AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION CREATIVE BUSINESS CONCEPTS, INC. as the Purchaser of 100% of the Issued and Outstanding Stock of IT NETWORKS, INC.
CREATIVE
BUSINESS CONCEPTS, INC.
as
the Purchaser
of
100% of the Issued and Outstanding Stock
of
IT
NETWORKS, INC.
September
19, 2005
I
PARTIES
THIS
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
(the
“Agreement”), is
entered into effective as of the 1st day of September, 2005 (the “Effective
Date”), by and between CREATIVE
BUSINESS CONCEPTS, INC., a California corporation (“CBC”); IT NETWORKS, INC., a
California corporation (“IT NET”); and,
the
persons and entities named on the signature page hereof designated as the
shareholders of IT NET (each a “Shareholder”, and collectively referred to
herein as the “Shareholders”). CBC, IT NET, and the Shareholders are
sometimes
referred to collectively herein as the “Parties”, and each individually as a
“Party”.
II
RECITALS
A. IT
NET
has issued and outstanding one thousand (1,000) shares of common stock, par
value $0.00 per share (the “IT NET Stock”), constituting all of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of IT NET.
B. The
Shareholders are the owners and registered holders of one hundred percent (100%)
of the IT NET Stock, with each Shareholder being the holder of the number of
shares of IT NET Stock set forth opposite his name on Schedule II-B, attached
hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
C. CBC
desires to acquire all of the IT NET Stock on the terms and conditions provided
herein solely in exchange for voting common stock of CBC, or the stock of CBC’s
corporate parent, making IT NET a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBC.
D. The
Shareholders desire to sell to CBC all of the issued and outstanding shares
of
IT NET Stock on the terms and conditions provided herein.
E. IT
NET is
the successor-in-interest to IT NETWORK PARTNERS, LLC, a California limited
liability company (the “Predecessor LLC”), which was converted into IT NET (the
“Conversion”) as of and on the 1st
day of
June, 2005 (the “Conversion Date”).
F. The
Parties intend that the transactions envisioned hereunder be treated as a tax
free plan of reorganization under Section 368(a) (1) (B) of the
Code.
G. NOW,
THEREFORE,
in
consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants contained herein, and
for
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are
hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree
as
follows:
III
2
SELECTED
DEFINED TERMS AND INTERPRETATION
3.1 Definitions.
The
following capitalized terms shall have the respective meanings specified in
this
Article III. Other terms defined elsewhere herein shall have meanings so given
them.
3.1.1. Affiliate.
“Affiliate”
shall mean a Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more
intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with,
the
first Person.
3.1.2. Control.
“Control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”)
shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or
cause the direction of the management policies of a Person, whether through
the
ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
3.1.3. Code.
“Code”
shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time-to-time,
and
the rules and regulations thereunder.
3.1.4. Intellectual
Property.
“Intellectual Property” (also referred to as “Intellectual Property Assets”)
shall mean and include the following, as well as all other general intangibles
of a like nature and all (i) goodwill, and (ii) confidential data or information
relating to the below listed items:
(a) IT
NET’s
full legal name and all derivations thereof used by IT NET, all fictional
business names, trading names, designs, registered and unregistered trademarks,
registered and unregistered service marks, and applications (collectively,
the
“Marks”);
(b) All
patents, patent applications, and inventions and discoveries that may be
patentable (collectively, the “Patents”);
(c) All
copyrights in both published works and unpublished works (collectively, the
“Copyrights”);
(d) All
rights in mask works (collectively, the “Rights in Mask Works”);
and
(e) All
know-how, trade secrets, confidential information, customer lists, computer
software, databases, source codes, object codes, works of authorship, know-how,
technical information, data, process technology, user interfaces, proprietary
concepts, ideas, techniques, business models and methodologies, plans, drawings,
and blue prints owned, used, or licensed by IT NET as licensee or licensor
(collectively, the “Trade Secrets”).
3.1.5 Knowledge.
“Knowledge” shall mean actual
knowledge after reasonable investigation.
3.1.6. Material
Adverse Change.
“Material Adverse Change” shall mean a change which results in a Material
Adverse Effect.
3
3.1.7. Material
Adverse Effect.
“Material Adverse Effect” shall mean the following meaning:
(a) with
respect to CBC, (i) a material adverse effect (whether taken individually or
in
the aggregate with all other such effects) on the financial condition, business,
results of operations or properties of CBC; (ii) an effect which would
materially impair CBC’s ability to timely to consummate the transactions
contemplated under this Agreement; or, (iii) any event, circumstance or
condition affecting CBC which would prevent or materially delay the consummation
of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement;
(b) with
respect to IT NET, (i) a material adverse effect (whether taken individually
or
in the aggregate with all other such effects) on the financial condition,
business, results of operations or properties of IT NET; (ii) an effect which
would materially impair IT NET’s ability timely to consummate the transactions
contemplated under this Agreement; or, (iii) any event, circumstance or
condition affecting IT NET which would prevent or materially delay the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
and
(c) with
respect to the Shareholders, (i) an effect which would materially impair such
Shareholder’s ability timely to consummate the transactions contemplated under
this Agreement; (ii) an effect which would materially impair such Shareholder’s
ability to timely to consummate the transactions contemplated under this
Agreement; or, (iii) any event, circumstance or condition affecting such
Shareholder which would prevent or materially delay the consummation of the
transactions contemplated under this Agreement
3.1.8. Ordinary
Course of Business.
“Ordinary Course of Business” shall mean the course of business procedures and
practices consistent with past custom and practice (including with respect
to
quantity and frequency).
3.1.9. CBC’s
SEC Filings.
“CBC’s
SEC Filings” shall mean CBC’s registration statement on Form SB-2, including
Part II and the list of exhibits thereto (copies of which exhibits are available
to Shareholders upon request to CBC’s Chief Financial Officer) and CBC’s Form
10-SB recently filed with SEC.
3.1.10. Person.
“Person” means an individual, partnership, limited liability company,
corporation, association, joint stock company, trust, a joint venture,
unincorporated organization, or any other type of entity.
3.1.11. SEC.
“SEC”
shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.
3.1.12. Securities
Act.
“Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
3.1.13. Tax
or Taxes.
“Tax”
or “Taxes” shall mean any federal, state, local or foreign income, gross
receipts, license, payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation,
premium, windfall profits, environmental, customs duties, capital stock,
franchise, profits,
4
withholding,
social security (or similar), unemployment, disability, real property, personal
property, sales, use, transfer, registration, value added, alternative or add-on
minimum, estimated, or other tax of any kind whatsoever, including any interest,
penalty, or addition thereto, whether disputed or not.
3.1.14. Tax
Return.
“Tax
Return” shall mean any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, or
information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any schedule or
attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.
3.2. Accounting
Terms and Determinations.
All
accounting terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined shall have
the
meaning accorded to them in accordance with GAAP and, except as expressly
provided herein, all accounting determinations shall be made in accordance
with
GAAP, consistently applied. When used herein, the term “financial statements”
shall include the notes and schedules attached thereto. The term “GAAP” means
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied as in effect
from
time to time.
3.3 Additional
Definitional
Provisions.
For
purposes of this Agreement, (i) those words, names, or terms which are
specifically defined herein shall have the meaning specifically ascribed to
them; (ii) wherever from the context it appears appropriate, each term stated
either in the singular or plural shall include the singular and plural; (iii)
wherever from the context it appears appropriate, the masculine, feminine,
or
neuter gender, shall each include the others; (iv) the words “hereof”, “herein”,
“hereunder”, and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, shall
refer to this Agreement as a whole, and not to any particular provision of
this
Agreement; (v) all references to designated “Articles”, “Sections”, and to other
subdivisions are to the designated Articles, Sections, and other subdivisions
of
this Agreement as originally executed; (vi) all references to “Dollars” or “$”
shall be construed as being United States dollars; (vii) the
term
“including” is not limiting and means “including without limitation”;
and,
(viii) all references to all statutes, statutory provisions, regulations, or
similar administrative provisions shall be construed as a reference to such
statute, statutory provision, regulation, or similar administrative provision
as
in force at the date of this Agreement and as may be subsequently amended.
3.4 Interpretation.
3.4.1. Provision
Not Construed Against Party Drafting Agreement.
This
Agreement shall be deemed to have been drafted by all Parties, and, in the
event
of a dispute, no Party shall be entitled to claim that any provision should
be
construed against any other Party by reason of the fact that it was drafted
by
one particular Party.
3.4.2. Number
and Gender.
The
singular when used in this Agreement shall include the plural, and the masculine
gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders, unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise.
3.4.3. Incorporation
of Exhibits and Schedules.
The
Exhibits and Schedules identified in this Agreement are incorporated herein
by
reference and made a part hereof as if set out in full herein.
5
3.4.4. Article
and Section Headings.
The
article and section headings used in this Agreement are inserted for convenience
and identification only and are not to be used in any manner to interpret
this
Agreement.
3.4.5. Severability.
Each
and every provision of this Agreement is severable and independent of any
other
term or provision of this Agreement. If any term or provision hereof is
held
void or invalid for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, such
invalidity shall not affect the remainder of this
Agreement.
IV
EXCHANGE
4.1 Exchange
of Shares.
On the
Closing Date (as hereinafter defined) and subject to the terms and conditions
set forth herein, (i) the Shareholders shall transfer, assign, and deliver
to
CBC all of the then issued and outstanding shares of the IT NET Stock, and
(ii)
CBC shall issue to the Shareholders in exchange therefore (the “Exchange”) an
aggregate of four hundred thousand (400,000) shares of the voting common stock,
zero ($0.0) par value per share, of CBC or an equal number of shares of common
stock of CBC’s corporate parent (the “CBC Stock”). The number of shares of CBC
Stock to be issued to each Shareholder will be determined by multiplying the
aggregate number of shares of CBC Stock to be issued to the Shareholders as
determined in accordance with the preceding sentence, by a fraction, the
numerator of which is the number of IT NET Stock held by such Shareholder and
the denominator of which is the total number of IT NET Stock then outstanding.
Schedule II-B sets forth the number of shares of CBC Stock to be issued to
each
Shareholder in the Exchange, based on the current holdings of IT NET Stock
by
the respective Shareholders. In the event of any stock split, dividend paid
in
stock, recapitalization or reclassification with respect to CBC Stock prior
to
the Closing, the number of CBC Stock (and if appropriate the type of security)
will be appropriately adjusted.
4.2 Fractional
Shares.
No
fractions of CBC Stock will be issued in connection with CBC’s issuance of CBC
Stock in the Exchange. In lieu of the issuance of any such fractional share,
CBC
will issue to the Shareholder who would otherwise be entitled to receive such
fractional share an amount of CBC Stock rounded to the nearest whole number
of
CBC Stock to which such Shareholder would otherwise be entitled to receive
pursuant to this Section 4.2.
4.3 Closing.
Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the closing of the Exchange
(the
“Closing”) shall take place (a) at the offices of CBC, 0 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx,
Xxxxxxxx X, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, 00000, at 1000 AM PST on the 1st
day of
September, 2005, or at such other time, date or place as the Parties hereto
may
agree. The date on which the Closing occurs is hereinafter referred to as the
“Closing Date”.
4.4 Delivery
of Share Certificates.
At the
Closing, CBC shall deliver to each of the Shareholders, or the duly authorized
agent of any Shareholder, share certificates representing shares of CBC Stock
in
the respective amounts to which each is entitled in accordance with Sections
4.1
and 4.2, above, against delivery to CBC of certificates for the IT NET Stock
to
be transferred in the Exchange, duly endorsed or accompanied by stock powers
duly executed in blank, with signatures
6
guaranteed
by an entity whose guaranty is acceptable for the transfer of shares of CBC
Stock. Each Shareholder shall provide to CBC in writing prior to the Closing
Date such Shareholder’s mailing address, taxpayer identification number and any
other shareholder information normally required by the transfer agent and
registrar of CBC Stock.
4.5 Tax-Free
Reorganization.
The
Parties intend that the Exchange be treated as a tax free plan of reorganization
under Section 368(a) (1) (B) of the Code, with the CBC Stock issued in the
Exchange to be issued solely in exchange for the IT NET Stock, and no other
consideration that could constitute “other property” within the meaning of
Section 356(a) of the Code being transferred by CBC for the IT NET Stock. The
Parties shall not take a position on any Tax Return or before any taxing
authority that is inconsistent with this Section 4.5 unless otherwise required
by a final and binding determination or resolution of a governmental body with
appropriate jurisdiction, and each Party agrees to promptly notify the other
Party of any assertion by a taxing authority of a position that is inconsistent
with this Section 4.5. No Party represents or warrants that the Exchange and
the
other transactions contemplated under this Agreement will qualify as
reorganization under the Code.
V
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF CBC
CBC
hereby represents and warrants to the Shareholders as follows upon
execution of this Agreement and at Closing:
5.1 Organization
and Good Standing.
CBC is
a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the State of California.
5.2 Subsidiaries.
Schedule 5.2, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, sets forth
for each subsidiary of CBC (i) its name and jurisdiction of incorporation,
and
(ii) the percentage of such Person’s issued and outstanding shares of capital
stock owned by CBC.
5.3 Authorization.
5.3.1. Operation
of Business.
CBC has
the requisite corporate power and authority and all requisite licenses, permits
and franchises necessary to own and operate its properties and to carry on
its
business as now being conducted.
5.3.2 Execution
of Agreement.
CBC has
the requisite corporate power and authority and
has
obtained all approvals and consents necessary to enter
into and carry out the terms and conditions of this Agreement, as well as all
transactions contemplated hereunder. All corporate proceedings have been taken
and all corporate authorizations have been secured which are necessary to
authorize the execution, delivery, and performance by CBC of this Agreement.
This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by CBC and
constitutes the valid and binding obligations of CBC, enforceable in accordance
with the respective terms.
7
5.4 Effect
of Agreement.
As of
the Closing, the consummation by CBC of the transactions herein contemplated,
including the execution, delivery and consummation of this Agreement, will
comply with all applicable law and will not:
(a) Violate
any judgment, statute, law,
order, writ, rule, ordinance, regulation, or determination or decree of any
arbitrator, court, or other governmental agency or administrative body
(collectively, “Requirement of Law”) applicable to or binding upon
CBC;
(b) Violate
(i)
the
terms of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of CBC; or, (ii) any material
agreement, contract, mortgage, indenture, xxxx, xxxx, note, or other material
instrument or writing binding upon CBC or to which CBC is subject;
(c) Accelerate
or constitute an event entitling the holder of any indebtedness of CBC to
accelerate the maturity of such indebtedness or to increase the rate of interest
presently in effect with respect to such indebtedness; or
(d) Result
in
the breach of, constitute a default under, constitute an event which with notice
or lapse of time, or both, would become a default under, or result in the
creation of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon any of
the
assets or any other properties of CBC under any agreement, commitment, contract
(written or oral) or other instrument to which CBC is a party or by which it
is
bound or affected.
