or exchangeable for such shares or to grant, extend or enter
into any such option, warrant, convertible security, call, right, commitment,
pre-emptive right or agreement. There are no outstanding obligations, contingent
or other, of EPI to purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of its
capital stock. There are no voting trust agreements or other contracts,
agreements, arrangements, commitments, plans or understandings restricting or
otherwise relating to voting, dividend or other rights with respect to any of
the capital stock of EPI.
SECTION 3.05. NO VIOLATION. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement by the EPI Holders does not, and the consummation by the EPI Holders
of the transactions contemplated hereby, and compliance with the terms hereof
will not, (a) conflict with, or result in any violation of or default or loss of
any benefit under, any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws
of EPI; (b) conflict with, or result in any violation of or default or loss of
any benefit under, any permit, concession, grant, franchise, law, rule or
regulation, or any judgment, decree or order of any court or other governmental
agency or instrumentality to which EPI is a party or to which any of its
property is subject; (c) conflict with, or result in a breach or violation of or
default or loss of any benefit under, or accelerate the performance required by,
the terms of any agreement, contract, indenture or other instrument to which EPI
is a party or to which any of its property is subject, or constitute a default
or loss of any right thereunder or an event which, with the lapse of time or
notice or both, would result in a default or loss of any right thereunder or the
creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any of the assets or properties
of EPI; or (d) result in any suspension, revocation, impairment, forfeiture or
nonrenewal of any EPI Government License. EPI is in compliance with all
applicable laws, rules or regulations relating to or affecting the operation,
conduct or ownership of its property or business, other than violations that do
not, and would not reasonably be expected to, have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.06. APPROVALS. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by the EPI Holders
will not require the consent, approval, order or authorization of any
Governmental Entity or Regulatory Authority or any other Person under any
statute, law, rule, regulation, permit, license, agreement, indenture or other
instrument to which EPI is a party or to which any of its properties are
subject, and no declaration, filing or registration with any Governmental Entity
or Regulatory Authority is required or advisable by EPI in connection with the
execution and delivery of this Agreement, the consummation of the
-7-
<PAGE> 9
transactions contemplated hereby, or the performance by EPI and the EPI Holders
of their respective obligations hereunder.
SECTION 3.07. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER INFORMATION.
(a) The EPI Holders have delivered to Equity (i) true, correct
and complete copies of EPI's audited balance sheet as of December 31, 1995
(together with the auditors' reports thereon) and the related unaudited
statements of operations, stockholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows for the
nine months ended December 31, 1995, together with notes to such financial
statements (the "1995 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS"); and (ii) true, correct and
complete copies of EPI's unaudited balance sheets as at June 30, 1996, and the
related statements of operations for the six-month period then ended (the
"INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS"). The 1995 Financial Statements and Interim
Financial Statements are herein collectively referred to as the "FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS".
(b) The Financial Statements are in accordance with the books
and records of EPI and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles consistently applied throughout the periods covered
thereby, and the balance sheets included therein present fairly as of their
respective dates the financial condition of EPI (subject, in the case of Interim
Financial Statements, to year-end adjustments that may be required upon audit,
which adjustments will not have a material effect on such financial statements);
provided, however, that the accuracy and completeness of the foregoing
representation shall be deemed not to be affected by any subsequent adjustments
due merely to any change in inventory as at March 31, 1995 or changes in the
inventory value (but not inventory quantity). The Financial Statements present
fairly the information purported to be shown thereby and the statements of
operations included in the Financial Statements do not contain any material
items of special or non-recurring income or other income not earned in the
ordinary course of business except as expressly specified therein.
(c) Since June 30, 1996 there has been no change materially
adverse to the assets or liabilities, the business or condition (financial or
otherwise), or the results of operations of EPI, whether as a result of any
legislative or regulatory change, revocation of any license or right to do
business, fire, explosion, accident, casualty, labor trouble, flood, drought,
riot, storm, condemnation or act of God or otherwise.
SECTION 3.08. NO UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. Except as set forth in the
notes to the Financial Statements (or on an explanatory schedule to the June 30,
1996 balance sheet, the liabilities on the June 30, 1996 balance sheet consist
solely of accrued obligations and liabilities incurred by EPI in the ordinary
course of business to Persons that are not Affiliates of EPI. There are no
liabilities of EPI of any kind, including without limitation documentary or
standby letters of credit, bid or performance bonds, or customer or third party
guarantees, and no existing condition, situation or set of circumstances that
would reasonably be expected to result in such a liability, other than (i)
liabilities disclosed in the Financial Statements; and (ii) liabilities which
have arisen after the Balance Sheet Date in the ordinary course of business and
consistent with past practice (none of which is a liability for breach of
contract, breach of warranty,
-8-
<PAGE> 10
tort, infringement claim or lawsuit). There are no asserted claims for
indemnification by any Person against EPI under any law or agreement or pursuant
to the Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws of EPI and neither EPI nor any
EPI Holder has knowledge of facts or circumstances that would reasonably be
expected to give rise to the assertion of such a claim against EPI thereunder.
SECTION 3.09. CORPORATE ACTION. All corporate action of the Board of
Directors and of the stockholders of EPI taken on or prior to the date hereof
has been duly authorized, adopted or ratified in accordance with applicable law
and the Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws of EPI, and has been duly
recorded in its corporate minute books (which have been made available for
inspection by Equity).
SECTION 3.10. EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO THE BALANCE SHEET DATE. Since the
Balance Sheet Date, EPI has not (a) issued any capital stock, bond or other
corporate security (including without limitation securities convertible into or
rights to acquire capital stock) except in connection with the EPI
Recapitalization; (b) borrowed any amount or incurred or become subject to any
liability (absolute, accrued or contingent), except current liabilities
incurred, liabilities under contracts entered into, borrowings under the banking
facilities disclosed (together with the amounts outstanding under such
facilities as of the date hereof) on the EPI Disclosure Schedule and liabilities
in respect of letters of credit issued under such banking facilities, all of
which were in the ordinary course of business; (c) discharged or satisfied any
lien or encumbrance or incurred or paid any obligation or liability (absolute,
accrued or contingent) other than current liabilities shown on the most recent
balance sheet included in the Financial Statements and current liabilities
incurred since the Balance Sheet Date in the ordinary course of business; (d)
declared or made any payment or distribution to stockholders or purchased or
redeemed any shares of its capital stock or other securities; (e) mortgaged,
pledged or subjected to lien any of its assets, tangible or intangible, other
than liens of current real property taxes not yet due and payable; (f) sold,
assigned or transferred any of its tangible assets except in the ordinary course
of business, or canceled any debt or claim; (g) sold, assigned, transferred or
granted any license with respect to any patent, trademark, trade name, service
mark, copyright, trade secret or other intangible asset; (h) suffered any loss
of property or waived any right of substantial value whether or not in the
ordinary course of business; (i) suffered any adverse change in its relations
with, or any loss or threatened loss of, any of its suppliers or customers
disclosed pursuant to Section 3.21; (j)(i) granted any severance or termination
pay to any of its directors, officers or employees; (ii) entered into any
employment, deferred compensation or other similar agreement (or any amendment
to any such existing agreement) or arrangement with any of its directors,
officers or employees; (iii) increased any benefits payable under any existing
severance or termination pay policies or employment agreements; or (iv)
increased the compensation, bonus or other benefits payable to any of its
directors or officers or, other than in the ordinary course of business and
consistent with past practice, employees; (k) made any material change in the
scope or nature of its business or operations; (l) made any material change in
any method of accounting or accounting practice, except for any such change
required by reason of a concurrent change in generally accepted accounting
principles or disclosed in the Financial Statements; (m) entered into any
transaction
-9-
<PAGE> 11
except in the ordinary course of business or as otherwise contemplated hereby;
or (n) entered into any commitment (contingent or otherwise) to do any of the
foregoing.
SECTION 3.11. TAXES. Except for matters that would not have a Material
Adverse Effect, (a) all tax returns (including, without limitation, income,
profit, franchise, sales and use, excise, severance, occupation, property, gross
receipts, payroll and withholding tax returns and information returns), deposits
and reports (all such returns, deposits and reports herein referred to
collectively as "TAX RETURNS" or singularly as a "TAX RETURN") of or relating to
any federal, state, local or foreign or other governmental tax (all, together
with any penalties, additions to tax, fines and interest thereon or related
thereto, herein referred to collectively as "TAXES" or singularly as a "TAX")
that are required to be filed or deposited (taking into account all extensions)
for, by, on behalf of or with respect to EPI have been filed or deposited and
all Taxes shown to be due and payable on such Tax Returns have been paid in
full; (b) all such Tax Returns and the information and data contained therein
have been properly and accurately compiled and completed, fairly present the
information purported to be shown therein and reflect all liabilities for Taxes
for the periods covered by such Tax Returns; (c) all Taxes imposed on EPI (or
for which EPI is or could be liable, whether to any Governmental Entity or to
other Persons (as, for example, under tax allocation agreements)), for all
periods which are due and payable on or before the Closing Date, have been or
will be paid when due or adequately reserved against on the EPI Balance Sheet;
(d) none of such Tax Returns are now under audit or examination by any federal,
state, local or foreign or other Governmental Entity and there are no
agreements, waivers or other arrangements providing for an extension of time
with respect to the assessment or collection of any Tax or deficiency of any
nature against EPI or with respect to any such Tax Return or any suits or other
judicial or administrative actions, proceedings, investigations or claims now
pending or, to the knowledge of EPI or any EPI Holder, threatened against EPI
with respect to any Tax; (e) the latest balance sheet included in the Financial
Statements reflects and includes adequate provisions for the payment in full of
any and all Taxes for which EPI is or could be liable, whether to any
Governmental Entity or to other Persons (as, for example, under tax allocation
agreements), not yet due for any and all periods up to and including the date of
such balance sheet; and (f) all Taxes for which EPI is or could be liable,
whether to any Governmental Entity or to other Persons (as, for example, under
tax allocation agreements), for periods beginning after December 31, 1995
through the Closing Date have been, or will be, paid when due or adequately
reserved against on the books of EPI on or prior to the Closing Date and an
amount of cash equal to the amount of such reserve will have been set aside for
payment of such Taxes. There is no tax lien, whether imposed by any federal,
state, county, local or foreign taxing authority, outstanding against the
assets, properties or business of EPI. All material elections and consents with
respect to any Tax (or the computation thereof) affecting EPI as of the date
hereof are obvious from the Tax Returns or are set forth on the EPI Disclosure
Schedule. EPI has not agreed to make nor is required to make any adjustment
under Section 481(a) of the Code, by reason of a change in accounting method or
otherwise. EPI is not a party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or plan
that has resulted, or as a consequence of the transactions contemplated hereby
will result, separately or in the aggregate, in the payment of any excess
parachute payments within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code. EPI has
-10-
<PAGE> 12
not elected not to be treated under Section 341(f) of the Code. None of the EPI
Holders is a person other than a U.S. person within meaning of Code. EPI is not
party to or bound by any tax indemnification, tax sharing or tax allocation
agreements.
