PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER
AND REORGANIZATION
among:
OAK BROOK CAPITAL III, INC.,
a Colorado corporation;
FORTE HOLDINGS LTD.,
a St. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ international business company;
and
JOVUS LTD.,
a St. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ international business company.
Dated as of September 19, 2000
PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION
This PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION, dated as of
September 19, 2000, by and among Oak Brook Capital III, Inc., a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of Colorado ("Oak Brook"), Forte Holdings
Ltd., an international business company organized and existing under the laws of
St. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Grenadines and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oak Brook
("Forte") and Jovus Ltd., an international business company organized and
existing under the laws of St. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Grenadines ("Jovus"). (Forte and
Jovus are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Merging Corporations").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Oak Brook is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under
the laws of the state of Colorado, with its registered office at ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ and its principal
executive office at ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇;
and
WHEREAS, Forte is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the
laws of St. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Grenadines, with its registered office located at
Trust House, 112 Bonadie Street, Kingstown, St. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇; and
WHEREAS, Jovus is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the
laws of St. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Grenadines with its registered office located at
Trust House, 112 Bonadie Street, Kingstown, St. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇; and
WHEARAS, the respective boards of directors of Oak Brook, Forte and Jovus deem
it desirable and in the best interests of their respective corporations or
companies as the case may be, for Oak Brook to acquire the outstanding capital
stock of Jovus by merging Forte into Jovus in exchange for the issuance of
shares of the common stock of Oak Brook (together with other consideration
provided for herein) and have proposed, declared advisable and approved such
merger (the Jovus Merger) pursuant to this Agreement, which Agreement has been
duly approved by resolutions of the respective boards of directors of Oak Brook,
Forte and Jovus;
WHEREAS, this Agreement shall require that a shareholders' meeting be called by
Oak Brook for the purposes of approving the Jovus Merger prior to closing. Upon
execution of this Agreement, Oak Brook shall file a PRESCH14C, Information
Statement and accompanying shareholders' meeting notice, with the Office of
Small Business Policy, Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Oak Brook
will schedule the shareholders' meeting for the purposes of: (i) approving the
contemplated Jovus Merger; and (ii) approving all past transactions conducted
by the officers and directors of Jovus; and
WHEREAS, upon the successful completion of the Oak Brook shareholders' meeting,
and the filing of appropriate Articles of Merger with the Colorado Secretary of
State, and the filing of appropriate Articles of Merger with the St. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Registrar of International Business Companies (the "Registrar"), the Jovus
Merger shall be considered closed (the "Closing Date").
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants and
agreements herein contained (together with other consideration provided for
herein), and to prescribe the terms and conditions of the Jovus Merger, the mode
of carrying the same into effect, the manner and basis of converting the Shares
of the common stock of Jovus issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
"Effective Date" of the Jovus Merger as defined below (the "Jovus Shares") into
shares of the common stock of Oak Brook and such other details and provisions as
are deemed necessary or proper, the parties hereto also hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
JOVUS MERGER
1:1 JOVUS Merger.
1:1:1 Surviving Corporation.
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Forte and Jovus shall be,
upon the "Effective Date" as defined in Section 1:1:3 hereof, merged into a
single surviving corporation, which shall be Jovus, which shall continue its
corporate existence and remain an international business company subject to
and governed by the laws of St. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Grenadines.
1:1:2 Stockholder Approval.
This Agreement will be submitted for approval by the stockholders of Oak
Brook in accordance with the applicable laws of the State of Colorado.
1:1:3 Effective Date and Closing Date.
The Jovus Merger shall become effective on the "Effective Date", such date
being the later upon which (i) appropriate Articles of Merger, attached
hereto as Appendix B, are filed with the Secretary of State of Colorado and
(ii) appropriate Articles of Merger are filed with the Registrar and the
Registrar has issued a Certificate of Merger certifying the compliance of the
Jovus Merger with the relevant provisions of the IBC Act.
The "Closing Date" will be on or within one (1) business day of the date
this Agreement is approved by the stockholders of Oak Brook.
1:2 Effect of JOVUS Merger.
In all other respects, the identity, existence, purposes, powers, objects,
franchises, rights, and immunities of Jovus shall continue unaffected and
unimpaired by the Jovus Merger, and the corporate identity, existence,
purposes, powers, objects, franchises, rights, and immunities of Forte shall
be wholly merged with and into Jovus, and Jovus shall be fully vested
therewith. Accordingly, on the Effective Date, the separate existence of
Forte, except in so far as continued by statute, shall cease.
1:3 Governing Law and Articles of Incorporation of JOVUS.
1:3:1 St. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Law Governs; JOVUS Articles of Incorporation,
as Amended and Restated, Survive.
The laws of St. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Grenadines shall continue to govern Jovus.
On and after the Effective Date, the articles of incorporation of Forte
shall be the articles of incorporation of Jovus until further amended in the
manner provided by law and in such articles of incorporation (the "Restated
Articles").
1:4 By-laws of Surviving Corporation.
1:4:1 Jovus By-laws, as Amended and Restated, Survive.
On the Effective Date, the by-laws of Forte shall be the by-laws of Jovus
until altered, amended, or repealed, or until new By-laws shall be adopted
in accordance with the provisions of law, the Articles, and such by-laws
(the "Restated By-laws").
{This Space Left Blank Intentionally}
1:5 Directors and Officers of OAK BROOK and JOVUS.
1:5:1 Directors of OAK BROOK.
The names and addresses of the persons who, upon the Effective Date, shall
constitute the board of directors of Oak Brook, and who shall hold office
until the first annual meeting of stockholders of Oak Brook following the
Effective Date, are as follows:
Name Address
▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
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▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
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1:5:2 Officers of OAK BROOK.
The names and addresses of the persons who, upon the Effective Date, shall
constitute the officers of Oak Brook, and who shall hold office until the
first meeting of directors following the next annual meeting of stockholders
thereof, are as follows:
Name Title Address
▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ President ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Vice President ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇
1:5:3 Directors of JOVUS.
The names and addresses of the persons who, upon the Effective Date, shall
constitute the board of directors of Jovus, and who shall hold office,
subject to the Restated Articles, until the first annual meeting of
stockholders of Jovus following the Effective Date, are as follows:
{This Space Left Blank Intentionally}
Name Address
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ Financial Resources Group LLC
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
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▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
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▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. von Wersowetz ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
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1:5:4 Officers of JOVUS.
The names and addresses of the persons who, upon the Effective Date, shall
constitute the officers of Jovus, and who shall hold office, subject to the
Restated By-laws, until the first meeting of directors following the next
annual meeting of stockholders thereof, are as follows:
Name Title Address
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ President ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇ Secretary Financial Resources Group LLC
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇
1:5:5 Vacancies.
On or after the Effective Date, if a vacancy shall for any reason exist in
the board of directors or in any of the offices of Oak Brook or Jovus, such
vacancy shall be filled in the manner provided in the Restated Articles and
/or Restated By-laws.
1:6 Capital Stock of JOVUS.
1:6:1 Capital Stock as in JOVUS Articles of Incorporation.
The authorized number of shares of capital stock of Jovus, and the par
value, designations, preferences, rights, and limitations thereof, and the
express terms thereof, shall be as set forth in the Articles.
1:7 Conversion of Securities on JOVUS Merger.
1:7:1 General.
The manner and basis of converting the Jovus Shares into shares of the
capital stock of Oak Brook or the other consideration herein provided for
shall be as hereinafter set forth in this Section 1:7 as follows.
1:7:2 Conversion of JOVUS Shares.
On the Effective Date, by virtue of the Jovus Merger, without any action on
the part of any party, each share of Jovus common stock issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date shall be converted into
the right to receive from Oak Brook the following consideration (in the
aggregate, the "Jovus Consideration"):
(i) One (1) share, no par value, of duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable common stock of Oak Brook
("Oak Brook Common Stock");
(ii) Oak Brook Common Stock. None of the currently issued and
outstanding shares of Oak Brook Common Stock, no par value, issued
and outstanding at the effective time of the Jovus Merger shall be
converted as a result of the Jovus Merger;
(iii) Issuance of Shares Subsequent to Jovus Merger. As soon as
practicable after the Jovus Merger becomes effective, Oak Brook
shall cause its transfer agent (the "Transfer Agent") to issue to
the shareholders of Jovus, on a pro rata basis, an aggregate of
Thirty-Six Million Three Hundred and Sixty-Two Thousand Seven Hundred
and Eighty-Five (36,362,785) Shares of common stock in Oak Brook and
Three Million Six Hundred and Thirty-Seven Thousand Two Hundred and
Fifteen (3,637,215) shares shall be reserved for future issuance of
options, warrants and consulting fees.
(iv) Fractional Interests. No fractional shares of common stock
of Oak Brook or certificate or scrip representing the same shall
be issued. In lieu thereof each holder of Jovus Shares having a
fractional interest arising upon such conversion will be rounded up
into one full additional share of common stock of Oak Brook;
(v) Status of Common Stock. All Shares of common stock of Oak
Brook into which Jovus Shares are converted as herein provided
shall be fully paid and non-assessable and shall be issued in full
satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such Jovus Shares;
1:7:3 Surrender of JOVUS Share Certificates.
On the Effective Date, all holders of Jovus Shares (the "Jovus Shareholders")
will surrender each outstanding certificate or certificates theretofore
representing Jovus Shares to Oak Brook and receive in exchange therefor
certificates representing the number of whole shares of Oak Brook Common Stock
into which the Jovus Shares therefor represented by the certificate so
surrendered shall have been converted as aforesaid.
1:8 Closing of JOVUS Transfer Books.
At the Effective Date, holders of certificates representing Jovus Shares
that were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date shall cease to
have any rights as stockholders of Jovus, and the stock transfer books of
Jovus shall be closed with respect to all shares of such common stock
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date. As of the date of
execution of this Agreement, no further transfer of any such Jovus Shares
shall be made on such stock transfer books after the Effective Date. If,
after the Effective Date, a valid certificate previously representing any of
the Jovus Shares (a "Jovus Stock Certificate") is presented to Oak Brook,
such Jovus Stock Certificate shall be canceled and shall be exchanged as
provided in Section 1:7:3.
1:9 Exchange of Certificates.
(a) Upon surrender of a Jovus Stock Certificate to the Transfer Agent for
exchange, together with such other documents as may be reasonably required
by Oak Brook, the holder of such Jovus Stock Certificate shall be entitled
to receive in exchange therefor a certificate representing the number of
whole Oak Brook Shares that such holder has the right to receive pursuant to
the provisions of Section 1:7, and each Jovus Stock Certificate so surrendered
shall be canceled. Until surrendered as contemplated by this Section 1:9,
each Jovus Stock Certificate shall be deemed, from and after the Effective
Date, to represent only the right to receive upon such surrender a
certificate representing shares of Oak Brook Common Stock as contemplated by
Section 1:7. If any Jovus Stock Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or
destroyed, Oak Brook may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to
the issuance of any certificate representing Oak Brook Common Stock, require
the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed Jovus Stock Certificate to
provide an appropriate affidavit and to deliver a bond (in such sum as Oak
Brook may reasonably direct) as indemnity against any claim that may be made
against Oak Brook with respect to such Jovus Stock Certificate.
(b) No dividends or other distributions declared or made with respect to
Oak Brook Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Date shall be
paid to the holder of any un-surrendered Jovus Stock Certificate with
respect to the shares of Oak Brook Common Stock represented thereby until
such holder surrenders such Jovus Stock Certificate in accordance with this
Section 1:9 (at which time such holder shall be entitled to receive all such
dividends and distributions).