5.5 Consents.
No
consents, approvals or other authorizations or notices, other than those which
have been obtained and are in full force and effect, are required by any state
or federal regulatory authority or other Person or entity in connection with
the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of any obligations
contemplated hereunder.
5.6 Legal
Proceedings.
There
are no legal, administrative, arbitral or other actions, claims, suits or
proceedings or investigations instituted or pending or, to the Knowledge of
CBC’s management, threatened against CBC, or against any property, asset,
interest or right of CBC, that might reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect or that might reasonably be expected to threaten or impede the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.7 Regulatory
Compliance.
To the
best Knowledge of CBC, it has not violated any Requirement of Law, the violation
of which would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect. Further,
CBC and each Subsidiary have met the minimum funding requirements of ERISA
with
respect to any employee benefit plans subject to ERISA, and no event has
occurred resulting from CBC’s failure to comply with ERISA that could result in
CBC’s incurring any material liability. CBC is not an “investment company” or a
company “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of the
Investment Company Act of 1940.
5.8 Capitalization.
CBC is
authorized to issue one hundred million (100,000,000)
shares of CBC Stock. Five million one hundred ninety two thousand five hundred
(5,192,500) shares of CBC Stock are issued and outstanding. All of the issued
and outstanding CBC Stock has been duly authorized and is validly issued, fully
paid, and nonassessable. Other than as otherwise provided for
8
herein or reflected Schedule 5.8, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, there are no outstanding or authorized options, warrants, purchase rights, subscription rights, conversion rights, exchange rights, or other contracts or commitments that could require CBC to issue, sell, or otherwise cause to become outstanding any of its capital stock.
5.9 CBC
Stock.
The CBC
Stock to be issued pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement will, upon
such
issuance, be duly authorized, legally and validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable, and free
and
clear of all liens, mortgages, pledges, and other encumbrances of any nature,
unless expressly provided herein to the contrary.
5.10 Purchase
for Investment.
CBC is
not acquiring the IT NET Stock with a view to or for sale in connection with
any
distribution thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act.
5.11 Disclosure.
No
representation or warranty made by CBC in this Agreement or in any writing
furnished or to be furnished pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement
knowingly contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact,
or
omits or will omit to state any material fact required to make the statements
herein or therein contained not misleading.
5.12 Material
Defaults.
CBC is
not in material default, or alleged to be in default, under any material
agreement, contract, lease, mortgage, commitment, instrument or obligation,
and
no other party to any agreement, contract, lease, mortgage, commitment,
instrument or obligation to which CBC is a party is in default thereunder,
which
default would materially and adversely affect the properties, assets, business
or prospects of CBC.
5.13 Tax
Returns and Disputes.
Other
than as otherwise provided for herein or reflected Schedule 5.13, attached
hereto and incorporated herein by reference, CBC has filed all Tax Returns
(federal, state and local) required to be filed by it, has paid all Taxes shown
to be due and payable on the returns or any assessments or penalties received
by
it and all other Taxes (federal, state and local) due and payable by it. There
are no audits pending and there are no present disputes as to Taxes of any
nature payable by CBC.
5.14 Financial
Condition.
The
audited financial statements of CBC for the period ended 31 December 2003 and
31
December 2004 (collectively, the “CBC Financial Statements”) present fairly the
financial position, results of operations and cash flows of CBC at the dates
and
for the fiscal periods then ended, in accordance with GAAP (except, with respect
to the unaudited interim CBC Financial Statements, for the absence of footnotes
thereto and subject to customary year end adjustments).
5.15 No
Material Adverse Change.
Since
31 December 2004 there has been no Material Adverse Change in the business,
financial condition, results of operations, assets, or liabilities of
CBC.
5.16 Disclosure.
The
representations and warranties of CBC contained in this Agreement and in any
agreement, certificate, affidavit, statutory declaration or other document
delivered or given pursuant to this Agreement are true and correct and do not
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
9
material
fact necessary to make the statements
contained in such representations and warranties not misleading to the
Shareholders.
5.17 Other
Matters.
CBC has
not taken and has not agreed to take any action, and has no Knowledge of any
fact or circumstances that would materially impede or delay the consummation
of
the transactions contemplated under this Agreement.
VI
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF SHAREHOLDERS
Each
Shareholder hereby severally (and not jointly with respect to the other
Shareholders) represents and warrants to CBC as follows upon
execution of this Agreement and at Closing:
6.1 Ownership
of Shares.
Such
Shareholder owns and shall own of record and beneficially the IT NET Stock
set
forth on Schedule II-B opposite such Shareholder’s name and such IT NET Stock
constitutes all of the shares of IT NET Stock owned of record or beneficially
by
such Shareholder. Such Shareholder holds its IT NET Stock free and clear of
any
restrictions on transfer (other than restrictions under the Securities Act
and
state securities laws), Taxes, security interests, options, warrants, purchase
rights, contracts, commitments, equities, claims, and demands. Such Shareholder
is not a party to any option, warrant, purchase right, or other contract or
commitment that could require the Shareholder to sell, transfer, or otherwise
dispose of any capital stock of IT NET, other than under this Agreement. Such
Shareholder is not a party to any voting trust, proxy, or other agreement or
understanding with respect to the voting of any capital stock of IT NET.
6.2 Sale
of IT NET Stock.
Such
Shareholder will not sell or transfer any IT NET Stock prior to the earlier
of
the Closing or the termination of this Agreement, unless the prior written
consent of CBC shall have been obtained. Upon transfer and delivery by such
Shareholder to CBC of the IT NET Stock owned by such Shareholder pursuant to
this Agreement, CBC shall acquire ownership of such shares, free and clear
of
all adverse claims (other than any created by or through CBC).
6.3 Organization
and Good Standing of Certain Shareholders.
Schedule 6.3, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, shows the
residence of each Shareholder. For each such Shareholder which is not a natural
person, Schedule 6.3 shall also reflect the principal office of each such
Shareholder, as well as a description of the legal nature of such Shareholder
including the jurisdiction under whose laws it is organized, its authorized
signatories, and (unless its shares or other equity interests are publicly
traded in an established market) the names of any 10% or greater beneficial
owner. If the Shareholder is not a natural person, the Shareholder is duly
organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its formation.
6.4 Power
and Authorization.
Such
Shareholder has full power and authority (including, if the Shareholder is
a
corporation, full corporate power and authority) to execute and deliver this
Agreement and to perform his or its obligations hereunder. This Agreement
constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of such Shareholder,
enforceable in accordance with its terms and conditions. The Shareholder need
not give any notice to, make any filing with, or obtain
any
10
authorization, consent, or approval of any government or governmental agency in order to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
6.5 Effect
of Agreement.
As of
the Closing, the consummation by such Shareholder of the transactions herein
contemplated, including the execution, delivery and consummation of this
Agreement, will comply with all applicable law and will
not:
(a) Violate
any“Requirement
of Law” applicable to or binding upon such Shareholder;
(b) If
the
Shareholder is not a natural person, violate
(i)
the
terms of its formation documents or similar agreements; or, (ii) any material
agreement, contract, mortgage, indenture, xxxx, xxxx, note, or other material
instrument or writing binding upon such Shareholder or to which it is subject;
or
(c) Result
in
the breach of, constitute a default under, constitute an event which with notice
or lapse of time, or both, would become a default under, or result in the
creation of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon any of
the
assets or any other properties of such Shareholder under any agreement,
commitment, contract (written or oral) or other instrument to which such
Shareholder is a party or by which it is bound or affected.
6.6 Legal
Proceedings.
There
are no legal, administrative, arbitral or other actions, claims, suits or
proceedings or investigations instituted or pending or, to the Knowledge of
such
Shareholder, threatened against such Shareholder, or against any property,
asset, interest or right of such Shareholder, that might reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect or that might reasonably be expected to
threaten or impede the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
6.7 Investment.
The
Shareholder (i) understands that the CBC Stock to be issued in the Exchange
has
not been registered under the Securities Act, or under any state securities
laws, and are being offered and sold in reliance upon federal and state
exemptions for transactions not involving any public offering; (ii) is acquiring
the CBC Stock solely for his or its own account for investment purposes, and
not
with a view to the distribution thereof; (iii) is a sophisticated investor
with
Knowledge and experience in business and financial matters and is an “accredited
investor” within the meaning of Rule 501 promulgated under the Securities Act;
(iv) has received a copy of CBC’s SEC Filings and has had the opportunity to
obtain additional information as desired in order to evaluate the merits and
the
risks inherent in holding the CBC Stock; (v) understands that the CBC Stock
cannot be sold or otherwise transferred unless registered pursuant to the
Securities Act or an exemption from registration is available (such as Rule
144
promulgated under the Securities Act, which requires a one-year holding period
and imposes certain other constraints), and is able to bear the economic risk
and lack of liquidity inherent in holding the CBC Stock (notwithstanding any
such Shareholder’s ability to transfer or dispose of such shares of CBC Stock in
one or more transactions that are exempt from or otherwise not in violation
of
the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder); and, (vi)
understands that the certificates evidencing the CBC Stock may bear the
legend(s) as deemed reasonable by CBC.
11
6.8 Investigation.
As of
the Closing, each Shareholder will be entering into the Exchange based upon
its
own independent investigation and evaluation of CBC and its prospects, and
the
covenants, representations and warranties of CBC set forth herein. Each
Shareholder is expressly not relying on any oral representations made by
CBC or
any of its Affiliates or representatives with regard to the CBC Stock or
CBC
itself.
6.9 Disclosure.
The
representations and warranties of such Shareholder contained in this Agreement
and in any agreement, certificate, affidavit, statutory declaration or other
document delivered or given pursuant to this Agreement are true and correct
and
do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact necessary to make the statements contained in such representations
and warranties not misleading to CBC.
6.10 Other
Matters.
None of
the Shareholders has taken or agreed to take any action, or has any Knowledge
of
any fact or circumstances, that would materially impede or delay the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
VII
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF IT NET
IT
NET
hereby represents and warrants to CBC as follows upon
execution of this Agreement and at Closing:
7.1 Organization
and Good Standing.
IT NET
is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
the
laws of the State of California.
7.2 Subsidiaries.
Schedule 7.2, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, sets forth
for each subsidiary of IT NET (i) its name and jurisdiction of incorporation,
and (ii) the percentage of such Person’s issued and outstanding shares of
capital stock owned by IT NET.
7.3 Authorization.
7.3.1. Operation
of Business.
IT NET
has the requisite corporate power and authority and all requisite licenses,
permits and franchises necessary to own and operate its properties and to carry
on its business as now being conducted.
7.3.2 Execution
of Agreement.
IT NET
has the requisite corporate power and authority and
has
obtained all approvals and consents necessary to enter
into and carry out the terms and conditions of this Agreement, as well as all
transactions contemplated hereunder. All corporate proceedings have been taken
and all corporate authorizations have been secured which are necessary to
authorize the execution, delivery and performance by IT NET of this Agreement.
This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by IT NET and
constitutes the valid and binding obligations of IT NET, enforceable in
accordance with the respective terms.
12
7.4 Effect
of Agreement.
As of
the Closing, the consummation by IT NET of the transactions herein contemplated,
including the execution, delivery and consummation of this Agreement, will
comply with all applicable law and will not:
(a) Violate
any
Requirement of Law applicable to or binding upon IT NET;
(b) Violate
(i)
the
terms of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of IT NET; or, (ii) any
material agreement, contract, mortgage, indenture, xxxx, xxxx, note, or other
material instrument or writing binding upon IT NET or to which IT NET is
subject;
(c) Accelerate
or constitute an event entitling the holder of any indebtedness of IT NET to
accelerate the maturity of such indebtedness or to increase the rate of interest
presently in effect with respect to such indebtedness; or
(d) Result
in
the breach of, constitute a default under, constitute an event which with notice
or lapse of time, or both, would become a default under, or result in the
creation of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon any of
the
assets or any other properties of IT NET under any agreement, commitment,
contract (written or oral) or other instrument to which IT NET is a party or
by
which it is bound or affected.
7.5 Consents.
No
consents, approvals or other authorizations or notices, other than those which
have been obtained and are in full force and effect, are required by any state
or federal regulatory authority or other Person or entity in connection with
the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of any obligations
contemplated hereunder.
7.6 Legal
Proceedings.
There
are no legal, administrative, arbitral or other actions, claims, suits or
proceedings or investigations instituted or pending or, to the Knowledge of
IT
NET’s management, threatened against IT NET, or against any property, asset,
interest or right of IT NET, that might reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect or that might reasonably be expected to threaten or
impede the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
7.7 Regulatory
Compliance.
To the
best Knowledge of IT NET, it has not violated any Requirement of Law, the
violation of which would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Further, IT NET and each Subsidiary have met the minimum funding requirements
of
ERISA with respect to any employee benefit plans subject to ERISA, and no event
has occurred resulting from IT NET’s failure to comply with ERISA that could
result in IT NET’s incurring any material liability. IT NET is not an
“investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” within
the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
7.8 Capitalization.
IT NET
is authorized to issue one thousand (1,000)
shares
of IT NET Stock. One thousand (1,000)
shares
of
IT NET Stock are issued and outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding
IT
NET Stock has been duly authorized and is validly issued, fully paid, and
nonassessable. Other than as otherwise provided for herein or reflected Schedule
7.8, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, there are no
outstanding or authorized options, warrants, purchase rights, subscription
rights, conversion rights, exchange rights, or other
13
contracts or commitments that could require IT NET to issue, sell, or otherwise cause to become outstanding any of its capital stock.
7.9 IT
NET Stock.
The IT
NET Stock to be acquired pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement will,
upon
such transfer, be duly authorized, legally and validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable, and free
and
clear of all liens, mortgages, pledges, and other encumbrances of any nature,
unless expressly provided herein to the contrary.
7.10 Employee
Benefit Plans.
Except
as set forth in Schedule 7.10, attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference, IT NET is not a party to any written or oral (i) contract with any
labor union, (ii) bonus, pension, profit-sharing, retirement, deferred
compensation, savings, stock purchase, stock option, hospitalization, insurance
or other plan providing employees benefits, (iii) employment, agency, consulting
or similar contract which cannot be terminated by it in one hundred twenty
(120)
days or less, without cost, or (iv) any other plan, agreement or arrangement
governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
(“ERISA”).
7.11 Permits
and Licenses.
IT NET
has all licenses and permits (federal, state and local) required by governmental
authorities to own, operate and carry on its business as now being conducted,
and such licenses and permits are in full force and effect. No violations are
or
have been recorded in respect to the licenses or permits, included but not
limited to fire and health and safety law violations, and no proceeding is
pending or threatened looking toward the revocation or limitation of any of
them.
