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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) April 22, 1998
NORTON MCNAUGHTON, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 0-23440 13-3747173
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(State or other jurisdiction (Commission File (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization Number) Identification No.)
463 Seventh Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10018
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 947-2960
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Item 5. Other Events
Reference is made to the press release issued on April 22, 1998, attached hereto
as Exhibit 99.
Item 7. Exhibits
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Index
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<S> <C>
Exhibit 2.1 Agreement of Purchase and Sale by and among Jeri-Jo Knitwear
Inc., Jamie Scott, Inc., the Stockholders of Jamie Scott,
Inc., JJ Acquisition Corp. and Norton McNaughton, Inc. (the
"Company") dated as of April 15, 1998 (the "Agreement").
Schedules to this Agreement have been omitted and the Company
shall furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy
of any omitted schedule as supplemental information upon
request.
Exhibit 10.1 Guaranty dated as of April 15, 1998 made by Norton McNaughton,
Inc. in favor of Jeri-Jo Knitwear Inc., Jamie Scott, Inc.,
Susan Schneider, Leslie Schneider and Scott Schneider.
Exhibit 10.2 Forms of Employment Agreements between JJ Acquisition Corp.
and each of Susan Schneider, Leslie Schneider and Scott
Schneider to be executed upon consummation of the transactions
contemplated by the Agreement.
Exhibit 99 Press release dated April 22, 1998.
</TABLE>
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
NORTON MCNAUGHTON, INC.
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(Registrant)
Date: April 22, 1998 By: /s/ Sanford Greenberg
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SANFORD GREENBERG
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer
(Principal Executive and Operating Officer)
3
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Exhibit 2.1
AGREEMENT OF PURCHASE AND SALE
THIS AGREEMENT OF PURCHASE AND SALE (this "Agreement") made as of
the 15th day of April, 1998 by and among Jeri-Jo Knitwear Inc., a New York
corporation ("Jeri-Jo"), Jamie Scott, Inc., a New York corporation ("Jamie
Scott," and together with Jeri-Jo collectively, the "Companies"), Susan
Schneider, Leslie Schneider and Scott Schneider (individually, a "Stockholder"
and collectively, the "Stockholders"), JJ Acquisition Corp., a Delaware
corporation (the "Purchaser"), and Norton McNaughton, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Norton"). Capitalized terms used herein and not defined in the
Section in which they are used, shall have the meanings assigned to such terms
in Section 14.01 hereof.
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, the Companies are engaged in the businesses of the design,
importing, marketing, merchandising, distribution and sale of junior's and
misses' apparel (such activities being referred to herein collectively as the
"Business");
WHEREAS, the Purchaser desires to acquire from each of the Companies
the Business and all of the assets of each of the Companies, other than those
assets specifically described in Section 1.01(b) hereof, and to assume all of
the liabilities of each of the Companies other than those liabilities
specifically described in Section 1.01(d) hereof. Each of the Companies desires
to sell, transfer and assign the Assets and to assign the Assumed Liabilities to
the Purchaser, all on the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set
forth; and
WHEREAS, to induce each of the parties to enter into this Agreement
and perform their respective obligations hereunder, each of the parties have
agreed to make the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements
(including, without limitation, the indemnification agreements) set forth
herein.
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NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, and intending to be legally
bound, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
SECTION I.
PURCHASE AND SALE OF THE ASSETS
1.01 Purchase and Sale of the Assets. (a) Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement and on the basis of the representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements herein contained, at the Closing, each of
the Companies shall sell, assign, convey and deliver to the Purchaser free and
clear of any and all Liens (except for Permitted Liens), and the Purchaser shall
purchase, acquire and accept from each of the Companies, all of each of the
Companies' right, title and interest in and to all of the Business and all of
each of the Companies' assets, rights and properties of every kind and nature,
whether real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, whether identifiable or
contingent, wherever located, whether or not reflected on the books and records
of either of the Companies, whether or not used or useful in or related to the
Business, other than the Excluded Assets, which Business, assets, rights and
properties (collectively, the "Assets") shall include, without limitation, all
of the following, except to the extent that any of the following are Excluded
Assets:
(i) all assets shown or reflected on the 1997 Balance Sheet,
except for changes made therein in the ordinary course of business since
the 1997 Balance Sheet Date and as otherwise permitted by the terms
hereof;
(ii) all of the fixed assets and other tangible personal
property, including without limitation, machinery, vehicles, tools,
equipment, furniture, fixtures, leasehold improvements, materials and
supplies (collectively, "Property") of each of the Companies wherever
located, including without limitation, all of the fixed assets and other
tangible personal property reflected on the 1997 Balance Sheet and
Property acquired by each of the Companies since the 1997 Balance Sheet
Date, except for changes made therein in the ordinary course of business
since the 1997 Balance Sheet Date and as otherwise permitted by the terms
hereof;
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(iii) all work-in-process, finished goods and other inventory
whether on hand, on order, in transit or other basis (collectively,
"Inventory") of each of the Companies (including without limitation, the
Inventory located in the Warehouse), including without limitation, the
Inventory shown or reflected on the 1997 Balance Sheet and the Inventory
acquired or created by each of the Companies from the 1997 Balance Sheet
Date through the Closing Date, excluding only such Inventory as shall have
been sold by each of the Companies from the 1997 Balance Sheet Date
through the Closing Date;
(iv) any and all tradenames, tradename rights, trademarks,
trademark rights, patents, patent rights, copyrights, copyright rights,
service marks, service mark rights, trade secrets, trade secret rights,
intellectual property, intellectual property rights, confidential
information, mailing lists, customer lists, supplier lists, market
studies, training and equipment manuals, trade dress, designs, patterns,
technology, know-how, processes, business opportunities and businesses,
projects and products (including without limitation, all goodwill
associated with any of the foregoing, licenses in respect of any of the
foregoing, applications relating to any of the foregoing and claims for
infringement of or interference with any of the foregoing) and other
proprietary information owned or used by each of the Companies, in any
case whether domestic or foreign, registered or common law, including
without limitation, but subject to Section 1.01(b)(iii), the names and/or
trademarks "Jeri-Jo," "Currants," "Jamie Scott," "Energie," "Energie bi
Currants," "Cotton Spirit" and "Arendine", and the goodwill associated
therewith and all variations, simulations and derivations thereof;
(v) all receivables of each of the Companies, including
without limitation, trade accounts receivable and other accounts
receivable, notes receivable, loans receivable and advances shown or
reflected on the 1997 Balance Sheet and all such acquired or created by
each of the Companies from the 1997 Balance Sheet Date through the Closing
Date (collectively, the "Receivables"), excluding only such Receivables as
shall have been collected by each of the Companies from the 1997 Balance
Sheet Date through the Closing Date;
(vi) all of each of the Companies' rights and entitlements
under all Contracts (including without
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limitation, the Warehouse Lease and the Contracts set forth on Schedule
1.01(a)(vi) hereto, but other than the Retained Contracts);
(vii) all goodwill, other intangible property, all causes of
action, actions, claims and rights of any kind of each of the Companies
against other Persons (whether by contract or otherwise) relating to any
of the Assets (including without limitation, the Property, the
Intellectual Property, the Contracts and the Receivables), the Assumed
Liabilities or the Business;
(viii) subject to Section 7.03(b) and Section 1.01 (b)(ii)
hereof, all books and records (financial, accounting and other),
correspondence, and all sales, marketing, advertising, packaging,
promotional and other materials, files, data, drawings, designs,
engineering and manufacturing data and other technical information and
data (whether written, on disk, film, tape or other media, and including
without limitation, all computerized data), and all other business and
other records, in each case arising under or relating to the Assets (or
any of them), the Assumed Liabilities or the Business;
(ix) all Permits, to the extent legally transferable;
(x) all prepaid expenses, refunds of U.S. customs duties,
fees, assessments or other like payments and other refunds (other than
Income Tax refunds), security and like deposits, securities, instruments
and investments of each of the Companies;
(xi) all rights, remedies and benefits of each of the
Companies arising under or relating to any of the Assets, the Assumed
Liabilities or the Business, including without limitation, rights,
remedies and benefits arising out of express or implied warranties, from
manufacturers, contractors or suppliers of Property, Inventory or other
Assets (or components thereof) or products sold or ordered by each of the
Companies prior to the Closing Date (and in any case, any component
thereof), and all causes of action and claims arising therefrom;
(xii) cash and cash equivalents, bank, securities and
investment accounts (together with the cash, securities and other things
held or deposited in all such accounts on the Closing Date); and
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(xiii) all products and proceeds of any of the foregoing.
(b) Excluded Assets. It is understood and agreed that the Companies
are not selling, assigning or conveying to the Purchaser, the Purchaser is not
purchasing and the Assets shall not include any of the following of the
Companies (collectively, the "Excluded Assets"):
(i) Retained Contracts;
(ii) corporate minute books, stock transfer records and
corporate seal of either of the Companies;
(iii) subject to Section 7.15 hereof, the registered trademark
"Rachel Max";
(iv) all Income Tax refunds of each of the Companies other
than with respect to Assumed Taxes;
(v) all causes of action, actions, claims and rights of any
kind of either of the Companies against other Persons (whether by contract
or otherwise), and other rights, remedies and benefits of either of the
Companies, in any case relating to any of the Excluded Assets or Excluded
Liabilities;
(vi) insurance claims in respect of Excluded Assets or
Excluded Liabilities arising out of occurrences prior to the Closing Date;
and
(vii) all products and proceeds of any of the foregoing.
(c) Assumed Liabilities. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement and on the basis of the representations, warranties, covenants and
agreements herein contained, at the Closing, each of the Companies agrees to
assign to the Purchaser and the Purchaser agrees to assume from each of the
Companies, and, if applicable, pay and discharge in accordance with the terms
thereof, without duplication, the following (collectively, the "Assumed
Liabilities"):
(i) each of the Contracts (including without limitation, the
Warehouse Lease, but excluding Retained Contracts);
(ii) all trade and other accounts payable of each of the
Companies, and all accrued ordinary course
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operating expenses of each of the Companies, in any case, which are not
Excluded Liabilities and to the extent that such are reflected on the 1997
Balance Sheets or to the extent such are or were incurred, in the case of
operating expenses in the ordinary course of business, between the 1997
Balance Sheet Date and the Closing Date and otherwise are not prohibited
by this Agreement;
(iii) any and all liabilities, obligations and claims with
respect to (a) any and all sales taxes imposed or claimed by any state,
municipality, subdivision or instrumentality of the United States which
arise by reason of the sale of the Assets to the Purchaser ("Sales Taxes")
and (b) any and all other Taxes of either of the Companies imposed or
claimed by the United States or by any foreign country or by any state,
municipality, subdivision or instrumentality of the United States or of
any foreign country, or by any other taxing authority, and any and all
interest and penalties thereon, which relate to the Assets or the
operation or conduct of the Business on or prior to the Closing Date, and
which are accrued and reflected on the 1997 Balance Sheet or have been
accrued and have been reflected on the Companies' books and records since
the 1997 Balance Sheet Date and prior to the Closing Date (collectively,
the "Assumed Taxes");
(iv) all liabilities or obligations owing by either of the
Companies for (a) accrued and unpaid salaries reflected on either of the
Companies' books and records, (b) accrued vacation pay in the ordinary
course business consistent with past practices, and (c) reimbursement
obligations for travel and entertainment expenses incurred in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practices;
(v) all liabilities or obligations owing to the U.S. Customs
Service, to the U.S. government or to a third party in connection with or
arising from customs transactions by either of the Companies, including,
but not limited to, duties, taxes, and fees, and interest thereon,
liquidated damages, penalties, claims, and assessments, any of the
foregoing whether actual or contingent and whether or not yet asserted by
the U.S. Customs Service, U.S. government, or a third party, as well as
any related actions, causes of action, suits, judgments, executions,
bills, demands, and legal fees required to be paid in connection
therewith;
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(vi) all obligations in respect of Products sold prior to the
Closing Date and returnable in the ordinary course of business after the
Closing Date;
(vii) any unpaid borrowing, or Cash Dividends declared, by the
Companies between the date of signing this Agreement and the Closing Date
as provided in and as limited by Section VI(b) of this Agreement;
(viii) all liabilities or obligations under, relating to or
with respect to the Jeri-Jo 401(k) Plan to the extent provided in Section
7.07 hereof; and
(ix) all other ordinary course liabilities or obligations of,
or claims against, either of the Companies of any kind or nature, whether
absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become
due and whether or not asserted, and whether known or unknown, and however
arising, including liabilities arising under litigation disclosed on
Schedule 1.01(c)(ix) hereto, but in any and all cases, which are not
Excluded Liabilities.
(d) Excluded Liabilities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Purchaser
shall not assume nor be deemed to assume and each of the Companies hereby agrees
to retain, remain solely responsible for, perform, pay and discharge promptly as
and when due each of the following (collectively, the "Excluded Liabilities"):
(i) any and all liabilities or obligations owing by either of
the Companies to, or claims against either of the Companies by, any
Stockholder or any affiliate of either of the Companies or of any
Stockholder (other than (a) accrued and unpaid salaries reflected on
either of the Companies' books and records, (b) accruals for vacation pay
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices and (c)
reimbursement obligations for travel and entertainment expenses incurred
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices),
including without limitation, all liabilities and obligations arising out
of or related to the Retained Contracts;
(ii) any and all liabilities, obligations or claims of any
type relating to, arising under or in respect of any Benefit Plan (other
than any accruals reflected on the 1997 Balance Sheet with respect to the
Companies' obligations to contribute to any 401(k) plan in which any
employee of either of the Companies participates and liabilities of such
nature incurred in
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the ordinary course of business since the date of the 1997 Balance Sheet)
or Multiemployer Plan, including, without limitation, any and all
liabilities, obligations or claims (including without limitation costs and
expenses incurred by employees of either of the Companies or by other
participants on, prior to or after the Closing Date) relating to, arising
under or in respect of all health (including without limitation post
retirement health), medical, dental and similar plans in which any
employee or other participant of either of the Companies participates or
otherwise covering any employee or other participant of either of the
Companies;
(iii) any and all liabilities, obligations or claims relating
to, arising under or in respect of product liability or warranty claims
(including without limitation for personal injury, damage to or loss of
property, or consequential or punitive damages) relating to, arising out
of or in respect of Products sold and delivered prior to the Closing;
(iv) any and all liabilities, obligations or claims to the
extent covered by insurance arising out of events occurring on or prior to
the Closing Date or conditions existing on or prior to the Closing Date
(including without limitation, workers' compensation liabilities,
obligations or claims);
(v) any and all liabilities, obligations or claims with
respect to any and all Taxes imposed or claimed by the United States or by
any foreign country or by any state, municipality, subdivision or
instrumentality of the United States or of any foreign country, or by any
other taxing authority, and any and all interest and penalties thereon, in
any case, which are not Assumed Taxes, and without limiting the foregoing,
in any event which arise out of the sale of the Assets (and any of them)
by either of the Companies (other than Sales Taxes);
(vi) subject to Sections 1.01(c)(v) and 1.01(c)(viii), any and
all liabilities, obligations and claims relating to, arising out of or in
respect of any and all violations of laws, rules, regulations or Permits
by either of the Companies, any and all investigations by or before any
Governmental Authority which have been asserted, and any and all judgments
against either of the Companies, the Business or the Assets as of the
Closing Date;
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(vii) any and all liabilities, obligations and claims relating
to, arising out of or in respect of any Environmental Claim in respect of
occurrences or conditions existing prior to the Closing Date;
(viii) any and all liabilities, obligations and claims
relating to, arising out of or in respect of the IDB Financing; and
(ix) any and all liabilities, obligations and claims relating
to, arising out of or in respect of the Retained Contracts.
SECTION II.
THE PURCHASE PRICE
2.01 Purchase Price. (a) The purchase price for the Assets (other
than the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities) shall consist of the Closing
Purchase Price and the Earn Out Payment, if any (the "Purchase Price"). At the
Closing, the Purchaser shall pay an aggregate amount for the Assets equal to
$55,000,000 (the "Closing Purchase Price"). The Closing Purchase Price shall be
paid at the Closing by bank wire transfer in immediately available funds to an
account or accounts designated by the Companies at least two business days prior
to the Closing. The Closing Purchase Price shall be subject to a post-Closing
adjustment as set forth in Section 2.05 hereof.
(b) Upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the
Purchaser and Norton shall deposit $1,000,000 (the "Escrow Deposit") by bank
wire transfer in immediately available funds to an account designated by Parker
Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP (the "Escrow Agent") to be held in escrow by the
Escrow Agent in accordance with the provisions of Section 8.04 hereof and the
provisions of an Escrow Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the
"Escrow Agreement").
2.02 Earn Out. (a)(i) In addition to the Closing Purchase Price and
the Assumed Liabilities, the Purchaser and Norton jointly and severally agree to
pay to the Companies the Earn Out Payment, if any, determined in accordance with
the definition thereof and this Section 2.02. Subject to subsection (a)(ii)
below, Norton may, in its discretion, pay a portion of the Base Earn Out Payment
and the Incentive Earn Out Payment (collectively, the "Stock Earn Out Amount")
by Norton's issuing to the Companies an
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aggregate number of shares of Norton's Common Stock, $0.01 par value (the
"Norton Common Stock"), subject to Section 11.07 hereof, equal to the Stock Earn
Out Amount divided by the Market Value per share of Norton Common Stock
determined on the third business day preceding the Earn Out Payment Date (the
"Earn Out Shares").
(ii) No later than five (5) days prior to the Earn Out Payment
Date, Purchaser shall give written notice (the "Earn Out Notice") to each of the
Companies regarding what portion, if any, of any Base Earn Out Payment and
Incentive Earn Out Payment shall be the Stock Earn Out Amount, which Stock Earn
Out Amount shall in no event constitute more than 50% of the aggregate Base Earn
Out Payment and Incentive Earn Out Payment. Except as otherwise expressly
provided in this Agreement, any Earn Out Notice given in accordance with the
preceding sentence shall be binding upon Norton, the Purchaser, the Companies,
the Stockholder Representative and the Stockholders. Except as otherwise
expressly provided in this Agreement, failure by the Purchaser to timely give an
Earn Out Notice shall result in (a) the Stock Earn Out Amount being 50% of each
of the Base Earn Out Payment and the Incentive Earn Out Payment and (b) 50% of
each of the Base Earn Out Payment and the Incentive Earn Out Payment being
payable in cash. Following receipt of an Earn Out Notice, the Companies may
request that the Purchaser and/or Norton deliver a certificate on and dated the
Earn Out Payment Date or the Determination Date, as applicable, stating that the
representations and warranties of the Purchaser and Norton set forth in Section
V of this Agreement are correct as of such date with the same force and effect
as though such representations and warranties had been made as of and on such
date, as well as an opinion of counsel for the Purchaser and Norton, delivered
to each of the Companies pursuant to the instructions of the Purchaser and
Norton, in form and in substance reasonably satisfactory to each of the
Companies and their counsel, covering the matters as set forth in Sections 5.01,
5.02, 5.03 and 5.04 hereof (collectively, the "Bring Down Obligation"). In the
event that the Companies request, and on or before the Earn Out Payment Date or
the Determination Date, as applicable, the Purchaser and/or Norton fail to
perform, the Bring Down Obligation, the Earn Out Payment, if any, shall be
payable to the Companies entirely in cash in immediately available funds on the
Earn Out Payment Date or the Determination Date, as applicable, and not in
shares of Norton Common Stock. In the event the Purchaser and/or Norton fails to
timely pay the Earn Out Payment as aforesaid, the Companies may draw such amount
under the Earn Out Letter of Credit (up to its then face amount), which drawing
shall constitute payment by Norton
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and the Purchaser of the amount drawn and the Purchaser and Norton shall remain
liable for any deficiency in the Earn Out Payment.
(iii) Unless there shall exist a Dispute, in which case the
provisions of this Section 2.02(a)(iii) shall be inapplicable and the provisions
of Section 2.02(b)(iii) shall be applicable, on the Earn Out Payment Date, (1)
the Purchaser and Norton shall pay to the Companies, or their permitted assigns
in accordance with Section 13.10 hereof, by wire transfer to a bank account
designated by the Companies or such permitted assigns an amount (subject to the
provisions of this subsection (a)), if any, equal to the amount by which the
Earn Out Payment exceeds the Stock Earn Out Amount (the "Cash Earn Out Amount")
and (2) the Purchaser shall deliver to each of the Companies, or their permitted
assigns in accordance with Section 13.10 hereof, subject to Section 11.07
hereof, certificates representing, if any, the Earn Out Shares in payment of the
Stock Earn Out Amount, if any. In the event the Purchaser and/or Norton fails to
timely pay the Cash Earn Out Amount, the Companies may draw such amount under
the Earn Out Letter of Credit (up to its then face amount), which drawing shall
constitute payment by Norton and the Purchaser of the amount drawn and the
Purchaser and Norton shall remain liable for any deficiency in the Cash Earn Out
Amount.
(b) (i) On or prior to the 45th day after each of the 1999 Month End
Date and the 2000 Month End Date, Friedman shall give written notice to Norton
and each of the Companies setting forth its calculations of EBITDA calculated in
accordance with this Agreement for each of the twelve-month periods ending on
the 1999 Month End Date and ending on the 2000 Month End Date (each, an "EBITDA
Notice"). Each EBITDA Notice shall be accompanied by a statement of EBITDA of
the Purchaser and its consolidated subsidiaries, if any (each, an "EBITDA
Statement") for the applicable twelve-month period prepared by Friedman in
accordance with GAAP (except for the absence of footnotes) and otherwise in
accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(ii) In addition, simultaneously with the delivery of the
EBITDA Notice following the 2000 Month End Date, Friedman shall deliver, (1) a
written statement (the "Accountants' Statement") to each of the parties hereto
stating that such accountants have reviewed each EBITDA Notice and that EBITDA
for each of the periods ending on the 1999 Month End Date and the 2000 Month End
Date set forth in each EBITDA Notice was calculated in accordance with the
provisions of this Agreement and (2) a balance sheet and
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statement of operations for the Purchaser and its consolidated subsidiaries, if
any, at and for the 24-month period ending on the 2000 Month End Date audited by
such accountants (the "Audit") and accompanied by their audit opinion thereon
addressed to the Purchaser and Norton (the "Audited Statements"). The Purchaser
and Norton, on the one hand, and the Companies and the Stockholders, on the
other hand, agree, severally but not jointly, to satisfy any reasonable request
from Friedman for indemnification and release of liability in connection with
such written statement. Friedman shall have reasonable access to all relevant
personnel of Norton and shall have the right to review (and to make copies of
the relevant portions thereof) all accounting books and records of the Purchaser
that such accountants reasonably deem relevant to the applicable EBITDA Notice
and to the Audit, and the Purchaser shall provide access to such accounting
books and records to such accountants during normal business hours and upon
reasonable prior notice. The Companies shall request Friedman to permit Norton
and its representatives to review and make copies of the relevant work papers
with respect to the EBITDA Notices given by Friedman. The Purchaser and Norton,
on the one hand, and the Companies and the Stockholders, on the other hand,
agree severally but not jointly, to satisfy any reasonable request from Friedman
for indemnification and release of liability in connection with any grant of
access to such work papers. Each of the Companies and each of the Stockholders
agree to use their respective best efforts to cause Friedman timely to prepare
and deliver each EBITDA Notice, each EBITDA Statement, the Accountants'
Statement and the Audited Statements.
(iii) If Norton and the Purchaser dispute the amounts or the
calculations set forth on any EBITDA Notice or EBITDA Statement (in any case, a
"Dispute"), Norton shall give written notice (the "Dispute Notice") to the
Stockholder Representative at any time prior to the Earn Out Payment Date, which
Dispute Notice shall specify in reasonable detail the matters and reasons for
such dispute (and all calculations in respect thereof) and the amount of the
Earn Out Payment in dispute (the "Dispute Amount"). Any amount which would
otherwise constitute part of the Earn Out Payment resulting from the amounts set
forth on the EBITDA Notices and which is not designated by Norton as a Dispute
Amount shall not be in dispute (the "Non Dispute Amount"). The Non Dispute
Amount shall first be allocated to the amount, if any, by which the Earn Out
Payment exceeds the Stock Earn Out Amount (the "Cash Non Dispute Amount"), and
second to the amount, if any, of the Stock Earn Out Amount (the "Stock Non
Dispute Amount"). (The parties agree that set forth as Exhibit L hereto is an
example of the
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application of the terms of the immediately foregoing sentence). On the Earn Out
Payment Date, (1) the Purchaser and Norton shall pay to the Companies, or their
permitted assigns in accordance with Section 13.10 hereof, by wire transfer to a
bank account designated by the Companies or such permitted assigns, an amount,
if any, equal to the Cash Non Dispute Amount and (2) the Purchaser shall deliver
to each of the Companies, or their permitted assigns in accordance with Section
13.10 hereof, subject to Section 11.07 hereof, certificates representing, if
any, the Earn Out Shares in payment of the Stock Non Dispute Amount, if any. In
the event the Purchaser fails to timely pay the entire Non-Dispute Amount, such
amount may, at the option of the Companies (by notice to the Purchaser given, if
at all, prior to the payment by the Purchaser to the Companies of the
Non-Dispute Amount), be payable entirely in cash, and the Companies may draw the
entire Non-Dispute Amount under the Earn Out Letter of Credit (up to its then
face amount), which drawing shall constitute payment by the Purchaser and Norton
of the amount drawn and the Purchaser and Norton shall remain liable for any
deficiency in the Non-Dispute Amount. On the Earn Out Payment Date, the
Purchaser shall also deposit the Dispute Amount, allocated in accordance with
the terms hereof, in cash and/or shares of Norton Common Stock, as applicable,
with the Escrow Agent in accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreement in
the form attached as Exhibit A hereto. In the event of a Dispute and the failure
of the Purchaser to timely make the deposit with the Escrow Agent representing
the Dispute Amount pursuant to the Escrow Agreement, or in the event that the
Disputed Matters have not been resolved by the delivery of a Determination on or
prior to the fifth Business Day prior to the Termination Date (as defined in the
Earn Out Letter of Credit), the Companies may collateralize the Dispute Amount
by drawing under the Earn Out Letter of Credit up to its then face amount, which
drawing shall constitute payment by the Purchaser and Norton of the amount drawn
and which amount shall be held subject to the provisions of this Section
2.02(b)(iii) and the Purchaser and Norton shall remain liable for any deficiency
in the Dispute Amount. In the event that a Dispute Notice is timely given and
Norton and the Stockholder Representative are unable to resolve the disputed
matters set forth in the Dispute Notice within 15 days after receipt by parties
hereto of the Dispute Notice, all disputed matters raised in the Dispute Notice
and not resolved (the "Disputed Matters") shall be submitted to (i) the New York
office of Coopers & Lybrand LLP, and if such firm refuses to accept such
engagement or is at such time rendering services to Norton, the Purchaser,
either Company or any Stockholder, (ii) the New York office of Deloitte & Touche
LLP, and if
<PAGE> 14
14
such firm refuses to accept such engagement or is at such time rendering
services to Norton, the Purchaser, either Company or any Stockholder, (iii) such
other nationally recognized independent accounting firm as is chosen by the
mutual agreement of Norton and the Stockholder Representative acting in good
faith (such firm which accepts the engagement, the "Independent Auditor"), for
final resolution in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
Norton, the Stockholders and the Companies shall use their respective best
efforts to cause the Independent Auditor to make its determination as to the
resolution of such Disputed Matters (the "Determination") as soon as possible,
but in no event later than 30 days after receipt of the Disputed Matters. The
Determination shall be limited to the Disputed Matters, shall be final and
binding upon all of the parties hereto, and shall be reflected in a written
report which shall be delivered by the Independent Auditor to Norton, the
Stockholders and the Companies (the date of delivery to all such parties, the
"Determination Delivery Date"). One-half of all fees and disbursements of the
Independent Auditor shall be paid by the Companies and the Stockholders, on the
one hand, and one-half of such fees and disbursements shall be paid by Norton,
on the other hand. In the event that the Disputed Matters are not resolved
within 30 days following the submission of the Disputed Matters to the
Independent Auditor, any amounts payable by the Purchaser set forth in the
Determination ultimately delivered less any amounts drawn under the Earn Out
Letter of Credit in respect of the Dispute Amount shall accrue interest from and
after such 30th day at a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate plus 2%. Any
amounts payable to the Companies by the Purchaser as set forth in the
Determination in excess of any amounts drawn under the Earn Out Letter of Credit
in respect of the Dispute Amount shall be payable to the Companies on the first
Business Day after the Determination Delivery Date (the "Determination Date")
from the Dispute Amount held pursuant to the Escrow Agreement (and allocated
among cash and shares of Norton Common Stock, if any, in accordance herewith,
unless the Purchaser has failed to timely deposit the Dispute Amount with the
Escrow Agent pursuant to the Escrow Agreement, in which case the Dispute Amount
set forth in the Determination shall be payable entirely in cash), all by
appropriate written instructions to the Escrow Agent given by the Purchaser, the
Companies, the Stockholders and the Stockholder Representative (which
instructions each of such persons agrees to give promptly upon request of the
other applicable parties hereto, or in the case of the Stockholder
Representative, the Companies and the Stockholders agree to cause to be given).
It is understood and agreed that the Purchaser shall be entitled to, and such
written
<PAGE> 15
15
instructions shall also direct the Escrow Agent to deliver to the Purchaser, any
portion of the Dispute Amount held pursuant to the Escrow Agreement which is not
payable to the Companies in accordance with the Determination (after giving
effect to any drawing under the Earn Out Letter of Credit) and that on the
Determination Date the Companies, the Stockholders and the Stockholder
Representative shall pay to the Purchaser any amounts drawn under the Earn Out
Letter of Credit in excess of the portion of the Dispute Amount which is payable
to the Companies in accordance with the Determination. It is understood and
agreed that if the Dispute Notice is not delivered prior to the Earn Out Payment
Date, then each EBITDA Notice shall be deemed accepted and agreed to in all
respects by all of the parties hereto and shall be final and binding upon all of
the parties hereto.
(c) In the event that, at any time during the Earn Out Period, (i)
the aggregate face amount of letters of credit available to the Purchaser,
including under the Credit Facility (or any successor or replacement to such
Credit Facility provided by nationally recognized financial institutions or
lenders (such successor or replacement, a "Replacement Credit Facility")), shall
be less than $45,000,000 (including outstanding letters of credit opened by the
Purchaser), (ii) a payment event of default shall have occurred and be
continuing beyond any applicable notice and grace period under (x) the Credit
Facility (or any Replacement Credit Facility) or (y) the Transaction Financing,
or any other event of default shall have occurred and be continuing under (x)
the Credit Facility (or any Replacement Credit Facility) or (y) the Transaction
Financing, in any case, beyond any applicable notice and grace period under such
Credit Facility (or any Replacement Credit Facility) or under such Transaction
Financing, which event of default has resulted in the lenders thereunder
accelerating amounts due thereunder or terminating their respective obligations
to extend credit to the Purchaser thereunder, (iii) a Bankruptcy Event shall
occur, (iv) Norton's Common Stock shall not be listed on a Securities Exchange
or (v) a Change in Control shall occur (each an "Acceleration Event"), then the
Earn Out Payment shall be payable entirely in cash. In the event of the
occurrence of an Acceleration Event, a portion of the Earn Out Payment of up to
the undrawn amount of the Earn Out Letter of Credit shall be payable immediately
by drawing under the Earn Out Letter of Credit up to its then face amount. The
balance of the Earn Out Payment shall be payable by the Purchaser and Norton on
the Earn Out Payment Date and/or the Determination Date, as applicable, in
accordance with Section 2.02(a)(iii) and/or Section 2.02(b)(iii), as applicable.
<PAGE> 16
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2.03 Allocation of Purchase Price. The Purchase Price (including the
Assumed Liabilities) shall be allocated among the Assets as set forth in
Schedule 2.03 hereto. The parties hereto agree that the allocation of the total
Purchase Price is intended to comply with the allocation method required by
Section 1060 of the Code. The parties hereto shall cooperate to comply with all
substantive and procedural requirements of Section 1060 of the Code and any
regulations thereunder, and the allocation shall be adjusted or supplemented if,
and to the extent, necessary to comply with the requirements of Section 1060 of
the Code. None of the Purchaser, the Companies, Norton or any Stockholder will
take, nor permit any affiliated Person to take, for any purpose, including
Federal, state or local income tax purposes, any position inconsistent with the
allocation set forth in Schedule 2.03 hereto, or, if applicable, such adjusted
or supplemented allocation. Each of the Companies, each of the Stockholders, the
Stockholder Representative, Norton and the Purchaser agree that each shall
attach to its respective income tax returns for the tax year in which the
Closing shall occur an information statement on Form 8594, which shall be
completed in accordance with the allocations set forth in Schedule 2.03 hereto.
Each of the Companies, each of the Stockholders, the Stockholder Representative,
Norton and the Purchaser agree that in the event of an audit conducted by the
Internal Revenue Service regarding the allocation of Purchase Price, as
reflected on each of the Companies' and Norton's (or the Purchaser's) respective
tax returns, each shall promptly notify the other parties to this Agreement of
such audit.
2.04 Registration Rights.
(a) Demand Registration Rights - General. The Stockholder
Representative shall be entitled to demand, on behalf of each Person who is
issued Registrable Shares by Norton (individually, a "Holder" and collectively,
the "Holders"), for a period of three (3) years, commencing on the date of the
last issuance by Norton of any Earn Out Shares, up to two (2) registrations
(each a "Registration", collectively the "Registrations") in total pursuant to
this Section 2.04. Such demand registration rights shall be for the benefit of
Holders and shall be exercised upon the written demand by the Stockholder
Representative that Norton effect a Registration under the Securities Act of all
or part of the Registrable Shares, and upon such demand, Norton shall use its
best efforts to effect a Registration under the Securities Act of the
Registrable Shares that Norton has been so demanded to register by the
Stockholder Representative for disposition in accordance with the intended
method of disposition stated in such demand. Up to one (1) such demand may be a
demand for, at the option of the Stockholder Representative by notice to Norton
given, if at all, at any
<PAGE> 17
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time during such three (3) year period, an underwritten public offering (an
"Underwritten Offering") as provided for in Sections 2.04(b) and 2.04(c). If the
Stockholder Representative does not demand the registration of an Underwritten
Offering, the Stockholder Representative shall have the option to demand up to
two (2) non-underwritten Registrations (each, a "Non-Underwritten Offering")
under which the Stockholder Representative shall have the right to have a
registration statement or registration statements (assuming more than one (1)
demand registration is made pursuant to this Section 2.04(a)) effective for both
such registration statements for a period of an aggregate of 548 days. A
Non-Underwritten Offering demanded pursuant to this Section 2.04(a) shall not be
deemed to have been effected and shall not be considered as one of the demand
registrations which may be demanded pursuant to this Section 2.04(a) unless (A)
a registration statement with respect thereto has become effective, (B) such
registration statement, individually or in the aggregate with a second demanded
registration statement (if such second registration is so demanded by the
Stockholder Representative), has remained effective for an aggregate of 548 days
after the date of effectiveness thereof and (C) such registration statement has
not become subject to any stop order, injunction or other order or requirement
of the Commission or other governmental agency or court for any reason or such
registration statement has become effective within 30 days thereafter.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no demand shall be
effective under this Section 2.04(a) if (i) made within 150 days after the
effective date of a registration statement filed by Norton in which a Holder
shall have been entitled to join thereof, subject to an extension if requested
by an underwriter in its good faith judgment or (ii) Norton furnishes to the
Stockholder Representative a certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer
of Norton stating that in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of
Norton, the filing of a registration statement would materially and adversely
interfere with or result in the premature disclosure of any material financing,
acquisition, corporate reorganization or other material transaction or event
involving Norton or its subsidiaries that is pending or imminent at the time and
described in such certificate, then Norton shall have the right to defer (x) the
first Registration demanded by the Stockholder Representative for a period of
not more than 20 days after receipt of the demand for Registration by Norton
from the Stockholder Representative, and (y) the second Registration demanded by
the Stockholder Representative for a period of not more than 90 days after
receipt of the demand for Registration by Norton from the Stockholder
Representative; provided, however, that in each such Registration demanded by
the Stockholder Representative, Norton shall use all reasonable efforts to
minimize the period of such deferral and may not utilize this right more
<PAGE> 18
18
than once in any twelve month period. A Registration shall not count as a
Registration pursuant to this Section 2.04(a) unless the Holders are able to
register at least 60% of the Registrable Shares demanded to be included in such
Registration pursuant to this Section 2.04(a).
(b) Demand Registration Rights - Underwritten Offering. If within
three (3) years of the last issuance by Norton of any Earn Out Shares, the
Stockholder Representative delivers to Norton a list of Persons to whom
Registrable Shares, if any, are issued, along with a notice demanding that
Norton register such of the shares, as set forth in such notice, for resale by
such Holders under the Securities Act in an Underwritten Offering, then Norton
shall use its best efforts to effect the registration of the resale of all such
Registrable Shares by the Holders under the Securities Act pursuant to
subsection (c) below, at its sole cost and expense. The Companies and the
Holders shall assist and cooperate with Norton in the preparation of any
registration statement covering the Registrable Shares. Norton, at its sole cost
and expense, shall also take any actions necessary to register the resale of the
Registrable Shares by the Holders under applicable state securities or "blue
sky" laws (provided that Norton shall not be required in connection therewith to
qualify as a foreign corporation or to execute a general consent to service of
process in any state). Each of Norton and the Holders shall notify the other
promptly of the receipt of any comments from the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") or its staff and of any request by the Commission
or its staff for amendments or supplements to the registration statement or
prospectus or for additional information and shall supply the other with copies
of all correspondence with the Commission or its staff with respect to the
registration statement or prospectus.
(c) Underwritten Offering - General. If any demand is made pursuant
to Section 2.04(b) above, then Norton shall, within ten (10) Business Days after
receipt by Norton of such demand, use its reasonable best efforts to find an
underwriter who would be willing to underwrite the resale of the Registrable
Shares so demanded. If the Holders timely object to a notice of proposed
underwriter or if Norton, despite its reasonable best efforts, is unable to find
an underwriter who would be willing to underwrite the resale of the Registrable
Shares so demanded, the Holders may, within five (5) days after Norton so
notifies the Stockholder Representative of its selection of an underwriter or of
its inability to find an underwriter, propose an underwriter of good standing,
subject to Norton's approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld
or delayed. If within 10 days of the delivery to the Stockholder Representative
of a notice of the proposed underwriter hereunder none of the Holders have
objected in writing to such underwriter, Norton will reasonably cooperate with
the Holders and such underwriter in such underwriting, including entering into
an underwriting agreement with the Holders and the underwriter with standard
terms and conditions; provided, however, that
<PAGE> 19
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Norton shall have no liability or obligation with respect to any underwriters'
discounts, commissions, fees or expenses. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Agreement, the Holders who are able, in the opinion
of counsel reasonably acceptable to Norton (Norton agreeing that the counsel set
forth in Section 13.01(b) hereof will be acceptable), to sell their Registrable
Shares pursuant to subsection (k) of Rule 144 shall, jointly and severally
reimburse Norton a percentage of the reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses
incurred and otherwise payable by Norton in connection with its compliance with
Section 2.04(b) and Section 2.04(c), which percentage shall equal the ratio of
the number of Registrable Shares held by such Holders and included in the
subject registration to the total number of shares of Norton Common Stock being
registered in the subject registration. Any reimbursements under this Section
2.04(c) shall be made promptly after receipt by the Stockholder Representative
of invoices therefor.
(d) Incidental Registration Rights - General. In the event that, at
any time or from time to time, Norton proposes to register any shares of Norton
Common Stock (the "Primary Registration Shares"), under the Securities Act,
other than pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-4 or S-8 or any
successor to such Forms, for the purpose of the sale or other transfer of the
Primary Registration Shares by Norton, Norton shall mail or deliver a written
notice (a "Registration Notice") of its intention so to register the Primary
Registration Shares to each Holder and such Person likely to become a Holder, of
which Norton has received notice, within sixty (60) days of the Registration
Notice (the persons to whom such Registration Notice is given, collectively, the
"Supplemental Registration Investors", and together with the Holders, if any,
the "Registration Investors") at least 20 days prior to the filing of the
registration statement covering the Primary Registration Shares.
(e) Incidental Registration Rights - Registration Notice. In the
event that a Registration Notice shall have been so mailed or delivered, the
Supplemental Registration Investors, at their election, may deliver to Norton a
written notice or notices (each, a "Supplemental Notice") (i) specifying the
number of Registrable Shares which are not the subject of an effective
registration statement ("Supplemental Registration Shares", and together with
the Registrable Shares, the "Registration Shares") proposed to be sold or
otherwise transferred by the Supplemental Registration Investors and (ii)
requesting the registration thereof under the Securities Act; provided, however,
that such Supplemental Notice shall be so delivered not more than 15 days after
the date of delivery to the Supplemental Registration Investors of a
Registration Notice.
(f) Incidental Registration Rights - Supplemental Notice. From and
after receipt of a Supplemental Notice, subject to Norton's sole right to
withdraw any registration
<PAGE> 20
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statement filed or to discontinue any registration efforts described in Section
2.04(d) at any time and for any reason, Norton shall use its best efforts to
cause the resale of the Supplemental Registration Shares to be registered under
the Securities Act and to effect and to comply with all such qualifications and
requirements as may be necessary to permit the sale or other transfer of such
Supplemental Registration Shares, including without limitation, qualifications
under the applicable "blue sky" or other state securities laws (provided that
Norton shall not be required in connection therewith to qualify as a foreign
corporation or to execute a general consent to service of process in any state);
provided, however, that if in the case of an underwritten public offering of
securities, the managing underwriter shall advise Norton that inclusion of some
or all of such Supplemental Registration Shares would, in such managing
underwriter's judgment, interfere with the proposed distribution of the
securities initially to be covered by the applicable registration statement,
then Norton may, upon written notice to the Supplemental Registration Investors,
reduce and allocate the Supplemental Registration Shares to be included in the
registration statement (if and to the extent such reduction and allocation is
stated by such managing underwriter as necessary to eliminate such interference)
pro rata among holders of Supplemental Registration Shares on the basis of the
number of shares of Norton Common Stock held by such holders.
