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EXHIBIT 10.3
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION
by and between
APPLIED SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
and
UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I Definitions........................................................................................ 1
Section 1.1 Certain General Definitions.................................................. 1
ARTICLE II The Merger......................................................................................... 4
Section 2.1 The Merger................................................................... 4
Section 2.2 The Closing.................................................................. 4
Section 2.3 Effective Time............................................................... 4
Section 2.4 Articles of Incorporation of Surviving Corporation........................... 5
Section 2.5 Code of Regulations of Surviving Corporation................................. 5
Section 2.6 Directors of the Surviving Corporation....................................... 5
Section 2.7 Officers of the Surviving Corporation........................................ 5
Section 2.8 Conversion of Company Capital Stock.......................................... 5
Section 2.9 Exchange of Certificates Representing Shares of Company Common Stock......... 5
Section 2.10 Fractional Shares............................................................ 6
Section 2.11 Subsequent Actions........................................................... 6
ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties of the Company and the Stockholders................................. 7
Section 3.1 Organization and Good Standing; Qualification................................ 7
Section 3.2 Capitalization............................................................... 7
Section 3.3 Transactions in Capital Stock................................................ 7
Section 3.4 Continuity of Business Enterprise............................................ 7
Section 3.5 Corporate Records............................................................ 8
Section 3.6 Authorization and Validity................................................... 8
Section 3.7 No Violation................................................................. 8
Section 3.8 Consents..................................................................... 8
Section 3.9 Financial Statements......................................................... 8
Section 3.10 Liabilities and Obligations.................................................. 9
Section 3.11 Employee Matters............................................................. 9
3.11.1 Cash Compensation.................................................... 9
3.11.2 Compensation Plans................................................... 9
3.11.3 Employment Agreements................................................ 9
3.11.4 Employee Policies and Procedures..................................... 10
3.11.5 Unwritten Amendments................................................. 10
3.11.6 Labor Compliance..................................................... 10
3.11.7 Unions............................................................... 10
3.11.8 Aliens............................................................... 10
Section 3.12 Employee Benefit Plans....................................................... 10
3.12.1 Identification....................................................... 10
3.12.2 Administration....................................................... 11
3.12.3 Examinations......................................................... 11
3.12.4 Prohibited Transactions.............................................. 11
3.12.5 Claims and Litigation................................................ 11
3.12.6 Qualification........................................................ 11
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3.12.7 Funding Status....................................................... 11
3.12.8 Excise Taxes......................................................... 12
3.12.9 Multiemployer Plans.................................................. 12
3.12.10 PBGC................................................................. 12
3.12.11 Retirees............................................................. 12
Section 3.13 Absence of Certain Changes................................................... 12
Section 3.14 Title; Leased Assets......................................................... 14
3.14.1 Real Property........................................................ 14
3.14.2 Personal Property.................................................... 14
3.14.3 Leases............................................................... 14
Section 3.15 Commitments.................................................................. 14
3.15.1 Commitments; Defaults................................................ 14
3.15.2 No Cancellation or Termination of Commitment......................... 15
Section 3.16 Insurance.................................................................... 16
Section 3.17 Proprietary Rights and Information........................................... 16
Section 3.18 Taxes........................................................................ 16
3.18.1 Filing of Tax Returns................................................ 17
3.18.2 Payment of Taxes..................................................... 17
3.18.3 No Pending Deficiencies, Delinquencies, Assessments or Audits........ 17
3.18.4 No Extension of Limitation Period.................................... 17
3.18.5 Withholding Requirements Satisfied................................... 17
3.18.6 Foreign Person....................................................... 17
3.18.7 Safe Harbor Lease.................................................... 17
3.18.8 Tax Exempt Entity.................................................... 17
3.18.9 Collapsible Corporation.............................................. 18
3.18.10 Boycotts............................................................. 18
3.18.11 Parachute Payments................................................... 18
3.18.12 S Corporation........................................................ 18
3.18.13 Personal Service Corporation......................................... 18
3.18.14 Personal Holding Company............................................. 18
Section 3.19 Compliance with Laws......................................................... 18
Section 3.20 Finder's Fee................................................................. 19
Section 3.21 Litigation................................................................... 19
Section 3.22 Condition of Fixed Assets.................................................... 19
Section 3.23 Distributions and Repurchases................................................ 19
Section 3.24 Banking Relations............................................................ 19
Section 3.25 Ownership Interests of Interested Persons; Affiliations...................... 19
Section 3.26 Investments in Competitors................................................... 20
Section 3.27 Environmental Matters........................................................ 20
Section 3.28 Certain Payments............................................................. 20
Section 3.29 No affiliation with NASD Member.............................................. 20
ARTICLE IV Representations and Warranties of the Stockholders.................................................. 20
Section 4.1 Validity; Stockholder Capacity............................................... 20
Section 4.2 No Violation................................................................. 21
Section 4.3 Personal Holding Company; Control of Related Businesses...................... 21
Section 4.4 Transfers of the Company Capital Stock....................................... 21
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Section 4.5 Consents..................................................................... 21
Section 4.6 Certain Payments............................................................. 21
Section 4.7 Finder's Fee................................................................. 21
Section 4.8 Ownership of Interested Persons; Affiliations................................ 22
Section 4.9 Investments in Competitors................................................... 22
Section 4.10 Disposition of Acquiror Shares............................................... 22
ARTICLE V Representations and Warranties of Acquiror........................................................... 22
Section 5.1 Organization and Good Standing............................................... 22
Section 5.2 Capitalization............................................................... 22
Section 5.3 Corporate Records............................................................ 22
Section 5.4 Authorization and Validity................................................... 23
Section 5.5 No Violation................................................................. 23
Section 5.6 Finder's Fee................................................................. 23
Section 5.7 Capital Stock................................................................ 23
Section 5.8 Continuity of Business Enterprise............................................ 24
Section 5.9 Consents..................................................................... 24
Section 5.10 Proprietary Rights and Information........................................... 24
Section 5.11 Taxes........................................................................ 24
5.11.1 Filing of Tax Returns................................................ 24
5.11.2 Payment of Taxes..................................................... 24
5.11.3 No Pending Deficiencies, Delinquencies, Assessments or Audits........ 24
5.11.4 No Extension of Limitation Period.................................... 24
5.11.5 All Withholding Requirements Satisfied............................... 25
5.11.6 Foreign Person....................................................... 25
5.11.7 Safe Harbor Lease.................................................... 25
5.11.8 Tax Exempt Entity.................................................... 25
5.11.9 Collapsible Corporation.............................................. 25
5.11.10 Boycotts............................................................. 25
5.11.11 Parachute Payments................................................... 25
5.11.12 S Corporation........................................................ 25
Section 5.12 Compliance with Laws......................................................... 25
Section 5.13 Litigation................................................................... 26
Section 5.14 Ownership Interests of Interested Persons; Affiliations...................... 26
Section 5.15 Investments in Competitors................................................... 26
Section 5.16 Certain Payments............................................................. 26
Section 5.17 Commitments.................................................................. 26
5.17.1 Commitments; Defaults................................................ 26
5.17.2 No Cancellation or Termination of Acquiror Commitment................ 28
Section 5.18 Acquiror Financial Statements................................................ 28
Section 5.19 Liabilities and Obligations.................................................. 28
Section 5.20 Employee Matters............................................................. 28
ARTICLE VI Covenants of the Company and the Stockholders....................................................... 28
Section 6.1 Consummation of Agreement.................................................... 28
Section 6.2 Business Operations.......................................................... 29
Section 6.3 Access....................................................................... 29
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Section 6.4 Notification of Certain Matters.............................................. 29
Section 6.5 Approvals of Third Parties................................................... 29
Section 6.6 Employee Matters............................................................. 29
Section 6.7 Contracts.................................................................... 30
Section 6.8 Capital Assets; Payments of Liabilities...................................... 30
Section 6.9 Mortgages, Liens and Guaranties.............................................. 30
Section 6.10 Acquisition Proposals........................................................ 31
Section 6.11 Distributions and Repurchases................................................ 31
Section 6.12 Requirements to Effect the Merger............................................ 31
Section 6.13 Lockup Agreements............................................................ 31
Section 6.14 Excluded Assets.............................................................. 32
ARTICLE VII Covenants of Acquiror.............................................................................. 32
Section 7.1 Consummation of Agreement.................................................... 32
Section 7.2 Requirements to Effect Merger................................................ 32
Section 7.3 Access....................................................................... 32
Section 7.4 Notification of Certain Matters.............................................. 32
Section 7.5 Approvals of Third Parties................................................... 33
ARTICLE VIII Covenants of all Parties........................................................................... 33
Section 8.1 Filings; Other Action........................................................ 33
Section 8.2 Amendment of Schedules....................................................... 34
Section 8.3 Stockholder Employment Agreements............................................ 34
ARTICLE IX Conditions Precedent of Acquiror................................................................... 34
Section 9.1 Due Diligence................................................................ 34
Section 9.2 Representations and Warranties............................................... 34
Section 9.3 Covenants.................................................................... 34
Section 9.4 Legal Opinion................................................................ 35
Section 9.5 Proceedings.................................................................. 35
Section 9.6 No Material Adverse Change................................................... 35
Section 9.7 Securities Approvals......................................................... 35
Section 9.8 Simultaneous Closings........................................................ 35
Section 9.9 Closing Deliveries........................................................... 35
ARTICLE X Conditions Precedent of the Company and the Stockholders........................................... 35
Section 10.1 Representations and Warranties............................................... 35
Section 10.2 Covenants.................................................................... 36
Section 10.3 Legal Opinions............................................................... 36
Section 10.4 Proceedings.................................................................. 36
Section 10.5 Government Approvals and Required Consents................................... 36
Section 10.6 Securities Approvals......................................................... 36
Section 10.7 Closing Deliveries........................................................... 36
Section 10.8 Release of Personal Guarantees............................................... 36
Section 10.9 Simultaneous Closings........................................................ 36
ARTICLE XI Closing Deliveries................................................................................. 37
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Section 11.1 Deliveries of the Company and the Stockholders............................... 37
Section 11.2 Deliveries of Acquiror....................................................... 38
ARTICLE XII Post Closing Matters.............................................................................. 39
Section 12.1 Further Instruments of Transfer.............................................. 39
Section 12.2 Preservation of Tax and Accounting Treatment................................. 40
Section 12.3 Merger Tax Covenants......................................................... 40
ARTICLE XIII Remedies.......................................................................................... 40
Section 13.1 Indemnification by the Stockholders.......................................... 40
Section 13.2 Indemnification by Acquiror.................................................. 41
Section 13.3 Conditions of Indemnification................................................ 42
Section 13.4 Indemnification Exclusive Remedies........................................... 44
Section 13.5 Indemnification Limitations.................................................. 44
Section 13.6 Tax Benefits; Insurance Proceeds............................................. 44
Section 13.7 Payment of Indemnification Obligation........................................ 44
ARTICLE XIV Termination....................................................................................... 45
Section 14.1 Termination.................................................................. 45
Section 14.2 Effect of Termination........................................................ 46
ARTICLE XV Nondisclosure of Confidential Information......................................................... 46
Section 15.1 Nondisclosure................................................................ 46
Section 15.2 Damages...................................................................... 47
Section 15.3 Survival..................................................................... 47
ARTICLE XVI Transfer Restrictions............................................................................. 47
Section 16.1 Transfer Restrictions........................................................ 47
ARTICLE XVII Federal Securities Law Restrictions on Acquiror Common Stock...................................... 48
Section 17.1 Investment Representation.................................................... 48
Section 17.2 Compliance with Law.......................................................... 48
Section 17.3 Economic Risk; Sophistication................................................ 48
Section 17.4 Accredited Investor Status................................................... 49
ARTICLE XVIII Miscellaneous..................................................................................... 49
Section 18.1 Amendment; Waivers........................................................... 49
Section 18.2 Assignment................................................................... 49
Section 18.3 Parties In Interest; No Third Party Beneficiaries............................ 49
Section 18.4 Entire Agreement............................................................. 49
Section 18.5 Severability................................................................. 49
Section 18.6 Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants........................ 50
Section 18.7 Governing Law................................................................ 50
Section 18.8 Captions..................................................................... 50
Section 18.9 Gender and Number............................................................ 50
Section 18.10 Reference to Agreement....................................................... 50
Section 18.11 Confidentiality; Publicity and Disclosures................................... 50
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Section 18.12 Notice....................................................................... 50
Section 18.13 Choice of Forum.............................................................. 51
Section 18.14 No Waiver; Remedies.......................................................... 51
Section 18.15 Counterparts................................................................. 52
Section 18.16 Costs, Expenses and Legal Fees............................................... 52
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION
This Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization (this
"Agreement"), dated as of ________, 1997, is by and among Applied Software
Technology, Inc., a Georgia corporation (the "Company"), Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
III and Xxxxx X. Xxxx, stockholders of the Company (collectively, the
"Stockholders"), and Universal Document Management Systems, Inc., an Ohio
corporation ("Acquiror").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of each of the Company and Acquiror
have determined that a business combination between the Company and Acquiror is
in the best interests of their respective companies and stockholders and
presents an opportunity for their respective companies to achieve long-term
strategic objectives and, accordingly, have agreed to effect the Merger (as
hereinafter defined) upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
herein; and
WHEREAS, it is intended that for federal income tax purposes the Merger
shall qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code; and
WHEREAS, Acquiror has entered or intends to enter into merger or other
acquisition agreements (collectively, the "Other Agreements") pursuant to which
it intends to acquire a number of other companies whose businesses are similar
to that of the Company, the "Target Companies," as such term is defined herein;
and
WHEREAS, to provide Acquiror with necessary working capital and funds
required to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, Acquiror will,
subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, enter into an
underwriting agreement with the Underwriter Representative (as defined herein)
in connection with the Initial Public Offering (as defined herein); and
WHEREAS, prior to the closings of the Initial Public Offering and
Acquiror's acquisitions of the Target Companies, Acquiror intends to change its
name to Synergis Technologies, Inc.;
NOW, THEREFORE, and in consideration of the mutual representations,
warranties and covenants herein contained, and on the terms and subject to the
conditions herein set forth, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1.1 CERTAIN GENERAL DEFINITIONS. As used in this Agreement, the following
terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
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1.1.1 "actual knowledge", "have no actual knowledge of", "do
not actually know of" and similar phrases shall mean (i) in the case of a
natural person, the actual conscious awareness, or not, as the context requires,
of the particular fact by such person, and (ii) in the case of an entity, the
actual conscious awareness, or not, as the context requires, of the particular
fact by any stockholder, director or executive officer of such entity. With
respect to the Company, the term "executive officer" means either of the
Stockholders, but does not refer to any other person.
1.1.2 "Affiliate" with respect to any person shall mean a
person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls,
or is controlled by or is under common control with, such person.
1.1.3 "best knowledge", "have knowledge of", "have no
knowledge of", "do not know of" or "to the knowledge of" and similar phrases
shall mean (i) in the case of a natural person, the particular fact was known,
or not known, as the context requires, to such person after diligent
investigation and inquiry by such person, and (ii) in the case of an entity, the
particular fact was known, or not known, as the context requires, to any
stockholder, director or executive officer of such entity after diligent
investigation and inquiry. With respect to the Company, the term "executive
officer" means either of the Stockholders, but does not refer to any other
person.
1.1.4 "Company Capital Stock" shall mean the shares of capital
stock of the Company, as set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedules, which
are authorized, issued and outstanding as of the Effective Time.
1.1.5 "Company Disclosure Schedules" shall mean the schedules
of exceptions and other disclosures attached hereto as of the date hereof or
otherwise delivered by the Company and the Stockholders to Acquiror, as such may
be amended or supplemented from time to time pursuant to the provisions hereof.
The information contained in the Company Disclosure Schedules is labeled to
correspond with the Section numbers of this Agreement to which the disclosure
relates.
1.1.6 "Confidential Information" shall mean all trade secrets
and other confidential and/or proprietary information of the particular person,
including information derived from reports, investigations, research, work in
progress, codes, marketing and sales programs, financial projections, cost
summaries, pricing formulae, contract analyses, financial information,
projections, confidential filings with any state or federal agency, and all
other confidential concepts, methods of doing business, ideas, materials or
information prepared or performed for, by or on behalf of such person by its
employees, officers, directors, agents, representatives, or consultants.