7.12 Customers
and Suppliers.
The
books and records of IT NET contain a correct and complete list of each of
the
customers and suppliers of IT NET who have dealt with IT NET during the last
five (5) years (the “Customers” and “Suppliers”). IT NET has taken all
commercially reasonable steps to maintain the confidentiality of the Customers.
To IT NET’s best Knowledge:
(a) None
of
the Customers or Suppliers, or any other person or entity having material
business dealings with IT NET will or may cease to continue such relationship
with CBC;
(b) None
of
the Customers or Suppliers, or any other person or entity having material
business dealings with IT NET will or may substantially reduce the extent of
such relations with IT NET at any time from or after the Closing;
(c) There
are
no other existing or contemplated material modifications or changes in the
business relationship of any Customers or Suppliers with IT NET;
(d) There
are
no existing conditions or state of facts or circumstances which have or would
have a Material Adverse Effect on the relationship of IT NET with Customers
or
Suppliers after it is acquired by CBC, or which has prevented or will prevent
such business from being carried on after the Closing in essentially the same
manner as it is currently carried on.
7.13 Leases
and Similar Agreements.
Except
as set forth in Schedule 7.13, attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference, IT NET is not a party to, nor are any of its assets bound by or
subject to, any leases or other similar agreements or instruments, whether
as
lessor or lessee. With regard to all such disclosed leases and similar
agreements, IT NET has delivered to CBC any and all
14
consents or waivers of other parties necessary for the continuation of the leases and similar agreements upon the same terms and conditions in effect as of the Closing.
7.14 Material
Agreements.
Except
as set forth in Schedule 7.14, attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference, IT NET is not a party to, nor are any of its assets bound by or
subject to, any of the following:
(a) license
agreement, assignment or contract (whether as licensor or licensee, assignor
or
assignee) relating to trademarks, trade names, patents or copyrights (or
applications therefore), know-how or technical assistance, or other proprietary
rights (other than trademark agreements which are entered into in the ordinary
course of IT NET’s business in conjunction with sales agreements;
(b) agreement
or other arrangement for the sales of goods or services by IT NET to any
government or governmental authority (other than pursuant to open purchase
orders issued by such entities);
(c) agreement
with any vendor, distributor, dealer, sales agent or representative other than
contracts or orders for the purchase or sale of goods made in the usual and
Ordinary Course of Business at an aggregate price per contract or order of
less
than $10,000 and a terms of less than ninety days under any such contract or
order;
(d) agreement
with any supplier or customer with respect to discounts (other than those
reflected on IT NET’s current price lists) or allowances or extended payment
terms;
(e) joint
venture or partnership agreement with any other person;
(f) agreement
which restricts IT NET from doing business anywhere in the world;
or
(g) long-term
services agreement.
7.15 Employment
Agreements.
Except
as set forth on Schedule 7.15, attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference, and except as otherwise provided for herein, IT NET is not a party
to
any employment agreement, independent contractor agreement, or similar
arrangement or agreement, whether it be reduced to written form or an oral
promise.
7.16 Restrictive
Covenant Agreements.
Schedule 7.16, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, represents
a list of all restrictive covenant agreements and arrangements held by IT NET
with regard to its business. All of such contracts are hereunder assigned to
CBC, and IT NET has the requisite power and ability to so assign all said
contracts, copies of which are also attached hereto as part of Schedule
7.16.
7.17 Accounts
Receivable.
All
accounts receivable of IT NET arose from valid sales transactions in the
Ordinary Course of Business and represent valid obligations due IT NET, and
represent valid obligations due IT NET, and are collectible in the Ordinary
Course of Business in the aggregate recorded amounts thereof in accordance
with
their terms.
15
7.18 Insurance
Policies.
All
insurance policies maintained by IT NET on its assets, business, officers and
personnel provide adequate and sufficient liability and property damage coverage
commensurate with the business practices of IT NET. IT NET does not conduct
any
business which would result in the cancellation of, or a material increase
in
the premiums, for any of its insurance policies.
7.19 Environmental
Matters.
To the
best Knowledge of IT NET, with regard to matters of environmental
compliance:
(a) IT
NET
has conducted and is conducting its business, and has used and is using its
properties, whether currently owned, operated or leased or owned, operated
or
leased by IT NET at any time in the past; and at the time of acquisition of
any
security interest, all properties in which IT NET has a security interest had
always been used, in compliance with all applicable federal, and state and
local
environmental laws and regulations, except where the failure to comply with
such
laws and regulations, in the aggregate, has not had and could not have a
material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), business
or
properties of IT NET.
(b) Neither
IT NET nor any property currently owned, operated or leased or which has been
owned, operated or leased by IT NET, is subject to any existing, pending or
threatened investigation, action or proceeding, including any notice of
violation, by any governmental authority regarding contamination of any part
of
such property or infractions of any law, statute, ordinance or regulation or
any
license or permit issued by any government agency pertaining to health,
industrial hygiene or environmental safety or environmental conditions on,
under
or about such property, except where such investigations, actions, proceedings,
notifications or infractions, in the aggregate, have not had and could not
have
a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), business
or
properties of IT NET.
(c) Except
as
set forth in Schedule 7.19, attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference, there are no underground storage tanks or toxic or hazardous wastes,
substances, or materials, or pollutants or contaminants, including asbestos,
presently located on or under any property which is currently or has been owned,
operated or leased by IT NET; there were no underground storage tanks or toxic
or hazardous wastes, substances, or materials, or pollutants or contaminants,
including asbestos, located on or under any property in which IT NET or IT
NET
has or had an interest. As used herein, the terms toxic or hazardous wastes,
substances or materials, pollutants and contaminants mean any material which
is
or becomes during the term of this Agreement regulated or controlled as a
hazardous or toxic waste or environmental pollutant under any federal, state
or
local law, ordinance, order, decree or regulation currently in effect and
applicable to IT NET or any property owned, operated or leased by IT
NET.
7.20 Other
Arrangements.
IT NET
is not a party to any contract, commitment or agreement, nor are any of its
assets subject to, or bound or affected by, any order, judgment, decree, law,
statute, ordinance, rule, regulation or other restriction of any kind or
character which is not applicable to IT NET generally, which would, individually
or in the aggregate, cause a Material Adverse Effect on IT NET. IT NET is also
not a party or subject to any agreement, contract or other obligation which
would require the making of any payment, other than payments contemplated by
this
16
Agreement,
to any other person as a result of the consummation of the transactions
contemplated herein.
7.21 Undisclosed
Liabilities.
IT NET
does not have any liability (whether known or unknown, whether asserted or
unasserted, whether absolute or contingent, whether accrued or unaccrued,
whether liquidated or unliquidated, and whether due or to become due), including
any liability for Taxes, except for (i) liabilities set forth in the IT NET
Financial Statements, and (ii) liabilities which have arisen after the date
of
the IT NET Financial Statements in the Ordinary Course of Business (none of
which results from, arises out of, relates to, is in the nature of, or was
caused by any breach of contract, breach of warranty, tort, infringement, or
violation of law).
7.22 Material
Defaults.
IT NET
is not in material default, or alleged to be in default, under any material
agreement, contract, lease, mortgage, commitment, instrument or obligation,
and
no other party to any agreement, contract, lease, mortgage, commitment,
instrument or obligation to which IT NET is a party is in default thereunder,
which default would materially and adversely affect the properties, assets,
business or prospects of IT NET.
7.23 Tax
Returns and Disputes.
IT NET
has filed all Tax Returns (federal, state and local) required to be filed by
it,
and
all
such Tax Returns filed are complete and accurate in all material respects.
IT
NET has paid
all
Taxes shown to be due and payable on the returns or any assessments or penalties
received by it and all other Taxes (federal, state and local) due and payable
by
it. IT
NET
has collected and withheld all Taxes which it has been required to collect
or
withhold and has timely submitted all such collected and withheld amounts to
the
appropriate authorities. IT NET is in compliance with the back-up withholding
and information reporting requirements under the Code and any state, local
or
foreign laws, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
7.24 Title
to Assets.
IT NET
has good and marketable title to all of its assets, free and clear of all liens,
mortgages, conditional sale and other title retention agreements, pledges,
assessments, tax liens and other encumbrances of any nature, except as expressly
disclosed on Schedule 7.24, attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference.
7.25 Condition
of Assets.
The
assets of IT NET are in good operating condition and repair, subject to
reasonable wear and tear, constitute all of the assets used in the conduct
of
the business, and are sufficient for the proper operation of the Ordinary Course
of Business.
7.26 Intellectual
Property Assets.
The
Intellectual Property Assets are all those necessary for the operation of the
business of IT NET as it is currently conducted, and are listed on Schedule
7.26, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. IT NET is the owner
of all right, title, and interest in and to each of the Intellectual Property
Assets, free and clear of all liens, security interests, charges, encumbrances,
equities, and other adverse claims, and has the right to use without payment
to
a third party all of the Intellectual Property Assets. To the extent that any
employee or former employee of IT NET has developed or invented or otherwise
produced any of the Intellectual Property Assets, all such former and current
employees of IT NET have executed written contracts that assign to IT NET all
rights to any inventions, improvements, discoveries, or information relating
to
the Intellectual Property Assets. No such employee or former employee has
entered into any contract that restricts or limits in any way the scope or
type
of work in which the employee may be
17
engaged
or requires the employee to transfer, assign, or disclose information concerning
his work to anyone other than IT NET. With regard to different aspects of the
Intellectual Property Assets:
7.26.1. Patents.
(i) All
of
the issued Patents are currently in compliance with formal legal requirements
(including payment of filing, examination, and maintenance fees and proofs
of
working or use), are valid and enforceable, and are not subject to any
maintenance fees or Taxes or actions falling due within ninety (90) days after
the Closing Date.
(ii) No
Patent
has been or is now involved in any interference, reissue, reexamination, or
opposition proceeding. To IT NET’s Knowledge, there is no potentially
interfering patent or patent application of any third party.
(iii) No
Patent
is infringed or, to IT NET’s Knowledge, has been challenged or threatened in any
way. None of the products manufactured and sold, nor any process or know-how
used, by IT NET infringes or is alleged to infringe any patent or other
proprietary right of any other Person.
(iv) All
products made, used, or sold under the Patents have been marked with the proper
patent notice.
7.26.2. Trademarks.
(i) All
Marks
that have been registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office
are
currently in compliance with all formal legal requirements (including the timely
post-registration filing of affidavits of use and incontestability and renewal
applications), are valid and enforceable, and are not subject to any maintenance
fees or Taxes or actions falling due within ninety days after the Closing
Date.
(ii) No
Xxxx
has been or is now involved in any opposition, invalidation, or cancellation
and, to IT NET’s Knowledge, no such action is Threatened with the respect to any
of the Marks.
(iii) To
IT
NET’s Knowledge, there is no potentially interfering trademark or trademark
application of any third party.
(iv) No
Xxxx
is infringed or, to IT NET’s Knowledge, has been challenged or threatened in any
way. None of the Marks used by IT NET infringes or is alleged to infringe any
trade name, trademark, or service xxxx of any third party.
(v) All
products and materials containing a Xxxx xxxx the proper federal registration
notice where permitted by law.
7.26.3. Copyrights.
18
(i) All
the
Copyrights have been registered and are currently in compliance with formal
legal requirements, are valid and enforceable, and are not subject to any
maintenance fees or Taxes or actions falling due within ninety days after the
date of Closing.
(ii) No
Copyright is infringed or, to IT NET’s Knowledge, has been challenged or
threatened in any way. None of the subject matter of any of the Copyrights
infringes or is alleged to infringe any copyright of any third party or is
a
derivative work based on the work of a third party.
(iii) All
works
encompassed by the Copyrights have been marked with the proper copyright
notice.
7.26.4. Trade
Secrets.
(i) With
respect to each Trade Secret, the documentation relating to such Trade Secret
is
current, accurate, and sufficient in detail and content to identify and explain
it and to allow its full and proper use without reliance on the Knowledge or
memory of any individual.
(ii) IT
NET
has taken all reasonable precautions to protect the secrecy, confidentiality,
and value of the Trade Secrets.
(iii) IT
NET
has good title and an absolute (but not necessarily exclusive) right to use
the
Trade Secrets. The Trade Secrets are not part of the public Knowledge or
literature, and, to IT NET’s Knowledge, have not been used, divulged, or
appropriated either for the benefit of any Person or to the detriment of IT
NET.
No Trade Secret is subject to any adverse claim or has been challenged or
threatened in any way.
7.27 Financial
Condition.
The
financial statements of the Predecessor LLC for the year ended 31 December
2004
and all related financial information and documentation (including but not
limited to bank statements, customer xxxxxxxx, and Tax Returns), collectively
referred to herein as the “IT NET Financial Statements”, present fairly the
financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Predecessor
LLC
for the fiscal period then ended, in accordance with GAAP. IT NET has delivered
true and complete copies of the IT NET Financial Statements to each of the
Shareholders or any authorized agent of any Shareholder.
7.28 No
Adverse Change.
Since
31 December 2004 there has been no Material Adverse Change in the business,
financial condition, results of operations, assets, or liabilities of IT
NET.
7.29 Other
Matters.
IT NET
has not taken and has not agreed to take any action, and has no Knowledge of
any
fact or circumstances that would materially impede or delay the consummation
of
the transactions contemplated hereby.
7.30 Disclosure.
The
representations and warranties of IT NET contained in this Agreement and in
any
agreement, certificate, affidavit, statutory declaration or other document
delivered or given pursuant to this Agreement are true and correct and do not
contain any untrue
19
statement
of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements contained in such representations and warranties not misleading
to
the Shareholders.
7.31 Advice
of Changes.
Between
the Effective Date hereof and the Closing Date, IT NET shall promptly advise
CBC
in writing of any fact which, if existing or known at the Effective Date, would
have been required to be set forth or disclosed in or pursuant to this Agreement
or of any fact which, if existing or known at the Effective Date, would have
made any of the representations contained herein untrue.
7.32 Conversion.
As of
or prior to the Effective Date, the Conversion was completed under the
applicable provisions of the General Corporate Law of California and the
Predecessor LLC ceased to be a legal entity as of and on the Conversion Date.
7.32 Restatement
and Reissuance for Predecessor LLC.
Each
and every provision of this Article VII, with the express exception of Sections
7.2; 7.3.2.; 7.4; 7.8; 7.9; 7.28 (other than the Conversion); and, 7.31,
inclusive, are hereby restated and reissued by IT NET with regard to the
Predecessor LLC as an express representation and warranty of IT NET hereunder,
further qualified as follows:
(a) Each
such
representation and warranty shall be made as of and on the Conversion Date;
and
(b) Each
applicable provision of this Article VII making reference to a corporation
shall
instead be made as if such reference were specifically made with regard to
a
limited liability company, as that term is defined under the
Xxxxxxx-Xxxxxx Limited Liability Company Act as adopted in the State of
California.