SECTION 3.12. LITIGATION. There is no action, suit, investigation,
arbitration or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of EPI or any EPI Holder,
threatened against or affecting EPI or any of its properties or rights, by or
before any Governmental Entity, or any basis in fact therefor known to EPI or
any EPI Holder, against or involving EPI or any of its officers, directors or
employees (in their capacity as such), assets, business or products, whether at
law or in equity. With respect to each litigation or claim described in the EPI
Disclosure Schedule, copies of all pleadings, filings, correspondence with
opposing parties and their counsel, opinions of counsel, results of studies,
judgments, orders, attachments, impositions of or recordings of Liens and other
documents have been furnished to Equity.
SECTION 3.13. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The business of EPI has not been
conducted in violation of any law or any ordinance or regulation of any
Governmental Entity (including without limitation any law, ordinance or
regulation with respect to charitable solicitations), except for violations that
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No
investigation or review by any Governmental Entity (including without limitation
any audit or similar review by any federal, foreign, state or local taxing
authority) with respect to EPI is pending or, to the knowledge of EPI or any EPI
Holder, threatened. Neither EPI nor, to the knowledge of EPI or any EPI Holder,
any director, officer, consultant or employee of EPI (in their capacity as
such), is in default with respect to any order, writ, injunction or decree known
to or served upon EPI of any Governmental Entity or Regulatory Authority. There
is no existing law, rule, regulation or order, whether federal, state, local or
foreign, which would prohibit or materially restrict EPI from, or otherwise
materially adversely affect EPI in, conducting its business as now conducted in
any jurisdiction in which it is now conducting business.
SECTION 3.14. TITLE TO PROPERTY.
(a) The EPI Disclosure Schedule identifies all of the rights
and interests in real property and leasehold estates owned by EPI as of the date
hereof, and the nature and amount of its respective interest therein. EPI does
not own any real property, and has valid, subsisting and enforceable leases to
all leasehold estates identified and reflected in the EPI Disclosure Schedule
(with such exceptions as do not, individually or in the aggregate, materially
interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such properties by EPI
and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect) and
either good and marketable title or rights as lessee to all personalty of any
kind or nature owned or used by EPI in its business, in each case free and clear
of all Liens, except for (i) Liens, encumbrances, defects or irregularities of
title identified on the EPI Disclosure Schedule which, individually or in the
aggregate, do not detract from or materially interfere with the present or
reasonably foreseeable use or value of the properties subject thereto; and (ii)
Liens for non-delinquent ad valorem taxes and non-delinquent statutory liens
arising other than by reason of default by EPI. EPI as lessee has the right
under valid leases to occupy, use and
-11-
<PAGE> 13
possess all property leased by EPI as now occupied, used and possessed by EPI.
At the Closing, EPI will own, free and clear of all Liens, other than those
permitted or disclosed hereunder, all the assets (including without limitation
all cash) included in the June 30, 1996 balance sheet included in the Interim
Financial Statements and all assets acquired since that date, other than assets
disposed of in the ordinary course of business. EPI owns all trademarks listed
on the EPI Disclosure Schedule, free and clear of all Liens.
(b) Each lease or agreement under which EPI is a lessee or
lessor of any property, real or personal, is a valid and binding agreement of
EPI and, to the knowledge of EPI or any EPI Holder, the other party thereto (in
each case subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other
similar laws affecting or relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally and with such exceptions as are, individually or in the aggregate, not
material and do not, individually or in the aggregate, materially interfere with
the use made and proposed to be made of such properties by EPI) without any
default by EPI thereunder and, to the knowledge of EPI or any EPI Holder,
without any default thereunder by any other party thereto. No event has occurred
and is continuing which, with due notice or lapse of time or both, would
constitute a default or event of default by EPI under any such lease or
agreement or, to the knowledge of EPI or any EPI Holder, by any other party
thereto. The possession of EPI of such property has not been disturbed and no
claim has been asserted in writing against EPI adverse to its rights in such
leasehold interests.
SECTION 3.15. CONDITION OF PROPERTY AND RELATED MATTERS.
(a) None of the premises or equipment of EPI are in need of
maintenance or repairs that EPI would be obligated to perform pursuant to the
terms of any applicable lease or applicable law other than ordinary routine
maintenance and repairs which would not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.
(b) All properties and tangible assets (other than cash,
inventories and accounts receivable) are reflected in the latest balance sheet
included in the Financial Statements at their net depreciated cost in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles.
(c) The inventories owned by EPI shown in the latest balance
sheet included in the Financial Statements are valued at cost (as defined in the
EPI Disclosure Schedule). Since the Balance Sheet Date the inventories of EPI
have been maintained at levels consistent with past practice as reflected on
their books and records, and EPI has not caused its inventories to be materially
increased or decreased, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice.
(d) The accounts receivable of all kinds of EPI, net of
applicable allowances in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied, included in the latest balance sheet included
in the Financial Statements, are collectible in full (including in the amount of
such collections any amounts written off by EPI prior to June 30, 1996 but
subsequently collected) prior to December 31, 1997 (by use of normal collection
methods without resort to litigation or reference to a
-12-
<PAGE> 14
collection agency); there do not exist any defenses, counterclaims and set-offs
which would materially affect such receivables; and all such receivables are
actual and bona fide receivables representing obligations for the total dollar
amount thereof shown on the books of EPI. EPI has fully performed all material
obligations with respect thereto which it was obligated to perform to the date
hereof. EPI has delivered to Equity a detailed aged trial balance for the
accounts receivable as of June 30, 1996.
SECTION 3.16. CONTRACTS.
(a) The EPI Disclosure Schedule contains a complete list of
all currently effective written or oral (i) license or other agreements relating
in whole or in part to Intellectual Property (including any license or other
agreement under which EPI has the right to use any of the same owned or held by
any third person) (the "EPI LICENSES"); (ii) employment contracts, arrangements
or policies (including without limitation any collective bargaining contract or
union agreement) of EPI which may not be immediately terminated without penalty
(or any augmentation or acceleration of benefits); (iii) leases, sales contracts
and other agreements with respect to any property, real or personal, of EPI,
except for leases of personal property involving less than $5,000 individually
and $15,000 in the aggregate and contracts with customers and suppliers not
required to be disclosed under subsection (ix) below; (iv) contracts or
commitments for capital expenditures or acquisitions in excess of $5,000 for one
project or set of related projects and $15,000 in the aggregate; (v) agreements,
contracts, indentures or other instruments relating to the borrowing of money,
or the guarantee of any obligation (third party or otherwise) for the borrowing
of money; (vi) contracts or agreements providing for any covenant not to compete
by EPI or otherwise restricting in any way the ability of EPI to engage in any
business activity (including a description of the businesses to which the
covenant not to compete applies), as well as any comparable covenants running in
favor of EPI; (vii) contracts or agreements relating to consultancies,
professional retentions, agency, sales or distributorship arrangements
pertaining to EPI or its products or activities; (viii) contracts, agreements or
commitments requiring EPI to indemnify or hold harmless any Person (other than
purchase orders entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent
with past practice); and (ix) all contracts with any customer or supplier listed
on the EPI Disclosure Schedule pursuant to Section 3.21 hereto other than
outstanding purchase orders for less than $10,000 in the ordinary course of
business of EPI; (all agreements, arrangements or commitments to which EPI is a
party, whether or not listed on the EPI Disclosure Schedule, being hereinafter
referred to as "EPI CONTRACTS"). True and correct copies of all the EPI
Contracts listed on the EPI Disclosure Schedule have been furnished to Equity.
All EPI Contracts (other than leases of personal property involving less than
$5,000 individually and $15,000 in the aggregate and other EPI Contracts the
failure of which to be valid and binding would not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect) are valid and binding in all material respects
(subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws
affecting or relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally); EPI
has duly performed its obligations thereunder in all material respects to the
extent such obligations have accrued; and no breach or default thereunder by EPI
or, to the knowledge of EPI or any EPI Holder, any other party thereto has
occurred that would reasonably be expected to impair the ability of EPI to
enforce any material rights thereunder or which
-13-
<PAGE> 15
would reasonably be expected to result in any material liability to EPI or
permit the acceleration of any obligation of any party thereto or the creation
of a lien or encumbrance upon any material asset(s) of EPI.
(b) Except as set forth in the EPI Disclosure Schedule, there
are no unsatisfied minimum guarantees under any EPI License.
(c) The consummation of the Acquisition and the other
transactions contemplated hereby will not result in any violation or termination
of, default or loss of benefit under, or give rise to a right of termination
under, the terms of any EPI Contract. There are no negotiations pending or in
progress to revise any material terms of such EPI Contracts.
SECTION 3.17. EMPLOYEE AND LABOR MATTERS AND PLANS.