1.1.7 "Environmental Laws" shall mean any laws or regulations
pertaining to health or the environment, as in effect on the date hereof and the
Closing Date, including without limitation (i) the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. Sections 9601 et
seq.), as amended (including without limitation as amended pursuant to the
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986), and regulations
promulgated thereunder, (ii) the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976
(42 U.S.C. Sections 6901 et seq., as amended), and
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regulations promulgated thereunder, (iii) statutes, rules or regulations,
whether federal, state or local, applicable to the Company's assets or
operations that relate to asbestos or polychlorinated biphenyls, and (iv) the
provisions contained in any similar state statutes or regulations relating to
environmental matters applicable to the Company's assets or operations.
1.1.8 "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended.
1.1.9 "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended.
1.1.10 "Initial Public Offering" shall mean the initial
underwritten public offering of Acquiror Common Stock contemplated by the
Registration Statement.
1.1.11 "Initial Public Offering Price" shall mean the price
per share at which Acquiror Common Stock is offered for sale to the public in
the Initial Public Offering.
1.1.12 "Internal Revenue Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended.
1.1.13 "IRS" shall mean the Internal Revenue Service of the
United States Department of the Treasury.
1.1.14 "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean a material adverse
effect on the Company's or Acquiror's, as applicable, business, operations,
condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations, taken as a whole,
in consideration of all relevant facts and circumstances.
1.1.15 "ordinary course of business" shall mean the usual and
customary way in which the Company has conducted its business in the past.
1.1.16 "person" shall mean any natural person, corporation,
partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, association, group,
organization or other entity.
1.1.17 "Related Acquisitions" shall mean, collectively, the
Merger, and the mergers and acquisitions of entities and assets contemplated by
the Other Agreements.
1.1.18 "Schedules" shall mean the Company Disclosure Schedules
and the Acquiror Disclosure Schedules.
1.1.19 "SEC" shall mean the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission.
1.1.20 "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended.
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1.1.21 "Target Companies" shall mean the companies listed on
Exhibit 1.1.21 which Acquiror intends to acquire simultaneously with its
acquisition of the Company.
1.1.22 "Tax Returns" shall include all federal, state, local
or foreign income, excise, corporate, franchise, property, sales, use, payroll,
withholding, provider, environmental, duties, value added and other tax returns
(including information returns).
1.1.23 "Underwriter Representative" shall mean any underwriter
in the Initial Public Offering who acts as a managing underwriter in the Initial
Public Offering.
1.1.24 "Acquiror Common Stock" shall mean the Common Stock,
without par value, of Acquiror.
1.1.25 "Acquiror Disclosure Schedules" shall mean the
schedules of exceptions and other disclosures attached hereto or otherwise
delivered by Acquiror to the Company and/or the Stockholders, as such may be
amended or supplemented from time to time pursuant to the provisions hereof. The
information contained in the Acquiror Disclosure Schedules is labeled to
correspond with the Section numbers of this Agreement to which the disclosure
relates, if applicable.
ARTICLE II
THE MERGER
2.1 THE MERGER. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at
the Effective Time, the Company shall be merged with and into Acquiror
in accordance with this Agreement and the separate corporate existence
of the Company shall thereupon cease (the "Merger"). Acquiror shall be
the surviving corporation in the Merger (in such capacity, hereinafter
referred to as the "Surviving Corporation") and shall continue to be
governed by the laws of the State of Ohio, and the separate corporate
existence of Acquiror with all its rights, privileges, powers,
immunities, purposes and franchises shall continue unaffected by the
Merger, except as set forth herein. The Merger shall have the effects
specified in the Ohio General Corporation Law and Georgia Business
Corporation Code.
2.2 THE CLOSING. The Closing shall take place at 10:00 a.m., Cincinnati
time, at the offices of Xxxxxxxx & Shohl LLP simultaneously with the
closings of the Initial Public Offering and Acquiror's acquisitions of
the Target Companies. The date on which the Closing occurs is
hereinafter referred to as the "Closing Date."
2.3 EFFECTIVE TIME. If all the conditions to the Merger set forth in
Articles IX and X shall have been fulfilled or waived in accordance
herewith and this Agreement shall not have been terminated in
accordance with Article XIV, the parties hereto shall cause to be
properly executed and filed on the Closing Date a Certificate of Merger
meeting the requirements of
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Section 14-2-1105(b) of the Georgia Business Corporation Code and
Section 1701.79 of the Ohio Revised Code. The Merger shall become
effective at the time of the filing of such document with the
Secretaries of State of Georgia and Ohio, in accordance with such laws
or at such later time which the parties hereto have theretofore agreed
upon and designated in such filings as the effective time of the Merger
(the "Effective Time").
2.4 ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF SURVIVING CORPORATION. The Articles of
Incorporation of Acquiror in effect immediately prior to the Effective
Time shall be the Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving
Corporation until duly amended in accordance with their terms.
2.5 CODE OF REGULATIONS OF SURVIVING CORPORATION. The Code of Regulations
of Acquiror in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be
the Code of Regulations of the Surviving Corporation until duly amended
in accordance with its terms.
2.6 DIRECTORS OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION. The persons who are directors
of Acquiror immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, from and
after the Effective Time, be the directors of the Surviving Corporation
until their successors have been duly elected or appointed and
qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal in
accordance with the Surviving Corporation's Articles of Incorporation
and Code of Regulations.
2.7 OFFICERS OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION. Subject to the terms and
conditions of the Stockholder Employment Agreements (as defined in
Section 8.3), the persons who are officers of Acquiror immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall, from and after the Effective Time,
be the officers of the Surviving Corporation and shall hold their same
respective office(s) until their successors have been duly elected or
appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or
removal.
2.8 CONVERSION OF COMPANY CAPITAL STOCK. The manner of converting shares of
the Company in the Merger shall be as follows:
2.8.1 As a result of the Merger and without any action on the
part of the holder thereof, all shares of Company Capital Stock issued and
outstanding at the Effective Time shall cease to be outstanding and shall be
canceled and retired and shall cease to exist, and each holder of a certificate
representing any such shares of Company Capital Stock shall thereafter cease to
have any rights with respect to such shares of Company Capital Stock, except the
right to receive, without interest, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable
shares of Acquiror Common Stock and other consideration, if any, determined in
accordance with the provisions of Exhibit 2.8.1 attached hereto (collectively,
the "Merger Consideration") upon the surrender of such certificate.
2.8.2 Each share of Company Capital Stock held in the
Company's treasury at the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger, shall cease
to be outstanding and shall be canceled and retired without payment of any
consideration therefor and shall cease to exist.
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2.9 EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING SHARES OF COMPANY COMMON STOCK.
2.9.1 At or after the Effective Time and at Closing (i) each
Stockholder, as the holder of a certificate or certificates representing shares
of Company Capital Stock, shall, upon surrender of such certificate or
certificates, receive the number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock determined
in accordance with the provisions of Exhibit 2.8.1 attached hereto; and (ii)
until the certificate or certificates representing Company Capital Stock have
been surrendered by a Stockholder and replaced by a certificate or certificates
representing Acquiror Common Stock, the certificate or certificates for Company
Capital Stock shall, for all purposes be deemed to evidence ownership of the
number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock determined in accordance with the
provisions of Exhibit 2.8.1 attached hereto. All shares of Acquiror Common Stock
issuable to a Stockholder in the Merger shall be deemed for all purposes to have
been issued by Acquiror at the Effective Time.
2.9.2 Each Stockholder shall deliver to Acquiror at Closing
the certificate or certificates representing Company Capital Stock owned by him,
her or it, duly endorsed in blank by such Stockholder, or accompanied by duly
endorsed stock powers in blank, and with all necessary transfer tax and other
revenue stamps, acquired at such Stockholder's expense, affixed and canceled.
Each Stockholder agrees to cure any deficiencies with respect to the endorsement
of the certificates or other documents of conveyance with respect to such
Company Capital Stock or with respect to the stock powers accompanying any
Company Capital Stock. Upon such delivery, each Stockholder shall receive in
exchange therefor a certificate representing that number of shares of Acquiror
Common Stock and the amount of cash, if any, such Stockholder is entitled to
receive pursuant hereto.
2.10 FRACTIONAL SHARES. Notwithstanding any other provision herein, no
fractional shares of Acquiror Common Stock will be issued and any
Stockholder entitled hereunder to receive a fractional share of
Acquiror Common Stock but for this Section 2.10 will be entitled to
receive a cash payment in lieu thereof reflecting such Stockholder's
proportionate interest in a share of Acquiror Common Stock multiplied
by the Initial Public Offering Price.
2.11 SUBSEQUENT ACTIONS. If, at any time after the Effective Time, the
Surviving Corporation shall consider or be advised that any deeds,
bills of sale, assignments, assurances or any other actions or things
are necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or confirm of record or
otherwise in the Surviving Corporation its right, title or interest in,
to or under any of the rights, properties or any of the assets of the
Company acquired or to be acquired by the Surviving Corporation as a
result of, or in connection with, the Merger or otherwise to carry out
this Agreement, and to effect the cancellation of all outstanding
shares of Company Capital Stock in return for the consideration set
forth in this Agreement, the officers and directors of the Surviving
Corporation shall, at the sole cost and expense of the Surviving
Corporation, be authorized to execute and deliver, in the name and on
behalf of the Company, to carry out all such deeds, bills of sale,
assignments and assurances and to take and do, in the name and
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on behalf of the Company, all such other actions and things as may be
necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or confirm any and all right,
title and interest in, to and under such rights, properties or assets
in the Surviving Corporation or otherwise to carry out this Agreement.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY AND THE STOCKHOLDERS
The Company and the Stockholders, jointly and severally, represent and
warrant to Acquiror that except as may be set forth in the Company Disclosure
Schedules the following are true and correct as of the date hereof:
3.1 ORGANIZATION AND GOOD STANDING; QUALIFICATION. The Company is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of its state of organization, with all requisite corporate
power and authority to carry on the business in which it is engaged, to
own the properties it owns, to execute and deliver this Agreement and
to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The Company is not
duly qualified and licensed to do business in any other jurisdiction.
The Company does not have any assets, employees or offices in any state
other than the state of its organization.
3.2 CAPITALIZATION. The authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of
the Company is set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedules. The
Stockholders own all of the issued and outstanding Company Capital
Stock, free and clear of all security interests, liens, adverse claims,
encumbrances, equities, proxies and shareholders' agreements. Each
outstanding share of Company Capital Stock has been legally and validly
issued and is fully paid and nonassessable. No shares of Company
Capital Stock are owned by the Company in treasury. No shares of
Company Capital Stock have been issued or disposed of in violation of
the preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or similar rights of any
of the Company's stockholders. The Company has no bonds, debentures,
notes or other obligations the holders of which have the right to vote
(or are convertible into or exercisable for securities having the right
to vote) with the Stockholders on any matter.
3.3 TRANSACTIONS IN CAPITAL STOCK. The Company has not acquired any Company
Capital Stock since January 1, 1993. There exist no options, warrants,
subscriptions or other rights to purchase, or securities convertible
into or exchangeable for, any of the authorized or outstanding
securities of the Company, and no option, warrant, call, conversion
right or commitment of any kind exists which obligates the Company to
issue any of its authorized but unissued capital stock. The Company has
no obligation (contingent or otherwise) to purchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire any of its equity securities or any interests therein
or to pay any dividend or make any distribution in respect thereof.
Neither the equity structure of the Company nor the relative ownership
of shares among any of its stockholders has been
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altered or changed in contemplation of the Merger within the two years
preceding the date of this Agreement.
3.4 CONTINUITY OF BUSINESS ENTERPRISE. Except as contemplated by Section
6.14 hereof, there has not been any sale, distribution or spin-off of
significant assets of the Company or any of its Affiliates other than
in the ordinary course of business within the two years preceding the
date of this Agreement.
3.5 CORPORATE RECORDS. The copies of the Articles of Incorporation and
Bylaws, and all amendments thereto, of the Company that have been
delivered or made available to Acquiror are true, correct and complete
copies thereof, as in effect on the date hereof. The minute books of
the Company, copies of which have been delivered or made available to
Acquiror, contain accurate minutes of all meetings of, and accurate
consents to all actions taken without meetings by, the Board of
Directors (and any committees thereof) and the stockholders of the
Company since its formation.
3.6 AUTHORIZATION AND VALIDITY. The execution, delivery and performance by
the Company of this Agreement and the other agreements contemplated
hereby, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
and thereby, have been duly authorized by the Company. This Agreement
has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes or
will constitute as of the Closing Date the legal, valid and binding
obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance
with its terms, except as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally or the
availability of equitable remedies. The Company has obtained, in
accordance with applicable law and its Articles of Incorporation and
Bylaws, the approval of its stockholders necessary to the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby.
3.7 NO VIOLATION. Neither the execution, delivery or performance of this
Agreement or the other agreements contemplated hereby nor the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby will
(a) conflict with, or result in a violation or breach of the terms,
conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, the
Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company, (b) except as would
not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse
Effect, conflict with, or result in a violation or breach of the terms,
conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any
agreement, indenture or other instrument under which the Company is
bound or to which any of the assets of the Company are subject, or
result in the creation or imposition of any security interest, lien,
charge or encumbrance upon any of the assets of the Company or (c) to
the knowledge of the Company, except as would not, individually or in
the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect, violate or conflict
with any judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or regulation of any
court or any public, governmental or regulatory agency or body.
3.8 CONSENTS. Except as may have been obtained or as may be required under
the Exchange Act, the Securities Act, the Georgia Business Corporation
Code and state securities laws, no
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consent, authorization, approval, permit or license of, or filing with,
any governmental or public body or authority, any lender or lessor or
any other person or entity is required to authorize, or is required in
connection with, the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement or the agreements contemplated hereby on the part of the
Company, other than such consents as to which the failure to obtain
would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material
Adverse Effect.
3.9 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The Company has furnished to Acquiror its: (i)
audited statements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed (the
"Company Balance Sheet") as of September 30, 1996 (the "Company Balance
Sheet Date") and 1995, and the related audited statements of
operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for its three full
fiscal years ended September 30, 1996; and (ii) unaudited statements of
assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of June 30, 1997 and related
unaudited statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows
for the six months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 and for the nine
months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 (collectively, with the related
notes thereto, the "Financial Statements"), copies of all of which are
included in the Company Disclosure Schedules. The Financial Statements
fairly present the financial condition and results of operations of the
Company as of the dates and for the periods indicated and have been
prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
(subject to normal year-end adjustments and the absence of notes for
any unaudited interim financial statement for any interim periods
presented) applied on a consistent basis with prior periods, except as
otherwise indicated in the Financial Statements or pursuant to this
Agreement.
3.10 LIABILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS. The Financial Statements reflect all
liabilities of the Company, accrued, contingent or otherwise that would
be required to be reflected on a balance sheet, or in the notes
thereto, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. Except as set forth in the Financial Statements, the
Company is not liable upon or with respect to, or obligated in any
other way to provide funds in respect of or to guarantee or assume in
any manner, any debt, obligation or dividend of any person,
corporation, association, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
entity, and the Company does not know of any valid basis for the
assertion of any other claims or liabilities of any nature or in any
amount.
3.11 EMPLOYEE MATTERS.
3.11.1 CASH COMPENSATION. The Company Disclosure Schedules
contain a complete and accurate list of the names, titles and annual cash
compensation as of December 31, 1996, including without limitation wages,
salaries, bonuses (discretionary and formula) and other cash compensation (the
"Cash Compensation") of all employees of the Company. In addition, the Company
Disclosure Schedules contain a complete and accurate description of (i) all
increases in Cash Compensation of employees of the Company during the current
fiscal year and the immediately preceding fiscal year and (ii) any promised
increases in Cash Compensation of employees of the Company that have not yet
been effected.
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3.11.2 COMPENSATION PLANS. The Company Disclosure Schedules
contain a complete and accurate list of all compensation plans, arrangements or
practices (the "Compensation Plans") sponsored by the Company or to which the
Company contributes on behalf of its employees. The Compensation Plans include
without limitation plans, arrangements or practices that provide for severance
pay, deferred compensation, incentive, bonus or performance awards, and stock
ownership or stock options. The Company has provided or made available to
Acquiror a copy of each written Compensation Plan and a written description of
each unwritten Compensation Plan. Subject to the requirements of the Internal
Revenue Code and of ERISA, each of the Compensation Plans can be terminated or
amended at will by the Company.
3.11.3 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS. The Company is not a party to
any employment agreement ("Employment Agreements") with respect to any of its
employees. Employment Agreements include without limitation employee leasing
agreements, employee services agreements and noncompetition agreements.
3.11.4 EMPLOYEE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. The Company
Disclosure Schedules contain a complete and accurate list of all employee
manuals and all material policies, procedures and work-related rules (the
"Employee Policies and Procedures") that apply to employees of the Company. The
Company has provided or made available to Acquiror a copy of all written
Employee Policies and Procedures and a written description of all material
unwritten Employee Policies and Procedures.