(c) Oak Brook shall not be liable to any holder or former holder of common
stock of Jovus for any shares of Oak Brook Common Stock (or dividends or
distributions with respect thereto), or for any cash amounts, delivered to
any public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or
similar law.
1:10 Accounting and Tax Treatment.
1:10:1 GAAP Treatment.
The assets and liabilities of Forte shall be taken up on the books of Jovus
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and the capital
surplus and retained earnings accounts of Jovus shall be determined, in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, by the board of
directors of Jovus. Nothing herein shall prevent the board of directors of
Jovus from making any future changes in its accounts in accordance with law.
1:10:2 Federal Income Tax Treatment of JOVUS Merger.
The Jovus Merger is intended to qualify as a reverse triangular merger
transaction described in Sec. 368(a)(2)(E) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code").
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF JOVUS
2:1 Representations and Warranties of JOVUS.
Representations and warranties shall be made by Jovus and shall survive the
Effective Date of the Jovus Merger for one (1) year, subject to mutually
satisfactory exceptions, claims and caveats:
2:1:1 Disclosure Schedule.
Except as set forth in the schedule of disclosure attached hereto as
Appendix G (the "Disclosure Schedule"), Jovus hereby represents and warrants
as follows:
2:1:2 Organization, Standing and Qualification.
Jovus and all of its subsidiaries are companies duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of St. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the
Grenadines, and have all requisite company powers and authority to own, to
lease or to operate their properties and to carry on their business as it is
now being conducted.
2:1:3 Authority.
The execution and delivery of this Agreement has been authorized by the
Board of Directors of Jovus, and the completion of these transactions have
been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate and shareholder
action on the part of Jovus. This Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by Jovus and, assuming the due and valid execution and delivery of
this Agreement by the other parties hereto, constitutes the legal, valid and
binding obligation of Jovus, to the extent applicable, enforceable in
accordance with its terms, all as may be subject to or affected by any
bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium or similar laws of general
application from time to time in effect and relating to or affecting the
rights or remedies of creditors generally.
2:1:4 No Conflict, Breach, Default or Violation.
Except as set forth in Section 2:1:4 of the Disclosure Schedule, the
execution and delivery of this Agreement does not, and the completion of
transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not conflict with, result in
a breach of or the acceleration of any obligation under, or constitute a default
or event of default (or event which with notice or lapse of time or both
would constitute a default) under, any provision of any charter, bylaw,
indenture, mortgage, lien, lease, license, agreement, contract, permit,
order, judgment, or, to the best of Jovus' knowledge, any judicial or
administrative decree, ordinance or regulation, or any restriction to which
any property of Jovus is subject or by which Jovus is bound, the result of
which would have a material adverse effect on the business of Jovus.
2:1:5 Approvals.
Under the IBC Act, Jovus must file appropriate Articles of Merger with the
Registrar, including inter alia this Agreement, and further must obtain from
the Registrar a Certificate of Merger evidencing compliance with all relevant
provisions of the IBC Act. Apart from the filing and certification required
under the IBC Act and heretofore described, no consent, approval, order or
authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any court,
administrative agency or commission or other governmental agency or
instrumentality, domestic or foreign (a "Governmental Entity"), or third
party is required by or with respect to Jovus or any Jovus Shareholder in
connection with the execution and delivery by Jovus or any Jovus Shareholder of
this Agreement, or the completion of the transactions contemplated hereby,
the absence of which would have a material adverse effect on Jovus.
2:1:6 Capitalization of JOVUS and Subsidiaries.
(a) The authorized capital stock of Jovus consists of Fifty
Million (50,000,000) shares of common stock, Zero (US$0.00) par value per
share, of which Thirty-Six Million Three Hundred and Sixty-Two Thousand Seven
Hundred and Eighty-Five (36,362,785) shares are issued and outstanding. The
Jovus Shares are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and not subject
to preemptive rights. Section 2:1:6 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a
true, complete and correct list of the holders of record of the issued and
outstanding Jovus Shares, and all claims, commitments or agreements to which
Jovus is a party or by which it is bound, obligating Jovus to issue, deliver
or sell, or to cause to be issued, delivered or sold, additional shares of
capital stock of Jovus or obligating Jovus to grant, extend or enter into any
such option, warrant, call, right or agreement with respect to its capital
stock. There are no agreements obligating Jovus to redeem, repurchase or
otherwise acquire the capital stock of Jovus, or any other securities issued by
it, or to register the sale of the capital stock of Jovus under applicable
securities laws. There are no agreements or arrangements prohibiting or
otherwise restricting the payment of dividends or distributions to the Jovus
Shareholders by Jovus.
2:1:7 Information Supplied.
To the best knowledge of Jovus or any of its subsidiaries, no written statement,
certificate, schedule, list or other written information furnished by or on
behalf of Jovus or any of its subsidiaries on or prior to the date hereof in
connection herewith contains (after giving effect to any correction thereof
furnished to Jovus or any of its subsidiaries in writing prior to the date
hereof) any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state a
material fact required to be stated herein or therein or necessary to make the
statements herein or therein, in light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading.
2:1:8 Financial Statements.
Jovus will furnish to Oak Brook within Seventy-five (75) days of the Closing
Date, true, complete and correct copies of the audited balance sheet at the end
of fiscal years ended December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1999 and the related
audited income statements, and statements of operations, cash flows and changes
in stockholders equity for the same years ended (all of these financial
statements being collectively referred to herein as the "Jovus Financials").
The Jovus Financials are consistent in all material respects with the books and
records of Jovus, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved
(except as may be indicated in the notes thereto) and fairly present the
financial position of Jovus as at the dates thereof.
2:1:9 Liabilities.
To the best of Jovus' knowledge, Jovus has no liabilities or obligations, either
accrued, absolute, contingent, or otherwise, required to be but not reflected or
reserved against in the Jovus Financials in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, except those incurred in the ordinary course of business,
or those that are not material, and Jovus knows of no potential liability that
would result in material adverse effect on the business of Jovus, other than
those (a) reflected or reserved against in the Jovus Financials, (b) incurred in
the ordinary course of business since December 31, 1999 or (c) set forth in
Section 2:1:9 of the Disclosure Schedule.
2:1:10 Additional Information.
Section 2:1:10 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, complete and
correct list, or references the attachment as an appendix thereto, of the
following items:
2:1:10:1 Real Property.
Section 2:1:10:1 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, complete and
correct list of all real property and structures thereon, presently (i) owned
by, or subject to a contract of purchase and sale or option agreement involving
Jovus (collectively, the "Real Property"), (ii) leased by, or subject
to a lease commitment involving, Jovus (collectively, the "Leased Property"),
with a description of: (x) the general use to which such real property is or was
put; (y) the general nature and amount of any Encumbrances thereon; and (z) if
leased the name of the lessor and a true, complete and correct copy of any
written agreement pursuant to which such real property is leased.
2:1:10:2 Machinery and Equipment.
Section 2:1:10:2 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, complete and
correct list of all machinery, work product, tools, equipment, furnishings, and
fixtures (excluding such items that had a cost basis of $20,000 or less at the
date hereof) owned, leased or subject to a contract of purchase and sale or
lease commitment, by Jovus with, to the extent practical, a description with
respect to each such of: (i) the serial number of such item; (ii) the general
location at which such item is kept; (ii) whether such item is owned or leased;
(iv) if owned, a general description of the nature and amount of any
Encumbrances thereon; and (v) if leased, the name of the lessor and a true,
complete and correct copy of any written agreement pursuant to which such item
is leased.
2:1:10:3 Receivables.
Section 2:1:10:3 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, complete and
correct list of all accounts and notes receivable presently owned by Jovus,
together with an appropriate aging schedule, as of December 31, 1999, which list
separately all amounts receivable from the Jovus Shareholders, director,
officer, employee, or agent of Jovus, from or from any of their respective
affiliates. All accounts and notes receivable of Jovus represent bona fide
claims against debtors for services performed or other charges arising in the
ordinary course of business and are subject to no material defenses,
counterclaims or rights of set-off.
2:1:10:4 Payables.
Section 2:1:10:4 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, complete and
correct list of all accounts and notes payable owed by Jovus, together with an
appropriate aging schedule, as of December 31, 1999, which list separately all
such amounts payable to any Jovus Shareholder, director, officer, employee, or
agent of Jovus, to Jovus Shareholders or to any of the irrespective affiliates.
To the best of Jovus' knowledge, all accounts and notes payable of Jovus
represent bona fide claims against Jovus for services performed or other charges
arising in the ordinary course of business.
2:1:10:5 Contracts.
Section 2:1:10:5 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, complete and
correct list of all contracts, agreements and commitments of Jovus, whether or
not made in the ordinary course of business, including leases under which Jovus
is lessor or lessee, which are to be performed in whole or in part after the
Effective Date, and which (i) involve or may involve aggregate payments
by or to Jovus of $20,000 or more after the Effective Date, (ii) are not
terminable by Jovus without premium or penalty on 60 (or fewer) days' notice,
(iii) purport to prohibit or restrict the ability of Jovus to participate or
compete in any material line of business or with any person, (iv) purport to
prohibit or restrict another person's ability to be in the line of business of
Jovus or to compete with Jovus or (v) are otherwise material to the business or
properties of Jovus. To the best of Jovus' knowledge, except as set forth on
Schedule 2:1:9:5 of the Disclosure Schedule, Jovus has complied in all material
respects with all commitments, contracts, agreements and obligations pertaining
to it listed on Section 2:1:9:5 of the Disclosure Schedule and is not in
material default under any such contracts and agreements and no notice of
material default has been received, in each case which would have a material
adverse effect on the business of Jovus.
2:1:10:6 Licenses; Permits.
All approvals, authorizations, consents, licenses, orders, franchises, rights,
registrations and permits of any type held by Jovus, which together constitute
all material approvals, authorizations, consents, licenses, orders, franchises,
rights, registrations and permits (the "Permits") required to operate its
business as presently conducted. To the best of Jovus' knowledge, all such
Permits are currently in full force and effect and Jovus is in compliance
therewith, except to the extent noncompliance would not have a material
adverse effect on the business of Jovus. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the completion of the transactions contemplated hereby will
not result in any revocation, cancellation, suspension or modification of any
such approval, authorization, consent, license, order, franchise, right,
registration or permit, which revocation, cancellation, suspension or
modification would have a material adverse effect on the business of
Jovus.
2:1:10:7 Employment Agreements.
Except for the Employment Agreements substantially in the form attached hereto
as Appendix H (the "Employment Agreements"), if any, there are no oral or
written employment or consulting agreements to which Jovus is a party or by
which Jovus is bound, including, without limitation, all oral or written
employment or consulting agreements or any other arrangements with any person
which provide for the payment of any consideration by Jovus to such person as a
result of the termination of such person's employment with Jovus, or on the
completion of the transactions contemplated hereby.
2:1:10:8 Insurance Policies.
Section 2:1:10:8 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, complete and
correct list of all (i) policies of property, fire and casualty, product
liability, worker's compensation, professional liability and title insurance and
other forms of insurance, under which Jovus is insured, and (ii) bonds issued or
posted by any person which respect to any operation or other activities of
Jovus.
2:1:10:9 Transactions with Management.
Section 2:1:10:9 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, complete and
correct list of all material contracts, leases and commitments by and between
Jovus and any of its officers, directors, stockholders, employees, or agents, or
any affiliate of any such person. None of the officers, directors,
stockholders, or employees of Jovus owns, leases or licenses any interest in any
asset used by Jovus in its business, other than solely by and through ownership
of the capital stock of Jovus.