(a) The EPI Disclosure Schedule lists each of the following
plans, contracts, policies and arrangements which is or, within six years prior
to the date hereof, was sponsored, maintained or contributed to by, or otherwise
binding upon EPI or, in the case of an "employee pension plan" (as defined in
Section 3(2) of ERISA), an ERISA Affiliate for the benefit of any current or
former employee, director or other personnel (including any such plan, contract,
policy or arrangement approved or adopted before, but effective on or after, the
date of this Agreement): (i) any "employee benefit plan," as such term is
defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, whether or not subject to the provisions of
ERISA; (ii) any personnel policy; and (iii) any other employment, consulting,
collective bargaining, stock option, stock bonus, stock purchase, phantom stock,
incentive, bonus, deferred compensation, retirement, severance, vacation,
dependent care, employee assistance, material fringe benefit, medical, dental,
sick leave, death benefit, golden parachute or other compensatory plan,
contract, policy or arrangement which is not an employee benefit plan as defined
in Section 3(3) of ERISA (each such plan, contract, policy and arrangement being
herein referred to as an "EMPLOYEE PLAN"). Neither EPI nor any ERISA Affiliate
maintains or has maintained or is or was ever obligated to contribute to (a) an
employee pension plan which is or was subject to the minimum funding
requirements of Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or which is or
was subject to any of the provisions of Title IV of ERISA, or (b) a trust which
is or was intended to be exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(9)
of the Code.
(b) With respect to each Employee Plan, EPI has delivered to
Equity true and complete copies of (i) each contract, plan document, policy
statement, summary plan description and other written material governing or
describing the Employee Plan and/or any related funding arrangements (including,
without limitation, any related trust agreement or insurance company contract)
or, if there are no such written materials, a summary description of the
Employee Plan; and (ii), where applicable, (1) the last two annual reports (5500
series) filed with the IRS or the Department of Labor; (2) the most recent
balance sheet and financial statement; and (3) the most recent determination
letter issued by the IRS, as well as any other determination letter, private
letter ruling, opinion letter or prohibited transaction
-14-
<PAGE> 16
exemption issued by the IRS or the Department of Labor and any application
therefor which is currently pending.
(c) Each Employee Plan has been maintained and administered in
all material respects in accordance with its terms and in compliance with the
provisions of applicable law, including, without limitation, applicable
disclosure, reporting, funding and fiduciary requirements imposed by ERISA
and/or the Code. All contributions, insurance premiums, benefits and other
payments required to be made to or under each Employee Plan have been made
timely and in accordance with the governing documents and applicable law. With
respect to each Employee Plan, (i) no application, proceeding or other matter is
pending before the IRS, the Department of Labor or any other governmental
agency; (ii) no action, suit, proceeding or claim (other than routine claims for
benefits) is pending or threatened; and (iii) to the knowledge of any EPI
Holder, no facts exist which would reasonably be expected to give rise to an
action, suit, proceeding or claim which, if asserted, could result in a material
liability or expense to EPI, any EPI Subsidiary or the plan assets.
(d) With respect to each Employee Plan which is an "employee
benefit plan" within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA or which is a "plan"
within the meaning of Section 4975(e) of the Code, there has occurred no
transaction which is prohibited by Section 406 of ERISA or which constitutes a
"prohibited transaction" under Section 4975(c) of the Code and with respect to
which a prohibited transaction exemption has not been granted and is not
currently in effect.
(e) The EPI Disclosure Schedule identifies each funded
Employee Plan which is an employee pension plan within the meaning of Section
3(2) of ERISA (other than a multiemployer plan within the meaning of Section
3(37) of ERISA). With respect to each such Employee Plan, (i) the Employee Plan
is a qualified plan under Section 401(a) or 403(a) of the Code, and its related
trust is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(a) of the Code;
(ii) a favorable IRS determination letter is currently in effect and, since the
date of the last determination letter, the Employee Plan has not been amended or
operated in a manner which would adversely affect its qualified status and no
event has occurred which has caused or could cause the loss of such status; and
(iii) there has been no termination or partial termination within the meaning of
Section 411(d)(3) of the Code. Neither EPI nor any ERISA Affiliate has ceased
operations at a facility so as to become subject to the provisions of Section
4068(f) of ERISA, withdrawn as a substantial employer so as to become subject to
the provisions of Section 4063 of ERISA or ceased making contributions to any
Employee Plan which is a pension plan subject to Section 4064(a) of ERISA.
(f) No Employee Plan listed on the EPI Disclosure Schedule is
a multiemployer plan within the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA. Neither EPI
nor any ERISA Affiliate is or was obligated to contribute or otherwise a party
to any such multiemployer plan.
(g) EPI and each ERISA Affiliate has complied in all material
respects with the provisions of Section 4980B of the Code with respect to any
Employee Plan or benefit arrangement which is a group health plan within the
meaning of Section
-15-
<PAGE> 17
5001(b)(1) of the Code. Except as may be required under Section 4980B of the
Code or any similar state law requiring continuous coverage with respect to
health plans, EPI does not maintain, contribute to, nor is obligated under any
plan, contract, policy or arrangement providing health or death benefits
(whether or not insured) to current or former employees or other personnel
beyond the termination of their employment or other services. Except as set
forth in the EPI Disclosure Schedule, each Employee Plan may be unilaterally
terminated and/or amended by EPI at any time without damage or penalty.
(h) The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement will not (either alone or in conjunction with another event, such as a
termination of employment or other services) entitle any employee or other
person to receive severance or other compensation which would not otherwise be
payable absent the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement or cause the acceleration of the time of payment or vesting of any
award or entitlement under any Employee Plan.
(i) The EPI Disclosure Schedule sets forth by number and
employment classification the approximate numbers of employees employed by EPI
and each ERISA Affiliate as of the date of this Agreement, and, except as set
forth therein, none of said employees are subject to union or collective
bargaining agreements. There have been no audits of the equal employment
opportunity practices of EPI and no reasonable basis for such claim exists.
There is no unfair labor practice charge or complaint against EPI pending before
the National Labor Relations Board or similar foreign agency or strike, dispute,
slowdown or stoppage pending or threatened against or involving EPI and none has
occurred since January 1, 1991. No representation question exists respecting the
employees of EPI and no collective bargaining agreement is currently being
negotiated by EPI, nor is any grievance procedure or arbitration proceeding
pending under any collective bargaining agreement and no claim therefor has been
asserted. EPI has not received notice from any union or employees setting forth
demands for representation, elections or for present or future changes in wages,
terms of employment or working conditions.
(j) The EPI Disclosure Schedule sets forth all outstanding
loans and other advances made by EPI to any of its officers, directors,
employees, stockholders or consultants.
SECTION 3.18. INSURANCE POLICIES. The EPI Disclosure Schedule contains
a correct and complete description of all insurance policies covering EPI and
its employees, agents and assets. Each such policy is in full force and effect.
All retroactive premium adjustments under any worker's compensation policy of
EPI have been recorded in the Financial Statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles and are reflected in the Financial Statements.
All premiums with respect to such insurance policies have been paid on a timely
basis, and no notice of cancellation or termination has been received with
respect to any such policy. EPI has not failed to give any notice or present any
claim thereunder in due and timely fashion where such failure would materially
affect coverage thereunder. There are no pending
-16-
<PAGE> 18
claims against such insurance by or on behalf of EPI as to which the insurers
have denied coverage or otherwise reserved rights.
SECTION 3.19. BROKERAGE FEES. Neither EPI nor any of its Affiliates has
retained any financial advisor, broker, agent or finder or paid or agreed to pay
any financial advisor, broker, agent or finder on account of this Agreement or
any transaction contemplated hereby or any transaction of like nature that would
be required to be paid by EPI.
SECTION 3.20. NO PRODUCT LIABILITIES; PRODUCT WARRANTIES.
(a) EPI has not incurred, nor does EPI or any EPI Holder know
of or have any reason to believe there is any reasonable basis for alleging, any
liability, damage, loss, cost or expense as a result of any defect or other
deficiency (whether of design, materials, workmanship, labeling, instructions or
otherwise) ("PRODUCT LIABILITY") with respect to any product sold or service
rendered by EPI, whether such Product Liability is incurred by reason of any
express or implied warranty (including, without limitation, any warranty of
merchantability or fitness), any doctrine of common law (tort, contract or
other), any statutory provision or otherwise and irrespective of whether such
Product Liability is covered by insurance, other than chargebacks and returns or
allowances incurred in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
practice and none of which have, or would reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.
(b) EPI has furnished Equity with the standard forms of
purchase orders and purchase contracts for its products and services that are in
effect between EPI and its principal customers, which forms contain all
warranties and guarantees given by EPI to customers with respect to products and
services, except for those warranties imposed by law. There are no pending or,
to the knowledge of EPI or any EPI Holder, threatened claims under any warranty
or guaranty against EPI. The EPI Disclosure Schedule lists all payments or
settlements made in respect of any such warranty or guaranty (including without
limitation any returns or allowances) in excess of $10,000 since January 1,
1994, indicating in each case the name of each customer, the amount of each
payment and a brief description of the facts relating thereto.
SECTION 3.21. SUPPLIERS, CUSTOMERS AND LICENSORS.
(a) The EPI Disclosure Schedule lists (i) all suppliers and
licensors to which EPI made payments during the year ended December 31, 1995, or
expects to make payments during the year ending December 31, 1996, in excess of
five percent of the cost of sales as reflected on EPI's statement of operations
for such period; (ii) all customers that paid EPI during the year ended December
31, 1995 or that EPI expects will pay to EPI during the year ending December 31,
1996, more than five percent of EPI's sales revenues as reflected on EPI's
statement of operations for such period; and (iii) all licensors whose licensed
products accounted during the year ended December 31, 1995, or that EPI expects
will account during the year ending December 31, 1996, for more than five
percent of EPI's sales revenues as reflected on EPI's statement of operations
for such period.
-17-
<PAGE> 19
(b) Neither EPI nor any EPI Holder has received any
information from any of the customers, suppliers or licensors of EPI listed on
the EPI Disclosure Schedule which would reasonably be expected to indicate that
any of such customers, suppliers or licensors intend to cease purchasing from,
selling to, licensing to or otherwise dealing with EPI, nor have they received
any information from any such customer, supplier or licensor which would
reasonably be expected to indicate it intends to alter in any material respect
the amount of such purchases, sales or licensing or the extent of dealings with
EPI or would alter in any material respect such purchases, sales, licensings or
dealings in the event of the consummation of the Acquisition. Neither EPI nor
any EPI Holder has any information which might reasonably be expected to
indicate, nor has any information been brought to the attention of EPI or any
EPI Holder which might reasonably be expected to indicate that, (i) any supplier
will not be able to fulfill outstanding purchase orders by the delivery date
indicated on the purchase order placed by EPI which, individually or in the
aggregate, exceed $10,000; or (ii) any customer will cancel outstanding purchase
orders placed with EPI which, individually or in the aggregate, exceed $10,000.