3.11.5 UNWRITTEN AMENDMENTS. No material unwritten amendments
have been made, whether by oral communication, pattern of conduct or otherwise,
with respect to any Compensation Plans or Employee Policies and Procedures.
3.11.6 LABOR COMPLIANCE. To the knowledge of the Company, the
Company has been and is in compliance with all applicable laws, rules,
regulations and ordinances respecting employment and employment practices, terms
and conditions of employment and wages and hours, except for any such failures
to be in compliance that, individually or in the aggregate, would not result in
a Material Adverse Effect, and the Company is not liable for any arrears of
wages or penalties for failure to comply with any of the foregoing. To the
knowledge of the Company, the Company has not engaged in any unfair labor
practice or discriminated on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national
origin, age, disability or handicap in its employment conditions or practices
that would, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse
Effect. There are no (i) unfair labor practice charges or complaints or racial,
color, religious, sex, national origin, age, disability or handicap
discrimination charges or complaints pending or, to the actual knowledge of the
Company, threatened against the Company before any federal, state or local
court, board, department, commission or agency (nor, to the knowledge of the
Company, does any valid basis therefor exist) or (ii) existing or, to the actual
knowledge of the Company, threatened labor strikes, disputes, grievances,
controversies or other labor troubles affecting the Company (nor, to the
knowledge of the Company, does any valid basis therefor exist).
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3.11.7 UNIONS. The Company has never been a party to any
agreement with any union, labor organization or collective bargaining unit. The
Company has not been advised by any employee that he or she is represented by
any union, labor organization or collective bargaining unit. To the actual
knowledge of the Company, none of the employees of the Company has threatened to
organize or join a union, labor organization or collective bargaining unit.
3.11.8 ALIENS. To the best knowledge of the Company, all
employees of the Company are citizens of, or are authorized in accordance with
federal immigration laws to be employed in, the United States.
3.12 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.
3.12.1 IDENTIFICATION. The Company Disclosure Schedules
contain a complete and accurate list of all employee benefit plans (within the
meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA) sponsored by the Company or to which the
Company contributes on behalf of its employees and all employee benefit plans
previously sponsored or contributed to on behalf of its employees within the
three years preceding the date hereof (the "Employee Benefit Plans"). The
Company has provided or made available to Acquiror copies of all plan documents,
determination letters, pending determination letter applications, trust
instruments, insurance contracts, administrative services contracts, annual
reports, actuarial valuations, summary plan descriptions, summaries of material
modifications, administrative forms and other documents that constitute a part
of or are incident to the administration of the Employee Benefit Plans. In
addition, the Company has provided or made available to Acquiror a written
description of all existing practices engaged in by the Company that constitute
Employee Benefit Plans. Subject to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code
and ERISA, each of the Employee Benefit Plans can be terminated or amended at
will by the Company. No unwritten amendment exists with respect to any Employee
Benefit Plan.
3.12.2 ADMINISTRATION. To the knowledge of the Company, each
Employee Benefit Plan has been administered and maintained in compliance with
all applicable laws, rules and regulations, except where the failure to be in
compliance would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material
Adverse Effect. To their knowledge, the Company and the Stockholders have made
all necessary filings, reports and disclosures pursuant to and have complied
with all requirements of the IRS Voluntary Compliance Resolution Program with
respect to all applicable Employee Benefit Plans.
3.12.3 EXAMINATIONS. The Company has not received any notice
that any Employee Benefit Plan is currently the subject of an audit,
investigation, enforcement action or other similar proceeding conducted by any
state or federal agency.
3.12.4 PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS. To the knowledge of the
Company, no prohibited transactions (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the
Internal Revenue Code or Sections 406 and 407 of ERISA) have occurred with
respect to any Employee Benefit Plan.
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3.12.5 CLAIMS AND LITIGATION. No pending or, to the actual
knowledge of the Company, threatened, claims, suits or other proceedings exist
with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan other than normal benefit claims filed
by participants or beneficiaries.
3.12.6 QUALIFICATION. The Company has received a favorable
determination letter or ruling from the IRS for each of the Employee Benefit
Plans intended to be qualified within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code and/or tax-exempt within the meaning of Section 501 (a) of
the Internal Revenue Code. No proceedings exist or, to the actual knowledge of
the Company, have been threatened that could result in the revocation of any
such favorable determination letter or ruling.
3.12.7 FUNDING STATUS. To the knowledge of the Company, no
accumulated funding deficiency (within the meaning of Section 412 of the
Internal Revenue Code), whether or not waived, exists with respect to any
Employee Benefit Plan or any plan sponsored by any member of a controlled group
(within the meaning of Section 412(n)(6)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code) in
which the Company is a member (a "Controlled Group"). The Company does not
sponsor any Employee Benefit Plan described in Section 501(c)(9) of the Internal
Revenue Code. To the knowledge of the Company, none of the Employee Benefit
Plans are subject to actuarial assumptions.
3.12.8 EXCISE TAXES. To the knowledge of the Company, neither
the Company nor any member of a Controlled Group has any liability to pay excise
taxes with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan under applicable provisions of
the Code or ERISA.
3.12.9 MULTIEMPLOYER PLANS. To the knowledge of the Company,
neither the Company nor any member of a Controlled Group is or ever has been
obligated to contribute to a multiemployer plan within the meaning of Section
3(37) of ERISA.
3.12.10 PBGC. To the knowledge of the Company, none of the
Employee Benefit Plans is subject to the requirements of Title IV of ERISA.
3.12.11 RETIREES. The Company has no obligation or commitment
to provide medical, dental or life insurance benefits to or on behalf of any of
its employees who may retire or any of its former employees who have retired
except as may be required pursuant to the continuation of coverage provisions of
Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code and Sections 601 through 608 of
ERISA.
3.13 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES. Since the Company Balance Sheet Date, the
Company has not
3.13.1 suffered a Material Adverse Effect, whether or not
caused by any deliberate act or omission of the Company or a Stockholder;
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3.13.2 contracted for the purchase of any capital asset having
a cost in excess of $25,000 or made any single capital expenditure in excess of
$25,000;
3.13.3 incurred any indebtedness for borrowed money (other
than short-term borrowing in the ordinary course of business), or issued or sold
any debt securities;
3.13.4 incurred or discharged any material liabilities or
obligations except in the ordinary course of business;
3.13.5 paid any amount on any indebtedness prior to the due
date, forgiven or cancelled any claims or any debt in excess of $5,000, or
released or waived any rights or claims except in the ordinary course of
business;
3.13.6 mortgaged, pledged or subjected to any security
interest, lien, lease or other charge or encumbrance any of its properties or
assets (other than statutory liens arising in the ordinary course of business or
other liens that do not materially detract from the value or interfere with the
use of such properties or assets);
3.13.7 suffered any damage or destruction to or loss of any
assets (whether or not covered by insurance) that has, individually or in the
aggregate, resulted in a Material Adverse Effect;
3.13.8 except as contemplated by Section 6.14, acquired or
disposed of any assets having an aggregate value in excess of $5,000, except in
the ordinary course of business;
3.13.9 written up or written down the carrying value of any of
its assets, other than accounts receivable in the ordinary course of business;
3.13.10 changed the costing system or depreciation methods of
accounting for its assets in any material respect;
3.13.11 lost or terminated any employee, customer or supplier
that has, individually or in the aggregate, resulted in a Material Adverse
Effect;
3.13.12 except in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice, increased the compensation of any director, officer, key
employee or consultant;
3.13.13 increased the compensation of any employee (except for
increases in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) or
hired any new employee who is expected to receive annualized compensation of at
least $50,000;
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3.13.14 except in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice, made any payments to or loaned any money to any employee,
officer, director or stockholder;
3.13.15 formed or acquired or disposed of any interest in any
corporation, partnership, joint venture or other entity;
3.13.16 redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired, or sold,
granted or otherwise disposed of, directly or indirectly, any of its capital
stock or securities or any rights to acquire such capital stock or securities,
or agreed to change the terms and conditions of any such capital stock,
securities or rights;
3.13.17 entered into any agreement providing for total
payments in excess of $5,000 in any 12 month period with any person or group, or
modified or amended in any material respect the terms of any such existing
agreement, except in the ordinary course of business;
3.13.18 entered into, adopted or amended any Employee Benefit
Plan, except as contemplated hereby or the other agreements contemplated hereby;
or
3.13.19 entered into any other commitment or transaction or
experienced any other event that would materially interfere with its performance
under this Agreement or any other agreements or document executed or to be
executed pursuant to this Agreement, or otherwise has, individually or in the
aggregate, resulted in a Material Adverse Effect.
3.14 TITLE; LEASED ASSETS.
3.14.1 REAL PROPERTY. The Company does not own any interest
(other than leasehold interests described in the Company Disclosure Schedules)
in real property. The leased real property described in the Company Disclosure
Schedules constitutes the only real property necessary for the conduct of the
Company's business.
3.14.2 PERSONAL PROPERTY. The Company has good, valid and
marketable title to all the personal property owned by the Company, all of which
is reflected in the Financial Statements (collectively, the "Personal
Property"). The Personal Property and the leased personal property referred to
in Section 3.14.3 constitute the only personal property necessary for the
conduct of the Company's business. Upon consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, such interest in the Personal Property shall be free and
clear of all security interests, liens, claims and encumbrances, other than
statutory liens arising in the ordinary course of business or other liens that
do not materially detract from the value or interfere with the use of such
properties or assets.
3.14.3 LEASES. A list and brief description of (i) all leases
of real property and (ii) leases of personal property involving rental payments
within any 12 month period in excess of $5,000, in either case to which the
Company is a party, either as lessor or lessee, are set forth in the Company
Disclosure Schedules. All such leases are valid and, to the knowledge of the
Company,
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enforceable in accordance with their respective terms except as may be limited
by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors' rights
generally or the availability of equitable remedies.
3.15 COMMITMENTS.
3.15.1 COMMITMENTS; DEFAULTS. Any of the following as to which
the Company is a party or is bound by, or which any of the shares of Company
Capital Stock are subject to, or which the assets or the business of the Company
are bound by, whether or not in writing, are listed in the Company Disclosure
Schedules (collectively "Commitments"):
3.15.1.1 any partnership or joint venture agreement;
3.15.1.2 any guaranty or suretyship, indemnification
or contribution agreement or performance bond;
3.15.1.3 any debt instrument, loan agreement or other
obligation relating to indebtedness for borrowed money or money lent or to be
lent to another;
3.15.1.4 any contract to purchase real property;
3.15.1.5 any agreement with dealers or sales or
commission agents, public relations or advertising agencies, accountants or
attorneys (other than in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby) involving total payments within any 12 month period in
excess of $5,000 and which is not terminable on 30 days' notice or without
penalty;
3.15.1.6 any agreement relating to any material
matter or transaction in which an interest is held by a person or entity that is
an Affiliate of the Company or any Stockholder;
3.15.1.7 any agreement for the acquisition of
services, supplies, equipment, inventory, fixtures or other property involving
more than $5,000 in the aggregate;
3.15.1.8 any powers of attorney;
3.15.1.9 any contracts containing noncompetition
covenants;
3.15.1.10 any agreement providing for the purchase
from a supplier of all or substantially all of the requirements of the Company
of a particular product or service; or
3.15.1.11 any other agreement or commitment not made
in the ordinary course of business or that is material to the business,
operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of the
Company.
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True, correct and complete copies of the written Commitments, and true, correct
and complete written descriptions of the oral Commitments, have heretofore been
delivered or made available to Acquiror. To the knowledge of the Company, there
are no existing or asserted defaults, events of default or events, occurrences,
acts or omissions that, with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both,
would constitute defaults by the Company or, to the best knowledge of the
Company, any other party to a material Commitment, and no penalties have been
incurred nor are amendments pending, with respect to the material Commitments.
The Commitments are in full force and effect and are valid and enforceable
obligations of the Company and, to the best knowledge of the Company, the other
parties thereto in accordance with their respective terms, in each case as may
be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws affecting
creditors' rights generally or the availability of equitable remedies, and no
defenses, off-sets or counterclaims have been asserted or, to the best knowledge
of the Company, may be made by any party thereto (other than the Company), nor
has the Company waived any rights thereunder.
3.15.2 NO CANCELLATION OR TERMINATION OF COMMITMENT. Neither
the Company nor any Stockholder has received notice of any plan or intention of
any other party to any Commitment to exercise any right to cancel or terminate
any Commitment, and the Company does not know of any fact that would justify the
exercise of such a right; and neither the Company nor any Stockholder currently
contemplates, or has knowledge that any other person currently contemplates, any
amendment or change to any Commitment.
3.16 INSURANCE. The Company carries property, liability, workers'
compensation and such other types of insurance pursuant to the
insurance policies listed and briefly described in the Company
Disclosure Schedules (the "Insurance Policies"). The Insurance Policies
are all of insurance polices relating to the business of the Company.
All of the Insurance Policies are issued by insurers of recognized
responsibility, and, to the best knowledge of the Company, are valid
and enforceable policies, except as may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors' rights
generally or the availability of equitable remedies. All Insurance
Policies, or replacement policies providing at least equivalent
coverage, shall be maintained in force without interruption up to and
including the Closing Date. True, complete and correct copies of all
Insurance Policies have been provided or made available to Acquiror.
Neither the Company nor any Stockholder has received any notice or
other communication from any issuer of any Insurance Policy canceling
such policy, materially increasing any deductibles or retained amounts
thereunder, or materially increasing the annual or other premiums
payable thereunder, and to the actual knowledge of the Company, no such
cancellation or increase of deductibles, retainages or premiums is
threatened. There are no outstanding claims, settlements or premiums
owed against any Insurance Policy, or the Company has given all notices
or has presented all potential or actual claims under any Insurance
Policy in due and timely fashion. The Company Disclosure Schedules also
set forth a list of all claims under any Insurance Policy in excess of
$10,000 per occurrence filed by the Company during the immediately
preceding three-year period.
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3.17 PROPRIETARY RIGHTS AND INFORMATION. Set forth in the Company Disclosure
Schedules is a true and correct description of the following
("Proprietary Rights"):
3.17.1 all trademarks, trade-names, service marks and other
trade designations, including common law rights, registrations and applications
therefor, and all patents and applications therefor currently owned, in whole or
in part, by the Company, and all licenses, royalties, assignments and other
similar agreements relating to the foregoing to which the Company is a party
(including expiration date if applicable); and
3.17.2 all agreements relating to technology, know-how or
processes that the Company is licensed or authorized to use by others, or which
it licenses or authorizes others to use.
The Company owns or has the legal right to use the Proprietary Rights, and to
the knowledge of the Company, without conflicting, infringing or violating the
rights of any other person. No consent of any person will be required for the
use thereof by Acquiror upon consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby and the Proprietary Rights are freely transferable except as would not,
individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect. No claim
has been asserted by any person to the ownership of or for infringement by the
Company of the proprietary right of any other person, and the Company does not
know of any valid basis for any such claim. The Company has the right to use,
free and clear of any adverse claims or rights of others all trade secrets,
customer lists and proprietary information required for the marketing of all
merchandise and services formerly or presently sold or marketed by it.
3.18 TAXES.
3.18.1 FILING OF TAX RETURNS. The Company has duly and timely
filed (in accordance with any extensions duly granted by the appropriate
governmental agency, if applicable) with the appropriate governmental agencies
all Tax Returns and reports required to be filed by the United States or any
state or any political subdivision thereof or any foreign jurisdiction. All such
Tax Returns or reports are complete and accurate in all material respects and
properly reflect the taxes of the Company for the periods covered thereby. True
and correct copies of such Tax Returns for the past five taxable years have
heretofore been delivered to Acquiror.
3.18.2 PAYMENT OF TAXES. Except for such items as the Company
may be disputing in good faith by proceedings in compliance with applicable law,
which are described in the Company Disclosure Schedules, (i) the Company has
paid all taxes, penalties, assessments and interest that have become due with
respect to any Tax Returns that it has filed and has properly accrued on its
books and records for all of the same that have not yet become due and (ii) the
Company is not delinquent in the payment of any tax, assessment or governmental
charge.
3.18.3 NO PENDING DEFICIENCIES, DELINQUENCIES, ASSESSMENTS OR
AUDITS. The Company has not received any notice that any tax deficiency or
delinquency has been asserted
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against the Company. There is no unpaid assessment, proposal for additional
taxes, deficiency or delinquency in the payment of any of the taxes of the
Company that reasonably could be expected to be asserted by any taxing
authority. There is no taxing authority audit of the Company pending, or to the
actual knowledge of the Company, threatened, and the results of any completed
audits are properly reflected in the Financial Statements. To the knowledge of
the Company, the Company has not violated any federal, state, local or foreign
tax law.