(g) Procedure. If and whenever Norton is required by the provisions
of this Section 2.04 to use its best efforts to effect the registration under
the Securities Act of the offer and sale of Registration Shares, Norton shall:
(i) in the case of a Non-Underwritten Offering, prepare and file
with the Commission a registration statement with respect to the resale of
such Registration Shares by the Registration Investors within twenty (20)
Business Days of a demand to do so and use its best efforts to cause such
registration statement to become effective as promptly as reasonably
possible, and, in the case of an Underwritten Offering, prepare and file
with the Commission a registration statement with respect to the resale of
such Registration Shares by the Registration Investors and use its best
efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective, all as
promptly as reasonably possible after the receipt of a demand for an
Underwritten Offering;
(ii) as promptly as reasonably possible, prepare and file with the
Commission such amendments and supplements to such registration statement
and the prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to
keep such registration statement effective (1) in the case of a
Non-Underwritten Offering, for the lesser of (A) 548 days, which days
shall be computed individually or, if Norton has previously effected a
registration statement due to the Stockholder
<PAGE> 21
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Representative's demand for a Non-Underwritten Offering, upon aggregation
with the total days of effectiveness of such previously effected
registration statement or (B) the date on which all Registration Shares,
as the case may be, included in such registration statement or
registration statements shall have been sold by the Registration
Investors, and, (2) in the case of an Underwritten Offering, until the
date which is the earlier to occur of the date on which all Registration
Shares included in such registration statement shall have been sold by the
Registration Investors or the date on which such registration statement,
prior to becoming effective, is withdrawn by Norton;
(iii) as promptly as reasonably possible, furnish to the underwriter
or the Registration Investors, as the case may be, such number of copies
of the prospectus used in connection with such registration statement,
including the preliminary prospectus, in conformity with the requirements
of the Securities Act, and such other documents as may reasonably be
requested by the Commission in order to facilitate the public sale or
other disposition of such Registration Shares; and
(iv) as promptly as reasonably possible, notify the Registration
Investors in writing, at any time when a prospectus relating to such
Registration Shares is required to be delivered under the Securities Act
within the appropriate period mentioned in clause (ii) above, of the
happening of any event as a result of which the prospectus included in
such registration statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue
statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading in the light of circumstances then existing, and as promptly as
practicable (in light of the circumstances causing such untrue statement
or omission) prepare (and file with the Commission) and furnish to the
Registration Investors a reasonable number of copies of a supplement to or
an amendment of such prospectus as may be necessary so that, as thereafter
delivered to the purchasers of such securities, such prospectus shall not
include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances then existing.
(h) Provide Information. Each of the Registration Investors,
severally and not jointly, agrees to furnish Norton such information regarding
itself, himself or herself and the proposed distribution of Registration Shares
by such Registration Investor as Norton may from time to time reasonably request
in writing in order to prepare a registration statement and prospectus or any
supplement or amendment thereto pursuant to the Securities Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.
<PAGE> 22
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(i) Delivery. Each of the Registration Investors, severally and not
jointly, agrees that, upon receipt of a written notice from Norton of the
happening of any event of the kind described in clause (iv) of subsection (g)
above, it, he or she will forthwith discontinue its, his or her disposition of
Registration Shares pursuant to the registration statement relating to such
Registration Shares until receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended
prospectus contemplated by clause (iv) of subsection (g) above and, if so
requested by Norton in writing, will deliver to Norton (at Norton's expense) all
copies then in its, his or her possession, other than permanent file copies, of
the prospectus relating to such Registration Shares.
(j) Expenses. Except as set forth in subsection (c) above, Norton
shall pay all expenses (the "Registration Expenses") necessary to effect under
the Securities Act any registration statements, amendments or supplements filed
pursuant to this Section 2.04 (other than underwriters' discounts and
commissions and brokerage commission and fees, if any, payable with respect to
securities sold by the Registration Investors), including without limitation,
printing expenses, fees of the Commission and The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc.,
expenses of compliance with "blue sky" and other state securities laws,
accounting and legal fees and expenses of Norton and reasonable legal fees and
expenses of one counsel for all of the Registration Investors.
(k) Underwriter. If the Primary Registration Shares or the
Registration Shares (other than as set forth in subsection (c)) are to be
distributed by or through one or more underwriter(s), as determined by Norton in
its sole discretion, Norton will have the sole right to select the managing
underwriter(s) to administer the offering.
(l) Indemnification - Registration Investors. In the event of any
registration pursuant to this Section 2.04 covering Registration Shares, Norton
will indemnify and hold harmless each of the Registration Investors whose
Registration Shares are included in such registration and each Person if any,
who controls the applicable Registration Investor (the "Registration
Indemnitees") against any Damages which arise out of or are based upon any
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in
any such registration statement, any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus
contained therein, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of or
are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading; provided, however, that Norton will not be liable to a Registration
Indemnitee in any such case to the extent that any such Damage arises out of or
is based upon (x) an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or
alleged omission made in said registration statement, said preliminary
prospectus, said prospectus, or any said amendment or supplement, in reliance
upon and in conformity with written information furnished by
<PAGE> 23
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such Registration Indemnitee specifically for use in the preparation thereof or
(y) such Registration Indemnitee's failure to deliver a copy of the prospectus
or any amendments or supplements thereto (if required by applicable law) to the
Person asserting any Damage.
(m) Indemnification - Norton. In the event of any registration
pursuant to this Section 2.04 covering Registration Shares, each Registration
Investor (if securities of the applicable person are included in the subject
registration statement) shall, severally and not jointly, as to such person in
the instances and to the extent set forth in this subsection (m) indemnify and
hold harmless Norton, each of its directors and officers who has signed any
registration statement, and each Person, if any, who controls Norton within the
meaning of the Securities Act, against any Damages, to which Norton or any such
director, officer, or controlling Person may become subject, under the
Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such Damages, arise out of or are based
upon any untrue or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in
said registration statement, said preliminary prospectus, said prospectus, or
said amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the
omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in
each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in said
registration statement, said preliminary prospectus, said prospectus, or said
amendment or supplement, in reliance upon and in conformity with written
information furnished by such Registration Investor specifically for use in the
preparation thereof, provided, however, that in the case of an underwritten
offering, any such agreement to indemnify Norton or any such director, officer,
or controlling Person with respect to any preliminary prospectus shall not inure
to the benefit of Norton or any such director, officer, or controlling Person to
the extent that any Damage of Norton or any such director, officer, or
controlling Person results solely from an untrue statement of material fact
contained in, or the omission of a material fact from, such preliminary
prospectus which untrue statement or omission was corrected in the final
prospectus, if the underwriter(s) failed to send or give a copy of the final
prospectus to the Person asserting such loss, claim, damage or liability at or
prior to the written confirmation of the sale of such securities to such Person,
and provided further that any such agreement by any of the Registration
Investors to indemnify Norton or any such director, officer, or controlling
Person shall be on a several (and not joint) basis in proportion to the number
of securities sold by each Registration Investor in such underwritten offering
and shall be limited in amount to the net proceeds received by such Registration
Investor in such underwritten offering.
(n) Representations and Warranties; Opinions. (i) With respect to
any underwritten offering, each of the
<PAGE> 24
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Registration Investors severally and not jointly (if it, he or she shall sell
securities owned in such offering) shall, in addition to the foregoing, provide
the underwriter of such offering with customary representations and warranties,
and indemnification, in each instance as shall be reasonably requested by the
underwriter, provided, however, that any such agreement to indemnify an
underwriter with respect to any preliminary prospectus shall not inure to the
benefit of any such underwriter to the extent that any Damage of any such
underwriter results solely from an untrue statement of material fact contained
in, or the omission of a material fact from, such preliminary prospectus which
untrue statement or omission was corrected in the final prospectus, if such
underwriter failed to send or give a copy of the final prospectus to the Person
asserting such loss, claim, damage or liability at or prior to the written
confirmation of the sale of such securities to such Person, and provided further
that any such agreement by any of the Registration Investors to indemnify an
underwriter shall be on a several (and not joint) basis in proportion to the
number of securities sold by each Registration Investor in such underwritten
offering and shall be limited in amount to the net proceeds received by such
Registration Investor in such underwritten offering.
(ii) Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit the ability
of the Holders to sell any Registrable Shares under subsection (k) of Rule 144
under the Securities Act and to request a letter from counsel reasonably
acceptable to Norton to such effect (Norton agreeing that the counsel set forth
in Section 13.01(b) hereof will be acceptable) or counsel reasonably acceptable
to the Stockholder Representative (the Stockholder Representative agreeing that
counsel set forth in Section 13.01(c) hereof will be acceptable).
2.05 Post-Closing Adjustment. (a) Within 45 days after the Closing
Date, Friedman shall deliver to Norton a combined balance sheet of the Companies
as of the Closing Date prepared in accordance with GAAP and otherwise on the
same basis as the 1997 Balance Sheet (the "Final Closing Balance Sheet"),
without giving effect to the Closing hereunder or the Transaction Financing. If
Norton does not notify the Stockholder Representative in writing that it
disputes the aggregate Book Value reflected on the Final Closing Balance Sheet
within 15 days of such delivery, which notification shall include a statement in
reasonable detail of the basis for the dispute and Norton's calculation of the
aggregate Book Value on the Closing Date, calculated in accordance with this
Section 2.05(a) (a "Post-Closing Dispute Notice"), then on the 20th day
following such delivery (i) if the aggregate Book Value reflected on the Final
Closing Balance Sheet is greater than $15,000,000, the Purchaser shall pay such
excess to the Companies or (ii) if the aggregate Book Value reflected on the
Final Closing Balance Sheet is less than $15,000,000, the Companies and the
Stockholders, jointly and severally, shall pay such shortfall to the Purchaser.
<PAGE> 25
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(b) If Norton shall deliver timely a Post-Closing Dispute Notice in
accordance with Section 2.05(a) hereof, then (i) if the lowest of the two
aggregate Book Values reflected on the Final Closing Balance Sheet and the
Post-Closing Dispute Notice is greater than $15,000,000, the Purchaser shall pay
the excess of such lowest amount over $15,000,000 to the Companies within 5 days
following delivery of the Post-Closing Dispute Notice, or (ii) if the highest of
the two aggregate Book Values reflected on the Final Closing Balance Sheet and
the Post-Closing Dispute Notice is less than $15,000,000, the Companies and the
Stockholders, jointly and severally, shall pay such shortfall of $15,000,000
over such highest amount to the Purchaser within 5 days following delivery of
the Post-Closing Dispute Notice.
(c) In the event that a Post-Closing Dispute Notice is timely given
and Norton and the Stockholder Representative are unable to resolve the disputed
matters set forth in the Post-Closing Dispute Notice within 15 days after
receipt by the Stockholder Representative of the Post-Closing Dispute Notice,
all disputed matters raised in the Post-Closing Dispute Notice and not resolved
shall be submitted to the Independent Auditor, for final resolution in
accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement. Norton, the
Stockholders and the Companies shall use their respective best efforts to cause
the Independent Auditor to make its determination as to the resolution of such
disputed matters (the "Post-Closing Determination") as soon as possible, but in
no event later than 30 days after written submission of the disputed matters to
the Independent Auditor. The Post-Closing Determination shall be limited to such
disputed matters, shall be final and binding upon all of the parties hereto, and
shall be reflected in a written report which shall be delivered by the
Independent Auditor to Norton, the Stockholders, the Stockholder Representative
and the Companies. One-half of all fees and disbursements of the Independent
Auditor shall be paid by the Companies and the Stockholders, on the one hand,
and one-half of such fees and disbursements shall be paid by Norton, on the
other hand.
(d) If the aggregate Book Value determined in accordance with the
Post-Closing Determination is (x) greater than the sum of $15,000,000 and any
amounts paid by the Purchaser pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(i), then the Purchaser
shall pay such excess to the Companies within 5 days of receipt of the
Post-Closing Determination or (y) less than $15,000,000 minus any amounts paid
by the Companies and the Stockholders to the Purchaser pursuant to Section
2.05(b)(ii), then the Companies and the Stockholders
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26
shall pay such shortfall to the Purchaser within 5 days of receipt by the
Stockholder Representative of the Post-Closing Determination.
(e) Any payments made under this Section 2.05 shall be made by bank
wire transfer in immediately available funds to an account or accounts
designated by Norton or the Stockholder Representative, as applicable, at least
two business days prior to the date such payment is due.
SECTION III.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
THE COMPANIES AND THE STOCKHOLDERS
Each of the Stockholders and each of the Companies, jointly and
severally, hereby represent and warrant to the Purchaser and Norton, as of the
date hereof and as of the Closing Date (provided that no representation or
warranty herein shall be deemed to refer to any Excluded Asset or Excluded
Liability), that:
3.01 Organization and Qualification. Each of the Companies is duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
New York. Each of the Companies is in good standing in the State of New Jersey
which is the only jurisdiction in which the failure so to qualify would have or
would reasonably be expected to have, in the aggregate, a material adverse
effect on the Assets, the Business or on the businesses, affairs, properties,
assets, results of operations or the condition (financial or other) of the
Companies taken as a whole (a "Material Adverse Effect"). The Companies have no
subsidiaries and own no capital stock or other proprietary interest, directly or
indirectly, in any other corporation, association, trust, partnership, joint
venture or other entity, nor has any agreement with any Person to acquire any
such capital stock or other proprietary interest. Each of the Companies has full
power, authority and legal right and all necessary approvals, permits, licenses
and authorizations to own their respective properties, to conduct their
respective businesses and to enter into and consummate the transactions
contemplated under this Agreement and under each other instrument and document
required to be executed and delivered by each of the Companies pursuant hereto.
3.02 Authority. The execution and delivery by each of the Companies
of this Agreement and each other instrument or document required to be executed
and delivered by each of the Companies pursuant hereto, the performance by each
of the Companies of their respective covenants and
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27
agreements hereunder and thereunder and the consummation by each of the
Companies of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate and other action, including all board of
director and stockholder approvals. This Agreement and each other instrument or
document required to be executed and delivered by each of the Companies pursuant
hereto, constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of each of the
Companies, enforceable against each of the Companies in accordance with its
terms, subject as to enforceability to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization and similar laws affecting creditors' rights and general
principles of equity.
3.03 No Legal Bar; Conflicts. Neither the execution and delivery of
this Agreement or any other instrument or document required to be executed and
delivered by either of the Companies pursuant hereto, nor the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, violates or violated any
provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of either of the
Companies or, subject to the satisfaction of Section 9.04 hereof and except as
set forth on Schedule 3.03 hereto, any statute, ordinance, regulation, order,
judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority, or conflicts or conflicted
with or will result or resulted in any breach of any of the terms of or
constitute or constituted a default under or result or resulted in the
termination of or the creation of any Lien pursuant to the terms of or otherwise
affect or affected the continuation, validity or effectiveness of any Contract.
Except with respect to the HSR Act or as set forth on Schedule 3.03 hereto, no
consents, approvals or authorizations of, or filings with, any Governmental
Authority or any other Person are or were required in connection with the
execution and delivery of this Agreement or any other instrument or document
required to be executed and delivered by either of the Companies pursuant
hereto, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.
3.04 Capitalization. All of the issued and outstanding shares of
capital stock of all classes of each of the Companies are owned beneficially and
of record by such of the Stockholders as set forth on Schedule 3.04 hereto.
3.05 Financial Statements; No Undisclosed Liabilities. (a) The
Companies have delivered to the Purchaser their combined audited balance sheets
as at December 31, 1997 (the "1997 Balance Sheet"), December 31, 1996 and
December 31, 1995 and the related statements of
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28
operations and retained earnings and of cash flows for the 12-month periods then
ended (collectively, the "Full Year Financial Statements"). The Full Year
Financial Statements have been prepared from the books and records of each of
the Companies and in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and maintained
throughout the periods indicated, and fairly present the combined financial
condition of the Companies as at their respective dates and the combined results
of their operations for the periods covered thereby.
(b) Except (i) to the extent set forth in or reserved against in the
1997 Balance Sheet (or in the related notes thereto) or as identified in
Schedule 3.05 hereto, (ii) for current liabilities (determined in accordance
with GAAP) incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practices since the 1997 Balance Sheet Date, (iii) for liabilities and
obligations under the Contracts and (iv) for liabilities or obligations which
have not had or would not be reasonably expected to have, in the aggregate, a
Material Adverse Effect, the Companies do not have any liabilities or
obligations of any nature, whether accrued, absolute or contingent or otherwise,
whether due or to become due of a type which would currently be required to be
reflected under GAAP on a balance sheet (or in the related notes thereto) as a
liability or a charge or reserve against an asset or equity account.
3.06 Accounts Receivable; Inventories.
(a) All Receivables of each of the Companies reflected on the
1997 Balance Sheet and all Receivables which have arisen since the 1997 Balance
Sheet Date are valid and shall have arisen only from bona fide arm's-length
transactions in the ordinary course of the Business. To the knowledge of either
of the Companies or any of the Stockholders, except for returns, allowances and
discounts in the ordinary course of business, no such Receivables are subject to
any counterclaim or set-off which could have, in the aggregate, a Material
Adverse Effect.
(b) All items of Inventory reflected on the 1997 Balance
Sheets, or thereafter acquired by either of the Companies (and not subsequently
disposed of in the ordinary course of business), consist of items of a quality
and quantity which are merchantable and usable in the normal course of the
Business at least equal to the values at which such items are carried on the
books and records of each of the Companies. The values at which such items of
Inventory are carried on the 1997 Balance Sheet, or in the case of Inventory
acquired following the 1997 Balance Sheet Date on
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29
the books and records of each of the Companies, reflect the normal inventory
valuation policy of each of the Companies (including the writing down of or
reserving against the value of slow-moving or obsolete inventory) and stating
items of Inventory at the lower of cost or market (on a first-in, first-out
method) in accordance with GAAP consistently applied.
3.07 Accounts Payable, Etc. The accounts and notes payable and
accrued expenses reflected on the 1997 Balance Sheet or thereafter incurred by
either of the Companies are claims that arose in the ordinary course of business
and consistent with past practices. Since the 1997 Balance Sheet Date, the
accounts and notes payable and accrued expenses of each of the Companies have
been maintained on a basis consistent with past practices, except where such
accounts or notes payable are subject to good faith, bona fide disputes.
3.08 Absence of Certain Changes. Except as set forth in Schedule
3.08 hereto, subsequent to the 1997 Balance Sheet Date, with respect to each of
the Companies or the Business, there has not been any (a) event or condition
(other than general economic conditions or conditions affecting the apparel
industry in general) which has had or would be reasonably expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect; (b) damage or destruction (whether or not insured)
affecting any of the Assets (other than Inventory in transit) or, to the
knowledge of either of the Companies or any of the Stockholders, any Inventory
in transit which, in either case, has had or would be reasonably expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect; (c) actual dispute or, to the knowledge of
either of the Companies or any of the Stockholders, threatened dispute
pertaining to the Business with any material customer, supplier or purchasing
agent, or actual, or to the knowledge of either of the Companies or any of the
Stockholders, threatened, loss of business from any material customer, supplier
or purchasing agent which has had or would reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect; (d) changes in the methods or procedures for billing or
collection of customer accounts receivable or other receivables or recording of
customer accounts receivable or other receivables or reserves for doubtful
accounts with respect to the Business, except to conform with customer
requirements; (e) addition to or modification of any of the employee benefit
plans, arrangements or practices (including those listed on Schedule 3.17
hereto) other than contributions made in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practices; (f) except as expressly permitted in this
Agreement, sale, assignment or transfer of any of the Assets, and then in any
case in the
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30
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices; (g) except in
the ordinary course of business, cancellation of any debts or waivers of any
claims or rights of substantial value to either of the Companies which has had
or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (h) capital
expenditures in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate for repairs or additions to
property, plant, equipment or tangible capital assets or commitments to make any
such capital expenditures; (i) change in any method of accounting or accounting
principles; (j) change in the methods of purchasing any of the Inventory; (k)
failure to replenish inventories of the Business in a normal and customary
manner consistent with past practices which failure has had or would be
reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (l) except in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, purchase commitments
in excess of the requirements of the Business or at any price materially in
excess of the then current market price which have had or would reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (m) mortgage, pledge, charge,
security interest or any other Lien with respect to any of the Assets or the
Business (other than Permitted Liens); or (n) agreement or commitment to do any
of the foregoing.
3.09 Loans, Etc. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.09 hereto, none
of the Companies has outstanding any Company Indebtedness and is not a party to
any loan agreement, contract, obligation or arrangement for the payment of
borrowed money to any Person.
3.10 Real Property Owned or Leased. A complete and accurate list and
description of all real property leased to either of the Companies or in which
either of the Companies have any interest is set forth on Schedule 3.10 hereto.
None of the Companies owns any real property. Except as set forth on Schedule
3.10, all such leased real property is held subject to written leases or other
written agreements which are valid and effective in all material respects in
accordance with their respective terms, subject as to enforceability to
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and similar laws affecting
creditors' rights and general principles of equity. To the knowledge of each of
the Companies and each of the Stockholders, there are no existing defaults or
events of default, or events which with notice or lapse of time or both would
constitute a default, thereunder on the part of either of the Companies, except
for defaults which have not had or would not be reasonably expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect. None of the Companies nor any of the Stockholders has
any knowledge of any default or claimed or purported or alleged default or
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31
state of facts which with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a
default on the part of any other party in the performance of any obligation to
be performed or paid by such other party under any lease referred to in Schedule
3.10 hereto.
3.11 Title to Assets; Condition of Property. (a) Each of the
Companies has good title to all of their respective Assets, including without
limitation, the Assets reflected on the 1997 Balance Sheet (except for Inventory
sold, used or consumed and Receivables collected or written off since the 1997
Balance Sheet Date, in any case, in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practices), free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Liens.
None of the Stockholders (other than in their capacities as such) nor any other
affiliate of either of the Companies nor any other Person has any right to or
interest in the Business or in any of the Assets or any of the proceeds thereof.
The Assets constitute all of the assets used in the operations of, and necessary
to operate, the Business as presently conducted. Each of the Companies has the
right, power and authority to sell and transfer all of their respective portion
of the Assets to the Purchaser, and upon such sale and transfer, and subject to
the Purchaser's satisfaction of the closing condition set forth in Section 9.08
hereof, the Purchaser will acquire good and valid title to the Assets, free and
clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Liens (including the Liens set forth in
clause (iii) of the definition of Permitted Liens).
(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.11 hereto, all of the material
tangible assets (including without limitation, all material equipment, but
excluding Inventory) owned or leased by either of the Companies are in good
operating condition and repair, normal wear and tear excepted, and are suitable
for the purposes for which they presently are being used. None of the Assets or
any other properties leased or used by either of the Companies (or uses to which
they are put) fails to conform with any applicable agreement, or existing law,
ordinance or regulation, except where the failure to conform has not had or
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.12 Taxes. (a) Each of the Companies has filed or caused to be
filed on a timely basis all Federal, state, local, foreign and other tax
returns, reports and declarations (collectively, "Tax Returns") required to be
filed by each of the Companies and has paid all taxes, including but not limited
to, income, capital gains, license, gross receipts, net worth, capital stock,
profits,
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stamp, occupation, transfer, value added, excise, franchise, sales, use,
property (whether real, personal or mixed), employment, unemployment,
disability, withholding, social security and workers' compensation taxes and
estimated income and franchise tax payments, and interest, penalties, fines,
costs and assessments (collectively, "Taxes") shown to be due on such Tax
Returns. There are no Tax Liens on any of the Assets. Except as set forth on
Schedule 3.12 hereto, no Tax Returns of either of the Companies have been
audited in the five calendar years prior to the date of this Agreement and to
the knowledge of either of the Companies and each of the Stockholders there are
no threatened audits against either of the Companies and no written inquiries
have been received by either of the Companies from any taxing authorities with
respect to possible claims for Taxes or assessments.
(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.12 hereto, each of the
Companies has properly and timely filed all elections and other documents
necessary for it to be treated as a Subchapter S corporation under the Code and
any applicable state and local law, and no challenge to the validity of such
status has been made within the past six years against either of the Companies
by any Person.
(c) None of the Companies is a foreign person within the meaning of
Section 897 or Section 1445 of the Code.
3.13 Permits; Compliance with Applicable Law; Permits;
Environmental.
(a) General. None of the Companies and none of the Stockholders has
received written notice that either of the Companies is in default under any
existing law, statute, ordinance, regulation, order, judgment or decree of any
Governmental Authority, and, to the knowledge of each of the Companies and each
of the Stockholders, the Premises are in compliance with all existing laws,
statutes, ordinances, regulations, orders, judgments and decrees of any
Governmental Authority, except where the failure to be in compliance has not had
or would not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. None of
the Companies nor any of the Stockholders has received any written notification
of any asserted present or past failure to comply with any of the foregoing
which has not been satisfactorily responded to in a timely manner.
(b) Permits. Set forth in Schedule 3.13(b) hereto, is a complete and
accurate list of all permits, licenses, approvals, franchises and authorizations
issued by
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33
Governmental Authorities (collectively the "Permits"), held by each of the
Companies in connection with the Business. To the knowledge of each of the
Companies and each of the Stockholders, the Permits set forth in Schedule
3.13(b) hereto are all the Permits required for the Companies to conduct the
Business, except where the failure to have any such Permits has not had or would
not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. All the Permits
set forth in Schedule 3.13(b) hereto are in full force and effect, except where
the failure to have any such Permits has not had or would not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No action or proceeding looking to
or contemplating the revocation or suspension of any such Permit is pending or,
to the knowledge of either of the Companies or any of the Stockholders,
threatened. To the knowledge of each of the Companies and each of the
Stockholders, there are no existing state of facts which would constitute a
default by either of the Companies under any such Permit, except for such
defaults which have not had or would not be reasonably expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.13(b) hereto, the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not affect the
continuation, validity or effectiveness of the Permits set forth in Schedule
3.13(b) hereto, or require the consent of any Governmental Authority or Person.
Schedule 3.13(b) hereto identifies each Permit which is not legally transferable
and each of the Companies shall use their respective reasonable efforts to
obtain on or prior to the Closing Date all required consents to make available
to the Purchaser the full benefits of such Permits as of the Closing Date.
(c) Environmental, Health and Safety.
Except as set forth on Schedule 3.13(c) hereto:
(i) To the knowledge of either of the Companies or any of the
Stockholders, each of the Companies has duly complied with, the Business is
being conducted and has been conducted in compliance with, and the real property
subject to the leases listed on Schedule 3.10 hereto, and improvements thereon,
(all such leased real property, and improvements thereon, is herein referred to
collectively as the "Premises"), are in compliance with, all Environmental Laws,
except where the failure to be in compliance has not had or would not be
reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(ii) Each of the Companies has been issued, and will maintain
until the date of the Closing, all required Federal, state and local permits,
licenses,
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certificates and approvals relating to (A) air emissions, (B) discharges to
surface water or ground water, (C) noise emissions, (D) solid or liquid waste
disposal, (E) the use, generation, storage, transportation or disposal of toxic
or hazardous substances or wastes (intended hereby and hereafter to include any
and all such materials listed in any Federal, state or local law, code or
ordinance and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as hazardous or
potentially hazardous (including, without limitation, (1) any chemical,
compound, material or substance that is defined, listed in, or otherwise
classified pursuant to, any of the Environmental Laws as a "hazardous
substance", "hazardous material", "hazardous waste", "toxic substance" or "toxic
pollutant", and (2) petroleum, natural gas, natural gas liquids, liquified
natural gas, synthetic gas usable for fuel and drilling fluids, produced waters,
and other wastes associated with the exploration, development or production), or
(F) other environmental, health and safety matters (collectively, "Hazardous
Substances");
(iii) None of the Stockholders or either of the Companies have
received written notice of any Environmental Claim made or threatened against
either of the Companies;
(iv) To the knowledge of either of the Companies or any of the
Stockholders, none of the Companies nor any other Person has generated, treated,
transported, stored, recycled, discharged, emitted, disposed of or released any
Hazardous Substances, arranged for the generation, treatment, transport,
storage, recycling, discharge, emission, disposal or release of any Hazardous
Substances, or exposed any employee or other individual to any Hazardous
Substances or condition so as to give rise to any liability or corrective or
remedial obligation under any Environmental Laws, in each case, with respect to
the Premises; and
(v) To the knowledge of either of the Companies or any of the
Stockholders, none of the Premises nor any property to which either of the
Companies have, directly or indirectly, transported or arranged for the
transportation of any Hazardous Substances, is listed on the National Priorities
List promulgated pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended ("CERCLA"), on CERCLIS (as
referred to in CERCLA) or on any similar Federal, state or foreign list of sites
requiring investigation or clean-up.
3.14 Licenses. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.14, none of the
Companies produces or distributes
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any Product nor do either of the Companies perform any service, under a license
granted by another Person and none of the Companies has licensed their
respective rights in any Intellectual Property, current Products, designs or
services to any other Person.
3.15 Contractual and Other Obligations; Customers and Suppliers. (a)
Set forth in Schedule 1.01(a)(vi) hereto is a complete and accurate list of each
contract, agreement, license, lease, guarantee (or other agreement relating to
contingent obligations of either of the Companies with respect to the Assets,
the Assumed Liabilities or the Business), arrangement and each other document to
which either of the Companies are a party or by which either of the Companies,
the Assumed Liabilities, the Business or any of the Assets are bound or subject,
as of February 28, 1998, without duplication (i) with respect to which either of
the Companies lease any personal property used in the conduct of the Business,
the annual aggregate lease payments for which are in excess of $50,000 or any
real property, and (ii) for open letters of credit as of December 31, 1997
(which listing shall specify the letter of credit number, the amount and the
country of origin in respect of the merchandise for which the letter of credit
is open), all of the foregoing described under clauses (i) and (ii) above,
together with all other contracts, agreements, purchase orders or contingent
obligations to which either of the Companies or any of the Assets, Assumed
Liabilities or Business is subject or bound, other than Retained Contracts,
being herein collectively referred to as the "Contracts" and singularly referred
to as a "Contract".
(b) None of the Companies is in default in the performance of
any covenant or condition under any Contract and no written claim of such a
default has been made and no event has occurred which with the giving of notice
or the lapse of time would constitute such default under any covenant or
condition under any Contract, except for defaults which have not had or would
not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. All of the
Contracts have been entered into in the ordinary course of business of each of
the Companies and each Contract is at arm's length and on commercially
reasonable terms and conditions. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.03 hereto,
the transfer to the Purchaser of the Assets (including any of the Contracts),
the execution of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby will not require the consent, waiver, approval,
authorization of, notice to, or designation, registration, declaration or filing
with, any Governmental Authority, or other Person under any such Contract. Each
of the Companies
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has delivered or made available to the Purchaser true and complete copies of
each written Contract. Each of the Contracts is a legal, valid and binding
obligation of the Company party thereto, and to the knowledge of each of the
Companies and each of the Stockholders, each other party thereto, subject as to
enforceability to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and similar
laws affecting creditors' rights and general principles of equity.
(c) The names of the ten (10) largest customers of the
Companies on a combined basis for the year ended December 31, 1997 are set forth
on Schedule 3.15 hereto. Each of the Companies has experienced no material
difficulties in obtaining in a timely manner consistent with industry norms and
at then current market prices any and all material goods and supplies used in
the Business.
3.16 Compensation. Set forth in Schedule 3.16 hereto, is (a) a
complete and accurate list of all agreements, plans, arrangements or commitments
maintained, entered into or contributed to by either of the Companies, or by
which either of the Companies are bound pursuant to which either of the
Companies are obligated to pay to any current or former employees, directors,
officers or consultants, or any of their respective family members or
affiliates, any compensation, bonus, incentive, stock option, stock purchase,
severance pay, or other benefits or perquisites, other than any agreements,
plans, arrangements or commitments listed in Schedule 3.17 hereto; and (b) a
complete and accurate list of all employees of each of the Companies with
current annual salaries of $50,000 or more and their respective positions and
salaries, but omitting the employees' names. Except as set forth in Schedule
3.16 hereto, neither the execution of this Agreement, nor the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby, will result, or has resulted, in any
liability or obligation of either of the Companies or will result in any
liability or obligation of the Purchaser, for a bonus payment, severance pay or
similar payment or other compensatory requirements to any employee, salesman,
independent contractor, consultant, distributor, agent, stockholder or affiliate
of either of the Companies.
3.17 Employee Benefit Plans
(a) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.17 hereto, neither of the
Companies maintains or sponsors, nor are either of the Companies required to
make contributions to, any pension, profit-sharing, bonus, incentive or deferred
compensation, severance pay, medical, life
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insurance or other welfare or employee benefit plan within the meaning of
Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
(hereinafter referred to as "ERISA") (such plans and related trusts, insurance
and annuity contracts, funding media and related agreements and arrangements,
other than any "multiemployer plan" (within the meaning of Section 3(37) or
Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA), being herein referred to as the "Benefit Plans"
and such multiemployer plans being hereinafter referred to as the "Multiemployer
Plans"). Each Benefit Plan complies with all requirements of the Department of
Labor and the Internal Revenue Service, and with all other existing applicable
laws, rules and regulations, including but not limited to, ERISA and the Code
and any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder, except where the failure to
be in compliance (whether individually or in the aggregate) has not had and
would not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and none of
the Companies nor any affiliate has taken or failed to take any action with
respect to the Benefit Plans (including the failure to timely and completely
file all required reports, returns and similar documents with applicable
Governmental Authorities) which could create any liability on the part of the
Purchaser. Each "fiduciary" (within the meaning of Section 3(21)(A) of ERISA) as
to each Benefit Plan has complied with the requirements of ERISA and the Code,
including any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder and all other
applicable laws, rules and regulations in respect of each Benefit Plan.
(b) Each 401(k) Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified under
Section 401(a) of the Code has received any and all appropriate favorable
determination letters from the Internal Revenue Service as to such qualification
and nothing has occurred since the most recent determination letter to adversely
affect the qualified status of any such Benefit Plan;
(c) None of the Companies maintains, sponsors or contributes to (nor
are either of the Companies required to contribute to), and has never
maintained, sponsored, contributed to (nor have either of the Companies been
required to contribute to) or withdrawn from any Multiemployer Plan; and
(d) None of the Companies is a party to any agreement, contract or
arrangement that would result, separately or in the aggregate, in the payment
(whether or not in connection with any termination of employment or otherwise)
of any "excess parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G of the
Code. Each of the Companies
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has complied, in all material respects, with the notice and continuation
requirements of Section 4980B of the Code and Section 601 of ERISA, and the
regulations thereunder.
3.18 Labor Relations. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.18 hereto,
each of the Companies is in compliance with all Federal, state or local
statutes, laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, or orders with respect to the
employment of individuals, or the employment practices or working conditions, or
the terms and conditions of employment, wages and hours, except where any
failure to be in compliance has not had or would not be reasonably expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect. None of the Companies is engaged in any unfair
labor practice or other unlawful employment practice and there are no charges of
unfair labor practices or other employee-related complaints pending or, to the
knowledge of either of the Companies or any of the Stockholders, threatened
against either of the Companies before the National Labor Relations Board, the
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health
Review Commission, the Department of Labor or any other Federal, state, local or
other Governmental Authority. There is currently no strike, picketing, slowdown
or work stoppage or organizational attempt pending or, to the knowledge of
either of the Companies or any of the Stockholders, threatened against or
involving either of the Companies or the Business. No issue with respect to
union representation is pending or, to the knowledge of either of the Companies
or any of the Stockholders, threatened with respect to any of the employees of
either of the Companies. No union or collective bargaining unit or other labor
organization has ever been certified or recognized by either of the Companies as
the representative of any of the employees of either of the Companies. None of
the Companies has effectuated a plant closing or mass layoff as those terms are
defined in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act.
3.19 Dividends, Transfers, Increases in Compensation or Benefits.
Except as set forth on Schedule 3.19 hereto, subsequent to the 1997 Balance
Sheet Date, there have been no (i) dividends or other distributions or payments
made or declared (whether payable in cash or other property) with respect to any
class of capital stock of either of the Companies, (ii) sales, assignments or
other transfers of any of each of the Companies' assets (including without
limitation, cash) to any Stockholder or to any related or affiliated parties
thereof (other than payments of salaries to employee Stockholders of each of the
Companies in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with the
applicable rate of
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salary set forth for each such person on Schedule 3.16 hereof), (iii) increases
in the compensation payable or to become payable to any salesman, distributor,
independent contractor, consultant, agent, director or employee of either of the
Companies except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practices and (iv) payments under or provisions for any awards, bonuses, stock
options, loans, profit sharing, pension, retirement or welfare plans or similar
arrangements for or on behalf of any such Person (or related or affiliated
Persons thereof) (other than pursuant to currently existing plans or
arrangements in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices
and as described in Schedule 3.16 or 3.17 hereto); provided, however, that in no
event was any such increase in compensation or any such payment or provision
made with respect to any such employee or other such Person earning in excess of
$50,000 per annum except as specifically indicated on Schedule 3.19 hereto. Set
forth on Schedule 3.19 is the aggregate amount of all increases in compensation
payable or to become payable to all employees of either Company since the 1997
Balance Sheet Date.
3.20 Insurance. A complete and accurate list of the insurance
policies of each of the Companies is set forth in Schedule 3.20 hereto. Such
policies are in full force and effect and all premiums due thereon have been
paid in full.
3.21 Conduct of Business. None of the Companies is restricted from
conducting the Business in any manner or location by agreement, court decree or
otherwise.
3.22 Intellectual Property. Set forth in Schedule 3.22 is a complete
and accurate list of each of the Companies' patents, registered and common law
trademarks, service marks, tradenames and copyrights, and other similar rights
and applications for and all contracts, agreements, licenses or other rights
with respect to each of the foregoing, in any case whether domestic or foreign
(collectively, together with all of the other Assets referred to in Section
1.01(a)(iv) hereof, the "Intellectual Property"). Each of the Companies owns all
right, title and interest in and to all of their respective Intellectual
Property listed on Schedule 3.22 hereto free and clear of all Liens (except for
Permitted Liens). Schedule 3.22 sets forth which of the Intellectual Property is
duly and properly registered with, as applicable, the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office, the Registrar of Copyrights and applicable foreign Governmental
Authorities in foreign jurisdictions. To the knowledge of the Companies and the
Stockholders, the Intellectual Property constitutes all such rights necessary to
the conduct of the Business as currently conducted.
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Except as set forth on Schedule 3.22, no adverse claims have been made and no
dispute has arisen with respect to the registered trademarks "Jeri-Jo,"
"Currants," "Jamie Scott," "Energie," "Energie bi Currants," "Cotton Spirit" or
"Arendine," and no adverse claims have been made and no disputes have arisen
with respect to the other Intellectual Property listed on Schedule 3.22 which
has had or would be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Except as set forth on Schedule 3.22, to the knowledge of each of the Companies
and each of the Stockholders, the operation of each of the Companies and the
Business and the use by each of the Companies of their respective Intellectual
Property do not involve infringement, violation or claimed infringement or
violation of any patent, trademark, service mark, tradename, copyright,
agreement, license or similar right, except for infringements and violations
which have not had or would not be reasonably expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.22 hereto, the execution and
delivery of this Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement (including the transfer of the Assets to the
Purchaser), will not affect the continuation, validity or effectiveness of any
Intellectual Property listed on Schedule 3.22 hereto or require the consent,
waiver, approval, authorization of, notice to, or designation, registration,
declaration or filing with, any Governmental Authority (other than the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office or the U.S. Registrar of Copyrights or applicable
foreign Governmental Authorities in foreign jurisdictions) or other Person in
respect of any Intellectual Property.
3.23 Power of Attorney; Bank Accounts, Etc. Except as set forth on
Schedule 3.23 hereto, none of the Companies has granted any power of attorney
(revocable or irrevocable) to any Person for any purpose whatsoever and no
Company has established any lockboxes to which payments to each of the Companies
may be sent by any customer or other Person. Set forth on Schedule 3.23 hereto
(i) is the name of each institution in which each of the Companies has a bank
account, securities account, safe-deposit box or any other similar account
relating to the Business, and (ii) are all marketable and other securities held
by either of the Companies.
3.24 Books and Records. The books and records of each of the
Companies are complete and correct in all material respects, have been
maintained in accordance with good business practices and fairly and accurately
reflect, in all material respects, the basis for the financial position and
results of operations of each of the Companies
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set forth in the Financial Statements. All such books and records have been made
available for inspection by the Purchaser and its representatives.
3.25 Litigation. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.25 hereto, there
are no actions or suits, and there are no investigations or proceedings by or
before any Governmental Authority, pending (for which service has been made) or,
to the knowledge of either of the Companies or any of the Stockholders,
threatened, against or by either of the Companies, against any of the Assets or
against or affecting any of the Premises; and, to the knowledge of either of the
Companies and each of the Stockholders, there are no existing facts which are
reasonably likely to result in any such action, suit, investigation or
proceeding which, if adversely determined, would be reasonably expected to have
a Material Adverse Effect. None of the matters set forth on Schedule 3.25 hereto
would reasonably be expected to have, if adversely determined against either of
the Companies, a Material Adverse Effect. None of the Companies is in default in
respect of any judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree of any court or of
any Federal, state, municipal or other government department, commission,
bureau, agency or instrumentality or any arbitrator, except where such default
has not had or would not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.
3.26 Location of Business and Assets. Set forth in Schedule 3.26
hereto is each and every location (specifying state, city and street address)
(each a "Company Location") where each of the Companies (a) has a place of
business, (b) leases real property or (c) owns, leases, maintains or stores or
uses any of the Assets, including Inventory (excluding Inventory in transit) or
Property.
3.27 Insider Interests; Intercompany Transactions. Except as set
forth in Schedule 3.27 hereto, to the knowledge of either of the Companies or
any of the Stockholders, no present or former affiliate, officer, director or
employee of either of the Companies, or family member of any of the foregoing,
or any corporation, partnership, trust or other entity in which any such
individual is an officer, director, employee, partner or stockholder, other than
in such Person's capacity as a stockholder of either of the Companies (a) is
presently a party to any transaction or arrangement with either of the Companies
relating to the Business (other than for services as officers, directors or
employees of either of the Companies), (b) to the knowledge of either of the
Companies or any of the Stockholders, owns any interest in, controls or is an
employee, officer, director, partner or stockholder
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or agent of, or consultant to any other entity which is a competitor, supplier
or customer or which is a landlord or tenant of either of the Companies with
respect to any aspect of the Business, (c) is indebted or liable to, owns any
interest in, or owns, holds or has guaranteed any obligation or debt of either
of the Companies relating to the Business other than compensation and
reimbursement obligations arising in the normal course of employment, or (d) has
acquired from or sold to either of the Companies any assets or properties owned
or leased by either of the Companies relating to the Business.
3.28 Investment.
(i) Each of the Companies and each of the Stockholders has had
access to Norton's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November
1, 1997, Norton's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended February
3, 1997, May 3, 1997, August 2, 1997 and January 31, 1998, Norton's 1998 Proxy
Statement and Norton's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated May 6, 1997, September
4, 1997 and September 30, 1997 (collectively, the "SEC Documents") and such
other information relating to the business and affairs of Norton which either of
the Companies or any of the Stockholders have reasonably requested, and all
additional information which either of the Companies or any of the Stockholders
have considered necessary to verify the accuracy of the information so received.
Each of the Companies and each of the Stockholders has had the opportunity to
ask questions of and receive answers from Norton concerning the business and
condition (financial and other) of Norton and concerning the terms and
conditions of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(ii) Each of the Companies and each of the Stockholders
understand and agree that, subject to certain restrictions set forth in Section
2.02 hereof, if requested so to do by the Purchaser, Norton has the obligation
to issue and deliver to each of the Companies the Earn Out Shares, if any, to be
delivered in connection with any Earn Out Payment pursuant to this Agreement,
all in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities
Act; that for such purpose the Purchaser and Norton will rely upon the
representations and warranties of each of the Companies and the Stockholders
contained in this Section 3.28 and in Section 4.03 hereof; and that such
exemption from registration may not be available unless such representations and
warranties are correct. Each of the Companies is an "accredited investor" as
such term is defined in Rule 501 under the Securities Act.
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(iii) Each of the Companies and each of the Stockholders
understand and agree that, under existing rules of the Commission, a holder may
be unable to sell its, his or her shares of Norton Common Stock, if any, except
to the extent that its, his or her shares of Norton Common Stock may be sold (i)
pursuant to an effective registration statement covering such shares pursuant to
the Securities Act, (ii) in transactions exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act or (iii) subject to the restrictions
contained in Rule 144.