VIII
OBLIGATIONS
OF PARTIES PRIOR TO CLOSING
8.1 IT
NET and Shareholders’ Obligations Pending the Closing.
Each of
the Shareholders and IT NET hereby further covenant and agree that, prior to
the
Closing, unless the prior written consent of CBC shall have been obtained,
which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, and except as otherwise contemplated
in this Agreement, IT NET shall, subject to Section 8.2, below, operate its
business only in the usual, regular and ordinary course and in accordance with
its prior practices, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to preserve
intact its business organizations and assets and maintain its rights, franchises
and business and customer relations necessary to run its business as currently
run.
8.2 Cash
Generation or Preservation Actions.
From
and after the Effective Date and then up to and until Closing, except as
otherwise expressly provided for in Section 9.3, below, neither IT NET nor
any
of the Shareholders shall engage in any practice, take any action, or enter
into
any transaction outside the Ordinary Course of Business, the primary purpose
or
effect of which has been to generate or preserve Cash.
20
8.3 Additional
Forbearances.
From
the
Effective Date until the Closing, IT NET covenants and agrees to ensure that
IT
NET does not (other than as contemplated in this Agreement) do any of the
following without the prior written consent of CBC acting in good
faith:
(a) declare,
set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution in respect of its
capital stock or otherwise purchase or redeem, directly or indirectly, any
shares of its capital stock;
(b) issue,
sell or deliver or enter into any agreement to issue, sell or deliver any shares
of its capital stock or any options, warrants, or other rights, agreements,
commitments, arrangements or understandings of any kind, contingent or
otherwise, to purchase, sell or deliver any such shares, or any securities
convertible into or exchangeable for any such shares, or effect any stock split,
or otherwise change, combine or reclassify its authorized
capitalization;
(c) incur
any
indebtedness or issue or sell any debt securities or prepay any
debt;
(d) mortgage,
pledge or otherwise subject to any material lien or lease, any of its properties
or assets, tangible or intangible or permit or suffer any such property or
asset
to be subjected to any material lien or lease; or license or dispose of any
material assets, except in the Ordinary Course of Business consistent with
its
prior practice;
(e) forgive
or cancel any debts or claims, or waive any rights, except for fair
value;
(f) modify
or
extend the current term of any material agreement, or waive any material rights
thereunder;
(g) pay
any
bonus to any employee or agent or contractor, or grant to any employee or agent
or contractor any increase in compensation except in the Ordinary Course of
Business consistent with its prior practice, or enter into any employment,
severance, termination or similar agreement with any employee or agent or
contractor;
(h) amend
its
Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or any other organizational
documents;
(i) make
any
material changes in policies or practices relating to business practices or
other terms accounting therefore or in policies of employment;
(j) enter
into any type of business not conducted by IT NET as of the date of this
Agreement or create or organize any subsidiary of IT NET or enter into or
participate in any joint venture or partnership;
(k) except
as
otherwise expressly contemplated by this Agreement, enter into any agreement
or
transactions with any of the Shareholders or their respective Affiliates or
make
any amendment or modification to any such agreement;
(l) make
or
change any election in respect of Taxes or settle any claim related to Taxes;
or
21
(m) enter
into any contract, commitment, or arrangement to do any of the
foregoing.
8.4 Notices
and Consents.
Each of
the Parties will give any notices to, make any filings with, and use its
reasonable best efforts to obtain any authorizations, consents, and approvals
of
governments and governmental agencies in connection with the transactions
envisioned hereunder.
8.5 Full
Access.
(a) During
the period from the Effective Date of this Agreement to the Closing, IT NET
shall, upon reasonable notice, cause IT NET to afford to CBC and its
representatives (including, without limitation, officers and employees of CBC
and counsel, accountants and other professionals retained by CBC), such access
during normal business hours to its books, records, properties and such other
information as CBC may reasonably request for the purpose of conducting any
review or investigation reasonably related to the transactions contemplated
hereby, provided that such access shall not interfere with the normal business
operations of IT NET. Notwithstanding any investigation by CBC before or after
the date of this Agreement or any Knowledge gained therefrom, CBC shall be
entitled to rely fully on the representations and warranties contained in
Articles VI and VII.
(b) CBC
agrees that it will keep confidential any information furnished to it in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance
with the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement dated 03 March 2005, between
CBC
and the other parties thereto, which agreement shall remain in effect in
accordance with its terms.
8.6 Certain
Conditions Precedent to CBC’s Obligations.
The
obligations of CBC to enter into and consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby are subject to the fulfillment (or waiver in writing by CBC in its sole
discretion) on or prior to the Closing Date of the additional following
conditions that:
(a) the
representations and warranties of the Shareholders and those of IT NET contained
in this Agreement shall be true and correct on and as of the Effective Date
and
in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same force
and
effect as though made on and as of the Closing Date;
(b) the
Shareholders and IT NET shall have performed and complied in all material
respects with all covenants and agreements required by this Agreement on or
prior to the Closing Date;
(c) all
appropriate parties shall have entered into the Employment Agreements referenced
in Section 9.2, below;
(d) there
shall not have occurred any Material Adverse Change in respect to IT
NET;
22
(e) any
required third party consents shall have been received and delivered to CBC;
and
(f) an
executive officer of IT NET shall have delivered to CBC a certificate to the
effect that, to his Knowledge, the conditions in paragraphs (a) and (b) have
been satisfied.
8.7 Certain
Conditions Precedent to the Shareholders’ and IT NET’s
Obligations.
The
obligations of the Shareholders and IT NET to enter into and complete the
transactions contemplated hereby are further subject to the fulfillment (or
waiver in writing by the Shareholders in their sole discretion) on or prior
to
the Closing Date of the conditions that:
(a) the
representations and warranties of CBC contained in this Agreement shall be
true
and correct on and as of the Effective Date and in all material respects on
and
as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as though made on and
as
of the Closing Date;
(b) CBC
shall
have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants and
agreements required by this Agreement on or prior to the Closing
Date;
(c) there
shall not have occurred any Material Adverse Change in respect to
CBC;
(d) all
appropriate parties shall have entered into the Employment Agreements referenced
in Section 9.2, below; and
(e) An
executive of officer of CBC shall have delivered to the Shareholders a
certificate to the effect that, to his Knowledge, the conditions in paragraphs
(a) and (b) have been satisfied.
IX
OBLIGATIONS
OF PARTIES AT CLOSING
In
addition to all other obligations imposed under this Agreement, the Parties
hereby further agree as follows with regard to the Closing:
9.1 Directors
and Officers.
The
Directors, or the Shareholders if necessary, of IT NET shall appoint those
directors to its Board of Directors as instructed by CBC. Each and every one
of
the other directors and officers of IT NET in office at and as of the Closing
Date shall then resign their respective position(s) as of and on the Closing
Date.
9.2 Employment
Agreements.
CBC
shall enter into employment agreements with Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxxxx, and Xxx Xxxxx, respectively, in the
forms
attached hereto as Exhibits 9.2(a), (b), (c), and (d) and incorporated herein
by
reference (collectively, the “Employment Agreements”).
9.3 Closing
Distribution to Shareholders.
At the
Closing, IT NET shall be permitted to make a distribution to the Shareholders
(the “Closing Distribution”) in accordance with the following:
23
(a) The
amount of cash or cash equivalents which the Shareholders contributed to IT
NET
in connection with its formation shall be documented to the reasonable
acceptance of the Shareholders and CBC (the “Formation Contributions”).
(b) The
total
amount of all sums
received without duplication by or on behalf of IT NET from or in respect of
its
business from and after the 1st
day of
June, 2005 up to and until Closing shall be documented to the reasonable
acceptance of the Shareholders and CBC (the “Gross Revenues”);
(c) The
total
amount of all
expenses incurred in respect of the operation and maintenance of the business
of
IT NET in its Ordinary Course of Business (which shall include but not
be
limited to wages, salaries, insurance premiums, property and business taxes,
and
regulatory costs and expenses) from and after the 1st
day of
June, 2005 up to and until Closing shall be documented to the reasonable
acceptance of the Shareholders and CBC (the “Operating
Expenses”).
(d) To
the
extent that the sum of (i) the Gross Revenues less
(ii) the
Operating Expenses exceeds the Formation Contributions, that difference shall
be
the amount of the Closing Distribution to be distributed to the Shareholders
at
Closing.
(e) The
Closing Distribution shall be distributed to the Shareholders in proportion
to
their ownership of the IT NET Stock at the Closing.
9.4 Good
Faith Efforts to Satisfy Conditions.
Each of
the Parties will use its good faith efforts to cause each of the conditions
to
closing that is within its reasonable control to be satisfied as soon as
reasonably practical.
X
INDEMNIFICATION
10.1 Indemnification
by Shareholders.
Shareholders, jointly and not severally, hereby covenant and agree that
notwithstanding any investigation made at any time by or on behalf of CBC or
any
information CBC may have and regardless of the Closing hereunder, Seller shall
indemnify CBC and its directors, officers, shareholders and affiliates, and
each
of their successors and assigns (each individually referred to herein as an
“CBC
Indemnified Party”) and hold each harmless from, against and in respect of any
and all costs (including interest which may be imposed in connection therewith,
court costs and reasonable fees and disbursements of legal counsel) losses,
claims, liabilities, fines, penalties, damages, demands, judgments, debts,
obligations, causes of action and expenses (cumulatively referred to as the
“Indemnified Claims”) arising by reason of or in connection with any of the
following:
(a) Any
and
all Indemnified Claims against a CBC Indemnified Party of any nature, whether
accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise, arising out of the business of
IT
NET (whether known or unknown to the Shareholders or any CBC Indemnified Party),
to the extent arising out of the
24
operation
of the business or incurred by IT NET on or prior to the Closing and not
otherwise provided for to the contrary by the express written agreement of
the
Parties;
(b) Any
material breach of, or any material inaccuracy in, any of the representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements made by the Shareholders or IT NET in this
Agreement, any other agreement referred to herein, any Exhibit or Schedule
to
this Agreement, or any certificate, instrument or writing delivered in
connection therewith;
(c) Any
action, suit, proceeding, compromise, settlement, assessment or judgment arising
out of or incidental to any of the matters indemnified against in this Section
10.1;
(d) Any
tax
liabilities, and all interest, penalties, assessments and all other Indemnified
Claims in respect thereof, arising out of the business of IT NET for any period
prior to the Closing;
(e) Any
and
all Indemnified Claims arising by reason of or in connection with any act or
omission pursuant to, or in breach of this Agreement, any other agreement
referred to herein, any Exhibit or Schedule to this Agreement, or any
certificate, instrument or writing delivered in connection therewith, by Seller;
and
(f) Any
and
all Indemnified Claims arising from or in any way related to any bonus, pension,
profit sharing, retirement, deferred compensation, savings, stock purchase,
stock option, hospitalization, insurance or other plan providing benefits to
employees of IT NET relating to a period at or prior to the
Closing.
10.2 Indemnification
by CBC.
From
and
after the Closing Date, CBC shall indemnify and hold harmless the Shareholders,
and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents, and each of
the
heirs, executors, successors, and assigns of any of the foregoing (the
“Shareholder Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all Indemnified
Claims incurred by or asserted against any of such parties in connection with
or
arising out of (i) any breach by CBC of any representation or warranty
hereunder; (ii) any failure by CBC to comply with any covenant or agreement
set
forth herein; or, (iii) any third party claim relating to the operation of
IT
NET’s business from and after the Closing. Any amounts paid by CBC to one or
more of the Shareholders pursuant to this Section 10.2 may be payable in shares
of CBC Stock in the sole discretion of CBC.
10.3 Notice.
The
Party being indemnified hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”) shall give written
notice to the Party against whom a claim for indemnification is asserted
hereunder (the “Indemnifying Party”) within the earlier of twenty (20) days of
receipt of written notice or forty (40) days from discovery by the Indemnified
Party of any matters recognized by the Indemnified Party as providing a basis
for a claim for indemnification or reimbursement under this Agreement. The
failure to give such notice shall not affect the right of the Indemnified Party
to indemnity hereunder unless such failure has materially and adversely affected
the rights of the Indemnifying Party.
10.4 Right
to Defend.
The
Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to (without prejudice to the right of
any
Indemnified Party to participate at its own expense with counsel if its own
choosing) defend or prosecute such claim at its own expense and through counsel
of its own choosing if it gives
written notice of its intention to do so no later than the time by which the interests of the Indemnified Party would be materially prejudiced as a result of its failure to have received such notice. However, if the defendants in any action shall include both the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party, and the Indemnified Party shall have reasonably concluded that counsel selected by the indemnifying party has a conflict of interest because of the availability of different or additional defenses to the Indemnified Party, the Indemnified Party shall have the right to select separate counsel to participate in the defense of such action on its behalf, at the expense of the Indemnifying Party. The Indemnified Party shall cooperate fully in the defense of such claim and shall make available to the indemnifying party pertinent information under its control relating thereto, but shall be entitled to be reimbursed, as provided in this Article X, for all costs and expenses incurred by it in connection therewith.
25
written notice of its intention to do so no later than the time by which the interests of the Indemnified Party would be materially prejudiced as a result of its failure to have received such notice. However, if the defendants in any action shall include both the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party, and the Indemnified Party shall have reasonably concluded that counsel selected by the indemnifying party has a conflict of interest because of the availability of different or additional defenses to the Indemnified Party, the Indemnified Party shall have the right to select separate counsel to participate in the defense of such action on its behalf, at the expense of the Indemnifying Party. The Indemnified Party shall cooperate fully in the defense of such claim and shall make available to the indemnifying party pertinent information under its control relating thereto, but shall be entitled to be reimbursed, as provided in this Article X, for all costs and expenses incurred by it in connection therewith.
XI
TAX
MATTERS
11.1 Liability
for Taxes.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Shareholders shall
be
liable for all Taxes imposed on IT NET for any taxable year or period that
ends
on or before the Closing Date and which is not otherwise reserved under Section
9.3, above. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, CBC shall
be
liable for all Taxes imposed on IT NET or for which IT NET may otherwise be
liable, for any taxable year or period that begins after the Closing
Date.
11.2 Tax
Returns.
The
Shareholders shall file or cause to be filed on behalf of IT NET when due all
Tax Returns that are required to be filed by or with respect to IT NET for
taxable years or periods ending on or before the Closing Date and shall remit
any Taxes due in respect of such Tax Returns. CBC shall file or cause to be
filed when due all Tax Returns that are required to be filed by or with respect
to IT NET for taxable years or periods ending after the Closing Date other
than
the Tax Returns required to be filed by IT NET as provided above, and shall
remit any Taxes due in respect of such Tax Returns. Any Tax Returns required
to
be filed by the Shareholders on behalf of IT NET pursuant to this Section 11.2
shall be submitted to CBC for approval (which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld) prior to the filing of such Tax Returns.