2:1:10:10 Assumed Names.
All assumed or fictitious names under which Jovus engages in or conducts any
business.
2:1:10:11 Personnel.
With respect to Jovus, section 2:1:10:11 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a
true, complete and correct list of: (i) the name, current salary or wage rate of
each employee; (ii) the current bonus arrangements applicable to each employee;
(iii) any other material compensation arrangements (excluding employee insurance
or benefit plans) with each employee; and (iv) a description of any licenses or
permits held by an employee that are material and germane to the business of
Jovus.
2:1:10:12 Bank Accounts and Powers of Attorney.
Section 2:1:10:12 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth the name and address of
each bank or other financial institution in which Jovus has an account or safe
deposit box, the account number, the account name and type of account, the names
of all persons authorized to draw thereon and have access thereto, and the name
of all persons, if any, holding powers of attorney to act for Jovus, and
the name and address of all persons, other than officers and full-time
employees, authorized to bind Jovus contractually, including, without
limitation, independent marketing agents or independent contractors.
2:1:11 Litigation.
Except as set forth in Section 2:1:11 of the Disclosure Schedule, there is no
suit, action, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the best knowledge of
Jovus, threatened against or affecting Jovus (or any of its officers or
directors in connection with the business of Jovus), nor is there any
outstanding judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree against Jovus.
2:1:12 Absence of Certain Changes.
To the best of Jovus' knowledge, since December 31, 1999, there has not been:
(i) any material adverse change in the financial condition, assets, liabilities
(contingent or otherwise), income or business of Jovus; (ii) any damage,
destruction or loss (whether or not covered by insurance) materially and
adversely affecting the properties or business of Jovus; (iii) any declaration
or payment of any dividend or distribution in respect of the capital stock or
any direct or indirect redemption, purchase or other acquisition of any of the
capital stock of Jovus; (iv) any increase in the compensation, bonus, sales
commissions or fee arrangement payable or to become payable by Jovus to any of
its officers, directors, employees, consultants or agents other than raises or
increases in compensation consistent with prior policy that are not in excess
of five percent of the individual's annual compensation or hourly rate; (v) the
creation of any material Encumbrance on any of the assets of Jovus, or the
amendment, modification or extension of any existing material Encumbrance on any
such asset other than any such creation, amendment, modification or extension
effected (A) in the ordinary course of business, (B) as required in connection
with the Jovus Merger, or (C) for current taxes or assessments which are not yet
due, or being contemplated in good faith by appropriate proceedings; (vi) any
sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, lease, hypothecation, abandonment or
other disposition of or agreement to sell, assign, transfer, convey, lease,
hypothecate, abandon or otherwise dispose of, any of the material assets of
Jovus, other that (A) assets sold in the ordinary course of business, or;
(B) any assets which are scrapped as obsolete in conformance with customary
procedure.
2:1:13 Title to Assets; Encumbrances.
2:1:13:1 Except as set forth in Section 2:1:13 of the Disclosure
Schedule, to the best of Jovus' knowledge, Jovus owns its material assets,
whether real, personal or intangible, free and clear of all Encumbrances, except
for (i) liens for current taxes and assessments not yet due, or being contested
in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (ii) mechanic's liens arising under
the operation of law or for actions contested in good faith or for which payment
arrangements have been made, (iii) liens granted or incurred by Jovus in the
ordinary course of its business or in connection with the financing of office
space, furniture and equipment in the ordinary course of its business, (iv)
easements, covenants, restrictions and other exception to title of record (which
do not materially and adversely affect the operation of Jovus), (v) Encumbrances
reflected on the balance sheet at December 31, 1999 of Jovus;
2:1:13:2 To the best of Jovus' knowledge, there are no parties in
possession of any of the material assets of Jovus other than Jovus, other than
personal property held by third parties in the reasonable and ordinary course of
business. Subject to the Encumbrances set forth in Section 2:1:13 of the
Disclosure Schedule or described in Section 2:1:13:1, Jovus enjoys full, free
and exclusive use and quiet enjoyment of its material assets and its rights
pertaining thereto. To the best of Jovus' knowledge, Jovus enjoys peaceful and
undisturbed possession under all leases under which it is lessee.
2:1:14 Condition of Assets.
2:1:14:1 To the best of Jovus' knowledge, each of the buildings,
structures, equipment or other items of tangible personal property of Jovus with
a cost basis of at least $20,000 is in working order and repair, ordinary wear
and tear excepted.
2:1:15 Taxes and Returns.
2:1:15:1 To the best of Jovus' knowledge, Jovus has (i) filed all tax
returns and reports required to be filed by it and (ii) paid all taxes,
assessments and governmental charges and penalties which it has incurred and
which have become due and payable, except such as are being or may be contested
in good faith by appropriate proceedings or relate to the fiscal years ended
December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1999. To the best of Jovus' knowledge,
Jovus is not delinquent in the payment of any material tax, assessment or
governmental charge, and no deficiencies for any taxes have been proposed,
asserted, or formally assessed against Jovus, and no requests for waivers of the
time to assess any such tax are pending. The Jovus Financials reflect an
adequate accrual, based on the facts and circumstances existing as of the date
hereof, for all material taxes payable by Jovus (whether or not shown in any
return) through the date thereof.
2:1:16 Employment Practices.
To the best of Jovus' knowledge, Jovus has complied with the Occupational Safety
and Health Act and all other laws relating to equal employment of labor
including, without limitation, laws relating to equal employment opportunity and
employment discriminations, employment of illegal aliens, wages, hours and
collective bargaining, the violation or failure to comply with which would have
a material adverse effect on the business of Jovus. Notwithstanding anything
hereinto the contrary, Jovus has complied with all laws relating to the
collection and payment of social security and withholding taxes, or both, and
similar taxes except where the failure to comply with such laws would not have
a material adverse effect on the business of Jovus. To the best of Jovus'
knowledge, Jovus is not liable for any arrearage of wages or any taxes or
penalties for failure to comply with any of the foregoing, which would have a
material adverse effect on the business of Jovus. To the best knowledge of
Jovus, there are no organizational efforts presently being made or threatened
by or on behalf of any labor union with respect to any employees of Jovus, which
would have a material adverse effect on the business of Jovus.
2:1:17 Compliance with Law.
To the best knowledge of Jovus, Jovus is in compliance with and is not in
violation of or in default with respect to, or in alleged violation of or
alleged default with respect to: (a) any applicable law, rule, regulation or
statute applicable to the operations of Jovus, or (b) any order, permit,
certificate, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination, award or
other decision of any court or any Government Entity to which Jovus is a party
or by which Jovus is bound, which violation or default or alleged violation or
default would materially and adversely affect the business, operations,
properties, assets, profits or condition of Jovus.
2:1:18 Environmental Requirements and Health and Safety
Requirements.
To the best of Jovus' knowledge, there are no material claims and complaints, or
reports or other documents related to such material claims or complaints, in the
files of Jovus made by or against Jovus during the past three years pursuant to
Environmental Requirements or Health or Safety Requirements (other than those
documents which Jovus has determined, in good faith and after consultation with
counsel, should remain protected by the attorney-client privilege). At present,
to the best of Jovus' knowledge, none of the operations of Jovus is subject to
any judicial or administrative proceeding, order, judgment, decree or settlement
alleging or addressing a material violation of or a material liability under any
Environmental Requirement or any Health and Safety Requirement.
2:1:19 Books and Records.
To the best of Jovus' knowledge, all the records and stock minute books of Jovus
have been delivered to or made available upon request for inspection by Oak
Brook. To the best of Jovus' knowledge, such books and stock minute books are
true and correct in all material respects.
2:1:20 Compliance with ERISA.
Except as set forth in Section 2:1:20 of the Disclosure Schedule Jovus has no
other benefit plans(the "Benefit Plans") within the meaning of the applicable
provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
("ERISA"), the Code and other applicable laws to the best of Jovus' knowledge.
2:1:20:1 Prohibited Transactions.
To the knowledge of Jovus and all its subsidiaries, Jovus or any of its
subsidiaries have not engaged in a transaction in connection with which it could
be subject (either directly or indirectly) to a material liability for either a
civil penalty assessed pursuant to Section 502(i) of ERISA or a tax imposed by
Section 4975 of the Code.
2:1:20:2 Plan Termination; Material Liabilities.
To the best of Jovus' knowledge, there has been no termination of an "employee
pension benefit plan" as defined in ERISA which is subject to Title IV of ERISA
(a "Statutory Plan") or trust created under any Statutory Plan that would give
rise to a material liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
("PBGC") on the part of Jovus or any of its subsidiaries. To the best knowledge
of Jovus and all of its subsidiaries, all statutory Plans intended to be
tax-qualified under Section 401(a) or 403(a) of the Code have complied in the
past, both in form and operation, with every provision of the Code, regulation
promulgated pursuant thereto, and every ruling, notice or announcement issued by
the Internal Revenue Service necessary to maintain the qualified status of such
Statutory Plans, except where non compliance would not have a material adverse
effect on Jovus or any of its subsidiaries. No material liability to the PBGC
has been or is expected to be incurred with respect to any Statutory Plan. The
PBGC has not instituted proceedings to terminate any Statutory Plan. To the best
knowledge of Jovus and all of its subsidiaries, there exists no condition or set
of circumstances which presents a material risk of termination or partial
termination of any Statutory Plan by the PBGC.
2:1:20:3 Accumulated Funding Deficiency.
To the best of Jovus' knowledge, full payment has been made of all amounts, if
any, which are required under the terms of each statutory plan, ERISA or other
applicable laws to have been paid as contributions to such Statutory Plan, and
no accumulated funding deficiency (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA and
Section 412 of the Code), whether or not waived, exists with respect to
any Statutory Plan.
2:1:20:4 Relationship of Benefits to Pension Plan Assets.
To the best of Jovus' knowledge, the current value of all accrued benefits, both
vested and unvested, under all Statutory Plans does not exceed the current value
of the assets of such Statutory Plans allocable to such accrued benefits,
except as disclosed in the financial statements described in Section 2:1:18.
For purposes of the representation in this Section 2:1:20:4, the term "current
value" has the meaning specified in Section 4062(b)(1)(A) of ERISA, the term
"accrued benefit" has the meaning specified in Section 3 of ERISA and "current
value" is based upon the same actuarial assumptions used by Oak Brook.
2:1:20:5 Execution of Agreements.
To the best of Jovus' knowledge, the execution and delivery of this Agreement
and the Transaction Documents, and the consummation of the transaction
contemplated hereby will not involve any transaction which is subject to the
prohibitions of Section 406 of ERISA or in connection with which a tax could be
imposed pursuant to Section 4975 of the Code.
2:1:20:6 Fiduciary Liability.
To the best of Jovus' and its subsidiaries' knowledge, there have been no acts,
failures to act, omissions or transactions involving a Statutory Plan or the
assets thereof which could result in imposition on Jovus or its subsidiaries
(whether direct or indirect) of material damages or liability in actions brought
under Section 502 or Sections 404 through 409 of ERISA.
2:1:20:7 Pending Claims.
To the best of Jovus and its subsidiaries' knowledge, there are no claims,
pending or overtly threatened, involving any of the Benefit Plans by any current
or former employee (or beneficiary thereof) of Jovus which allege any material
violation of ERISA or the terms of the Benefit Plans, nor is there any
reasonable basis to anticipate any such claims involving such Benefit Plans
which would likely be successfully maintained against Jovus or any of it
subsidiaries.
2:1:20:8 Multiemployer Plans.