3.18.4 NO EXTENSION OF LIMITATION PERIOD. To the knowledge of
the Company, the Company has not granted an extension to any taxing authority of
the limitation period during which any tax liability may be assessed or
collected.
3.18.5 WITHHOLDING REQUIREMENTS SATISFIED. All monies required
to be withheld by the Company and paid to governmental agencies for all income,
social security, unemployment insurance, sales, excise, use, and other taxes
have been collected or withheld and paid to the respective governmental
agencies.
3.18.6 FOREIGN PERSON. Neither the Company nor any Stockholder
is a foreign person, as such term is referred to in Section 1445(f)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code.
3.18.7 SAFE HARBOR LEASE. None of the assets of the Company
constitutes property that the Company, Acquiror, or any Affiliate of Acquiror,
will be required to treat as being owned by another person pursuant to the "Safe
Harbor Lease" provisions of Section 168(f)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code prior
to repeal by the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982.
3.18.8 TAX EXEMPT ENTITY. None of the assets of the Company
and none of the Assets are subject to a lease to a "tax exempt entity" as such
term is defined in Section 168(h)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.
3.18.9 COLLAPSIBLE CORPORATION. The Company has not at any
time consented, and the Stockholders will not permit the Company to elect, to
have the provisions of Section 341(f)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code apply to
it.
3.18.10 BOYCOTTS. The Company has not at any time participated
in or cooperated with any international boycott as defined in Section 999 of the
Internal Revenue Code.
3.18.11 PARACHUTE PAYMENTS. To the knowledge of the Company,
no payment required or contemplated to be made by the Company will be
characterized as an "excess parachute payment" within the meaning of Section
280G(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code.
3.18.12 S CORPORATION. The Company has not made an election to
be taxed as an "S" corporation under Section 1362(a) of the Internal Revenue
Code.
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3.18.13 PERSONAL SERVICE CORPORATION. To the knowledge of the
Company, the Company is not a personal service corporation subject to the
provisions of Section 269A of the Internal Revenue Code.
3.18.14 PERSONAL HOLDING COMPANY. To the knowledge of the
Company, the Company is not or has not been a personal holding company within
the meaning of Section 542 of the Internal Revenue Code.
3.19 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. To the knowledge of the Company, the Company has
complied with all applicable laws, and regulations and has filed with
the proper authorities all necessary statements and reports except
where the failure to so comply or file would not, individually or in
the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of
the Company, there are no existing violations by the Company of any
federal, state or local law or regulation that could reasonably be
expected to, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material
Adverse Effect. The Company possesses all necessary licenses,
franchises, permits and governmental authorizations for the conduct of
the Company's business as now conducted, all of which are listed (with
expiration dates, if applicable) in the Company Disclosure Schedules.
The transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not result in a
default under or a breach or violation of, or adversely affect the
rights and benefits afforded by any such licenses, franchises, permits
or government authorizations, except for any such default, breach or
violation that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Material Adverse Effect. Since January 1, 1992, the Company has not
received any notice from any federal, state or other governmental
authority or agency having jurisdiction over its properties or
activities, or any insurance or inspection body, that its operations or
any of its properties, facilities, equipment, or business practices
fail to comply with any applicable law, ordinance, regulation, building
or zoning law, or requirement of any public or quasi-public authority
or body, except where failure to so comply would not, individually or
in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.20 FINDER'S FEE. The Company has not incurred any obligation for any
finder's, broker's or agent's fee in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby.
3.21 LITIGATION. There are no legal actions or administrative proceedings or
investigations instituted, or to the actual knowledge of the Company
threatened, against the Company, affecting or that could reasonably be
expected to materially affect the outstanding shares of Company Capital
Stock, any of the assets of the Company, or the operation, business,
condition (financial or otherwise), or results of operations of the
Company which (i) if, successful, could, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) could adversely
affect the ability of the Company or any Stockholder to effect the
transactions contemplated hereby. Neither the Company nor any
Stockholder is (a) subject to any continuing court or administrative
order, judgment, writ, injunction or decree applicable specifically to
the Company or to its business, assets, operations or employees or (b)
in default with respect to any such order, judgment, writ, injunction
or decree. The
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Company has no knowledge of any valid basis for any such action,
proceeding or investigation. All claims made or, to the actual
knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company in excess of
its deductible are covered under its Insurance Policies.
3.22 CONDITION OF FIXED ASSETS. All of the structures and equipment
reflected in the Financial Statements and used by the Company in its
business are in good condition and repair, subject to normal wear and
tear, and conform in all material respects with all applicable
ordinances, regulations and other laws, and the Company has no actual
knowledge of any latent defects therein.
3.23 DISTRIBUTIONS AND REPURCHASES. No distribution, payment or dividend of
any kind has been declared or paid by the Company on any of its capital
stock since the Company Balance Sheet Date. No repurchase of any of the
Company's capital stock has been approved, effected or is pending, or
is contemplated by the Board of Directors of the Company.
3.24 BANKING RELATIONS. Set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedules is a
complete and accurate list of all borrowing and investing arrangements
that the Company has with any bank or other financial institution,
indicating with respect to each relationship the type of arrangement
maintained (such as checking account, borrowing arrangements, safe
deposit box, etc.) and the person or persons authorized in respect
thereof.
3.25 OWNERSHIP INTERESTS OF INTERESTED PERSONS; AFFILIATIONS. No officer,
supervisory employee or director of the Company, or their respective
spouses, children or Affiliates, owns directly or indirectly, on an
individual or joint basis, any interest in, has a compensation or other
financial arrangement with, or serves as an officer or director of, any
customer or supplier of the Company or any organization that has a
material contract or arrangement with the Company.
3.26 INVESTMENTS IN COMPETITORS. Neither the Company nor any Stockholder
owns directly or indirectly any interests or has any investment in any
person that is a competitor of the Company.
3.27 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Neither the Company nor any of its assets are
currently in violation of, or subject to any existing, pending or, to
the actual knowledge of the Company threatened, investigation or
inquiry by any governmental authority or to any remedial obligations
under, any Environmental Laws, except for any such violations,
investigations or inquiries that would not, individually or in the
aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect.
3.28 CERTAIN PAYMENTS. Neither the Company nor any director, officer or
employee of the Company acting for or on behalf of the Company, has
paid or caused to be paid, directly or indirectly, in connection with
the business of the Company:
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3.28.1 to any government or agency thereof or any agent of any
supplier or customer any bribe, kick-back or other similar payment; or
3.28.2 any contribution to any political party or candidate
(other than from personal funds of directors, officers or employees not
reimbursed by their respective employers or as otherwise permitted by applicable
law).
3.29 NO AFFILIATION WITH NASD MEMBER. None of the Stockholders or officers
or directors of the Company has any affiliation or association with a
member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE STOCKHOLDERS
Each Stockholder, severally and not jointly, as to himself, herself or
itself only, represents and warrants to Acquiror that the following, except as
set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedules and only insofar as they relate to
an individual Stockholder (referred to in this Article IV as "the Stockholder")
and not to any other Stockholders, are true and correct as of the date hereof
and agrees as follows:
4.1 VALIDITY; STOCKHOLDER CAPACITY. This Agreement, the Stockholder
Employment Agreement (as defined in Section 8.3, if applicable), and
each other agreement contemplated hereby or thereby have been or will
be as of the Closing Date duly executed and delivered by the
Stockholder and constitute or will constitute legal, valid and binding
obligations of the Stockholder, enforceable against the Stockholder in
accordance with their respective terms, except as may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors'
rights generally or the availability of equitable remedies. The
Stockholder has legal capacity to enter into and perform this Agreement
and his or her Stockholder Employment Agreement.
4.2 NO VIOLATION. Neither the execution, delivery or performance of this
Agreement, the Stockholder Employment Agreement or the other agreements
of the Stockholder contemplated hereby or thereby, nor the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, will (a) conflict
with, or result in a violation or breach of the terms, conditions or
provisions of, or constitute a default under, any agreement, indenture
or other instrument under which the Stockholder is bound or to which
any of his, her or its shares of Company Capital Stock are subject, or
result in the creation or imposition of any security interest, lien,
charge or encumbrance upon any of his shares of Company Capital Stock
or (b) to the actual knowledge of the Stockholder, violate or conflict
with any judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or regulation of any
court or any public, governmental or regulatory agency or body.
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4.3 PERSONAL HOLDING COMPANY; CONTROL OF RELATED BUSINESSES. The
Stockholder does not own the shares of Company Capital Stock, directly
or indirectly, beneficially or of record, through a personal holding
company. The Stockholder does not control another business that is in
the same or similar line of business as the Company or that has or is
engaged in transactions with the Company except transactions in the
ordinary course of business.
4.4 TRANSFERS OF THE COMPANY CAPITAL STOCK. Set forth in the Company
Disclosure Schedules is a list of all transfers or other transactions
involving capital stock of the Company since January 1, 1993. All
transfers of Company Capital Stock by the Stockholder have been made
for valid business reasons and not in anticipation or contemplation of
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
4.5 CONSENTS. Except as may have been obtained or as may be required under
the Exchange Act, the Securities Act, the Georgia Business Corporation
Code and state securities laws, or otherwise disclosed pursuant to this
Agreement, no consent, authorization, approval, permit or license of,
or filing with, any governmental or public body or authority, or any
other person is required to authorize, or is required in connection
with, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement or the
agreements contemplated hereby on the part of the Stockholder.
4.6 CERTAIN PAYMENTS. The Stockholder has not paid or caused to be paid,
directly or indirectly, in connection with the business of the Company:
4.6.1 to any government or agency thereof or any agent of any
supplier or customer any bribe, kick-back or other similar payment; or
4.6.2 any contribution to any political party or candidate
(other than from personal funds not reimbursed by the Company or as otherwise
permitted by applicable law).
4.7 FINDER'S FEE. The Stockholder has not incurred any obligation for any
finder's, broker's or agent's fee in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby.
4.8 OWNERSHIP OF INTERESTED PERSONS; AFFILIATIONS. Neither the Stockholder
nor his or her spouse, children or Affiliates, owns directly or
indirectly, on an individual or joint basis, any interest in, has a
compensation or other financial arrangement with, or serves as an
officer or director of, any customer or supplier of the Company or any
organization that has a material contract or arrangement with the
Company.
4.9 INVESTMENTS IN COMPETITORS. The Stockholder does not own directly or
indirectly any interests or have any investment in any person that is a
competitor of the Company.
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4.10 DISPOSITION OF ACQUIROR SHARES. The Stockholder does not presently
intend to dispose of any shares of Acquiror Common Stock received as
Merger Consideration and is not a party to any plan, arrangement or
agreement for the disposition of such shares of Acquiror Common Stock,
except this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement.
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ACQUIROR
Acquiror represents and warrants to the Company and to each Stockholder
that, except as set forth in the Acquiror Disclosure Schedules, the following
are true and correct as of the date hereof:
5.1 ORGANIZATION AND GOOD STANDING. Acquiror is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Ohio, with all requisite corporate power and authority to
carry on the business in which it is engaged, to own the properties it
owns, to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby.
5.2 CAPITALIZATION. The authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of
Acquiror is set forth in the Acquiror Disclosure Schedules. No shares
of capital stock are owned by Acquiror in treasury. Acquiror does not
have any bonds, debentures, notes or other obligations the holders of
which have the right to vote (or are convertible into or exercisable
for securities having the right to vote) with the shareholders of
Acquiror on any matter. There exist no options, warrants, subscriptions
or other rights to purchase, or securities convertible into or
exchangeable for, any of the authorized or outstanding securities of
Acquiror, and no option, warrant, call, conversion right or commitment
of any kind exists which obligates Acquiror to issue any of its
authorized but unissued capital stock, except this Agreement and the
Other Agreements. Acquiror has no obligation (contingent or otherwise)
to purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its equity securities
or any interests therein or to pay a dividend or make any distribution
in respect thereof. To the best knowledge of Acquiror, no shareholder
of Acquiror has granted options or other rights to purchase any shares
of Acquiror Common Stock from such shareholder.
5.3 CORPORATE RECORDS. The copies of the Articles of Incorporation and Code
of Regulations, and all amendments thereto, of Acquiror that have been
delivered or made available to the Company and the Stockholders are
true, correct and complete copies thereof, as in effect on the date
hereof. The minute books of Acquiror, copies of which have been
delivered or made available to the Company and the Stockholders,
contain accurate minutes of all meetings of, and accurate consents to
all actions taken without meetings by, the Board of Directors (and any
committees thereof) and the shareholders of Acquiror, since its
formation.
5.4 AUTHORIZATION AND VALIDITY. The execution, delivery and performance by
Acquiror of this Agreement and the other agreements contemplated
hereby, and the consummation of the
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transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been duly authorized
by the Board of Directors and shareholders of Acquiror. This Agreement
and each other agreement contemplated hereby to be executed by Acquiror
have been or will be as of the Closing Date duly executed and delivered
by Acquiror and constitute or will constitute as of the Closing Date
legal, valid and binding obligations of Acquiror, enforceable against
Acquiror in accordance with their respective terms, except as may be
limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting
creditors' rights generally or the availability of equitable remedies.
5.5 NO VIOLATION. Neither the execution, delivery or performance of this
Agreement or the other agreements contemplated hereby nor the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby will
(a) conflict with, or result in a violation or breach of the terms,
conditions and provisions of, or constitute a default under, the
Articles of Incorporation or Code of Regulations of Acquiror or any
agreement, indenture or other instrument under which Acquiror is bound
(b) except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a
Material Adverse Effect, conflict with, or result in a violation or
breach of the terms, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a
default under, any agreement, indenture or other instrument under which
the Acquiror is bound or to which any of the assets of the Acquiror are
subject, or result in the creation or imposition of any security
interest, lien, charge or encumbrance upon any of the assets of the
Acquiror or (c) to the knowledge of Acquiror, except as would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect,
violate or conflict with any judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or
regulation of any court or any public, governmental or regulatory
agency or body having jurisdiction over Acquiror or the properties or
assets of Acquiror.
5.6 FINDER'S FEE. Acquiror has not incurred any obligation for any
finder's, broker's or agent's fee in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby.
5.7 CAPITAL STOCK. The issuance and delivery by Acquiror of shares of
Acquiror Common Stock in connection with the Merger have been duly and
validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of
Acquiror. The shares of Acquiror Common Stock to be issued in
connection with the Merger, when issued in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable
and will not have been issued in violation of any preemptive rights,
rights of first refusal or similar rights of any of Acquiror's
shareholders, or any federal or state law, including, without
limitation, the registration requirements of applicable federal and
state securities laws.
5.8 CONTINUITY OF BUSINESS ENTERPRISE. It is the present intention of
Acquiror to continue at least one significant historic business line of
the Company, or to use at least a significant portion of the Company's
historic business assets in a business, in each case within the meaning
of Treasury Regulation Section 1.368-1(d).
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5.9 CONSENTS. Except as have been obtained or as may be required by or
under the Exchange Act, the Ohio General Corporation Law, the
Securities Act and state securities laws, no consent, authorization,
approval, permit or license of, or filing with, any governmental or
public body or authority, any lender or lessor or any other person is
required to authorize, or is required in connection with, the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement or the agreements
contemplated hereby on the part of Acquiror.
5.10 PROPRIETARY RIGHTS AND INFORMATION. Acquiror does not own or use any
trademarks, trade-names, service marks or other trade designations or
patents in the conduct of its business. Acquiror is not a party to any
agreement relating to the use of technology or know-how. Acquiror has
the right to use, free and clear of any claims or rights of others, all
trade secrets, customer lists and proprietary information required for
the marketing of all merchandise and services formerly or presently
sold or marketed by it.
5.11 TAXES.
5.11.1 FILING OF TAX RETURNS. Acquiror has duly and timely
filed (in accordance with any extensions duly granted by the appropriate
governmental agency, if applicable) with the appropriate governmental agencies
all Tax Returns and reports required to be filed by the United States or any
state or any political subdivision thereof or any foreign jurisdiction. All such
tax returns or reports are complete and accurate and properly reflect the taxes
of Acquiror, as the case may be, for the periods covered thereby.
5.11.2 PAYMENT OF TAXES. Acquiror has paid all taxes,
penalties, assessments and interest that have become due with respect to any Tax
Returns that it has filed and has properly accrued on its books and records for
all of the same that have not yet become due. Acquiror is not delinquent in the
payment of any tax, assessment or governmental charge.