(iv) Each of the Companies and each of the Stockholders are
familiar with the provisions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and the
limitations upon the availability and applicability of such rule.
(v) Subject to Section 2.04 hereof, each of the Companies and,
if applicable, each of the Stockholders will acquire any shares of Norton Common
Stock payable as part of the Earn Out Payment for its, his or her own respective
account and not with a present view to, or for sale in connection with, the
distribution thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act.
SECTION IV.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE STOCKHOLDERS
Each of the Stockholders, severally but not jointly, hereby
represents and warrants to the Purchaser and Norton, as of the date hereof and
as of the Closing Date, that:
4.01 Enforceability. This Agreement and, when executed by such
Stockholder, each other instrument or document required to be executed and
delivered by such Stockholder pursuant hereto constitutes, or when executed will
constitute, a valid and legally binding obligation of such Stockholder,
enforceable against such Stockholder in accordance with its terms, subject as to
enforceability to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and similar
laws affecting creditors' rights and general principles of equity.
4.02 No Legal Bar; Conflicts. Subject to the satisfaction of Section
9.04 hereof, neither the execution and delivery by such Stockholder of this
Agreement and the other instruments and documents required to be executed and
delivered by such Stockholder pursuant hereto, nor the consummation by such
Stockholder of the transactions
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44
contemplated hereby or thereby, violates, or violated, any statute, ordinance,
regulation, order, judgment or decree of any Government Authority, or will
result, or resulted, in any breach of any of the terms of or constitute, or
constituted, a default under or result, or resulted, in the termination of or
the creation of any Lien pursuant to the terms of or otherwise affect, or
affected, the continuation, validity or effectiveness of any material contract
or agreement to which such Stockholder (or any affiliate thereof) is a party or
by which such Stockholder (or such affiliate) or any of such Stockholder's (or
such affiliate's) assets or properties is bound. Except with respect to the HSR
Act or except as set forth on Schedule 3.03 hereto, no consents, approvals or
authorizations of, or filings with, any Governmental Authority or any other
Person are or were required in connection with the execution and delivery by
such Stockholder of this Agreement, any other instrument or document required to
be executed and delivered by such Stockholder pursuant hereto or the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
4.03 Accredited Investor. Each such Stockholder is an "accredited
investor" as such term is defined in Rule 501 under the Securities Act and, as
to such Stockholder, the representations and warranties set forth in Section
3.29 are true and correct.
SECTION V.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER AND NORTON
The Purchaser and Norton, jointly and severally, hereby represent
and warrant to each of the Companies, as of the date hereof and as of the date
of the Closing, that:
5.01 Organization. Each of the Purchaser and Norton is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Delaware. Each of the Purchaser and Norton is in good standing in the
States of New York and New Jersey which are the only jurisdictions in which the
failure so to qualify would have or would reasonably be expected to have, in the
aggregate, a material adverse effect on the businesses, affairs, properties,
assets, results of operations or condition (financial or other) of Norton and
its subsidiaries taken as a whole. Except for Miss Erika, Inc. and Norty's,
Inc., Norton and the Purchaser have no subsidiaries and own no capital stock or
other proprietary interest, directly or indirectly, in any other corporation,
association, trust, partnership, joint venture or other entity, nor has any
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agreement with any Person to acquire any such capital stock or other proprietary
interest. Each of Norton and the Purchaser have full corporate power, authority
and legal right and all necessary approvals, permits, licenses and
authorizations to own their respective properties, to conduct their respective
businesses and, as applicable, to enter into and consummate the transactions
contemplated under this Agreement, the Employment Agreements, the Guaranty, the
Warehouse Lease and under each other instrument and document required to be
executed and delivered by each of Norton and the Purchaser pursuant hereto (the
"Transaction Documents").
5.02 Authority. The execution and delivery of the Transaction
Documents by the Purchaser and/or Norton, as applicable, the performance by the
Purchaser and/or Norton, as applicable, of their respective covenants and
agreements thereunder and the consummation by the Purchaser and/or Norton, as
applicable, of the transactions contemplated thereby have been duly authorized
by all necessary corporate action, and each of the Transaction Documents
constitute a valid and legally binding obligation of the Purchaser and/or
Norton, as applicable, enforceable against the Purchaser and/or Norton, as
applicable, in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforceability to
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and similar laws affecting
creditors' rights and general principles of equity.
5.03 No Legal Bar; Conflicts. Neither the execution and delivery of
any of the Transaction Documents by the Purchaser or Norton, as applicable, nor
the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby by the Purchaser or
Norton, as applicable, violates any provision of the certificate of
incorporation or by-laws of the Purchaser or Norton, respectively, or, subject
to the satisfaction of Section 10.05, any statute, ordinance, regulation, order,
judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority, or conflicts with or will
result in any breach of any of the terms of or constitute a default under or
result in the termination of or the creation of any Lien pursuant to the terms
of or otherwise affect the continuation, validity or effectiveness of any
contract or agreement to which the Purchaser or Norton is a party or by which
the Purchaser or Norton or any of their respective assets is bound. Neither the
Purchaser nor Norton is subject to, or a party to, any charter or by-law
restriction, any law, any claim, any contract or instrument, any Lien or any
other restriction of any kind or character which would prevent the consummation
of the transactions contemplated by any of the Transaction Documents or
compliance with the terms, conditions and provisions thereof or the continued
operation
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of the Business by the Purchaser after the date hereof or the Closing Date on
substantially the same basis as heretofore operated, or which would restrict the
ability of the Purchaser to conduct the Business. Except with respect to the HSR
Act and the Securities Act, state securities laws and Securities Exchange
listing requirements (in respect of the agreements set forth in Section 2.04
hereof or in the Employment Agreements with respect to the issuance of options
and Norton Common Stock and the related registration thereof under the
Securities Act), no consents, approvals or authorizations of, or filings with,
any Governmental Authority or any other Person are required in connection with
the execution and delivery of any Transaction Document, or the consummation of
the transactions contemplated thereby by the Purchaser or Norton.
5.04 Norton Common Stock. Any shares of Norton Common Stock issued
pursuant to this Agreement or the Employment Agreements will be duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of Norton Common Stock and
have been duly reserved for issuance in accordance with the terms hereof.
5.05 SEC Documents. Norton is a reporting issuer under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), and is not on the list of
defaulting reporting issuers maintained by the Commission. All documents
required to be filed by Norton under the Exchange Act have been timely filed
with the Commission and at the time of filing complied in all material respects
with all applicable regulations and requirements under the Exchange Act. None of
such documents, at the time of filing, contained any untrue statement of a
material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary in order to make the statement therein not misleading in light of
the circumstances under which they were made. Copies of all such documents have
been previously made available to the Companies and the Stockholders. Norton is
eligible to use Form S-3 (as to selling stockholders only) under the Rules and
Regulations of the Securities Act and has satisfied all requirements applicable
to it to enable the Stockholders and/or the Stockholder Representative to use
Rule 144 in accordance with its terms.
5.06 Ownership and Conduct of the Purchaser. The Purchaser (i) is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Norton, (ii) was formed solely to acquire the
Business as contemplated in this Agreement, (iii) has not conducted any business
activities or incurred any obligations prior to the date of this Agreement and
(iv) on the date of this Agreement does
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not conduct any business activities or have any liabilities other than under the
Transaction Documents.
5.07 Compliance with Laws. Norton is conducting its business in
compliance with all applicable laws of each jurisdiction in which its business
is carried on, except where non-compliance does not have a material adverse
effect on the assets, businesses, affairs, properties, results of operations or
condition (financial or other) of Norton and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.
SECTION VI.
CONDUCT OF THE BUSINESS PRIOR TO CLOSING
(a) Conduct Prior to Closing. Each of the Companies hereby covenants
and agrees with the Purchaser and Norton that, from and after the date of this
Agreement and until the Closing, each of the Companies shall not (and each
Stockholder hereby covenants and agrees with the Purchaser and Norton not to
permit either of the Companies to):
6.01 Operation of the Business. Operate or otherwise conduct their
respective businesses other than in the ordinary course of business and in a
manner substantially consistent with past practices, including make a purchase,
sale or lease, or introduce any method of management, accounting or operation
other than in the ordinary course of business and in a manner consistent with
past practices.
6.02 Preservation of Organization, Employees and Business
Relationships. Fail to use their respective reasonable efforts to (a) preserve
the present business organization of each of the Companies intact, (b) keep
available the services of the present key employees of each of the Companies,
and (c) in the exercise of prudent business judgment, preserve present
relationships with material customers, suppliers and purchasing agents and other
Persons having material business dealings with either of the Companies.
6.03 Encumbrances and Sales. Without limiting Section 10.06(a)
hereof, permit any Lien on or against any of the Assets, other than Permitted
Liens, or sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of the Assets, other than
the sale of inventory in the ordinary course of business and in a manner
consistent with past practices, except where such Lien, sale, transfer or
disposition would not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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6.04 Documents, Etc. Subject to Confidentiality Agreements (i) dated
August 14, 1997 among Norton and the Companies (the "Norton Confidentiality
Agreement") and (ii) dated March 11, 1998 among the Companies, Norton, the
Purchaser and Sharretts, Paley, Carter and Blauvelt, P.C. (the "Customs
Confidentiality Agreement"; and together with the Norton Confidentiality
Agreement collectively, the "Confidentiality Agreements"), fail to furnish to
the Purchaser, its counsel, accountants and authorized representatives, such
financial, legal and other documents, records and information relating to either
of the Companies, the Business and the Assets as the Purchaser or its counsel,
accountants or authorized representatives may from time to time reasonably
request.
6.05 Cooperation. Fail to use their respective best efforts to
obtain all consents and approvals necessary for the sale of the Assets and the
consummation of the other transactions contemplated hereby, including the
Financing Transactions, including the furnishing of all financial and other
information reasonably required by the Person whose consent or approval is being
sought or reasonably required by Norton or other Persons in connection with the
Financing Transactions.
6.06 Other Actions. Take any action of fail to take any action which
would result in a violation or other breach of any representation or warranty of
either of the Companies contained herein.
(b) Indebtedness. The Purchaser and Norton consent and agree that,
subject to compliance by the Companies with Section 10.10(b) hereof, from and
after the date of this Agreement to the Closing Date, the Stockholder
Representative and the Stockholders may, at their option, cause the Companies to
make cash distributions to the Stockholder Representative and the Stockholders,
including, but not limited to, declaring cash dividends ("Cash Dividends"), in
such amounts that are in excess of the amount of combined assets of the
Companies necessary to maintain an aggregate of $15 million in Book Value of the
Companies, on a combined basis, and that to the extent the Companies do not make
such distributions in whole or in part from available cash, the Stockholder
Representative and the Stockholders may cause either or both of the Companies to
borrow money (in addition to the normal ordinary course borrowings of the
Companies, including, but not limited to, letters of credit) from their lenders
in an amount, for such purposes, not to exceed $15 million in the aggregate,
which borrowing shall be repaid by the Purchaser at the Closing pursuant to
Sections 7.13 and 9.08 hereof.
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SECTION VII.
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS OF EACH OF THE
COMPANIES, NORTON AND THE PURCHASER
7.01 Company Acquisition Proposal. Each of the Companies and each of
the Stockholders covenant and agree that, from and after the date of this
Agreement and until the earlier to occur of the Closing and the termination of
this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.02 hereof, no such Person shall directly or
indirectly (a) take any action to solicit, initiate or encourage any Company
Acquisition Proposal or (b) engage in negotiations with, or disclose any
nonpublic information relating to either of the Companies or afford access to
the properties, books or records of either of the Companies to, any Person that
may be considering making, or has made, a Company Acquisition Proposal. Each of
the Companies and each Stockholder shall promptly notify the Purchaser after
receipt by either of the Companies or such Stockholder of a Company Acquisition
Proposal or any indication known to either of the Companies or any Stockholder
that any Person is considering making a Company Acquisition Proposal or any
request for nonpublic information relating to either of the Companies or for
access to the properties, books or records of either of the Companies by any
Person that may be considering making, or has made, a Company Acquisition
Proposal. For purposes of this Agreement, "Company Acquisition Proposal" means
any offer or proposal for, or any indication of interest in, or any negotiations
or discussions concerning, a merger or other business combination involving
either of the Companies, the acquisition of any equity interest in either of the
Companies (whether from either of the Companies or from any of the
Stockholders), or the acquisition of all or a substantial portion of the assets
of either of the Companies, other than the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
7.02 Publicity. Each of the Companies and each of the Stockholders
covenant and agree that any and all publicity (whether written or oral) and
notices to or other communications with third parties (including any public
announcement) by any of them concerning the sale of the Assets and other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be approved in writing by the
Purchaser, Norton, the Companies, the Stockholders and the Stockholder
Representative. Attached as Exhibit C is a Form of Press Release concerning the
sale of the Assets and other transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be
released upon execution and delivery of this Agreement.
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7.03 Further Assurances and Books and Records. (a) Subject to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement, prior to and after the Closing, each of
the Purchaser, Norton, each of the Companies and each Stockholder shall use
their respective best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to
do, or cause to be done, all things necessary or desirable, including under
applicable laws and regulations, to consummate and otherwise give effect to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Financing Transactions, in
any case to be consummated by such Person.
(b) With respect to the books and records of each of the Companies
as set forth in Section 1.01(a)(viii), which are among the Assets, (i) for a
period of six (6) years after the date hereof, the Purchaser and Norton shall
not cause or permit their destruction or disposal without first offering to
surrender such records to each of the Companies and each of the Stockholders and
(ii) during such period, the Purchaser and Norton shall allow each of the
Companies and each of the Stockholders and its representatives reasonable access
to such books and records in their possession during regular business hours on
reasonable prior written notice.
7.04 Correspondence, Funds, Etc. (a) Each of the Companies and each
Stockholder covenant and agree that, subsequent to the Closing, each of the
Companies and each Stockholder shall deliver to the Purchaser, promptly after
the receipt thereof and in the form received, all inquiries, correspondence and
other items and materials received by either of the Companies or such
Stockholder, as applicable, from any Person relating to the Business (other than
the Excluded Assets or the Excluded Liabilities) or any of the Assets. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, subsequent to the Closing, each of the
Companies and each of the Stockholders covenant and agree to mail promptly any
funds and any checks, notes, drafts and other instruments for the payment of
money, duly endorsed to the Purchaser, received by either of the Companies or
such Stockholder, as applicable, comprising payment of any accounts, notes or
other Receivables of, or other amounts owed to, either of the Companies (except
with respect to payments made hereunder by the Purchaser or Norton to the
Companies), or otherwise constituting part of the Assets. From and after the
Closing, the Purchaser shall have the right and authority to endorse, without
recourse, the name of either of the Companies, as applicable, on any check,
note, draft, instrument or any other evidence of indebtedness received by the
Purchaser on account of any account, note or other Receivable, or other amounts
owed to, either of the
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Companies, or otherwise constituting part of the Assets, and each of the
Companies shall deliver to the Purchaser at the Closing such documents
(including powers of attorney) as may be reasonably requested by the Purchaser
to permit the Purchaser to negotiate, cash or otherwise deposit in bank accounts
in the name of the Purchaser each such check, note, draft, instrument or other
evidence of indebtedness.
(b) Each of the Purchaser and Norton covenant and agree that,
subsequent to the Closing, each of the Purchaser and Norton shall deliver to the
Companies, promptly after the receipt thereof and in the form received, any
funds and any checks, notes, drafts and other instruments for the payment of
money duly endorsed to the Companies, in any case comprising Excluded Assets,
and all inquiries, correspondence and other items and materials received by the
Purchaser or Norton, as applicable, from any Person which constitute or which
relate to the Excluded Assets or the Excluded Liabilities.
7.05 Discharge of Obligations. (a) Each of the Companies and each
Stockholder covenant and agree, subsequent to the Closing, that each of the
Companies shall promptly and timely pay and otherwise fulfill and discharge all
respective obligations and liabilities of either of the Companies and the
Business which are Excluded Liabilities, in all cases when due and payable and
otherwise prior to the time at which any of such obligations or liabilities
could in any way result in or give rise to a claim against any of the Assets,
the Business or the Purchaser (or any of its employees, officers, directors,
stockholders or other affiliates), result in any Lien on any of the Assets, or
adversely affect the Purchaser's title to or use of any of the Assets.
(b) The Purchaser and Norton covenant and agree, subsequent to the
Closing, that the Purchaser shall promptly and timely pay and otherwise fulfill
and discharge all Assumed Liabilities, in all cases when due and payable and
otherwise prior to the time at which such obligations or liabilities could in
any way result in or give rise to a claim by any third party against either of
the Companies or any of the Stockholders.
7.06 Projections. Except as set forth in Section III, Norton and the
Purchaser acknowledge and agree that neither of the Companies nor any of the
Stockholders will have any liability to Norton, the Purchaser or any other third
party (including, without limitation, any investor in any financing by Norton
under Rule 144A of the Securities Act or any lender in connection with the
transactions
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contemplated herein) with regard to any forecasted or projected financial
information concerning the Companies.
7.07 Employees. (a) As of the Closing Date, the Purchaser shall
offer employment, at current pay rates and otherwise upon terms which, as a
whole, are no less favorable than those in effect prior to the Closing, to all
those individuals actively employed (including employees who are absent from
work due to disability, illness, vacation or leave of absence and continue to be
employed by one of the Companies) as of the Closing Date by the each of
Companies in the Business (all such employees, the "Employees"), and as of the
Closing Date each of the Companies shall terminate all of the Employees;
provided, however, in no event shall Employees be offered benefits as a whole
less favorable than those benefits provided to similarly situated employees of
Norton. All Employees who accept employment with the Purchaser shall be referred
to herein as "Transferred Employees." For purposes of the Purchaser's or
Norton's employee benefit plans and policies, as applicable, to the extent
permitted or contemplated by such plans and policies, the Purchaser shall give
credit to employees who accept such offer for their respective periods of
employment with either of the Companies. Subject to the foregoing, Section 7.12
hereof and the terms of any Contracts, nothing herein shall be deemed either to
affect or to limit in any way the management prerogatives of the Purchaser with
respect to the Employees who accept such offer of employment (including without
limitation, the right of the Purchaser to modify compensation or the right of
the Purchaser to terminate the employment of any Employee), or to create or to
grant to Transferred Employees any third-party beneficiary rights or claims or
causes of action of any kind or nature against the Purchaser or its affiliates.
Nothing herein shall prevent the Purchaser from terminating any such Transferred
Employee at any time for any reason as determined by the Purchaser in its sole
discretion.
(b) Pursuant to Treasury Reg. ss. 31.3121(a)(1)-1(b), for purposes
of FICA tax withholding, the Purchaser shall treat all wages (within the meaning
of Section 3121(a) of the Code) paid by either of the Companies in 1998 to each
Transferred Employee as paid by the Purchaser. Pursuant to Section 5 of Rev.
Proc. 96-60, 1996-2 C.B. 399, the Purchaser and each of the Companies agree that
the Form W-2 (Employee's Wage and Tax Statement) furnished by the Purchaser to
each Transferred Employee shall include wages and other compensation paid, and
taxes withheld, during 1998 by either of the Companies and the Purchaser. At or
prior to the Closing, each of the Companies shall transfer to the Purchaser a
current Form W-4 (Employee's Withholding
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Allowance Certificate) for each Transferred Employee. Each of the Companies and
the Purchaser agree to include a statement (with the relevant information
described in Section 5 of Rev. Proc. 96-60) with their respective Forms 941
(Employer's Quarterly Tax Return) for the calendar quarter during which the
Closing occurs, apprising the Internal Revenue Service of the foregoing
arrangements.
(c) Jeri-Jo currently sponsors and maintains the Jeri-Jo Savings and
Investment Plan (the "Jeri-Jo 401(k) Plan"). Effective as of the Closing, the
Purchaser shall assume, and continue to maintain during the Earn-Out Period
(unless otherwise agreed to by the Purchaser and the Stockholders), the Jeri-Jo
401(k) Plan pursuant to the Employee Benefit Assumption Agreement attached
hereto as Exhibit J.
(d) (i) Effective as of the Closing, the Purchaser shall provide (x)
during their lifetime and to the extent permitted by applicable law, Leonard
Schneider and Lillian Schneider with medical and health coverage to the extent
and on the same terms and conditions provided by the Companies on the date
hereof, (y) following their respective termination of employment with the
Purchaser, to the extent permitted by applicable law, each of the Stockholders
during their lifetime with medical and health coverage to the extent and on the
same terms and conditions provided by the Purchaser on the date of the
applicable termination of employment and (z) during the Earn Out Period, each
Transferred Employee with medical coverage under medical and health plans
currently maintained by the Companies for such Transferred Employees.
Thereafter, at the option of the Purchaser, medical coverage may be provided
under a new Purchaser sponsored medical and health plan (as defined in section
3(1) of ERISA). In such event, the Purchaser shall use its best efforts to cause
its insurance carriers to waive all applicable waiting periods and limitations
as to pre-existing conditions with respect to participation and coverage
requirements applicable to Transferred Employees under any medical and health
plan maintained by Purchaser for Transferred Employees after the Closing. In
addition, in such event each Transferred Employee shall be given credit for
amounts paid under a corresponding Jeri-Jo medical and health plan during the
same period for purposes of applying deductibles, copayments and annual
out-of-pocket maximums.
(ii) The parties hereto expressly acknowledge that the
Purchaser shall be obligated to provide COBRA coverage to (A) all Employees that
do not become Transferred Employees, and (B) all former employees of the
Companies who
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are currently provided COBRA coverage under a plan sponsored by the Companies.
(e) Each Transferred Employee shall be credited by the Purchaser or
any of its Affiliates with any unused vacation time earned by such Transferred
Employee under the Companies' policies applicable to such Transferred Employee
prior to the Closing. Such credited vacation time shall be in addition to the
vacation time earned under the Purchaser's policy applicable to such Transferred
Employee after the Closing.
(f) The Companies, the Stockholders and the Purchaser agree to
cooperate to carry out the duties and responsibilities contained in this Section
7.07. In addition, the Companies and the Stockholders agree to make available to
the Purchaser such information as the Purchaser may reasonably request to
facilitate the determination of (i) the period of service of any Transferred
Employee with the Companies or any of their Affiliates prior to the Closing and
(ii) such other information as the Purchaser may reasonably request to carry out
the provisions of this Section 7.07.
7.08 RESERVED
7.09 HSR Filing. The parties hereto recognize that a pre-merger
notification must be filed with the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") and the
Department of Justice (the "DOJ") pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act") and each of the Companies
and the Stockholders, on the one hand, and the Purchaser, on the other hand,
hereby agree to cooperate fully with each other to supply and file the required
documentation. The parties hereto agree that, promptly following the execution
of this Agreement by all parties (but in no event later than five (5) business
days following such execution), Norton and each of the Companies will prepare
and file with the FTC and the DOJ all required documents under the HSR Act,
including a complete notification and report form, will seek early termination
of the HSR Act waiting period in connection with such filing, will fully
cooperate with each other in connection with the preparation and filing of such
documents, and will use their respective best efforts to promptly comply with
all formal or informal requests for additional information by the FTC or the DOJ
in respect of such filing.
7.10 Cooperation; Access. The Companies and the Stockholders
acknowledge and agree that, on or prior to the Closing Date, the Purchaser and
Norton intend to effect a
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sale of debt securities pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, to enter
into a new or amended revolving credit and letter of credit facility and/or to
effect other forms of financing (collectively, the "Financing Transactions"). In
connection therewith, each of the Companies and each of the Stockholders
acknowledge and agree that each of the Companies and each of the Stockholders
shall use their respective best efforts to cooperate with the Purchaser and
Norton and allow access by the Purchaser, Norton and their representatives and
lenders (which representatives and lenders shall be limited to the following:
representatives of Haythe & Curley, Ernst & Young LLP, SBC Warburg Dillon Read &
Co. Inc., NationsBanc Commercial Corporation, The CIT Group/Commercial Services,
Inc., Fleet Bank N.A. and First Union Bank N.A.) to the business locations,
books and records, personnel, independent public accountants, attorneys and
other agents or advisors of each of the Companies and to such other places,
Persons and information as the Purchaser, Norton and such underwriters and
lenders shall reasonably request in connection with the preparation of an
offering memorandum or other similar document, in connection with such Financing
Transactions and in connection with the review, analysis and preparation of any
other agreements, documents, notices, directions, instructions, orders,
certificates, schedules, exhibits, contracts, notes, instruments, drafts,
supplements, receipts, filings or other papers as the Purchaser, Norton and such
underwriters or lenders deem necessary or appropriate to consummate the
transactions contemplated by the Financing Transactions.
7.11 Fiscal Year 1997 Audit. Each of the Companies and each
Stockholder covenant and agree that each shall use its best efforts to cause
Friedman promptly to deliver the audited balance sheets and statements of
operations and cash flows for each of the Companies at and for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1997 to the Purchaser, together with a statement of Adjusted
EBITDA prepared by Friedman and computed in accordance with the definition
thereof, which statement shall be accompanied by a written statement to the
Purchaser from Friedman stating that such accountants have reviewed such
statement and that Adjusted EBITDA set forth in such statement has been
calculated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement (the foregoing
statement of Adjusted EBITDA and written statement from Friedman collectively,
the "Statement of Adjusted EBITDA").
7.12 Operation of the Purchaser After the Closing. (a) From the
Closing Date and continuing until the Earn Out Payment Date or the Determination
Date, as applicable,
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Norton and the Purchaser covenant and agree and the Companies and the
Stockholders acknowledge and understand as follows:
(i) As between the Purchaser and Norton, the Purchaser (and
not Norton) will conduct the businesses in which the Companies are currently
engaged and all businesses developed by the Purchaser after the Closing Date,
and Norton and its other subsidiaries (and not the Purchaser, without the
consent of such of Susan Schneider, Leslie Schneider and Scott Schneider as
shall continue in the employ of the Purchaser at the applicable time) will
conduct the business in which Norton and its other subsidiaries are currently
engaged. Accordingly, for purposes of calculating EBITDA, all revenues and
expenses arising from the conduct of business by the Purchaser after the
Closing, including the use of the Intellectual Property currently used by the
Companies and constituting part of the Assets or developed by the Purchaser
subsequent to the Closing Date, will belong to and be the responsibility of the
Purchaser and will be accounted for in determining EBITDA.
(ii) Susan Schneider, Leslie Schneider and Scott Schneider,
for so long as such of them is employed by the Purchaser and subject to the
terms and conditions of their respective Employment Agreements, (i) shall serve
as the President, Vice President and Vice President, respectively, of the
Purchaser and (ii) subject to the ultimate control (in the good faith exercise
of his duties) of the Vice Chairman of the Board of the Purchaser (presently
Peter Boneparth), but if Mr. Boneparth changes titles with the Purchaser, then
to Mr. Boneparth in such capacity, Susan Schneider, Leslie Schneider and Scott
Schneider shall have day-to-day management control over the Purchaser's business
and operations, including without limitation, signing power on all bank accounts
of the Purchaser, sourcing matters, sales practices, pricing of merchandise,
inventory matters, mark-down allowances, customer discounts, renting of real and
personal property, including the opening or closing of or access to showrooms
and warehouse facilities, the hiring, firing and compensation of other employees
of and consultants to the Purchaser, and the retention of professional advisors
(including, but not limited to, attorneys, accountants (subject to the
provisions of Section 7.12(b) hereof) and customs brokers), all with authority
and discretion consistent with past practices of the Companies. In the event
that Susan Schneider, Leslie Schneider or Scott Schneider are not serving in the
foregoing capacities of the Purchaser, for whatever reason, including as a
result of a termination under their respective Employment Agreement,
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replacement(s) shall be selected by Leslie Schneider, Susan Schneider or Scott
Schneider, as applicable, if any such person remains in the employ of the
Purchaser, subject to approval of the Vice Chairman of the Board of the
Purchaser (presently Peter Boneparth) (it being agreed that such replacement may
be selected from Norton's or Purchaser's management ranks) and, for purposes of
the calculation of EBITDA, such replacement(s)' compensation and benefits shall
not exceed the amounts paid or payable, as applicable, pursuant to Susan
Schneider's, Leslie Schneider's or Scott Schneider's respective Employment
Agreement.
(iii) Without limiting the terms of Sections 2.02(c), 9.07 and
10.08 hereof, Norton shall make available in a timely fashion to the Purchaser
from bank or other financial institution sources working capital (including but
not limited to letters of credit) at levels sufficient to effectuate the
Purchaser's business plans, including, without limitation, timely payment of
obligations to third parties not being contested in good faith, which business
plan for Year 1 (the "Business Plan") has been agreed upon by Norton, on the one
hand, and Susan, Leslie and Scott Schneider, on the other hand, and which is
attached hereto as Schedule 7.12(iii), and which business plan for Year 2 will
be developed in good faith by Susan Schneider, Leslie Schneider and Scott
Schneider (for so long as each of them is employed by the Purchaser) (including
in consultation with Bruce Madnick of Friedman), and shall be submitted for the
approval of the Vice Chairman of the Board of the Purchaser (presently Peter
Boneparth), but if Mr. Boneparth changes titles with the Purchaser, then to Mr.
Boneparth in such capacity, and the Board of Directors of Norton, all acting in
good faith. Although the determination to effect any Replacement Credit
Facility, and the terms and conditions of such Replacement Credit Facility,
shall, at all times be initiated by and subject to the control of Norton and the
Purchaser, Norton and the Purchaser shall undertake any Replacement Credit
Facility in good faith and with due regard to the credit requirements of the
Purchaser hereinabove set forth in this clause (iii) and with due regard to the
occurrence of an Acceleration Event pursuant to Section 2.02(c)(i) in the event
that the aggregate face amount of letters of credit available to the Purchaser
shall be less than $45,000,000 (including outstanding letters of credit opened
by the Purchaser).
(iv) Norton, on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries (other
than the Purchaser), agrees that without the consent of Susan Schneider, Leslie
Schneider and Scott Schneider (or if only one or two of such Persons remains in
the employ of the Purchaser, such remaining Person or
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Persons), for so long as each of them is employed by the Purchaser, it will not
utilize, for other than the Purchaser, either of the Companies' proprietary
information, including such information concerning the sourcing of manufacturing
by the Companies outside of the United States, their respective purchasing
agents, and any information related to their respective products (including but
not limited to product lines and channels of distribution), provided that
nothing herein shall limit Norton's or any of its subsidiaries' ability to
maintain commercial relationships with any suppliers, purchasing agents or other
Persons with whom Norton or any such subsidiary presently does business.
(v) Without limiting the provisions of Section 2.02(b) hereof,
Friedman and the Stockholders shall, through the Earn Out Payment Date or, if
applicable, the Determination Date, if any, have reasonable access to the
accounting books and records and personnel of the Purchaser, including the
Purchaser's budget and operations reports. The Companies and each Stockholder
severally acknowledge and agree that Norton and the Purchaser could be
irreparably damaged if any of the information obtained by Friedman, the
Companies or such Stockholder as a result of the foregoing access or as a result
of the disclosure of the information provided pursuant to Section 2.02(b) hereof
were disclosed (other than to each other and their respective advisors) or used
in any way (other than to calculate EBITDA and other than to prepare the
Quarterly Financials), and each of the Companies and each of the Stockholders
severally covenant and agree that such Person will not, without the prior
written consent of Norton, disclose (or permit to be disclosed) (other than to
each other and their respective advisors) or use in any way (other than to
calculate EBITDA) any such information unless (i) compelled to disclose such by
a judicial or administrative process or, in the written opinion of their
counsel, by any requirement of law, (ii) such is available to the public or the
apparel industry in general through no fault of the Companies or such
Stockholder, or (iii) such becomes available to the Companies or Stockholders
from a third-party who is under no confidential or fiduciary obligation to the
Purchaser or Norton with respect to such information.
(vi) Norton agrees to cause the factoring of the accounts
receivable of the Purchaser to be effected on a "non-notification" basis for the
Purchaser's entire accounts receivable, to the extent that such factoring is
made available by Norton's factors and/or lenders to such factors' and/or
lenders' other commercial customers; provided in the event that to the extent
that such "non-notification" factoring is not available, the parties hereto
agree that the Purchaser shall ship merchandise on a non-factored basis.
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(b) Norton and the Purchaser acknowledge that Friedman from the
Closing Date and continuing until the Earn Out Payment Date, shall prepare and
deliver to Norton, the Purchaser and each of the Stockholders a balance sheet,
statement of operations and statement of cash flows for the Purchaser and its
consolidated subsidiaries for each of the Purchaser's fiscal quarters following
the Closing Date and continuing until the Earn Out Payment Date (collectively,
the "Quarterly Financials"). Each of the Companies and each of the Stockholders
covenant and agree to use their best efforts to cause Friedman (i) to provide
reasonable access to all relevant personnel of Friedman and to permit Norton,
the Purchaser and Ernst & Young LLP (or such other independent auditors retained
by Norton) to review and to make copies of the relevant work papers and other
information utilized by Friedman in connection with the preparation of the
Quarterly Financials and (ii) to timely prepare and deliver the Quarterly
Financials to Norton, including within 30 days after the closing of each of the
Purchaser's fiscal quarters and within 60 days after the end of each of the
Purchaser's fiscal years. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
herein, each of the parties hereto acknowledges and agrees that (a) Ernst &
Young LLP (or such other independent auditors retained by Norton) shall serve as
the independent public accountants for Norton and its subsidiaries, including
the Purchaser, and in such capacity shall, without limitation, certify the
financial statements of Norton and its subsidiaries, including the Purchaser,
(b) the Purchaser shall be responsible for the fees and expenses of Friedman in
connection with the matters contemplated by this Agreement to be conducted by
Friedman, and (c) all fees and expenses of Friedman (in connection with such
matters) and Ernst & Young LLP (or such other independent auditors retained by
Norton) (in connection with its audit and other accounting matters involving the
Purchaser and its subsidiaries), up to $300,000 in each year, shall be included
in the calculation of EBIDTA for all purposes hereof, including Section 2.02
hereof.
(c) The parties acknowledge and confirm that a material inducement
for the parties to enter into the transactions contemplated hereby are covenants
contained in this Section 7.12, the breach of which would constitute a
substantial and material breach of this Agreement. In the event of such a
breach, the non-breaching parties shall be entitled, in addition to the
contractual provisions set forth herein, to all rights and remedies available to
them at law or in equity.
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7.13 Chase/Marine Indebtedness. (a) Norton and the Purchaser
covenant and agree with the Companies and the Stockholders, at the Closing:
(i) to arrange for the issuance of "back-to-back" letters of credit,
indemnities or other arrangements to support the outstanding letters
of credit (the "Letters of Credit") constituting a portion of the
Chase/Marine Indebtedness, all on terms and conditions reasonably
acceptable to the Stockholders, Companies, Chase, Marine and the
Purchaser, and at all times subject to the terms and conditions of
Section 9.06 and 10.08 hereof;
(ii) to effect the repayment of all outstanding borrowings constituting a
portion of the Chase/Marine Indebtedness, at all times subject to
the terms and conditions of Sections VI(b) and 10.10(b) hereof; and
(iii) to arrange for the cancellation and release by Chase and Marine of
the guarantees by the Stockholders, the Stockholder Representative
and Jamie Scott of the Chase/Marine Indebtedness, at all times
subject to the terms and conditions of Sections VI(b) and 10.10(b)
hereof.
7.14 Board of Directors. Effective at the Closing, Norton shall make
available to two persons designated in writing by the Stockholder Representative
to Norton on or before the Closing Date observation rights with respect to all
meetings of Norton's Board of Directors held prior to the later of the Earn Out
Payment Date or the Determination Date, if applicable.
7.15 Use of Trademark. Each of the Companies, each of the
Stockholders and the Stockholder Representative covenant and agree not to use
the trademark "Rachel Max" in connection with any business or other activity
which competes with any of the businesses conducted by Norton, the
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Purchaser or any other subsidiary of Norton on or after the Closing Date.
7.16 Prepayment of IDB Financing. Each of the Companies and each of
the Stockholders covenant and agree to (i) cause 80 Carter Associates to give
notice (the "IDB Prepayment Notice") on or before the Closing Date under the
Loan Agreement dated November 1, 1984 (the "IDB Loan Agreement") between New
Jersey Economic Development Authority and 80 Carter Associates and (ii) cause
Marine Midland Bank, N.A., as Trustee ("MMB") to (a) give notice under the
Indenture of Trust dated November 1, 1984 between the New Jersey Economic
Development Authority and MMB (the "IDB Indenture") to the owners of the bonds
related thereto (the "IDB Financing Bonds") and (b) send a request to the owners
of the IDB Financing Bonds regarding their consent to the waiver of certain of
the terms and provisions under the IDB Indenture, all as necessary to attempt to
effect a prepayment on or before May 29, 1998 (the "IDB Prepayment Date") of all
amounts due and owing under the IDB Loan Agreement, the IDB Indenture, the IDB
Financing Bonds and all of the other documents executed in connection therewith
(collectively, the "IDB Financing Documents"). Each of the Companies and each of
the Stockholders covenant and agree on the Closing Date or as soon thereafter as
is permitted by the IDB Financing Documents, (i) to cause all amounts owing in
respect of the IDB Financing Bonds to be repaid, (ii) to cause all Liens on the
assets securing such indebtedness under the IDB Financing Documents (including
the IDB Financing Bonds) to be released and (iii) to cause the execution,
delivery and filing of any UCC-3 Termination Statements and other documents
necessary to release or evidence the release of such Liens in all required
jurisdictions. Each of the Companies and each of the Stockholders covenant and
agree, on or before the Closing Date, if requested by the Purchaser, Norton and
the Purchaser's lenders, (a) to deposit with MMB all amounts owing in respect of
the IDB Financing Documents, all for application to the prepayment in full of
the IDB Financing Bonds on the IDB Prepayment Date or as soon thereafter as is
permitted by the IDB Financing Documents and (b) to enter into such other
arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser, Norton and Purchaser's
lenders as shall be reasonably necessary to assure the prepayment of the IDB
Financing Bonds in full on the IDB Prepayment Date or as soon thereafter as is
permitted by the IDB Financing Documents and the release of all Liens securing
the IDB Financing Documents on the date of the prepayment of the IDB Financing
Bonds. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Companies and Stockholders shall not
be required to cause all amounts owing in respect of the IDB Financing Bonds
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under the IDB Financing Documents to be repaid as aforesaid in the event that,
on or before the Closing Date, all Liens on the Assets securing such
indebtedness under the IDB Financing Documents (including the IDB Financing
Bonds) are released on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the
Purchaser and the Purchaser's lenders, and any and all UCC-3 Termination
Statements and other documents necessary or appropriate to release or evidence
the release of such Liens in all required jurisdictions have been executed and
delivered to the Purchaser, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
the Purchaser and the Purchaser's lenders.
7.17 1407 Broadway. The Companies and the Purchaser shall use their
respective reasonable best efforts to negotiate mutually agreeable terms upon
which, effective on the Closing Date or as soon thereafter as is practicable,
the Purchaser shall lease the space presently leased by Jeri-Jo on the 28th and
29th floors of 1407 Broadway, New York, New York.
7.18 Termination of Letter of Credit. Each of the Companies and each
of the Stockholders covenant and agree, promptly following the payment in full
of the Earn Out Payment, to deliver to the Purchaser and/or Norton the Letter of
Credit for cancellation. It is understood and agreed by the Companies and the
Stockholders that upon such delivery, the Letter of Credit shall be cancelled
and shall have no further force or effect. The Companies and each of the
Stockholders covenant and agree to execute and deliver and to cause to be
executed and delivered by the Stockholder Representative (or his successor or
permitted assigns) such agreements and documents as shall be reasonably
requested by the Purchaser and/or Norton to give effect to the foregoing.
SECTION VIII.
CLOSING
8.01 Time and Place of Closing. Subject to the terms and conditions
hereof, the closing of the purchase and sale of the Assets as set forth herein
(the "Closing") shall be held at 10:00 A.M. at the offices of Haythe & Curley,
237 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017 on the fifth business day after the
later of the termination or expiration of the applicable waiting period (and any
extension thereof) under the HSR Act or the satisfaction or waiver of all other
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conditions precedent set forth in Sections IX and X hereof, or such other time,
date and place as the Purchaser and the Stockholder Representative shall
mutually agree (such date upon which the Closing occurs is herein referred to as
the "Closing Date").
8.02 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated, and the
transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned:
(a) at any time before the Closing, by written agreement of both of
the Companies and the Purchaser;
(b) at any time before the Closing, by the Purchaser or both of the
Companies in writing in the event that any Governmental Authority shall have
issued an order, decree, ruling or taken any other action restraining, enjoining
or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
such order, decree, ruling or other action shall have become final and
nonappealable;
(c) at any time before the Closing and after August 31, 1998 (the
"Termination Date"), by the Purchaser or both of the Companies in writing, if
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have not been consummated on or
before the Termination Date and such terminating party or parties are not (and,
in the case of the Companies, none of the Stockholders is and, in the case of
the Purchaser, Norton is not) then in material breach of this Agreement;
(d) at any time before the Closing, by the Purchaser in writing as
set forth in Section 10.03 hereof; and
(e) at any time before the Closing, by either the Purchaser or both
of the Companies in writing if such terminating party or parties are not (and,
in the case of the Companies, none of the Stockholders is and, in the case of
the Purchaser, Norton is not) then in material breach of this Agreement and the
nonterminating party or parties (or, in the case of the Companies, any of the
Stockholders) shall (i) fail to timely perform in any material respect its or
their agreements contained herein required to be performed on or prior to the
Closing Date or (ii) breach in any material respect any of its or their
representations or warranties contained herein.
8.03 Effect on Obligations. (a) Termination of this Agreement
pursuant to Section 8.02 above shall terminate all obligations and liabilities
of the parties to
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each other hereunder, except (i) for the obligations under this Section 8.03 and
under Sections 8.04, 8.05, XII, 13.03 and 13.04 hereof, (ii) under the Escrow
Agreement and (iii) under the Confidentiality Agreements. In furtherance of the
foregoing, the parties hereto agree that the rights and remedies set forth in
this Section 8.03 (including by reference to Sections 8.04, 8.05, XII, 13.03 and
13.04 hereof, to the Escrow Agreement and to the Confidentiality Agreements)
shall be the sole and exclusive remedy available to the parties hereto upon a
termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.02 above.
(b) Without limiting the provisions of Section 8.04 hereof, in the
event of a termination of this Agreement pursuant to clause (e) of Section 8.02
above by the Purchaser where either of the Companies or any of the Stockholders
are then in material breach of their respective representations and warranties
(other than by reason of the delivery of an Update Notice) or in material and
willful breach of their respective agreements contained herein (and but for such
breach, the Purchaser and Norton stand ready, willing and able to satisfy the
Companies' conditions to close the transactions contemplated hereby contained in
Section IX hereof), the Companies and the Stockholders, jointly and severally,
covenant and agree promptly to reimburse Norton and the Purchaser, against
appropriate statements therefor, by bank wire transfer to an account designated
by Norton, as liquidated damages, all reasonable costs and expenses (including
without limitation, all reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) arising under
this Agreement and the Financing Transactions, provided that, subject to the
next sentence of this subsection (b), such amount shall not exceed $250,000.