To the best of Jovus' knowledge, neither Jovus nor any trade or business
(whether or not incorporated) which together with Jovus or any its subsidiaries
would be deemed to be a single employer within the meaning of Section 400(b) of
ERISA or Subsections 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code sponsors, maintains, or
contributes to, or has at any time in the six year period proceeding the date of
this Agreement sponsored, maintained or contributed to, any plan (not exempt
from the provisions of ERISA), including, but not limited to, any plan which is
a "multiemployer plan" as such term is defined in Section 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of
ERISA.
2:1:20:9 No Reportable Event.
To the best of Jovus or any of its subsidiaries' knowledge, there has been no
"reportable event" (within the meaning of Section 4043(b) of ERISA with respect
to a Statutory Plan) or any "prohibited transaction" (as such term is defined in
Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975(c) of the Code) with respect to any of the
Employee Plans. All reporting and disclosure requirements under Title I of ERISA
have been met.
2:1:21 No Undisclosed Defaults.
To the best knowledge of Jovus and any of its subsidiaries, neither Jovus or any
of its subsidiaries is not in material default with respect to any obligation,
agreement or covenant to be performed by it under any contract or arrangement of
any kind, which default would have a material adverse effect on Jovus or any of
its subsidiaries.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF OAK BROOK AND FORTE
Representations and warranties shall be made by Oak Brook and Forte and shall
survive the Effective Date of the Jovus Merger for a period of one (1) year,
subject to mutually satisfactory exceptions, claims and caveats:
3:1 Representations and Warranties of OAK BROOK and FORTE.
DISCLAIMER: This Section contains certain representations and warranties of
OAK BROOK and FORTE. These two companies are separate entities. The
representations and warranties of OAK BROOK and FORTE are combined in this
document for convenience of the parties only. OAK BROOK and FORTE have no
knowledge of the corporate status, business and/or operations of each other.
As such, the representations and warranties contained in this document are made
by each company ON ITS OWN BEHALF and do not relate in any way to the
representations and warranties made by the other company. OAK BROOK and FORTE
expressly disclaim any liability for the representations and warranties of the
other company. OAK BROOK and FORTE shall hold harmless and indemnify each other
from and against, and shall compensate and reimburse the other party for, any
damages which are directly or indirectly suffered or incurred by either party or
to which either party may otherwise become subject (regardless of whether or not
such Damages relate to any third-party claim) and which arise from or as a
result of, or are directly or indirectly connected with any inaccuracy in or
breach of any representation or warranty made herein.
Oak Brook and Forte, separately and each on their own behalf, represent and
warrant to Jovus as follows:
3:1:1 Organization and Standing.
Oak Brook and Forte are a corporation and an international business company,
respectively, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the State of Colorado and St. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Grenadines, respectively,
and are duly authorized, qualified and in good standing under all applicable
laws, regulations, ordinances and orders of public authorities and have all
requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate their
properties and to carry on their businesses as they are now being conducted,
except where the failure to be so authorized, qualified or licensed would not
have a material adverse effect on the business of Oak Brook and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Oak Brook and Forte are duly licensed or
qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in
which the character of their properties, owned or leased, or the nature of their
activities, makes such licensing or qualification necessary, except for where
the failure to be so licensed and qualified would not have a material adverse
effect on the business of Oak Brook or Forte.
True and correct copies of the Articles of Incorporation (certified by the
Secretary of State of the State of Colorado and the Registrar respectively) and
the By-laws certified by the appropriate officers of Oak Brook and Forte
respectively, as amended, are attached hereto as Section 3:1:1 of the Disclosure
Schedule.
3:1:2 Authority.
Oak Brook and Forte have the necessary corporate and company power and authority
respectively to enter into this Agreement, as well as the Transaction Documents
more fully defined in Section 6:4, and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
and the Transaction Documents, and the completion of the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by corporate action
of the part of the Board of Directors of each of Oak Brook and Forte, and
subject to the convening of an Oak Brook shareholder's meeting pursuant to
Article 7-111-101-109 of the Colorado Business Corporation Act in order to
approve this Agreement and the Transaction Documents, no further corporate
proceedings on the part of Oak Brook or Forte will be necessary. When issued
pursuant to this Agreement, the Shares of Oak Brook Common Stock to be issued to
Jovus Shareholders on the Effective Date will be duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and the Oak Brook Shares to be issued to
Jovus Shareholders on the Effective Date shall be legally equivalent in all
respects to the Oak Brook Common Stock issued and outstanding as of the date
hereof. This Agreement has been executed and delivered by Oak Brook and Forte
and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Oak Brook and Forte,
enforceable in accordance with its terms. As of the Effective Date, each of the
Transaction Documents will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of
Oak Brook and Forte, each enforceable in accordance with its terms.
3:1:3 No Conflict, Default, Breach or Violation.
The execution and delivery of this Agreement does not, and the completion of the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will not, conflict with or result
in a breach of or the acceleration of any obligation under, or constitute a
default or event of default (or event which with notice or lapse of time or both
would constitute a default) under, any provision of any charter, bylaw,
indenture, mortgage, lien, lease, agreement, contract, order, judgment, or, to
the best knowledge of Oak Brook and Forte, any judicial or administrative
decree, ordinance or regulation, permit, license, franchise or any restriction
to which any property of Oak Brook and Forte or any of their respective
subsidiaries are subject or by which Oak Brook and Forte or any of their
respective subsidiaries are bound, the effect of which would be materially
adverse to Oak Brook and Forte and their respective subsidiaries taken as a
whole. Neither Oak Brook and Forte nor any of their respective subsidiaries are
alleged to be in violation or default or under any applicable law, statute,
order, rule or regulation promulgated or judgment entered by any Governmental
Entity, relating to or affecting the operation, conduct or ownership of the
property or business of Oak Brook and Forte or their respective subsidiaries,
which violation or default or alleged violation or default would have a
material, adverse effect, on Oak Brook and Forte and their respective
subsidiaries taken as a whole.
3:1:4 Approvals.
Except for usual and customary compliance with the Securities Act, the
securities or blue sky laws of various states as set forth in Section 3:1:4 of
the Disclosure Schedule, and the relevant provisions of the IBC Act, no consent,
approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing
with, any court, administrative agency or commission or other governmental
agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign (a "Governmental Entity"), or
third party is required by or with respect to Oak Brook or Forte in connection
with the execution and delivery by Oak Brook and Forte of this Agreement, or the
completion of the transactions contemplated hereby, the absence of which would
have a material adverse effect on Oak Brook or Forte.
3:1:5 SEC Documents; Filings; Financial Statements.
(a) Oak Brook has delivered to Jovus accurate and complete copies
(excluding copies of exhibits) of each report, registration statement
(on a form other than Form S-8) and definitive proxy statement filed
by Oak Brook with the SEC between March 18, 2000 and the date of this
Agreement (the " Oak Brook SEC Documents"). As of the time it was
filed with the SEC (or, if amended or superseded by a filing prior to
the date of this Agreement, then on the date of such filing): (i)
each of the Oak Brook SEC Documents complied in all material
respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act or
the Exchange Act (as the case may be); and (ii) none of the Oak Brook
SEC Documents 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 statements therein, in the light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(b) The consolidated financial statements contained in the Oak Brook
SEC Documents: (i) complied as to form in all material respects with
the published rules and regulations of the SEC applicable thereto;
(ii) were prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent
basis throughout the periods covered, except as may be indicated in
the notes to such financial statements and (in the case of unaudited
statements) as permitted by Form 10-QSB of the SEC, and except that
unaudited financial statements may not contain footnotes and are
subject to year-end audit adjustments; and (iii) fairly present the
consolidated financial position of Oak Brook and its subsidiaries as
of the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of
operations of Oak Brook and its subsidiaries for the periods covered
thereby.
3:1:6 Capitalization of FORTE.
The authorized capital stock of Forte consists of Ten (10) shares of Ten Dollar
(US$10.00) par value Common Stock, of which Ten (10) shares are outstanding and
owned by Oak Brook, and no shares of Preferred Stock.
3:1:7 Information Supplied.
To the best knowledge of Oak Brook and Forte, no written statement, certificate,
schedule, list or other written information furnished by or on behalf of Oak
Brook or Forte to Jovus on or prior to the date hereof in connection herewith
contains (after giving effect to any correction thereof furnished to Jovus in
writing prior to the date hereof) any untrue statement of a material fact or
omits or will omit to state a material fact required to be stated herein or
therein or necessary to make the statements herein or therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
3:1:8 Capitalization of OAK BROOK.
As of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of Oak Brook consists of
Forty Million (40,000,000) shares of Oak Brook Common Stock, no par value, of
which One Million Six Hundred Seventy-Eight Thousand (1,678,000) shares are
issued and outstanding, and Ten Million (10,000,000) shares of Oak Brook
Preferred Stock, of which no shares are issued and outstanding. All of the
issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Oak Brook have been duly and
validly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable. As
of the date hereof, except as disclosed herein, there are no authorized or
outstanding subscriptions, options, conversion rights, warrants or other
agreements, securities or commitments of any nature whatsoever (whether oral
or written and whether firm or conditional) obligating Oak Brook or any of its
subsidiaries to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or
sold, to any person any shares of Oak Brook Common Stock or any other shares of
the capital stock of Oak Brook or any shares of the capital stock of any of its
subsidiaries, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for any
such shares, or obligating any such person to grant, extend or enter into any
such agreement or commitment. Except as set forth in Section 3:1:8 of the
Disclosure Schedule, there are no agreements obligating Oak Brook to redeem,
repurchase or otherwise acquire the capital stock of Oak Brook, or any other
securities issued by it, or to register the sale of the capital stock of Oak
Brook under applicable securities laws. Except as set forth in Section 3:1:8 of
the Disclosure Schedule, there are no agreements or arrangements prohibiting or
otherwise restricting the payment of dividends or distributions to the Oak Brook
Shareholders by Oak Brook.
3:1:9 Title to Assets; Encumbrances.
3:1:9:1 Except as set forth in Section 3:1:9 of the Disclosure
Schedule, Oak Brook and its subsidiaries own their respective assets, whether
real, personal or intangible, free and clear of all Encumbrances, except (i)
liens for current taxes and assessments not yet due or being contested in good
faith by appropriate proceedings, (ii) mechanic's liens arising under the
operation of law or for actions contested in good faith or for which payment
arrangements have been made, (iii) liens granted or incurred by Oak Brook or
any of its subsidiaries in the ordinary course of its business or in connection
with the financing of office space, furniture and equipment in the ordinary
course of its business, (iv) easements, covenants, restrictions and other
exceptions to title of record which do not materially and adversely affect the
operations of Oak Brook and its subsidiaries, (v) such Encumbrances as do not
secure indebtedness in excess of $10,000, which in the aggregate (meaning as to
Oak Brook and all of its subsidiaries) do not secure indebtedness in excess of
$10,000, or are otherwise described in Section 3:1:9 of the Disclosure Schedule,
or (vi) Encumbrances reflected in the SEC Documents;
3:1:9:2 Except as set forth in the 10-KSB for the period ended
December 31, 1999 ("10-K") or Section 3:1:9 of the Disclosure Schedule, there
are no parties in possession of any of the assets of Oak Brook or its
subsidiaries other than Oak Brook or such subsidiaries, other than personal
property held by third parties in the reasonable and ordinary course of
business. Except as set forth in the 10-K or Section 3:1:9 of the Disclosure
Schedule, Oak Brook and each of its subsidiaries enjoy full, free and exclusive
use and quiet enjoyment of their respective assets and all rights pertaining
thereto, and Oak Brook and its subsidiaries enjoy peaceful and undisturbed
possession under all leases under which any of them is lessee.