11.3 Contest
Provisions.
11.3.1. Notice.
CBC
shall promptly notify the Shareholders in writing upon receipt by CBC of notice
of any pending or threatened federal, state, local or foreign Tax audits,
examinations or assessments which may affect any Tax liability for which the
Shareholders are liable pursuant to this Agreement, provided that failure to
comply with this provision shall not affect CBC’s right to indemnification
hereunder except to the extent such failure impairs the Shareholders’ ability to
contest any such Tax liabilities.
11.3.2. Right
to Participate.
The
Shareholders shall have the right to participate in any Tax audit or
administrative or court proceeding relating to any Tax liability for which
the
Shareholders are liable pursuant to this Agreement; provided, however, that
CBC
shall have the right to take part and effectively control any such proceeding
to
the extent that the outcome of such
26
proceeding
may reasonably be considered to have an adverse impact on CBC or IT NET. CBC
and
the Shareholders agree not to agree to settle any Tax claim which may be the
subject of indemnification by the other party or which would otherwise result
in
additional tax liability to the other party pursuant to this Agreement without
the prior written consent of the other party (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld).
11.4 Assistance
and Cooperation.
After
the Closing Date, each of the Shareholders and CBC shall (and cause their
respective Affiliates to):
(a) assist
the other party in preparing any Tax Returns which such other party is
responsible for preparing and filing under this Agreement;
(b) cooperate
fully in preparing for any audits of, or disputes with taxing authorities
regarding any Tax Returns of IT NET;
(c) make
available to the other and to any taxing authority as reasonably requested
all
information, records, and documents relating to Taxes of IT NET, including
all
pertinent records for conduct of any tax audit including, but not limited to,
copies of all IT NET’s Tax Returns, copies of financial records and customers’
invoices supporting such Tax Returns, and copies of all sales and use tax
exemption certificates obtained from customers;
(d) provide
timely notice to the other in writing of any pending or threatened Tax audits
or
assessments of IT NET for taxable periods for which the other may have a
liability under this Agreement; and
(e) furnish
the other with copies of all correspondence received from any taxing authority
in connection with any Tax audit with respect to any taxable period for which
the other may have a liability under this Agreement.
XII
ADDITIONAL
SELECTED RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
12.1 Survival.
The
representations and warranties and the covenants and agreements of each Party
set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing for a period of five
(5)
years.
12.2 Termination.
This
Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated herein may be
abandoned at any time prior to the Closing:
(a) by
mutual
consent of CBC and the Shareholders;
(b) by
the
Shareholders, if CBC has failed to perform in any material respect any of its
respective obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement
unless failure to so perform has been caused by or results from a breach of
this
Agreement by the Shareholders;
27
(c) by
CBC,
if any of the Shareholders shall have failed to perform in any material respect
any of the obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement
unless failure to so perform has been caused by or results from a breach of
this
Agreement by CBC; or
(d) by
CBC or
the Shareholders, if the Closing does not occur on or prior to 120 days after
the date of this Agreement.
A
Party
terminating this Agreement pursuant to this Section 12.2 shall give written
notice thereof to each other Party hereto, whereupon this Agreement shall
terminate and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be abandoned without
further action by any Party; provided, however, that if such termination is
by
CBC pursuant to Section 12.2(c) or if such termination is by the Shareholders
pursuant to Section 12.2(b), nothing herein shall affect the non-breaching
Party’s or Parties’ right to damages on account of such other Party’s or
Parties’ breach.
12.3 Expenses.
Each of
the Parties hereto shall pay the fees and expenses it incurs in connection
with
this Agreement, other than as a result of he breach hereof by any other party
hereto.
12.4 Press
Releases and Public Announcements.
CBC
shall determine, in its sole discretion, the text of a press release to be
made
promptly after the execution of this Agreement. No Party shall issue any further
press release or make any public announcement relating to the subject matter
of
this Agreement without the prior approval of CBC; provided, however, that any
Party may make any public disclosure it believes in good faith is required
by
applicable law or any listing or trading agreement concerning its
publicly-traded securities (in which case the disclosing Party will advise
the
other Parties prior to making the disclosure).
12.5 No
Brokers.
Neither
IT NET nor CBC nor any Shareholder nor any of their respective subsidiaries
or
Affiliates has any liability or obligation to pay any fees or commissions to
any
broker, finder, or agent with respect to the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement for which any Shareholder could become liable or
obligated.
12.6 Right
of Endorsement.
After
the Closing, CBC shall have the absolute and unconditional right and authority
to endorse, without recourse, the name of IT NET on any check or any other
evidence of indebtedness received by CBC or IT NET on account of any of the
business of IT NET. Shareholders shall cause IT NET to deliver to CBC after
the
Closing a letter of instruction executed by IT NET sufficient to permit CBC
to
deposit such checks or other evidences of indebtedness in bank accounts in
the
name of IT NET.
XIII
ADDITIONAL
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
13.1 Executed
Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in any number of original, fax or copied counterparts,
and all counterparts shall be considered together as one agreement. A faxed
or
copied counterpart shall have the same force and effect as an original signed
counterpart. Each of the Parties hereby expressly forever waives any and all
rights to raise the use of a fax machine to deliver
28
a signature, or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through the use of a fax machine, as a defense to the formation of a contract.
13.2 Successors
and Assigns.
Except
as expressly provided in this Agreement, each and all of the covenants, terms,
provisions, conditions and agreements herein contained shall be binding upon
and
shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Parties
hereto.
13.3 Governing
Law.
This
Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without
giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of
the
State of California or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application
of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of California. If any
court
action is necessary to enforce the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
the
Parties hereby agree that the Superior Court of California, County of Orange,
shall be the sole jurisdiction and venue for the bringing of such action.
13.4 Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement and all references herein, contains the entire understanding among
the
Parties hereto and supersedes any and all prior written or oral agreements,
understandings, and negotiations between them respecting the subject matter
contained herein.
13.5 Additional
Documentation.
The
Parties hereto agree to execute, acknowledge and cause to be filed and recorded,
if necessary, any and all documents, amendments, notices and certificates which
may be necessary or convenient under the laws of the State of California.
13.6 Attorney’s
Fees.
If any
legal action (including arbitration) is necessary to enforce the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to costs
and reasonable attorney’s fees.
13.7 Amendment.
This
Agreement may be amended or modified only by a writing signed by all
Parties.
13.8 Remedies.
13.8.1. Specific
Performance.
The
Parties hereby declare that it is impossible to measure in money the damages
which will result from a failure to perform any of the obligations under this
Agreement. Therefore, each Party waives the claim or defense that an adequate
remedy at law exists in any action or proceeding brought to enforce the
provisions hereof.
13.8.2.
Cumulative.
The
rights and remedies provided herein, in the Pledge Agreement, in the Note,
and
in all other agreements, instruments, and documents delivered pursuant to or
in
connection with this Agreement, and by applicable law are cumulative, are in
addition to and not exclusive of any other rights or remedies provided by law,
and shall not exclude any other remedies to which any person may be lawfully
entitled.
13.9 Waiver.
No
failure by any Party to insist on the strict performance of any covenant, duty,
agreement, or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy
on
a breach shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or of any other covenant,
duty, agreement, or condition. No
course
of dealing between the Parties, nor any failure to exercise, nor any delay
in
exercising, any
right, power or privilege of either Party shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power, or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.
29
right, power or privilege of either Party shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power, or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.
13.10 Assignability.
This
Agreement is not assignable by either Party without the expressed written
consent of all Parties.
13.11 Notices.
All
notices, requests and demands hereunder shall be in writing and delivered by
hand, by facsimile transmission, by mail, by telegram or by recognized
commercial over-night delivery service (such as Federal Express, UPS or DHL),
and shall be deemed given (a) if by hand delivery, upon such delivery; (b)
if by
facsimile transmission, upon telephone confirmation of receipt of same; (c)
if
by mail, forty-eight (48) hours after deposit in the United States mail, first
class, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid; (d) if by telegram, upon
telephone confirmation of receipt of same; or, (e) if by recognized commercial
over-night delivery service, upon such delivery.
13.12 Time.
All
Parties agree that time is of the essence as to this Agreement.
13.13 Disputes.
13.13.1. Mediation.
All
disputes, claims or controversies arising out of or relating to this Agreement
with more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) in controversy, including but
not
limited to any dispute, claim or controversy arising out of or relating to
this
Agreement or the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation or validity
thereof, including the determination of the scope or applicability of this
agreement to arbitrate, shall be initially submitted to Judicial Arbitration
and
Mediation Services (“JAMS”) in Orange County, California, or its successor, for
mediation. Mediation shall be commenced by providing to JAMS and the other
Party
a written request for mediation, setting forth the subject of the dispute and
the relief requested. The Parties will cooperate with JAMS and with one another
in selecting a mediator from JAMS’ panel of neutral mediators, and in scheduling
the mediation proceedings. The Parties will participate in the mediation in
good
faith, and they will share equally in its costs. All offers, promises, conduct
and statements, whether oral or written, made in the course of the mediation
by
any of the Parties, their agents, employees, experts and attorneys, and by
the
mediator or any JAMS employees, are confidential, privileged and inadmissible
for any purpose, including impeachment, in any arbitration or other proceeding
involving the Parties, provided that evidence that is otherwise admissible
or
discoverable shall not be rendered inadmissible or non-discoverable as a result
of its use in the mediation. Either Party may initiate arbitration with respect
to the matters submitted to mediation by filing a written demand for arbitration
at any time following the initial mediation session or 45 days after the date
of
filing the written request for mediation, whichever occurs first. The mediation
may continue after the commencement of arbitration if the Parties so desire.
Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, the mediator shall be disqualified
from
serving as arbitrator in the case. The provisions of this paragraph
may be
enforced by any Court of competent jurisdiction, and the Party seeking
enforcement shall be entitled to an award of all costs, fees and expenses,
including attorney fees, to be paid by the Party against whom enforcement is
ordered.
13.13.2. Arbitration.
If the
matter is not resolved through mediation under Section 15.13.1., above, then
it
shall be submitted to JAMS in Orange County, California, or its
30
successor, for final and binding arbitration before a sole arbitrator. The arbitration shall be administered by JAMS pursuant to its Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures if the amount in controversy exceeds $250,000, or pursuant to its Streamlined Arbitration Rules and Procedures if the amount in controversy is $250,000 or less. Judgment on the Award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.
13.13.3. Small
Claims.
All
disputes, claims or controversies arising out of or relating to this Agreement
with Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) or less in controversy shall be adjudicated
in a court of applicable jurisdiction according to California law.
13.13.3. Waiver
of Jury Trial and Related Rights.
By initialing the space below, the Parties hereby agree to have all disputes,
claims or controversies arising out of or relating to this Agreement, which
are
not resolved by mediation, decided by neutral binding arbitration as provided
in
this Agreement. Each Party is giving up any rights it might possess to have
those matters litigated in a court or jury trial. By initialing in the space
below, each Party is giving up its judicial rights to discovery and appeal
except to the extent that they are specifically provided for under this
Agreement. If either Party refuses to submit to arbitration after agreeing
to
this provision, that Party may be compelled to arbitrate under federal or state
law. The foregoing has been read and understood. Each Party agrees to submit
all
disputes, claims or controversies arising out of or relating to this Agreement,
that have not been resolved by mediation, to binding arbitration in accordance
with this Agreement.
________
(initials of CBC) ________
(initials of IT NET)
Initials
of Shareholders: _________ _________ _________ _________
13.14 Recitals.
The
facts recited in Article II, above, are hereby conclusively presumed to be
true
as between and affecting the Parties.
13.15 Best
Efforts.
The
Parties shall use and exercise their best efforts, taking all reasonable,
ordinary and necessary measures to ensure an orderly and smooth relationship
under this Agreement, and further agree to work together and negotiate in good
faith to resolve any differences or problems which may arise in the
future.
XIV
EXECUTION
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF,
this
Agreement has been duly executed by the Parties, and shall be effective as
of
and on the Effective Date.
****SIGNATURES
APPEAR ON NEXT PAGE****
31
CBC: |
IT
NET:
|
CREATIVE BUSINESS CONCEPTS, INC., IT NETWORKS, INC., | |
a California corporation | a California corporation |
BY:/s/J.Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
BY:
/s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
|
NAME: J.Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
NAME: Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
|
TITLE: PRESIDENT/CFO |
TITLE:
PRESIDENT
|
DATED: September 19, 2005 |
DATED: September 19, 2005
|
SHAREHOLDERS | |
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
XXXXX XXXXXXXX
|
/s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxxx
XXXX XXXXXXXX
|
DATED: |
DATED:
|
/s/
Xxx Xxxxxxxx
XXX XXXXXXXX
|
/s/ Xxx Xxxxx
XXX XXXXX
|
DATED: September 19, 2005 |
DATED:
September 19,
2005
|
32
EXHIBITS
AND SCHEDULES
EXHIBITS
|
|
Exhibit
9.2(a)
|
Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx Employment Agreement
|
Exhibit
9.2(b)
|
Xxx
Xxxxxxxx Employment Agreement
|
Exhibit
9.2(c)
|
Xxxx
Xxxxxxxx Employment Agreement
|
Exhibit
9.2(d)
|
Xxx
Xxxxx Employment Agreement
|
SCHEDULES
|
|
Schedule
II-B
|
Shareholders
and Ownership
|
Schedule
5.2
|
CBC
Subsidiaries
|
Schedule
5.8
|
CBC
Capitalization
|
Schedule
5.13
|
CBC
Tax Returns and Disputes
|
Schedule
6.3
|
Shareholder
Information
|
Schedule
7.2
|
IT
NET Subsidiaries
|
Schedule
7.8
|
IT
NET Capitalization
|
Schedule
7.10
|
IT
NET Employee Benefits
|
Schedule
7.13
|
IT
NET Leases and Similar Agreements
|
Schedule
7.14
|
IT
NET Material Agreements
|
Schedule
7.15
|
IT
NET Employment Agreements
|
Schedule
7.16
|
IT
NET Restrictive Covenant Agreements
|
Schedule
7.19
|
IT
NET Environmental Disclosures
|
Schedule
7.24
|
IT
NET Title to Assets
|
Schedule
7.26
|
IT
NET Intellectual Property
Assets
|
33
EXHIBIT
9.2(a)
XXXX
XXXXXXXX EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT
CREATIVE
BUSINESS CONCEPTS, INC.,
as
“Employer”
and
XXXXX
XXXXXXXX,
as
“Xxxxxxxx”
Effective
Date:
September
1, 2005
EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT
I
PARTIES
THIS
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
(the
“Agreement”) is entered into this ____ day of ____________, 2005, by and between
CREATIVE BUSINESS CONCEPTS, INC., a California corporation (the “Employer”);
and,
XXXXX
XXXXXXXX, an individual residing in the State of California (“Xxxxxxxx”).