5.11.3 NO PENDING DEFICIENCIES, DELINQUENCIES, ASSESSMENTS OR
AUDITS. Acquiror has not received any notice that any tax deficiency or
delinquency has been asserted against it. There is no unpaid assessment,
proposal for additional taxes, deficiency or delinquency in the payment of any
of the taxes of Acquiror that could be asserted by any taxing authority. There
is no taxing authority audit of Acquiror pending, or to the actual knowledge of
Acquiror, threatened. Acquiror has not violated any federal, state, local or
foreign tax law.
5.11.4 NO EXTENSION OF LIMITATION PERIOD. Acquiror has not
granted an extension to any taxing authority of the limitation period during
which any tax liability may be assessed or collected.
5.11.5 ALL WITHHOLDING REQUIREMENTS SATISFIED. All monies
required to be withheld by Acquiror and paid to governmental agencies for all
income, social security, unemployment insurance, sales, excise, use, and other
taxes have been collected or withheld and paid to the respective governmental
agencies.
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5.11.6 FOREIGN PERSON. Neither Acquiror nor any shareholder
thereof is a foreign person, as such term is referred to in Section 1445(f)(3)
of the Internal Revenue Code.
5.11.7 SAFE HARBOR LEASE. None of the assets of Acquiror
constitute property that the Company, Acquiror, or any Affiliate of Acquiror,
will be required to treat as being owned by another person pursuant to the "Safe
Harbor Lease" provisions of Section 168(f)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code prior
to repeal by the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982.
5.11.8 TAX EXEMPT ENTITY. None of the assets of Acquiror are
subject to a lease to a "tax exempt entity" as such term is defined in Section
168(h)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.
5.11.9 COLLAPSIBLE CORPORATION. Acquiror has not at any time
consented, and the stockholders thereof will not permit Acquiror to elect, to
have the provisions of Section 341(f)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code apply to
it.
5.11.10 BOYCOTTS. Acquiror has not at any time participated in
or cooperated with any international boycott as defined in Section 999 of the
Internal Revenue Code.
5.11.11 PARACHUTE PAYMENTS. No payment required or
contemplated to be made by Acquiror will be characterized as an "excess
parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 28OG(b)(1) of the Internal
Revenue Code.
5.11.12 S CORPORATION. Acquiror has not made an election to be
taxed as an "S" corporation under Section 1362(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
5.12 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Acquiror has complied with all applicable laws,
regulations and licensing requirements and has filed with the proper
authorities all necessary statements and reports, except where the
failure to so comply or file would not, individually or in the
aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect. There are no existing
violations by Acquiror of any federal, state or local law or regulation
that could materially adversely affect its property or business.
Acquiror possesses all necessary licenses, franchises, permits and
governmental authorizations for the conduct of its business as now
conducted. The transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not
result in a default under or a breach or violation of, or adversely
affect the rights and benefits afforded by any such licenses,
franchises, permits or government authorizations except for any
default, breach or violation that would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. Acquiror has not received
any notice from any federal, state or other governmental authority or
agency having jurisdiction over its properties or activities, or any
insurance or inspection body, that its operations or any of its
properties, facilities, equipment, or business practices fail to comply
with any applicable law, ordinance, regulation, building or zoning law,
or requirement of any public or quasi-public authority or body.
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5.13 LITIGATION. There are no legal actions or administrative proceedings or
investigations instituted, or to the actual knowledge of Acquiror
threatened against affecting Acquiror or which could affect the
outstanding shares of Acquiror Common Stock, any of the assets of
Acquiror, or the operations, business, condition (financial or
otherwise) or results of operations of Acquiror. Acquiror is not (a)
subject to any continuing court or administrative order, writ,
injunction or decree applicable specifically to it or to its business,
assets, operations or employees or (b) in default with respect to any
such order, writ, injunction or decree. Acquiror has no knowledge of
any valid basis for any such action, proceeding or investigation.
5.14 OWNERSHIP INTERESTS OF INTERESTED PERSONS; AFFILIATIONS. No officer,
supervisory employee, director or shareholder of Acquiror, or their
respective spouses, children or Affiliates, owns directly or
indirectly, on an individual or joint basis, any interest in, has a
compensation or other financial arrangement with, or serves as an
officer or director of, any customer or supplier of Acquiror or any
organization that has a material contract or arrangement with Acquiror,
except Acquiror's corporate parent, MedPlus, Inc.
5.15 INVESTMENTS IN COMPETITORS. Neither Acquiror nor any shareholder
thereof owns directly or indirectly any interests or has any investment
in any person that is a competitor of Acquiror or one of the Target
Companies.
5.16 CERTAIN PAYMENTS. Neither Acquiror, nor any shareholder, director,
officer or employee of Acquiror, has paid or caused to be paid,
directly or indirectly, in connection with the business of Acquiror:
5.16.1 to any government or agency thereof or any agent of any
supplier or customer any bribe, kick-back or other similar payment; or
5.16.2 any contribution to any political party or candidate
(other than from personal funds of directors, officers or employees not
reimbursed by their respective employers or as otherwise permitted by applicable
law).
5.17 COMMITMENTS.
5.17.1 COMMITMENTS; DEFAULTS. Any of the following as to which
Acquiror is a party or is bound by, or which any of the shares of Acquiror
Common Stock subject to, or which the assets or the business of Acquiror are
bound by, whether or not in writing, are listed in the Acquiror Disclosure
Schedules (collectively "Acquiror Commitments"):
5.17.1.1 partnership or joint venture agreement;
5.17.1.2 guaranty or suretyship, indemnification or
contribution agreement or performance bond;
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5.17.1.3 debt instrument, loan agreement or other
obligation relating to indebtedness for borrowed money or money lent or to be
lent to another;
5.17.1.4 contract to purchase real property;
5.17.1.5 agreement with dealers or sales or
commission agents, public relations or advertising agencies, accountants or
attorneys (other than in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby) involving total payments within any 12 month period in
excess of $5,000 and which is not terminable on 30 day's notice or without
penalty;
5.17.1.6 agreement relating to any material matter or
transaction in which an interest is held by a person or entity that is an
Affiliate of Acquiror or any shareholder of Acquiror;
5.17.1.7 any agreement for the acquisition of
services, supplies, equipment, inventory, fixtures or other property involving
more than $5,000 in the aggregate;
5.17.1.8 powers of attorney;
5.17.1.9 contracts containing noncompetition
covenants;
5.17.1.10 agreement providing for the purchase from a
supplier of all or substantially all of the requirements of Acquiror of a
particular product or service; or
5.17.1.11 any other agreement or commitment not made
in the ordinary course of business or that is material to the business,
operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of
Acquiror.
True, correct and complete copies of the written Acquiror Commitments, and true,
correct and complete written descriptions of the oral Acquiror Commitments, have
heretofore been delivered or made available to the Company and the Stockholders.
There are no existing or asserted defaults, events of default or events,
occurrences, acts or omissions that, with the giving of notice or lapse of time
or both, would constitute defaults by Acquiror or, to the best knowledge of
Acquiror, any other party to a material Acquiror Commitment, and no penalties
have been incurred nor are amendments pending, with respect to the material
Acquiror Commitments. The Acquiror Commitments are in full force and effect and
are valid and enforceable obligations of Acquiror and, to the best knowledge of
Acquiror, the other parties thereto in accordance with their respective terms,
in each case as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar
laws affecting creditors' rights generally or the availability of equitable
remedies, and no defenses, off-sets or counterclaims have been asserted or, to
the best knowledge of Acquiror, may be made by any party thereto (other than
Acquiror), nor has Acquiror waived any rights thereunder.
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5.17.2 NO CANCELLATION OR TERMINATION OF ACQUIROR COMMITMENT.
Except as contemplated hereby, (i) Acquiror has not received notice of any plan
or intention of any other party to any Acquiror Commitment to exercise any right
to cancel or terminate any Acquiror Commitment, and Acquiror does not know of
any fact that would justify the exercise of such a right; and (ii) Acquiror does
not currently contemplate, or have knowledge that any other person currently
contemplates, any amendment or change to any Acquiror Commitment.
5.18 ACQUIROR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The audited year end financial
statements for Acquiror for the two most recent fiscal years and
interim unaudited statements for the month ending prior to the date of
this Agreement are contained in the Acquiror Disclosure Schedules
(collectively, with the related notes thereto, the "Acquiror Financial
Statements"). The Acquiror Financial Statements fairly present the
financial condition and results of operations of Acquiror as of the
dates and for the periods indicated and have been prepared in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (subject to
normal year-end adjustments) applied on a consistent basis with prior
periods, except as otherwise indicated in the Acquiror Financial
Statements.
5.19 LIABILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS. The Acquiror Financial Statements reflect
all liabilities of Acquiror, accrued, contingent or otherwise, that
would be required to be reflected on a balance sheet, or in the notes
thereto, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, except for liabilities and obligations incurred in the
ordinary course of business since December 31, 1996. Acquiror is not
liable upon or with respect to, or obligated in any other way to
provide funds in respect of or to guarantee or assume in any manner,
any debt, obligation or dividend of any person, corporation,
association, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity, and
Acquiror does not know of any valid basis for the assertion of any
other claims or liabilities of any nature or in any amount.
5.20 EMPLOYEE MATTERS. Acquiror does not have any material arrangements,
agreements or plans with any person with respect to the employment by
Acquiror of such person or whereby such person is to serve as an
officer or director of Acquiror.
ARTICLE VI
COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY AND THE STOCKHOLDERS
The Company and the Stockholders, jointly and severally, agree that
between the date hereof and the Closing (with respect to the Company's
covenants, the Stockholders agree to use their best efforts to cause the Company
to perform):
6.1 CONSUMMATION OF AGREEMENT. The Company and the Stockholders shall use
their best efforts to cause the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby in accordance with their terms and conditions;
provided, however, that this covenant shall not require the
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Company or a Stockholder to make any expenditures that are not
expressly set forth in this Agreement or otherwise contemplated herein.
6.2 BUSINESS OPERATIONS. The Company shall operate its business in the
ordinary course. The Company and the Stockholders shall use their best
efforts to preserve the business of the Company intact. Neither the
Company nor any Stockholder knowingly shall take any action that would,
individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect.
The Company shall use its best efforts to preserve intact its
relationships with customers, suppliers, employees and others having
significant business relations with it, unless doing so would impair
its goodwill or result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material
Adverse Effect. The Company shall collect its receivables and pay its
trade payables in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice.
6.3 ACCESS. The Company and the Stockholders shall, at reasonable times
during normal business hours and on reasonable notice, permit Acquiror
and its authorized representatives reasonable access to, and make
available for inspection, all of the assets and business of the
Company, including its employees, customers and suppliers, and permit
Acquiror and its authorized representatives to inspect and, at
Acquiror's sole cost and expense, make copies of all documents, records
and information with respect to the affairs of the Company as Acquiror
and its representatives may request, all for the sole purpose of
permitting Acquiror to become familiar with the business and assets and
liabilities of the Company.
6.4 NOTIFICATION OF CERTAIN MATTERS. The Company and the Stockholders shall
promptly inform Acquiror in writing of (a) any notice of or other
communication relating to, a default or event that, with notice or
lapse of time or both, would become a default, received by the Company
or any Stockholder subsequent to the date of this Agreement and prior
to the Effective Time under any Commitment material to the Company's
condition (financial or otherwise), operations, assets, liabilities or
business and to which it is subject; or (b) any material adverse change
in the Company's condition (financial or otherwise), operations,
assets, liabilities or business.
6.5 APPROVALS OF THIRD PARTIES. The Company and the Stockholders shall use
their best efforts to secure, as soon as practicable after the date
hereof, all necessary approvals and consents of third parties to the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including,
without limitation, all necessary approvals and consents required under
any real property and personal property leases; provided, however, that
this covenant shall not require the Company or the Stockholders to make
any material expenditures that are not expressly set forth in this
Agreement or otherwise contemplated herein.
6.6 EMPLOYEE MATTERS. The Company shall not, without the prior written
approval of Acquiror, other than in the ordinary course of business and
consistent with past practice or except as required by law:
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6.6.1 increase the Cash Compensation of any Stockholder or
other employee of the Company;
6.6.2 adopt, amend or terminate any Compensation Plan;
6.6.3 adopt, amend or terminate any Employment Agreement;
6.6.4 adopt, amend or terminate any Employee Policies and
Procedures;
6.6.5 adopt, amend or terminate any Employee Benefit Plan;
6.6.6 take any action that could deplete the assets of any
Employee Benefit Plan, other than payment of benefits in the ordinary course to
participants and beneficiaries;
6.6.7 fail to pay any premium or contribution due or with
respect to any Employee Benefit Plan;
6.6.8 fail to file any return or report with respect to any
Employee Benefit Plan;
6.6.9 institute, settle or dismiss any employment litigation
except as could not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material
Adverse Effect;
6.6.10 enter into, modify, amend or terminate any agreement
with any union, labor organization or collective bargaining unit; or
6.6.11 knowingly take or fail to take any action with respect
to any past or present employee of the Company that would, individually or in
the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect.
6.7 CONTRACTS. Except with Acquiror's prior written consent, or in
connection with this Agreement, the Company shall not assume or enter
into any contract, lease, license, obligation, indebtedness,
commitment, purchase or sale except in the ordinary course of business
that is material to the Company's business, nor will it waive any
material right or cancel any material contract, debt or claim.
6.8 CAPITAL ASSETS; PAYMENTS OF LIABILITIES. The Company shall not, without
the prior written approval of Acquiror (a) acquire or dispose of any
capital asset having a fair market value of $25,000 or more, or acquire
or dispose of any capital asset outside of the ordinary course of
business or (b) discharge or satisfy any lien or encumbrance or pay or
perform any obligation or liability other than (i) liabilities and
obligations reflected in the Financial Statements or (ii) current
liabilities and obligations incurred in the usual and ordinary course
of business since the Company Balance Sheet Date and, in either case
(i) or (ii) above, only
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as required by the express terms of the agreement or other instrument
pursuant to which the liability or obligation was incurred.
6.9 MORTGAGES, LIENS AND GUARANTIES. The Company shall not, without the
prior written approval of Acquiror, enter into or assume any mortgage,
pledge, conditional sale or other title retention agreement, permit any
security interest, lien, encumbrance or claim of any kind to attach to
any of its assets (other than statutory liens arising in the ordinary
course of business, other liens that do not materially detract from the
value or interfere with the use of such assets, and liens, guarantees
and encumbrances that are granted or created in the ordinary course of
business), whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or guarantee or
otherwise become contingently liable for any obligation of another,
except obligations arising by reason of endorsement for collection and
other similar transactions in the ordinary course of business, or make
any capital contribution or investment in any person.
6.10 ACQUISITION PROPOSALS. Except as may be necessary pursuant to Section
6.14, the Company and the Stockholders agree that from and after the
date of this Agreement (a) neither any Stockholder nor the Company, nor
any of its officers and directors shall, and the Stockholders and the
Company shall direct and use their best efforts to cause the Company's
employees, agents and representatives not to, initiate, solicit or
encourage, directly or indirectly, any inquiries or the making or
implementation of any proposal or offer (including, without limitation,
any proposal or offer to its stockholders) with respect to a merger,
acquisition, consolidation or similar transaction involving, or any
purchase of all or any significant portion of the assets or any equity
securities of, the Company (any such proposal or offer being
hereinafter referred to as an "Acquisition Proposal") or engage in any
negotiations concerning, or provide any confidential information or
data to, or have any discussions with, any person relating to an
Acquisition Proposal, or otherwise facilitate any effort or attempt to
make or implement an Acquisition Proposal; (b) that the Stockholders
and the Company will immediately cease and cause to be terminated any
existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties
conducted heretofore with respect to any of the foregoing and each will
take the necessary steps to inform the individuals or entities referred
to in the first sentence hereof of the obligations undertaken in this
Section 6.10; and (c) that the Stockholders and the Company will notify
Acquiror immediately if any such inquiries or proposals are received
by, any such information is requested from, or any such negotiations or
discussions are sought to be initiated or continued with, the Company
or the Stockholders.
6.11 DISTRIBUTIONS AND REPURCHASES. Except as may be necessary pursuant to
Section 6.14, no distribution, payment or dividend of any kind will be
declared or paid by the Company in respect of Company Capital Stock,
nor will any repurchase of any Company Capital Stock be approved or
effected.
6.12 REQUIREMENTS TO EFFECT THE MERGER. The Company and the Stockholders
shall use their best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions
necessary to effect the Merger under
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applicable law, including without limitation the filing with the
appropriate government officials of all necessary documents in form
approved by counsel for the parties to this Agreement.