3:1:10 Subsidiaries.
Section 3:1:10 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and correct list
of each subsidiary of Oak Brook, together with the jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization of such subsidiaryand the percentage of each such subsidiary's
outstanding capital stock or other equity interest owned by Oak Brook or another
subsidiary of Oak Brook.
Except as set forth in the 10-K or Section 3:1:10 of the Disclosure Schedule,
Oak Brook owns all of the securities of each of its operating subsidiaries, free
and clear of all Encumbrances, and all capital stock of such subsidiaries has
been duly authorized and validly issued and is fully paid and nonassessable.
None of the subsidiaries has any commitment to issue or sell any shares of its
capital stock, or any securities or obligations convertible into or exchangeable
for, or to give any person other than Oak Brook any right to acquire from it,
any shares of its capital stock. Each subsidiary is a corporation duly
organized validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdiction of incorporation, has the corporate power and all necessary
authorizations to own all of its properties and assets and to carry on its
business as it is now being conducted, and, to the extent required by law, is
duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction
in which it owns property or conducts business, except where the failure to have
such authorization or to be so qualified would not have a material adverse
effect on the business or operations of Oak Brook and its subsidiaries as a
whole.
3:1:11 Litigation.
Except as set forth in the 10-K or Section 3:1:11 of the Disclosure Schedule,
there is no suit, action, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the best
knowledge of Oak Brook, threatened against or affecting Oak Brook or any of its
subsidiaries (or any of its officers or directors in connection with the
business of Oak Brook or any of its subsidiaries), nor is there any outstanding
judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree against Oak Brook or any of its
subsidiaries, which suit, action, proceeding or investigation had or could
reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Oak Brook and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Except as set forth in the SEC Documents or
Section 3:1:11 of the Disclosure Schedule, to the best knowledge of Oak Brook:
(i) there are no facts upon which any action, suit or proceeding could be
brought against Oak Brook or any of its subsidiaries that would have a material
adverse effect on Oak Brook; and (ii) neither Oak Brook nor any of its
subsidiaries is subject to any court order, writ, injunction, decree, settlement
agreement or judgment that contains or orders any ongoing obligations, whether
prohibitory or mandatory in nature, on the part of Oak Brook or its
subsidiaries.
3:1:12 Environmental Requirements and Health and Safety Requirements.
To the best knowledge of Oak Brook and Forte, Section 3:1:12 of the Disclosure
Schedule sets forth true, correct and complete copies of all material claims and
complaints, or reports or other documents related to such material claims or
complaints, in the files of Oak Brook or Forte made by or against Oak Brook or
Forte during the past three years pursuant to Environmental Requirements or
Health or Safety Requirements (other than those documents which Oak Brook
and Forte have determined, in food faith and after consultation with counsel,
should remain protected by the attorney-client privilege). At present, to the
best knowledge of Oak Brook and Forte, none of the operations of Oak Brook or
Forte is subject to any judicial or administrative proceeding, order, judgment,
decree or settlement alleging or addressing a material violation of or a
material liability under any Environmental Requirement or any Health and Safety
Requirement, except as set forth in Section 3:1:12 of the Disclosure Schedule.
3:1:13 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.
To the best knowledge of Oak Brook and Forte, except as set forth in
Section 3:1:13 of the Disclosure Schedule, Oak Brook and Forte have no
liabilities or obligations, either accrued, absolute, contingent, or otherwise,
required to be but not reflected or reserved against in the Oak Brook or Forte
Financials in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, except
those incurred in the ordinary course of business, and Oak Brook and Forte know
of no potential liability that would result in material adverse effect on the
value or business of Oak Brook or Forte other than those (a) reflected or
reserved against in the Oak Brook Financials, (b) incurred in the ordinary
course of business since December 31, 1999 or (c) set forth in Section 3:1:13
of the Disclosure Schedule.
3:1:14 Financial Statements.
Oak Brook has furnished to Jovus true, complete and correct copies of the
financial statements of Oak Brook, at and for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1999 (these financial statements being collectively referred to
herein as the " Oak Brook Financials"). The Oak Brook Financials will be in
accordance with the books and records of Oak Brook, comply as to form in all
material respects with applicable accounting requirements, have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent
basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes
thereto) and fairly present the financial position of Oak Brook as at the date
thereof. Since December 31, 1999, there has not been, occurred or arisen (a)
any material adverse change in the business or the consolidated financial
condition of Oak Brook and its subsidiaries, considered as a whole, from that
shown on the aforementioned balance sheet as of December 31, 1999, or (b) any
event, condition or state of facts of any character which, to the best of the
knowledge of Oak Brook, materially and adversely affects, or threatens to
materially and adversely affect, the business or results of operations or
financial condition of Oak Brook and its subsidiaries, considered as a whole.
3:1:15 Contracts.
All contracts, agreements and commitments of Oak Brook, whether or not made in
the ordinary course of business, including leases under which Oak Brook is
lessor or lessee, which are to be performed in whole or in part after the
Effective Date, and which (i) involve or may involve aggregate payments by or
to Oak Brook of $10,000 or more after the Effective Date, (ii) are not
terminable by Oak Brook without premium or penalty on 60 (or fewer) days'
notice, (iii) purport to prohibit or restrict the ability of Oak Brook to
participate or compete in any material line of business or with any person, (iv)
purport to prohibit or restrict another person's ability to be in the line of
business of Oak Brook or to compete with Oak Brook or (v) are otherwise material
to the business or properties of Oak Brook. To the best of Oak Brook's
knowledge, except as set forth on Schedule 3:1:15 of the Disclosure Schedule,
Oak Brook and Forte have complied with all commitments, contracts, agreements
and obligations pertaining to them listed on Section 3:1:15 of the Disclosure
Schedule and are not in material default under any such contracts and agreements
and no notice of material default has be received.
3:1:16 Insurance Policies.
All (i) policies of property, fire and casualty, product liability, worker's
compensation, professional liability and title insurance and other forms of
insurance, under which Oak Brook or Forte is insured, and (ii) bonds issued or
posted by any person which respect to any operation or other activities of Oak
Brook or Forte are in full force and effect on the date hereof.
3:1:17 Transactions with Management.
All material contracts, leases and commitments by and between Oak Brook or Forte
and any of their respective officers, directors, stockholders, employees, or
agents, or any affiliate of any such person are set forth in Section 3:1:17 of
the Disclosure Schedule, and none of the officers, directors, stockholders, or
employees of Oak Brook or Forte owns, leases or licenses any interest in any
asset used by Oak Brook or Forte in its business, other than solely by and
through ownership of the capital stock of Oak Brook or Forte.
3:1:18 Compliance with ERISA.
Each benefit plan set forth in Section 3:1:18 of the Disclosure Schedule
(collectively the "Benefit Plans") substantially complies with the applicable
provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
("ERISA"), the Code and other applicable laws. Except as provided in Section
3:1:18 of the Disclosure Schedule, all contributions required to be made to
each Benefit Plan under the terms of such Benefit Plans, ERISA or other
applicable laws have been timely made.
3:1:18:1 Prohibited Transactions.
To the knowledge of Oak Brook and Forte, neither Oak Brook nor Forte has engaged
in a transaction in connection with which it could be subject (either directly
or indirectly) to a material liability for either a civil penalty assessed
pursuant to Section 502(i) of ERISA or a tax imposed by Section 4975 of the
Code.
3:1:18:2 Plan Termination; Material Liabilities.
There has been no termination of an "employee pension benefit plan" as defined
in ERISA which is subject to Title IV of ERISA (a "Statutory Plan") or trust
created under any Statutory Plan that would give rise to a material liability to
the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC") on the part of Oak Brook or
Forte. To the best knowledge of Oak Brook and Forte, all Oak Brook Statutory
Plans intended to be tax-qualified under Section 401(a) or 403(a) of the Code
have complied in the past, both in form and operation, with every provision of
the Code, regulation promulgated pursuant thereto, and every ruling, notice or
announcement issued by the Internal Revenue Service necessary to maintain the
qualified status of such Statutory Plans, except where non-compliance would not
have a material adverse effect on Oak Brook or Forte. No material liability to
the PBGC has been or is expected to be incurred with respect to any Statutory
Plan. The PBGC has not instituted proceedings to terminate any Statutory Plan.
To the best knowledge of Oak Brook and Forte, there exists no condition or set
of circumstances which presents a material risk of termination or partial
termination of any Statutory Plan by the PBGC.
3:1:18:3 Accumulated Funding Deficiency.
Except as provided in Section 3:1:18:3 of the Disclosure Schedule, full payment
has been made of all amounts which are required under the terms of each
statutory plan, ERISA or other applicable laws to have been paid as
contributions to such Statutory Plan, and no accumulated funding deficiency (as
defined in Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code), whether or not
waived, exists with respect to any Statutory Plan.
3:1:18:4 Relationship of Benefits to Pension Plan Assets.
The current value of all accrued benefits, both vested and unvested, under all
Statutory Plans does not exceed the current value of the assets of such
Statutory Plans allocable to such accrued benefits, except as disclosed in the
financial statements described in Section 3:1:18. For purposes of the
representation in this Section 3:1:18:4, the term "current value" has the
meaning specified in Section 4062(b)(1)(A) of ERISA, the term "accrued benefit"
has the meaning specified in Section 3 of ERISA and "current value" is based
upon the same actuarial assumptions used by Oak Brook and Forte.
3:1:18:5 Execution of Agreements.
The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents, and
the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby will not involve any
transaction which is subject to the prohibitions of Section 406 of ERISA or in
connection with which a tax could be imposed pursuant to Section 4975 of the
Code.
3:1:18:6 Fiduciary Liability.
To the best knowledge of Oak Brook and Forte, there have been no acts, failures
to act, omissions or transactions involving a Statutory Plan or the assets
thereof which could result in imposition on Oak Brook or Forte (whether direct
or indirect) of material damages or liability in actions brought under Section
502 or Sections 404 through 409 of ERISA.
3:1:18:7 Pending Claims.
To the best knowledge of Oak Brook and Forte, there are no claims, pending or
overtly threatened, involving any of the Benefit Plans by any current or former
employee (or beneficiary thereof) of Oak Brook or Forte which allege any
material violation of ERISA or the terms of the Benefit Plans, nor is there any
reasonable basis to anticipate any such claims involving such Benefit Plans
which would likely be successfully maintained against Oak Brook or Forte.
3:1:18:8 Multiemployer Plans.
Except as may be set forth in Schedule 3:1:18 of the Disclosure Schedule,
neither Oak Brook nor Forte, nor any trade or business (whether or not
incorporated) which together with Oak Brook or Forte would be deemed to be a
"single employer" within the meaning of Section 400(b) of ERISA or Subsections
414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code sponsors, maintains, or contributes to, or
has at any time since their inception to the date of this Agreement sponsored,
maintained or contributed to, any place (not exempt from the provisions of
ERISA), including, but not limited to, any plan which is a "multiemployer plan"
as such term is defined in Section 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.
3:1:18:9 No Reportable Event.
To the best knowledge of Oak Brook and Forte, there has been no "reportable
event" (within the meaning of Section 4043(b) of ERISA with respect to a
Statutory Plan) or any "prohibited transaction" (as such term is defined in
Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975(c) of the Code) with respect to any of the
Employee Plans. All reporting and disclosure requirements under Title I of ERISA
have been met.
3:1:19 No Undisclosed Defaults.