Without limiting the provisions of Section 8.04 hereof, in the event of a
termination of this Agreement pursuant to subsection (e) of Section 8.02 above
by the Purchaser under circumstances where either of the Companies has willfully
breached its obligation to close the transactions contemplated hereby
(notwithstanding that the Companies' conditions to such obligation to close the
transactions contemplated hereby contained in Section IX hereof have been
satisfied or that the Purchaser and Norton stand ready, willing and able to
satisfy such conditions but for such breach), the Companies and the
Stockholders, jointly and severally, covenant and agree promptly to pay to
Norton and the Purchaser by bank wire transfer to an account designated by
Norton and the Purchaser, as liquidated damages, an amount of $500,000. Without
limiting the provisions of Section 8.04 hereof, under the foregoing
circumstances, the parties hereto agree that due to the nature of the
transactions contemplated hereby, it is impracticable and extremely difficult to
fix
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the actual damages that would be sustained should either of the Companies and
any of the Stockholders materially breach any of their respective
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements herein. The parties agree
that the foregoing liquidated damages (the "Liquidated Damages") are reasonable
considering all the facts and circumstances existing as of the date hereof and
constitute the parties' good faith estimate of the actual damages reasonably
expected to result from the termination of this Agreement by the Purchaser
pursuant to clause (e) of Section 8.02 above. It is understood and agreed that
the obligation to pay the Liquidated Damages as provided in this Section 8.03
shall be the joint and several obligation of each of the Companies and each of
the Stockholders.
8.04 Escrow Deposit. (a) In the event that this Agreement is
terminated pursuant to Section 8.02 above, the Companies and the Stockholders,
on the one hand, and Norton and the Purchaser, on the other hand, hereby
covenant and agree, promptly upon the request of the applicable other parties
hereto, to provide joint written notice (the "Escrow Notice") to the Escrow
Agent to effect the disposition of the Escrow Deposit as follows:
(i) In the event of a termination of this Agreement pursuant
to subsection (a) of Section 8.02 above, the Escrow Notice shall provide for the
release by the Escrow Agent of the entire Escrow Deposit, together with any and
all interest and other earnings thereon, to the Purchaser;
(ii) In the event of a termination of this Agreement pursuant
to subsection (c) of Section 8.02 above by reason of the decision by Norton
(which may be undertaken by Norton in its sole discretion) not to consummate the
financing contemplated by Section 10.08 hereof because either there has occurred
or exists (a) a material breach by either of the Companies or any of the
Stockholders of any of their respective representations and warranties or
agreements hereunder or (b) an event or circumstance which has had or could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, the Escrow Notice
shall provide for the release by the Escrow Agent of the entire Escrow Deposit,
together with any and all interest or other earnings thereon, to the Purchaser;
(iii) In the event of a termination of this Agreement pursuant
to (1) subsection (b) of Section 8.02 above or (2) subsection (c) of Section
8.02 above by reason
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of the decision by Norton (which may be undertaken by Norton in its sole
discretion) not to consummate the financing contemplated by Section 10.08 hereof
because the effective interest rate offered to Norton in respect of the
Transaction Financing is in excess of 12.0% per annum, in either case, the
Escrow Notice shall provide for (A) the release by the Escrow Agent of $500,000
of the Escrow Deposit, together with any and all interest and other earnings on
such portion of the Escrow Deposit, to the Companies and the Stockholders and
(B) the release by the Escrow Agent of $500,000 of the Escrow Deposit, together
with any and all interest and other earnings on such portion of the Escrow
Deposit, to the Purchaser;
(iv) In the event of a termination of this Agreement pursuant
to subsection (c) of Section 8.02 above by reason of the decision by Norton
(which may be undertaken by Norton in its sole discretion) not to consummate the
financing contemplated by Section 10.08 hereof for any reason (other than under
circumstances contemplated in which clause (ii) or (iii) above shall be
applicable), the Escrow Notice shall provide for the release by the Escrow Agent
of the entire Escrow Deposit, together with any and all interest and other
earnings thereon, to the Companies;
(v) In the event of a termination of this Agreement pursuant
to subsection (c) of Section 8.02 above, under any circumstances other than as
contemplated by clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) above, the Escrow Notice shall
provide for (A) the release by the Escrow Agent of $500,000 of the Escrow
Deposit, together with any and all interest and other earnings on such portion
of the Escrow Deposit, to the Companies and the Stockholders and (B) the release
by the Escrow Agent of $500,000 of the Escrow Deposit, together with any and all
interest and other earnings on such portion of the Escrow Deposit, to the
Purchaser;
(vi) In the event of a termination of this Agreement pursuant
to subsection (d) of Section 8.02 above, the Escrow Notice shall provide for the
release by the Escrow Agent of the entire Escrow Deposit, together with any and
all interest or other earnings thereon, to the Purchaser; and
(vii) In the event of a termination of this Agreement pursuant
to subsection (e) of Section 8.02 above, the Escrow Notice shall provide for the
release by the Escrow Agent of the entire Escrow Deposit, together with any and
all interest and other earnings thereon, as follows:
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(1) In the event that the Purchaser is the terminating party, in
addition to the requirements of Section 8.03(b) hereof, the entire Escrow
Deposit, together with any and all interest and other earnings thereon,
shall be paid by the Escrow Agent, to the Purchaser; and
(2) In the event that the Companies are the terminating parties,
$500,000 of the Escrow Deposit, together with any and all interest and
other earnings on such portion of such Escrow Deposit, shall be paid to
the Purchaser and $500,000 of the Escrow Deposit, together with any and
all interest and other earnings on such portion of the Escrow Deposit,
shall be paid to the Companies.
(b) If the Agreement does not terminate and the Closing occurs, on
the Closing Date, upon receipt by the Escrow Agent of a notice from the
Purchaser, Norton and the Companies that the Closing is occurring (which notice
the parties hereto agree to give to the Escrow Agent), the Escrow Agent shall
release the entire Escrow Deposit, together with any and all interest and other
earnings thereon, to the Companies, which entire amount shall be applied toward
the Closing Purchase Price.
8.05 Return of Documentation. Following a termination in accordance
with Section 8.02 above, the Purchaser and Norton shall return all agreements,
documents, contracts, instruments and other books and records of each of the
Companies provided by each of the Companies to the Purchaser or any
representatives of the Purchaser in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and each of the Companies and each of the
Stockholders shall return all agreements, documents, contracts, instruments and
other books and records of the Purchaser and Norton provided by the Purchaser or
any representative of the Purchaser in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
8.06 Delivery of Assets. Without limiting Section 10.06 hereof, each
of the Companies and each Stockholder covenant and agree that delivery of the
Assets shall be made by each of the Companies to the Purchaser at the Closing by
delivering such warranty deeds, bills of sale, endorsements, assignments and
other good and sufficient instruments of sale, assignment, conveyance and
transfer, and such powers of attorney, as shall be effective to fully vest in
the Purchaser good title to, and the right to full custody and control of, all
of the Assets, free and clear of all Liens (except for Permitted Liens other
than, if the Purchaser
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shall have complied with Section 7.13 hereof, the Liens set forth in clause
(iii) of the definition of Permitted Liens), in each case in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser and its counsel.
8.07 Assumption of Liabilities. Without limiting Section 9.05
hereof, at the Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver to each of the Companies
such instruments as shall be sufficient to effect the assumption by the
Purchaser of the Assumed Liabilities in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to each of the Companies and their respective counsel.
8.08 Contracts and Books. At the Closing, each of the Companies and
each Stockholder covenant and agree that each of the Companies shall deliver to
the Purchaser the Contracts and the books and records of the Business
constituting a part of the Assets, excluding those constituting Excluded Assets.
8.09 Additional Steps. At the Closing, each of the Companies and
each Stockholder covenant and agree that each of the Companies and each of the
Stockholders shall take all steps required to put the Purchaser in actual
possession and control of all of the Assets.
8.10 Change of Name. On or prior to the Closing Date, each of the
Companies and each Stockholder covenant and agree that each of the Companies
shall take all necessary steps to deliver, and shall execute and deliver, to the
Purchaser (including an amendment to each of the Companies' respective
certificates of incorporation in form for filing with the Secretary of State of
the State of New York and such other documents in form for filing in all states
where each of the Companies is qualified or licensed to do business as a foreign
corporation) all documents necessary to change each of the Companies' respective
corporate names to a name other than "Jeri-Jo Knitwear Inc." or "Jamie Scott,
Inc." (or any variant or derivation thereof) and other than any of the names set
forth in Section 1.01(a)(iv) hereof, in any case, in each of the Companies'
respective state of incorporation and in all other states in which each of the
Companies is qualified or licensed to do business as a foreign corporation, and
to terminate any and all d/b/a's with respect to such name, in each case in form
and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser. If requested by the
Purchaser, on and after the Closing Date, each of the Companies and the
Stockholders covenant and agree that each of the Companies shall execute and
deliver to the Purchaser such other consents, waivers, approvals and other
documents and shall take such other
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actions as shall be necessary to permit the Purchaser or any designee to use the
names "Jeri-Jo Knitwear Inc." or "Jamie Scott, Inc." (and any variant or
derivation thereof), and any of the other names set forth in Section 1.01(a)(iv)
hereof, including as its corporate name.
SECTION IX.
CONDITIONS TO THE COMPANIES' OBLIGATION TO CLOSE
The obligations of each of the Companies to sell the Assets and
otherwise consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement at the
Closing are subject to the following conditions precedent, any or all of which
may be waived by each of the Companies in their respective sole discretion, and
each of which the Purchaser and Norton hereby agree to use their respective best
efforts (and Norton hereby agrees to cause the Purchaser to use its best
efforts) to satisfy at or prior to the Closing:
9.01 Opinion of Counsel. Each of the Companies shall have received
an opinion of Haythe & Curley, counsel for the Purchaser and Norton, delivered
to each of the Companies and the Stockholders pursuant to the instructions of
the Purchaser and Norton dated the Closing Date, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to each of the Companies and their counsel, covering the
matters set forth in Sections 5.01, 5.02, 5.03 and 5.04.
9.02 No Litigation. No action, suit or proceeding against either of
the Companies, any Stockholder, the Purchaser or Norton relating to the
consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any
governmental action seeking to delay or enjoin any such transactions shall be
pending. No action, suit or proceeding against Norton shall be pending which, if
determined adversely to Norton, would reasonably be expected to have a material
adverse effect on the business, assets, results of operations or condition
(financial or other) of Norton and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.
9.03 Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties made by the Purchaser and Norton herein shall be correct as of the
date of the Closing with the same force and effect as though such
representations and warranties had been made as of the date of the Closing, and
on the date of the Closing, the Purchaser and Norton shall deliver to each of
the Companies a certificate dated the date of the Closing to such effect. All
the terms, covenants and conditions of this Agreement to
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be complied with and performed by the Purchaser and Norton on or before the date
of the Closing shall have been duly complied with and performed, and on the date
of the Closing, the Purchaser and Norton shall deliver to each of the Companies
a certificate dated the date of the Closing to such effect.
9.04 Hart-Scott-Rodino. All waiting periods applicable to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement under the HSR Act shall have expired
or been terminated.
9.05 Instruments of Assumption of the Assumed Liabilities. The
Purchaser shall have delivered to each of the Companies the instruments required
to be delivered by the Purchaser pursuant to Section 8.07 hereof.
9.06 Credit Availability. Each of the Companies and the Stockholders
shall have received evidence satisfactory to it that the revolving credit and
letter of credit facility (the "Credit Facility") to which Norton and its
subsidiaries, including the Purchaser, are parties on the Closing Date shall
make available at least $45,000,000 of letters of credit to the Purchaser plus
sufficient financing to satisfy the Business Plan; it being understood and
agreed by the Companies and the Stockholders that a Credit Facility containing
the terms and conditions set forth in the commitment letter attached hereto as
Exhibit D shall be satisfactory, such that this condition in Section 9.06 shall
be satisfied.
9.07 Delivery of Letter of Credit. The Purchaser shall have
delivered to the Companies the Earn Out Letter of Credit in the form of Exhibit
G and the Earn Out Certificate in the form of Exhibit F.
9.08 Repayment of Indebtedness; Release of Guarantees. The Purchaser
shall have delivered to the Companies and the Stockholders evidence satisfactory
to the Companies and the Stockholders that simultaneously with the Closing, the
outstanding Chase/Marine Indebtedness, will be repaid and the corporate
guarantee of Jamie Scott and the personal guarantees of the Stockholders and the
Stockholder Representative guaranteeing repayment of the Chase/Marine
Indebtedness will be released.
9.09 Pledge. Norton shall have delivered to the Companies a pledge
agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit H pursuant to which Norton will
grant to the Companies a subordinated security interest in the capital stock of
the Purchaser to secure any Earn Out Payment
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payable in cash in accordance with the terms and conditions of Section 2.02
hereof. It is understood and agreed by the Companies and the Stockholders that
Norton's and the Purchaser's lenders will have a first priority security
interest in the capital stock of the Purchaser and that the Companies and the
Stockholders will be required to enter into a subordination and intercreditor
agreement with such lenders, which among other items, will prohibit the
Companies and the Stockholders from exercising rights as pledgee under the
pledge agreement without the consent of such lenders.
9.10 Stock Options. The Companies and the Stockholders shall receive
evidence satisfactory to them that, as of the Closing Date, Norton has granted
ten-year options pursuant to its 1994 Stock Option Plan to purchase at an
exercise price equal to the Closing Market Value an aggregate of 50,000 shares
of Norton Common Stock, which options shall be exercisable as to 50% of the
shares on the first anniversary of the date of grant and as to 50% of the shares
on the second anniversary of the date of grant, to employees of the Companies
(other than the Stockholders) who have accepted employment with the Purchaser
after the Closing, which employees (and the related number of options for each
such employee) shall be designated in writing to Norton by the Stockholders at
least five business days prior to the Closing.
9.11 Employment Agreements. The Purchaser and Norton shall have
executed an Employment Agreement in the forms of Exhibits B-1 through B-3 with
each of Susan Schneider, Leslie Schneider and Scott Schneider.
9.12 Stock Options. The Purchaser shall have delivered to Susan
Schneider, Leslie Schneider and Scott Schneider stock options to purchase 40%,
40% and 20%, respectively, of an aggregate number of shares of Norton Common
Stock equal to the Aggregate Option Number, which stock options shall be
evidenced by stock option certificates in the form of Exhibit A to such person's
respective Employment Agreements.
9.13 Warehouse Lease. The Purchaser and Norton shall have executed
and delivered to the Stockholders the Warehouse Lease and guaranty of the
Warehouse Lease, as applicable, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit K.
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SECTION X.
CONDITIONS TO THE PURCHASER'S OBLIGATION TO CLOSE
The obligation of the Purchaser to purchase the Assets and otherwise
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement at the Closing is
subject to the following conditions precedent, any or all of which may be waived
by the Purchaser in its sole discretion, and each of which each of the Companies
and each Stockholder hereby agree to use their respective best efforts to
satisfy at or prior to the Closing:
10.01 Opinion of Counsel. The Purchaser and Norton shall have
received an opinion of Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP, counsel for each of
the Companies and each Stockholder, delivered to the Purchaser and Norton
pursuant to the instructions of each of the Companies and the Stockholders dated
the Closing Date, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I.
10.02 No Litigation. No action, suit or proceeding against either of
the Companies, any Stockholder, Norton or the Purchaser relating to the
consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement nor any
governmental action seeking to delay or enjoin any such transactions shall be
pending.
10.03 Representations and Warranties. (a) The representations and
warranties made by each of the Companies and each Stockholder herein shall be
correct at and as of the date of the Closing with the same force and effect as
though such representations and warranties had been made at and as of the date
of the Closing, and on the date of the Closing, each of the Companies and each
Stockholder shall deliver to the Purchaser and Norton a certificate dated the
date of the Closing to such effect. The Companies and the Stockholders shall be
entitled to notify the Purchaser on or before the date which is one (1) business
day prior to the Closing Date, which notification (each, an "Update Notice") may
only disclose the occurrence of events or existence of circumstances which have
not occurred or did not exist on or prior to the date hereof, the occurrence or
existence of which does or may result in a breach of the Companies' or the
Stockholders' representations and warranties contained in Sections III or IV
hereof. Upon delivery of the Update Notice, the applicable representations and
warranties (and any applicable Schedules), for all purposes of this Agreement,
shall be deemed to be amended consistent with such Update Notice. In the event
that the Purchaser receives an Update Notice which sets forth the occurrence of
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events or existence of circumstances which have had or would be reasonably
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect,
the Purchaser shall have no obligation to complete the Closing of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and may terminate this Agreement
pursuant to Section 8.02(d) above.
(b) All the terms, covenants and conditions of this Agreement to be
complied with and performed by each of the Companies and each Stockholder on or
before the date of the Closing shall have been duly complied with and performed,
and on the date of the Closing, each of the Companies and each Stockholder shall
deliver to the Purchaser and Norton a certificate dated the date of the Closing
to such effect.
10.04 Third Party Consents. The Purchaser shall have received
evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser of receipt by each of the
Companies of the consents, approvals and authorizations of Governmental
Authorities, which consents shall not provide for the acceleration of any
liabilities or any other material detriment to the Purchaser or any of the
Assets and shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Purchaser.
10.05 Hart-Scott-Rodino. All waiting periods applicable to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement under the HSR Act shall have expired
or been terminated.
10.06 Instruments of Conveyance of the Assets, Power of Attorney,
Etc. (a) Each of the Companies shall have delivered to the Purchaser, at the
Companies' sole expense (i) the documents described in Section 8.06 (including
Intellectual Property assignments in form for filing with the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office, the Registrar of Copyrights and in appropriate foreign
jurisdictions where Intellectual Property is registered), in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser and its counsel, as are effective to
fully vest in the Purchaser good and valid title to the Assets, free and clear
of all Liens (except for Permitted Liens other than, if the Purchaser shall have
complied with Section 7.13 hereof, the Liens set forth in clause (iii) of the
definition of Permitted Liens), and (ii) all executed releases and other
documents necessary to comply with the foregoing (including without limitation,
all necessary UCC-3 Termination Statements and all releases in respect of Liens
on Intellectual Property in form for filing with the U.S.
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Patent and Trademark Office, the Registrar of Copyrights and all appropriate
foreign authorities).
(b) Each of the Companies shall have delivered to the Purchaser the
documents (including powers of attorney) required to be delivered by Section
7.04.
10.07 Consent of Friedman. Norton shall have received a letter or
other document from Friedman stating that Friedman understands and agrees that
the Full Year Financial Statements (and the financial statements delivered
pursuant to Section 7.11 hereof) and the related audit opinions of Friedman will
be included in Exchange Act and Securities Act filings by Norton and that
Friedman will, promptly following the request of Norton, deliver to Norton
consents to such inclusion therein of such Friedman audit opinions.
10.08 Financing. On or prior to the Closing, the Purchaser and
Norton shall have obtained financing in amounts and upon terms and rates
acceptable to the Purchaser and Norton in their sole discretion to enable the
Purchaser and Norton to (i) consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement (the "Transaction Financing") and (ii) finance the business activities
of the Purchaser.
10.09 Minimum 1997 Adjusted EBITDA. The aggregate Adjusted EBITDA of
Jeri-Jo and Jamie Scott for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 shall be no
less than $16,500,000, as reflected on the Statement of Adjusted EBITDA
delivered to the Purchaser pursuant to Section 7.11 hereof.
10.10 Minimum Book Value. (a) The aggregate Book Value of Jeri-Jo
and Jamie Scott at December 31, 1997 shall be no less than $15,000,000, as
reflected on the audited balance sheets of such Companies delivered to the
Purchaser pursuant to Section 7.11 hereof.
(b) The aggregate Book Value on the Closing Date shall be no less
than $15,000,000, as reflected in a Book Value certificate prepared by Friedman
and delivered to the Purchaser on or prior to the Closing Date, which
certificate shall be accompanied by a certification by Friedman to the Purchaser
that the Book Value on the Closing Date has been determined in accordance with
GAAP, consistently applied, and on a basis consistent with the 1997 Balance
Sheet.
10.11 Minimum Net Sales. The aggregate net sales of Jeri-Jo and
Jamie Scott for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 shall be no less than
$90,000,000, as
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reflected on the audited statements of operations of such Companies delivered to
the Purchaser pursuant to Section 7.11 hereof.
10.12 Suppliers. The Purchaser shall have received a certificate
from the Companies setting forth a listing of the names of the top five
suppliers and top ten purchasing agents of the Companies (on a combined basis)
for the twelve month period ended December 31, 1997.
10.13 Warehouse Lease. The Stockholders shall have delivered to the
Purchaser and Norton the Warehouse Lease, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
K, executed by the landlord thereunder.
10.14 Prepayment of IDB Financing. The Purchaser and Norton shall
have received evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser and Norton that
the terms, covenants and conditions set forth in Section 7.16 hereof to be
performed on or before the Closing Date shall have been duly complied with and
performed.
SECTION XI.
INDEMNIFICATION
11.01 Indemnification by Each of the Companies and the Indemnifying
Stockholders. (i) From and after the Closing Date, each of the Companies and
each of the Indemnifying Stockholders, jointly and severally, shall indemnify
and hold harmless the Purchaser, Norton and each of their respective employees,
officers, directors, stockholders, affiliates, agents and representatives
(collectively, the "Purchaser Indemnified Parties") from and against any and all
Damages which are sustained or incurred by any of the Purchaser Indemnified
Parties in connection with or by reason of (a) the breach by either of the
Companies or any of the Stockholders of any of their respective covenants,
agreements, obligations or provisions hereof (other than the provisions of
Section VI(a) as to which this Section XI shall not be applicable), or under any
of the other certificates, agreements or other documents delivered by either of
the Companies or any of the Stockholders in connection herewith, (b) the breach
of any of the representations or warranties made by either of the Companies or
by any of the Stockholders in Section III hereof (including in any Schedule
hereto), or in any certificate delivered pursuant hereto by either of the
Companies or any of the Stockholders with respect to any of
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the representations and warranties set forth in Section III hereof, or (c) any
and all Excluded Liabilities.
(ii) From and after the Closing Date, each of the Indemnifying
Stockholders, severally but not jointly, shall indemnify and hold harmless each
of the Purchaser Indemnified Parties from and against any and all Damages which
are sustained or incurred by any of the Purchaser Indemnified Parties in
connection with or by reason of the breach of any of the representations and
warranties made by such Stockholder in Section IV hereof, or in any certificate
delivered pursuant hereto by such Stockholder with respect to any of the
representations or warranties set forth in Section IV hereto.
11.02 Indemnification by the Purchaser. From and after the Closing
Date, Norton and the Purchaser shall, jointly and severally, indemnify and hold
harmless each of the Companies, each of the Stockholders and, in the case of the
Companies each of their respective employees, officers, directors, affiliates,
agents and representatives (collectively, the "Seller Indemnified Parties") from
and against any and all Damages sustained or incurred by any of the Seller
Indemnified Parties in connection with or by reason of (a) the breach by the
Purchaser or Norton of any of their respective covenants, agreements,
obligations or provisions hereof, or under any of the other certificates,
agreements or other documents delivered by the Purchaser or Norton in connection
herewith, (b) the breach of any of the representations or warranties made by the
Purchaser or Norton in Section V hereof, or in any certificate delivered
pursuant hereto by the Purchaser or Norton with respect to any of the
representations and warranties set forth in Section V hereof, or (c) any and all
Assumed Liabilities.
11.03 Procedure for Indemnification. (a) In the event that any
Seller Indemnified Party, on the one hand, or any Purchaser Indemnified Party,
on the other hand, shall sustain or incur any Damages in respect of which
indemnity may be sought by such party pursuant to this Section XI, Section XII
hereof or any other provision of this Agreement (each, an "Indemnification
Matter"), the parties indemnified hereunder (collectively, the "Indemnitee")
shall notify the parties providing indemnification (collectively, the
"Indemnitor") by sending written notice to the Indemnitor (each, an "Indemnity
Notice"). In the case of an Indemnification Matter involving a third party
claim, which, if successful, could result in an indemnity payment hereunder, an
Indemnity Notice shall be given within 20 days after the discovery by an
Indemnitee of the filing or assertion of any claim against the Indemnitee
stating the
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nature and basis of such claim; provided, however, that any delay or failure to
notify any Indemnitor of any claim shall not relieve it from any liability
except to the extent that the defense of such action is materially prejudiced or
materially adversely affected by such delay or failure to notify.
(b) In the case of third party claims, the Indemnitee shall give the
Indemnitor a reasonable opportunity (i) to conduct any proceedings or
negotiations in connection therewith and necessary or appropriate to defend the
Indemnitee (provided such are pursued in a professional and diligent manner),
(ii) to take all other reasonable steps or proceedings to settle or defend any
such claims, provided that the Indemnitor shall not settle any such claim which
is solely for money damages without the prior written consent of the Indemnitee,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, and shall not
settle any other such third party claim without the prior written consent of the
Indemnitee (including without limitation, if such claim seeks or such settlement
imposes equitable remedies or injunctive relief on the Indemnitee), and (iii) to
employ counsel designated by the Indemnitor (which counsel shall not be an
employee of the Indemnitor or any affiliate thereof) and reasonably satisfactory
(it being agreed that counsel named in Section 13.01 shall be deemed
satisfactory) to the Indemnitee to contest any such claim or liability in the
name of the Indemnitee or otherwise. The Indemnitor shall, within 20 days of
receipt of an Indemnity Notice of such claim (the "Indemnity Notice Period"),
give written notice to the Indemnitee of its intention to assume the defense of
such claim. If defendants in any action include any Indemnitee and any
Indemnitor and any Indemnitee shall have been advised in writing by its counsel
that there may be legal defenses available to such Indemnitee which are
different from those available to any Indemnitor, or if a conflict of interest
exists between any Indemnitee and any Indemnitor, then in either case, the
Indemnitee shall have the right to employ its own counsel in such action, and,
in such event (or in the event that the Indemnitor does not timely assume the
defense within the Indemnity Notice Period as provided in the immediately
succeeding sentence), the reasonable fees and expenses of the Indemnitee's
counsel shall be borne by the Indemnitor and shall be paid by the Indemnitor
from time to time within 20 days of receipt of appropriate invoices therefor. If
the Indemnitor does not deliver to the Indemnitee within the Indemnity Notice
Period written notice that the Indemnitor shall assume the defense of any such
claim or litigation resulting therefrom pursuant to and in accordance with the
provisions of this Section XI, the Indemnitee may defend against any such claim
or
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litigation in such manner as it may deem appropriate and the Indemnitee may
settle such claim or litigation on such terms as it may deem appropriate, all at
the expense of the Indemnitor. The costs and expenses of all proceedings,
contests or lawsuits and all other Damages sustained or incurred with respect to
such claims, proceedings or litigations shall be borne solely by the Indemnitor.
In the event that the Indemnitor does timely assume the defense as provided
above, the Indemnitee shall have the right to fully participate in such defense
(including without limitation, with counsel of its choice), at its sole expense
(except as otherwise provided herein), and the Indemnitor shall reasonably
cooperate with the Indemnitee in connection with such participation, and in all
cases the Indemnitor shall keep the Indemnitee fully informed as to all matters
concerning each third party claim and shall promptly notify the Indemnitee in
writing of any and all significant developments relating thereto. Within ten
(10) business days after the occurrence of an order or other determination with
respect to each third party claim by any court, panel of arbitrator(s) or
Governmental Authority having jurisdiction thereof, the Indemnitor shall pay the
Indemnitee the amount of Damages sustained or incurred by the Indemnitee which
have not theretofore been paid to the Indemnitee as provided above.
(c) In the event that an Indemnification Matter does not involve a
third party claim, the Indemnitor shall, subject to the provisions of Section
11.06 hereof, within 30 days after the date of an Indemnity Notice pay to the
Indemnitee the amount of Damages payable pursuant to Section 11.01 or 11.02
hereof, as applicable, and which are at the time sustained or incurred by the
Indemnitee and shall thereafter pay any other Damages payable pursuant to
Section 11.01 or 11.02 hereof, as applicable, and related to the same Indemnity
Notice on demand.
11.04 Subrogation. None of the Companies nor any of the Indemnifying
Stockholders shall be subrogated to any rights of any Purchaser Indemnified
Party(s) with respect to any Damages for which the Purchaser Indemnified
Party(s) has been indemnified by either of the Companies or any of the
Indemnifying Stockholders hereunder (all of which rights of subrogation are
expressly hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waived and released by each of
the Companies and the Indemnifying Stockholders). No Purchaser Indemnified Party
shall be required to make any claim against any other Person or to take any
other action in order to pursue any claim against either of the Companies or any
of the Indemnifying Stockholders.
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11.05 Validity. The indemnification agreements provided for in this
Section XI and in Section XII hereof, and the agreements set forth in Sections
13.04 and 13.05 hereof, shall apply notwithstanding any investigation made at
any time by or on behalf of any party hereto and notwithstanding the knowledge
of any of the Purchaser Indemnified Parties.
11.06 Limits on Indemnifications. (a) Without limiting Sections
11.01(i)(a) and (c) and Sections 11.02(a) and (c) hereof, subject to the terms
hereof, including subsection (b) of this Section 11.06, the aggregate liability
of the Purchaser and Norton, on the one hand, or the Companies and the
Indemnifying Stockholders, on the other hand, for Damages under (1) in the case
of the Purchaser and Norton, Section 11.02(b) (other than with respect to a
breach of any representation or warranty contained in Section 5.05 hereof with
respect to which the limitation in this Section 11.06(a) shall not apply) is,
and shall be limited to $4,000,000 (the "Purchaser Liability Amount") or (2) in
the case of the Companies and the Indemnifying Stockholders, under Sections
11.01(i)(b) or 11.01(ii) (other than with respect to a breach of any
representation or warranty contained in Section 3.11(a) hereof with respect to
which the limitation in this Section 11.06(a) shall not apply) is, and shall be,
limited to the Seller Liability Amount. The Purchaser and Norton, on behalf of
itself and all Purchaser Indemnified Parties, and each of the Companies and the
Stockholders, on behalf of each such Person and all Seller Indemnified Parties,
agree not to seek any Damages under this Section XI in excess of the applicable
Liability Amount for any and all Damages sustained or incurred (1) in the case
of the Purchaser and Norton, under Sections 11.01(i)(b) or 11.01(ii) (other than
with respect to a breach of any representation or warranty contained in Section
3.11(a) hereof with respect to which the limitation in this Section 11.06(a)
shall not apply) or (2) in the case of the Companies and the Stockholders,
Section 11.02(b) (other than with respect to a breach of any representation or
warranty contained in Section 5.05 hereof with respect to which the limitation
in this Section 11.06(a) shall not apply).
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the
aggregate liability for Damages of each of the Indemnifying Stockholders under
Sections 11.01(i)(b) or 11.01(ii) (other than with respect to a breach of any
representation or warranty contained in Section 3.11(a) or 3.28 hereof with
respect to which the limitation in this Section 11.06(b) shall not apply) shall
not exceed the sum of (1) for so long as the Money Seller
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Liability Amount shall be in effect, the product of (A) the Money Seller
Liability Amount and (B) the percentage set forth opposite such Indemnifying
Stockholder's name on Exhibit E attached hereto and (2) the product of (A) the
Stock Seller Liability Amount and (B) the percentage set forth opposite such
Indemnifying Stockholder's name on Exhibit E attached hereto.
(c) Subject to the final sentence of this Section 11.06(c), no
Purchaser Indemnified Party and no Seller Indemnified Party shall be entitled to
indemnification pursuant to Sections 11.01(i)(b) or 11.01(ii) (other than with
respect to a breach of any representation or warranty contained in Section
3.11(a) hereof with respect to which the limitation in this Section 11.06(c)
shall not apply) or Section 11.02(b), respectively, hereof unless and until the
aggregate amount of all Damages sustained or incurred by all Purchaser
Indemnified Parties and all Seller Indemnified Parties, as the case may be, to
which the indemnity set forth in Sections 11.01(i)(b) or 11.01(ii), on the one
hand, or Section 11.02(b), on the other hand, relates exceeds an aggregate
amount (the "Basket Amount") equal to $500,000. Subject to Sections 11.06(a) and
11.06(b) above, if such Damages exceed the Basket Amount, then the Purchaser's
and Norton's liability for indemnification under Section 11.02(b) and the
Companies' and the Indemnifying Stockholders' liability for indemnification
under Sections 11.01(i)(b) or 11.01(ii), as the case may be, shall be limited to
the amount of such Damages sustained or incurred which exceeds the Basket
Amount.
(d) The representations and warranties contained in or made pursuant
to this Agreement shall expire on the thirtieth (30th) day following the Earn
Out Payment Date, provided that the representations and warranties contained in
Sections 3.11(a), 3.28 and 4.03 hereof and all covenants and agreements
hereunder shall survive indefinitely, the representations and warranties
contained in Sections 3.12, 3.17 and 5.05 hereof shall survive until the date of
expiration of the applicable statute of limitations (and all extensions thereof)
with respect thereto, and the representations and warranties contained in
Sections 3.13(b) (as such Section relates to Permits required under
Environmental Laws), 3.13(c) and Section 3.25 (as such Section relates to
Environmental Claims) hereof shall survive for a period of five (5) years after
the Closing Date, and provided further that if written notice is given under
this Section XI with respect to any alleged breach of a representation or
warranty to which a party or other indemnified Person is entitled to be
indemnified hereunder
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prior to the applicable expiration date, such representation or warranty shall
continue indefinitely in respect of the applicable claim until it is finally
resolved.
11.07 Set-Off. (a) It is understood and agreed by each of the
Companies and each of the Indemnifying Stockholders that the Purchaser may (but
shall not be required to so long as the Money Seller Liability Amount is in
effect and without limiting or affecting any other right or remedy which it may
have) satisfy any claims made against either of the Companies or any of the
Indemnifying Stockholders for Damages under this Section XI or Section XII or
pursuant to any Arbitration Award by offsetting ("Set Off") amounts owed to any
of the Purchaser Indemnified Parties as Damages against any Earn Out Shares
payable as the Stock Earn Out Amount, to the extent of the Stock Seller
Liability Amount, due under Section 2.02 hereof. Following the termination, if
any, of the availability of the Money Seller Liability Amount, the Purchaser
shall satisfy any claims made against either of the Companies or any of the
Indemnifying Stockholders for Damages under this Section XI or Section XII or
pursuant to any Arbitration Award by offsetting amounts owed to any of the
Purchaser Indemnified Parties as Damages against any Earn Out Shares payable as
the Stock Earn Out Payment, to the extent of the Stock Liability Amount, due
under Section 2.02 hereof. It is understood and agreed by each of the Companies
and each of the Indemnifying Stockholders that if an Indemnity Notice is given
under Section 11.03 hereof, including, if applicable, within the applicable time
periods set forth in Section 11.06(e) hereof, no Indemnifying Stockholder shall
be relieved of any such Person's indemnification obligations pursuant to this
Section XI, Section XII or pursuant to any Arbitration Award by reason of the
fact that an Indemnity Notice is given prior to the time that the Stock Earn Out
Amount, if any, is determined. Rather, the provisions of this Section XI,
including this Section 11.07, shall be applicable to such Indemnity Notice, and
the related Indemnification Matter set forth therein, as and when the Stock Earn
Out Amount and the related number and value of the Earn Out Shares, if any, are
determined.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Section 11.07, before
exercising its Set Off rights pursuant to Section 11.07(a) above, the Purchaser
and Norton shall have received (i) the written consent of the applicable
Indemnifying Stockholder(s) or (ii) a written Arbitration Award in favor of the
Purchaser or Norton.
11.08 Exclusive Remedy. From and after the Closing Date, subject to
Section 13.04 hereof, each party hereto
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acknowledges and agrees that such party's sole remedy with respect to a claim
for Damages (other than a dispute arising under Section 2.02 hereof, which shall
be resolved in the manner and with the effect set forth in Section 2.02 hereof)
shall be in accordance with, and limited by (to the extent of any limitations
expressly set forth in this Section XI), the provisions set forth in this
Section XI, Section XII and Section 13.05. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
nothing herein shall limit the rights and remedies of any party hereto for
matters involving fraudulent conduct.
SECTION XII.
BROKERS AND FINDERS
12.01 The Companies' and the Stockholders' Obligations. None of the
Companies nor any of the Purchaser Indemnified Parties shall have any obligation
to pay any financial advisory, finder's fee or other compensation to any Person
claiming by, through or under either of the Companies, any Stockholder or any
affiliate thereof in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby, and each of the Companies and the Indemnifying
Stockholders, jointly and severally, hereby agree to indemnify and save the
Purchaser Indemnified Parties harmless from any and all Damages sustained or
incurred by any of the Purchaser Indemnified Parties by reason of any such claim
for or payment of any such fee or other compensation.
12.02 The Purchaser's and Norton's Obligations. None of the
Companies nor any of the Stockholders shall have any obligation to pay any fee
or other compensation to any Person claiming by, through or under the Purchaser
or Norton or any affiliate thereof in connection with this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, and the Purchaser and Norton, jointly and
severally, hereby agree to indemnify and save each of the Companies and each
Stockholder harmless from any and all Damages sustained or incurred by either of
the Companies or such Stockholder by reason of any such claim for or payment of
any such fee or other compensation.
SECTION XIII.
MISCELLANEOUS
13.01 Notices. All notices, requests or instructions hereunder shall
be in writing and delivered personally, sent by telecopy, sent by registered or
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certified mail, postage prepaid, or sent by Federal Express or any other
nationally recognized overnight courier service, as follows:
(a) If to the Companies, to any Stockholder or to the
Stockholder Representative prior to the Closing:
c/o Currants
1407 Broadway
Suite 2909
New York, New York 10018
Attention: President
Telecopy No.: (212) 944-7088
with a copy to:
Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP
1211 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
Attention: James Alterbaum, Esq.
Telecopy No.: (212) 704-6288
(b) If to either of the Companies, to any of the
Stockholders or to the Stockholder Representative after
the Closing:
c/o Friedman Alpren & Green LLP
1700 Broadway
New York, New York 10019
Attention: Bruce A. Madnick, CPA
Telecopy No.: (212) 265-4761
with a copy to:
Parker Chapin
Flattau & Klimpl, LLP
1211 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
Attention: James Alterbaum, Esq.
Telecopy: (212) 704-6288
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(c) If to the Purchaser or Norton:
463 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10018
Attention: President
Telecopy No.: (212) 563-2766
with a copy to:
Haythe & Curley
237 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attention: Bradley P. Cost, Esq.
Telecopy No.: (212) 682-0200
Any of the above addresses may be changed at any time by notice given as
provided above; provided, however, that any such notice of change of address
shall be effective only upon receipt. All notices, requests or instructions
given in accordance herewith shall be deemed delivered and received on the date
of delivery, if hand delivered, telecopied, or sent by Federal Express or any
other recognized overnight courier service, and three (3) business days after
the date of mailing, if mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested.
13.02 Entire Agreement and Amendment. This Agreement (including the
Exhibits and Schedules hereto) and the other certificates, agreements and
documents referred to herein contain the entire agreement among the parties
hereto with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersede all
prior agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, whether written
or oral, of the parties, including, without limitation, the letters dated
October 15, 1997 and October 28, 1997 from Norton to the Stockholders and, if
the Closing occurs, the Norton Confidentiality Agreement (but not the Customs
Confidentiality Agreement) and no amendment or modification hereof shall be
effective unless in writing and signed by the party against which it is sought
to be enforced.
13.03 Expenses. (a) Except as otherwise provided herein, including
in subsection (b) below and in Sections XI and XII hereof, each of the parties
hereto shall bear such party's own costs and expenses in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby whether or not the Closing
occurs; provided that, without limiting the condition set forth in Section
10.10(b) hereof, if the Closing shall occur, the Companies, and not the
Stockholders, shall be responsible for (and, prior to the Closing, shall pay or
reimburse the Stockholders for all
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such costs and expenses paid or incurred by the Stockholders, prior to the
Closing) any and all costs and expenses paid or incurred by the Stockholders
prior to the Closing in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby.
(b) The Companies and the Stockholders acknowledge and agree that
the Earn Out Letter of Credit is being issued under the Credit Facility and that
there are annual fees and expenses payable to the lenders under the Credit
Facility, including to NationsBank, N.A. as the issuing bank, with respect to
the issuance and maintenance of the Earn Out Letter of Credit. Unless an
Acceleration Event shall have occurred at any time during the Earn Out Period,
in which case there will be no reimbursement, the Companies and the Stockholders
agree, jointly and severally, to reimburse (including on the Closing Date)
Norton and the Purchaser for one-third (1/3) of all of the foregoing fees and
expenses, which reimbursement for any year shall not exceed $50,000, (i) payable
in respect of the period ending one year following the Closing Date and (ii)
payable in respect of the period commencing on the first anniversary of the
Closing Date and ending on the second anniversary of the Closing Date in the
event that EBITDA for the 12-month period ending on the first anniversary of the
last day of the month in which the Closing occurs is less than $17,000,000. Such
reimbursement shall occur promptly following the delivery of a request for such
payment to the Stockholder Representative accompanied by evidence of the
payment(s) of such fees and expenses by Norton and the Purchaser. If an
Acceleration Event occurs, the Purchaser and Norton agree to immediately return
any amounts theretofore reimbursed under this Section 13.03(b).
13.04 Injunctive Relief. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section
13.05 hereof, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by either of the
Companies, any Stockholder, the Purchaser or Norton of any of their respective
obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, their respective
obligations to close the transactions contemplated hereby, each of the
Companies, each Stockholder, the Purchaser and Norton, as applicable, hereby
consents and agrees that the applicable Person shall be entitled to an
injunction or similar equitable relief restraining either of the Companies, such
Stockholder, the Purchaser or Norton, as applicable, from committing or
continuing any such breach or threatened breach or granting specific performance
of any act required to be performed by either of the Companies, such
Stockholder, the Purchaser or Norton, as applicable, under any such provision,
without the necessity of showing any actual damage or that money damages
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would not afford an adequate remedy and without the necessity of posting any
bond or other security. The parties hereto hereby consent to the jurisdiction of
the New York State Supreme Court, New York County, for any proceedings under
this Section 13.04, and each of the Companies, each Stockholder, the Purchaser
and Norton further agree that the service of process or of any other papers upon
them or any of them by registered mail at their respective addresses set forth
herein shall be deemed good, proper and effective service upon them. The parties
hereto agree that the availability of arbitration in Section 13.05 hereof shall
not be used by any party as grounds for the dismissal of any injunctive actions
or other equitable relief instituted by either of the Companies, any of the
Stockholders, the Purchaser or Norton pursuant to this Section 13.04.
13.05 Arbitration. Any controversy or claim arising out of or
relating to this Agreement, or any breach hereof, shall, except as provided in
Section 2.02(b), Section 2.05 and Section 13.04 hereof, be settled by
arbitration in New York, New York by a panel of three arbitrators in accordance
with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment
upon the award rendered by the foregoing arbitrators (the "Arbitration Award")
and judgment upon the Determination and the Post-Closing Determination by the
Independent Auditor may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof, and
the parties hereto hereby consent to the jurisdiction of the New York courts for
this purpose.
13.06 Invalidity and Bulk Sales. (a) Should any provision of this
Agreement be held by a court or arbitration panel of competent jurisdiction to
be enforceable only if modified, such holding shall not affect the validity of
the remainder of this Agreement, the balance of which shall continue to be
binding upon the parties hereto with any such modification to become a part
hereof and treated as though originally set forth in this Agreement.