6.13 LOCKUP AGREEMENTS. Each of the Stockholders shall, upon request of the
Underwriter Representative, execute a customary "lockup" agreement in
connection with the Initial Public Offering, pursuant to which the
Stockholders will be prohibited from selling any Acquiror Common Stock
owned by them for up to 180 days from the closing of the Initial Public
Offering.
6.14 EXCLUDED ASSETS. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary elsewhere in
this Agreement, the Company is not transferring its ownership interest
in Rasterex International, a.s. or Workflow Engine Code Base and
related components to Acquiror and shall have transferred such assets
out of the Company prior to Closing, so as to exclude them from the
Merger.
ARTICLE VII
COVENANTS OF ACQUIROR
Acquiror agrees that between the date hereof and the Closing:
7.1 CONSUMMATION OF AGREEMENT. Acquiror shall use its best efforts to cause
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby in accordance
with their terms and conditions and take all corporate and other action
necessary to approve the Merger; provided, however, that this covenant
shall not require Acquiror to make any expenditures that are not
expressly set forth in this Agreement or otherwise contemplated herein.
7.2 REQUIREMENTS TO EFFECT MERGER. Acquiror will use its best efforts to
take, or cause to be taken, all actions necessary to effect the Merger
under applicable law, including without limitation the filing with the
appropriate government officials of all necessary documents in form
approved by counsel for the parties to this Agreement.
7.3 ACCESS. Acquiror shall, at reasonable times during normal business
hours and on reasonable notice, permit the Company, the Stockholders
and their authorized representatives reasonable access to, and make
available for inspection, all of the assets and business of Acquiror,
including its employees, and permit the Company, the Stockholders, and
their authorized representatives to inspect and, at the Company's and
the Stockholders' sole expense, make copies of all documents, records
and information with respect to the affairs of Acquiror as the Company,
the Stockholders and their representatives may request (including
documents, records and information pertaining to or generated in
connection with any Target Company, except as may be prohibited by
confidentiality agreements to which Acquiror is a party), all
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for the sole purpose of permitting the Company and the Stockholders to
become familiar with the business and assets and liabilities of
Acquiror.
7.4 NOTIFICATION OF CERTAIN MATTERS. Acquiror shall promptly inform the
Company and the Stockholders in writing of (a) any notice of, or other
communication relating to, a default or event that, with notice or
lapse of time or both, would become a default, received by Acquiror
subsequent to the date of this Agreement and prior to the Effective
Time under any Acquiror Commitment material to Acquiror's condition
(financial or otherwise), operations, assets, liabilities or business
and to which it is subject; or (b) any material adverse change in
Acquiror's condition (financial or otherwise), operations, assets,
liabilities or business.
7.5 APPROVALS OF THIRD PARTIES. Acquiror shall use its best efforts to
secure, as soon as practicable after the date hereof, all necessary
approvals and consents of third parties to the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.
ARTICLE VIII
COVENANTS OF ALL PARTIES
Acquiror, the Company and the Stockholders agree as follows (with
respect to the Company's covenants, the Stockholders agree to use their best
efforts to cause the Company to perform):
8.1 FILINGS; OTHER ACTION.
8.1.1 Acquiror, the Company and the Stockholders shall
cooperate to promptly prepare and file with the SEC the Registration Statement
on Form S-1 (or other appropriate Form) to be filed by Acquiror in connection
with its Initial Public Offering (including the prospectus constituting a part
thereof, the "Registration Statement"). Acquiror shall obtain all necessary
state securities law or "Blue Sky" permits and approvals required to carry out
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and the Company and the
Stockholders shall furnish all information concerning the Company and the
Stockholders as may be reasonably requested in connection with any such action.
8.1.2 None of the information or documents supplied or to be
supplied by each of the Company, the Stockholders and Acquiror specifically for
inclusion in the Registration Statement, by exhibit or otherwise, will, at the
time the Registration Statement and each amendment and supplement thereto, if
any, becomes effective under the Securities Act, contain any untrue statement of
a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading. The Company, the Stockholders and
Acquiror shall agree as to the information and documents supplied by the Company
and the Stockholders for inclusion in the Registration Statement and shall
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indicate such information and documents in a letter to be delivered at Closing
(the "Information Letter"). The Company and the Stockholders shall be entitled
to review the Registration Statement and each amendment thereto, if any, prior
to the time each becomes effective under the Securities Act.
8.1.3 The Stockholders and the Company shall, upon request,
furnish Acquiror with all information concerning the Company, its subsidiaries,
directors, officers, partners and stockholders and such other matters as may be
reasonably requested by Acquiror in connection with the preparation of the
Registration Statement and each amendment or supplement thereto, or any other
statement, filing, notice or application made by or on behalf of each such party
or any of its subsidiaries to any governmental entity in connection with the
Merger, and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
8.2 AMENDMENT OF SCHEDULES. Each party hereto agrees that, with respect to
the representations and warranties of such party contained in this
Agreement, such party shall have the continuing obligation until the
Closing to supplement or amend promptly (i) in the case of Acquiror,
the Acquiror Disclosure Schedules and (ii) in the case of the Company
or the Stockholders, the Company Disclosure Schedules with respect to
any matter that would have been or would be required to be set forth or
described in the Schedules in order to not materially breach any
representation, warranty or covenant of such party contained herein;
provided that, no amendment or supplement to a Schedule that
constitutes or reflects a material adverse change to the Company may be
made unless Acquiror consents to such amendment or supplement, and no
amendment or supplement to a Schedule that constitutes or reflects a
material adverse change to Acquiror may be made unless the Company and
the Stockholders consent to such amendment or supplement. For all
purposes of this Agreement, the Schedules hereto shall be deemed to be
the Schedules as amended or supplemented pursuant to this Section 8.2.
In the event that the Company seeks to amend or supplement a Schedule
pursuant to this Section 8.2 and Acquiror does not consent to such
amendment or supplement, or Acquiror seeks to amend or supplement a
Schedule pursuant to this Section 8.2 and the Company and the
Stockholders do not consent, this Agreement shall be deemed terminated
by mutual consent as set forth in Section 14.1.1 hereof.
8.3 STOCKHOLDER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS. At or immediately prior to Closing,
each Stockholder who is an employee of the Company shall terminate his
employment agreement, if any, with the Company by mutual consent
without any liability on the part of the Company therefor, and shall
enter into a Stockholder Employment Agreement in the form appended
hereto as Exhibit 8.3 with Acquiror (the "Stockholder Employment
Agreements").
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ARTICLE IX
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT OF ACQUIROR
Except as may be waived in writing by Acquiror, the obligations of
Acquiror hereunder are subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing
Date of each of the following conditions:
9.1 DUE DILIGENCE. Acquiror shall have completed its due diligence review
of the Company and shall be reasonably satisfied with the results
thereof.
9.2 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations and warranties of
the Company and the Stockholder contained herein shall have been true
and correct in all material respects when initially made and shall be
true and correct in all respects as of the Closing Date.
9.3 COVENANTS. The Company and the Stockholders shall have performed and
complied in all material respects with all covenants required by this
Agreement to be performed and complied with by the Company or the
Stockholders prior to the Closing Date.
9.4 LEGAL OPINION. Counsel to the Company and the Stockholders shall have
delivered to Acquiror their opinions, dated as of the Closing Date, in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Acquiror, to the effect
set forth in Exhibit 9.4.
9.5 PROCEEDINGS. No action, proceeding or order by any court or
governmental body or agency shall have been threatened orally or in
writing, asserted, instituted or entered to restrain or prohibit the
carrying out of the transactions contemplated hereby.
9.6 NO MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE. No material adverse change in the condition
(financial or otherwise), operations, assets, liabilities or business
of the Company shall have occurred since the Company Balance Sheet
Date, whether or not such change shall have been caused by the
deliberate act or omission of the Company or the Stockholders.
9.7 SECURITIES APPROVALS. The Registration Statement shall have become
effective under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and
no proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or threatened
by the SEC. At or prior to the Closing Date, Acquiror shall have
received all state securities and "Blue Sky" permits necessary to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The Acquiror Common
Stock shall have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq National
Market, subject only to official notification of issuance.
9.8 SIMULTANEOUS CLOSINGS. The Initial Public Offering and Acquiror's
acquisition of all of the Target Companies (or such Target Companies if
less than all of them as Acquiror and the Underwriter Representative
shall agree will be sufficient for purposes of the Initial Public
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Offering) shall all be closed and consummated simultaneously with the
closing of the Merger.
9.9 CLOSING DELIVERIES. Acquiror shall have received all documents and
agreements, duly executed and delivered in form satisfactory to
Acquiror, referred to in Section 11.1.
ARTICLE X
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT OF THE COMPANY AND THE STOCKHOLDERS
Except as may be waived in writing by the Company and the Stockholders,
the obligations of the Company and the Stockholders hereunder are subject to
fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of each of the following conditions:
10.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations and warranties of
Acquiror contained herein shall be true and correct in all material
respects when initially made and shall be true and correct in all
respects as of the Closing Date.
10.2 COVENANTS. Acquiror shall have performed and complied in all material
respects with all covenants and conditions required by this Agreement
to be performed and complied with by it prior to the Closing Date.
10.3 LEGAL OPINIONS.
10.3.1 Counsel to Acquiror shall have delivered to the Company
and the Stockholders their opinion, dated as of the Closing Date, in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Stockholders, to the
effect set forth in Exhibit 10.3.1.
10.3.2 Counsel to Acquiror shall have delivered to the Company
their opinion, dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect set forth in Exhibit
10.3.2 (the "Tax Opinion").
10.4 PROCEEDINGS. No action, proceeding or order by any court or
governmental body or agency shall have been threatened in writing,
asserted, instituted or entered to restrain or prohibit the carrying
out of the transactions contemplated hereby.
10.5 GOVERNMENT APPROVALS AND REQUIRED CONSENTS. The Company, Stockholders
and Acquiror shall have obtained all necessary government and other
third party approvals and consents.
10.6 SECURITIES APPROVALS. The Registration Statement shall have become
effective under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and
no proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or
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threatened by the SEC. At or prior to the Closing Date, Acquiror shall
have received all state securities and "Blue Sky" permits necessary to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. At or prior to the
Closing Date, the Acquiror Common Stock shall have been approved for
listing on The Nasdaq National Market, subject only to official
notification of issuance.
10.7 CLOSING DELIVERIES. The Company shall have received all documents and
agreements, duly executed and delivered in form satisfactory to the
Company, referred to in Section 11.2.
10.8 RELEASE OF PERSONAL GUARANTEES. The Company shall have provided
evidence to the Stockholders to the effect that all personal guarantees
given by the Stockholders guaranteeing debt of the Company have been
released by the appropriate lending institution and the Stockholders
are no longer personally liable for any of the debts of the Company.
10.9 SIMULTANEOUS CLOSINGS. The Initial Public Offering and Acquiror's
acquisition of all of the Target Companies (or such Target Companies if
less than all of them as Acquiror and the Underwriter Representative
shall agree will be sufficient for purposes of the Initial Public
Offering) shall all be closed and consummated simultaneously with the
closing of the Merger.
ARTICLE XI
CLOSING DELIVERIES
11.1 DELIVERIES OF THE COMPANY AND THE STOCKHOLDERS. At or prior to the
Closing Date, the Company and the Stockholders shall deliver to
Acquiror c/o Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, counsel to Acquiror, the following,
all of which shall be in a form satisfactory to Acquiror:
11.1.1 a copy of resolutions of the Board of Directors and the
stockholders of the Company authorizing the execution, delivery and performance
of this Agreement and all related documents and agreements and consummation of
the Merger, each certified by the Secretary of the Company as being true and
correct copies of the originals thereof subject to no modifications or
amendments;
11.1.2 a certificate of the President of the Company, and the
Stockholders, dated the Closing Date, as to the truth and correctness of the
representations and warranties of the Company and the Stockholders contained
herein on and as of the Closing Date;
11.1.3 a certificate of the President of the Company, and the
Stockholders, dated the Closing Date, (i) as to the performance of and
compliance in all material respects by the Company and the Stockholders with all
covenants contained herein on and as of the Closing Date and (ii)
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certifying that all conditions precedent of the Company and the Stockholders to
the Closing have been satisfied;
11.1.4 a certificate of the Secretary of the Company
certifying as to the incumbency of the directors and officers of such
corporation and as to the signatures of such directors and officers who have
executed documents delivered at the Closing on behalf of that corporation;
11.1.5 a certificate, dated within ten days prior to the
Closing Date, of the Secretary of State of the state of incorporation of the
Company establishing that such corporation is in existence, has paid all
franchise or similar taxes, if any, and, if applicable, otherwise is in good
standing to transact business in its state of organization;
11.1.6 certificates, dated within ten days prior to the
Closing Date, of the Secretaries of State of the states in which the Company is
qualified to do business, to the effect that such corporation is qualified to do
business and, if applicable, is in good standing as a foreign corporation in
each of such states;
11.1.7 an opinion of Xxxxx & Xxxxxxxx, counsel to the Company
and the Stockholders dated as of the Closing Date, pursuant to Section 9.4;
11.1.8 all necessary authorizations, consents, approvals,
permits and licenses;
11.1.9 the resignations of the directors and officers of the
Company as requested by Acquiror;
11.1.10 an executed Stockholder Employment Agreement between
Acquiror and each Stockholder in substantially the form attached hereto as
Exhibit 8.3;
11.1.11 an executed Registration Rights Agreement between
Acquiror and the Stockholders in substantially the form attached hereto as
Exhibit 11.1.11 (the "Registration Rights Agreement");
11.1.12 an executed Certificate of Merger necessary to effect
the Merger referred to in Section 2.4;
11.1.13 a nonforeign affidavit, as such affidavit is referred
to in Section 1445(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, of each Stockholder,
signed under a penalty of perjury and dated as of the Closing Date, to the
effect that each Stockholder is a United States citizen or a resident alien (and
thus not a foreign person) and providing such Stockholders United States
taxpayer identification number;
11.1.14 the Information Letter required by Section 8.1.2;
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11.1.15 a copy of the xxxx from both Xxxxx & Xxxxxxxx and
Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, the Company's legal counsel, setting forth the aggregate
legal fees incurred by the Company for services rendered to the Company in
connection with the Merger; and
11.1.16 such other instrument or instruments of transfer
prepared by Acquiror as shall be necessary or appropriate, as Acquiror or its
counsel shall reasonably request, to carry out and effect the purpose and intent
of this Agreement.
11.2 DELIVERIES OF ACQUIROR. At or prior to the Closing Date, Acquiror shall
deliver to the Company and the Stockholders c/o Dinsmore & Shohl LLP,
counsel to Acquiror, the following, all of which shall be in a form
satisfactory to the Company and the Stockholders;
11.2.1 a copy of the resolutions of the Board of Directors and
shareholders of Acquiror authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement, and all related documents and agreements, and consummation of
the Merger, each certified by Acquiror's Secretary as being true and correct
copies of the originals thereof subject to no modifications or amendments;
11.2.2 a certificate of an officer of Acquiror dated the
Closing Date as to the truth and correctness of the representations and
warranties of Acquiror contained herein on and as of the Closing Date;
11.2.3 a certificate of an officer of Acquiror dated the
Closing Date, (i) as to the performance and compliance by Acquiror with all
covenants contained herein on and as of the Closing Date and (ii) certifying
that all conditions precedent of Acquiror to the Closing have been satisfied or
waived;
11.2.4 a certificate of the Secretary of Acquiror certifying
as to the incumbency of the directors and officers of Acquiror and as to the
signatures of such officers and directors who have executed documents delivered
at the Closing on behalf of Acquiror;
11.2.5 a certificate, dated within ten days prior to the
Closing Date, of the Secretary of State of Ohio establishing that Acquiror is in
existence, has paid all franchise or similar taxes, if any, and, if applicable,
otherwise is in good standing to transact business in its state of
incorporation;
11.2.6 certificates (or photocopies thereof), dated within ten
days prior to the Closing Date, of the Secretaries of State of the states in
which Acquiror is qualified to do business, to the effect that Acquiror is
qualified to do business and, if applicable, is in good standing as a foreign
corporation in each of such states;
11.2.7 an opinion of Xxxxxxxx & Shohl LLP, counsel to
Acquiror, dated as of the Closing Date, pursuant to Section 10.3.1:
11.2.8 the Tax Opinion, dated as of the Closing Date;
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11.2.9 the executed Registration Rights Agreement;
11.2.10 an executed Certificate of Merger necessary to effect
the Merger referred to in Section 2.4;
11.2.11 executed Stockholder Employment Agreements in
substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit 8.3
11.2.12 the Merger Consideration;
11.2.13 such other instrument or instruments of transfer,
prepared by the Company or the Stockholders as shall be necessary or
appropriate, as the Company, the Stockholders or their counsel shall reasonably
request, to carry out and effect the purpose and intent of this Agreement.