Except as set forth in Section 3:1:19 of the Disclosure Schedule, to the best
knowledge of Oak Brook and Forte, neither Oak Brook nor Forte is in material
default with respect to any obligation, agreement or covenant to be performed
by it under any contract or arrangement of any kind, including, without
limitation, those described in Section 3:1:19 of the Disclosure Schedule, which
default would have a material adverse effect on Oak Brook or Forte.
3:1:20 Taxes and Returns.
3:1:20:1 Except as set forth on Section 3:1:20 of the Disclosure Schedule,
Oak Brook and Forte has (i) filed all tax returns and reports required to be
filed by them and (ii) paid all taxes, assessments and governmental charges
and penalties which they have incurred and which have become due and payable,
except such as are being or may be contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings or relate to the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999. Except as set
forth on Section 3:1:20 of the Disclosure Schedule, Oak Brook and Forte are not
delinquent in the payment of any material tax, assessment or governmental
charge, and no deficiencies for any taxes have been proposed, asserted, or
formally assessed against Oak Brook or Forte, and no requests for waivers of the
time to assess any such tax are pending, the Oak Brook Financials reflect an
adequate accrual, based on the facts and circumstances existing as of the date
hereof, for all material taxes payable by Oak Brook (whether or not shown in any
return) through the date thereof. Except as set forth in Section 3:1:20 of the
Disclosure Schedule, all tax returns and taxes for periods after December 31,
1999 have or will be filed and paid by Oak Brook and Forte on a timely basis,
unless said taxes are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.
3:1:21 Compliance with Law.
Except as set forth in Section 3:1:21 or any other Section of the Disclosure
Schedule, to the best knowledge of Oak Brook and Forte, Oak Brook and Forte
are in compliance with and are not in violation of or in default with respect
to, or in alleged violation of or alleged default with respect to: (a) any
applicable law, rule, regulation or statute applicable to the operations of Oak
Brook or Forte, or (b) any order, permit, certificate, writ, judgment,
injunction, decree, determination, award or other decision of any court or any
Government Entity to which Oak Brook or Forte is a party or by which Oak
Brook or Forte is bound, which violation or default or alleged violation or
default would materially and adversely affect the business, operations, affairs,
prospects, properties, assets, profits or condition of Oak Brook or Forte. To
the best knowledge of Oak Brook and Forte, neither is delinquent with respect to
(a) any report required to be filed with any Governmental Entity or (b) the
preparation and delivery of any reports required by private agreements to which
Oak Brook or Forte is a party, which delinquency might materially and adversely
affect the business, operations, affairs, prospects, properties, assets,
profits, conditions of Oak Brook or Forte.
3:1:22 Environmental Requirements and Health and Safety Requirements.
To the best knowledge of Oak Brook and Forte, Section 3:1:22 of the Disclosure
Schedule sets forth true, correct and complete copies of all material claims and
complaints, or reports or other documents related to such material claims or
complaints, in the files of Oak Brook or Forte made by or against Oak Brook or
Forte during the past three years pursuant to Environmental Requirements or
Health or Safety Requirements (other than those documents which Oak Brook or
Forte have determined, in good faith and after consultation with counsel, should
remain protected by the attorney-client privilege). At present, to the best
knowledge of Oak Brook or Forte, none of the operations of Oak Brook or Forte is
subject to any judicial or administrative proceeding, order, judgment, decree or
settlement alleging or addressing a material violation of or a material
liability under any Environmental Requirement or any Health and Safety
Requirement, except as set forth in Section 3:1:22 of the Disclosure Schedule.
3:1:23 Agreements, Contracts and Commitments.
Except as set forth in Section 3:1:23 of the Disclosure Schedule, neither Oak
Brook nor Forte is a party to (a) any collective bargaining agreement, (b) any
bonus, deferred compensation, pension, profit-sharing, or retirement plan or
other arrangement, (c) any employment or other agreement, contract, or
commitment requiring Oak Brook or Forte to pay any employee more than $100,000
a year or any severance pay in excess of four weeks' salary, (d) any agreement
of guarantee or indemnification which involves, singly or together with other
such agreements, a potential material liability, (e) any agreement, contract, or
commitment which, to the best knowledge of Oak Brook or Forte, might reasonably
be expected to have a potential material adverse impact on the business,
financial condition or earnings of Oak Brook or Forte, (f) any agreement,
contract, or commitment containing any covenant limiting the freedom of Oak
Brook or Forte to engage in any line of business in any area of the world or to
compete with any person, (g) any agreement, contract, or commitment relating to
capital expenditures and involving future payments which, together with future
payments under all other agreements, contracts, or commitments relating to the
same capital project, exceed $500,000, (h) any agreement, contract, or
commitment (other than leases of real property) relating to the acquisition of
assets or capital stock of any business enterprise, (i) any agreement, contract,
or commitment which involves $500,000 or more, or which has a remaining term
(including options of renewal or extension to the extent exercisable by a person
other than Oak Brook or Forte) of three years or more from the date hereof, or
which is not cancelable without penalty of less than $25,000, or (j) any other
agreement or contract which Oak Brook or Forte would be required to file with
the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as an exhibit were Oak Brook or
Forte to file with the SEC on the date hereof a registration statement on Form
SB-1 or SB-2 covering securities to be offered by Oak Brook or Forte to the
public. To the best of the knowledge of Oak Brook and Forte, neither party has
in any material respect breached, nor to the best of the knowledge of either of
them is there any pending or threatened claim or any legal basis for a claim
that they have breached, any of the terms or conditions of (1) any agreement
contract or commitment set forth in any of the schedules heretofore delivered by
Oak Brook or Forte to Jovus pursuant to this agreement or (2) any other
agreement, contract or commitment, the breach or breaches of which singly or in
the aggregate could result in the imposition of damages in an amount material to
Oak Brook or Forte.
3:1:24 Intellectual Property
Section 3:1:24 of the Disclosure Schedule furnished by Oak Brook and Forte to
Jovus correctly sets forth a list of all letters patent, patent applications,
inventions upon which patent applications have not yet been filed, trade names,
trademarks, trademark registrations and applications, copyrights, copyright
registrations and applications, both domestic and foreign, presently owned,
possessed, used or held by Oak Brook or Forte. Unless otherwise indicated in
such schedule, either Oak Brook or Forte, as the case may be owns the entire
right, title and interest in and to the same. Such schedule also correctly
sets forth a list of all licenses granted/software sales to others by Oak Brook
and Forte. All letters patent, patent applications, trade names, trademarks,
trademark registrations and applications, copyrights, copyright registrations,
and applications, and grants of licenses set forth in such schedule are subject
to no pending or, to the best of the knowledge of Oak Brook and Forte,
threatened challenge except as set forth in said schedule, and neither the
execution and delivery of this agreement or of the Articles of Share Exchange
nor the consummation of this agreement will give any licensor or licensee of Oak
Brook or Forte any right to change the terms or provisions of, or terminate or
cancel, any license to which it is a party. Neither Oak Brook nor Forte has
agreed to indemnify any person for or against any infringement of any patent,
trademark, or copyright except as shown on Section 3:1:24 of the Disclosure
Schedule.
3:1:25 Brokers' or Finders' Fees
No agent, broker, person or firm acting on behalf of Oak Brook or Forte or under
Oak Brook's or Forte's authority is or will be entitled to any commission,
broker, finder, or financial advisory fees from any of the parties hereto in
connection with any of the transactions contemplated herein.
ARTICLE IV
OBLIGATIONS PENDING EFFECTIVE DATE
4:1 Agreements of JOVUS.
Jovus agrees that from the date hereof to and through the Effective Date, Jovus
will:
4:1:1 Corporate Approvals.
Use its best efforts for the purpose of authorizing this Agreement and the
merger contemplated hereby.
4:1:2 Maintenance of Present Business.
Except as contemplated by this Agreement, Jovus shall operate its business only
in the usual, regular, and ordinary manner so as to maintain the goodwill it now
enjoys and, to the extent consistent with such operation, use all reasonable
efforts to preserve intact its present business organization, keep available the
services of its present officers and employees, and preserve its relationship
with all material customers, suppliers, jobbers, distributors, and others having
business dealings with it. If Jovus proposes to secure a waiver of this
covenant from Oak Brook with respect to a particular transaction, Jovus shall be
deemed in compliance with this covenant if the President of Oak Brook or his
successor does not deliver to Jovus his objection in writing to any action
described in such waiver request within 72 hours of receiving notice of such
waiver request from Jovus.
4:1:3 Maintenance of Properties.
At its expense, maintain all of its property and assets in customary (for Jovus)
repair, order, and condition, reasonable wear and use and damage by fire or
unavoidable casualty excepted.
4:1:4 Maintenance of Books and Records.
Maintain its books of account and records in the usual, regular, and ordinary
manner, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on
a consistent basis.
4:1:5 Compliance with Law.
Continue to conduct its activities in a manner consistent with its current
understanding of the laws applicable to it, unless and until it receives written
notice from a Governmental Entity that it is not in compliance with a particular
law or laws, at which time Jovus will modify its conduct to comply with such law
or laws.
4:1:6 Inspection.
Allow Oak Brook and Forte, and their respective directors, officers and
authorized representatives, during normal business hours, to inspect its records
and to consult with its officers, employees, attorneys, and agents for the
purpose of determining the accuracy of the representations and warranties made,
and the compliance with covenants contained, in this Agreement. Oak Brook and
Forte agree that they and their officers and representatives shall hold all data
and information obtained with respect to the other parties hereto in strict
confidence, and each further agrees that it will not use such data or
information or disclose the same to others, except to the extent such date or
information either is, or becomes, published or a matter of public knowledge.
Oak Brook, Forte, and Jovus each agree that none of them will issue any press
release or other disclosure of this Agreement without the prior approval of the
others, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, unless, in the good faith
opinion of counsel, such disclosure is required by law and time does not permit
the obtaining of such consent, or such consent is withheld.
In the event of a breach or threatened breach by Oak Brook or Forte or their
respective officers or representatives of the provision of this Section, Jovus
shall be entitled, in addition to any other available remedy, to an injunction
restraining any disclosure by Oak Brook, Forte or their respective officers or
representatives of any of such confidential information.
4:1:7 Prohibition of Certain Contracts.
Not enter into any contracts outside of the ordinary course of business without
the prior written consent of, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.
If proposes to secure a waiver of this covenant from with respect to a
particular transaction, shall be deemed in compliance with this covenant if the
President of or his successor does not deliver to his objection in writing to
any action described in such waiver request within 72 hours of receiving notice
of such waiver request from.
4:1:8 Prohibition of Loans.
Not incur any borrowings, except in the usual and ordinary course of business,
without the prior written consent of, which consent will not be unreasonably
withheld.
4:1:9 Prohibition of Certain Commitments.
Not enter into a commitment for expenditures or incur any liability exceeding
$25,000, in the aggregate, except (i) as may be necessary or desirable for the
maintenance of existing facilities, machinery and equipment in the ordinary
course of business or in connection with measures taken to effect the Merger, as
described herein, (ii) as in otherwise consented to in writing by, or (iii) as
may otherwise be in the ordinary course of business.
4:1:10 Disposal of Assets.
The company shall not sell, dispose of, or encumber, any property or assets,
except (i) in the usual and ordinary course of business; or (ii) as is otherwise
consented to in writing by or authorized hereunder.
4:1:11 Maintenance of Insurance.
Keep in full force and effect present insurance policies or other comparable
coverage on all its properties.
4:1:12 No Amendment to Articles of Incorporation.