(b) Norton and the Purchaser hereby waive compliance by each of the
Companies with the provisions of any applicable bulk sales laws with respect to
the delivery of a listing of creditors and the related notice of the
transactions contemplated hereby to such creditors.
13.07 Successors and Assigns. Subject to Section 13.10 hereof, this
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and
permitted assigns of
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each of the Companies, the Stockholders, the Purchaser and Norton, respectively.
13.08 Governing Law. The validity of this Agreement and of any of
its terms or provisions, as well as the rights and duties of the parties under
this Agreement, shall be construed pursuant to and in accordance with the laws
of the State of New York, without regard to conflict of laws principles.
13.09 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
including by telecopy, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of
which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
13.10 Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable by the
Purchaser or Norton, except pursuant to a writing executed by all of the parties
hereto, and except that Norton's and the Purchaser's rights or interests under
this Agreement (but not their respective obligations) may be assigned as
collateral security to the financial institutions which are parties to the
Credit Facility (or any successor or replacement to the Credit Facility provided
by a nationally recognized financial institutions or lenders); provided that in
the case of each such assignment, the assignee shall take such rights or
interests subject to the terms of this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be
assignable by either of the Companies or any of the Stockholders, except
pursuant to a writing executed by all of the parties hereto, and except that the
Companies may assign their rights under this Agreement to one or more of the
Stockholders, to the Stockholder Representative, to the spouse or any one or
more lineal descendants (including by adoption or stepchildren) of such Person,
or any one or more trusts established for the benefit of any one or more of the
foregoing Persons, or any one or more partnerships, limited liability companies
or other entities, all of the general partners, limited partners or members of
which are one or more of the foregoing Persons. Any attempted assignment in
violation of this Section 13.10 shall be null and void.
13.11 Knowledge. Whenever used in this Agreement, the words "to the
knowledge of either of the Companies" or "to the knowledge of any Stockholder,"
or similar words shall mean the actual knowledge or awareness of either of the
Companies or such Stockholder, together with the knowledge or awareness such
Company or such Stockholder would obtain after consultation with the
Stockholders.
13.12 Independence of Covenants and Representations and Warranties,
Schedules, Etc. All covenants hereunder
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shall be given independent effect so that if a particular action or condition is
not permitted by any of such covenants, the fact that it would be permitted by
an exception to, or be otherwise within the limitations of, another covenant
shall not avoid the occurrence of a default if such action is taken or condition
exists. In addition, all representations and warranties hereunder shall be given
independent effect so that if a particular representation or warranty proves to
be incorrect or is breached, the fact that another representation or warranty
concerning the same or similar subject matter is correct or is not breached will
not affect the incorrectness of or a breach of a representation and warranty
hereunder. The Exhibits and Schedules attached hereto are hereby made part of
this Agreement in all respects. Section references in the Schedules refer to the
specific Section of the Agreement with respect to which either of the Companies
and the Stockholders are making a disclosure. A disclosure under any Schedule
hereto shall be deemed to be a disclosure under all of the Schedules hereto,
whether or not specifically referenced in any other Schedule. The fact that a
particular matter is reflected in the Schedules hereto shall not have any
bearing on the issue of whether such matter is material for the purposes of this
Agreement.
13.13 Interpretation. The parties hereto agree that this Agreement
is the product of negotiations between sophisticated parties and individuals,
all of whom were represented by counsel, and each of whom had an opportunity to
participate in, and did participate in, the drafting of each provision hereof.
Accordingly, ambiguities in this Agreement, if any, shall not be construed
strictly or in favor of or against any party hereto but rather shall be given a
fair and reasonable construction without regard to the rule of contra
proferentem.
13.14 Risk of Loss. Each of the Companies and each Stockholder agree
that each of the Companies shall bear all risk of loss or damage with respect to
their respective portions of any of the Assets from and including the date
hereof to and including the Closing Date, and neither the Purchaser nor Norton
shall bear any such risk of loss or damage.
13.15 Action by the Stockholders. (a) Any action to be taken by the
Stockholders or either of the Companies, notices to be given by the Stockholders
or either of the Companies or any matters requiring the Stockholders or either
of the Companies to act or refrain from acting hereunder may be undertaken by or
with the concurrence of Leonard Schneider (such person in his capacity as
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representative of the Stockholders and of the Companies hereinafter, together
with any successor appointee, the "Stockholder Representative") and, for all
purposes, it is expressly understood and agreed that any action so taken, notice
so given or other matter acted upon or refrained from shall be deemed to
constitute the action of all of the Stockholders and the Companies and shall be
binding on all of the Stockholders and the Companies. It is understood and
agreed that Leonard Schneider shall act as the Stockholder Representative
provided, however, that in the event of the death, disability or resignation of
Leonard Schneider the Stockholders shall promptly appoint a new Stockholder
Representative and shall notify the Purchaser thereof. In addition, subject to
subsection (c) below, the Purchaser and Norton shall be entitled irrevocably and
unconditionally (i) conclusively to rely upon the direction, notice, request or
other communication received from the Stockholder Representative without the
need to confirm such or otherwise communicate with any Stockholder or either of
the Companies, and (ii) to give any direction, notice, request or other
communication to the Stockholder Representative without the need to confirm or
otherwise communicate with any Stockholders or either of the Companies, and any
such direction, notice, request or other communication (whether from or to the
Stockholder Representative) shall be conclusive, binding and enforceable against
all Stockholders and each of the Companies.
(b) The Stockholder Representative shall not be liable to the
Stockholders or any third party for any action taken by the Stockholder
Representative except with regard to actions involving (i) a breach of such
Stockholder Representative's duty of loyalty to the Stockholders and the
Companies, (ii) any acts by such Stockholder Representative not in good faith or
involving a known violation of law or (iii) transactions from which such
Stockholder Representative derived an improper personal benefit.
(c) The Purchaser and Norton shall be entitled to rely on any and
all communications from the Stockholder Representative as being authorized by
all of the Stockholders and each of the Companies as provided hereunder with
respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and the Stockholders and the
Companies agree to hold the Purchaser and Norton harmless from any and all
Damages sustained or incurred by any of the Purchaser Indemnified Parties by
reason of any claim that such actions were not properly authorized. The
Purchaser and Norton shall be entitled to send all communications with respect
to the subject matter of this Agreement to the Stockholder Representative at the
address indicated herein.
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13.16 Limitation of Representations and Warranties. OTHER THAN THOSE
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY MADE BY HEREIN OR IN ANY OTHER
CERTIFICATES, AGREEMENTS OR OTHER DOCUMENTS ENTERED INTO AND DELIVERED PURSUANT
HERETO, NO PARTY HERETO MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OF FITNESS.
13.17 No Third Party Beneficiaries. Except as specifically set forth
herein, nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to
confer upon any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors or
permitted assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
SECTION XIV.
DEFINITIONS
14.01 Certain Definitions. The following terms when used herein
shall have the meanings assigned to them below (certain other terms are defined
elsewhere herein):
"Acceleration Date" shall mean the date on which an Acceleration
Event occurs.
"Acceleration Event" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(c) hereof.
"Acceleration Notice of EBITDA" shall have the meaning, as
applicable, set forth in the definition of 1998 EBITDA or 1999 EBITDA herein.
"Acceleration Statement of EBITDA" shall have the meaning, as
applicable, set forth in the definition of 1998 EBITDA or 1999 EBITDA herein.
"Accountants' Statement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(b)(ii) hereof.
"Adjusted EBITDA" shall mean the aggregate amount of combined net
income or loss of Jeri-Jo and Jamie Scott for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1997 determined in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, (A) before the
deduction of interest expenses paid or accrued by Jeri-Jo and Jamie Scott with
respect to such fiscal year, (B) before the deduction of income and excess
profit taxes of or attributable to Jeri-Jo and Jamie Scott paid or accrued by
such Company with respect to such fiscal year, (C) before the deduction of all
depreciation and amortization of Jeri-
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Jo and Jamie Scott for such fiscal year, and (D) before the inclusion of all
interest income of Jeri-Jo and Jamie Scott for such fiscal year.
"Affiliate" shall mean any other person who directly or indirectly
controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Purchaser or
Norton, as the case may be.
"Aggregate Option Number" shall mean the sum of (i) 450,000 and (ii)
the number determined by (a) multiplying 450,000 by (b) a fraction whose
numerator is the positive excess, if any, of the Closing Market Value minus the
Signing Market Value and whose denominator is the Signing Market Value (it being
understood and agreed that if the foregoing fraction is negative, then the
Aggregate Option Number shall mean 450,000).
"Arbitration Award" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
13.05 hereof.
"Assets" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.01(a) hereof.
"Assumed Liabilities" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
1.01(d) hereof.
"Assumed Taxes" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
1.01(c)(iii) hereof.
"Audit" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(b)(ii)
hereof.
"Audited Statements" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(b)(ii) hereof.
"Bankruptcy Event" shall mean:
(a) Norton or any of its subsidiaries, including, but not limited
to, the Purchaser, (i) voluntarily commences any proceeding or files any
petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code or any other
Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation or similar law,
(ii) consents to the institution of, or fails to contravene in a timely and
appropriate manner, any such proceeding or the filing of any such petition,
(iii) applies for or consents to the appointment of a receiver, trustee,
custodian, sequestrator or similar official for Norton or any of its
subsidiaries, including, but not limited to, the Purchaser, or for a substantial
part of its property and assets, (iv) files an answer admitting the material
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allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) makes a
general assignment for the benefit of creditors, (vi) becomes unable, admits in
writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due or
(vii) takes corporate action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;
or
(b) an involuntary proceeding is commenced or an involuntary
petition is filed in a court of competent jurisdiction seeking (i) relief in
respect of any of Norton or any of its subsidiaries, including, but not limited
to, the Purchaser, or of a substantial part of the property and assets of any of
Norton or any of its subsidiaries, including, but not limited to, the Purchaser,
under title 11 of the United States Code or any other Federal, state or foreign
bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law, (ii) the appointment of a
receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator or similar official for Norton or any
of its subsidiaries, including, but not limited to, the Purchaser, or for a
substantial part of the property and assets of Norton or any of its
subsidiaries, including, but not limited to, the Purchaser, or (iii) the
winding-up or liquidation of Norton or any of its subsidiaries, including, but
not limited to, the Purchaser, and such proceeding or petition shall continue
undismissed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the
foregoing shall continue unstayed and in effect for 30 days.
"Base Earn Out Payment" shall have the meaning set forth in the
definition of Earn Out Payment herein.
"Basket Amount" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.06(c)
hereof.
"Benefit Plans" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.17(a)
hereof.
"Best Efforts" or "best efforts" shall mean diligently, promptly and
in good faith taking all actions which are reasonable, necessary and appropriate
to accomplish the objective requiring the use of best efforts, but shall not
include any obligation (a) to make any payment, incur any costs, commit
available resources, or forego the receipt of any payment, which in any case is
material in amount in light of the required objective, (b) to initiate any
lawsuit or other proceeding to achieve the required objective, or (c) to take
any action which is unlawful.
"Book Value" shall mean the total combined assets of the Companies
as reflected on the Companies' books and
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records minus the total combined liabilities of the Companies, including, but
not limited to, liabilities for unpaid Cash Dividends, as reflected on the
Companies' books and records.
"Bring Down Obligation" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(a)(i) hereof.
"Business" shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereof.
"Business Day" means any day of the year, other than Saturday,
Sunday or any day which banks are required or authorized to close in New York,
New York.
"Business Plan" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.12(iii) hereof.
"Cash Dividend" shall have the meaning set forth in Section VI(b)
hereof.
"Cash Earn Out Amount" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(a)(iii) hereof.
"Change in Control" shall mean, following the date hereof, (i) the
direct or indirect sale of all or substantially all of the Purchaser's or
Norton's assets, determined on a consolidated basis, (ii) any person or group of
persons (within the meaning of Section 13 or 14 of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended) shall have acquired beneficial ownership (within the
meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission
under said Act) of 40% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding
Norton Common Stock (whether by merger, consolidation or sale or transfer of
capital stock) and (iii) during any period of 12 consecutive calendar months,
individuals who were directors of Norton on the first day of such period shall
cease to constitute a majority of the board of directors of Norton, provided
that a director who has resigned or is replaced during such time shall not be
included in any determination of whether a Change of Control has occurred
pursuant to this clause (iii) to the extent such director is replaced by a
successor director elected by a majority of those directors who were directors
at the commencement of such period.
"Chase" shall mean the Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
"Chase/Marine Indebtedness" shall mean all Company Indebtedness
arising under the Letter Agreement dated October 15, 1997 from the Chase
Manhattan Bank to Jeri-Jo
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Knitwear, Inc. and Jamie Scott, Inc. approving a line of credit in the aggregate
amount of $35,000,000 with a direct debt sublimit of $18,000,000.
"Closing" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.01 hereof.
"Closing Market Value" shall mean the last sales price for the
Norton Common Stock on the principal securities exchange on which the Norton
Common Stock are listed or admitted to trading, or, if not so listed or admitted
to trading on any securities exchange, the last sales price for the Norton
Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market, in any case, on the Closing Date.
"Closing Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.01
hereof.
"Closing Purchase Price" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.01 hereof.
"Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Commission" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(a)
hereof.
"Companies" shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereof.
"Company Acquisition Proposal" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 7.01 hereof.
"Company Indebtedness" shall mean all obligations and liabilities
created, issued or incurred by either of the Companies for or in connection with
borrowed money, or under or in connection with letters of credit or acceptances,
including without limitation, bank loans, mortgages, notes payable, capital
lease obligations, guarantees of indebtedness of others, and all principal,
interest, fees, prepayment penalties or amounts due or owing with respect
thereto.
"Company Location" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.27
hereof.
"Confidentiality Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 6.04 hereof.
"Contracts" or "Contract" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.15(a) hereof.
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"Credit Facility" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.06
hereof.
"Customs Confidentiality Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 6.04 hereof.
"Damages" shall mean any and all losses, claims, assessments,
demands, damages, liabilities, obligations, costs and expenses (including
without limitation, reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel sustained or
incurred by the Purchaser Indemnified Parties (or any of them) or the Seller
Indemnified Parties (or any of them), as the case may be, in any action,
dispute, claim or proceeding between any of the Purchaser Indemnified Parties,
on the one hand, and any of the Seller Indemnified Parties, on the other hand,
or involving a third-party claim against any of the Purchaser Indemnified
Parties or any of the Seller Indemnified Parties, as the case may be) and other
out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with investigating,
preparing or defending any action, suit or proceeding, commenced or threatened,
or any claim whatsoever.
"Debt Documents" shall mean all agreements, promissory notes,
security instruments and other documents to which either of the Companies or any
of the Assets is bound and which evidence, govern or relate to Company
Indebtedness, including the Chase/Marine Indebtedness.
"Determination" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(b)(iii) hereof.
"Determination Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(b)(iii) hereof.
"Dispute" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(b)(iii)
hereof.
"Dispute Amount" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(b)(iii) hereof.
"Dispute Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(b)(iii) hereof.
"Disputed Matters" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(b)(iii) hereof.
"Earn Out Letter of Credit" shall mean the standby letter of credit
issued by NationsBank, N.A. under the Credit Facility in the face amount of
$15,000,000 and otherwise in the Form of Exhibit G hereto, which Earn Out
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Letter of Credit shall have a certificate attached thereto in the form of
Exhibit F hereto.
"Earn Out Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(a)(ii) hereof.
"Earn Out Payment" shall mean an aggregate amount equal to the sum
of (A) the amount, if any, by which (x) the product of (a) five (5) multiplied
by (b) the greater of $11,000,000 and 1998/1999 EBITDA, exceeds (y) $55,000,000
(the foregoing amount, if any, in this clause (A), the "Base Earn Out Payment")
and (B) (i) if the actual 1998/1999 EBITDA is greater than $17.0 million but
less than $20.0 million, the amount equal to the product of (a) 0.50 multiplied
by (b) the excess of the actual 1998/1999 EBITDA minus $17.0 million or (ii) if
the actual 1998/1999 EBITDA is greater than $20.0 million, the amount equal to
the sum of (1) the product of (a) 0.50 multiplied by (b) the excess of the
actual 1998/1999 EBITDA minus $17.0 million and (2) the product of (a) one (1)
multiplied by (b) the excess of actual 1998/1999 EBITDA minus $20.0 million (the
foregoing amount, if any, in this clause (B), the "Incentive Earn Out Payment").
"Earn Out Payment Date" shall mean the date which is 60 days after
the 2000 Month End Date or if an Acceleration Event occurs, 60 days after the
Acceleration Date, unless there is a default in the timely delivery of the
applicable EBITDA Notice and EBITDA Statement under Section 2.02(b)(i), in which
case the Earn Out Payment Date shall be extended to a date which is 15 days
after delivery of the applicable EBITDA Notice and EBITDA Statement to Norton
and the Companies. In the event that the Earn Out Payment Date is not a Business
Day, the Earn Out Payment Date shall be the next succeeding Business Day.
"Earn Out Period" shall begin on the day after the 1998 Month End
Date and shall end 24 months later.
"Earn Out Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(a) hereof.
"EBITDA" shall mean the aggregate amount of consolidated net income
or loss of the Purchaser and its subsidiaries for the applicable fiscal year
determined in accordance with GAAP (except as otherwise expressly stated below)
after deducting all amounts provided for in the Employment Agreements and, with
respect to all employees and other participants of the Purchaser and its
subsidiaries, pursuant to all benefits, profit sharing, bonus, incentive,
deferred compensation, health, medical, dental, life
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97
insurance or other welfare or employee benefit plans or programs in which any
employee or other participant of the Purchaser or any of its subsidiaries
participates, or otherwise covering any employee or other participant of the
Purchaser or any of its subsidiaries, and before (A) the deduction of interest
expenses and factoring expenses for interest paid or accrued by the Purchaser
and its subsidiaries with respect to such year, (B) the deduction of taxes based
upon income, howsoever computed or denominated, paid or accrued by the Purchaser
and its subsidiaries with respect to such year, and (C) the deduction by the
Purchaser and its subsidiaries of depreciation and amortization for such year,
with all items referred to in subsections (A) through (C) in this definition
determined in accordance with GAAP (except as otherwise stated below). In
determining EBITDA:
(a) The Purchaser's books and records will be maintained in accordance
with GAAP. EBITDA and its components will be derived from those
books and records in accordance with the adjustments set forth
below. GAAP will be applied on a consistent basis in the preparation
of balance sheets of the Purchaser and its subsidiaries as at the
1999 Month End Date and 2000 Month End Date (as defined below) and
in the related calculation of EBITDA for the years ended the 1999
Month End Date and 2000 Month End Date.
(b) EBITDA shall without duplication:
(i) Exclude any and all acquisition costs and other costs related
to this Agreement.
(ii) Compute inventory cost using FIFO.
(iii) Exclude any and all debt costs (other than those relating to
anticipation or sales discounts, and letter of credit fees and
commissions, provided that, for purposes of calculating EBITDA
hereunder, the rates of such letter of credit fees and
commissions shall not exceed those rates at which the
Companies open and maintain letters of credit on the date
hereof), including without limitation, interest expense,
amortization of capitalized debt costs, debt restructuring
costs, debt acquisition costs, commitment fees, reimbursement
of attorney or due diligence fees, availability fees,
prepayment fees, prepayment penalties and any other debt
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related fees and penalties of any kind (other than such as are
reimbursed to the Purchaser and Norton pursuant to Section
13.03(b) hereof and other than as set forth hereinabove in
this clause (iii)).
(iv) Exclude any hedging gains or losses.
(v) Exclude expense reimbursement and fees paid to members of the
Purchaser's Board of Directors.
(vi) Exclude the effects of extraordinary or unusual items as
defined in accordance with GAAP.
(vii) Exclude any foreign exchange gains or losses.
(viii) Exclude any and all expense allocations from Norton or any
Norton affiliate, other than as set forth in (d) below.
(ix) Exclude all factoring expenses of any kind.
(x) Exclude all management or other fees charged by Norton or any
Norton affiliate.
(xi) Exclude gains or losses from the sale of any fixed assets or
investments.
(xii) Exclude payments for services to any person(s) hired to
perform job responsibilities in addition to and similar to
those of Susan, Leslie or Scott Schneider.
(c) If Norton or any affiliate charges the Purchaser for its ratable
share, based upon sales, number of employees or other appropriate
measure, of any expense for unaffiliated third party services (e.g.,
insurance expenses, legal and accounting expenses and payroll
services), EBITDA shall be calculated by taking into account such
ratable share, provided that (i) Norton shall provide to the
Companies information concerning estimated rates of expense for
unaffiliated third party services provided to the Purchaser, and
(ii) in the event that the Companies determine in good faith on or
before the date which is 30 days following the delivery of the
information set forth in clause (i) above by notice to Norton that,
based upon historical cost analysis, the
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Purchaser could have arranged for such commensurate services with
the Companies' existing service suppliers, as adjusted for any
increase or decrease in sales, number of employees or other
appropriate circumstances, at rates of expense that are lower than
those obtainable by the Purchaser, then in such event, such rates of
expense shall be utilized for the calculation of EBITDA on the basis
of such Company determined cost, adjusted annually for the foregoing
increases or decreases and as further adjusted for the change in the
Consumer Price Index for the applicable period.
(d) Neither the anticipated nor the actual Earn Out Payment will be
taken into account in the preparation of balance sheets of the
Purchaser and its subsidiaries as at Year 1 and Year 2 or the
related calculation of EBITDA for the years ended Year 1 and Year 2.
(e) Only sales returns of goods shipped prior to Year 1 or Year 2 end,
as applicable, actually received within 45 days after the end of the
period will affect the calculation of EBITDA for such period. No
additional reserve for returns will be recorded on the balance
sheets of the Purchaser and its subsidiaries as at the 1999 Month
End Date and the 2000 Month End date for purposes of calculating the
related EBITDA for the years ended the 1999 Month End Date and the
2000 Month End Date.
(f) Credits for overbillings on shipments preceding the end of a period
will be expensed for purposes of calculating the related EBITDA for
the years ended the 1999 Month End Date and the 2000 Month End Date.
(g) Trade discounts available to customers on shipments preceding the
end of a period shall be accrued in full on the balance sheets of
the Purchaser and its subsidiaries as at the 1999 Month End Date and
the 2000 Month End Date for purposes of calculating the related
EBITDA for the years ended the 1999 Month End Date and the 2000
Month End Date.
(h) A reserve for allowances shall be recorded in the amount of total
chargebacks taken by customers within 45 days after the end of the
period in payment of invoices for goods shipped prior to the
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end of the period for purposes of calculating the related EBITDA for
the years ended the 1999 Month End Date and 2000 Month End Date. It
shall be understood that chargebacks disputed in good faith shall
remain as accounts receivable until such dispute is resolved.
(i) No sales reserves other than those described in paragraphs (e), (f),
(g), (h) and (o) shall be recorded on the balance sheets of the
Purchaser and its subsidiaries as at the 1999 Month End Date and
2000 Month End Date for purposes of calculating the related EBITDA
for the years ended the 1999 Month End Date and 2000 Month End Date.
(j) Only total direct costs, which include f.o.b. origin merchandise
cost, ocean or air freight, duty, custom, tariffs, brokerage and
agent commission, shall be recorded as inventory on the balance
sheets of the Purchaser and its subsidiaries as at the 1999 Month
End Date and 2000 Month End Date for purposes of calculating the
related EBITDA for the years ended the 1999 Month End Date and 2000
Month End Date. No other costs shall be capitalized into inventory
on the balance sheets of the Purchaser and its subsidiaries as at
the 1999 Month End Date and 2000 Month End Date for purposes of
calculating the related EBITDA for the years ended the 1999 Month
End Date and 2000 Month End Date.
(k) A year end markdown of non-current goods valued as described in (j)
above less outstanding orders for such goods shall be included in
the balance sheets of the Purchaser and its subsidiaries as at the
1999 Month End Date and 2000 Month End Date for purposes of
calculating the related EBITDA for the years ended the 1999 Month
End Date and 2000 Month End Date, determined mutually by Susan and
Leslie Schneider, on the one hand, and the Vice Chairman of the
Purchaser (presently Peter Boneparth), on the other hand, in any
case consistent with past practices of the Companies. Non-current
goods do not include goods which are or are intended to be offered
consistent with past practices of the Companies at original selling
price in future collections.
(l) No inventory reserves other than those described in (k) above shall
be recorded on the balance sheets of the Purchaser and its
subsidiaries as at
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the 1999 Month End Date and 2000 Month End Date for purposes of
calculating the related EBITDA for the years ended the 1999 Month
End Date and 2000 Month End Date.
(m) The reserves for bad debts existing at the Closing Date will be
maintained through the 2000 Month End Date, if required, to cover
the potential write-off of non-collectable accounts receivable which
exist at the Closing Date in preparing the balance sheets of the
Purchaser and its subsidiaries as at the 1999 Month End Date and
2000 Month End Date for purposes of calculating the related EBITDA
for the years ended the 1999 Month End Date and 2000 Month End Date.
(n) A reserve for bad debts equal to 100% of accounts receivable at year
end arising after the Closing Date and not factored, which are over
90 days past due (excluding accounts which are current on a payment
plan) subject to any additional reserve amount required by the
application of (p) below, will be maintained in preparing the
balance sheets of the Purchaser and its subsidiaries as at the 1999
Month End Date and 2000 Month End Date for purposes of calculating
the related EBITDA for the years ended the 1999 Month End Date and
2000 Month End Date.
(o) No reserves for accounts receivable other than those described in
(i), (m) and (n) above shall be recorded on the balance sheets of
the Purchaser and its subsidiaries as at the 1999 Month End Date and
2000 Month End Date for purposes of calculating the related EBITDA
for the years ended the 1999 Month End Date and 2000 Month End Date.
(p) Accounts shall be written off solely in accordance with the
Companies' past practices for purposes of preparing the balance
sheets of the Purchaser and its subsidiaries as of the 1999 Month
End Date and 2000 Month End Date and calculating EBITDA for the
years ended the 1999 Month End Date and 2000 Month End Date.
(q) No expense reserves, accruals for expense contingencies or other
general expense accruals, other than (i) normal expense accruals for
services or goods provided in the period, (ii) accruals in
accordance with GAAP under FASB 5, or (iii) those described in (e),
(f), (g), (h), (k),
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(m) and (n) above shall be recorded on the balance sheets of the
Purchaser and its subsidiaries as at the 1999 Month End Date and
2000 Month End Date for purposes of calculating the related EBITDA
for the years ended the 1999 Month End Date and 2000 Month End Date.
(r) No accruals for fees for professional services to be rendered after
the end of a period shall be recorded on the balance sheets of the
Purchaser and its subsidiaries as at the 1999 Month End Date and
2000 Month End Date if there is already one full year of such
expense included within each period, for purposes of calculating the
related EBITDA for the years ended the 1999 Month End Date and 2000
Month End Date.
(s) In computing liabilities under the Purchaser's 401(k) plan, the same
assumptions, including assumptions regarding interest rates,
discount rates, mortality and retention shall be used in preparing
the balance sheets of the Purchaser and its subsidiaries as at the
1999 Month End Date and 2000 Month End Date for purposes of
calculating the related EBITDA for the years ended the 1999 Month
End Date and 2000 Month End Date.
(t) No accruals for Christmas bonuses to be paid after the end of a
period shall be recorded on the balance sheets of the Purchaser and
its subsidiaries as at the 1999 Month End Date and 2000 Month End
Date if there is already one full year of such expense included
within each period, if applicable to such period, for purposes of
calculating the related EBITDA for the years ended the 1999 Month
End Date and 2000 Month End Date.
(u) If (A) the Stockholders shall have requested that a documentary
letter of credit be issued by the Purchaser's primary lender for the
payment of amounts which would become due pursuant to a bona fide
proposed purchase order (which purchase order is included in the
Purchaser's business plan) for Inventory from one of the Purchaser's
suppliers, (B) at the time such letter of credit is so requested
either of Susan or Leslie Schneider (if each is then employed by the
Purchaser) certify to Norton in writing that they in good faith
believe that such Inventory would be saleable in the ordinary course
of business at substantially the same gross profit margin as the
other Inventory
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being ordered during that Spring/Transition or Fall/Holiday Season
(as used in the books and records of the Purchaser, each, a
"Season"), (C) the issuance of such letter of credit is denied by
such primary lender and (D) such lender confirms in writing that
such letter of credit would be issuable but for the failure of
Norton and its subsidiaries (other than the Purchaser and its
subsidiaries) to meet the requirements for the issuance thereof
under applicable credit agreements, then there shall be added to
EBITDA for that fiscal year an amount equal to the product of (i)
the total cost of such Inventory which would have been incurred had
such letter of credit been issued, (ii) a fraction (1) the numerator
of which shall be the total cost of goods sold related to Inventory
purchased for such Season, calculated in accordance with paragraph
(j) above, and (2) the denominator of which shall be the total cost
of Inventory purchased for such Season, calculated in accordance
with paragraph (j) above, and (iii) a fraction (1) the numerator of
which shall be the EBITDA for that fiscal year, without taking into
account this paragraph (u), and (2) the denominator of which is the
total net sales during such fiscal year, without taking into account
this paragraph (u), calculated in accordance with paragraph (j)
above.
"EBITDA Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(b)(i) hereof.
"EBITDA Statement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(b)(i) hereof.
"Employee" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.07 hereof.
"Employment Agreements" shall mean the employment agreements dated
as of the Closing Date hereof between the Purchaser, and guaranteed by Norton,
and each of Susan Schneider, Leslie Schneider and Scott Schneider.
"Environmental Claim" means any notice or claim by any Person
alleging potential liability (including potential liability for investigatory
costs, cleanup costs, governmental response costs, natural resources damages,
property damages, personal injuries or penalties) arising out of, based on or
resulting from (A) the generation, treatment, storage, transportation or
recycling of any Hazardous Substance or the presence, or release, discharge,
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disposal or emission into the environment, of any Hazardous Substance at the
Premises or (B) any violation, or alleged violation, of any Environmental Laws.
"Environmental Laws" means all existing Federal, state, local and
foreign laws, rules and regulations relating to environmental, health and safety
matters, the pollution or protection of the environment (including ambient air,
surface water, ground water, land surface or subsurface strata) or the
protection of human health and safety from environmental and other hazards,
including existing laws and regulations relating to emissions, discharges,
releases or threatened releases of Hazardous Substances, or otherwise relating
to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal,
transport or handling of Hazardous Substances.
"ERISA" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.17(a) hereof.
"Escrow Agent" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(b)
hereof.
"Escrow Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.01(b) hereof.
"Escrow Deposit" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(b)
hereof.
"Escrow Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.04
hereof.
"Exchange Act" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.05
hereof.
"Excluded Assets" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
1.01(b) hereof.
"Excluded Liabilities" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
1.01(d) hereof.
"Financing Transactions" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.10 hereof.
"Friedman" shall mean Friedman Alpren & Green LLP.
"Full Year Financial Statements" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.05 hereof.
"GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles,
consistently applied.
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"Governmental Authority" shall mean the collective reference to any
court, tribunal, government, or governmental agency, authority or
instrumentality, Federal, state or local, or domestic or foreign.
"Guaranty" shall mean the Guaranty dated as of the date hereof by
Norton in favor of the Companies and the Stockholders.
"Hazardous Substance" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.13(c) hereof.
"HSR Act" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.09 hereof.
"IDB Financing" shall mean any and all indebtedness for borrowed
money and related obligations and guaranties, all relating to the premises
located at 80 Carter Drive, Edison, New Jersey and which are the subject of the
Warehouse Lease.
"IDB Financing Bonds" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.16 hereof.
"IDB Financing Documents" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 7.16 hereof.
"IDB Indenture" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.16
hereof.
"IDB Loan Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.16 hereof.
"IDB Prepayment Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.16 hereof.
"IDB Prepayment Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.16 hereof.
"Incentive Earn Out Payment" shall have the meaning set forth in the
definition of Earn Out Payment herein.
"Income Taxes" shall mean all state, local, foreign and other income
or gains taxes, howsoever computed or denominated, and all estimated payments,
interest, penalties, fines, costs and assessments in respect thereof.
"Indemnification Matter" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
11.03(a) hereof.
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"Indemnifying Stockholders" shall mean Susan Schneider, Leslie
Schneider and Scott Schneider.
"Indemnitee" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.03(a)
hereof.
"Indemnitor" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.03(a)
hereof.
"Indemnity Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
11.03(a) hereof.
"Indemnity Notice Period" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 11.03(b) hereof.
"Independent Auditor" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(b) hereof.
"Intellectual Property" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.22 hereof.
"Inventory" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.01(a)(iii)
hereof.
"Jeri-Jo 401(k) Plan" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.07(c) hereof.
"Letter Persons" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.04
hereof.
"Letters of Credit" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.13
hereof.
"Liability Amount" shall mean, as applicable, the Purchaser
Liability Amount or the Seller Liability Amount.
"Lien" shall mean any mortgage, pledge, charge, security interest,
covenant, easement, restriction, adverse claim or other encumbrance of any kind
or nature whatsoever and however arising.
"Liquidated Damages" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
8.03(b) hereof.
"Marine" shall mean the Marine Midland Bank, N.A.
"Market Value" shall mean, for any day, the last sales price for the
Norton Common Stock on the principal securities exchange on which the Norton
Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading, or, if not so listed or admitted
to trading on any securities exchange, the last
<PAGE> 107
107
sales price for the Norton Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market in each
such case, unless otherwise provided herein, averaged over a period of 20
consecutive business days prior to the day as of which Market Value is being
determined.
"Material Adverse Effect" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.01 hereof.
"Money Seller Liability Amount" shall have the meaning set forth in
the definition of "Seller Liability Amount."
"Multiemployer Plan" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.17(a) hereof.
"1997 Balance Sheet Date" shall mean the date of the 1997 Balance
Sheets.
"1997 Balance Sheet" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.05 hereof.
"1998 EBITDA" shall mean the (i) EBITDA for the twelve-month period
ending on the 1999 Month End Date, or (ii) if an Acceleration Event occurs
during Year 1, EBITDA through the Acceleration Date divided by the number of
days from the first day after the 1998 Month End Date until the Acceleration
Date, multiplied by 730 (all as calculated in accordance with this Agreement and
as set forth in a written notice prepared by Friedman and delivered to Norton,
the Purchaser and the Companies (the "Acceleration EBITDA Notice"), together
with a statement of EBITDA of the Purchaser and its consolidated subsidiaries,
if any, for the applicable period prepared by Friedman in accordance with GAAP
and otherwise in accordance with this Agreement (the "Acceleration EBITDA
Statement"), all of which the Companies and the Stockholders hereby agree to use
their best efforts to cause Friedman promptly to prepare and so deliver).
"1998/1999 EBITDA" shall mean, (i) if an Acceleration Event does not
occur, (A) the sum of (x) 1998 EBITDA and (y) 1999 EBITDA, divided by (B) two,
or (ii) if an Acceleration Event occurs, the greater of (x) $17,000,000 or (y)
(A) the sum of (x) 1998 EBITDA and (y) 1999 EBITDA, divided by (B) two. It is
understood and agreed by the parties hereto that due to the nature of the
transactions contemplated hereby, it is impracticable and extremely difficult to
fix the actual amount of 1998/1999 EBITDA that would be calculated as a result
of an Acceleration Event. The parties agree that the foregoing $17,000,000 is
reasonable considering all the facts and circumstances
<PAGE> 108
108
existing as of the date hereof and constitute the parties' good faith estimate
of the actual amount reasonably expected to result from the calculation above.
It is understood and agreed that the obligation to pay the amount as calculated
above shall be the joint and several obligation of Norton and the Purchaser.
"1998 Month End Date" shall mean the last day of the calendar month
in which the Closing occurs.
"1999 EBITDA" shall mean (i) the EBITDA for the twelve-month period
ending on the 2000 Month End Date, or (ii) if an Acceleration Event occurs
during Year 1, zero, or if an Acceleration Event occurs during Year 2, EBITDA
through the Acceleration Date divided by the number of days from the first day
after the 1999 Month End Date until the Acceleration Date, multiplied by 365
(all as calculated in accordance with this Agreement and as set forth in a
written notice prepared by Friedman and delivered to Norton, the Purchaser and
the Companies (the "Acceleration EBITDA Notice"), together with a statement of
EBITDA of the Purchaser and its consolidated subsidiaries, if any, for the
applicable period prepared by Friedman in accordance with GAAP and otherwise in
accordance with this Agreement (the "Acceleration EBITDA Statement"), all of
which the Companies and the Stockholders hereby agree to use their best efforts
to cause Friedman promptly to prepare and so deliver).
"1999 Month End Date" shall mean the first anniversary of the 1998
Month End Date or, if an Acceleration Event occurs during Year 1, the
Acceleration Date.
"Norton Common Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(a) hereof.
"Norton Confidentiality Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 6.04 hereof.
"Permits" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.13(b)
hereof.
"Permitted Liens" means (i) restrictions on the transfer of shares
of capital stock of either of the Companies imposed by the certificate of
incorporation of either of the Companies; (ii) Liens set forth on Schedule 14;
(iii) subject to Section VI(b) hereof, mortgages, liens, pledges, charges,
encumbrances and restrictions which secure debt that is reflected as a liability
on the Full Year Financial Statements or disclosed in the notes thereto, or debt
which otherwise is permitted to be incurred pursuant to
<PAGE> 109
109
Section VI(b) hereof; (iv) statutory liens for Taxes not yet due or delinquent
or the validity of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings; and (v) mechanics' carriers', workers', repairers', warehousemen's
or customs' and other similar liens arising or incurred in the ordinary course
of business relating to obligations as to which there is no default on the part
of either of the Companies.
"Person" shall mean an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an
association, a trust, a limited liability company or any other entity or
organization, including a Governmental Authority.
"Post-Closing Determination" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.05 hereof.
"Premises" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.13(c)
hereof.
"Primary Registration Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.04(c) hereof.
"Prime Rate" shall mean the prime lending rate in effect from time
to time as published in the Wall Street Journal.
"Products" shall mean any and all products and merchandise of each
of the Companies.
"Property" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.01(a)(ii)
hereof.
"Purchase Price" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.01
hereof.
"Purchaser Group" shall mean the Purchaser, Norton and the
Purchaser's and Norton's subsidiaries, affiliates and parent entities.
"Purchaser Indemnified Parties" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 11.01 hereof.
"Purchaser Liability Amount" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 11.06(a) hereof.
"Quarterly Financials" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.12(b) hereof.
"Receivables" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.01(a)(v)
hereof.
<PAGE> 110
110
"Registrable Shares" shall mean (A) all shares of Norton Common
Stock issued pursuant to this Agreement or any of the Employment Agreements and
(B) any capital stock of Norton or any successor entity to Norton, issued as a
dividend or other distribution with respect to, or in exchange for or in
replacement of any of the Registrable Shares.
"Registration Expenses" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.04 hereof.
"Registration Indemnitees" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.04 hereof.
"Registration Investors" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.04 hereof.
"Registration Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.04 hereof.
"Registration Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.04 hereof.
"Registration Stockholders" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.04 hereof.
"Replacement Credit Facility" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.02(c) hereof.
"Restricted Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.04
hereof.
"Restricted Stockholders" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.04 hereof.
"Retained Contracts" shall mean (i) all of each of the Companies'
(or any affiliate's) insurance policies, (ii) all agreements, instruments and
other documents evidencing, governing or in respect of Benefit Plans,
Multiemployer Plans and all of each of the Companies (or any affiliate's) other
employee benefit, health, dental, medical, welfare, severance and similar plans
or programs, (iii) all Debt Documents evidencing, governing or in respect of
Company Indebtedness, (iv) all rights and entitlements of the Companies under
this Agreement, (v) all liabilities and obligations under other Contracts
evidencing, governing or in respect of Excluded Liabilities and (vi) the
agreements and documents set forth on Schedule 14A hereto.
"Rule 144" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(a)
hereof.
"Sales Taxes" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
1.01(c)(iii) hereof.
"Schedules" shall mean the Schedules attached hereto and made a part
of this Agreement.
<PAGE> 111
111
"SEC Documents" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.29(a)
hereof.
"Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Securities Exchange" shall mean any of the New York Stock Exchange,
the American Stock Exchange and, the Nasdaq National Market, as applicable, on
which the Norton Common Stock is listed.
"Seller Indemnified Parties" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 11.02 hereof.
"Seller Liability Amount" shall mean the sum of (a) $1,000,000 (the
"Money Seller Liability Amount") and (b) a number of shares of Norton Common
Stock payable as the Stock Earn Out Amount having a Market Value on the third
business day preceding the applicable date of payment or Set-off, as applicable,
equal to the lesser of $3,000,000 or an amount which is 20% of the aggregate
Market Value of the entire Stock Earn Out Amount (the "Stock Seller Liability
Amount"); provided however, in the event that the EBIDTA Notice for the 12-month
period ending on the 1999 Month End Date delivered to each of the parties hereto
indicates that the 1998 EBIDTA is equal to or in excess of $16,000,000, from and
after the date of delivery of such EBIDTA Notice to the parties hereto (or such
later date that all Disputed Matters in respect of the 1998 EBIDTA are resolved
by the Independent Auditor pursuant to a Determination made pursuant to Section
2.02(b)(iii)), the Seller Liability Amount shall be determined without reference
to the Money Seller Liability Amount, and rather shall be limited to the Stock
Seller Liability Amount, and provided further that, if an Acceleration Event
occurs, the Seller Liability Amount shall be zero.
"Set Off" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.07 hereof.
"Signing Market Value" shall mean the last sales price for the
Norton Common Stock on the principal securities exchange on which the Norton
Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading, or, if not so listed or admitted
to trading on any securities exchange, the last sales price for the Norton
Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market, in any case, on the date of the
execution of this Agreement.
"Statement of Adjusted EBITDA" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 7.11 hereof.
<PAGE> 112
112
"Stock Earn Out Amount" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(a)(i) hereof.
"Stock Seller Liability Amount" shall have the meaning set forth in
the definition of "Seller Liability Amount."
"Stockholders" shall have the meaning set forth in the first
paragraph hereof.
"Stockholder Representative" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 13.15 hereof.
"Supplemental Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.04(d) hereof.
"Supplemental Registration" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.04(c) hereof.
"Supplemental Registration Shares" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 2.04(d) hereof.
"Taxes" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.12 hereof.
"Tax Returns" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.12
hereof.
"Transaction Documents" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
5.01 hereof.
"Transaction Financing" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
10.08 hereof.
"Transferred Employee" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.07(a) hereof.
"2000 Month End Date" shall mean the second anniversary of the 1998
Month End Date or, if an Acceleration Event occurs during Year 2, the
Acceleration Date.
"Update Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.03
hereof.
"Warehouse" shall mean the building which is the subject of the
Warehouse Lease.
"Warehouse Lease" shall mean that certain Lease dated January 1,
1997 by and between 80 Carter Drive Associates, as landlord, and Jeri-Jo
Knitwear Inc., as
<PAGE> 113
113
tenant, and guaranteed by Norton, with respect to the Companies' warehouse and
administrative offices located at 80 Carter Drive, Edison, New Jersey.
"Year 1" shall be the twelve-month period ending on the first
anniversary of the 1998 Month End Date.
"Year 2" shall be the twelve-month period ending on the second
anniversary of the 1998 Month End Date.
* * *
<PAGE> 114
114
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed by the
parties hereto as of the date first above written.
JERI-JO KNITWEAR INC.