ARTICLE XII
POST CLOSING MATTERS
12.1 FURTHER INSTRUMENTS OF TRANSFER. Following the Closing, at the request
of Acquiror and at Acquiror's sole cost and expense, the Stockholders
and the Company shall deliver any further instruments of transfer and
take all reasonable action as may be necessary or appropriate to carry
out the purpose and intent of this Agreement.
12.2 PRESERVATION OF TAX AND ACCOUNTING TREATMENT. After the Closing Date,
Acquiror shall not and shall not permit any of its subsidiaries to:
12.2.1 retire or reacquire, directly or indirectly, all or
part of the Acquiror Common Stock issued in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby within the two years following the Closing Date;
12.2.2 enter into financial arrangements for the benefit of
the Stockholders; or
12.2.3 dispose of a significant part of the assets of the
Company within the two years following the Closing Date except in the ordinary
course of business, to Affiliates of Acquiror or to eliminate duplicate services
or excess capacity.
12.3 MERGER TAX COVENANTS.
12.3.1 The parties intend that the Merger will qualify as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code
in which the Company will not recognize
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gain or loss, and pursuant to which any gain recognized by the Stockholders as a
result of the Merger will not exceed the amount of any cash received by the
Stockholders in the Merger (a "Reorganization").
12.3.2 Both prior to and after the Effective Time, all books
and records shall be maintained, and all Tax Returns and schedules thereto shall
be filed in a manner consistent with the Merger being treated as a
Reorganization. These obligations are excused as to a party required to maintain
the books or file a Tax Return if such party has provided to the other parties a
written opinion of competent tax counsel to the effect that there is not
substantial authority, within the meaning of Section 6662(d)(2)(B)(i) of the
Internal Revenue Code, to report the Merger as a Reorganization and such opinion
either is furnished prior to the Effective Time or is based on facts or events
not known at the Effective Time. Each party shall provide to each other party
such tax information, reports, returns, or schedules as may be reasonably
required to assist such party in accounting for and reporting the Merger as a
Reorganization.
ARTICLE XIII
REMEDIES
13.1 INDEMNIFICATION BY THE STOCKHOLDERS. Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Article XIII, the Stockholders agree to indemnify,
defend and hold Acquiror, the Company, the Surviving Corporation and
their respective directors, officers, members, managers, employees,
agents, attorneys and affiliates harmless from and against all losses,
claims, obligations, demands, assessments, penalties, liabilities,
costs, damages, reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses (collectively,
"Damages") asserted against or incurred by such indemnities arising out
of or resulting from:
13.1.1 a material breach of the Company or the Stockholders of
any representation, warranty or covenant of the Company or the Stockholders
contained herein or in any Schedule or certificate delivered by them hereunder;
13.1.2 any violation by Stockholders, the Company and/or any
of their past or present directors, officers, members, managers, shareholders,
employees, agents, consultants and affiliates of state or federal laws occurring
on or before the Closing Date;
13.1.3 any liability under the Securities Act, the Exchange
Act or any other federal or state "Blue Sky" or securities law or regulation, at
common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement of a
material fact relating to the Stockholders, or the Company and provided in
writing to Acquiror or its counsel by the Company or the Stockholders,
specifically for inclusion in any preliminary prospectus, the Registration
Statement or any prospectus forming a part thereof, or any amendment thereof or
supplement thereto, arising out of or based upon any omission to state in such
writing a material fact relating to the Stockholders and/or the Company required
to
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be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,
and not provided to Acquiror or its counsel by the Company or the Stockholders,
provided, however, that such indemnity shall not inure to the benefit of
Acquiror and the Company to the extent that such untrue statement was made in,
or omission occurred in, any preliminary prospectus and Stockholder provided, in
writing, corrected information to Acquiror's counsel and to Acquiror for
inclusion in the final prospectus, and such information was not so included; and
13.1.4 any filings, reports or disclosures made by the Company
or the Stockholders, as the case may be, pursuant to the IRS Voluntary
Compliance Resolution Program.
13.2 INDEMNIFICATION BY ACQUIROR. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Article XIII, Acquiror shall indemnify, defend and hold the
Stockholders harmless from and against all Damages asserted against or
incurred by them arising out of or resulting from:
13.2.1 a material breach by Acquiror of any representation,
warranty or covenant of Acquiror contained herein or in any Schedule or
certificate delivered by it hereunder; and
13.2.2 any liability under the Securities Act, the Exchange
Act or any other federal or state "Blue Sky" or securities law or regulation, at
common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of a material fact relating to Acquiror, contained in
any preliminary prospectus, the Registration Statement or any prospectus forming
a part thereof, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, arising out of
or based upon any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact
relating to Acquiror, required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading.
13.3 CONDITIONS OF INDEMNIFICATION. All claims for indemnification under
this Agreement shall be asserted and resolved as follows:
13.3.1 A party claiming indemnification under this Agreement
(an "Indemnified Party") shall promptly (and, in any event, at least ten days
prior to the due date for any responsive pleadings, filings or other documents)
(i) notify the party from whom indemnification is sought (the "Indemnifying
Party") of any third-party claim or claims asserted against the Indemnified
Party ("Third Party Claim") that could give rise to a right of indemnification
under this Agreement and (ii) transmit to the Indemnifying Party a written
notice ("Claim Notice") describing in reasonable detail the nature of the Third
Party Claim, a copy of all papers served with respect to such claim (if any), an
estimate of the amount of damages attributable to the Third Party Claim and the
basis of the Indemnified Party's request for indemnification under this
Agreement. The failure to promptly deliver a Claim Notice shall not relieve the
Indemnifying Party of its obligations to the Indemnified Party with respect to
the related Third Party Claim except to the extent that the resulting delay is
materially prejudicial to the defense of such claim. Within 30 days after
receipt of any Claim Notice (the "Election Period"), the Indemnifying Party
shall notify the Indemnified Party (i) whether the Indemnifying Party disputes
its potential liability to the Indemnified Party under this Article XIII with
respect to such Third Party Claim and (ii) whether the Indemnifying Party
desires, at the sole
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cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party, to defend the Indemnified Party
against such Third Party claim.
13.3.2 If the Indemnifying Party notifies the Indemnified
Party within the Election Period that the Indemnifying Party elects to assume
the defense of the Third Party Claim, then the Indemnifying Party shall have the
right to defend, at its sole cost and expense, such Third Party Claim by all
appropriate proceedings, which proceedings shall be prosecuted diligently by the
Indemnifying Party to a final conclusion or settled at the discretion of the
Indemnifying Party in accordance with this Section 13.3.2. The Indemnifying
Party shall have full control of such defense and proceedings, including any
compromise or settlement thereof. The Indemnified Party is hereby authorized, at
the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party (but only if the Indemnified
Party is entitled to indemnification hereunder), to file, during the Election
Period, any motion, answer or other pleadings that the Indemnified Party shall
deem necessary or appropriate to protect its interests or those of the
Indemnifying Party and not prejudicial to the Indemnifying Party (it being
understood and agreed that if an Indemnified Party takes any such action that is
prejudicial and causes a final adjudication that is adverse to the Indemnifying
Party, the Indemnifying Party shall be relieved of its obligations hereunder
with respect to such Third Party Claim). If requested by the Indemnifying Party,
the Indemnified Party agrees, at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying
Party, to cooperate with the Indemnifying Party and its counsel in contesting
any Third Party Claim that the Indemnifying Party elects to contest, including,
without limitation, the making of any related counterclaim against the person
asserting the Third Party Claim or any cross-complaint against any person. The
Indemnified Party may participate in, but not control, any defense or settlement
of any Third Party Claim controlled by the Indemnifying Party pursuant to this
Section 13.3.2 and shall bear its own costs and expenses with respect to such
participation; provided, however, that if the named parties to any such action
(including any impleaded parties) include both the Indemnifying Party and the
Indemnified Party, and the Indemnified Party has been advised by counsel that
there may be one or more legal defenses available to it that are different from
or additional to those available to the Indemnifying Party, then the Indemnified
Party may employ separate counsel (reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnifying
Party) at the expense of the Indemnifying Party, and upon written notification
thereof, the Indemnifying Party shall not have the right to assume the defense
of such action on behalf of the Indemnified Party; provided further that the
Indemnifying Party shall not, in connection with any one such action or separate
but substantially similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising
out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the
reasonable fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys at any
time for the Indemnified Party, which firm shall be designated in writing by the
Indemnified Party.
13.3.3 If the Indemnifying Party fails to notify the
Indemnified Party within the Election Period that the Indemnifying Party elects
to defend the Indemnified Party pursuant to Section 13.3.2, or if the
Indemnifying Party elects to defend the Indemnified Party pursuant to Section
13.3.2 but fails diligently and promptly to prosecute or settle the Third Party
Claim, then the Indemnified Party shall have the right to defend, at the sole
cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party (if the Indemnified Party is entitled
to indemnification hereunder), the Third Party Claim by all appropriate
proceedings, which proceedings shall be promptly and vigorously prosecuted by
the
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Indemnified Party to a final conclusion or settled. The Indemnified Party shall
have full control of such defense and proceedings, provided, however, that the
Indemnified Party may not enter into, without the Indemnifying Party's consent,
which shall not be unreasonably withheld, any compromise or settlement of such
Third Party Claim. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Indemnifying Party has
delivered a written notice to the Indemnified Party to the effect that the
Indemnifying Party disputes its potential liability to the Indemnified Party
under this Article XIII and if such dispute is resolved in favor of the
Indemnifying Party, the Indemnifying Party shall not be required to bear the
costs and expenses of the Indemnified Party's defense pursuant to this Section
or of the Indemnifying Party's participation therein at the Indemnified Party's
request, and the Indemnified Party shall reimburse the Indemnifying Party in
full for all costs and expenses of such litigation. The Indemnifying Party may
participate in, but not control any defense or settlement controlled by the
Indemnified Party pursuant to this Section 13.3.3, and the Indemnifying Party
shall bear its own costs and expenses with respect to such participation;
provided, however, that if the named parties to any such action (including any
impleaded parties) include both the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified
Party, and the Indemnifying Party has been advised by counsel that there may be
one or more legal defenses available to it that are different from or additional
to those available to the Indemnified Party, then the Indemnifying Party may
employ separate counsel and upon written notification thereof, the Indemnified
Party shall not have the right to assume (reasonably satisfactory to the
Indemnifying Party) the defense of such action on behalf of the Indemnifying
Party.
13.3.4 In the event any Indemnified Party should have a claim
against any Indemnifying Party hereunder that does not involve a Third Party
Claim, the Indemnified Party shall transmit to the Indemnifying Party a written
notice (the "Indemnity Notice") describing in reasonable detail the nature of
the claim, an estimate of the amount of damages attributable to such claim and
the basis of the Indemnified Party's request for indemnification under this
Agreement. If the Indemnifying Party does not notify the Indemnified Party
within 60 days from its receipt of the Indemnity Notice that the Indemnifying
Party disputes such claim, the claim specified by the Indemnified Party in the
Indemnity Notice shall be deemed a liability of the Indemnifying Party
hereunder. If the Indemnifying Party has timely disputed such claim, as provided
above, such dispute shall be resolved by litigation in an appropriate court of
competent jurisdiction if the parties do not reach a settlement of such dispute
within 30 days after notice of a dispute is given.
13.3.5 Payments of all amounts owing by an Indemnifying Party
pursuant to this Article XIII relating to a Third Party Claim shall be made
within 30 days after the latest of (i) the settlement of such Third Party Claim,
(ii) the expiration of the period for appeal of a final adjudication of such
Third Party Claim or (iii) the expiration of the period for appeal of a final
adjudication of the Indemnifying Party's liability to the Indemnified Party
under this Agreement. Payments of all amounts owing by an Indemnifying Party
shall be made within 30 days after the later of (i) the expiration of the 60-day
Indemnity Notice period or (ii) the expiration of the period for appeal of a
final adjudication of the Indemnifying Party's liability to the Indemnified
Party under this Agreement.
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13.4 INDEMNIFICATION EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. Indemnification pursuant to and as
limited by the provisions of this Article XIII shall be the exclusive
remedy of any party for any misrepresentation or breach of any
warranty, representation, covenant or agreement contained herein or in
any schedule or certificate delivered hereunder or in any closing
document executed and delivered pursuant to the provisions hereof.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rights of any party to pursue the
remedy of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable
relief as a result of the breach of any covenant or agreement contained
herein or in any other document or agreement shall not be impaired or
otherwise affected in any manner.
13.5 INDEMNIFICATION LIMITATIONS. Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections
13.1 and 13.2, (a) no party shall be required to indemnify another
party with respect to a breach of a representation, warranty or
covenant unless the claim for indemnification is brought within the
time limit set forth in Section 18.6, (b) no claim may be brought by
any party entitled to indemnification under this Article XIII unless
and until the aggregate cumulative amount to which such party is
entitled equals or exceeds $50,000, and (c) no party shall be obligated
to make any indemnification in excess of 50% of the value of the Merger
Consideration.
13.6 TAX BENEFITS; INSURANCE PROCEEDS. The total amount of any indemnity
payments owed by one party to another party to this Agreement shall be
reduced by any correlative tax benefit received by the party to be
indemnified or the net proceeds received by the party to be indemnified
with respect to recovery from third parties or insurance proceeds, and
such correlative insurance benefit shall be net of the insurance
premium, if any, that becomes due as a result of such claim.
13.7 PAYMENT OF INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATION. In the event that the
Stockholders have an indemnification obligation to Acquiror hereunder,
the Stockholders may satisfy such obligation by transferring to
Acquiror such number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock owned by the
Stockholders having an aggregate fair market value (based on the last
reported sale price of Acquiror Common Stock on the Nasdaq National
Market or other exchange on which the Acquiror Common Stock is then
listed or the last quoted ask price on any over-the-counter market
through which the Acquiror Common Stock is then quoted on the last
trading day immediately preceding the day on which the Stockholder
transfers shares of Acquiror Common Stock to Acquiror hereunder) equal
to the indemnification obligation; provided that each of the following
conditions are satisfied:
13.7.1 The Stockholders shall transfer to Acquiror good, valid
and marketable title to the shares of Acquiror Common Stock, free and clear of
all adverse claims, security interests, liens, claims, proxies, options,
stockholders' agreements and encumbrances;
13.7.2 The Stockholders shall make such representations and
warranties as to title to the stock, absences of security interests, liens,
claims, proxies, options, stockholders' agreements and other encumbrances and
other matters as reasonably requested by Acquiror; and
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13.7.3 The other terms and conditions of any transaction
contemplated pursuant to this Section and the effects thereof, including any
legal or tax consequences, would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Acquiror
or its business.
ARTICLE XIV
TERMINATION
14.1 TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger and the
Acquisition may be abandoned:
14.1.1 at any time prior to the Closing Date by mutual
agreement of all parties;
14.1.2 at any time prior to the Closing Date by Acquiror if
any material representation or warranty of the Company or the Stockholders
contained in this Agreement or in any certificate or other document executed and
delivered by the Company or the Stockholder pursuant to this Agreement is or
becomes untrue or breached in any material respect or if the Company or the
Stockholders fail to comply in any material respect with any covenant or
agreement contained herein, and any such misrepresentation, noncompliance or
breach is not cured, waived or eliminated within 20 days after receipt by the
Company of written notice thereof; or
14.1.3 at any time prior to the Closing Date by the Company if
any representation or warranty of Acquiror contained in this Agreement or in any
certificate or other document executed and delivered by Acquiror pursuant to
this Agreement is or becomes untrue or breached in any material respect or if
Acquiror fails to comply in any material respect with any covenant or agreement
contained herein, and any such misrepresentation, noncompliance or breach is not
cured, waived or eliminated within 20 days after receipt by Acquiror of written
notice thereof; or
14.1.4 by Acquiror or the Company if the Merger shall not have
been consummated by March 31, 1998.
14.2 EFFECT OF TERMINATION. In the event this Agreement is terminated
pursuant to Sections 14.1.2 or 14.1.3 above, Acquiror, and the Company
and the Stockholders, shall each be entitled to pursue, exercise and
enforce any and all remedies, rights, powers and privileges available
at law or in equity. In the event of a termination of this Agreement
under the provisions of this Article, a party not then in material
breach of this Agreement shall stand fully released and discharged of
any and all obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that
if a termination of this Agreement occurs pursuant to the last sentence
of Section 8.2, the parties hereto shall stand fully released and
discharged of any and all obligations under this Agreement.