(c) Neither EPI nor, to the knowledge of EPI or any EPI
Holder, any of the respective officers, directors or Affiliates of EPI, nor any
relative or spouse (or relative of such spouse) of any such officer, director or
Affiliate, nor any entity controlled by one of more of the foregoing:
(i) owns, directly or indirectly, any interest in
(excepting less than 2% stock holdings for investment purposes
in securities of publicly held and traded companies), or is an
officer, director, employee or consultant of, any Person which
is, or is engaged in business as, a competitor, lessor,
lessee, supplier, distributor, sales agent, licensor, customer
or client of EPI;
(ii) owns, directly or indirectly, in whole or in
part, any tangible or intangible property that EPI uses in the
conduct of business; or
(iii) has any cause of action or other claim
whatsoever against, or owes any amount to, EPI, except for
claims in the ordinary course of business such as for accrued
vacation pay, accrued benefits under employee benefit plans,
and similar matters and agreements existing on the date
hereof.
SECTION 3.22. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES. The EPI Disclosure Schedule sets
forth a correct and complete list of all Intellectual Property now owned by or
licensed to EPI which is used or presently proposed to be used in the business
of EPI ("EPI INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY"), and each item constituting part of the EPI
Intellectual Property has been, to the extent indicated on the EPI Disclosure
Schedule, duly registered with, filed in or issued by, as the case may be, the
United States Patent and Trademark Office or such other Governmental Entities,
domestic or foreign, as are indicated on the EPI Disclosure Schedule and such
registrations, filings and issuances remain in full force and effect. EPI owns
or has the right to use (without the making of any payment to others or the
obligation to grant rights to others in exchange) all EPI Intellectual
-18-
<PAGE> 20
Property necessary to the conduct of its business as presently being conducted,
except where the failure to have such licenses or rights would not have a
Material Adverse Effect. There are no limitations on the ability of EPI to use
EPI Intellectual Property in any jurisdiction outside the United States in which
EPI is engaged in material business activities. The validity of EPI Intellectual
Property, the title thereto of EPI and the authority of EPI to use EPI
Intellectual Property as such EPI Intellectual Property are presently being used
is not being questioned in any claim to which EPI is a party or, to the
knowledge of EPI or any EPI Holder, is subject, nor has any such claim been
threatened within the preceding three years. The conduct of the business of EPI
as now conducted does not infringe or conflict with any Intellectual Property of
others. EPI has, as of the date hereof, and will have as of the Closing Date,
satisfied all requirements necessary to maintain the validity of all EPI
Intellectual Property, and the right to use such EPI Intellectual Property,
necessary to the conduct of EPI's business as it is presently being conducted.
Neither EPI nor any EPI Holder has knowledge of any use of any EPI Intellectual
Property owned by or exclusively licensed to EPI that is now being made, except
by EPI or by any person duly licensed by it to use the same under an EPI
Contract disclosed on the EPI Disclosure Schedule. No infringement by others of
any EPI Intellectual Property is known to EPI or any EPI Holder. All licenses
and other agreements pertaining to EPI Intellectual Property are in compliance
in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations in all
jurisdictions in which EPI conducts any business operations, including, without
limitation, those pertaining to remittance of foreign exchange and taxation. All
patents, patent applications, rights to inventions and other Intellectual
Property heretofore owned or held by any employee of EPI and used in the
business of EPI in any manner have been duly and effectively transferred to EPI.
The consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not alter or
impair the rights and interests of EPI in any of the EPI Intellectual Property,
and EPI will have the same rights and interests in such items at and after the
Closing as they will have immediately prior to the Closing. Since January 1,
1991, the business conducted by EPI has not been conducted under any corporate,
trade or fictitious name except as indicated on the EPI Disclosure Schedule.
SECTION 3.23. GOVERNMENT LICENSES. EPI has all licenses, permits and
other governmental certificates, authorizations and approvals required by every
federal, state, local and foreign Governmental Entity for the conduct of its
business and the use of its properties as presently conducted or used including,
without limitation, all licenses required under Environmental Laws and any
federal, state, local or foreign law relating to public health and safety, or
employee health and safety, other than violations of such requirements that do
not, and would not reasonably be expected to, have a Material Adverse Effect
(collectively, "EPI GOVERNMENT LICENSES"). The EPI Disclosure Schedule contains
a true and complete list of the EPI Government Licenses, exclusive of any EPI
Government Licenses with respect to state or local sales, use or other Taxes.
All of the EPI Government Licenses are in full force and effect and no action or
claim is pending nor, to the knowledge of EPI or any EPI Holder, is threatened
to revoke or terminate any EPI Government License or declare any EPI Government
License invalid in any material respect. EPI has taken all necessary action to
maintain such EPI Government Licenses. The EPI Disclosure Schedule contains a
true and complete list of all federal, state, local and foreign governmental or
judicial
-19-
<PAGE> 21
consents, orders, decrees and other compliance agreements relating to EPI or any
of its assets or business which have been served upon EPI or are known to EPI or
any EPI Holder and under which EPI is operating or bound.
SECTION 3.24. NO ILLEGAL OR IMPROPER TRANSACTIONS. Neither EPI nor any
of its directors, officers or employees, has directly or indirectly used funds
or other assets of EPI, or made any promise or undertaking in such regard, for
(a) illegal contributions, gifts, entertainment or other expenses relating to
political activity; (b) illegal payments to or for the benefit of governmental
officials or employees, whether domestic or foreign; (c) illegal payments to or
for the benefit of any person, firm, corporation or other entity, or any
director, officer, employee, agent or representative thereof; or (d) the
establishment or maintenance of a secret or unrecorded fund; and there have been
no false or fictitious entries made in the books or records of EPI.
SECTION 3.25. OFFICERS; DIRECTORS; BANK ACCOUNTS. The EPI Disclosure
Schedule lists all directors and officers of EPI; all bank accounts, lock boxes,
and safe deposit boxes of EPI that currently exist or have been existed since
January 1, 1994, specifying with respect to each the name and address of the
bank or other financial institution, the account number and all persons having
signing authority or other access thereto; all persons authorized to borrow
money or incur or guaranty indebtedness on behalf of EPI; all persons holding
powers of attorney from EPI and a summary statement of the terms thereof; and
the balance of each such account as of the date immediately prior to the date
hereof.
SECTION 3.26. EMPLOYEES. The EPI Disclosure Schedule lists all officers
and employees of EPI at any time between January 1, 1995 and the date hereof
whose total annualized compensation, including the full amount of any bonuses,
commissions, profit sharing, perquisites or other remuneration paid or payable
to each such person exceeds or exceeded $35,000 in the aggregate, together with
a statement itemizing the amount and nature of such compensation, and the names
and compensation rates of all independent contractors engaged by EPI whose
annual compensation exceeds or exceeded $35,000, together with a statement of
the full amount paid to each such contractor, in each case during the
twelve-month period ended December 31, 1995 or payable to each such person in
the future.
SECTION 3.27. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Neither EPI nor any EPI
Subsidiary, nor any of their respective officers, employees, representatives or
agents, nor, to the knowledge of any EPI Holder, any other person, has utilized,
treated, stored, processed, discharged, spilled, or otherwise disposed of any
substance defined as hazardous or toxic by any applicable Environmental Law, or
any waste or by-product thereof, at any real property or any other facility
owned, leased or used by EPI or any EPI Subsidiary, in violation of any
Environmental Law, which violations may result in any material liability to EPI
or any EPI Subsidiary or any of their respective officers, employees,
representatives or agents.
SECTION 3.28. CUSTOMS MATTERS. EPI has all licenses, permits, consents,
orders, approvals and other authorizations necessary under the customs and trade
laws of the United States of America, including without limitation bilateral
trade
-20-
<PAGE> 22
agreements, to carry on its business as currently being conducted. EPI has
properly reported all goods imported into the United States, accurately stated
all dutiable costs thereof and paid all tariffs due thereon at the time of
entry.
SECTION 3.29. NO MISLEADING STATEMENTS. This Agreement, the information
and schedules referred to herein and the information that has been furnished to
Equity in writing in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby do not
include any untrue statement of a material fact and do not omit to state any
material fact necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Neither
(i) differences in actual, future results from business projections and
forecasts included in the information furnished to Equity nor (ii) inaccuracies
in such information that have been corrected in subsequent information furnished
to Equity in writing prior to the date hereof shall constitute misstatements of
material fact for the purposes of this Section 3.29.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
THE CLASS C HOLDER RESPECTING EPI
Except as set forth (by reference to the applicable section of this
Agreement) in the EPI Disclosure Schedule, the Class C Holder hereby represents
and warrants to Equity as follows:
SECTION 4.01. SUPPLIERS, CUSTOMERS AND LICENSORS. Such EPI Holder has
not received any information from any of the customers, suppliers or licensors
of EPI listed on the EPI Disclosure Schedule which would reasonably be expected
to indicate that any of such customers, suppliers or licensors intend to cease
purchasing from, selling to, licensing to or otherwise dealing with EPI, nor has
she received any information from any such customer, supplier or licensor which
would reasonably be expected to indicate it intends to alter in any material
respect the amount of such purchases, sales or licensing or the extent of
dealings with EPI or would alter in any material respect such purchases, sales,
licensings or dealings in the event of the consummation of the Acquisition. Such
EPI Holder has no information which might reasonably be expected to indicate,
nor has any information been brought to the attention of such EPI Holder which
might reasonably be expected to indicate that, (i) any supplier will not be able
to fulfill outstanding purchase orders placed by EPI which, individually or in
the aggregate, exceed $10,000; or (ii) any customer will cancel outstanding
purchase orders placed with EPI which, individually or in the aggregate, exceed
$10,000.
SECTION 4.02. REPRESENTATIONS RESPECTING EPI. Such EPI Holder has no
actual knowledge of any material inaccuracy or omission in the representations
and warranties respecting EPI set forth in Article III.