By: /s/ Leonard Schneider
-------------------------
Name:
Title:
JAMIE SCOTT, INC.
By: /s/ Susan Scheider
-------------------------
Name:
Title:
JJ ACQUISITION CORP.
By: /s/ Peter Boneparth
-------------------------
Name: Peter Boneparth
Title: Vice Chairman
NORTON MCNAUGHTON, INC.
By: /s/ Peter Boneparth
-------------------------
Name: Peter Boneparth
Title: President
/s/ Susan Schneider
-----------------------------
Susan Schneider
/s/ Leslie Schneider
-----------------------------
Leslie Schneider
/s/ Scott Schneider
-----------------------------
Scott Schneider
<PAGE> 115
================================================================================
AGREEMENT OF PURCHASE AND SALE
BY AND AMONG
JERI-JO KNITWEAR INC., JAMIE SCOTT, INC.,
THE STOCKHOLDERS OF
JAMIE SCOTT, INC., JJ ACQUISITION CORP.
AND
NORTON MCNAUGHTON, INC.
================================================================================
<PAGE> 116
Table of Contents
SECTION I. PURCHASE AND SALE OF THE ASSETS...................... 2
1.01 Purchase and Sale of the Assets...................... 2
SECTION II. THE PURCHASE PRICE................................... 9
2.01 Purchase Price....................................... 9
2.02 Earn Out............................................. 9
2.03 Allocation of Purchase Price......................... 16
2.04 Registration Rights.................................. 16
SECTION III. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
THE COMPANIES AND THE STOCKHOLDERS................... 26
3.01 Organization and Qualification....................... 26
3.02 Authority............................................ 26
3.03 No Legal Bar; Conflicts.............................. 27
3.04 Capitalization....................................... 27
3.05 Financial Statements; No Undisclosed
Liabilities.......................................... 27
3.06 Accounts Receivable; Inventories..................... 28
3.07 Accounts Payable, Etc................................ 29
3.08 Absence of Certain Changes........................... 29
3.09 Loans, Etc........................................... 30
3.10 Real Property Owned or Leased........................ 30
3.11 Title to Assets; Condition of Property............... 31
3.12 Taxes................................................ 31
3.13 Permits; Compliance with Applicable Law;
Permits; Environmental............................... 32
3.14 Licenses............................................. 34
3.15 Contractual and Other Obligations;
Customers and Suppliers.............................. 35
3.16 Compensation......................................... 36
3.17 Employee Benefit Plans............................... 36
3.18 Labor Relations...................................... 38
3.19 Dividends, Transfers, Increases in
Compensation or Benefits............................. 38
3.20 Insurance............................................ 39
3.21 Conduct of Business.................................. 39
3.22 Intellectual Property................................ 39
3.23 Power of Attorney; Bank Accounts, Etc................ 40
3.24 Books and Records.................................... 40
3.25 Litigation........................................... 41
3.26 Location of Business and Assets...................... 41
3.27 Insider Interests; Intercompany
Transactions......................................... 41
3.28 Investment........................................... 42
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Page
----
SECTION IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE
STOCKHOLDERS......................................... 43
4.01 Enforceability....................................... 43
4.02 No Legal Bar; Conflicts.............................. 43
4.03 Accredited Investor.................................. 44
SECTION V. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE
PURCHASER AND NORTON................................. 44
5.01 Organization......................................... 44
5.02 Authority............................................ 45
5.03 No Legal Bar; Conflicts.............................. 45
5.04 Norton Common Stock.................................. 46
5.05 SEC Documents........................................ 46
5.06 Ownership and Conduct of the Purchaser............... 46
5.07 Compliance with Laws................................. 47
SECTION VI. CONDUCT OF THE BUSINESS PRIOR TO CLOSING............. 47
(a) Conduct Prior to Closing............................. 47
6.01 Operation of the Business............................ 47
6.02 Preservation of Organization, Employees
and Business Relationships........................... 47
6.03 Encumbrances and Sales............................... 47
6.04 Documents, Etc....................................... 48
6.05 Cooperation.......................................... 48
6.06 Other Actions........................................ 48
(b) Indebtedness......................................... 48
SECTION VII. ADDITIONAL COVENANTS OF EACH OF THE
COMPANIES, NORTON AND THE PURCHASER.................. 49
7.01 Company Acquisition Proposal......................... 49
7.02 Publicity............................................ 49
7.03 Further Assurances and Books and Records............. 50
7.04 Correspondence, Funds, Etc........................... 50
7.05 Discharge of Obligations............................. 51
7.06 Projections.......................................... 51
7.07 Employees............................................ 52
7.08 RESERVED............................................. 54
7.09 HSR Filing........................................... 54
7.10 Cooperation; Access.................................. 54
7.11 Fiscal Year 1997 Audit............................... 55
7.12 Operation of the Purchaser After the
Closing. ............................................ 55
7.13 Chase/Marine Indebtedness............................ 60
7.14 Board of Directors................................... 60
7.15 Use of Trademark..................................... 60
7.16 Prepayment of IDB Financing.......................... 61
7.17 1407 Broadway........................................ 62
7.18 Termination of Letter of Credit...................... 62
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<PAGE> 118
Page
----
SECTION VIII. CLOSING............................................ 62
8.01 Time and Place of Closing............................ 62
8.02 Termination.......................................... 63
8.03 Effect on Obligations................................ 63
8.04 Escrow Deposit....................................... 65
8.05 Return of Documentation.............................. 67
8.06 Delivery of Assets................................... 67
8.07 Assumption of Liabilities............................ 68
8.08 Contracts and Books.................................. 68
8.09 Additional Steps..................................... 68
8.10 Change of Name....................................... 68
SECTION IX. CONDITIONS TO THE COMPANIES' OBLIGATION TO
CLOSE................................................ 69
9.01 Opinion of Counsel................................... 69
9.02 No Litigation........................................ 69
9.03 Representations and Warranties....................... 69
9.04 Hart-Scott-Rodino.................................... 70
9.05 Instruments of Assumption of the Assumed
Liabilities.......................................... 70
9.06 Credit Availability.................................. 70
9.07 Delivery of Letter of Credit......................... 70
9.08 Repayment of Indebtedness; Release of
Guarantees........................................... 70
9.09 Pledge............................................... 70
9.10 Stock Options........................................ 71
9.11 Employment Agreements................................ 71
9.12 Stock Options........................................ 71
9.13 Warehouse Lease...................................... 71
SECTION X. CONDITIONS TO THE PURCHASER'S OBLIGATION
TO CLOSE............................................. 72
10.01 Opinion of Counsel................................... 72
10.02 No Litigation........................................ 72
10.03 Representations and Warranties....................... 72
10.04 Third Party Consents................................. 73
10.05 Hart-Scott-Rodino.................................... 73
10.06 Instruments of Conveyance of the Assets,
Power of Attorney, Etc............................... 73
10.07 Consent of Friedman.................................. 74
10.08 Financing............................................ 74
10.09 Minimum 1997 Adjusted EBITDA......................... 74
10.10 Minimum Book Value................................... 74
10.11 Minimum Net Sales.................................... 74
10.12 Suppliers............................................ 75
10.13 Warehouse Lease...................................... 75
10.14 Prepayment of IDB Financing.......................... 75
-iii-
<PAGE> 119
Page
----
SECTION XI. INDEMNIFICATION...................................... 75
11.01 Indemnification by Each of the Companies
and the Indemnifying Stockholders.................... 75
11.02 Indemnification by the Purchaser..................... 76
11.03 Procedure for Indemnification........................ 76
11.04 Subrogation.......................................... 78
11.05 Validity............................................. 79
11.06 Limits on Indemnifications........................... 79
11.07 Set-Off.............................................. 81
11.08 Exclusive Remedy..................................... 81
SECTION XII. BROKERS AND FINDERS.................................. 82
12.01 The Companies' and the Stockholders'
Obligations.......................................... 82
12.02 The Purchaser's and Norton's Obligations............. 82
SECTION XIII. MISCELLANEOUS........................................ 82
13.01 Notices.............................................. 82
13.02 Entire Agreement and Amendment....................... 84
13.03 Expenses............................................. 84
13.04 Injunctive Relief.................................... 85
13.05 Arbitration.......................................... 86
13.06 Invalidity and Bulk Sales............................ 86
13.07 Successors and Assigns............................... 86
13.08 Governing Law........................................ 87
13.09 Counterparts......................................... 87
13.10 Assignment........................................... 87
13.11 Knowledge............................................ 87
13.12 Independence of Covenants and
Representations and Warranties, Schedules,
Etc.................................................. 87
13.13 Interpretation....................................... 88
13.14 Risk of Loss......................................... 88
13.15 Action by the Stockholders........................... 88
13.16 Limitation of Representations and
Warranties........................................... 90
13.17 No Third Party Beneficiaries......................... 90
SECTION XIV. DEFINITIONS.......................................... 90
14.01 Certain Definitions.................................. 90
-iv-
<PAGE> 120
SCHEDULES
1.01(a)(vi) CONTRACTS
1.01(c)(ix) ASSUMED LITIGATION
2.03 ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PRICE
3.03 CONSENTS
3.04 CAPITALIZATION
3.05 LIABILITIES
3.08 CERTAIN CHANGES
3.09 COMPANY INDEBTEDNESS
3.10 REAL PROPERTY LEASED
3.11 CONDITION OF THE ASSETS
3.12 TAXES
3.13(b) PERMITS
3.13(c) ENVIRONMENTAL
3.14 LICENSES
3.15 CUSTOMERS
3.16 COMPENSATION
3.17 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
3.18 LABOR MATTERS
3.19 INCREASES IN COMPENSATION
3.20 INSURANCE
3.22 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
3.23 POWERS OF ATTORNEY; BANK ACCOUNTS
3.25 LITIGATION
3.26 LOCATIONS
3.27 INSIDER INTERESTS; INTERCOMPANY TRANSACTIONS
7.12(iii) YEAR 1 BUSINESS PLAN
14 PERMITTED LIENS
14A ADDITIONAL RETAINED CONTRACTS
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A Escrow Agreement
Exhibit B(1)-(3) Employment Agreements
Exhibit C Form of Press Release
Exhibit D Commitment Letter
Exhibit E Indemnifying Stockholders' Pro Rata
Percentages
Exhibit F Irrevocable Standby Letter of
Credit Certificate
Exhibit G Form of Earn Out Letter of Credit
Exhibit H Form of Pledge Agreement
Exhibit I Form of Parker Chapin Flattau &
Klimpl, LLP Opinion
Exhibit J Employee Benefit Assumption
Agreement
Exhibit K Form of Warehouse Lease
Exhibit L Example of Certain Terms of Section
2.02(b)(iii)
-v-
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 10.1
GUARANTY
Reference is made to the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, dated as of
April 15, 1998 among Jeri-Jo Knitwear, Inc., Jamie Scott, Inc., Susan Schneider,
Leslie Schneider, Scott Schneider, JJ Acquisition Corp. and Norton McNaughton,
Inc. (as the same may be supplemented, modified, amended or restated from time
to time in the manner set forth therein, the "Agreement"). Capitalized terms
used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings set
forth in the Agreement.
In consideration of the financial accommodations heretofore, now or
hereafter granted by Jeri-Jo Knitwear, Inc., Jamie Scott, Inc., Susan Schneider,
Leslie Schneider, Scott Schneider and/or their respective permitted assigns
under the Agreement (each, a "Creditor" and, collectively, the "Creditors")
under or in connection with the Agreement, to or for the account of JJ
Acquisition Corp. ("Debtor"), under the Agreement, the Employment Agreements,
and any and all other agreements, instruments and documents executed or
delivered by Debtor in connection with any of the foregoing in favor of (or for
the benefit of) any of the Creditors (as the same may be supplemented, modified,
amended or restated from time to time in the manner set forth therein,
collectively, the "Transaction Documents"), Norton McNaughton, Inc.
("Guarantor") hereby unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely guarantees the
full, prompt and due payment and performance of all indebtedness, liabilities
and other obligations of Debtor to any of the Creditors, in any case under or
arising out of any of the Transaction Documents, of every kind, character and
description, whether now existing or hereafter incurred, including (without
limitation) any and all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof,
howsoever and whensoever arising or independent, matured or unmatured,
contractual or tortious, liquidated or unliquidated, direct or indirect, primary
or secondary, arising by operation of law, agreement or otherwise, and whether
incurred by the Debtor as principal, surety, indorser, guarantor, accommodation
party or otherwise, in any case under or arising out of any of the Transaction
Documents (collectively, the "Obligations").
Guarantor also agrees: (i) to indemnify each of the Creditors and
hold each of the Creditors harmless upon demand (with counsel acceptable to such
Creditors), from and against any and all claims, demands, obligations and
liabilities by whomsoever asserted, and against all losses, costs and expenses
in any way suffered, incurred or paid by
<PAGE> 2
2
any of the Creditors, in any case, as a result or in any way arising out of or
consequential to enforcing any of the rights or remedies granted to any of the
Creditors under this Guaranty, including (without limitation) all attorneys'
fees, disbursements and costs; (ii) that the obligations of Guarantor under this
Guaranty shall not in any way be released or impaired or affected by (A) any
modification, supplement, extension, acceleration, release, disposition, waiver,
cancellation, compromise or other alteration of any of the Obligations or of any
security therefor, (B) the absence of any action on the part of any of the
Creditors to obtain payment or performance of any of the Obligations from Debtor
or any other guarantor or other party, or any other circumstance which might
otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, Guarantor in
respect of the Obligations or this Guaranty, (C) any agreement or arrangement
whatsoever with, or other indulgence granted to, or any exercise or refraining
from exercising any rights against, Debtor, any other guarantor or anyone else,
(D) the application to any of the Obligations of any sums paid by anyone or
otherwise realized by any of the Creditors regardless of which of the
Obligations remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or (E) the failure by anyone to file,
record or otherwise perfect any lien or security interest in any collateral, or
to insure or protect any collateral, or any other dealing (or failure to deal)
with any collateral by any of the Creditors or anyone else; (iii) that this is a
guarantee of payment and not of collection, and that the liability of Guarantor
hereunder is direct and unconditional and may be enforced without requiring any
of the Creditors first to resort to any other right, remedy or security; (iv)
that none of the Creditors need exhaust any of their rights or recourse against
Debtor or any other guarantor or person or any security that any such Creditor
may have at any time before exercising any of such Creditor's rights under this
Guaranty against Guarantor; (v) that Guarantor shall not have any right of
recourse to any security for any Obligations of Debtor to any of the Creditors,
unless and until all of such Obligations have been paid in full; (vi) that any
of the Creditors' records showing the accounts between such Creditor and Debtor
shall be admissible in any action or proceeding, shall be binding upon Guarantor
for the purpose of establishing the items therein set forth, and shall
constitute prima facie proof thereof; (vii) that this Guaranty is, as to
Guarantor, a continuing Guaranty; (viii) that nothing shall discharge or satisfy
the liability of Guarantor hereunder except the full and indefeasible payment
and performance of all of the Obligations; and (x) that all sums at any time to
the credit of Guarantor, may be held by such Creditor as security for any and
all obligations of Guarantor to such Creditor hereunder.
<PAGE> 3
3
Guarantor hereby waives: notice of acceptance of this Guaranty;
notice of any liability to which it may apply; presentment, demand of payment,
protest, notice of dishonor or nonpayment of any of the Obligations and, except
as otherwise expressly provided in the Agreement, any other notice of default
and other notices to which Guarantor is or might be entitled, whether by law or
otherwise. All actions or proceedings arising directly or indirectly, in
connection with, out of or related to this Guaranty may be arbitrated as
provided in the Agreement, at each Creditor's sole discretion and election, if
Debtor has breached any of the terms, provisions or covenants of the Transaction
Documents, and such arbitration shall not be deemed to be a waiver by such
Creditor of such breach.
No permitted assignment or other transfer by Debtor or any Creditor
of any interest, right or obligation under any of the Transaction Documents, or
any permitted assumption by any third party of the Obligations under any of the
Transaction Documents, shall extinguish or diminish the unconditional, absolute,
primary and direct liability of the undersigned under this Guaranty. Except as
otherwise expressly provided in the Agreement, Guarantor hereby consents to and
waives all notice of any such permitted assignment, transfer or assumption.
No payment by Guarantor except the indefeasible payment in full of
the Obligations shall entitle Guarantor to be subrogated to any of the
Creditors' rights. Guarantor shall not have any right of reimbursement or
indemnity whatsoever and no right of recourse to or with respect to any assets
or property of Debtor or to any security for any of the Obligations, unless and
until all of the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid and satisfied in full.
If claim is ever made upon any Creditor for repayment, return,
restoration or other recovery of any amount or amounts received by such Creditor
in payment or on account of any of the Obligations, and such Creditor repays all
or part of such amounts; (a) because such payment or application of proceeds is
or may be avoided, invalidated, declared fraudulent, set aside or determined set
off or a diversion of trust funds; or (b) for any other reason, including
(without limitation) by reason of (i) any judgment, decree or order of any court
or administrative body having jurisdiction over such Creditor or any of its
property, or (ii) any settlement or compromise of any such claim effected by any
Creditor with any such claimant (including, without limitation, Debtor); then,
and in such event, Guarantor agrees that any such judgment, decree, order,
settlement or compromise shall be binding upon such
<PAGE> 4
4
Guarantor, notwithstanding the cancellation of any of the Transaction Documents
or any other note, lease or other instrument evidencing any of the Obligations,
and the obligations of Guarantor hereunder shall continue to apply, or shall
automatically (and without further action) be reinstated if not then in effect,
as the case may be, and Guarantor shall be and remain liable to such Creditor
hereunder for the amount so repaid or recovered to the same extent as if such
amount had never originally been received by such Creditor.
This Guaranty is intended as a complete and exclusive statement of
the terms hereof. No course of dealing, course of performance or parol evidence
shall be used to supplement or modify any of the provisions hereof. If any
provision of this Guaranty is prohibited, held to be invalid, or otherwise found
to be unenforceable by reason of any rule of law, or judgment or decree entered
by any court of competent jurisdiction in any state shall, as to such state, be
ineffective to the extent of such prohibition, invalidity or unenforceability
without affecting the remaining provisions hereof. No amendment, modification or
waiver of any provisions of this Guaranty, nor any consent to any departure by
Guarantor therefrom, shall be effective unless set forth in a writing duly
executed by each Creditor, and any such waiver or consent shall only be
effective in the specific instance given. There are no conditions to the
effectiveness of this Guaranty; notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained herein, this Guaranty shall not be effective as to any of the
Transaction Documents unless and until such document is executed and delivered
by Debtor and becomes effective by its terms.
This Guaranty shall be binding upon Guarantor and each of its
respective successors and permitted assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of
each of the Creditors and their respective successors and permitted assigns
under the Agreement. Any permitted assignee of any Creditor shall have all of
such Creditor's rights hereunder and may enforce this Guaranty against Guarantor
with the same force and effect as if this Guaranty were given to such assignee
in the first instance.
THIS GUARANTY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED UNDER THE LAWS OF
THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW OR
CHOICE OF LAW. In any action or proceeding relating to this Guaranty, Guarantor
hereof irrevocably (a) consents to the jurisdiction and venue of the Courts of
the State of New York and the federal courts located in New York County, New
York, and (b) waives
<PAGE> 5
5
personal service of process by manual delivery, and (c) agrees that any service
of process may be made by mailing such process by certified mail, postage paid,
to Guarantor at the address set forth below, which service shall be deemed
completed ten (10) days after the date of mailing thereof.
GUARANTOR HEREBY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR
PROCEEDING, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT, AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, ARISING OUT OF OR
RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY.
This Guaranty shall terminate in full and shall no longer have any
force or effect immediately upon the earlier to occur of: (a) the termination of
the Agreement at any time prior to the "Closing" thereof (as defined therein),
in accordance with Section 8.02 thereof, and the indefeasible payment and
performance of all Obligations under Section 8.03 thereof with respect to such
termination; or (b) the indefeasible payment and performance of all of the
Obligations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Guaranty as
of the 15th day of April, 1998.
/s/ Sanford Greenberg Norton McNaughton, Inc.
- ---------------------
Witness
By: /s/ Peter Boneparth
----------------------
President
Address: 463 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10018
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 10.2
Exhibit B-1
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated as of the ____ day of _____, 1998 by and between JJ
ACQUISITION CORP., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Susan Schneider
(the "Employee").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Norton
McNaughton, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Norton"), and certain other parties
(which parties include the Employee) have entered into an Agreement of Purchase
and Sale dated as of April 15, 1998 (the "Purchase Agreement"), providing, inter
alia, for the purchase by the Company of substantially all of the assets of
Jeri-Jo Knitwear Inc., a New York corporation ("J-J Knitwear") and Jamie Scott,
Inc., a New York corporation ("Jamie Scott"; and together with J-J Knitwear and
Jamie Scott, the "Jeri-Jo Group"); and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to secure the employment of the
Employee with the Company and the Employee desires to be employed by the
Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. Employment, Term.
1.1 The Company agrees to employ the Employee, and the Employee
agrees to serve in the employ of the Company, for the term set forth in Section
1.2, in the positions and with the responsibilities, duties and authority set
forth in Section 2 and on the other terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement.
1.2 The term of the Employee's employment under this Agreement (the
"Term") shall commence on the date hereof and shall terminate on the second
anniversary of the Closing Date (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) (the
"Expiration Date"), unless sooner terminated in accordance with this Agreement.
2. Positions, Duties. The Employee shall serve in the position of
President of the Company. The Employee shall perform, faithfully and diligently,
such duties and shall have such other responsibilities, appropriate to said
position, as shall be assigned to her from time to time by the Vice Chairman
(the "Vice Chairman") (currently, Peter Boneparth); provided, however, that in
any event said duties and responsibilities shall be consistent with the terms
and
<PAGE> 2
2
provisions of Section 7.12 of the Purchase Agreement. The Employee shall report
solely to the Vice Chairman (currently, Peter Boneparth), but if Mr. Boneparth
changes titles with the Purchaser, then to Mr. Boneparth in such capacity. The
Employee shall devote her complete and undivided attention to the performance of
her duties and responsibilities hereunder during the normal working hours of
executive employees of the Company. The Employee's services under this Agreement
shall be performed principally at the executive offices and warehouses of the
Company to be located, during the Term, in New York City and New Jersey,
respectively (unless otherwise agreed between the Vice Chairman and the
Employee).
3. Compensation.
3.1 Salary. During the Term, in consideration of the performance by
the Employee of the services set forth in Section 2 and her observance of the
other covenants set forth herein, the Company shall pay the Employee, and the
Employee shall accept, a base salary at a rate of $400,000 per annum (which may
be increased, but not decreased), payable in accordance with the standard
payroll practices of the Company.
3.2 Bonus. During the Term, in addition to the salary provided for
in Section 3.1 and the Bonus Plan described in Section 3.4, the Employee shall
be eligible to participate, subject to the terms thereof, in any bonus plan for
executives of Norton or the Company in effect during the Term.
3.3 Stock Options.
(a) Grant. On the date hereof, Norton shall grant to the
Employee, an option to purchase an aggregate number of shares of common stock,
par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), of Norton, at an exercise price
per share equal to the Closing Market Value (as defined in the Purchase
Agreement) (the "Option"), which number shall equal the sum of (i) 180,000 (the
"Base Option Number") and (ii) a number (the "Additional Option Number") equal
to the Base Option Number multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall
be the positive excess, if any, of the Closing Market Value over the Signing
Market Value (as such terms defined in the Purchase Agreement) and the
denominator of which shall be the Signing Market Value. The Option shall be
vested and exercisable on and after (i) the date hereof, as to 40,000 shares of
Common Stock and (ii) the date which is nine years and six months from the
Closing Date, as to the remainder of the number of shares of Common Stock
<PAGE> 3
3
subject to the Option (the "Remainder"), but shall be sooner exercisable as to
the Remainder (i)(A) with respect to a number of shares of Common Stock equal to
140,000 shares of Common Stock, on the Earn Out Payment Date (as defined in the
Purchase Agreement) if and only if the 1998/1999 EBITDA (as defined in the
definition of 1998/1999 EBITDA in the Purchase Agreement) shall equal or exceed
$11,000,000 but be less than $15,000,000, (B) in full, on the Earn Out Payment
Date, if and only if the 1998/1999 EBITDA shall equal or exceed $15,000,000;
(ii) in full, on the date, if any, that the Employee's employment terminates
hereunder by reason of death or Disability or by the Employee for Good Reason or
by the Company without Due Cause (as said terms are hereinafter defined); and
(iii) in full, upon the occurrence of any Acceleration Event (as defined in the
Purchase Agreement).
(b) Term of Option. Except as provided below, the term of the
Option shall be ten years.
(i) In the event of a termination of employment of the
Employee with the Company pursuant to Section 6.1, Section 6.2 or Section 6.4,
the Option may be exercised by the Employee or, in the event of the Employee's
death, her estate or legal representative during the remainder of the term of
the Option; and
(ii) In the event of termination of the employment of the
Employee with the Company (a) by the Company pursuant to Section 6.3 or (b) by
the Employee during the Term, other than pursuant to Sections 6.1, 6.2 or 6.4,
the Option shall not thereafter be exercisable.
(c) Adjustments. In the event of any dividend or other
distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities or
other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split,
reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination,
repurchase or exchange of Common Stock or other securities of Norton, issuance
of warrants or other rights to purchase Common Stock, the Board of Directors
shall, in good faith, adjust the number of shares of Common Stock (or other
securities or property) subject to the Option, the exercise price with respect
to any Option, or all of the foregoing.
(d) Stock Option Certificate. The Options shall be represented
by a stock option certificate in the form of Exhibit A hereto and shall
otherwise be subject to the terms and conditions of such stock option
certificate.
<PAGE> 4
4
(e) Registration of Shares. Norton shall, as promptly as
practicable following the commencement of the Employee's employment hereunder,
file a registration statement on Form S-8, or any successor to such Form, with
respect to the shares of Common Stock covered by the Option.
3.4 Bonus Options. During the Term, the Employee shall be eligible
to receive Bonus Options (as defined in the Norton McNaughton, Inc. Bonus Option
Plan for Senior Executives of JJ Acquisition Corp. (the "Executive Option Bonus
Plan")) in accordance with the terms set forth in the Executive Option Bonus
Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit B.
4. Expense Reimbursement. During the Term, (i) the Company shall
reimburse the Employee for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses
incurred by her in connection with the performance of her duties hereunder, upon
the presentation of proper accounts therefor in accordance with Norton's
policies and (ii) the Company shall pay for the benefit of the Employee all
reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by her in the ordinary and usual
course of business and in accordance with Norton's policies (in any case, as
such policies are adopted from time to time by the Compensation Committee of
Norton).
5. Benefits.
5.1 Benefit Plans. In addition to the benefits under Section 7.07 of
the Purchase Agreement, during the Term, the Employee shall be entitled to
participate in all employee benefit plans and programs offered by Norton or the
Company for similarly situated executives and shall be entitled to equitable
treatment in respect of new benefits, if any, to be received under such employee
benefit plans and programs by similarly situated executives.
5.2 Vacation. During the Term, the Employee shall be entitled to
paid vacation in accordance with Norton's policy for its executive employees,
but not less than five weeks.
<PAGE> 5
5
6. Termination of Employment.
6.1 Death. In the event of the death of the Employee during the
Term, the Company shall pay to the estate or other legal representative of the
Employee (1) the base salary provided for in Section 3.1 accrued to the date of
the Employee's death and not theretofore paid to the Employee, (2) a pro rata
bonus in an amount equal to the product of (i) the Employee's most recent bonus,
if any, paid under Section 3.2, and (ii)(A) the number of months (including
partial months) worked during the year in which the Employee's date of death
occurs, divided by (b) 12, and (3) Bonus Options in accordance with Section 4 of
the Executive Option Bonus Plan. Rights and benefits of the estate or other
legal representative of the Employee under the benefit plans and programs of the
Company shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of such plans and
programs. Neither the estate or other legal representative of the Employee nor
the Company shall have any further rights or obligations under this Agreement
except as provided in Section 3.3(b)(i).
6.2 Disability. If during the Term the Employee shall become
incapacitated by reason of physical or mental disability and shall be unable to
perform her normal duties hereunder for a cumulative period of six (6) months in
any period of twelve (12) consecutive months, the employment of the Employee
hereunder may be terminated by the Company or the Employee upon notice to the
other (a "Disability"). In the event of such termination, the Company shall pay
to the Employee (1) the salary provided for in Section 3.1 accrued to the date
of such termination and not theretofore paid to the Employee, (2) a pro rata
bonus in an amount equal to the product of (i) the Employee's most recent bonus,
if any, paid under Section 3.2, and (ii)(A) the number of months (including
partial months) employed during the year in which the Employee's termination
occurs, divided by (b) 12, and (3) Bonus Options in accordance with Section 4 of
the Executive Option Bonus Plan. Rights and benefits of the Employee under the
benefit plans and programs of the Company shall be determined in accordance with
the provisions of such plans and programs. Neither the Employee nor the Company
shall have any further rights or obligations under this Agreement, except as
provided in Sections 3.3(b)(i), 7, 8, 9 and 10.
6.3 Due Cause. The employment of the Employee hereunder may be
terminated by the Company at any time during the Term for Due Cause (as
hereinafter defined). In
<PAGE> 6
6
the event of such termination, the Company shall pay to the Employee the salary
provided for in Section 3.1 accrued to the date of such termination and not
theretofore paid to the Employee. Rights and benefits of the Employee under the
benefit plans and programs of the Company shall be determined in accordance with
the provisions of such plans and programs. After the satisfaction of any claim
of the Company against the Employee incidental to such Due Cause, neither the
Employee nor the Company shall have any further rights or obligations under this
Agreement, except as provided in Sections 7, 8, 9 and 10. For purposes hereof,
"Due Cause" shall mean the Employee's conviction or other adjudication of a
felony or any crime or offense involving fraud that is materially injurious to
the Company or Norton; provided, however, that the Employee shall be given
written notice by a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company that it
intends to terminate the Employee's employment for Due Cause under this Section,
which written notice shall specify the act or acts upon the basis of which the
majority of the Board of Directors of the Company intends so to terminate the
Employee's employment, and the Employee shall then be given the opportunity,
within fifteen (15) days of her receipt of such notice, to have a meeting with
the Board of Directors of the Company to discuss such act or acts.
6.4 Termination by the Employee with Good Reason or by the Company
not for Due Cause. The Employee may at any time terminate her employment with
the Company with Good Reason (as hereinafter defined). For purposes hereof, Good
Reason shall mean (i) the breach by the Company of any material provision of
this Agreement or of Section 7.12 of the Purchase Agreement, in any case, for a
period of 30 days after written notice of such breach by the Employee to the
Company; (ii) the failure of the Company to pay the Earn Out Payment (as defined
in the Purchase Agreement) as and when such is due and payable in accordance
with the terms of the Purchase Agreement, including any amounts payable under
the Earn Out Letter of Credit (as defined in the Purchase Agreement); and (iii)
the occurrence of an Acceleration Event (as defined in the Purchase Agreement).
If the Company terminates the Employee's employment other than for disability
pursuant to Section 6.2 or Due Cause pursuant to Section 6.3, or if the Employee
terminates her employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 6.4, the Employee
shall be entitled (a) to continue to receive from the Company her base salary
for the remainder of the Term and (b) to continue to participate for the
remainder of the Term in all employee benefit plans and programs (including any
bonus plan) in which the Employee participated on the date of termination.
<PAGE> 7
7
7. Confidential Information.
7.1 The Employee shall, during the Term and for the two-year period
thereafter (unless the Term terminates in accordance with Section 6.4, in which
case the limits imposed on the Employee under this Section 7.1 shall expire on
the date of such termination), treat as confidential and, except as required in
the performance of her duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, not
disclose, publish or otherwise make available to the public or to any
individual, firm or corporation any confidential material (as hereinafter
defined), except, on a need to know basis, to the Employee's attorney,
accountant or personal advisor. The Employee agrees that all confidential
material, together with all notes and records of the Employee relating thereto,
and all copies or facsimiles thereof in the possession of the Employee, are the
exclusive property of the Company and the Employee agrees to return such
material to the Company promptly upon the termination of the Employee's
employment with the Company.
7.2 Subject to Section 7.12 of the Purchase Agreement, for the
purposes hereof, the term "confidential material" shall mean all information
acquired by the Employee in the course of the Employee's prior employment with
any member of the Jeri-Jo Group and in the course of the Employee's employment
with the Company in any way concerning the products, projects, activities,
business or affairs of the Company, the Jeri-Jo Group, or Norton or and other
subsidiary, direct or indirect, of Norton (the "Norton Group"), or the
customers, suppliers or agents of the Company, the Jeri-Jo Group or any member
of the Norton Group, including, without limitation, all information concerning
trade secrets and the preparation of raw material for, manufacture of, or
finishing processes utilized in the production of, the products or projects of
the Company, any member of the Jeri-Jo Group or any member of the Norton Group
or any improvements therein, all sales and financial information concerning the
Company, any member of the Jeri-Jo Group or any member of the Norton Group, all
customer and supplier lists, all information concerning projects in research and
development or marketing plans for any such products or projects, and all
information in any way concerning the products, projects, activities, business
or affairs of customers of the Company, the Jeri-Jo Group or any member of the
Norton Group which is furnished to the Employee by the Company or any of its
employees (current or former), agents, customers or suppliers, as such;
provided, however, that the term "confidential material" shall not include
information which (a) becomes generally available to the public or the apparel
industry in general other than as
<PAGE> 8
8
a result of a disclosure by the Employee, (b) was available to the Employee on a
non-confidential basis prior to her employment with the Company, (c) becomes
available to the Employee on a non-confidential basis from a source other than
the Company or any of its agents, suppliers or customers, provided that the
Employee has no knowledge that such source is not bound by a confidentiality
agreement with the Company or any of such agents, customers or suppliers, or (d)
if disclosed by the Employee would not have a significant detrimental effect on
the business of the Company.
8. Inventions. Subject to Section 7.12 of the Purchase Agreement and
subject to the Employee's right to the registered trademark Rachel Max(R) (but
subject to Section 7.15 of the Purchase Agreement) any and all material
inventions, material innovations or material improvements ("inventions") made,
developed or created by the Employee (whether at the request or suggestion of
the Company or otherwise, whether alone or in conjunction with others, and
whether during regular hours of work or otherwise) during the period of her
employment with the Company which may be directly useful in, or relate to, the
Business (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), shall be promptly and fully
disclosed by the Employee to the Board of Directors of the Company and shall be
the Company's exclusive property as against the Employee, and the Employee shall
promptly deliver to an appropriate representative of the Company as designated
by the Board of Directors all papers, drawings, models, data and other material
relating to any inventions made, developed or created by her as aforesaid. The
Employee shall, at the request of the Company and without any payment therefor,
execute any documents necessary or advisable in the opinion of the Company's
counsel to direct issuance of patents, trademarks or copyrights to the Company
with respect to such inventions as are to be the Company's exclusive property as
against the Employee or to vest in the Company title to such inventions as
against the Employee. The expense of securing any such patent, trademark or
copyright shall be borne by the Company.
9. Non-Competition. The Employee acknowledges that the services to
be rendered by her to the Company are of a special and unique character. In
consideration of her employment hereunder, the Employee agrees, for the benefit
of the Company, that she will not, during the period of her employment with the
Company and thereafter for a period (the "Period") of two (2) years commencing
on the date of termination of her employment with the Company (other than a
termination by the Employee for Good Reason or by the Company not for Due Cause,
in which case, the Period shall
<PAGE> 9
9
be the remainder of the Term following the date of such termination), (a)
engage, directly or indirectly, whether as principal, agent, distributor,
representative, consultant, employee, partner, stockholder, limited partner or
other investor (other than an investment of not more than (i) five percent (5%)
of the stock or equity of any corporation the capital stock of which is publicly
traded or (ii) five percent (5%) of the ownership interest of any limited
partnership or other entity) or otherwise, anywhere in the United States, in any
business activity or business venture which is in competition with the Business
(as defined in the Purchase Agreement), it being understood and agreed that
ownership or operation of the business presently conducted by Creative
Retailers, Inc. shall not be prohibited by this Section 9, (b) solicit or entice
or endeavor to solicit or entice away from the Company or any member of the
Norton Group any person who was an officer, employee or consultant of the
Company, either for her own account or for any individual, firm or corporation,
whether or not such person would commit any breach of his contract of employment
by reason of leaving the service of the Company, and the Employee agrees not to
employ, directly or indirectly, any person who was an officer or employee of the
Company, or (c) solicit or entice or endeavor to solicit or entice away from the
Company any supplier or customer of the Company, either for her own account or
for any individual, firm or corporation, which, in any case would have a
significant detrimental effect on the business of the Company.
10. Equitable Relief, Etc.
In the event of a breach or threatened breach by the Employee of any
of the provisions of Sections 7, 8 or 9, the Employee hereby consents and agrees
that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction or similar equitable relief
from any court of competent jurisdiction restraining the Employee from
committing or continuing any such breach or threatened breach or granting
specific performance of any act required to be performed by the Employee under
any of such provisions, without the necessity of showing any actual damage or
that money damages would not afford an adequate remedy and without the necessity
of posting any bond or other security. Nothing herein shall be construed as
prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other remedies at law or in equity
which it may have with respect to any such breach or threatened breach.
<PAGE> 10
10
11. Successors and Assigns.
11.1 Assignment by the Company. The Company may not assign this
Agreement or any part thereof without the prior written consent of the Employee.
11.2 Assignment by the Employee. The Employee may not assign this
Agreement or any part thereof without the prior written consent of a majority of
the Board of Directors of the Company (other than the Employee if she is a
member of such Board at the time); provided, however, that nothing herein shall
preclude one or more beneficiaries of the Employee from receiving any amount
that may be payable following the occurrence of her legal incompetency or her
death and shall not preclude the legal representative of her estate from
receiving such amount or from assigning any right hereunder to the person or
persons entitled thereto under her will or, in the case of intestacy, to the
person or persons entitled thereto under the laws of intestacy applicable to her
estate. The term "beneficiaries", as used in this Agreement, shall mean a
beneficiary or beneficiaries so designated to receive any such amount or, if no
beneficiary has been so designated, the legal representative of the Employee (in
the event of her incompetency) or the Employee's estate.
12. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed a contract made
under, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with, the laws of
the State of New York applicable to contracts to be performed entirely within
such State.
13. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains all the understandings
and representations between the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter
hereof. This Agreement supersedes all understandings and agreements, whether
oral or in writing, if any, previously entered into by the Company or any member
of Jeri-Jo Group with the Employee in any way relating to the employment of the
Employee by the Company or by any member of the Jeri-Jo Group, all of which
agreements and understandings are hereby terminated and all rights and
entitlements thereunder are hereby waived and released.
14. Amendment, Modification, Waiver. No provision of this Agreement
may be amended or modified unless such amendment or modification is agreed to in
writing and signed by the Employee and by a representative of the Company (other
than the Employee) who have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of
the Company to do so (other than the Employee if she is a member of such Board
at
<PAGE> 11
11
the time). Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, no
waiver by either party hereto of any breach by the other party hereto of any
condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party
shall be deemed a waiver of a similar or dissimilar provision or condition at
the same or any prior or subsequent time, nor shall the failure of or delay by
either party hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder
operate as a waiver thereof to preclude any other or further exercise thereof or
the exercise of any other such right, power or privilege.
15. Notices. All notices, requests or instructions hereunder shall
be in writing and delivered personally, sent by telecopy, sent by registered or
certified mail, postage prepaid, or sent by Federal Express or any other
nationally recognized overnight courier service, as follows:
If to the Company:
c/o Norton McNaughton, Inc.
463 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10018
Attention: President
Telecopy: (212) 563-2766
with a copy to:
Haythe & Curley
237 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attention: Bradley P. Cost, Esq.
Telecopy: (212) 682-0200
If to the Employee:
Susan Schneider
c/o Friedman Alpren & Green LLP
1700 Broadway
New York, New York 10019
Attention: Bruce A. Madnick, CPA
Telecopy No.: (212) 265-4761
with a copy to:
Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP
1211 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
Attention: James Alterbaum, Esq.
Telecopy: (212) 704-6288
<PAGE> 12
12
Any of the above addresses may be changed at any time by notice given as
provided above; provided, however, that any such notice of change of address
shall be effective only upon receipt. All notices, requests or instructions
given in accordance herewith shall be deemed received on the date of delivery,
if hand delivered, telecopied, or sent by Federal Express or any other
recognized overnight courier service, and three (3) business days after the date
of mailing, if mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.
16. Arbitration. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating
to this Agreement, or any breach thereof, shall, except as provided in Section
10, be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the
American Arbitration Association then in effect and judgment upon such award
rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. The arbitration shall be held in New York, New York.
17. Severability. Should any provision of this Agreement be held by
a court or arbitration panel of competent jurisdiction to be enforceable only if
modified, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this
Agreement, the balance of which shall continue to be binding upon the parties
hereto with any such modification to become a part hereof and treated as though
originally set forth in this Agreement. In any event, should one or more of the
provisions of this Agreement be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect
any other provisions hereof, and if such provision or provisions are not
modified as provided above, this Agreement shall be construed as if such
invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been set forth herein.
18. Authority. The Company and Norton represent and warrant to the
Employee that the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and
the performance by the Company of its covenants and agreements hereunder have
been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and that this Agreement
has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Company.
19. Withholding. Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, all
payments required to be made by the Company hereunder to the Employee or her
beneficiaries, including her estate, shall be subject to withholding of such
amounts relating to taxes as the Company may reasonably determine it should
withhold pursuant to any applicable law
<PAGE> 13
13
or regulation. In lieu of withholding such amounts, in whole or in part, the
Company, may, in its sole discretion, accept other provision for payment of
taxes as permitted by law, provided it is satisfied in its sole discretion that
all requirements of law affecting its responsibilities to withhold such taxes
have been satisfied.
20. Subsidiaries, etc. The Employee shall be deemed to resign as an
officer and, if applicable, director of the Company and of any parent,
subsidiary or affiliate of the Company upon termination of her employment with
the Company.
21. Survivorship. The respective rights and obligations of the
Employee and the Company hereunder shall survive any termination of this
Agreement to the extent necessary to the intended preservation of such rights
and obligations.
22. Titles. Titles of the sections of this Agreement are intended
solely for convenience and no provision of this Agreement is to be construed by
reference to the title of any section.
23. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterpart copies, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of
which taken together shall be deemed one document.
* * *
<PAGE> 14
14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement
as of the date first above written.
JJ ACQUISITION CORP.
By______________________________
Name: Peter Boneparth
Title: Vice Chairman
EMPLOYEE
________________________________
Name: Susan Schneider
<PAGE> 15
EXHIBIT A
NORTON MCNAUGHTON, INC.
Stock Option Certificate
Date of Grant: _____ __, 1998
Name of Optionee: Susan Schneider
Number of Shares:
Price Per Share:
This is to certify that, effective on the date of grant specified
above, the Board of Directors of Norton McNaughton, Inc. (the "Company") has
granted to the above-named optionee (the "Optionee") an option to purchase from
the Company, for the price per share set forth above, the number of shares of
Common Stock, $.01 par value (the "Stock"), of the Company set forth above
pursuant and subject to the terms of Section 3.3 of that certain Employment
Agreement dated as of _____ __, 1998 by and between JJ Acquisition Corp. (now
known as Jeri-Jo Knitwear, Inc.), a Delaware corporation and wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company ("JJ"), and the Optionee (the "Plan"). This option is
not intended to be treated as an "incentive stock option" within the meaning of
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
The terms and conditions of the option granted hereby, in addition
to the terms and conditions contained in the Plan, are as follows:
1. The price at which each share of Stock subject to this option may
be purchased shall be the price set forth above, subject to any adjustments
which may be made pursuant to Section 8 hereof.
2. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in
Section 3.3 of the Plan, this option shall be exercisable (x) as to 40,000
shares of Stock, on the date hereof and (y) as to the remaining shares of Stock
subject to this Option (the "Remainder"), beginning on the date which is nine
years and six months from the date of grant, provided that this option shall be
sooner exercisable as to the Remainder (i)(A) with respect to a number of shares
of Stock equal to 140,000 shares of Stock, on the Earn Out Payment Date (as
defined in the Purchase Agreement referred to in the Plan) if and only if the
1998/1999 EBITDA (as
<PAGE> 16
2
defined in the Purchase Agreement referred to in the Plan) shall equal or exceed
$11,000,000 but be less than $15,000,000 and (B) in full, on the Earn Out
Payment Date if and only if the 1998/1999 EBITDA shall equal or exceed
$15,000,000; (ii) in full, on the date, if any, that the Employee's employment
under the Plan terminates by reason of death or Disability or by the Optionee
for Good Reason or by JJ without Due Cause (as said terms are defined in the
Plan) and (iii) in full, upon the occurrence of an Acceleration Event (as
defined in the Purchase Agreement referred to in the Plan).
3. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the
Optionee may exercise this option at any time as to all or any of the shares of
Stock purchasable in accordance with Section 2 hereof by delivering to the
Company written notice specifying:
(i) the number of whole shares of Stock to be purchased together
with payment in full of the aggregate option price of such shares, provided
that this option may not be exercised for less than ten (10) shares of
Stock or the number of shares of Stock remaining subject to option,
whichever is smaller;
(ii) the name or names in which the stock certificate or
certificates are to be registered;
(iii) the address to which dividends, notices, reports, etc. are
to be sent; and
(iv) the Optionee's social security number.
Only one stock certificate will be issued unless the Optionee otherwise requests
in writing. Payment shall be in cash, or by certified or bank cashier's check
payable to the order of the Company, free from all collection charges (including
by means of a broker assisted simultaneous exercise and sale); provided,
however, that payment may be made in shares of Stock owned by the Optionee
having a market value on the date of exercise equal to the aggregate purchase
price, or in a combination of cash and Stock. For purposes of this option and
the Plan, the market value per share of Stock shall be the last sale price
regular way on the date of reference, or, in case no sale takes place on such
date, the average of the closing high bid and low asked prices regular way, in
either case on the principal national securities exchange on which the Stock is
listed or admitted to trading, or if the Stock is not listed or admitted to
trading on any national securities exchange, the last sale price reported on the
National Market System of the National
<PAGE> 17
3
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ") on such
date, or the average of the closing high bid and low asked prices of the Stock
in the over-the-counter market reported on NASDAQ on such date, whichever is
applicable, or if there are no such prices reported on NASDAQ on such date, as
furnished to the Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors (the
"Committee") by any New York Stock Exchange member selected from time to time by
the Committee for such purpose. If there is no bid or asked price reported on
any such date, the market value shall be determined by the Committee in
accordance with the regulations promulgated under Section 2031 of the Code, or
by any other appropriate method selected by the Committee. If the Optionee so
requests, shares of Stock purchased upon exercise of an option may be issued in
the name of the Optionee or, provided that the Optionee pays any applicable
taxes, another person. No Optionee shall be entitled to any rights as a
stockholder of the Company in respect of any shares of Stock covered by this
option until such shares of Stock shall have been paid for in full and issued to
the Optionee.
4. As soon as practicable after the Company receives payment for
shares of Stock covered by this option, it shall deliver a certificate or
certificates representing the shares of Stock so purchased to the Optionee. Such
certificate shall be registered in the name of the Optionee, or, subject to
Section 3 hereof, in such other name or names as the Optionee shall request.
5. This option is personal to the Optionee and during the Optionee's
lifetime may be exercised only by the Optionee. This option shall not be
transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
6. In the event that the Optionee's employment as an employee of the
Company or of any Subsidiary or Parent (within the meaning of Sections 424(e)
and 424(f) of the Code) (hereinafter the "Optionee's employment") is terminated
for any reason prior to the time that this option has been fully exercised, this
option shall be exercisable, if at all, as to any remaining vested shares of
Stock subject hereto, only in accordance with the terms (x) hereof (including
without limitation, Section 2 hereof) and (y) of Sections 3.3(a) and 3.3(b) of
the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this option shall in no event be
exercisable after the date of termination of such option specified in Section 2
hereof.
7. This option does not confer on the Optionee any right to continue
in the employ of the Company, any
<PAGE> 18
4
Subsidiary or Parent, or interfere in any way with the right of the Company, any
Subsidiary or Parent to determine the terms of the Optionee's employment.
8. In the event of a reorganization, recapitalization, stock split,
stock dividend, combination of shares, merger, consolidation, rights offering,
or any other change in the corporate structure or shares of the Company, the
Committee shall in good faith, adjust the number of shares of Stock (or other
securities or property) subject to this option, the exercise price with respect
to this option, or all of the foregoing.
9. This option and the terms and conditions herein set forth are
subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Plan, which shall be
controlling.
10. It shall be a condition to the obligation of the Company to issue
shares of Stock upon exercise of this option, that the Optionee (or any
beneficiary or person entitled to act) pay to the Company, upon its demand, such
amount as may be requested by the Company for the purpose of satisfying any
liability to withhold federal, state or local income or other taxes.
11. All notices hereunder to the Company shall be delivered or mailed
to the following address:
Norton McNaughton, Inc.
463 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10018
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
Such address for the service of notices may be changed at any time provided
notice of such change is furnished in advance to the Optionee.
NORTON MCNAUGHTON, INC.
By______________________________________
Name: Peter Boneparth
Title: President and Chief
Operating Officer
<PAGE> 19
EXHIBIT B
NORTON MCNAUGHTON, INC. OPTION BONUS PLAN
FOR SENIOR EXECUTIVES OF JJ ACQUISITION CORP.
1. Establishment. This Plan, which shall be known as the Norton
McNaughton, Inc. Option Bonus Plan for Senior Executives of JJ Acquisition Corp.
(the "Bonus Plan"), is hereby established by JJ Acquisition Corp. (the
"Company") to provide incentives for senior executives providing services to the
Company and to aid the Company in retaining such senior executives upon whose
efforts the Company's success and future growth depends.
2. Administration. The Bonus Plan shall be administered by the Board
of Directors of the Company (the "Board"). For purposes of administration, the
Board, subject to the terms of the Bonus Plan, shall have authority, acting in
good faith, to establish such rules and regulations, to make such determinations
and interpretations, and to take such other administrative actions as it deems
necessary or advisable.
3. Participants. The participants in the Plan shall be Susan
Schneider, Leslie Schneider and Scott Schneider, in each case for so long as
such individual is employed by the Company pursuant to an Employment Agreement
to which this Bonus Plan is an Exhibit (each, a "Participant" and collectively,
the "Participants"); provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall be
construed as creating a guarantee of employment for any Participant.
4. Bonus Options.
4.1 Grant. In the event that EBITDA (as defined in the Agreement of
Purchase and Sale by and among Jeri-Jo Knitwear Inc., Jamie Scott, Inc., the
Stockholders of Jamie Scott, Inc., JJ Acquisition Corp. and Norton McNaughton,
Inc. (the "Purchase Agreement")) attained by the Company in Year 1 or Year 2 (as
defined in the Purchase Agreement, and each, a "Year") is equal to or in excess
of $17,000,000, the Company shall cause to be granted to the Participants by the
Board of Directors of Norton McNaughton, Inc. a Delaware corporation ("Norton"),
options to purchase an aggregate of 50,000 (or such lesser number as shall be
necessary to allocate such options in accordance with Section 4.2 below) shares
of common stock, par value $.01 per share of Norton (the "Common Stock") in each
Year that EBITDA in excess of $17,000,000 is so attained. In addition, for each
$1,000,000 of EBITDA in excess of $17,000,000 attained by
<PAGE> 20
2
the Company in each of the Years, the Company shall cause to be granted to the
Participants by the Board of Directors of Norton, options to purchase an
aggregate of 30,000 (or such lesser number as shall be necessary to allocated
such options in accordance with Section 4.2 below) shares of Common Stock. Any
options granted as aforesaid shall be hereinafter referred to as "Bonus
Options". The Bonus Options shall be granted, if at all, on the dates of
delivery to the Company and Norton of the EBITDA Notice and EBITDA Statement
(pursuant to Section 2.02(b)(i) of the Purchase Agreement) for the applicable
Year and shall have an exercise price per share equal to the fair market value
of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
4.2 Allocation of Bonus Options. The Bonus Options shall be allocated
40% to Susan Schneider, 40% to Leslie Schneider and 20% to Scott Schneider, or
in the case of the death of any such Participant during a Year, the estate of
such Participant.
4.3 Exercise. The Bonus Options shall be fully vested and exercisable
on and after the date of grant.
4.4 Term of Options. Except as provided below, the term of the Bonus
Options shall be ten years.
(i) If a Participant's employment with the Company terminates
pursuant to Section 6.1 of his or her Employment Agreement or is terminated by
the Company or by the Participant pursuant to Section 6.2 of his or her
Employment Agreement, is terminated by the Employee pursuant to Section 6.4 of
his or her Employment Agreement, or terminated for any other reason (except as
provided in clause (ii) below), the Bonus Options may be exercised by the
Participant (or his or her estate or legal representative) within one (1) year
after such termination; and
(ii) In the event of termination of the employment of a
Participant (a) by the Company pursuant to Section 6.3 of his or her Employment
Agreement or (b) by the Participant other than pursuant to Sections 6.1, 6.2 or
6.4 of his or her Employment Agreement, no Bonus Options shall be exercisable.
4.5 Adjustments. In the event of any dividend or other distribution
(whether in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities or other property),
recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger,
consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of Common
Stock or other
<PAGE> 21
3
securities of Norton, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Common
Stock, the Board of Directors shall, in good faith adjust the number of shares
of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to the Bonus Options,
the exercise price with respect to any Bonus Options, or both.
4.6 No Participant shall be entitled to Bonus Options for any Year of
the Company subsequent to the Year in which his or her termination of employment
(for any or no reason) occurs.
4.7 In the event of termination of the employment of a Participant
prior to the end of a Year, pursuant to his or her Employment Agreement, such
Participant (or his or her estate or other legal representative) shall be
granted such Bonus Options for such Year only as provided in this Section 4.7.
The number of Bonus Options to which the Participant (or his or her estate or
legal representative) shall be entitled for such Year (which shall be granted at
the time that the Bonus Options are granted to the other Participants) shall be
equal to the product of (x) the number of Bonus Options, if any, which would
have been granted to the Participant pursuant to Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of this
Bonus Plan for such Year if the employment of the Participant had not so
terminated, multiplied by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number
of days from the beginning of such Year to the date of termination, and the
denominator of which is 365. The terms and conditions of any such Bonus Options
shall be as otherwise provided in this Section 4.
4.8 If any portion of the Bonus Options shall not be allocated or
granted by reason of this Section 4, such Bonus Options shall be retained by the
Company or granted to other Participants or to new participants, all as
determined by the Board, after good faith consideration of any recommended
course of action submitted to the Board by the remaining Participants.
4.9 Change of Control. In the event that there shall occur a Change
of Control (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) during either of the Years,
the Participants in this Bonus Plan shall be entitled to receive, in lieu of
Bonus Options contemplated by Section 4.1 of this Bonus Plan (unless such Bonus
Options have heretofore been granted, in which case such granted Bonus Options
shall be retained), a number of Bonus Options (allocated as set forth in Section
4.2 above) equal to (i) in the event that the Change of Control occurs during
Year 1, 100,000 Bonus Options or (ii) in the event that the Change of Control
occurs during Year
<PAGE> 22
4
2, 50,000 Bonus Options. The terms and conditions of any such Bonus Options
shall be as otherwise provided in this Section 4.
<PAGE> 23
Exhibit B-2
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated as of the ____ day of _____, 1998 by and between JJ
ACQUISITION CORP., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Leslie Schneider
(the "Employee").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Norton McNaughton,
Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Norton"), and certain other parties (which
parties include the Employee) have entered into an Agreement of Purchase and
Sale dated as of April 15, 1998 (the "Purchase Agreement"), providing, inter
alia, for the purchase by the Company of substantially all of the assets of
Jeri-Jo Knitwear Inc., a New York corporation ("J-J Knitwear") and Jamie Scott,
Inc., a New York corporation ("Jamie Scott"; and together with J-J Knitwear and
Jamie Scott, the "Jeri-Jo Group"); and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to secure the employment of the Employee
with the Company and the Employee desires to be employed by the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. Employment, Term.
1.1 The Company agrees to employ the Employee, and the Employee
agrees to serve in the employ of the Company, for the term set forth in Section
1.2, in the positions and with the responsibilities, duties and authority set
forth in Section 2 and on the other terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement.
1.2 The term of the Employee's employment under this Agreement (the
"Term") shall commence on the date hereof and shall terminate on the second
anniversary of the Closing Date (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) (the
"Expiration Date"), unless sooner terminated in accordance with this Agreement.
2. Positions, Duties. The Employee shall serve in the position of
Vice President of the Company. The Employee shall perform, faithfully and
diligently, such duties and shall have such other responsibilities, appropriate
to said position, as shall be assigned to her from time to time by the Vice
Chairman (the "Vice Chairman") (currently, Peter Boneparth); provided, however,
that in any event said duties and responsibilities shall be consistent
<PAGE> 24
2
with the terms and provisions of Section 7.12 of the Purchase Agreement. The
Employee shall report solely to the Vice Chairman (currently, Peter Boneparth),
but if Mr. Boneparth changes titles with the Purchaser, then to Mr. Boneparth in
such capacity. The Employee shall devote her complete and undivided attention to
the performance of her duties and responsibilities hereunder during the normal
working hours of executive employees of the Company. The Employee's services
under this Agreement shall be performed principally at the executive offices and
warehouses of the Company to be located, during the Term, in New York City and
New Jersey, respectively (unless otherwise agreed between the Vice Chairman and
the Employee).
3. Compensation.
3.1 Salary. During the Term, in consideration of the performance by
the Employee of the services set forth in Section 2 and her observance of the
other covenants set forth herein, the Company shall pay the Employee, and the
Employee shall accept, a base salary at a rate of $400,000 per annum (which may
be increased, but not decreased), payable in accordance with the standard
payroll practices of the Company.
3.2 Bonus. During the Term, in addition to the salary provided for in
Section 3.1 and the Bonus Plan described in Section 3.4, the Employee shall be
eligible to participate, subject to the terms thereof, in any bonus plan for
executives of Norton or the Company in effect during the Term.
3.3 Stock Options.
(a) Grant. On the date hereof, Norton shall grant to the
Employee, an option to purchase an aggregate number of shares of common stock,
par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), of Norton, at an exercise price
per share equal to the Closing Market Value (as defined in the Purchase
Agreement) (the "Option"), which number shall equal the sum of (i) 180,000 (the
"Base Option Number") and (ii) a number (the "Additional Option Number") equal
to the Base Option Number multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall
be the positive excess, if any, of the Closing Market Value over the Signing
Market Value (as such terms defined in the Purchase Agreement) and the
denominator of which shall be the Signing Market Value. The Option shall be
vested and exercisable on and after (i) the date hereof, as to 40,000 shares of
Common Stock and (ii) the date which is nine years and six months from the
Closing Date, as to the remainder of the number of shares of Common Stock
<PAGE> 25
3
subject to the Option (the "Remainder"), but shall be sooner exercisable as to
the Remainder (i)(A) with respect to a number of shares of Common Stock equal to
140,000 shares of Common Stock, on the Earn Out Payment Date (as defined in the
Purchase Agreement) if and only if the 1998/1999 EBITDA (as defined in the
definition of 1998/1999 EBITDA in the Purchase Agreement) shall equal or exceed
$11,000,000 but be less than $15,000,000, (B) in full, on the Earn Out Payment
Date, if and only if the 1998/1999 EBITDA shall equal or exceed $15,000,000;
(ii) in full, on the date, if any, that the Employee's employment terminates
hereunder by reason of death or Disability or by the Employee for Good Reason or
by the Company without Due Cause (as said terms are hereinafter defined); and
(iii) in full, upon the occurrence of any Acceleration Event (as defined in the
Purchase Agreement).
(b) Term of Option. Except as provided below, the term of the
Option shall be ten years.
(i) In the event of a termination of employment of the Employee
with the Company pursuant to Section 6.1, Section 6.2 or Section 6.4, the Option
may be exercised by the Employee or, in the event of the Employee's death, her
estate or legal representative during the remainder of the term of the Option;
and
(ii) In the event of termination of the employment of the
Employee with the Company (a) by the Company pursuant to Section 6.3 or (b) by
the Employee during the Term, other than pursuant to Sections 6.1, 6.2 or 6.4,
the Option shall not thereafter be exercisable.
(c) Adjustments. In the event of any dividend or other
distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities or
other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split,
reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination,
repurchase or exchange of Common Stock or other securities of Norton, issuance
of warrants or other rights to purchase Common Stock, the Board of Directors
shall, in good faith, adjust the number of shares of Common Stock (or other
securities or property) subject to the Option, the exercise price with respect
to any Option, or all of the foregoing.
(d) Stock Option Certificate. The Options shall be represented
by a stock option certificate in the form of Exhibit A hereto and shall
otherwise be subject to the terms and conditions of such stock option
certificate.
<PAGE> 26
4
(e) Registration of Shares. Norton shall, as promptly as
practicable following the commencement of the Employee's employment hereunder,
file a registration statement on Form S-8, or any successor to such Form, with
respect to the shares of Common Stock covered by the Option.
3.4 Bonus Options. During the Term, the Employee shall be eligible to
receive Bonus Options (as defined in the Norton McNaughton, Inc. Bonus Option
Plan for Senior Executives of JJ Acquisition Corp. (the "Executive Option Bonus
Plan")) in accordance with the terms set forth in the Executive Option Bonus
Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit B.
4. Expense Reimbursement. During the Term, (i) the Company shall
reimburse the Employee for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses
incurred by her in connection with the performance of her duties hereunder, upon
the presentation of proper accounts therefor in accordance with Norton's
policies and (ii) the Company shall pay for the benefit of the Employee all
reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by her in the ordinary and usual
course of business and in accordance with Norton's policies (in any case, as
such policies are adopted from time to time by the Compensation Committee of
Norton).
5. Benefits.
5.1 Benefit Plans. In addition to the benefits under Section 7.07 of
the Purchase Agreement, during the Term, the Employee shall be entitled to
participate in all employee benefit plans and programs offered by Norton or the
Company for similarly situated executives and shall be entitled to equitable
treatment in respect of new benefits, if any, to be received under such employee
benefit plans and programs by similarly situated executives.
5.2 Vacation. During the Term, the Employee shall be entitled to paid
vacation in accordance with Norton's policy for its executive employees, but not
less than five weeks.
<PAGE> 27
5
6. Termination of Employment.
6.1 Death. In the event of the death of the Employee during the Term,
the Company shall pay to the estate or other legal representative of the
Employee (1) the base salary provided for in Section 3.1 accrued to the date of
the Employee's death and not theretofore paid to the Employee, (2) a pro rata
bonus in an amount equal to the product of (i) the Employee's most recent bonus,
if any, paid under Section 3.2, and (ii)(A) the number of months (including
partial months) worked during the year in which the Employee's date of death
occurs, divided by (b) 12, and (3) Bonus Options in accordance with Section 4 of
the Executive Option Bonus Plan. Rights and benefits of the estate or other
legal representative of the Employee under the benefit plans and programs of the
Company shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of such plans and
programs. Neither the estate or other legal representative of the Employee nor
the Company shall have any further rights or obligations under this Agreement
except as provided in Section 3.3(b)(i).
6.2 Disability. If during the Term the Employee shall become
incapacitated by reason of physical or mental disability and shall be unable to
perform her normal duties hereunder for a cumulative period of six (6) months in
any period of twelve (12) consecutive months, the employment of the Employee
hereunder may be terminated by the Company or the Employee upon notice to the
other (a "Disability"). In the event of such termination, the Company shall pay
to the Employee (1) the salary provided for in Section 3.1 accrued to the date
of such termination and not theretofore paid to the Employee, (2) a pro rata
bonus in an amount equal to the product of (i) the Employee's most recent bonus,
if any, paid under Section 3.2, and (ii)(A) the number of months (including
partial months) employed during the year in which the Employee's termination
occurs, divided by (b) 12, and (3) Bonus Options in accordance with Section 4 of
the Executive Option Bonus Plan. Rights and benefits of the Employee under the
benefit plans and programs of the Company shall be determined in accordance with
the provisions of such plans and programs. Neither the Employee nor the Company
shall have any further rights or obligations under this Agreement, except as
provided in Sections 3.3(b)(i), 7, 8, 9 and 10.
6.3 Due Cause. The employment of the Employee hereunder may be
terminated by the Company at any time during the Term for Due Cause (as
hereinafter defined). In
<PAGE> 28
6
the event of such termination, the Company shall pay to the Employee the salary
provided for in Section 3.1 accrued to the date of such termination and not
theretofore paid to the Employee. Rights and benefits of the Employee under the
benefit plans and programs of the Company shall be determined in accordance with
the provisions of such plans and programs. After the satisfaction of any claim
of the Company against the Employee incidental to such Due Cause, neither the
Employee nor the Company shall have any further rights or obligations under this
Agreement, except as provided in Sections 7, 8, 9 and 10. For purposes hereof,
"Due Cause" shall mean the Employee's conviction or other adjudication of a
felony or any crime or offense involving fraud that is materially injurious to
the Company or Norton; provided, however, that the Employee shall be given
written notice by a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company that it
intends to terminate the Employee's employment for Due Cause under this Section,
which written notice shall specify the act or acts upon the basis of which the
majority of the Board of Directors of the Company intends so to terminate the
Employee's employment, and the Employee shall then be given the opportunity,
within fifteen (15) days of her receipt of such notice, to have a meeting with
the Board of Directors of the Company to discuss such act or acts.
6.4 Termination by the Employee with Good Reason or by the Company
not for Due Cause. The Employee may at any time terminate her employment with
the Company with Good Reason (as hereinafter defined). For purposes hereof, Good
Reason shall mean (i) the breach by the Company of any material provision of
this Agreement or of Section 7.12 of the Purchase Agreement, in any case, for a
period of 30 days after written notice of such breach by the Employee to the
Company; (ii) the failure of the Company to pay the Earn Out Payment (as defined
in the Purchase Agreement) as and when such is due and payable in accordance
with the terms of the Purchase Agreement, including any amounts payable under
the Earn Out Letter of Credit (as defined in the Purchase Agreement); and (iii)
the occurrence of an Acceleration Event (as defined in the Purchase Agreement).
If the Company terminates the Employee's employment other than for disability
pursuant to Section 6.2 or Due Cause pursuant to Section 6.3, or if the Employee
terminates her employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 6.4, the Employee
shall be entitled (a) to continue to receive from the Company her base salary
for the remainder of the Term and (b) to continue to participate for the
remainder of the Term in all employee benefit plans and programs (including any
bonus plan) in which the Employee participated on the date of termination.
<PAGE> 29
7
7. Confidential Information.
7.1 The Employee shall, during the Term and for the two-year period
thereafter (unless the Term terminates in accordance with Section 6.4, in which
case the limits imposed on the Employee under this Section 7.1 shall expire on
the date of such termination), treat as confidential and, except as required in
the performance of her duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, not
disclose, publish or otherwise make available to the public or to any
individual, firm or corporation any confidential material (as hereinafter
defined), except, on a need to know basis, to the Employee's attorney,
accountant or personal advisor. The Employee agrees that all confidential
material, together with all notes and records of the Employee relating thereto,
and all copies or facsimiles thereof in the possession of the Employee, are the
exclusive property of the Company and the Employee agrees to return such
material to the Company promptly upon the termination of the Employee's
employment with the Company.
7.2 Subject to Section 7.12 of the Purchase Agreement, for the
purposes hereof, the term "confidential material" shall mean all information
acquired by the Employee in the course of the Employee's prior employment with
any member of the Jeri-Jo Group and in the course of the Employee's employment
with the Company in any way concerning the products, projects, activities,
business or affairs of the Company, the Jeri-Jo Group, or Norton or and other
subsidiary, direct or indirect, of Norton (the "Norton Group"), or the
customers, suppliers or agents of the Company, the Jeri-Jo Group or any member
of the Norton Group, including, without limitation, all information concerning
trade secrets and the preparation of raw material for, manufacture of, or
finishing processes utilized in the production of, the products or projects of
the Company, any member of the Jeri-Jo Group or any member of the Norton Group
or any improvements therein, all sales and financial information concerning the
Company, any member of the Jeri-Jo Group or any member of the Norton Group, all
customer and supplier lists, all information concerning projects in research and
development or marketing plans for any such products or projects, and all
information in any way concerning the products, projects, activities, business
or affairs of customers of the Company, the Jeri-Jo Group or any member of the
Norton Group which is furnished to the Employee by the Company or any of its
employees (current or former), agents, customers or suppliers, as such;
provided, however, that the term "confidential material" shall not include
information which (a) becomes generally available to the public or the apparel
industry in general other than as
<PAGE> 30
8
a result of a disclosure by the Employee, (b) was available to the Employee on a
non-confidential basis prior to her employment with the Company, (c) becomes
available to the Employee on a non-confidential basis from a source other than
the Company or any of its agents, suppliers or customers, provided that the
Employee has no knowledge that such source is not bound by a confidentiality
agreement with the Company or any of such agents, customers or suppliers, or (d)
if disclosed by the Employee would not have a significant detrimental effect on
the business of the Company.
8. Inventions. Subject to Section 7.12 of the Purchase Agreement and
subject to the Employee's right to the registered trademark Rachel Max(R) (but
subject to Section 7.15 of the Purchase Agreement) any and all material
inventions, material innovations or material improvements ("inventions") made,
developed or created by the Employee (whether at the request or suggestion of
the Company or otherwise, whether alone or in conjunction with others, and
whether during regular hours of work or otherwise) during the period of her
employment with the Company which may be directly useful in, or relate to, the
Business (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), shall be promptly and fully
disclosed by the Employee to the Board of Directors of the Company and shall be
the Company's exclusive property as against the Employee, and the Employee shall
promptly deliver to an appropriate representative of the Company as designated
by the Board of Directors all papers, drawings, models, data and other material
relating to any inventions made, developed or created by her as aforesaid. The
Employee shall, at the request of the Company and without any payment therefor,
execute any documents necessary or advisable in the opinion of the Company's
counsel to direct issuance of patents, trademarks or copyrights to the Company
with respect to such inventions as are to be the Company's exclusive property as
against the Employee or to vest in the Company title to such inventions as
against the Employee. The expense of securing any such patent, trademark or
copyright shall be borne by the Company.
9. Non-Competition. The Employee acknowledges that the services to be
rendered by her to the Company are of a special and unique character. In
consideration of her employment hereunder, the Employee agrees, for the benefit
of the Company, that she will not, during the period of her employment with the
Company and thereafter for a period (the "Period") of two (2) years commencing
on the date of termination of her employment with the Company (other than a
termination by the Employee for Good Reason or by the Company not for Due Cause,
in which case, the Period shall
<PAGE> 31
9
be the remainder of the Term following the date of such termination), (a)
engage, directly or indirectly, whether as principal, agent, distributor,
representative, consultant, employee, partner, stockholder, limited partner or
other investor (other than an investment of not more than (i) five percent (5%)
of the stock or equity of any corporation the capital stock of which is publicly
traded or (ii) five percent (5%) of the ownership interest of any limited
partnership or other entity) or otherwise, anywhere in the United States, in any
business activity or business venture which is in competition with the Business
(as defined in the Purchase Agreement), it being understood and agreed that
ownership or operation of the business presently conducted by Creative
Retailers, Inc. shall not be prohibited by this Section 9, (b) solicit or entice
or endeavor to solicit or entice away from the Company or any member of the
Norton Group any person who was an officer, employee or consultant of the
Company, either for her own account or for any individual, firm or corporation,
whether or not such person would commit any breach of his contract of employment
by reason of leaving the service of the Company, and the Employee agrees not to
employ, directly or indirectly, any person who was an officer or employee of the
Company, or (c) solicit or entice or endeavor to solicit or entice away from the
Company any supplier or customer of the Company, either for her own account or
for any individual, firm or corporation, which, in any case would have a
significant detrimental effect on the business of the Company.
10. Equitable Relief, Etc.
In the event of a breach or threatened breach by the Employee of any
of the provisions of Sections 7, 8 or 9, the Employee hereby consents and agrees
that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction or similar equitable relief
from any court of competent jurisdiction restraining the Employee from
committing or continuing any such breach or threatened breach or granting
specific performance of any act required to be performed by the Employee under
any of such provisions, without the necessity of showing any actual damage or
that money damages would not afford an adequate remedy and without the necessity
of posting any bond or other security. Nothing herein shall be construed as
prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other remedies at law or in equity
which it may have with respect to any such breach or threatened breach.
<PAGE> 32
10
11. Successors and Assigns.
11.1 Assignment by the Company. The Company may not assign this
Agreement or any part thereof without the prior written consent of the Employee.
11.2 Assignment by the Employee. The Employee may not assign this
Agreement or any part thereof without the prior written consent of a majority of
the Board of Directors of the Company (other than the Employee if she is a
member of such Board at the time); provided, however, that nothing herein shall
preclude one or more beneficiaries of the Employee from receiving any amount
that may be payable following the occurrence of her legal incompetency or her
death and shall not preclude the legal representative of her estate from
receiving such amount or from assigning any right hereunder to the person or
persons entitled thereto under her will or, in the case of intestacy, to the
person or persons entitled thereto under the laws of intestacy applicable to her
estate. The term "beneficiaries", as used in this Agreement, shall mean a
beneficiary or beneficiaries so designated to receive any such amount or, if no
beneficiary has been so designated, the legal representative of the Employee (in
the event of her incompetency) or the Employee's estate.
12. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed a contract made
under, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with, the laws of
the State of New York applicable to contracts to be performed entirely within
such State.
13. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains all the understandings
and representations between the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter
hereof. This Agreement supersedes all understandings and agreements, whether
oral or in writing, if any, previously entered into by the Company or any member
of Jeri-Jo Group with the Employee in any way relating to the employment of the
Employee by the Company or by any member of the Jeri-Jo Group, all of which
agreements and understandings are hereby terminated and all rights and
entitlements thereunder are hereby waived and released.
14. Amendment, Modification, Waiver. No provision of this Agreement
may be amended or modified unless such amendment or modification is agreed to in
writing and signed by the Employee and by a representative of the Company (other
than the Employee) who have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of
the Company to do so (other than the Employee if she is a member of such Board
at the time).
<PAGE> 33
11
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, no waiver by either
party hereto of any breach by the other party hereto of any condition or
provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed
a waiver of a similar or dissimilar provision or condition at the same or any
prior or subsequent time, nor shall the failure of or delay by either party
hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder operate as a waiver
thereof to preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other such right, power or privilege.
15. Notices. All notices, requests or instructions hereunder shall be
in writing and delivered personally, sent by telecopy, sent by registered or
certified mail, postage prepaid, or sent by Federal Express or any other
nationally recognized overnight courier service, as follows:
If to the Company:
c/o Norton McNaughton, Inc.
463 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10018
Attention: President
Telecopy: (212) 563-2766
with a copy to:
Haythe & Curley
237 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attention: Bradley P. Cost, Esq.
Telecopy: (212) 682-0200
If to the Employee:
Leslie Schneider
c/o Friedman Alpren & Green LLP
1700 Broadway
New York, New York 10019
Attention: Bruce A. Madnick, CPA
Telecopy No.: (212) 265-4761
with a copy to:
Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP
1211 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
Attention: James Alterbaum, Esq.
Telecopy: (212) 704-6288
<PAGE> 34
12
Any of the above addresses may be changed at any time by notice given as
provided above; provided, however, that any such notice of change of address
shall be effective only upon receipt. All notices, requests or instructions
given in accordance herewith shall be deemed received on the date of delivery,
if hand delivered, telecopied, or sent by Federal Express or any other
recognized overnight courier service, and three (3) business days after the date
of mailing, if mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.
16. Arbitration. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating
to this Agreement, or any breach thereof, shall, except as provided in Section
10, be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the
American Arbitration Association then in effect and judgment upon such award
rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. The arbitration shall be held in New York, New York.
17. Severability. Should any provision of this Agreement be held by a
court or arbitration panel of competent jurisdiction to be enforceable only if
modified, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this
Agreement, the balance of which shall continue to be binding upon the parties
hereto with any such modification to become a part hereof and treated as though
originally set forth in this Agreement. In any event, should one or more of the
provisions of this Agreement be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect
any other provisions hereof, and if such provision or provisions are not
modified as provided above, this Agreement shall be construed as if such
invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been set forth herein.
18. Authority. The Company and Norton represent and warrant to the
Employee that the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and
the performance by the Company of its covenants and agreements hereunder have
been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and that this Agreement
has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Company.
19. Withholding. Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, all
payments required to be made by the Company hereunder to the Employee or her
beneficiaries, including her estate, shall be subject to withholding of such
amounts relating to taxes as the Company may reasonably determine it should
withhold pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. In lieu of withholding
such amounts, in
<PAGE> 35
13
whole or in part, the Company, may, in its sole discretion, accept other
provision for payment of taxes as permitted by law, provided it is satisfied in
its sole discretion that all requirements of law affecting its responsibilities
to withhold such taxes have been satisfied.
20. Subsidiaries, etc. The Employee shall be deemed to resign as an
officer and, if applicable, director of the Company and of any parent,
subsidiary or affiliate of the Company upon termination of her employment with
the Company.
21. Survivorship. The respective rights and obligations of the
Employee and the Company hereunder shall survive any termination of this
Agreement to the extent necessary to the intended preservation of such rights
and obligations.
22. Titles. Titles of the sections of this Agreement are intended
solely for convenience and no provision of this Agreement is to be construed by
reference to the title of any section.
23. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterpart copies, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of
which taken together shall be deemed one document.
* * *
<PAGE> 36
14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement
as of the date first above written.
JJ ACQUISITION CORP.
By____________________________________
Name: Peter Boneparth
Title: Vice Chairman
EMPLOYEE
______________________________________
Name: Leslie Schneider
<PAGE> 37
EXHIBIT A
NORTON MCNAUGHTON, INC.
Stock Option Certificate
Date of Grant: _____ __, 1998
Name of Optionee: Leslie Schneider
Number of Shares:
Price Per Share:
This is to certify that, effective on the date of grant specified
above, the Board of Directors of Norton McNaughton, Inc. (the "Company") has
granted to the above-named optionee (the "Optionee") an option to purchase from
the Company, for the price per share set forth above, the number of shares of
Common Stock, $.01 par value (the "Stock"), of the Company set forth above
pursuant and subject to the terms of Section 3.3 of that certain Employment
Agreement dated as of _____ __, 1998 by and between JJ Acquisition Corp. (now
known as Jeri-Jo Knitwear, Inc.), a Delaware corporation and wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company ("JJ"), and the Optionee (the "Plan"). This option is
not intended to be treated as an "incentive stock option" within the meaning of
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
The terms and conditions of the option granted hereby, in addition to
the terms and conditions contained in the Plan, are as follows:
1. The price at which each share of Stock subject to this option may
be purchased shall be the price set forth above, subject to any adjustments
which may be made pursuant to Section 8 hereof.
2. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in
Section 3.3 of the Plan, this option shall be exercisable (x) as to 40,000
shares of Stock, on the date hereof and (y) as to the remaining shares of Stock
subject to this Option (the "Remainder"), beginning on the date which is nine
years and six months from the date of grant, provided that this option shall be
sooner exercisable as to the Remainder (i)(A) with respect to a number of shares
of Stock equal to 140,000 shares of Stock, on the Earn Out Payment Date (as
defined in the Purchase Agreement referred to in the Plan) if and only if the
1998/1999 EBITDA (as
<PAGE> 38
2
defined in the Purchase Agreement referred to in the Plan) shall equal or exceed
$11,000,000 but be less than $15,000,000 and (B) in full, on the Earn Out
Payment Date if and only if the 1998/1999 EBITDA shall equal or exceed
$15,000,000; (ii) in full, on the date, if any, that the Employee's employment
under the Plan terminates by reason of death or Disability or by the Optionee
for Good Reason or by JJ without Due Cause (as said terms are defined in the
Plan) and (iii) in full, upon the occurrence of an Acceleration Event (as
defined in the Purchase Agreement referred to in the Plan).
3. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Optionee
may exercise this option at any time as to all or any of the shares of Stock
purchasable in accordance with Section 2 hereof by delivering to the Company
written notice specifying:
(i) the number of whole shares of Stock to be purchased together
with payment in full of the aggregate option price of such shares, provided
that this option may not be exercised for less than ten (10) shares of
Stock or the number of shares of Stock remaining subject to option,
whichever is smaller;
(ii) the name or names in which the stock certificate or
certificates are to be registered;
(iii) the address to which dividends, notices, reports, etc. are
to be sent; and
(iv) the Optionee's social security number.
Only one stock certificate will be issued unless the Optionee otherwise requests
in writing. Payment shall be in cash, or by certified or bank cashier's check
payable to the order of the Company, free from all collection charges (including
by means of a broker assisted simultaneous exercise and sale); provided,
however, that payment may be made in shares of Stock owned by the Optionee
having a market value on the date of exercise equal to the aggregate purchase
price, or in a combination of cash and Stock. For purposes of this option and
the Plan, the market value per share of Stock shall be the last sale price
regular way on the date of reference, or, in case no sale takes place on such
date, the average of the closing high bid and low asked prices regular way, in
either case on the principal national securities exchange on which the Stock is
listed or admitted to trading, or if the Stock is not listed or admitted to
trading on any national securities exchange, the last sale price reported on the
National Market System of the National
<PAGE> 39
3
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ") on such
date, or the average of the closing high bid and low asked prices of the Stock
in the over-the-counter market reported on NASDAQ on such date, whichever is
applicable, or if there are no such prices reported on NASDAQ on such date, as
furnished to the Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors (the
"Committee") by any New York Stock Exchange member selected from time to time by
the Committee for such purpose. If there is no bid or asked price reported on
any such date, the market value shall be determined by the Committee in
accordance with the regulations promulgated under Section 2031 of the Code, or
by any other appropriate method selected by the Committee. If the Optionee so
requests, shares of Stock purchased upon exercise of an option may be issued in
the name of the Optionee or, provided that the Optionee pays any applicable
taxes, another person. No Optionee shall be entitled to any rights as a
stockholder of the Company in respect of any shares of Stock covered by this
option until such shares of Stock shall have been paid for in full and issued to
the Optionee.
4. As soon as practicable after the Company receives payment for
shares of Stock covered by this option, it shall deliver a certificate or
certificates representing the shares of Stock so purchased to the Optionee. Such
certificate shall be registered in the name of the Optionee, or, subject to
Section 3 hereof, in such other name or names as the Optionee shall request.
5. This option is personal to the Optionee and during the Optionee's
lifetime may be exercised only by the Optionee. This option shall not be
transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
6. In the event that the Optionee's employment as an employee of the
Company or of any Subsidiary or Parent (within the meaning of Sections 424(e)
and 424(f) of the Code) (hereinafter the "Optionee's employment") is terminated
for any reason prior to the time that this option has been fully exercised, this
option shall be exercisable, if at all, as to any remaining vested shares of
Stock subject hereto, only in accordance with the terms (x) hereof (including
without limitation, Section 2 hereof) and (y) of Sections 3.3(a) and 3.3(b) of
the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this option shall in no event be
exercisable after the date of termination of such option specified in Section 2
hereof.
7. This option does not confer on the Optionee any right to continue
in the employ of the Company, any
<PAGE> 40
4
Subsidiary or Parent, or interfere in any way with the right of the Company, any
Subsidiary or Parent to determine the terms of the Optionee's employment.
8. In the event of a reorganization, recapitalization, stock split,
stock dividend, combination of shares, merger, consolidation, rights offering,
or any other change in the corporate structure or shares of the Company, the
Committee shall in good faith, adjust the number of shares of Stock (or other
securities or property) subject to this option, the exercise price with respect
to this option, or all of the foregoing.
9. This option and the terms and conditions herein set forth are
subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Plan, which shall be
controlling.
10. It shall be a condition to the obligation of the Company to issue
shares of Stock upon exercise of this option, that the Optionee (or any
beneficiary or person entitled to act) pay to the Company, upon its demand, such
amount as may be requested by the Company for the purpose of satisfying any
liability to withhold federal, state or local income or other taxes.
11. All notices hereunder to the Company shall be delivered or mailed
to the following address:
Norton McNaughton, Inc.
463 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10018
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
Such address for the service of notices may be changed at any time provided
notice of such change is furnished in advance to the Optionee.
NORTON MCNAUGHTON, INC.
By__________________________________
Name: Peter Boneparth
Title: President and Chief
Operating Officer
<PAGE> 41
EXHIBIT B
NORTON MCNAUGHTON, INC. OPTION BONUS PLAN
FOR SENIOR EXECUTIVES OF JJ ACQUISITION CORP.
1. Establishment. This Plan, which shall be known as the Norton
McNaughton, Inc. Option Bonus Plan for Senior Executives of JJ Acquisition Corp.
(the "Bonus Plan"), is hereby established by JJ Acquisition Corp. (the
"Company") to provide incentives for senior executives providing services to the
Company and to aid the Company in retaining such senior executives upon whose
efforts the Company's success and future growth depends.
2. Administration. The Bonus Plan shall be administered by the Board
of Directors of the Company (the "Board"). For purposes of administration, the
Board, subject to the terms of the Bonus Plan, shall have authority, acting in
good faith, to establish such rules and regulations, to make such determinations
and interpretations, and to take such other administrative actions as it deems
necessary or advisable.
3. Participants. The participants in the Plan shall be Susan
Schneider, Leslie Schneider and Scott Schneider, in each case for so long as
such individual is employed by the Company pursuant to an Employment Agreement
to which this Bonus Plan is an Exhibit (each, a "Participant" and collectively,
the "Participants"); provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall be
construed as creating a guarantee of employment for any Participant.