Employer and Xxxxxxxx are sometimes referred to collectively herein as the
“Parties”, and each individually as a “Party”.
II
RECITALS
A. Employer
is a wireless
and business systems provider specializing in WiFi/WiMAX, security, IT
integration, and telecommunication services. As part of these offering of
services, Employer designs
and
installs specialty communication systems for data, voice, video, and telecom,
among other things (the “Business”).
B. Employer’s
principal place of business is located at Xxx Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx
X,
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, 00000 (the “Premises”), and is deemed to be conducted
throughout the continental United States, but principally conducted in the
Southern California counties of San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura,
San
Bernardino, and Riverside, and in each metropolitan area in which the
headquarters of a client of Employer is located (the “Territory”).
X. Xxxxxxxx
represents to possess certain skills and contacts which would enable Xxxxxxxx
to
benefit Employer.
D. Immediately
prior to executing this Agreement, Xxxxxxxx was an employee of IT NETWORK
PARTNERS, INC., a California corporation (“IT NET”), of
which
Xxxxxxxx was a principal shareholder.
E. Concurrent
with the execution of this Agreement, Employer acquired one hundred percent
(100%) of the issued and outstanding shares of stock of IT NET under the
terms
and conditions of an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Purchase
Agreement”). Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the same meanings
attached to them in the Purchase Agreement.
F. The
Parties acknowledge that Xxxxxxxx’x abilities and services are unique and
essential to the prospects of Employer, and Employer has relied upon Xxxxxxxx
agreeing to serve Employer pursuant to this Agreement.
G. Employer
desires to retain the services of Xxxxxxxx, and Xxxxxxxx desires to be retained
by Employer, all pursuant to the terms and conditions contained
herein.
H. NOW,
THEREFORE,
in
consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants contained herein,
and for
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are
hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree
as
follows:
III
EMPLOYMENT
3.1 Position.
Employer hereby hires Xxxxxxxx to serve in the position referenced on Schedule
“A”, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Xxxxxxxx shall do
and
perform all services, duties, responsibilities, and acts (i) prescribed by
the
Bylaws of Employer, as amended from time-to-time, (ii) which are customarily
vested in the position hereunder by Xxxxxxxx, and (iii) necessary or advisable
to carry out such responsibilities, subject always to the control of the
Board
of Directors of Employer (the “Board”), or all authorized designees. Said
services may include, but not be limited to, those listed on Schedule
“A”.
3.2 Certain
Changes and Additional Responsibilities. Nothing
herein shall preclude the Board from changing Xxxxxxxx’x title and duties if
such Board has concluded in its reasonable judgment that such change is in
Employer’s best interests. If Xxxxxxxx is elected or appointed a director or
officer of Employer or any subsidiary thereof during the term of this Agreement,
Xxxxxxxx will serve in such capacity without further compensation.
3.3 Time
and Effort.
3.3.1. Entire
Productive Time.
Xxxxxxxx shall devote Xxxxxxxx’x entire productive time, attention, knowledge
and skill to the business and interests of Employer. Employer shall be entitled
to all the benefits and profits arising from or incident to any and all services
performed by Xxxxxxxx pursuant to this Agreement.
3.3.2. Exceptions.
Nothing
contained in Section 3.3.1., above, shall be construed to prevent Xxxxxxxx
from:
(a) investing
his personal assets in businesses which do not compete with Employer, in
such
form or manner as will not require any services on the part of Xxxxxxxx in
the
operation or the affairs of the companies in which such investments are made
and
in which his participation is solely that of an investor;
(b) purchasing
securities in any corporation whose securities are regularly traded provided
that such purchase shall not result in his collectively owning beneficially
at
any time five percent (5%) or more of the equity securities of any corporation
engaged in a business competitive to that of Employer; and
(c) participating
in conferences, preparing or publishing papers or books or teaching, so long
as
the Board approves of such activities prior to Xxxxxxxx engaging in them.
3.4 Term.
3.4.1. Initial
Term.
The
Term of this Agreement shall commence on the ____ day of ______, 2005, (the
“Start Date”) and shall continue for a period of thirty-six (36) months, unless
sooner terminated as provided for herein (the “Initial Term”).
3.4.2. Renewal
Terms.
This
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall renew for a maximum
of
three (3) additional twelve (12) month periods (each referred to as a “Renewal
Term”), provided that both Parties at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of
Initial Term, and then any Renewal Term, give written notice to the other
of
their intent to have the Agreement remain in full force and effect for the
next
Renewal Term.
3.4.3. Term
Defined.
For
purposes of this Agreement, the word “Term” shall specifically include the
Initial Term and all Renewal Terms hereunder.
3.5 Location.
Except
for routine travel incident to the business of Employer, Xxxxxxxx’x services
hereunder shall be principally performed at the Premises, or such other location
within the surrounding area of the Premises.
IV
COMPENSATION
4.1 Base
Salary.
Employer agrees to pay Xxxxxxxx and Xxxxxxxx agrees to accept as compensation
for the services and obligations set forth herein, as Base Salary, the sum
referenced on Schedule “A”, per annum, which sum shall be paid to Xxxxxxxx by
Employer in equal semi-monthly installments to be tendered to Xxxxxxxx on
the
first and fifteenth day of each month, or at such other intervals as may
be
mutually agreed upon by Employer and Xxxxxxxx.
4.1.1. Necessary
Deductions.
Employer shall deduct from the Base Salary amounts sufficient to cover
applicable federal, state, and/or local income tax withholdings, and any
other
amounts which Employer is required to withhold by applicable law.
4.1.2. Yearly
Review.
On each
year anniversary date hereunder, Xxxxxxxx’x Base Salary shall be reviewed by the
Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”).
Base Salary may be increased, but may never be decreased, in the sole discretion
of the Board or the Compensation Committee.
4.2 Participation
in Divisional Profit Pool.
As
additional consideration hereunder, Employer shall pay to Xxxxxxxx in accordance
with the following:
4.2.1. Divisional
Profit Pool.
Xxxxxxxx shall be entitled to participate in the Divisional Profit Pool,
as
defined below, and receive his proportionate share of such distributions,
if
any, as additional compensation for his services rendered as an employee
hereunder.
4.2.2. Proportionate
Share.
Xxxxxxxx’x shall be entitled to receive forty percent (40%) of the total of all
distributions from the Divisional Profit Pool.
4.2.3. Determinations
and Distributions.
The
Divisional Profit Pool shall be determined each calendar year no later than
the
31st
day of
March of each calendar year. Distributions of the Divisional Profit Pool
shall
be effected by CBC, if any, no later than the 30th
day of
April each year.
4.2.4. Applicable
Definitions.
For
purposes of this Section 4.2, the follows terms shall be defined as provided
below:
(a) “Divisional
Profit Pool” shall be defined as a percentage of the Net Profit of the division
referred to by Employer as the “IT NET Division”, with said percentage to be
determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee in good faith on a
yearly
basis, and in no event in excess of fifty percent (50%).
(b) “Net
Profit” shall be defined (and calculated for each calendar year) as the total of
all revenue actually collected by or attributed to the IT NET Division,
less
all
costs and expenses directly attributable to the IT NET Division, further
qualified as follows:
(i) During
the first twelve (12) months hereunder, Net Profit shall be determined without
regard to or inclusion of any allocation for the general and administrative
expenses of CBC; and
(ii) At
all
times hereunder, Net Profit shall be determined by including the gross revenues
of CBC generated by the sales of Employee not otherwise included under the
IT
NET Division, with the additional inclusion of all direct expenses for said
sales and an allocable share of the general and administrative expenses of
CBC
as compared to the included gross proceeds.
4.3 Additional
Annual Compensation.
Employer may, but is not obligated to, pay Xxxxxxxx as additional annual
compensation, during each calendar year ending during the Term of this
Agreement, such sums as may annually be determined by the Board, or the
Compensation Committee, including bonus, regular and cost of living increases
and adjustments.
V
EMPLOYEE
BENEFITS
5.1 Employer
Policy.
During
the Term of this Agreement, Xxxxxxxx
shall be entitled to participate in employee benefit plans or programs of
Employer, if any, to the extent that his position, tenure, salary, age, health
and other qualifications make him eligible to participate, subject to the
rules
and regulations applicable thereto. Such additional benefits shall include,
subject to the approval of the Board, full medical, dental and income insurance,
and participation in qualified pension and profit sharing plans.
5.2 Business
Expenses.
Employer will reimburse Xxxxxxxx for all reasonable business expenses incurred
by Xxxxxxxx in the performance of Xxxxxxxx’x duties provided that:
(a) Each
such
expenditure qualifies as a proper deduction for Employer for federal income
tax
purposes; and
(b) Xxxxxxxx
furnishes to Employer adequate records and other documentary evidence required
to substantiate such expenditures as a proper deduction for federal income
tax
purposes; and
(c) Prior
to
incurring any such expense in excess of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000), Xxxxxxxx
receives express authorization from the Chief Executive Officer or other
authorized officer of Employer; and
(d) Any
reimbursed expense payment to Xxxxxxxx that is disallowed, in whole or in
part,
as a deductible business expense of Employer for federal income tax purposes
shall be immediately repaid to Employer by Xxxxxxxx to the full extent of
such
disallowance.
5.3 Vacation
Time.
Xxxxxxxx shall be granted three (3) weeks paid vacation for each calendar
year
during the Term, with said time being prorated for the calendar year in which
Xxxxxxxx celebrates his first year of full-time employment. However, if at
the
end of any calendar year there is any accrued and unused vacation time for
Employee, additional vacation time for Employee will not accrue until Employee
takes all of his vacation time accrued from prior calendar years. Upon using
said accrued vacation time, Employee shall once again be entitled to three
(3)
weeks paid vacation time for that calendar year, prorated for the month in
which
the remaining accrued vacation time was taken.
5.4 Indemnification.
The
Parties agree that all liabilities incurred by Xxxxxxxx in his capacity as
an
employee of Employer hereunder shall be incurred for the account of Employer,
and Xxxxxxxx shall not be personally liable therefore except for those matters
under applicable provisions of California General Corporate Law which are
subject to indemnification for officers of corporations. Xxxxxxxx shall not
be
liable to Employer, or any of its respective subsidiaries, affiliates,
employees, officers, directors, agents, representatives, successors, assigns,
stockholders, and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates, and Employer
shall, and hereby agrees to, indemnify, defend and hold Xxxxxxxx harmless
from
and against any and all damages and/or loss or liability (including, without
limitation, all cost of defense thereof), for any acts or omissions in the
performance of service under and within the scope of this Section 5.5.
VI
TERMINATION
6.1 For
Cause by Employer.
This
Agreement shall terminate upon five (5) days prior written notice from Employer
to Xxxxxxxx of the termination of Xxxxxxxx’x employment “for cause” (as defined
below), provided that Xxxxxxxx does not cease the conduct constituting “for
cause” prior to the expiration of such five (5) day period. For purposes of this
Section 6.1, the term “for cause” shall include the following:
(a) Any
action by Xxxxxxxx involving the violation of any criminal statute constituting
a felony;
(b) Gross
misconduct in the performance of Xxxxxxxx’x duties hereunder;
(c) The
failure by Xxxxxxxx to follow or comply with the policies and procedures
of
Employer, or the written directives of the Board of Directors of Employer,
provided that such policies, procedures or directives are consistent with
Xxxxxxxx’x duties hereunder;
(d) The
violation by Xxxxxxxx of any provision of this Agreement; or
(e) The
repeated failure by Xxxxxxxx to render full and proper services, as required
by
the terms of this Agreement, and which Employer reasonably believes constitutes
a material breach of this Agreement.
6.2 For
Cause by Xxxxxxxx.
This
Agreement shall terminate upon five (5) days prior written notice from Xxxxxxxx
to Employer of the termination of this Agreement “for cause” (as defined below),
provided that Employer does not cease the conduct constituting “for cause” prior
to the expiration of such five (5) day period. For purposes of this Section
6.2,
the term “for cause” shall include the following:
(a) The
willful breach of any of the material obligations of Employer to Xxxxxxxx
under
this Agreement; or
(b) The
Employer’s chief executive offices are moved to a location outside of Orange
County, California.
6.3 Termination
Without Cause.
6.3.1. Mutual
Right to Terminate.
Either
Party may terminate this Agreement upon the delivery of thirty (30) days
written
notice to the other
Party
(“Termination Without Cause”).
6.3.2. Termination
By Employer During Initial Term.
In the
event there is a Termination Without Cause by Employer at any time during
the
Initial Term, then:
(a) All
shares stock acquired by Xxxxxxxx pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and
all
replacements shall be and remain the property of Xxxxxxxx.
(b) Employer
shall continue to pay to Xxxxxxxx, in accordance with the terms and conditions
of Section 4.1, above, Xxxxxxxx’x Base Salary at the time of Termination Without
Cause (the “Termination Date”) for a period equal to the greater of (i) the
months remaining in the Initial Term at the time of the Termination Date;
or
(ii) twelve (12), plus in any event an additional twelve (12) months as
well.
6.3.3. Termination
By Xxxxxxxx During Initial Term.
In the
event there is a Termination Without Cause by Xxxxxxxx at any time during
the
Initial Term, then:
(a) All
shares stock acquired by Xxxxxxxx pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and
all
replacements shall be immediately forfeited by Xxxxxxxx, returned to the
Employer, and be cancelled in full.
(b) Xxxxxxxx
shall pay to Employer twenty percent (20%) of the greater of (i) his salary
or
(ii) the gross xxxxxxxx generated by his sales efforts, paid as he receives
compensation, for a period equal to the time remaining in the Initial Term
at
the time of the Termination Date, plus an additional twelve (12) months.
6.4 Other
Termination.
This
Agreement shall terminate upon:
(a) The
death
or legal incapacity of Xxxxxxxx;
(b) The
expiration of the Term;
(c) At
such
time as Xxxxxxxx suffers a Disability (as defined below);
(d) The
dissolution and winding up of the business of Employer; or
(e) The
express written consent of both Parties.
6.5 Disputes
as to Termination.