Not amend its certificate of incorporation or merge or consolidate with or into
any other corporation or change in any manner the rights of its capital stock or
the character of its business.
4:1:13 No Issuance, Sale, or Purchase of Securities.
Except as contemplated by this Agreement, not issue or sell, or issue options or
rights to subscribe to, or enter into any contract or commitment to issue or
sell (upon conversion or otherwise), any shares of its capital stock, or
subdivide or in any way reclassify any shares of its capital stock, or acquire,
or agree to acquire, any shares of its capital stock.
4:1:14 Prohibition of Dividends.
Not declare or pay any dividend on shares of its capital stock or make any other
distribution of assets to the holders thereof.
4:1:15 Notice of Material Developments.
Promptly notify in writing of any material adverse change in, or any changes
which in the aggregate would likely result in a material adverse change in,
the business, properties, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of
operations of, whether or not occurring in the usual and ordinary course of its
business, but only to the extent has actual knowledge of any such changes.
4:2 Agreements of OAK BROOK and FORTE.
Each of Oak Brook and Forte and agrees that from the date hereof to the
Effective Date, as follows:
{This Space Left Blank Intentionally}
4:2:1 Corporate Approvals.
Oak Brook alone shall call and hold a meeting of its shareholders to approve the
Transaction contemplated herein, and its board of directors for the purpose of
authorizing and obtaining the consent of Oak Brook as sole stockholder of Forte
to this Agreement and the merger contemplated hereby.
4:2:2 Maintenance of Present Business.
Except as contemplated by this Agreement, it shall operate its business and the
businesses of its subsidiaries only in the usual, regular, and ordinary manner
so as to maintain the goodwill it now enjoys and, to the extent consistent with
such operation, use all reasonable efforts to preserve intact its present
business organization, keep available the services of its present officers and
employees, and preserve its relationships with customers, suppliers, jobbers,
distributors, and others having business dealings with it.
4:2:3 Maintenance of Books and Records.
It shall maintain its books of account and records and those of each of its
subsidiaries in the usual, regular, and ordinary manner, in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis.
4:2:4 Compliance with Law.
It shall continue, and cause its subsidiaries to continue, to conduct its and
their activities in a manner consistent with its current understanding of the
laws applicable to said entities, unless and until it receives written notice
from a Government Entity that said entities are not in compliance with a
particular law or laws, at which time it will cause said entity or entities to
comply with such law or laws.
4:2:5 Inspection.
It will allow and its directors officers and authorized representatives, during
normal business hours, to inspect its and each of its subsidiaries' records and
to consult with its and each of its subsidiaries' officers, employees,
attorneys, and agents for the purpose of determining the accuracy of the
representations and warranties made, and the compliance with covenants
contained, in this Agreement, agrees that it and its officers and
representatives shall hold all data and information obtained with respect to the
other parties hereto in strict confidence, and each further agrees that it will
not use such data or information or disclose the same to others, except to the
extent such data or information either is, or becomes, published or a matter of
public knowledge. In the event of a breach or threatened breach by or its
officers or representatives of the provisions of this Section, and shall be
entitled, in addition to any other available remedy, to an injunction
restraining any disclosure by or its officers or representatives of any of such
confidential information.
4:2:6 Prohibition of Certain Contracts.
It shall give prompt written notice to of any material contracts of or any of
its subsidiaries, except those entered into in the ordinary course of business.
In any event, shall promptly give written notice to of any stock or asset
acquisition by or any of its subsidiaries.
4:2:7 Prohibition of Loans.
It shall give prompt written notice to of any borrowings of or any of its
subsidiaries, except those made in the usual and ordinary course of business.
4:2:8 Disposal of Assets.
It shall give prompt written notice to of any sale, disposal of, or Encumbrance
on, any property or assets of or any of its subsidiaries, except in the usual
and ordinary course of business.
4:2:9 Maintenance of Insurance.
It shall keep in full force and effect present insurance policies or other
comparable coverage on all of the assets of and all of its subsidiaries.
4:2:10 No Amendments to Articles of Incorporation.
It shall not amend its Articles of Incorporation, or merge into any other
corporation.
4:2:11 Notice of Material Developments.
It shall promptly notify in writing of any material adverse change in, or any
changes which in the aggregate would likely result in a material adverse change
in, the business, properties, condition (financial or otherwise), results of
operations or prospects of or any of its subsidiaries, whether or not occurring
in the usual and ordinary course of business, but only to the extent or any of
such subsidiaries has actual knowledge of any such changes.
4:2:12 Performance of Contracts.
It shall perform and/or cause to be performed all material obligations of or any
of its subsidiaries under agreements relating to or affecting their respective
assets, properties or rights.
{This Space Left Blank Intentionally}
ARTICLE V
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES
5:1 Filings and Consents.
As promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement, each party to
this Agreement (a) shall make all filings (if any) and give all notices (if
any) required to be made and given by such party in connection with the Merger
and any other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (b) shall use all
commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all Consents (if any) required to be
obtained (pursuant to any applicable Legal Requirement or Contract, or
otherwise) by such party in connection with the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than those Consents
identified on Section 2.25 of the Disclosure Schedule. Shall (upon request)
promptly deliver to a copy of each such filing made, each such notice given and
each such Consent obtained by during the Pre-Closing Period.
5:2 Public Announcements.
After the date hereof no party, (a) shall (or shall permit any of its
Representatives to) issue any press release or make any public statement
regarding this Agreement or the Merger, or regarding any of the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, without the other parties' prior
written consent, and (b) each party will use reasonable efforts to consult with
the others prior to issuing any press release or making any public statement
regarding the Merger.
{This Space Left Blank Intentionally}
5:3 Best Efforts.
During the Pre-Closing Period, all parties shall use their best efforts to cause
the conditions set forth in Section 6 to be satisfied on a timely basis.
5:4 Employment and Consulting Agreements.
Omitted.
5:5 FIRPTA Matters.
At the Closing, (a) Jovus shall deliver to Oak Brook a statement (in such form
as may be reasonably requested by counsel to) conforming to the requirements of
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇.▇▇▇ - ▇(▇)(▇)(▇) ▇▇ ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Treasury Regulations, if that
provision applies to the transaction contemplated herein and (b) Jovus shall
deliver to the IRS the notification required under ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇.▇▇▇ - ▇(▇)(▇) ▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Treasury Regulations, if that provision applies to the
transaction contemplated herein.
ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF
OAK BROOK, FORTE AND JOVUS
The obligations of Oak Brook, Forte, and Jovus, to effect the Jovus Merger and
otherwise consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject
to the satisfaction, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following
conditions:
6:1 Accuracy of Representations.
Each of the representations and warranties made by Oak Brook, Forte, and Jovus,
and in this Agreement and in each of the Transaction Documents and instruments
delivered to Oak Brook, Forte, and Jovus, and in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been accurate in all
material respects as of the date of this Agreement (without giving effect to any
Material Adverse Effect or other materiality qualifications, or any similar
qualifications, contained or incorporated directly or indirectly in such
representations and warranties), and shall be accurate in all material respects
as of the Closing Date as if made at the Closing Date (without giving effect to
any update to the Disclosure Schedule, and without giving effect to any Material
Adverse Effect or other materiality qualifications, or any similar
qualifications, contained or incorporated directly or indirectly in such
representations and warranties).
6:2 Performance of Covenants.
All of the covenants and obligations that Oak Brook, Forte, and Jovus, are
required to comply with or to perform at or prior to the Closing shall have been
complied with and performed in all respects.
6:3 Consents.
All Consents required to be obtained in connection with the Jovus Merger and the
other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (other than the Consents
identified in Part ______ of the Disclosure Schedule) shall have been obtained
and shall be in full force and effect.
6:4 Agreements and Documents.
Oak Brook and Jovus shall have received the following agreements and documents,
each of which will be in full force and effect as of the Effective Date:
(i) Appropriate Articles of Merger filed with the Secretary of
State of Colorado and the Registrar, and a Certificate of Merger
issued by the Registrar;
(ii) Articles of Merger filed with the Secretary of State of
Colorado;
(iii)a Disclosure Schedule executed by Oak Brook and Jovus and;
(iv) Legal Opinions of ▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, P.C. and Ten State Street,
L.L.P. dated as of the Closing Date, outstanding in the forms
attached hereto at Appendix D;
(v) a certificate executed by both parties and containing the
representation and warranty of each party that each of the
representations and warranties set forth in Section 2 and 3 is
accurate in all respects as of the Closing Date as if made on the
Closing Date and that the conditions set forth in Section 6 have
been duly satisfied (the "Closing Certificate"); and
(vi) written resignations of all officers and directors of Oak
Brook, effective as of the Effective Date.
6:5 FIRPTA Compliance.
If required by law, Jovus shall have filed with the IRS the notification
referred to in Section 5.5(b).
6:6 No Restraints.
No temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other
order preventing the consummation of the Jovus Merger shall have been issued by
any court of competent jurisdiction and remain in effect, and there shall not be
any Legal Requirement enacted or deemed applicable to the Jovus Merger that
makes consummation of the Jovus Merger illegal.
6:7 No Legal Proceedings.
No Person shall have commenced or threatened to commence any Legal Proceeding
challenging or seeking the recovery of a material amount of damages in
connection with the Jovus Merger or seeking to prohibit or limit the exercise by
of any material right pertaining to its ownership of the assets of Jovus.
6:8 Employees.
No more than one of the individuals identified on Appendix H shall have ceased
to be employed by, or expressed an intention to terminate their employment with
Jovus.
6:9 Issuance of Jovus Stock to Oak Brook.
Immediately following the closing, Jovus shall issue to Oak Brook a sufficient
number of shares of Jovus common stock to cause Jovus to become a subsidiary of
Oak Brook. None of the Jovus shares issued to Oak Brook pursuant to this
section shall be converted under section 1:7 of this Agreement.
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION
7:1 Termination Events.
This Agreement may be terminated prior to the Closing:
(a) by Oak Brook if Oak Brook reasonably determines that the timely
satisfaction of any condition set forth in Section 6 has become impossible
(other than as a result of any failure on the part of to comply with or perform
any covenant or obligation of Oak Brook set forth in this Agreement);
(b) by Jovus if Jovus reasonably determines that the timely satisfaction of any
condition set forth in Section 6 has become impossible (other than as a result
of any failure on the part of Jovus to comply with or perform any covenant or
obligation set forth in this Agreement or in any other agreement or instrument
delivered to Oak Brook);
(c) by Oak Brook at or after the Scheduled Closing Time if any condition set
forth in Section 6 has not been satisfied by the Scheduled Closing Time;
(d) by Jovus at or after the Scheduled Closing Time if any condition set forth
in Section 6 has not been satisfied by the Scheduled Closing Time;
(e) by Oak Brook if the Closing has not taken place on or before September 30,
2000 (other than as a result of any failure on the part of to comply with or
perform any covenant or obligation of Oak Brook set forth in this Agreement);
(f) by Jovus if the Closing has not taken place on or before September 30, 2000
(other than as a result of the failure on the part of to comply with or perform
any covenant or obligation set forth in this Agreement or in any other agreement
or instrument delivered to Oak Brook); or
(g) by the mutual consent of Oak Brook and Jovus.
7:2 Termination Procedures.
If Oak Brook wishes to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7:1(a),
Section 7:1(c) or Section 7:1(e), Oak Brook shall deliver to Jovus a written
notice stating that Oak Brook is terminating this Agreement and setting forth a
brief description of the basis on which Oak Brook is terminating this Agreement.