-21-
<PAGE> 23
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS OF THE EPI HOLDERS
SECTION 5.01. COVENANTS OF THE CLASS A HOLDERS.
(a) Each Class A Holder hereby agrees for a period of six
months following the date hereof to consult and cooperate fully with Equity with
respect to reasonable requests by Equity for information concerning the
operations of EPI prior to the date hereof. Such consultation shall be limited
to such times, during normal business hours, as Equity may reasonably request,
and in any event shall not exceed 20 hours per month in the aggregate. Equity
shall reimburse the Class A Holders, promptly upon presentation of receipts, for
any out-of-pocket expenses incurred at the request of Equity in connection with
such consultation. Any engagement by Equity of either Class A Holder beyond such
six-month period, or in excess of 20 hours per month during such six-month
period, shall be at the discretion of such Class A Holder and at mutually agreed
rates.
(b) Each Class A Holder hereby covenants and agrees until
December 31, 1999 not to (a) request or cause contracting parties, licensors,
suppliers or customers with whom EPI has a business relationship to cancel or
terminate any such business relationship with EPI or Equity, (b) solicit
business from any licensor or customer of EPI as of the date hereof or within
the twelve months prior to the date hereof in connection with any business which
competes with the business conducted by EPI as of the date hereof, or (c)
solicit, interfere with or entice from EPI or Equity any employee (or former
employee) of EPI.
SECTION 5.02. COVENANTS OF THE CLASS B HOLDERS. Each Class B Holder
hereby covenants and agrees until December 31, 2000 not to, directly or
indirectly, as owner, partner, joint venturer, stockholder, employee, broker,
agent, principal, trustee, corporate officer, director, licensor, or in any
capacity whatsoever engage in, become financially interested in, be employed by,
render any consultation or business advice with respect to, or have any
connection with, any business which competes with the business conducted by
Equity (including without limitation the business being conducted by EPI as of
the date hereof) in any geographic area where the business of Equity or any of
its affiliates is then being conducted or is proposed to be conducted in any
manner whatsoever; provided, however, that ownership of securities of a
corporation which is engaged in such business and is publicly owned and traded
but in an amount not to exceed at any one time one percent (1%) of any class of
stock or securities of such corporation, by itself, shall not be deemed a
violation of this covenant. In addition, each such EPI Holder hereby covenants
and agrees until December 31, 2000 not to (a) request or cause contracting
parties, licensors, suppliers or customers with whom EPI or Equity has a
business relationship to cancel or terminate any such business relationship with
EPI or Equity or (b) solicit, interfere with or entice from EPI or Equity any
employee (or former employee) of EPI.
-22-
<PAGE> 24
SECTION 5.03. COVENANTS OF CLASS C HOLDER.
(a) The Class C Holder hereby covenants and agrees until
December 31, 1998 not to, directly or indirectly, as owner, partner, joint
venturer, stockholder, employee, broker, agent, principal, trustee, corporate
officer, director, licensor, or in any capacity whatsoever engage in, become
financially interested in, be employed by, render any consultation or business
advice with respect to, or have any connection with, any business which competes
with the business conducted by Equity (including without limitation the business
being conducted by EPI as of the date hereof) in any geographic area where the
business of Equity or any of its affiliates is then being conducted or is
proposed to be conducted in any manner whatsoever; provided, however, that
ownership of securities of a corporation which is engaged in such business and
is publicly owned and traded but in an amount not to exceed at any one time one
percent (1%) of any class of stock or securities of such corporation, by itself,
shall not be deemed a violation of this covenant.
(b) The Class C Holder hereby covenants and agrees until
December 31, 2000 not to, directly or indirectly, as owner, partner, joint
venturer, stockholder, employee, broker, agent, principal, trustee, corporate
officer, director, licensor, or in any capacity whatsoever engage in, become
financially interested in, be employed by, render any consultation or business
advice with respect to, or have any connection with, any business which (a)
requests contracting parties, licensors, suppliers or customers with whom EPI or
Equity has a business relationship to cancel, terminate, reduce or otherwise
materially alter any such business relationship with EPI or Equity, (b) solicits
business from any licensor or customer of EPI or Equity in connection with any
business which competes with the business conducted by EPI or Equity, or (c)
solicits, interferes with or entices from EPI or Equity any employee (or former
employee) of EPI or Equity.
SECTION 5.04. SCOPE OF RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS. Each EPI Holder
acknowledges that the EPI Business is international in scope, that the
restrictive covenants set forth in Section 5.01(b), Section 5.02 and Section
5.03 (including without limitation the territorial and time limitations thereof)
(the "RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS") are necessary in order adequately to protect and
maintain the goodwill, proprietary interests and other legitimate business
interests of EPI being acquired by Equity and are reasonable in all respects,
and that a breach or threatened breach of any of the Restrictive Covenants would
cause irreparable injury to EPI for which money damages would be difficult to
calculate and might not adequately compensate Equity. In the event of a breach
or threatened breach of any of the Restrictive Covenants, in addition to all
other remedies available to it, Equity shall be entitled to injunctive or other
equitable relief. If any court determines that any part of a Restrictive
Covenant is unenforceable, the parties intend and desire such court to reduce
the duration or coverage of such provision to the minimum extent necessary to
render such provision enforceable, and in its reduced form, such provision shall
then be enforceable and shall be enforced. The existence of any claim or cause
of action by an EPI Holder against Equity shall not constitute a defense to the
enforcement by Equity of the Restrictive Covenants, but such claim or cause of
action shall be litigated separately.
-23-
<PAGE> 25
SECTION 5.05. SURVIVAL. The provisions of this Article V shall survive
the Closing Date and shall remain in full force and effect for the term of the
covenants set forth in this Article V and, thereafter, to the extent a claim is
made prior to such expiration with respect to any breach of such covenant, until
such claim is finally determined or settled.
SECTION 5.06. ASSIGNMENT. Notwithstanding anything else in this
Agreement, Equity may assign its rights under this Article V to any affiliate of
Equity or any successor in interest to Equity or the EPI Business, whether by
merger, consolidation, purchase of assets or otherwise.
ARTICLE VI
INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 6.01. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE CLASS A AND CLASS B HOLDERS. From
and after the Closing, the Class A Holders and the Class B Holders, severally in
the proportions set forth on Schedule B and not jointly, shall reimburse,
indemnify and hold harmless Equity, any of its affiliates and their directors,
officers and employees against and in respect of any losses, damages, expenses,
liabilities, claims, settlements, assessments and judgments (including
reasonable costs and attorneys' fees and other expenses arising out of any
claim, or the defense, settlement or investigation thereof, made with respect to
any of the foregoing) incurred or suffered by such Person, arising out of, based
upon or resulting from:
(a) breach of any Warranty of such EPI Holder under Article II
of this Agreement;
(b) breach of any Warranty of any EPI Holder under Article III
of this Agreement or under any document furnished to Equity by any EPI
Holder in connection with the execution or performance of this
Agreement, any nonfulfillment of any agreement or covenant on the part
of any EPI Holder under this Agreement;
(c) breach of any Warranty of such EPI Holder under Section
3.11 (Taxes), whether or not disclosed to Equity;
(d) any claim by or relating to Fina Oil and Chemical Company
("FINA") to the extent the principal event giving rise thereto occurred
prior to the date hereof or results from or arises out of any action or
inaction of EPI (or its agents or representatives) prior to the date
hereof, including without limitation any claim with respect to the
dispute disclosed pursuant to Section 3.12, and Equity shall have the
right, at its sole discretion, to pursue business opportunities with
Fina following the date hereof without affecting such indemnity,
notwithstanding the limitations of Section 6.03(f)(ii); provided,
however, that the EPI Holders shall not be liable for any claim
relating to such dispute (including without limitation claims resulting
from price reductions or credits, whether related to
-24-
<PAGE> 26
past or future business) if Equity or any of its Affiliates enter into
future business transactions with Fina on or before December 31, 2000;
(e) any claim by or relating to (i) Pry Bar Industries, (ii)
Paul M. Wintrode, (iii) Ted Theriaut and/or (iv) Tom Dewan and that
results in a Material Adverse Effect to the extent the principal event
giving rise thereto occurred prior to the date hereof or results from
or arises out of any action or inaction of EPI (or its agents or
representatives) prior to the date hereof;
(f) any claim by Jim Dutcher including without limitation
claims relating to the "Sawtooth Pack" trademark; provided, however,
that Equity shall use reasonable efforts to negotiate a concurrent use
agreement with Mr. Dutcher with respect to such mark on terms that are
(i) reasonably acceptable to Equity and (ii) exclude any use by Mr.
Dutcher that would compete with the business of EPI as now being
conducted; and neither the execution of such agreement nor the use of
the mark by Mr. Dutcher if he executes such agreement shall give rise
to any claim hereunder;
(g) any claim relating to the oil spill at the Pequot Avenue
premises of EPI disclosed pursuant to Section 3.27;
(h) any claim relating to the GMC truck leased to EPI and used
by Synergy Corporate Technologies Ltd.;
and any and all claims, legal proceedings, demands, assessments, audits, fines,
judgments, costs and other expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable
legal fees and expenses) incident to any of the foregoing or to the enforcement
of this Section 6.01.
SECTION 6.02. INDEMNIFICATION BY THE CLASS C HOLDER. From and after the
Closing, the Class C Holder shall reimburse, indemnify and hold harmless Equity,
any of its affiliates and their directors, officers and employees against and in
respect of any losses, damages, expenses, liabilities, claims, settlements,
assessments and judgments (including reasonable costs and attorneys' fees and
other expenses arising out of any claim, or the defense, settlement or
investigation thereof, made with respect to any of the foregoing) incurred or
suffered by such Person, arising out of, based upon or resulting from breach of
any representation or warranty of the Class C Holder under this Agreement or any
document furnished to Equity by the Class C Holder in connection with the
execution or performance of this Agreement, any nonfulfillment of any agreement
or covenant on the part of the Class C Holder under this Agreement or any
agreement referred to herein; and any and all claims, legal proceedings,
demands, assessments, audits, fines, judgments, costs and other expenses
(including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees and expenses) incident to
any of the foregoing or to the enforcement of this Section 6.02. If the Class A
Holders and the Class B Holders also are liable pursuant to Section 6.01 for any
such loss, damage, expense, liability, claim, settlement, assessment or
judgment, the liability of the Class C Holder to Equity shall be reduced by the
aggregate liability of the Class A Holders and Class B Holders set forth on
Schedule B.