If
either Party disputes any aspect of termination hereunder, the disputing
party
may demand arbitration of the dispute by written notice to the other. As
part of
their decision, the arbitrators may allocate the cost of arbitration, including
fees of attorneys and experts, as they deem fair and equitable in light of
all
relevant circumstances. Such arbitration shall be commenced not later than
thirty (30) days following the date of delivery of the notice of arbitration
by
a panel of three qualified arbitrators, one who shall be designated by Xxxxxxxx,
one by Employer and one (who shall act as chairman of the arbitration panel)
by
the first two arbitrators so appointed. The arbitration shall be conducted
in
Orange County, California in accordance with the rules promulgated and adopted
by the American Arbitration Association (with the right of discovery as provided
in the California Code of Civil Procedure by all Parties), and each Party
shall
retain the right to cross-examine the opposing Party’s witnesses, either through
legal counsel, expert witnesses or both. The majority decision of the
arbitration panel shall be final, binding and conclusive on all Parties (without
any right of appeal therefrom) and shall not be subject to judicial
review.
6.6 Disability.
For
purposes of this Agreement, the term “Disability” shall mean that by reason of
physical or mental disability, Xxxxxxxx will be unable to perform the regular
duties of employment under this Agreement for a continuous period of ninety
(90)
days.
6.7 Survival
of Provisions.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the provisions of Section
5.4
and Articles VI, VII, VIII, IX, and XII, inclusive, shall expressly survive
the
termination of this Agreement.
VII
RESTRICTIVE
COVENANTS AND RELATED CONFIDENTIALITY PROVISIONS
7.1 Trade
Secrets Covenants.
Xxxxxxxx shall not at any time, whether during or subsequent to the term
of
Xxxxxxxx’x employment, unless specifically consented to in writing by Employer,
either directly or indirectly use, divulge, disclose or communicate to any
person, firm, or corporation, in any manner whatsoever, any confidential
information concerning any matters affecting or relating to the business
of
Employer, including, but not limited to, the names, buying habits, or practices
of any of its customers, its’ marketing methods and related data, the names of
any of its vendors or suppliers, costs of materials, the prices it obtains
or
has obtained or at which it sells or has sold its products or services,
manufacturing and sales, costs, lists or other written records used in
Employer’s business, compensation paid to employees and other terms of
employment, or any other confidential information of, about or concerning
the
business of Employer, its manner of operation, or other confidential data
of any
kind, nature, or description. The Parties hereby stipulate that as between
them,
the foregoing matters are important, material, and confidential trade secrets
and affect the successful conduct of Employer’s business and its goodwill, and
that any breach of any term of this Section 7.1 is a material breach of this
Agreement.
7.2 Customer
Accounts Covenants.
As used
herein, the term “Customer Accounts” shall mean all accounts, clients,
customers, and the like of Employer and its affiliates, subsidiaries, licensees,
and business associations, whether now existing or hereafter developed or
acquired, including any and all accounts developed or acquired by or through
the
efforts of Xxxxxxxx. During and through the Term of this Agreement and
continuing for a period of twenty-four (24) months immediately following
the
termination of Xxxxxxxx’x employment with Employer, Xxxxxxxx shall not directly
or indirectly make known to any person, firm, corporation or entity the names
or
addresses of any of the Customer Accounts or any other information pertaining
to
them. During this same time period, Xxxxxxxx shall not, directly or indirectly,
for Xxxxxxxx or any other person, firm, corporation or entity, divert, take
away, call on or solicit, or attempt to divert, take away, call on or solicit,
any of the Customer Accounts, including but not limited to those Customer
Accounts which Xxxxxxxx called or with whom Xxxxxxxx became acquainted during
Xxxxxxxx’x employment with Employer.
7.3 Employees
Covenant.
During
and throughout the Term of this Agreement and continuing for a period of
twenty-four (24) months immediately following the termination of Xxxxxxxx’x
employment with Employer, Xxxxxxxx shall not, directly or indirectly, or
by
action in concert with others, cause or induce or influence, or attempt to
cause
or induce or influence, any employee, agent, independent contractor, or other
business affiliate of Employer to terminate his or her relationship with
Employer, as such relationship exists at any time following the execution
of
this Agreement.
7.4 Competition
Covenant.
Xxxxxxxx hereby agrees that during and throughout the Term of this Agreement
and
continuing for a period of twenty-four (24) months immediately following
the
termination of Xxxxxxxx’x employment with Employer, Xxxxxxxx shall
not:
(a) directly
or indirectly, in an individual or representative capacity, own an interest
in,
operate, join, control, finance (whether as a lender or investor), share
in the
earnings of, participate in, engage in or be connected as an officer, employee,
agent, independent contractor, partner, shareholder, member, consultant,
employer, investor, or principal of any corporation, partnership,
proprietorship, firm, association, limited liability company, person, or
any
other entity engaged in any aspect of the Business inside the Territory,
or
which is otherwise in competition with Employer, except as otherwise provided
for in Section 3.3.2.(b) herein; or
(b) Permit
his name to be used, directly or indirectly, by any corporation, partnership,
proprietorship, firm, association, limited liability company, person, or
any
other entity engaged in the Business within the Territory.
7.5 Books
and Records.
All
equipment, notebooks, documents, memoranda, reports, files, samples, books,
correspondence, lists, computer disks and data bases, computer programs and
reports, computer software, and all other written, graphic and computer
generated or stored records affecting or relating to the business of Employer
which Xxxxxxxx shall prepare, use, construct, observe, possess, or control
shall
be and remain the sole and exclusive property of Employer, and shall constitute
trade secret information of Employer. Within five (5) day so of the Termination
Date, Xxxxxxxx shall promptly deliver to Employer all such equipment, notebooks,
documents, memoranda, reports, files, samples, books, correspondence, lists,
computer disks and data bases, computer programs and reports, computer software,
and all other written, graphic and computer generated or stored records relating
to the business of Employer which are or have been in the possession or under
the control of Xxxxxxxx.
7.6 Injunctive
Relief.
Xxxxxxxx acknowledges that if Xxxxxxxx violates any of the provisions of
this
Article VII, it will be difficult to determine the amount of damages resulting
to Employer. In addition to any other remedies which it may have, Employer
shall
also be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief without the
necessity of proving actual damages.
7.7 Enforcement
of Covenants.
It
is the
desire and intent of the Parties that the provisions of this Article VII
shall
be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and public policies
applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. Accordingly,
if any
particular portion of this Article VII shall be adjudicated to be invalid
or
unenforceable, this Article VII shall be deemed amended to delete therefrom
the
portion thus adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable, such deletion to
apply
only with respect to the operation of this Article in the particular
jurisdiction in which such adjudication is made.
VIII
PROPRIETARY
INTEREST
8.1 Inventions.
All
inventions, improvements, ideas and disclosures (whether or not patentable)
conceived or reduced to practice (actually or constructively) by Xxxxxxxx
during
the Term of this Agreement which are directly or indirectly related to
Employer’s business shall be the property of Employer. Xxxxxxxx shall execute
and deliver to Employer, at Employer’s expense, all instruments of assignment
necessary to vest title to such intangible rights in Employer, and, if
requested, to execute all applications for issuance of Letters Patent in
the
United States or abroad and assignments thereof.
8.2 Specific
Exclusion.
Specifically excluded from this Article XI are any inventions which qualify
fully under California Labor Code §2870, which provides as follows:
(a) Any
provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall
assign, or offer to assign, any of his or her rights in an invention to his
or
her employer shall not apply to an invention that the employee developed
entirely on his or her own time without using the employer’s equipment,
supplies, facilities, or trade secret information except for those inventions
that either:
(1) Related
at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the
employer’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or
development of the employer; or
(2) Result
from any work performed by the employee for the employer.
(b) To
the
extent a provision in an employment agreement purports to require an employee
to
assign an invention otherwise excluded from being required to be assigned
under
subdivision (a), the provision is against the public policy of this state
and is
unenforceable.
IX
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF XXXXXXXX
Xxxxxxxx
hereby represents and warrants to Employer the following as of and on the
day
this Agreement is executed:
(a) The
execution, delivery and consummation of this Agreement will comply with all
applicable law and will not:
(i) Violate
any judgment, order, writ or decree of any court or administrative body
applicable to Xxxxxxxx;
(ii) Result
in
the breach of, constitute a default under, constitute an event which with
notice
or lapse of time, or both, would become a default under, or result in the
creation of any right to proceed against Employer under any agreement,
commitment, contract (written or oral) or other instrument to which Xxxxxxxx
is
a party.
(b) Xxxxxxxx
is not subject to any non-compete, non-disclosure or similar agreement (whether
oral or written) with any third party, other than his agreement with Agilent,
a
copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit IX.
X
EXTENT
OF RELATIONSHIP
XXXXXXXX
HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS AGREEMENT (AND ALL OTHER REFERENCES
HEREIN)
THE SOLE AGREEMENT BETWEEN EMPLOYER AND XXXXXXXX REGARDING THE
EXTENT OF
THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMPLOYER AND XXXXXXXX. THERE
IS NO
OTHER AGREEMENT, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, BETWEEN EMPLOYER AND XXXXXXXX
FOR
EMPLOYMENT BEYOND THE TERM SPECIFIED HEREIN OR UNDER ANY CONDITIONS
OTHER
THAN THOSE STATED HEREIN. EMPLOYER AND XXXXXXXX BOTH HAVE THE RIGHT
TO
TERMINATE THIS AGREEMENT ONLY IN STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH THE TERMS
AND
CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.
|
XI
NOTICES
All
notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted
to be
given hereunder shall be effected pursuant to Section 12.13, below, as
follows:
If
to
Employer : With
a
copy to:
Mr.
Xxxxx
Xxxxxx
Xxxxx
X.
Xxxxxxxxx, Esq.
CREATIVE
BUSINESS CONCEPTS, INC.
SPECTRUM
LAW GROUP,
LLP
One
Technology Drive, Building H 0000
Xxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxxx 00000 Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
If
to
Xxxxxxxx: With
a
Copy to:
Xx.
Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
27525
Puerta Real, Xxxxx 000-000 XXXX
XXXXXXXX
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000 000
Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx
Xxxxx
Xxxx,
Xxxxxxxxxx 00000-0000
XII
ADDITIONAL
PROVISIONS
12.1 Executed
Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in any number of original, fax or copied counterparts,
and all counterparts shall be considered together as one agreement. A faxed
or
copied counterpart shall have the same force and effect as an original signed
counterpart. Each of the Parties hereby expressly forever waives any and
all
rights to raise the use of a fax machine to deliver a signature, or the fact
that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated
through the use of a fax machine, as a defense to the formation of a contract.
12.2 Successors
and Assigns.
Except
as expressly provided in this Agreement, each and all of the covenants, terms,
provisions, conditions and agreements herein contained shall be binding upon
and
shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Parties
hereto.
12.3 Article
and Section Headings.
The
article and section headings used in this Agreement are inserted for convenience
and identification only and are not to be used in any manner to interpret
this
Agreement.
12.4 Severability.
Each
and every provision of this Agreement is severable and independent of any
other
term or provision of this Agreement. If any term or provision hereof is held
void or invalid for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, such
invalidity shall not affect the remainder of this Agreement.
12.5 Governing
Law.
This
Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without
giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether
of the
State of California or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application
of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of California. If any
court
action is necessary to enforce the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
the
Parties hereby agree that the Superior Court of California, County of Orange,
shall be the sole jurisdiction and venue for the bringing of such action.
12.6 Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement, and all references herein, contains the entire understanding among
the Parties hereto and supersedes any and all prior written or oral agreements,
understandings, and negotiations between them respecting the subject matter
contained herein.
12.7 Additional
Documentation.
The
Parties hereto agree to execute, acknowledge and cause to be filed and recorded,
if necessary, any and all documents, amendments, notices and certificates
which
may be necessary or convenient under the laws of the State of
California.
12.8 Attorney’s
Fees.
If any
legal action (including arbitration) is necessary to enforce the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to costs
and reasonable attorney’s fees.
12.9 Amendment.
This
Agreement may be amended or modified only by a writing signed by all
Parties.
12.10 Remedies.
12.10.1. Specific
Performance.
The
Parties hereby declare that it is impossible to measure in money the damages
which will result from a failure to perform any of the obligations under
this
Agreement. Therefore, each Party waives the claim or defense that an adequate
remedy at law exists in any action or proceeding brought to enforce the
provisions hereof.
12.10.2. Cumulative.
The
remedies of the Parties under this Agreement are cumulative and shall not
exclude any other remedies to which any person may be lawfully entitled.
12.11 Waiver.
No
failure by any Party to insist on the strict performance of any covenant,
duty,
agreement, or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy
on
a breach shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or of any other covenant,
duty, agreement, or condition.
12.12 Assignability.
This
Agreement is not assignable by Xxxxxxxx, and is assignable by Employer upon
a
merger or similar acquisitive transaction involving Employer.
12.13 Notices.
All
notices, requests and demands hereunder shall be in writing and delivered
by
hand, by facsimile transmission, by mail, by telegram or by recognized
commercial over-night delivery service (such as Federal Express, UPS or DHL),
and shall be deemed given (a) if by hand delivery, upon such delivery; (b)
if by
facsimile transmission, upon telephone confirmation of receipt of same; (c)
if
by mail, forty-eight (48) hours after deposit in the United States mail,
first
class, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid; (d) if by telegram,
upon
telephone confirmation of receipt of same; or, (e) if by recognized commercial
over-night delivery service, upon such delivery.
12.14 Time.
All
Parties agree that time is of the essence as to this Agreement.
12.15 Disputes.
The
Parties agree to cooperate and meet in order to resolve any disputes or
controversies arising under this Agreement. Should they be unable to do so,
then
either may elect arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration
Association, and both Parties are obligated to proceed thereunder. Arbitration
shall proceed in Orange County, and the Parties agree to be bound by the
arbitrator’s award, which may be filed in the
Superior
Court of California, County of Orange. The
Parties consent to the jurisdiction of California Courts for enforcement
of this
determination by arbitration. The prevailing Party shall be entitled to
reimbursement for his attorney’s fees and all costs associated with arbitration.
In any arbitration proceeding conducted pursuant to the provisions of this
Section, both Parties shall have the right to conduct discovery, to call
witnesses and to cross-examine the opposing Party’s witnesses, either through
legal counsel, expert witnesses or both, and the provisions of the California
Code of Civil Procedure (Right to Discovery; Procedure and Enforcement) are
hereby incorporated into this Agreement by this reference and made a part
hereof. EACH
PARTY HEREBY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTER CLAIM
BROUGHT BY ANY OF THEM AGAINST THE OTHER ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED
WITH THIS AGREEMENT, OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENTS EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH
OR
THE ADMINISTRATION THEREOF OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED
HEREIN.
12.16 Provision
Not Construed Against Party Drafting Agreement.
This
Agreement is the result of negotiations by and between the Parties, and each
Party has had the opportunity to be represented by independent legal counsel
of
its choice. This Agreement is the product of the work and efforts of all
Parties, and shall be
deemed
to have been drafted by all Parties. In the event of a dispute, no Party
hereto
shall be entitled to claim that any provision should be construed against
any
other Party by reason of the fact that it was drafted by one particular
Party.