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14.3 Upon the termination pursuant to Sections 14.1.1, 14.1.3 or 14.1.4,
Acquiror and the Company hereby agree that they shall negotiate in good
faith towards the entering of a mutually acceptable agreement for the
license for Acquiror's step2000, which agreement shall provide for a
10% royalty to Acquiror and contain such other usual and customary
terms and conditions with respect to Acquiror's license of such product
to other customers of Acquiror.
ARTICLE XV
NONDISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
15.1 NONDISCLOSURE. Each Stockholder recognizes and acknowledges that he or
she had in the past, currently has, and in the future may possibly
have, access to certain Confidential Information of the Company and
Acquiror that is valuable, special and unique assets of the Company's
and Acquiror's respective businesses. Acquiror acknowledges that it has
had in the past, currently has, and in the future may possible have,
access to certain Confidential Information of the Company that is
valuable, special and unique assets of the Company's business. Each
Stockholder, the Company, and Acquiror agree that they will not
disclose such Confidential Information to any person, firm,
corporation, association or other entity for any purpose or reason
whatsoever, except (a) to authorized representatives of Acquiror, the
Company and such Stockholder and (b) to counsel and other advisers to
Acquiror, respectively, provided that such advisers (other than
counsel) agree to the confidentiality provisions of this Section 15.1,
unless (i) such information becomes available to or known by the public
generally through no fault of such Stockholder, the Company, or
Acquiror, as the case may be, (ii) disclosure is required by law or the
order of any governmental authority under color of law, provided, that
prior to disclosing any information pursuant to this clause (ii), such
Stockholder, the Company, or Acquiror, as the case may be, shall, if
possible, give prior written notice thereof to the Stockholder, the
Company, and Acquiror and provide such Stockholder, the Company,
Acquiror with the opportunity to contest such disclosure, (iii) the
disclosing party reasonably believes that such disclosure is required
in connection with the defense of a lawsuit against the disclosing
party, or (iv) the disclosing party is the sole and exclusive owner of
such Confidential Information as a result of the Merger or otherwise.
In the event of a breach or threatened breach by a Stockholder of the
provisions of this Section 15.1, Acquiror and the Company shall be
entitled to an injunction restraining such Stockholder from disclosing,
in whole or in part, such Confidential Information. Nothing herein
shall be construed as prohibiting Acquiror, the Stockholder and the
Company from pursuing any other available remedy for such breach or
threatened breach, including the recovery of damages.
15.2 DAMAGES. Because of the difficulty of measuring economic losses as a
result of the breach of the foregoing covenants, and because of the
immediate and irreparable damage that would be caused for which they
would have no other adequate remedy, Acquiror, the Company, and
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the Stockholders agree that, in the event of a breach by any of them of
the foregoing covenant, the covenant may be enforced against them by
injunctions and restraining orders.
15.3 SURVIVAL. The obligations of the parties under this Article XV shall
survive the termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE XVI
TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS
16.1 TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS. Until the expiration of the later of one year
from the Closing or such other holding period as may be required under
applicable federal or state securities laws, the Stockholders shall
not, except pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement and Section
13.7 hereof, voluntarily (a) sell, assign, exchange, transfer,
encumber, pledge, distribute, appoint, or otherwise dispose of (i) any
shares of Acquiror Common Stock received by such Stockholder in the
Merger, or (ii) any interest (including, without limitation, an option
to buy or sell) in any such shares of Acquiror Common Stock, in whole
or in part, and no such attempted transfer shall be treated as
effective for any purpose or (b) engage in any transaction, whether or
not with respect to any shares of Acquiror Common Stock or any interest
therein, the intent or effect of which is to reduce the risk of owning
shares of Acquiror Common Stock. The certificates evidencing the
Acquiror Common Stock delivered to the Stockholder pursuant to this
Agreement will bear a legend substantially in the form set forth below
and containing such other information as Acquiror may reasonably deem
necessary or appropriate:
Except pursuant to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement and
the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization ("Merger
Agreement") between the issuer, the holder of this certificate and the
other parties thereto, the shares represented by this certificate may
not be voluntarily sold, assigned, exchanged, transferred, encumbered,
pledged, distributed, appointed or otherwise disposed of, and the
issuer shall not be required to give effect to any attempted voluntary
sale, assignment, exchange, transfer, encumbrance, pledge,
distribution, appointment or other disposition prior to [date that is
one year after the Closing Date.] Upon the written request of the
holder of this certificate, the issuer agrees to remove this
restrictive legend (and any stop order placed with the transfer agent)
after the expiration of the period specified in the Merger Agreement.
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ARTICLE XVII
FEDERAL SECURITIES LAW
RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUIROR COMMON STOCK
17.1 INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION. Each Stockholder acknowledges that the
shares of Acquiror Common Stock to be delivered to such Stockholder
pursuant to this Agreement have not been and will not be registered
under the Securities Act and may not be resold without compliance with
the Securities Act. The Acquiror Common Stock to be acquired by such
Stockholder pursuant to this Agreement is being acquired solely for
his, her or its own account, for investment purposes only and with no
present intention of distributing, selling or otherwise disposing of it
in connection with a distribution.
17.2 COMPLIANCE WITH LAW. Each Stockholder covenants, warrants and
represents that none of the shares of Acquiror Common Stock issued to
such Stockholder will be offered, sold, assigned, pledged,
hypothecated, transferred or otherwise disposed of except after full
compliance with all of the applicable provisions of the Securities Act
and the rules and regulations of the SEC and applicable state
securities laws and regulations. All certificates evidencing shares of
Acquiror Common Stock shall bear the following legend in addition to
the legends under Article XVI.
The shares represented hereby have not been registered under the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act") and may only be sold or otherwise
transferred if the holder hereof complies with the Act and applicable
securities law.
In addition, certificates evidencing shares of Acquiror Common Stock shall bear
any legend required by the securities or blue sky laws of any state where the
Stockholder resides.
17.3 ECONOMIC RISK; SOPHISTICATION. Each Stockholder is able to bear the
economic risk of an investment in Acquiror Common Stock acquired
pursuant to this Agreement and can afford to sustain a total loss of
such investment and has such knowledge and experience in financial and
business matters that he, she or it is capable of evaluating the merits
and risks of the proposed investment and therefore have the capacity to
protect his, her or its own interests in connection with the
acquisition of the Acquiror Common Stock. Each Stockholder or its
purchaser representatives have had an adequate opportunity to ask
questions and receive answers from the officers of Acquiror concerning
any and all matters relating to the transactions described in the
Registration Statement including, without limitation, the background
and experience of the officers and directors of Acquiror, the plans for
the operations of the business of Acquiror, and any plans for
additional acquisitions and the like. Each Stockholder or its purchaser
representatives have asked any and all questions in the nature
described in the preceding sentence and all questions have been
answered to their satisfaction.
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17.4 ACCREDITED INVESTOR STATUS. Each Stockholder is an "accredited
investor" as defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act. The
Stockholder recognizes that, as an accredited investor, Acquiror is not
required to provide the Stockholder with any particular information or
disclosures as a condition to relying upon the Rule 506 exemption from
registration under the Securities Act with respect to the issuance of
Acquiror Common Stock in the Merger. However, the Stockholder
acknowledges that he, she or it has received and had the opportunity to
review the information about Acquiror contained in the Acquiror
Disclosure Schedules.
ARTICLE XVIII
MISCELLANEOUS
18.1 AMENDMENT; WAIVERS. This Agreement may be amended, modified or
supplemented only by an instrument in writing executed by all the
parties hereto. Any waiver of any terms and conditions hereof must be
in writing, and signed by the parties hereto. The waiver of any of the
terms and conditions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a
waiver of any other terms and conditions hereof.
18.2 ASSIGNMENT. Neither this Agreement nor any right created hereby or in
any agreement entered into in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby shall be assignable by any party hereto, except by
Acquiror to a wholly owned subsidiary of Acquiror; provided that any
such assignment shall not relieve Acquiror of its obligations
hereunder.
18.3 PARTIES IN INTEREST; NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Except as otherwise
provided herein, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure
to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective heirs, legal
representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto. Neither
this Agreement nor any other agreement contemplated hereby shall be
deemed to confer upon any person not a party hereto or thereto any
rights or remedies hereunder or thereunder.
18.4 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the agreements contemplated hereby
constitute the entire agreement of the parties regarding the subject
matter hereof, and supersede all prior agreements and understandings,
both written and oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect
to the subject matter hereof.
18.5 SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal,
invalid or unenforceable under present or future laws effective during
the term hereof, such provision shall be fully severable and this
Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid
or unenforceable provision never comprised a part hereof; and the
remaining provisions hereof shall remain in full force and effect and
shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable
provision or by its severance herefrom. Furthermore, in lieu of such
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illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, there shall be added
automatically as part of this Agreement a provision as similar in its
terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be
possible and be legal, valid and enforceable.
18.6 SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS. The
representations, warranties and covenants contained herein, including
all statements contained in any certificate, exhibit or other
instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement by or on behalf of the
Company, the Stockholder, or Acquiror, as the case may be, shall
survive the Closing until the first anniversary of the Closing Date.
18.7 GOVERNING LAW. This agreement and the rights and obligations of the
parties hereto shall be governed by and construed and enforced in
accordance with the substantive laws (but not the rules governing
conflicts of laws) of the State of Ohio.
18.8 CAPTIONS. The captions in this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect any of the terms
or provisions hereof.
18.9 GENDER AND NUMBER. When the context requires, the gender of all words
used herein shall include the masculine, feminine and neuter and the
number of all words shall include the singular and plural.
18.10 REFERENCE TO AGREEMENT. Use of the words "herein", "hereof", "hereto"
and the like in this Agreement shall be construed as references to this
Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or
provision of this Agreement, unless otherwise noted.
18.11 CONFIDENTIALITY; PUBLICITY AND DISCLOSURES. Each party shall keep this
Agreement and its terms confidential, and shall make no press release
or public disclosure, either written or oral, regarding the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement without the prior knowledge
and consent of the other parties hereto; provided that the foregoing
shall not prohibit any disclosure (a) by press release, filing or
otherwise that Acquiror has determined in its good faith judgment to be
required by federal securities laws or the rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, (b) to attorneys, accountants,
investment bankers or other agents of the parties assisting the parties
in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
(c) by Acquiror in connection with the conduct of its Initial Public
Offering and conducting an examination of the operations and assets of
the Company; provided that Acquiror shall promptly provide notice to
the Company of any release made under this Section 18.11. In the event
that the transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated for any
reason whatsoever, the parties hereto agree not to disclose or use any
Confidential Information they may have concerning the affairs of the
other parties, except for information that is required by law to be
disclosed; provided that should the transactions contemplated hereby
not be consummated, nothing contained in this Section shall be
construed to prohibit the parties hereto from operating businesses in
competition with each
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other so long as no party discloses or uses any such Confidential
Information in connection therewith.
18.12 NOTICE. Whenever this Agreement requires or permits any notice,
request, or demand from one party to another, the notice, request, or
demand must be in writing to be effective and shall be deemed to be
delivered and received (i) if personally delivered or if delivered by
telex, telegram, facsimile or courier service, when actually received
by the party to whom notice is sent or (ii) if delivered by mail
(whether actually received or not), at the close of business on the
third business day next following the day when placed in the mail,
postage prepaid, certified or registered, addressed to the appropriate
party or parties, at the address of such party set forth below (or at
such other address as such party may designate by written notice to all
other parties in accordance herewith):
If to Acquiror: Universal Document Management Systems,
Inc.
0000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
Attn.: Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
with a copy to: Xxxxxxxx & Shohl LLP
1900 Chemed Center
000 Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
Fax No.: (000) 000-0000
Attn: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Xx.
If to the Company
or the Stockholders: Applied Software Technology, Inc.
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxx, X.X.
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, III
Xxxxx X. Xxxx
with a copy to: Xxxxx & Xxxxxxxx
0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx-Xxxxx Tower
000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, X.X.
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
Attn: J. Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xx.
18.13 CHOICE OF FORUM. Each of the parties hereto shall be subject to the in
personam jurisdiction of any state or federal court located in Xxxxxxxx
County, State of Ohio.
18.14 NO WAIVER; REMEDIES. No party hereto shall by any act (except by
written instrument pursuant to Section 18.1 hereof), delay, indulgence,
omission or otherwise be deemed to
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have waived any right or remedy hereunder or to have acquiesced in any
default in or breach of any of the terms and conditions hereof. No
failure to exercise, nor any delay in exercising, on the part of any
party hereto, any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as
a waiver thereof. No single or partial exercise of any right, power or
privilege hereunder shall preclude any other or further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. No
remedy set forth in this Agreement or otherwise conferred upon or
reserved to any party shall be considered exclusive of any other remedy
available to any party, but the same shall be distinct, separate and
cumulative and may be exercised from time to time as often as occasion
may arise or as may be deemed expedient.
18.15 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together
shall constitute one and the same instrument.
18.16 COSTS, EXPENSES AND LEGAL FEES. Whether or not the transactions
contemplated hereby are consummated, each party hereto shall bear its
own costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in
connection with the transactions contemplated herein.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this
Agreement as of the date first written above.
ACQUIROR:
UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT
SYSTEMS, INC.
By:
-------------------------------------
Xxxxx X. Xxxxx, President
COMPANY:
APPLIED SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
By:
-------------------------------------
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, III, President
STOCKHOLDERS:
----------------------------------------
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, III
----------------------------------------
Xxxxx X. Xxxx
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ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit 1.1.21 List of Target Companies
Exhibit 2.8.1 Merger Consideration
Exhibit 8.3 Stockholder Employment Agreement(s)
Exhibit 9.4 Form of Opinion of Company Counsel
Exhibit 10.3.1 Form of Opinion of Acquiror Counsel
Exhibit 10.3.2 Form of Tax Opinion
Exhibit 11.1.11 Registration Rights Agreement
***
Company Disclosure Schedules:
Schedule 3.1 Organization and Good Standing
Schedule 3.2 Capitalization
Schedule 3.3 Transactions in Capital Stock
Schedule 3.4 Continuity of Business Enterprise
Schedule 3.5 Corporate Records
Schedule 3.6 Authorization and Validity
Schedule 3.7 No Violation
Schedule 3.8 Consents
Schedule 3.9 Financial Statements
Schedule 3.10 Liabilities and Obligations
Schedule 3.11 Employee Matters
Schedule 3.12 Employee Benefit Plans
Schedule 3.13 Absence of Certain Changes
Schedule 3.14 Title; Leased Assets
Schedule 3.15 Commitments
Schedule 3.16 Insurance
Schedule 3.17 Proprietary Rights and Information
Schedule 3.18 Taxes
Schedule 3.19 Compliance with Laws
Schedule 3.20 Finder's Fee
Schedule 3.21 Litigation
Schedule 3.22 Condition of Fixed Assets
Schedule 3.23 Distributions and Repurchases
Schedule 3.24 Banking Relations
Schedule 3.25 Ownership Interests of Interested Persons;
Affiliations
Schedule 3.26 Investments in Competitors
Schedule 3.27 Environmental Matters
Schedule 3.28 Certain Payments
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Schedule 3.29 No Affiliation with NASD Member
Schedule 4.1 Validity; Stockholder Capacity
Schedule 4.2 No Violation
Schedule 4.3 Personal Holding Company; Control of Related
Businesses
Schedule 4.4 Transfers of the Company Capital Stock
Schedule 4.5 Consents
Schedule 4.6 Certain Payments
Schedule 4.7 Finder's Fee
Schedule 4.8 Ownership of Interested Persons;
Affiliations
Schedule 4.9 Investments in Competitors
Schedule 4.10 Disposition of Acquiror Shares
Acquiror Disclosure Schedules:
Schedule 5.1 Organization and Good Standing
Schedule 5.2 Capitalization
Schedule 5.3 Corporate Records
Schedule 5.4 Authorization and Validity
Schedule 5.5 No Violation
Schedule 5.6 Finder's Fee
Schedule 5.7 Capital Stock
Schedule 5.8 Continuity of Business Enterprise
Schedule 5.9 Consents
Schedule 5.10 Proprietary Rights and Information
Schedule 5.11 Taxes
Schedule 5.12 Litigation
Schedule 5.13 Ownership Interests of Interested Persons;
Affiliations
Schedule 5.14 Investments in Competitors
Schedule 5.15 Certain Payments
Schedule 5.16 Commitments; Defaults
Schedule 5.17 Acquiror Financial Statements
Schedule 5.18 Liabilities and Obligations
Schedule 5.19 Employee Matters
Schedule 5.20 Absence of Certain Changes
Business Plan
Acquiror Financial Statements
Proforma Financial Statements
Risk Factors
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