4. Bonus Options.
4.1 Grant. In the event that EBITDA (as defined in the Agreement of
Purchase and Sale by and among Jeri-Jo Knitwear Inc., Jamie Scott, Inc., the
Stockholders of Jamie Scott, Inc., JJ Acquisition Corp. and Norton McNaughton,
Inc. (the "Purchase Agreement")) attained by the Company in Year 1 or Year 2 (as
defined in the Purchase Agreement, and each, a "Year") is equal to or in excess
of $17,000,000, the Company shall cause to be granted to the Participants by the
Board of Directors of Norton McNaughton, Inc. a Delaware corporation ("Norton"),
options to purchase an aggregate of 50,000 (or such lesser number as shall be
necessary to allocate such options in accordance with Section 4.2 below) shares
of common stock, par value $.01 per share of Norton (the "Common Stock") in each
Year that EBITDA in excess of $17,000,000 is so attained. In addition, for each
$1,000,000 of EBITDA in excess of $17,000,000 attained by
<PAGE> 42
2
the Company in each of the Years, the Company shall cause to be granted to the
Participants by the Board of Directors of Norton, options to purchase an
aggregate of 30,000 (or such lesser number as shall be necessary to allocated
such options in accordance with Section 4.2 below) shares of Common Stock. Any
options granted as aforesaid shall be hereinafter referred to as "Bonus
Options". The Bonus Options shall be granted, if at all, on the dates of
delivery to the Company and Norton of the EBITDA Notice and EBITDA Statement
(pursuant to Section 2.02(b)(i) of the Purchase Agreement) for the applicable
Year and shall have an exercise price per share equal to the fair market value
of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
4.2 Allocation of Bonus Options. The Bonus Options shall be allocated
40% to Susan Schneider, 40% to Leslie Schneider and 20% to Scott Schneider, or
in the case of the death of any such Participant during a Year, the estate of
such Participant.
4.3 Exercise. The Bonus Options shall be fully vested and exercisable
on and after the date of grant.
4.4 Term of Options. Except as provided below, the term of the Bonus
Options shall be ten years.
(i) If a Participant's employment with the Company terminates
pursuant to Section 6.1 of his or her Employment Agreement or is terminated by
the Company or by the Participant pursuant to Section 6.2 of his or her
Employment Agreement, is terminated by the Employee pursuant to Section 6.4 of
his or her Employment Agreement, or terminated for any other reason (except as
provided in clause (ii) below), the Bonus Options may be exercised by the
Participant (or his or her estate or legal representative) within one (1) year
after such termination; and
(ii) In the event of termination of the employment of a
Participant (a) by the Company pursuant to Section 6.3 of his or her Employment
Agreement or (b) by the Participant other than pursuant to Sections 6.1, 6.2 or
6.4 of his or her Employment Agreement, no Bonus Options shall be exercisable.
4.5 Adjustments. In the event of any dividend or other distribution
(whether in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities or other property),
recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger,
consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of Common
Stock or other
<PAGE> 43
3
securities of Norton, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Common
Stock, the Board of Directors shall, in good faith adjust the number of shares
of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to the Bonus Options,
the exercise price with respect to any Bonus Options, or both.
4.6 No Participant shall be entitled to Bonus Options for any Year of
the Company subsequent to the Year in which his or her termination of employment
(for any or no reason) occurs.
4.7 In the event of termination of the employment of a Participant
prior to the end of a Year, pursuant to his or her Employment Agreement, such
Participant (or his or her estate or other legal representative) shall be
granted such Bonus Options for such Year only as provided in this Section 4.7.
The number of Bonus Options to which the Participant (or his or her estate or
legal representative) shall be entitled for such Year (which shall be granted at
the time that the Bonus Options are granted to the other Participants) shall be
equal to the product of (x) the number of Bonus Options, if any, which would
have been granted to the Participant pursuant to Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of this
Bonus Plan for such Year if the employment of the Participant had not so
terminated, multiplied by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number
of days from the beginning of such Year to the date of termination, and the
denominator of which is 365. The terms and conditions of any such Bonus Options
shall be as otherwise provided in this Section 4.
4.8 If any portion of the Bonus Options shall not be allocated or
granted by reason of this Section 4, such Bonus Options shall be retained by the
Company or granted to other Participants or to new participants, all as
determined by the Board, after good faith consideration of any recommended
course of action submitted to the Board by the remaining Participants.
4.9 Change of Control. In the event that there shall occur a Change
of Control (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) during either of the Years,
the Participants in this Bonus Plan shall be entitled to receive, in lieu of
Bonus Options contemplated by Section 4.1 of this Bonus Plan (unless such Bonus
Options have heretofore been granted, in which case such granted Bonus Options
shall be retained), a number of Bonus Options (allocated as set forth in Section
4.2 above) equal to (i) in the event that the Change of Control occurs during
Year 1, 100,000 Bonus Options or (ii) in the event that the Change of Control
occurs during Year
<PAGE> 44
4
2, 50,000 Bonus Options. The terms and conditions of any such Bonus Options
shall be as otherwise provided in this Section 4.
<PAGE> 45
Exhibit B-3
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated as of the ____ day of _____, 1998 by and between JJ
ACQUISITION CORP., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Scott Schneider
(the "Employee").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Norton McNaughton,
Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Norton"), and certain other parties (which
parties include the Employee) have entered into an Agreement of Purchase and
Sale dated as of April 15, 1998 (the "Purchase Agreement"), providing, inter
alia, for the purchase by the Company of substantially all of the assets of
Jeri-Jo Knitwear Inc., a New York corporation ("J-J Knitwear") and Jamie Scott,
Inc., a New York corporation ("Jamie Scott"; and together with J-J Knitwear and
Jamie Scott, the "Jeri-Jo Group"); and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to secure the employment of the Employee
with the Company and the Employee desires to be employed by the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. Employment, Term.
1.1 The Company agrees to employ the Employee, and the Employee
agrees to serve in the employ of the Company, for the term set forth in Section
1.2, in the positions and with the responsibilities, duties and authority set
forth in Section 2 and on the other terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement.
1.2 The term of the Employee's employment under this Agreement (the
"Term") shall commence on the date hereof and shall terminate on the second
anniversary of the Closing Date (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) (the
"Expiration Date"), unless sooner terminated in accordance with this Agreement.
2. Positions, Duties. The Employee shall serve in the position of
Vice President of the Company. The Employee shall perform, faithfully and
diligently, such duties and shall have such other responsibilities, appropriate
to said position, as shall be assigned to him from time to time by the Vice
Chairman (the "Vice Chairman") (currently, Peter Boneparth); provided, however,
that in any event said duties and responsibilities shall be consistent
<PAGE> 46
2
with the terms and provisions of Section 7.12 of the Purchase Agreement. The
Employee shall report solely to the Vice Chairman (currently, Peter Boneparth),
but if Mr. Boneparth changes titles with the Purchaser, then to Mr. Boneparth in
such capacity. The Employee shall devote his complete and undivided attention to
the performance of his duties and responsibilities hereunder during the normal
working hours of executive employees of the Company. The Employee's services
under this Agreement shall be performed principally at the executive offices and
warehouses of the Company to be located, during the Term, in New York City and
New Jersey, respectively (unless otherwise agreed between the Vice Chairman and
the Employee).
3. Compensation.
3.1 Salary. During the Term, in consideration of the performance by
the Employee of the services set forth in Section 2 and his observance of the
other covenants set forth herein, the Company shall pay the Employee, and the
Employee shall accept, a base salary at a rate of $250,000 per annum (which may
be increased, but not decreased), payable in accordance with the standard
payroll practices of the Company.
3.2 Bonus. During the Term, in addition to the salary provided for in
Section 3.1 and the Bonus Plan described in Section 3.4, the Employee shall be
eligible to participate, subject to the terms thereof, in any bonus plan for
executives of Norton or the Company in effect during the Term.
3.3 Stock Options.
(a) Grant. On the date hereof, Norton shall grant to the
Employee, an option to purchase an aggregate number of shares of common stock,
par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), of Norton, at an exercise price
per share equal to the Closing Market Value (as defined in the Purchase
Agreement) (the "Option"), which number shall equal the sum of (i) 90,000 (the
"Base Option Number") and (ii) a number (the "Additional Option Number") equal
to the Base Option Number multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall
be the positive excess, if any, of the Closing Market Value over the Signing
Market Value (as such terms defined in the Purchase Agreement) and the
denominator of which shall be the Signing Market Value. The Option shall be
vested and exercisable on and after (i) the date hereof, as to 20,000 shares of
Common Stock and (ii) the date which is nine years and six months from the
Closing Date, as to the remainder of the number of shares of Common Stock
<PAGE> 47
3
subject to the Option (the "Remainder"), but shall be sooner exercisable as to
the Remainder (i)(A) with respect to a number of shares of Common Stock equal to
70,000 shares of Common Stock, on the Earn Out Payment Date (as defined in the
Purchase Agreement) if and only if the 1998/1999 EBITDA (as defined in the
definition of 1998/1999 EBITDA in the Purchase Agreement) shall equal or exceed
$11,000,000 but be less than $15,000,000, (B) in full, on the Earn Out Payment
Date, if and only if the 1998/1999 EBITDA shall equal or exceed $15,000,000;
(ii) in full, on the date, if any, that the Employee's employment terminates
hereunder by reason of death or Disability or by the Employee for Good Reason or
by the Company without Due Cause (as said terms are hereinafter defined); and
(iii) in full, upon the occurrence of any Acceleration Event (as defined in the
Purchase Agreement).
(b) Term of Option. Except as provided below, the term of the
Option shall be ten years.
(i) In the event of a termination of employment of the Employee
with the Company pursuant to Section 6.1, Section 6.2 or Section 6.4, the Option
may be exercised by the Employee or, in the event of the Employee's death, his
estate or legal representative during the remainder of the term of the Option;
and
(ii) In the event of termination of the employment of the
Employee with the Company (a) by the Company pursuant to Section 6.3 or (b) by
the Employee during the Term, other than pursuant to Sections 6.1, 6.2 or 6.4,
the Option shall not thereafter be exercisable.
(c) Adjustments. In the event of any dividend or other
distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities or
other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split,
reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination,
repurchase or exchange of Common Stock or other securities of Norton, issuance
of warrants or other rights to purchase Common Stock, the Board of Directors
shall, in good faith, adjust the number of shares of Common Stock (or other
securities or property) subject to the Option, the exercise price with respect
to any Option, or all of the foregoing.
(d) Stock Option Certificate. The Options shall be represented
by a stock option certificate in the form of Exhibit A hereto and shall
otherwise be subject to the terms and conditions of such stock option
certificate.
<PAGE> 48
4
(e) Registration of Shares. Norton shall, as promptly as
practicable following the commencement of the Employee's employment hereunder,
file a registration statement on Form S-8, or any successor to such Form, with
respect to the shares of Common Stock covered by the Option.
3.4 Bonus Options. During the Term, the Employee shall be eligible to
receive Bonus Options (as defined in the Norton McNaughton, Inc. Bonus Option
Plan for Senior Executives of JJ Acquisition Corp. (the "Executive Option Bonus
Plan")) in accordance with the terms set forth in the Executive Option Bonus
Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit B.
4. Expense Reimbursement. During the Term, (i) the Company shall
reimburse the Employee for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses
incurred by him in connection with the performance of his duties hereunder, upon
the presentation of proper accounts therefor in accordance with Norton's
policies and (ii) the Company shall pay for the benefit of the Employee all
reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by him in the ordinary and usual
course of business and in accordance with Norton's policies (in any case, as
such policies are adopted from time to time by the Compensation Committee of
Norton).
5. Benefits.
5.1 Benefit Plans. In addition to the benefits under Section 7.07 of
the Purchase Agreement, during the Term, the Employee shall be entitled to
participate in all employee benefit plans and programs offered by Norton or the
Company for similarly situated executives and shall be entitled to equitable
treatment in respect of new benefits, if any, to be received under such employee
benefit plans and programs by similarly situated executives.
5.2 Vacation. During the Term, the Employee shall be entitled to paid
vacation in accordance with Norton's policy for its executive employees, but not
less than five weeks.
<PAGE> 49
5
6. Termination of Employment.
6.1 Death. In the event of the death of the Employee during the Term,
the Company shall pay to the estate or other legal representative of the
Employee (1) the base salary provided for in Section 3.1 accrued to the date of
the Employee's death and not theretofore paid to the Employee, (2) a pro rata
bonus in an amount equal to the product of (i) the Employee's most recent bonus,
if any, paid under Section 3.2, and (ii)(A) the number of months (including
partial months) worked during the year in which the Employee's date of death
occurs, divided by (b) 12, and (3) Bonus Options in accordance with Section 4 of
the Executive Option Bonus Plan. Rights and benefits of the estate or other
legal representative of the Employee under the benefit plans and programs of the
Company shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of such plans and
programs. Neither the estate or other legal representative of the Employee nor
the Company shall have any further rights or obligations under this Agreement
except as provided in Section 3.3(b)(i).
6.2 Disability. If during the Term the Employee shall become
incapacitated by reason of physical or mental disability and shall be unable to
perform his normal duties hereunder for a cumulative period of six (6) months in
any period of twelve (12) consecutive months, the employment of the Employee
hereunder may be terminated by the Company or the Employee upon notice to the
other (a "Disability"). In the event of such termination, the Company shall pay
to the Employee (1) the salary provided for in Section 3.1 accrued to the date
of such termination and not theretofore paid to the Employee, (2) a pro rata
bonus in an amount equal to the product of (i) the Employee's most recent bonus,
if any, paid under Section 3.2, and (ii)(A) the number of months (including
partial months) employed during the year in which the Employee's termination
occurs, divided by (b) 12, and (3) Bonus Options in accordance with Section 4 of
the Executive Option Bonus Plan. Rights and benefits of the Employee under the
benefit plans and programs of the Company shall be determined in accordance with
the provisions of such plans and programs. Neither the Employee nor the Company
shall have any further rights or obligations under this Agreement, except as
provided in Sections 3.3(b)(i), 7, 8, 9 and 10.
6.3 Due Cause. The employment of the Employee hereunder may be
terminated by the Company at any time during the Term for Due Cause (as
hereinafter defined). In
<PAGE> 50
6
the event of such termination, the Company shall pay to the Employee the salary
provided for in Section 3.1 accrued to the date of such termination and not
theretofore paid to the Employee. Rights and benefits of the Employee under the
benefit plans and programs of the Company shall be determined in accordance with
the provisions of such plans and programs. After the satisfaction of any claim
of the Company against the Employee incidental to such Due Cause, neither the
Employee nor the Company shall have any further rights or obligations under this
Agreement, except as provided in Sections 7, 8, 9 and 10. For purposes hereof,
"Due Cause" shall mean the Employee's conviction or other adjudication of a
felony or any crime or offense involving fraud that is materially injurious to
the Company or Norton; provided, however, that the Employee shall be given
written notice by a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company that it
intends to terminate the Employee's employment for Due Cause under this Section,
which written notice shall specify the act or acts upon the basis of which the
majority of the Board of Directors of the Company intends so to terminate the
Employee's employment, and the Employee shall then be given the opportunity,
within fifteen (15) days of his receipt of such notice, to have a meeting with
the Board of Directors of the Company to discuss such act or acts.
6.4 Termination by the Employee with Good Reason or by the Company
not for Due Cause. The Employee may at any time terminate his employment with
the Company with Good Reason (as hereinafter defined). For purposes hereof, Good
Reason shall mean (i) the breach by the Company of any material provision of
this Agreement or of Section 7.12 of the Purchase Agreement, in any case, for a
period of 30 days after written notice of such breach by the Employee to the
Company; (ii) the failure of the Company to pay the Earn Out Payment (as defined
in the Purchase Agreement) as and when such is due and payable in accordance
with the terms of the Purchase Agreement, including any amounts payable under
the Earn Out Letter of Credit (as defined in the Purchase Agreement); and (iii)
the occurrence of an Acceleration Event (as defined in the Purchase Agreement).
If the Company terminates the Employee's employment other than for disability
pursuant to Section 6.2 or Due Cause pursuant to Section 6.3, or if the Employee
terminates his employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 6.4, the Employee
shall be entitled (a) to continue to receive from the Company his base salary
for the remainder of the Term and (b) to continue to participate for the
remainder of the Term in all employee benefit plans and programs (including any
bonus plan) in which the Employee participated on the date of termination.
<PAGE> 51
7
7. Confidential Information.
7.1 The Employee shall, during the Term and for the two-year period
thereafter (unless the Term terminates in accordance with Section 6.4, in which
case the limits imposed on the Employee under this Section 7.1 shall expire on
the date of such termination), treat as confidential and, except as required in
the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, not
disclose, publish or otherwise make available to the public or to any
individual, firm or corporation any confidential material (as hereinafter
defined), except, on a need to know basis, to the Employee's attorney,
accountant or personal advisor. The Employee agrees that all confidential
material, together with all notes and records of the Employee relating thereto,
and all copies or facsimiles thereof in the possession of the Employee, are the
exclusive property of the Company and the Employee agrees to return such
material to the Company promptly upon the termination of the Employee's
employment with the Company.
7.2 Subject to Section 7.12 of the Purchase Agreement, for the
purposes hereof, the term "confidential material" shall mean all information
acquired by the Employee in the course of the Employee's prior employment with
any member of the Jeri-Jo Group and in the course of the Employee's employment
with the Company in any way concerning the products, projects, activities,
business or affairs of the Company, the Jeri-Jo Group, or Norton or and other
subsidiary, direct or indirect, of Norton (the "Norton Group"), or the
customers, suppliers or agents of the Company, the Jeri-Jo Group or any member
of the Norton Group, including, without limitation, all information concerning
trade secrets and the preparation of raw material for, manufacture of, or
finishing processes utilized in the production of, the products or projects of
the Company, any member of the Jeri-Jo Group or any member of the Norton Group
or any improvements therein, all sales and financial information concerning the
Company, any member of the Jeri-Jo Group or any member of the Norton Group, all
customer and supplier lists, all information concerning projects in research and
development or marketing plans for any such products or projects, and all
information in any way concerning the products, projects, activities, business
or affairs of customers of the Company, the Jeri-Jo Group or any member of the
Norton Group which is furnished to the Employee by the Company or any of its
employees (current or former), agents, customers or suppliers, as such;
provided, however, that the term "confidential material" shall not include
information which (a) becomes generally available to the public or the apparel
industry in general other than as
<PAGE> 52
8
a result of a disclosure by the Employee, (b) was available to the Employee on a
non-confidential basis prior to his employment with the Company, (c) becomes
available to the Employee on a non-confidential basis from a source other than
the Company or any of its agents, suppliers or customers, provided that the
Employee has no knowledge that such source is not bound by a confidentiality
agreement with the Company or any of such agents, customers or suppliers, or (d)
if disclosed by the Employee would not have a significant detrimental effect on
the business of the Company.
8. Inventions. Subject to Section 7.12 of the Purchase Agreement and
subject to the Employee's right to the registered trademark Rachel Max(R) (but
subject to Section 7.15 of the Purchase Agreement) any and all material
inventions, material innovations or material improvements ("inventions") made,
developed or created by the Employee (whether at the request or suggestion of
the Company or otherwise, whether alone or in conjunction with others, and
whether during regular hours of work or otherwise) during the period of his
employment with the Company which may be directly useful in, or relate to, the
Business (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), shall be promptly and fully
disclosed by the Employee to the Board of Directors of the Company and shall be
the Company's exclusive property as against the Employee, and the Employee shall
promptly deliver to an appropriate representative of the Company as designated
by the Board of Directors all papers, drawings, models, data and other material
relating to any inventions made, developed or created by him as aforesaid. The
Employee shall, at the request of the Company and without any payment therefor,
execute any documents necessary or advisable in the opinion of the Company's
counsel to direct issuance of patents, trademarks or copyrights to the Company
with respect to such inventions as are to be the Company's exclusive property as
against the Employee or to vest in the Company title to such inventions as
against the Employee. The expense of securing any such patent, trademark or
copyright shall be borne by the Company.
9. Non-Competition. The Employee acknowledges that the services to be
rendered by him to the Company are of a special and unique character. In
consideration of his employment hereunder, the Employee agrees, for the benefit
of the Company, that he will not, during the period of his employment with the
Company and thereafter for a period (the "Period") of two (2) years commencing
on the date of termination of his employment with the Company (other than a
termination by the Employee for Good Reason or by the Company not for Due Cause,
in which case, the Period shall
<PAGE> 53
9
be the remainder of the Term following the date of such termination), (a)
engage, directly or indirectly, whether as principal, agent, distributor,
representative, consultant, employee, partner, stockholder, limited partner or
other investor (other than an investment of not more than (i) five percent (5%)
of the stock or equity of any corporation the capital stock of which is publicly
traded or (ii) five percent (5%) of the ownership interest of any limited
partnership or other entity) or otherwise, anywhere in the United States, in any
business activity or business venture which is in competition with the Business
(as defined in the Purchase Agreement), it being understood and agreed that
ownership or operation of the business presently conducted by Creative
Retailers, Inc. shall not be prohibited by this Section 9, (b) solicit or entice
or endeavor to solicit or entice away from the Company or any member of the
Norton Group any person who was an officer, employee or consultant of the
Company, either for his own account or for any individual, firm or corporation,
whether or not such person would commit any breach of his contract of employment
by reason of leaving the service of the Company, and the Employee agrees not to
employ, directly or indirectly, any person who was an officer or employee of the
Company, or (c) solicit or entice or endeavor to solicit or entice away from the
Company any supplier or customer of the Company, either for his own account or
for any individual, firm or corporation, which, in any case would have a
significant detrimental effect on the business of the Company.
10. Equitable Relief, Etc.
In the event of a breach or threatened breach by the Employee of any
of the provisions of Sections 7, 8 or 9, the Employee hereby consents and agrees
that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction or similar equitable relief
from any court of competent jurisdiction restraining the Employee from
committing or continuing any such breach or threatened breach or granting
specific performance of any act required to be performed by the Employee under
any of such provisions, without the necessity of showing any actual damage or
that money damages would not afford an adequate remedy and without the necessity
of posting any bond or other security. Nothing herein shall be construed as
prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other remedies at law or in equity
which it may have with respect to any such breach or threatened breach.
<PAGE> 54
10
11. Successors and Assigns.
11.1 Assignment by the Company. The Company may not assign this
Agreement or any part thereof without the prior written consent of the Employee.
11.2 Assignment by the Employee. The Employee may not assign this
Agreement or any part thereof without the prior written consent of a majority of
the Board of Directors of the Company (other than the Employee if he is a member
of such Board at the time); provided, however, that nothing herein shall
preclude one or more beneficiaries of the Employee from receiving any amount
that may be payable following the occurrence of his legal incompetency or his
death and shall not preclude the legal representative of his estate from
receiving such amount or from assigning any right hereunder to the person or
persons entitled thereto under his will or, in the case of intestacy, to the
person or persons entitled thereto under the laws of intestacy applicable to his
estate. The term "beneficiaries", as used in this Agreement, shall mean a
beneficiary or beneficiaries so designated to receive any such amount or, if no
beneficiary has been so designated, the legal representative of the Employee (in
the event of his incompetency) or the Employee's estate.
12. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed a contract made
under, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with, the laws of
the State of New York applicable to contracts to be performed entirely within
such State.
13. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains all the understandings
and representations between the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter
hereof. This Agreement supersedes all understandings and agreements, whether
oral or in writing, if any, previously entered into by the Company or any member
of Jeri-Jo Group with the Employee in any way relating to the employment of the
Employee by the Company or by any member of the Jeri-Jo Group, all of which
agreements and understandings are hereby terminated and all rights and
entitlements thereunder are hereby waived and released.
14. Amendment, Modification, Waiver. No provision of this Agreement
may be amended or modified unless such amendment or modification is agreed to in
writing and signed by the Employee and by a representative of the Company (other
than the Employee) who have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of
the Company to do so (other than the Employee if he is a member of such Board at
the time).
<PAGE> 55
11
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, no waiver by either
party hereto of any breach by the other party hereto of any condition or
provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed
a waiver of a similar or dissimilar provision or condition at the same or any
prior or subsequent time, nor shall the failure of or delay by either party
hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder operate as a waiver
thereof to preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other such right, power or privilege.
15. Notices. All notices, requests or instructions hereunder shall be
in writing and delivered personally, sent by telecopy, sent by registered or
certified mail, postage prepaid, or sent by Federal Express or any other
nationally recognized overnight courier service, as follows:
If to the Company:
c/o Norton McNaughton, Inc.
463 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10018
Attention: President
Telecopy: (212) 563-2766
with a copy to:
Haythe & Curley
237 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attention: Bradley P. Cost, Esq.
Telecopy: (212) 682-0200
If to the Employee:
Scott Schneider
c/o Friedman Alpren & Green LLP
1700 Broadway
New York, New York 10019
Attention: Bruce A. Madnick, CPA
Telecopy No.: (212) 265-4761
with a copy to:
Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP
1211 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
Attention: James Alterbaum, Esq.
Telecopy: (212) 704-6288
<PAGE> 56
12
Any of the above addresses may be changed at any time by notice given as
provided above; provided, however, that any such notice of change of address
shall be effective only upon receipt. All notices, requests or instructions
given in accordance herewith shall be deemed received on the date of delivery,
if hand delivered, telecopied, or sent by Federal Express or any other
recognized overnight courier service, and three (3) business days after the date
of mailing, if mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.
16. Arbitration. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating
to this Agreement, or any breach thereof, shall, except as provided in Section
10, be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the
American Arbitration Association then in effect and judgment upon such award
rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. The arbitration shall be held in New York, New York.
17. Severability. Should any provision of this Agreement be held by a
court or arbitration panel of competent jurisdiction to be enforceable only if
modified, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this
Agreement, the balance of which shall continue to be binding upon the parties
hereto with any such modification to become a part hereof and treated as though
originally set forth in this Agreement. In any event, should one or more of the
provisions of this Agreement be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect
any other provisions hereof, and if such provision or provisions are not
modified as provided above, this Agreement shall be construed as if such
invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been set forth herein.
18. Authority. The Company and Norton represent and warrant to the
Employee that the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and
the performance by the Company of its covenants and agreements hereunder have
been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and that this Agreement
has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Company.
19. Withholding. Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, all
payments required to be made by the Company hereunder to the Employee or his
beneficiaries, including his estate, shall be subject to withholding of such
amounts relating to taxes as the Company may reasonably determine it should
withhold pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. In lieu of withholding
such amounts, in
<PAGE> 57
13
whole or in part, the Company, may, in its sole discretion, accept other
provision for payment of taxes as permitted by law, provided it is satisfied in
its sole discretion that all requirements of law affecting its responsibilities
to withhold such taxes have been satisfied.
20. Subsidiaries, etc. The Employee shall be deemed to resign as an
officer and, if applicable, director of the Company and of any parent,
subsidiary or affiliate of the Company upon termination of his employment with
the Company.
21. Survivorship. The respective rights and obligations of the
Employee and the Company hereunder shall survive any termination of this
Agreement to the extent necessary to the intended preservation of such rights
and obligations.
22. Titles. Titles of the sections of this Agreement are intended
solely for convenience and no provision of this Agreement is to be construed by
reference to the title of any section.
23. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterpart copies, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of
which taken together shall be deemed one document.
* * *
<PAGE> 58
14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement
as of the date first above written.
JJ ACQUISITION CORP.
By__________________________________
Name: Peter Boneparth
Title: Vice Chairman
EMPLOYEE
____________________________________
Name: Scott Schneider
<PAGE> 59
EXHIBIT A
NORTON MCNAUGHTON, INC.
Stock Option Certificate
Date of Grant: _____ __, 1998
Name of Optionee: Scott Schneider
Number of Shares:
Price Per Share:
This is to certify that, effective on the date of grant specified
above, the Board of Directors of Norton McNaughton, Inc. (the "Company") has
granted to the above-named optionee (the "Optionee") an option to purchase from
the Company, for the price per share set forth above, the number of shares of
Common Stock, $.01 par value (the "Stock"), of the Company set forth above
pursuant and subject to the terms of Section 3.3 of that certain Employment
Agreement dated as of _____ __, 1998 by and between JJ Acquisition Corp. (now
known as Jeri-Jo Knitwear, Inc.), a Delaware corporation and wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company ("JJ"), and the Optionee (the "Plan"). This option is
not intended to be treated as an "incentive stock option" within the meaning of
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
The terms and conditions of the option granted hereby, in addition to
the terms and conditions contained in the Plan, are as follows:
1. The price at which each share of Stock subject to this option may
be purchased shall be the price set forth above, subject to any adjustments
which may be made pursuant to Section 8 hereof.
2. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in
Section 3.3 of the Plan, this option shall be exercisable (x) as to 20,000
shares of Stock, on the date hereof and (y) as to the remaining shares of Stock
subject to this Option (the "Remainder"), beginning on the date which is nine
years and six months from the date of grant, provided that this option shall be
sooner exercisable as to the Remainder (i)(A) with respect to a number of shares
of Stock equal to 70,000 shares of Stock, on the Earn Out Payment Date (as
defined in the Purchase Agreement referred to in the Plan) if and only if the
1998/1999 EBITDA (as
<PAGE> 60
2
defined in the Purchase Agreement referred to in the Plan) shall equal or exceed
$11,000,000 but be less than $15,000,000 and (B) in full, on the Earn Out
Payment Date if and only if the 1998/1999 EBITDA shall equal or exceed
$15,000,000; (ii) in full, on the date, if any, that the Employee's employment
under the Plan terminates by reason of death or Disability or by the Optionee
for Good Reason or by JJ without Due Cause (as said terms are defined in the
Plan) and (iii) in full, upon the occurrence of an Acceleration Event (as
defined in the Purchase Agreement referred to in the Plan).
3. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Optionee
may exercise this option at any time as to all or any of the shares of Stock
purchasable in accordance with Section 2 hereof by delivering to the Company
written notice specifying:
(i) the number of whole shares of Stock to be purchased together
with payment in full of the aggregate option price of such shares, provided
that this option may not be exercised for less than ten (10) shares of
Stock or the number of shares of Stock remaining subject to option,
whichever is smaller;
(ii) the name or names in which the stock certificate or
certificates are to be registered;
(iii) the address to which dividends, notices, reports, etc. are
to be sent; and
(iv) the Optionee's social security number.
Only one stock certificate will be issued unless the Optionee otherwise requests
in writing. Payment shall be in cash, or by certified or bank cashier's check
payable to the order of the Company, free from all collection charges (including
by means of a broker assisted simultaneous exercise and sale); provided,
however, that payment may be made in shares of Stock owned by the Optionee
having a market value on the date of exercise equal to the aggregate purchase
price, or in a combination of cash and Stock. For purposes of this option and
the Plan, the market value per share of Stock shall be the last sale price
regular way on the date of reference, or, in case no sale takes place on such
date, the average of the closing high bid and low asked prices regular way, in
either case on the principal national securities exchange on which the Stock is
listed or admitted to trading, or if the Stock is not listed or admitted to
trading on any national securities exchange, the last sale price reported on the
National Market System of the National
<PAGE> 61
3
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ") on such
date, or the average of the closing high bid and low asked prices of the Stock
in the over-the-counter market reported on NASDAQ on such date, whichever is
applicable, or if there are no such prices reported on NASDAQ on such date, as
furnished to the Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors (the
"Committee") by any New York Stock Exchange member selected from time to time by
the Committee for such purpose. If there is no bid or asked price reported on
any such date, the market value shall be determined by the Committee in
accordance with the regulations promulgated under Section 2031 of the Code, or
by any other appropriate method selected by the Committee. If the Optionee so
requests, shares of Stock purchased upon exercise of an option may be issued in
the name of the Optionee or, provided that the Optionee pays any applicable
taxes, another person. No Optionee shall be entitled to any rights as a
stockholder of the Company in respect of any shares of Stock covered by this
option until such shares of Stock shall have been paid for in full and issued to
the Optionee.
4. As soon as practicable after the Company receives payment for
shares of Stock covered by this option, it shall deliver a certificate or
certificates representing the shares of Stock so purchased to the Optionee. Such
certificate shall be registered in the name of the Optionee, or, subject to
Section 3 hereof, in such other name or names as the Optionee shall request.
5. This option is personal to the Optionee and during the Optionee's
lifetime may be exercised only by the Optionee. This option shall not be
transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
6. In the event that the Optionee's employment as an employee of the
Company or of any Subsidiary or Parent (within the meaning of Sections 424(e)
and 424(f) of the Code) (hereinafter the "Optionee's employment") is terminated
for any reason prior to the time that this option has been fully exercised, this
option shall be exercisable, if at all, as to any remaining vested shares of
Stock subject hereto, only in accordance with the terms (x) hereof (including
without limitation, Section 2 hereof) and (y) of Sections 3.3(a) and 3.3(b) of
the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this option shall in no event be
exercisable after the date of termination of such option specified in Section 2
hereof.
7. This option does not confer on the Optionee any right to continue
in the employ of the Company, any
<PAGE> 62
4
Subsidiary or Parent, or interfere in any way with the right of the Company, any
Subsidiary or Parent to determine the terms of the Optionee's employment.
8. In the event of a reorganization, recapitalization, stock split,
stock dividend, combination of shares, merger, consolidation, rights offering,
or any other change in the corporate structure or shares of the Company, the
Committee shall in good faith, adjust the number of shares of Stock (or other
securities or property) subject to this option, the exercise price with respect
to this option, or all of the foregoing.
9. This option and the terms and conditions herein set forth are
subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Plan, which shall be
controlling.
10. It shall be a condition to the obligation of the Company to issue
shares of Stock upon exercise of this option, that the Optionee (or any
beneficiary or person entitled to act) pay to the Company, upon its demand, such
amount as may be requested by the Company for the purpose of satisfying any
liability to withhold federal, state or local income or other taxes.
11. All notices hereunder to the Company shall be delivered or mailed
to the following address:
Norton McNaughton, Inc.
463 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10018
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
Such address for the service of notices may be changed at any time provided
notice of such change is furnished in advance to the Optionee.
NORTON MCNAUGHTON, INC.
By_________________________________
Name: Peter Boneparth
Title: President and Chief
Operating Officer
<PAGE> 63
EXHIBIT B
NORTON MCNAUGHTON, INC. OPTION BONUS PLAN
FOR SENIOR EXECUTIVES OF JJ ACQUISITION CORP.
1. Establishment. This Plan, which shall be known as the Norton
McNaughton, Inc. Option Bonus Plan for Senior Executives of JJ Acquisition Corp.
(the "Bonus Plan"), is hereby established by JJ Acquisition Corp. (the
"Company") to provide incentives for senior executives providing services to the
Company and to aid the Company in retaining such senior executives upon whose
efforts the Company's success and future growth depends.
2. Administration. The Bonus Plan shall be administered by the Board
of Directors of the Company (the "Board"). For purposes of administration, the
Board, subject to the terms of the Bonus Plan, shall have authority, acting in
good faith, to establish such rules and regulations, to make such determinations
and interpretations, and to take such other administrative actions as it deems
necessary or advisable.
3. Participants. The participants in the Plan shall be Susan
Schneider, Leslie Schneider and Scott Schneider, in each case for so long as
such individual is employed by the Company pursuant to an Employment Agreement
to which this Bonus Plan is an Exhibit (each, a "Participant" and collectively,
the "Participants"); provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall be
construed as creating a guarantee of employment for any Participant.
4. Bonus Options.
4.1 Grant. In the event that EBITDA (as defined in the Agreement of
Purchase and Sale by and among Jeri-Jo Knitwear Inc., Jamie Scott, Inc., the
Stockholders of Jamie Scott, Inc., JJ Acquisition Corp. and Norton McNaughton,
Inc. (the "Purchase Agreement")) attained by the Company in Year 1 or Year 2 (as
defined in the Purchase Agreement, and each, a "Year") is equal to or in excess
of $17,000,000, the Company shall cause to be granted to the Participants by the
Board of Directors of Norton McNaughton, Inc. a Delaware corporation ("Norton"),
options to purchase an aggregate of 50,000 (or such lesser number as shall be
necessary to allocate such options in accordance with Section 4.2 below) shares
of common stock, par value $.01 per share of Norton (the "Common Stock") in each
Year that EBITDA in excess of $17,000,000 is so attained. In addition, for each
$1,000,000 of EBITDA in excess of $17,000,000 attained by
<PAGE> 64
2
the Company in each of the Years, the Company shall cause to be granted to the
Participants by the Board of Directors of Norton, options to purchase an
aggregate of 30,000 (or such lesser number as shall be necessary to allocated
such options in accordance with Section 4.2 below) shares of Common Stock. Any
options granted as aforesaid shall be hereinafter referred to as "Bonus
Options". The Bonus Options shall be granted, if at all, on the dates of
delivery to the Company and Norton of the EBITDA Notice and EBITDA Statement
(pursuant to Section 2.02(b)(i) of the Purchase Agreement) for the applicable
Year and shall have an exercise price per share equal to the fair market value
of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
4.2 Allocation of Bonus Options. The Bonus Options shall be allocated
40% to Susan Schneider, 40% to Leslie Schneider and 20% to Scott Schneider, or
in the case of the death of any such Participant during a Year, the estate of
such Participant.
4.3 Exercise. The Bonus Options shall be fully vested and exercisable
on and after the date of grant.
4.4 Term of Options. Except as provided below, the term of the Bonus
Options shall be ten years.
(i) If a Participant's employment with the Company terminates
pursuant to Section 6.1 of his or her Employment Agreement or is terminated by
the Company or by the Participant pursuant to Section 6.2 of his or her
Employment Agreement, is terminated by the Employee pursuant to Section 6.4 of
his or her Employment Agreement, or terminated for any other reason (except as
provided in clause (ii) below), the Bonus Options may be exercised by the
Participant (or his or her estate or legal representative) within one (1) year
after such termination; and
(ii) In the event of termination of the employment of a
Participant (a) by the Company pursuant to Section 6.3 of his or her Employment
Agreement or (b) by the Participant other than pursuant to Sections 6.1, 6.2 or
6.4 of his or her Employment Agreement, no Bonus Options shall be exercisable.
4.5 Adjustments. In the event of any dividend or other distribution
(whether in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities or other property),
recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger,
consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of Common
Stock or other
<PAGE> 65
3
securities of Norton, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Common
Stock, the Board of Directors shall, in good faith adjust the number of shares
of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to the Bonus Options,
the exercise price with respect to any Bonus Options, or both.
4.6 No Participant shall be entitled to Bonus Options for any Year of
the Company subsequent to the Year in which his or her termination of employment
(for any or no reason) occurs.
4.7 In the event of termination of the employment of a Participant
prior to the end of a Year, pursuant to his or her Employment Agreement, such
Participant (or his or her estate or other legal representative) shall be
granted such Bonus Options for such Year only as provided in this Section 4.7.
The number of Bonus Options to which the Participant (or his or her estate or
legal representative) shall be entitled for such Year (which shall be granted at
the time that the Bonus Options are granted to the other Participants) shall be
equal to the product of (x) the number of Bonus Options, if any, which would
have been granted to the Participant pursuant to Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of this
Bonus Plan for such Year if the employment of the Participant had not so
terminated, multiplied by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number
of days from the beginning of such Year to the date of termination, and the
denominator of which is 365. The terms and conditions of any such Bonus Options
shall be as otherwise provided in this Section 4.
4.8 If any portion of the Bonus Options shall not be allocated or
granted by reason of this Section 4, such Bonus Options shall be retained by the
Company or granted to other Participants or to new participants, all as
determined by the Board, after good faith consideration of any recommended
course of action submitted to the Board by the remaining Participants.
4.9 Change of Control. In the event that there shall occur a Change
of Control (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) during either of the Years,
the Participants in this Bonus Plan shall be entitled to receive, in lieu of
Bonus Options contemplated by Section 4.1 of this Bonus Plan (unless such Bonus
Options have heretofore been granted, in which case such granted Bonus Options
shall be retained), a number of Bonus Options (allocated as set forth in Section
4.2 above) equal to (i) in the event that the Change of Control occurs during
Year 1, 100,000 Bonus Options or (ii) in the event that the Change of Control
occurs during Year
<PAGE> 66
4
2, 50,000 Bonus Options. The terms and conditions of any such Bonus Options
shall be as otherwise provided in this Section 4.
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 99
News Release
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR: Norton McNaughton, Inc.
APPROVED BY: Peter Boneparth
President
Amanda Bokman
Chief Financial Officer
(212) 947-2960
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Investor Relations:
David Walke/Shannon Moody
Press: Michael McMullan
Morgen-Walke Associates
(212) 850-5600
NORTON MCNAUGHTON, INC. ENTERS INTO AN AGREEMENT
TO ACQUIRE JERI-JO KNITWEAR INC. AND JAMIE SCOTT, INC.
New York, New York, April 22, 1998 - Norton McNaughton, Inc. (Nasdaq:
NRTY) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire
substantially all the assets and assume substantially all the liabilities of
Jeri-Jo Knitwear Inc. and Jamie Scott, Inc., privately-held apparel importers of
moderately-priced juniors' and misses' updated sportswear. The terms of the
transaction provide for the payment of cash at closing, with additional
consideration payable in cash and Company common stock based on the achievement
of performance levels.
Closing of the transaction, which the Company expects will take place
during its third fiscal quarter, is subject to financing, the expiration of the
Hart Scott Rodino waiting period and the satisfaction of other customary closing
conditions. The Company believes that the transaction will be accretive to
earnings in fiscal 1998 and thereafter. The transaction will be accounted for
under the purchase method of accounting.
Based in New York and founded in 1975, Jeri-Jo/Jamie Scott design, import
and market juniors' and misses' apparel. Jeri-Jo/Jamie Scott's merchandise is
sold primarily under the Currants(R), Energie(R), and Jamie Scott(R) labels and
is distributed through department stores, national chains and specialty stores.
Upon closing of the transaction, Jeri-Jo/Jamie Scott will operate as a single,
separate subsidiary under the direction of its current management.
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<PAGE> 2
NORTON MCNAUGHTON, INC. ENTERS INTO AN AGREEMENT Page:2
TO ACQUIRE JERI-JO KNITWEAR INC. AND JAMIE SCOTT, INC.
Peter Boneparth, President and Chief Operating Officer of Norton
McNaughton, commented, "This is an exciting opportunity as Jeri-Jo/Jamie Scott
significantly expand our reach from the moderate career area into juniors'.
Jeri-Jo/Jamie Scott are a perfect fit for Norton McNaughton, and this
acquisition illustrates our strategy of acquiring companies that are accretive
to earnings, have strong management teams in place, and broaden our channels of
distribution."
Norton McNaughton, Inc. designs, contracts for the manufacture of and
markets a broad line of brand name, moderately priced women's career and casual
clothing. The Company's product lines include collections of related separates
coordinated by color and style, as well as casual weekend wear and related
knitwear separates. Founded in 1981, the Company markets its products under its
nationally known labels, including Norton McNaughton(R), Norton Studio(R),
D.P.S.(R) and Erika(R), through its subsidiary Miss Erika, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This press release contains forward-looking information about the
Company's anticipated operating results, including following the acquisition of
Jeri-Jo/Jamie Scott. The Company's ability, including following the acquisition
of Jeri-Jo/Jamie Scott, to achieve its projected results is dependent on many
factors which are outside of management's control. Some of the most significant
factors, including following the acquisition of Jeri-Jo/Jamie Scott, would be a
further deterioration in retailing conditions for women's and juniors' apparel,
a further increase in price pressures and other competitive factors, any of
which could result in an unanticipated decrease in gross profit margins,
unanticipated problems arising with Jeri-Jo/Jamie Scott's business or the
integration of Jeri-Jo/Jamie Scott's business with that of the Company, the
unanticipated loss of a major customer, the unanticipated loss of a major
contractor or supplier, and weather conditions which could impact retail traffic
and the Company's ability, including following the acquisition of Jeri-Jo/Jamie
Scott, to ship on a timely basis. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that
the Company, including following the acquisition of Jeri-Jo/Jamie Scott, will
achieve its anticipated operating results.
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