-25-
<PAGE> 27
SECTION 6.03. LIMITATIONS.
(a) No party hereto shall be entitled to make any claim for
indemnification under this Article IX with respect to the breach of any Warranty
after the date on which such Warranty ceases to survive pursuant to Section
6.06.
(b) No EPI Holder shall have liability pursuant to this
Article VI or otherwise with respect to the Warranties in excess of the
consideration paid or payable to such EPI Holder under this Agreement; provided,
however, that such limitation shall not apply to claims against such EPI Holder
relating to fraud by such EPI Holder.
(c) No claim shall be made under this Article VI or otherwise
for any individual matter that does not have a Material Adverse Effect unless
and until the aggregate of such matters equals $50,000 (and thereafter only to
the extent such amount exceeds $50,000); provided, however, that such limitation
shall not apply to fraud claims.
(d) Except as otherwise expressly provided by this Agreement,
the EPI Holders shall not be liable to Equity under the Warranties or under this
Article VI with respect to matters which are set forth (by reference to the
applicable section of this Agreement) in the EPI Disclosure Schedule.
(e) Equity shall have no right to terminate this Agreement as
a result of an Indemnity Claim or a matter giving rise to a Indemnity Claim.
(f) The EPI Holders shall not be liable in respect of an
Indemnity Claim:
(i) to the extent that the matter giving rise to the
whole or any part of the Indemnity Claim would not have arisen
but for the passing or amendment, after the date of this
Agreement, of or to any law, rule, regulation, or a change in
the interpretation of any law or in any published
administrative practice of any Governmental Entity of general
application, or an increase in the Tax rates or an imposition
of Tax, in each case not actually or prospectively in force at
the date of this Agreement;
(ii) to the extent that the matter giving rise to the
Indemnity Claim would not have arisen but for an event
occurring after the Closing Date by or at the request or
direction of Equity or any Affiliate of Equity;
(iii) to the extent that Equity has recovered from a
person other than an EPI Holder, whether under a provision of
applicable law, insurance policy or otherwise, with respect to
the matter giving rise to the Indemnity Claim;
(iv) to the extent an Indemnifying Party is
prejudiced by the failure of an Indemnified Party to act in
accordance with Section 6.04(a)
-26-
<PAGE> 28
in connection with the matter giving rise to the applicable
Indemnity Claim;
(v) to the extent of any actual reduction in payments
due by Equity under Section 1.01 or Section 1.03 this
Agreement as a result of allowance, provision, reserve or
payment for the matter giving rise to the applicable Indemnity
Claim.
(g) Equity shall not be entitled to recover more than once
with respect to any Indemnity Claim.
(h) The EPI Holders shall be entitled to set off against any
Indemnity Claim the amount of actual collections on the accounts receivable of
EPI as of June 30, 1996 in excess of the amount of such receivables included in
the balance sheet dated as of such date and included in the Financial Statements
and, whether or not classified as an account receivable, up to $70,733 in
collections relating to the investment of EPI in Ballantine and Reynolds, Inc.
SECTION 6.04. NOTICE AND DEFENSE OF CLAIMS.
(a) Each party entitled to indemnification under this Article
VI (the "INDEMNIFIED PARTY") shall give notice to the party required to provide
indemnification (the "INDEMNIFYING PARTY") promptly after such Indemnified Party
has actual knowledge of any claim as to which indemnity may be sought, and, in
the event of any claim or demand asserted by a third party, shall permit the
Indemnifying Party to assume the defense of any such claim or any litigation
resulting therefrom, provided that counsel for the Indemnifying Party, who shall
conduct the defense of such claim or any litigation resulting therefrom, shall
be approved by the Indemnified Party (whose approval shall not unreasonably be
withheld or delayed and with Frydman Beck King & Arad LLP approved by Equity as
counsel with respect to the claims specified in Section 6.01(e) and 6.01(f)),
and the Indemnified Party may participate in such defense at such party's
expense, and provided further that the failure of any Indemnified Party to give
notice as provided herein shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its
obligations under this Agreement unless such failure to give notice materially
adversely affected the ability of the Indemnifying Party to defend such claim.
The Indemnifying Party, in the defense of any such claim or litigation, shall
not, except with the consent of the Indemnified Party, consent to entry of any
judgment or entry into any settlement which does not include as an unconditional
term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to the Indemnified Party of
a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation. The
Indemnified Party shall not settle or compromise or admit liability for any such
claim without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Indemnified Party shall
furnish such information regarding itself or the claim in question as the
Indemnifying Party may reasonably request in writing and as shall be reasonably
required in connection with such claim and litigation resulting therefrom.
(b) If an EPI Holder has made a payment to Equity pursuant to
this Article VI and the Equity subsequently receives a payment with respect to
the same
-27-
<PAGE> 29
claim pursuant to the final determination by a court of competent jurisdiction
from which there is no appeal or whose judgement is not appealed within the
period in which an appeal may properly by brought, Equity shall return to the
EPI Holders an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the sum recovered (including
any interest paid by the other person) net of any costs incurred in making
recovery (save where such costs have been met by the EPI Holders) and any Tax
liabilities of Equity in respect of such recovery and (ii) the amount paid by
the EPI Holders to Equity or set off against the EPI Holders in respect of the
Indemnity Claim.
SECTION 6.05. NON-EXCLUSIVE REMEDY. Indemnification pursuant to this
Agreement shall not preclude Equity from exercising any other remedies it may
have, subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 6.03 and 6.04. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, Equity shall have the right to set off
any indemnification claims under this Article VI against any payments due under
Section 1.01.
SECTION 6.06. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. All
representations and warranties contained in this Agreement shall survive the
Closing and shall remain in full force and effect through and including December
31, 1999 and, thereafter, to the extent a claim is made prior to such expiration
with respect to any breach of such representation, warranty or agreement, until
such claim is finally determined or settled; provided, however, that the
representations and warranties contained in Sections 2.01 and 3.04 shall survive
indefinitely; the representations and warranties in Section 3.27 shall survive
for five years following the Closing Date; and the representations and
warranties in Section 3.11 shall remain in full force and effect until the
latest of (i) three years from the date of the last filing of a return or report
of Taxes and covering such Taxes for which indemnification is provided herein,
or (ii) the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations.
SECTION 6.07. REIMBURSEMENT. Subject to Section 6.03, at the time that
an Indemnified Party shall suffer a loss because of a breach of any warranty,
representation or covenant by an Indemnifying Party or at the time the amount of
any liability on the part of the Indemnifying Party under this Agreement is
determined (which in the case of payment to third persons shall be the earlier
of (i) the date of such payment, provided that the Indemnified Party has fully
complied with Section 6.04; or (ii) the date that a court of competent
jurisdiction shall enter a final judgment, order or decree (after exhaustion or
expiration of appeal rights) establishing such liability) (such loss or amount
being hereinafter referred to as the "INDEMNITY CLAIM")), the Indemnifying Party
shall forthwith, upon notice from the Indemnified Party, pay to the Indemnified
Party the amount of the Indemnity Claim; provided, however, that if such
Indemnity Claim becomes due prior to March 31, 2000, the Indemnifying Party may
defer payment until the following March 31st and set off against any payment
then due to the Indemnifying Party pursuant to Section 1.01. Any payment
deferred until the following March 31st shall bear interest at the one year
United States treasury bill rate then in effect. If such amount is not paid
forthwith (or in the case of Indemnity Claims which become due prior to March
31, 2000, if such amount, plus any applicable interest, is not paid on or before
the following March 31st), then the Indemnified Party may, at its option, take
legal action against the Indemnifying Party for reimbursement in the amount of
its Indemnity Claim. For purposes hereof the Indemnity Claim shall
-28-
<PAGE> 30
include the amounts so paid, or determined to be owing, by the Indemnified Party
together with costs and reasonable attorney's fees and interest on the foregoing
items (but only to the extent pre-judgment interest due the Indemnified Party is
not already included within such items) at the rate of ten percent (10%) per
annum from the date the Indemnity Claim is due from the Indemnifying Party
(which, in the case of an Indemnity Claim deferred in accordance with the prior
sentence, shall be the following March 31st) to the Indemnified Party as
hereinabove provided, until the Indemnity Claim shall be paid. For the purposes
of this Section 6.07, for any Indemnity Claim that becomes due prior to March
31, 1997, the phrase "the following March 31st" shall mean March 31, 1998.
ARTICLE VII
DEFINITIONS
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
meanings set forth below:
"ACQUISITION" shall have the meaning given such term in the
Recitals hereof.
"AFFILIATE" or "affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any
Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, controls or is controlled
by or is under common control with such Person. As used in this definition of
"Affiliate", the term "control" and any derivatives thereof mean the possession,
directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the
management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting
securities, by contract, or otherwise.
"AGREEMENT" shall mean this Stock Purchase Agreement.
"BALANCE SHEET DATE" shall mean December 31, 1995.
"BASE INCOME" shall have the meaning given such term in
Section 1.01(b).
"BUSINESS DAY" shall mean any day, other than a Saturday,
Sunday or legal holiday under the federal laws of the United States.
"CLASS A HOLDERS" shall mean Michael Beck and Philip D. Beck.
"CLASS B HOLDERS" shall mean Christopher Reynolds and Merryl
Lambert.
"CLASS C HOLDER" shall mean Ronda Drummond.
"CLOSING" shall have the meaning given such term in Section
1.04.
"CLOSING DATE" shall mean the date on which the Closing
occurs.
-29-
<PAGE> 31
"CODE" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.
"CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT" shall mean that certain
Confidentiality Agreement, dated as of March 13, 1996, between Equity and EPI.
"EQUITY" shall mean Equity Marketing, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.
"ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS" shall mean all federal, state, local and foreign
environmental statutes and regulations relating to pollution, hazardous
substances or protection of the environment, including but not limited to the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901 et seq.; the
Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 7401 et seq.; the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act, 33 U.S.C. Section 1251 et seq.; the Toxic Substances Control Act,
15 U.S.C. Section 2601 et seq.; the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 9601 et seq.; the
Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. Section 651 et seq.; related
state, local and foreign laws; and all applicable published rules, regulations,
directives, guidances and policies of the United States Environmental
Protection Agency and of all similar state and local agency requirements.
"EPI" shall mean EPI Group Limited, a Delaware corporation.
"EPI BALANCE SHEET" shall mean the consolidated balance sheet
of EPI at December 31, 1995.
"EPI BUSINESS" shall mean (i) all business relating to the
current retail product lines of EPI and the current promotional customers of EPI
(including without limitation, Shell, Fina, and ABC Bakers), (ii) all business
relating to motor sports (except any promotional programs developed by Equity
for Burger King), (iii) all business relating to retailers of petroleum products
(including directly associated convenience stores) other than Chevron, (iv)
Chevron business relating to motor sports, (v) all business relating to
"cause-related" products or retail products in the crafts and activity
categories, and (vi) such other business as the parties may from time to time
agree.
"EPI COMMON STOCK" shall have the meaning given such term in
the recitals hereof.
"EPI CONTRACTS" shall have the meaning given such term in
Section 3.15(a).
"EPI DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE" shall have the meaning given such
term in the preamble to Article III.
"EPI GOVERNMENT LICENSE" shall have the meaning given such
term in Section 3.23.
"EPI HOLDERS" shall have the meaning given such term in the
preamble to this Agreement.
-30-
<PAGE> 32
"EPI LICENSE" shall have the meaning given such term in
Section 3.16(a).
"EPI PRE-TAX INCOME BUDGET" shall have the meaning given such
term in Section 1.02(a).
"EPI RECAPITALIZATION" shall mean the recapitalization of EPI
pursuant to which the existing common stock of EPI were reclassified as two
classes of common stock, one class of which is held by Philip D. Beck and
Michael Beck and one class of which is held by Christopher Reynolds and Merryl
Lambert, and created an additional class of common stock which is held by Ronda
Drummond.
"EPI SUBSIDIARY" and "EPI SUBSIDIARIES" shall have the meaning
given such terms in Section 3.03.
"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as it now exists and is hereafter amended.
"ERISA AFFILIATE" means any person, firm or entity (whether or
not incorporated) which, by reason of its relationship with EPI or any EPI
Subsidiary, is required to be aggregated with EPI under Sections 414(b), 414(c)
or 414(m) of the Code, or which, together with EPI or any EPI Subsidiary, is a
member of a controlled group within the meaning of Section 4001(a) of ERISA.
"EMPLOYEE PLAN" shall have the meaning given such term in
Section 3.17(a).
"EXCHANGE ACT" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
"FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" shall have the meaning given such term
in Section 3.07.
"GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES" shall mean
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.
"GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY" shall mean any foreign or domestic
court, administrative agency or commission or other governmental authority or
instrumentality.
"INDEMNIFIED PARTY" shall have the meaning given such term in
Section 6.04.
"INDEMNIFYING PARTY" shall have the meaning given such term in
Section 6.04.
"INDEMNITY CLAIM" shall have the meaning given such term in
Section 6.07.
-31-
<PAGE> 33
"INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" means all trademarks, trademark
registrations, trademark applications, service marks, service mark
registrations, service mark applications, trade names, trade dress, logos and
corporate names, all such existing worldwide, together with all renewals,
translations, adaptions, derivatives and combinations thereof and including all
goodwill associated therewith, all worldwide patents, patent applications, and
patent disclosures together with all reissues, continuations,
continuations-in-part, revisions, extensions and reexaminations thereof,
material confidential business information, whether patentable or unpatentable
and whether or not reduced to practice (including ideas, research and
development, manufacturing and production processes, customer and supplier
lists, know how, trade secrets, shop rights, designs, drawings, patterns) all
material computer software, all copyrights, copyright registrations and
applications for the registration of copyrights and all other material
proprietary rights and all contracts and arrangements for licensing the same to
or from third parties.
"INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" shall have the meaning given
such term in Section 3.07.
"IRS" shall mean the Internal Revenue Service.
"KNOWLEDGE" of any EPI Holder with reference to EPI shall mean
the actual knowledge of such EPI Holder after due inquiry to the management of
EPI. "KNOWLEDGE" of EPI shall mean (i) the actual knowledge of any officer or
director of EPI and (ii) matters of which such officers or directors reasonably
should have been aware after due inquiry to the management and employees of EPI.
"LIENS" shall mean all liens, charges, security interests,
rights or claims of others, restraints on transfer or other encumbrances,
including without limitation any adverse claims, as such term is defined in
Article 8 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code.
"MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE" shall mean a change or a development
involving a prospective change which would have a Material Adverse Effect.
"MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" shall mean, with respect to any
Person, an actual or reasonably likely cost of $10,000 or more (aggregating for
this purpose all matters relating to a particular event, circumstance or pattern
or a series of related events, circumstances or patterns) on the business,
prospects, results of operations, financial condition or assets of such Person,
or actual or reasonably likely costs of $50,000 or more in the aggregate from
the cumulative effect of a series of unrelated events, circumstances or
patterns.
"MAXIMUM INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS" shall have the meaning given
such term in Section 1.01(b).
"MINIMUM EPI INCOME" shall have the meaning given such term in
Section 1.01(b).
-32-
<PAGE> 34
"PARTIAL SALE MULTIPLIER" shall have the meaning given such
term in Section 1.03(b).
"PBGC" shall mean the United States Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation.
"PERSON" shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or any
agency or political subdivision thereof.
"PRE-TAX INCOME" shall mean an amount calculated by deducting
from the net sales from the operation of the EPI Business (i) standard costs,
(ii) carrying costs, (iii) direct salaries and benefits, (iv) direct operating
expenses, (v) interest expense of the EPI Business, and (vi) an allocated
portion of Equity's corporate operating overhead expense. For purposes of this
definition, all defined terms, and the accounting methodology used in
determining actual and budged amounts relative to such terms, shall be applied
consistently among Equity's business units.
For purposes of this definition, "standard costs" shall
include, without limitation, direct costs of the EPI Business
associated with merchandise manufacturing and tooling, quality and
safety testing, royalties paid to third party property rights holders,
freight transportation and brokerage (including, without limitation,
ocean, air and inland freight), insurance (including, without
limitation, freight insurance), customs (including, without limitation,
duties, clearance and brokerage fees), third party warehousing and
distribution costs, and letter of credit finance costs.
For purposes of this definition, "carrying costs" shall
include, without limitation, direct costs of the EPI Business
associated with product creative work, design and development
(including, without limitation, third party costs as well as direct
internal labor allocations based on actual hours worked at the same
hourly rates charged to other Equity business units), product samples,
product liability insurance, an allowance for sales returns (including,
without limitation, inventory obsolescence reserves), an allowance for
bad debt expense, interest expense (as such term is defined below),
sales commissions, and pitch costs.
For purposes of this definition, "direct salaries and
benefits" shall include without limitation, direct costs of the EPI
Business associated with payroll (including, without limitation,
salaries, temporary help, taxes, benefits, car allowances and
automobile parking).
For purposes of this definition, "operating expenses" shall
include, without limitation, direct costs of the EPI Business
associated with meals and lodging, travel and entertainment, delivery
services (including, without limitation, regular and overnight mail and
messenger service), trade shows, showroom expenses and advertising.
-33-
<PAGE> 35
For purposes of this definition, "interest expenses" shall be
calculated:
(i) on amounts paid to third parties in connection with
funding the actual costs of production for the EPI Business,
including, without limitation, costs associated with tooling
and manufacturing, quality and safety testing, royalties paid
to third party property rights holders, freight transportation
and brokerage (including, without limitation, ocean, air and
inland freight), third party warehousing and distribution
costs, insurance (including without limitation, freight and
product liability insurance), customs (including without
limitation, duties, clearance and brokerage fees), bank fees,
product creative work, design and development, product
samples, and commissions paid to third party sales personnel;
(ii) from the date the applicable cost was paid through the
date Equity receives the sales revenue associated with such
cost from the EPI Business customers; and
(iii) at the prime rate reported in the Wall Street Journal
plus one percent (1%).
For purposes of this definition, "Equity's corporate operating
overhead allocations" shall be the total direct and indirect operating
expenses attributed to Equity's corporate service units. Such expenses
shall include, without limitation, service unit payroll (including
without limitation salaries, taxes and benefits), real estate
occupancy, utilities, telephone/telefax, office supplies, consulting
and professional fees, property insurance, travel and entertainment,
delivery services (including without limitation, regular and overnight
mail and messenger service), premises/equipment lease expense,
maintenance and repair, depreciation (including without limitation,
equipment and leasehold improvements), and amortization (including
without limitation, goodwill). Such expenses shall be allocated to the
EPI Business based upon the ratio of total annual sales of the EPI
Business to the aggregate of total annual sales of the EPI Business and
all other business units of Equity; provided however, that in no event
shall the allocation of such expenses to the EPI Business exceed ten
percent (10%) of the net sales of the EPI Business for the applicable
period.
"PRODUCT LIABILITY" shall have the meaning given such term in
Section 3.20.
"REGULATORY AUTHORITY" shall mean any foreign, United States
federal or state government or governmental authority the approval of which, or
filing with, is legally required or permitted for consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
"REMAINDER MULTIPLIER" shall have the meaning given such term
in Section 1.03(b).
-34-
<PAGE> 36
"RESTRICTIVE COVENANT" shall have the meaning given such term
in Section 5.04.
"TAX" and "TAXES" shall have the meaning given such terms in
Section 3.11.
"TAX RETURN(S)" shall have the meaning given such term in
Section 3.11.
"WARRANTIES" shall mean all representations, warranties,
covenants or undertakings on the part of the EPI Holders, or any of them, which
are set forth in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to the
terms hereof.