If Jovus wishes to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7:1(b), Section
7:1(d) or Section 7:1(f), Jovus shall deliver to Oak Brook a written notice
stating that Jovus is terminating this Agreement and setting forth a brief
description of the basis on which Jovus is terminating this Agreement.
7:3 Effect of Termination.
If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 7:1, all further obligations
of the parties under this Agreement shall terminate; provided, however, that:
(a) neither Oak Brook nor Jovus shall be relieved of any obligation or liability
arising from any prior breach by suchparty of any provision of this Agreement;
(b) the parties shall, in all events, remain bound by and continue to be subject
to the provisions set forth in Section 9; and (c) Oak Brook and Jovus shall, in
all events, remain bound by and continue to be subject to Section 5:2.
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION, ETC.
8:1 Survival of Representations, Etc.
(a) The representations and warranties made by Oak Brook, Forte, and Jovus,
(including the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 2 and 3,
shall survive the Effective Date for a period of one (1) year, provided,
however, that if, at any time prior to the first anniversary of the Closing
Date, any Indemnitee (acting in good faith) delivers to either party a written
notice alleging the existence of an inaccuracy in or a breach of any of the
representations and warranties made by either party (and setting forth in
reasonable detail the basis for such Indemnitee's belief that such an inaccuracy
or breach may exist) and asserting a claim for recovery under Section 8.2 based
on such alleged inaccuracy or breach, then the claim asserted in such notice
shall survive the first anniversary of the Closing until such time as such
claim is fully and finally resolved. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
representations and warranties set forth in Section ___ shall survive until the
expiration of the applicable statutes of limitations, including extensions
thereof.
(b) The representations, warranties, covenants and obligations of Oak Brook,
Forte, and Jovus, and the rights and remedies that may be exercised by either
party, shall not be limited or otherwise affected by or as a result of any
information furnished to, or any investigation made by or knowledge of either
party or any of their Representatives.
(c) For purposes of this Agreement, each statement or other item of information
set forth in the Disclosure Schedule or in any update to the Disclosure Schedule
shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty made by Oak Brook, Forte,
and Jovus, or in this Agreement.
8:2 Cross Indemnification.
From and after the Effective Time (but subject to Section 8.1(a)), Oak Brook,
Forte, and Jovus shall hold harmless and indemnify each other from and against,
and shall compensate and reimburse the other party for, any Damages which are
directly or indirectly suffered or incurred by either party or to which either
party may otherwise become subject (regardless of whether or not such Damages
relate to any third-party claim) and which arise from or as a result of, or are
directly or indirectly connected with: (i) any inaccuracy in or breach of any
representation or warranty set forth in Sections 2 or 3 (without giving effect
to any Material Adverse Effect or other materiality qualification or any similar
qualification contained or incorporated directly or indirectly in such
representation or warranty, but giving effect to any update to the Disclosure
Schedule delivered by Oak Brook, Forte, and Jovus prior to the Closing); (ii)
any breach of any covenant or obligation of Oak Brook, Forte, and Jovus, or
(including the covenants set forth in Sections 4 and 5); or (iii) any Legal
Proceeding relating to any inaccuracy or breach of the type referred to in
clause "(i)" or "(ii)" above (including any Legal Proceeding commenced by any
Indemnitee for the purpose of enforcing any of its rights under this Section 8).
8:3 Threshold; Ceiling.
(a) Oak Brook, Forte, and Jovus shall not be required to make any
indemnification payment pursuant to Section 8.2(a) for any inaccuracy in or
breach of any of their representations and warranties set forth in Sections 2
and 3 until such time as the total amount of all Damages (including the Damages
arising from such inaccuracy or breach and all other Damages arising from any
other inaccuracies in or breaches of any representations or warranties) that
have been directly or indirectly suffered or incurred by the other party,
exceeds $100,000 in the aggregate. (If the total amount of such Damages
exceeds $100,000, then the Indemnitee shall be entitled to be indemnified
against and compensated and reimbursed for all of such Damages, including claims
for Damages included in the initial $100,000.
8:4 Satisfaction of Indemnification Claim.
In the event either party had any liability (for indemnification or otherwise)
to the other party under this Section 8, the indemnifying party shall satisfy
such liability first, by delivering to such Indemnitee the number of shares of
Oak Brook determined by dividing (a) the aggregate dollar amount of such
liability by (b) the average closing price of Oak Brook as reported for the ten
trading days preceding the date such liability is satisfied, and second, to
the extent shares of Oak Brook are not available to satisfy in full such
liability, then such difference in cash.
8:5 No Contribution.
Oak Brook, Forte, and Jovus waive, acknowledge and agree that they shall not
have and shall not exercise or assert (or attempt to exercise or assert), any
right of contribution, right of indemnity or other right or remedy against each
other in connection with any third party indemnification obligation or any other
liability to which either party may become subject under or in connection with
this Agreement.
8:6 Interest.
Any party who is required to hold harmless, indemnify, compensate or reimburse
any Indemnitee pursuant to this Section 8 with respect to any Damages shall also
be liable to such Indemnitee for interest on the amount of such Damages (for the
period commencing as of the date on which indemnifying party first received
notice of a claim for recovery by such Indemnitee and ending on the date on
which the liability of such indemnifying party to such Indemnitee is fully
satisfied by such indemnifying party) at a floating rate equal to the rate of
interest publicly announced by Bank of America, N.T. & S.A. from time to time
as its prime, base or reference rate.
8:7 Defense of Third Party Claims.
In the event of the assertion or commencement by any Person of any claim or
Legal Proceeding (whether against Oak Brook, Forte, or Jovus) with respect to
which either party may become obligated to hold harmless, indemnify, compensate
or reimburse any third party Indemnitee pursuant to this Section 8, such party
shall have the right, at its election, to proceed with the defense of such claim
or Legal Proceeding on its own.
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ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
9:1 Further Assurances.
Each party hereto shall execute and cause to be delivered to each other party
hereto such instruments and other documents, and shall take such other actions,
as such other party may reasonably request (prior to, at or after the Closing)
for the purpose of carrying out or evidencing any of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
{This Space Left Blank Intentionally}
9:2 Fees and Expenses.
If the Jovus Merger is not consummated for any reason whatsoever, each party to
this Agreement shall bear and pay all fees, costs and expenses (including legal
fees and accounting fees) ("Fees and Expenses") that have been incurred or that
are incurred by such party in connection with the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement. If the Jovus Merger is consummated, Jovus shall pay all Fees
and Expenses of Oak Brook.
9:3 Attorneys' Fees.
If any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or the enforcement of any
provision of this Agreement is brought against any party hereto, the prevailing
party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees, costs and
disbursements (in addition to any other relief to which the prevailing party may
be entitled).
9:4 Notices.
All notices and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be in writing and shall be deemed
to have been duly given, made and received on the date when delivered by hand
delivery with receipt acknowledged, or upon the next Business Day following
receipt of facsimile transmission, or upon the fifth day after deposit in the
United States mail, registered or certified with postage prepaid, return receipt
requested, addressed as set forth below:
(a) If to Oak Brook:
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Telephone: ▇▇▇-▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Facsimile: ▇▇▇-▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
with a copy (not constituting notice) to:
▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, P.C.
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, Esq.
Telephone: ▇▇▇-▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Facsimile: ▇▇▇-▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
{This Space Left Blank Intentionally}
(b) If to Jovus:
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
Telephone: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Facsimile: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
with copies (not constituting notice) to:
Financial Resources Group, L.L.C.
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇
Telephone: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Facsimile: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Ten State Street, L.L.P.
International Trust House
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Telephone: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Facsimile: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
9:5 Confidentiality.
Without limiting the generality of anything contained in Section 5.2, on and at
all times after the Closing Date, each party shall keep confidential, and shall
not use or disclose to any other Person, any non-public document or other
non-public information in such party's possession that relates to the business
of Jovus or Oak Brook.
9:6 Time of the Essence.
Time is of the essence of this Agreement.
9:7 Headings.
The bolded headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference
only, shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement and shall not be
referred to in connection with the construction or interpretation of this
Agreement.
9:8 Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall
constitute an original and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute
one agreement.
9:9 Governing Law.
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with, and governed in all
respects by, the internal laws of the State of Colorado and St. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the
Grenadines (without giving effect to their respective principles of conflicts of
laws).
9:10 Successors and Assigns.
The rights and obligations of Oak Brook, Forte, and Jovus may not be assigned
without the prior written consent of both parties. Subject to the foregoing,
the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, personal representatives,
successors and assigns.
9:11 Remedies Cumulative; Specific Performance.
The rights and remedies of the parties hereto shall be cumulative (and not
alternative). The parties to this Agreement agree that, in the event of any
breach or threatened breach by any party to this Agreement of any covenant,
obligation or other provision set forth in this Agreement for the benefit of any
other party to this Agreement, such other party shall be entitled (in addition
to any other remedy that may be available to it) to (a) a decree or order of
specific performance or mandamus to enforce the observance and performance of
such covenant, obligation or other provision, and (b) an injunction restraining
such breach or threatened breach.
9:12 Waiver.
(a) No failure on the part of any Person to exercise any power, right,
privilege or remedy under this Agreement, and no delay on the part of any
Person in exercising any power, right, privilege or remedy under this Agreement,
shall operate as a waiver of such power, right, privilege or remedy; and no
single or partial exercise of any such power, right, privilege or remedy shall
preclude any other or further exercise thereof or of any other power, right,
privilege or remedy.
(b) No Person shall be deemed to have waived any claim arising out of this
Agreement, or any power, right, privilege or remedy under this Agreement, unless
the waiver of such claim, power, right, privilege or remedy is expressly set
forth in a written instrument duly executed and delivered on behalf of such
Person; and any such waiver shall not be applicable or have any effect except in
the specific instance in which it is given.
9:13 Amendments.
This Agreement may not be amended, modified, altered or supplemented other than
by means of a written instrument duly executed and delivered on behalf of all of
the parties hereto.
9:14 Severability.
In the event that any provision of this Agreement, or the application of any
such provision to any Person or set of circumstances, shall be determined to
be invalid, unlawful, void or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of
this Agreement, and the application of such provision to Persons or
circumstances other than those as to which it is determined to be invalid,
unlawful, void or unenforceable, shall not be impaired or otherwise affected and
shall continue to be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by
law.
9:15 Entire Agreement.
This Agreement and the other agreements referred to herein set forth the entire
understanding of the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof and
thereof and supersede all prior agreements and understandings among or between
any of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and thereof.
9:16 Construction.
(a) For purposes of this Agreement, whenever the context requires: the singular
number shall include the plural, and vice versa; the masculine gender shall
include the feminine and neuter genders; the feminine gender shall include the
masculine and neuter genders; and the neuter gender shall include the masculine
and feminine genders.
(b) The parties hereto agree that any rule of construction to the effect that
ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not be applied
in the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.
(c) As used in this Agreement, the words "include" and "including," and
variations thereof, shall not be deemed to be terms of limitation, but rather
shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation."
(d) Except as otherwise indicated, all references in this Agreement to
"Sections" and "Appendix" are intended to refer to Sections of this Agreement
and Appendices to this Agreement.
{This Space Left Blank Intentionally}
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Oak Brook, Forte, and Jovus have signed this Agreement
as of the date first written above.
OAK BROOK CAPITAL III, INC.,
a Colorado Corporation
By: _____________________________________
▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, President
FORTE HOLDINGS LTD.,
a St. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ International Business Company
By: _____________________________________
Corporate Council Ltd., Director
JOVUS LTD.
a St. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ International Business Company
By: _____________________________________
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, President