ARTICLE VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 8.01. TAKING OF NECESSARY ACTION; SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each of the parties hereto
agrees, subject to applicable laws, to use all reasonable efforts promptly to
take or cause to be taken all action and promptly to do or cause to be done all
things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to
consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Without limiting the foregoing, EPI, the EPI Holders and Equity shall use all
commercially reasonable efforts to obtain and make all consents, approvals,
assurances and filings of or with third parties and Governmental Entities
necessary or, in the reasonable opinion of Equity, EPI or the EPI Holders,
advisable for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. Each party shall cooperate with the others in good faith to help the
other satisfy its obligations hereunder and thereunder. If at any time after the
Closing any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes
of this Agreement, the parties shall take all such necessary action. Equity, EPI
and the EPI Holders understand and agree that the covenants and undertakings on
each of their parts herein contained are uniquely related to the desire of
Equity, EPI and the EPI Holders to consummate the Acquisition, that the
Acquisition is a unique business opportunity for EPI, the EPI Holders and
Equity, and that, although monetary damages may be available for the breach of
such covenants and undertakings, monetary damages would be an inadequate remedy
therefor. Accordingly, EPI, the EPI Holders and Equity agree that Equity shall
be entitled to obtain specific performance by EPI and the EPI Holders of every
such covenant and undertaking contained herein to be performed by EPI and/or the
EPI Holders and that the EPI Holders shall be entitled to obtain specific
performance from Equity of each and every covenant and undertaking herein
contained to be observed or performed by Equity.
SECTION 8.02. EFFECT OF DUE DILIGENCE. Except with respect to the
matters set forth in Section 6.01(c) and Section 6.01(d), Equity represents that
it has no present intention to bring a claim under Article VI. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, no investigation by or on behalf of Equity into the business,
operations, prospects, assets or condition (financial or otherwise) of EPI shall
diminish in any way the effect of any
-35-
<PAGE> 37
representations or warranties made by the EPI Holders in this Agreement or shall
relieve the EPI Holders of any of their respective obligations under this
Agreement.
SECTION 8.03. EXPENSES. Up to $30,000 of professional fees and other
transaction costs of EPI and the EPI Holders may be paid by EPI. Except as set
forth in the preceding sentence and as otherwise provided in Section 8.02, all
costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring the same.
SECTION 8.04. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement will inure to the
benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective
successors and permitted assigns. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights,
interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties
hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto.
SECTION 8.05. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the other documents
referred to herein contain the entire agreement among the parties hereto with
respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, and controls and supersedes any
prior understandings, agreements or representations by or between the parties,
written or oral, other than the Confidentiality Agreement, which conflicts with,
or may have related to, the subject matter hereof or thereof in any way,
including without limitation that certain letter agreement, dated July 29, 1996,
between Equity and EPI, as amended.
SECTION 8.06. CONSTRUCTION. All section and article references are to
this Agreement unless otherwise expressly provided. All references to contracts
and agreements shall include both written and oral contracts and agreements.
SECTION 8.07. NOTICES. All notices or other communications hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered
personally or sent by telefax or telegraphic communication, or by recognized
overnight courier marked for overnight delivery addressed as follows:
(a) If to the Class A and Class B Holders, at the respective
addresses set forth on Schedule A, with a copy to: Frydman Beck King & Arad,
LLP, 950 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022, telefax 212-750-0101,
Attention: Graham N. Arad, Esq.; and
(b) If to the Class C Holder, at the address set forth on
Schedule A, with a copy to: Johnston, Taylor, Allison & Hord, 610 East Morehead
Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28236, telefax 704-376-1628, Attention: J.
Whitfield Wilks, Esq.; and
(c) If to Equity, 131 South Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills,
California 90212, telefax 310-887-4400, Attention: Chairman, with a copy to:
Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10103, telefax
212-752-5958, Attention Merrill M. Kraines, Esq.;
-36-
<PAGE> 38
or such other addresses as shall be furnished by like notice by such party. All
such notices and communications shall, when telecopied (immediately thereafter
confirmed by telephone) or telegraphed, be effective when telecopied or
delivered to the telegraph company, respectively, or if sent by nationally
recognized overnight courier service, be effective one Business Day after the
same has been delivered to such courier service marked for overnight delivery.
SECTION 8.08. APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York,
without reference to or application of any conflicts of laws principles.
SECTION 8.09. CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; RECEIPT OF PROCESS. EACH PARTY
HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE JURISDICTION OF, AND CONFERS NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION
UPON, ANY FEDERAL OR STATE COURT LOCATED IN THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, AND
APPROPRIATE APPELLATE COURTS THEREFROM, OVER ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, AND AGREES NOT TO
ASSERT AS A DEFENSE IN ANY SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING, ANY OBJECTION WHICH
IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO VENUE OF ANY SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING
BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH FEDERAL OR STATE COURT AND HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY
CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT OR
TRIBUNAL HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. PROCESS IN ANY SUCH ACTION,
SUIT OR PROCEEDING MAY BE SERVED ON ANY PARTY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHETHER
WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, PROVIDED THAT NOTICE THEREOF IS
PROVIDED PURSUANT TO PROVISIONS FOR NOTICE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.
SECTION 8.10. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or
more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
SECTION 8.11. HEADINGS. The headings used in this Agreement are for
convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting any
term or provision of this Agreement.
-37-
<PAGE> 39
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by the duly authorized officers of the parties hereto as of the date
first written above.
EQUITY MARKETING, INC.
By: /s/ STEPHEN P. ROBECK
Stephen P. Robeck
Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer
By: /s/ DONALD A. KURZ
-------------------------------
Donald A. Kurz
President and Co-Chief Executive Officer
/s/ CHRISTOPHER REYNOLDS
-------------------------------
Christopher Reynolds
/s MERRYL LAMBERT REYNOLDS
-------------------------------
Merryl Lambert Reynolds
/s MICHAEL BECK
-------------------------------
Michael Beck
/s/ PHILIP D. BECK
-------------------------------
Philip D. Beck
/s/ RONDA DRUMMOND
-------------------------------
Ronda Drummond
-38-
<PAGE> 40
SCHEDULE A
EPI HOLDERS
Name and address Shares
Michael Beck 400
2000 Island Blvd. #1206
Williams Island, Florida 33160
Philip D. Beck 150
188 Fairway Road
Lido Beach, New York 11561
Christopher Reynolds 225
122 Morehouse Road
Easton, Connecticut 06612
Merryl Lambert Reynolds 225
122 Morehouse Road
Easton, Connecticut 06612
Ronda Drummond 111
3104 Mossy Oak Lane
Bedford, Texas 76021
-39-
<PAGE> 41
SCHEDULE B
OBLIGATIONS OF EPI HOLDERS
Any liability of the EPI Holders pursuant to this Agreement (other than
liabilities pursuant to Article II) shall be allocated in the percentages set
forth below; provided, however, that any such liability that results from a
transaction or circumstance with respect to which one or more EPI Holders have
received a personal benefit shall be allocated solely to such EPI Holder or
Holders to the extent of the liabilities resulting from such benefit and then in
the percentages set forth below.
===============================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Indemnities For Which Indemnities for Which
Name of EPI Holder Class C Liable Class C Not Liable
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Michael Beck 36.00% 40.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Philip D. Beck 13.50% 15.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merryl Lambert 20.25% 22.50%
Reynolds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christopher Reynolds 20.25% 22.50%
================================================================================
Ronda Drummond 10.00% --
</TABLE>
===============================================================================
-40-
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99
NEWS RELEASE
FOR: EQUITY MARKETING, INC.
APPROVED BY: Ken Fisher
Chief Financial Officer
(310) 887-4300
CONTACT: Morgen-Walke Associates, Inc.
Doug Sherk, Suzanne Craig, Lisa Laukkanen
(415) 296-7383
Emily Dupree, Andrew Cella
(212) 850-5698
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EQUITY MARKETING ACQUIRES EPI GROUP
LOS ANGELES, CA/September 19, 1996 -- Equity Marketing, Inc. (Nasdaq: EMAK)
today announced the acquisition of EPI Group Limited, a privately held designer,
developer, producer and marketer of promotional and retail toys and other
products. Under terms of the agreement, Equity Marketing completed the
acquisition for approximately $2.9 million in cash plus potential additional
cash consideration based upon the results of EPI's operations during the
three-year period ending December 31, 1999. The acquisition will be accounted
for as a purchase and is expected to positively impact Equity Marketing's 1996
earnings per share. Based on year-to-date revenue and current contracts, EPI's
operations are expected to generate revenue, on a stand-alone basis, of
approximately $10 million in 1996.
EPI operates in two primary business areas. In promotions, EPI has
established a relationship with the Shell Oil Products Company as a promotional
products designer/supplier with particular focus on Shell's motor sports
activities. The Company maintains an office in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is
a growing participant in merchandising related to NASCAR and Indy car racing. In
their retail business, EPI has focused on quality, nature-related toys, activity
kits and other products through its "Friends of..." brand, including the Ocean,
the Forest and others. These products are widely distributed through specialty
retailers including PetSmart and Natural Wonders, catalogs, zoos and museums.
"As our first acquisition, the purchase of EPI is a significant
milestone for our company," said Stephen P. Robeck and Donald A. Kurz, Co-CEOs
of Equity Marketing. "It represents additional progress in our continuing effort
to diversify our revenue base by broadening our customer and product mix. EPI
was particularly attractive because their business complements, and will
contribute to, both the promotional and toy divisions of our company. We hope to
build on EPI's relationship with Shell and contribute to their marketing
efforts. We also believe there are outstanding prospects for growth in both the
motor sports arena, and in expanding EPI's well-established retail business
niche to include licensed products with a broader mass market appeal."
<PAGE> 2
Chris Reynolds, President of EPI, commented, "We see this transaction
as a tremendous opportunity for EPI. Equity Marketing's considerable resources
and infrastructure will dramatically enhance our ability to realize the
potential of our business plans in both the retail and promotional areas of our
operations."
Equity Marketing, Inc. designs, develops, produces and markets a wide
variety of custom toy, gift and other products based upon characters from
popular entertainment properties.
This news release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results
could vary from those expected due to a variety of risks including, for example,
the potential cancellation of contracts, the ability to renew licenses under
favorable terms, the Company's dependence on a single customer, quarterly
fluctuations in financial results, changes in international tariff rates and
other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports. The Company
undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to
these forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect events or
circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events.
###