12.17 Incorporation
of Exhibits and Schedules.
The
Exhibits and Schedules identified in this Agreement are incorporated herein
by
reference and made a part hereof as if set out in full herein.
12.18 Recitals.
The
facts recited in Article II, above, are hereby conclusively presumed to be
true
as between and affecting the Parties.
12.19 Consents,
Approvals and Discretion.
Except
as herein expressly provided to the contrary, whenever this Agreement requires
consent or approval to be given by a Party, or a Party must or may exercise
discretion, the Parties agree that such consent or approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed, and such discretion shall
be
reasonably exercised. Except as otherwise provided herein, if no response
to a
consent or request for approval is provided within ten (10) days from the
receipt of the request, then the consent or approval shall be presumed to
have
been given.
12.20 No
Third Party Beneficiaries.
This
Agreement has been entered into solely by and between Employer and Xxxxxxxx,
solely for their benefit. There is no intent by either Party to create or
establish a third party beneficiary to this Agreement, and no such third
party
shall have any right to enforce any right, claim, or cause of action created
or
established under this Agreement.
12.21 Best
Efforts.
The
Parties shall use and exercise their best efforts, taking all reasonable,
ordinary and necessary measures to ensure an orderly and smooth relationship
under this Agreement, and further agree to work together and negotiate in
good
faith to resolve any differences or problems which may arise in the
future.
12.22 Definitional
Provisions.
For
purposes of this Agreement, (i) those words, names, or terms which are
specifically defined herein shall have the meaning specifically ascribed
to
them; (ii) wherever from the context it appears appropriate, each term stated
either in the singular or plural shall include the singular and plural; (iii)
wherever from the context it appears appropriate, the masculine, feminine,
or
neuter gender, shall each include the others; (iv) the words “hereof”, “herein”,
“hereunder”, and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, shall
refer to this Agreement as a whole, and not to any particular provision of
this
Agreement; (v) all references to designated “Articles”, “Sections”, and to other
subdivisions are to the designated Articles, Sections, and other subdivisions
of
this Agreement as originally executed; (vi) all references to “Dollars” or “$”
shall be construed as being United States dollars; (vii) the
term
“including” is not limiting and means “including without limitation”;
and,
(viii) all references to all statutes, statutory provisions, regulations,
or
similar administrative provisions shall be construed as a reference to such
statute, statutory provision, regulation, or similar administrative provision
as
in force at the date of this Agreement and as may be subsequently amended.
XIII
EXECUTION
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, this
Agreement has been duly executed by the Parties, and shall be effective as
of
and on the Effective Date.
EMPLOYER: XXXXXXXX:
CREATIVE
BUSINESS CONCEPTS, INC.,
a
California corporation
/s/
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
XXXXX
XXXXXXXX
BY:/s/
J. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx DATED:
September 1, 2005
NAME:
J.Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
TITLE:
President/CFO
DATED:
September 22, 2005
SCHEDULE
“A”
SECTION MATTER COMMENTS
3.1 Position/Title Xxxxxxxx
shall serve as Employer’s EVP.
3.1 Services The
services to be rendered by Xxxxxxxx shall include but not be limited to
overseeing Serv ices Division.
4.1 Annual
Base Salary One
Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($175,000).
EXHIBIT
IX
AGREEMENT
WITH AGILENT
34
EXHIBIT
9.2(b)
XXX
XXXXXXXX EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT
CREATIVE
BUSINESS CONCEPTS, INC.,
as
“Employer”
and
XXX
XXXXXXXX,
as
“Froggatt”
Effective
Date:
September
1, 2005
EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT
I
PARTIES
THIS
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
(the
“Agreement”) is entered into this ____ day of ____________, 2005, by and between
CREATIVE BUSINESS CONCEPTS, INC., a California corporation (the “Employer”);
and,
XXX
XXXXXXXX, an individual residing in the State of California (“Froggatt”).
Employer and Froggatt are sometimes referred to collectively herein as the
“Parties”, and each individually as a “Party”.
II
RECITALS
A. Employer
is a wireless
and business systems provider specializing in WiFi/WiMAX, security, IT
integration, and telecommunication services. As part of these offering of
services, Employer designs
and
installs specialty communication systems for data, voice, video, and telecom,
among other things (the “Business”).
B. Employer’s
principal place of business is located at Xxx Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx
X,
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, 00000 (the “Premises”), and is deemed to be conducted
throughout the continental United States, but principally conducted in the
Southern California counties of San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura,
San
Bernardino, and Riverside, and in each metropolitan area in which the
headquarters of a client of Employer is located (the “Territory”).
X. Xxxxxxxx
represents to possess certain skills and contacts which would enable Froggatt
to
benefit Employer.
D. Immediately
prior to executing this Agreement, Froggatt was an employee of IT NETWORK
PARTNERS, INC., a California corporation (“IT NET”), of
which
Froggatt was a principal shareholder.
E. Concurrent
with the execution of this Agreement, Employer acquired one hundred percent
(100%) of the issued and outstanding shares of stock of IT NET under the
terms
and conditions of an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Purchase
Agreement”). Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the same meanings
attached to them in the Purchase Agreement.
F. The
Parties acknowledge that Froggatt’s abilities and services are unique and
essential to the prospects of Employer, and Employer has relied upon Froggatt
agreeing to serve Employer pursuant to this Agreement.
G. Employer
desires to retain the services of Froggatt, and Froggatt desires to be retained
by Employer, all pursuant to the terms and conditions contained
herein.
H. NOW,
THEREFORE,
in
consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants contained herein,
and for
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are
hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree
as
follows:
III
EMPLOYMENT
3.1 Position.
Employer hereby hires Froggatt to serve in the position referenced on Schedule
“A”, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Froggatt shall do
and
perform all services, duties, responsibilities, and acts (i) prescribed by
the
Bylaws of Employer, as amended from time-to-time, (ii) which are customarily
vested in the position hereunder by Froggatt, and (iii) necessary or advisable
to carry out such responsibilities, subject always to the control of the
Board
of Directors of Employer (the “Board”), or all authorized designees. Said
services may include, but not be limited to, those listed on Schedule
“A”.
3.2 Certain
Changes and Additional Responsibilities. Nothing
herein shall preclude the Board from changing Froggatt’s title and duties if
such Board has concluded in its reasonable judgment that such change is in
Employer’s best interests. If Froggatt is elected or appointed a director or
officer of Employer or any subsidiary thereof during the term of this Agreement,
Froggatt will serve in such capacity without further compensation.
3.3 Time
and Effort.
3.3.1. Entire
Productive Time.
Froggatt shall devote Froggatt’s entire productive time, attention, knowledge
and skill to the business and interests of Employer. Employer shall be entitled
to all the benefits and profits arising from or incident to any and all services
performed by Froggatt pursuant to this Agreement.
3.3.2. Exceptions.
Nothing
contained in Section 3.3.1., above, shall be construed to prevent Froggatt
from:
(a) investing
his personal assets in businesses which do not compete with Employer, in
such
form or manner as will not require any services on the part of Froggatt in
the
operation or the affairs of the companies in which such investments are made
and
in which his participation is solely that of an investor;
(b) purchasing
securities in any corporation whose securities are regularly traded provided
that such purchase shall not result in his collectively owning beneficially
at
any time five percent (5%) or more of the equity securities of any corporation
engaged in a business competitive to that of Employer; and
(c) participating
in conferences, preparing or publishing papers or books or teaching, so long
as
the Board approves of such activities prior to Froggatt engaging in them.
3.4 Term.
3.4.1. Initial
Term.
The
Term of this Agreement shall commence on the ____ day of ______, 2005, (the
“Start Date”) and shall continue for a period of thirty-six (36) months, unless
sooner terminated as provided for herein (the “Initial Term”).
3.4.2. Renewal
Terms.
This
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall renew for a maximum
of
three (3) additional twelve (12) month periods (each referred to as a “Renewal
Term”), provided that both Parties at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of
Initial Term, and then any Renewal Term, give written notice to the other
of
their intent to have the Agreement remain in full force and effect for the
next
Renewal Term.
3.4.3. Term
Defined.
For
purposes of this Agreement, the word “Term” shall specifically include the
Initial Term and all Renewal Terms hereunder.
3.5 Location.
Except
for routine travel incident to the business of Employer, Froggatt’s services
hereunder shall be principally performed at the Premises, or such other location
within the surrounding area of the Premises.
IV
COMPENSATION
4.1 Base
Salary.
Employer agrees to pay Froggatt and Froggatt agrees to accept as compensation
for the services and obligations set forth herein, as Base Salary, the sum
referenced on Schedule “A”, per annum, which sum shall be paid to Froggatt by
Employer in equal semi-monthly installments to be tendered to Froggatt on
the
first and fifteenth day of each month, or at such other intervals as may
be
mutually agreed upon by Employer and Froggatt.
4.1.1. Necessary
Deductions.
Employer shall deduct from the Base Salary amounts sufficient to cover
applicable federal, state, and/or local income tax withholdings, and any
other
amounts which Employer is required to withhold by applicable law.
4.1.2. Yearly
Review.
On each
year anniversary date hereunder, Froggatt’s Base Salary shall be reviewed by the
Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”).
Base Salary may be increased, but may never be decreased, in the sole discretion
of the Board or the Compensation Committee.
4.2 Participation
in Divisional Profit Pool.
As
additional consideration hereunder, Employer shall pay to Froggatt in accordance
with the following:
4.2.1. Divisional
Profit Pool.
Froggatt shall be entitled to participate in the Divisional Profit Pool,
as
defined below, and receive his proportionate share of such distributions,
if
any, as additional compensation for his services rendered as an employee
hereunder.
4.2.2. Proportionate
Share.
Froggatt shall be entitled to receive forty percent (40%) of the total of
all
distributions from the Divisional Profit Pool.
4.2.3. Determinations
and Distributions.
The
Divisional Profit Pool shall be determined each calendar year no later than
the
31st
day of
March of each calendar year. Distributions of the Divisional Profit Pool
shall
be effected by CBC, if any, no later than the 30th
day of
April each year.
4.2.4. Applicable
Definitions.
For
purposes of this Section 4.2, the follows terms shall be defined as provided
below:
(a) “Divisional
Profit Pool” shall be defined as a percentage of the Net Profit of the division
referred to by Employer as the “IT NET Division”, with said percentage to be
determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee in good faith on a
yearly
basis, and in no event in excess of fifty percent (50%).
(b) “Net
Profit” shall be defined (and calculated for each calendar year) as the total of
all revenue actually collected by or attributed to the IT NET Division,
less
all
costs and expenses directly attributable to the IT NET Division, further
qualified as follows:
(i) During
the first twelve (12) months hereunder, Net Profit shall be determined without
regard to or inclusion of any allocation for the general and administrative
expenses of CBC; and
(ii) At
all
times hereunder, Net Profit shall be determined by including the gross revenues
of CBC generated by the sales of Employee and all other employees of CBC
whose
efforts are directed toward the IT NET Division and which are not otherwise
included under the IT NET Division, with the additional inclusion of all
direct
expenses for said sales and an allocable share of the general and administrative
expenses of CBC as compared to the included gross proceeds.
4.3 Additional
Annual Compensation.
Employer may, but is not obligated to, pay Froggatt as additional annual
compensation, during each calendar year ending during the Term of this
Agreement, such sums as may annually be determined by the Board, or the
Compensation Committee, including bonus, regular and cost of living increases
and adjustments.
V
EMPLOYEE
BENEFITS
5.1 Employer
Policy.
During
the Term of this Agreement, Froggatt
shall be entitled to participate in employee benefit plans or programs of
Employer, if any, to the extent that his position, tenure, salary, age, health
and other qualifications make him eligible to participate, subject to the
rules
and regulations applicable thereto. Such additional benefits shall include,
subject to the approval of the Board, full medical, dental and income insurance,
and participation in qualified pension and profit sharing plans.
5.2 Business
Expenses.
Employer will reimburse Froggatt for all reasonable business expenses incurred
by Froggatt in the performance of Froggatt’s duties provided that:
(a) Each
such
expenditure qualifies as a proper deduction for Employer for federal income
tax
purposes; and
(b) Froggatt
furnishes to Employer adequate records and other documentary evidence required
to substantiate such expenditures as a proper deduction for federal income
tax
purposes; and
(c) Prior
to
incurring any such expense in excess of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000), Froggatt
receives express authorization from the Chief Executive Officer or other
authorized officer of Employer; and
(d) Any
reimbursed expense payment to Froggatt that is disallowed, in whole or in
part,
as a deductible business expense of Employer for federal income tax purposes
shall be immediately repaid to Employer by Froggatt to the full extent of
such
disallowance.
5.3 Vacation
Time.
Froggatt shall be granted three (3) weeks paid vacation for each calendar
year
during the Term, with said time being prorated for the calendar year in which
Froggatt celebrates his first year of full-time employment. However, if at
the
end of any calendar year there is any accrued and unused vacation time for
Employee, additional vacation time for Employee will not accrue until Employee
takes all of his vacation time accrued from prior calendar years. Upon using
said accrued vacation time, Employee shall once again be entitled to three
(3)
weeks paid vacation time for that calendar year, prorated for the month in
which
the remaining accrued vacation time was taken.
5.4 Indemnification.
The
Parties agree that all liabilities incurred by Froggatt in his capacity as
an
employee of Employer hereunder shall be incurred for the account of Employer,
and Froggatt shall not be personally liable therefore except for those matters
under applicable provisions of California General Corporate Law which are
subject to indemnification for officers of corporations. Froggatt shall not
be
liable to Employer, or any of its respective subsidiaries, affiliates,
employees, officers, directors, agents, representatives, successors, assigns,
stockholders, and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates, and Employer
shall, and hereby agrees to, indemnify, defend and hold Froggatt harmless
from
and against any and all damages and/or loss or liability (including, without
limitation, all cost of defense thereof), for any acts or omissions in the
performance of service under and within the scope of this Section 5.5.
VI
TERMINATION
6.1 For
Cause by Employer.
This
Agreement shall terminate upon five (5) days prior written notice from Employer
to Froggatt of the termination of Froggatt’s employment “for cause” (as defined
below), provided that Froggatt does not cease the conduct constituting “for
cause” prior to the expiration of such five (5) day period. For purposes of this
Section 6.1, the term “for cause” shall include the following:
(a) Any
action by Froggatt involving the violation of any criminal statute constituting
a felony;
(b) Gross
misconduct in the performance of Froggatt’s duties hereunder;
(c) The
failure by Froggatt to follow or comply with the policies and procedures
of
Employer, or the written directives of the Board of Directors of Employer,
provided that such policies, procedures or directives are consistent with
Froggatt’s duties hereunder;
(d) The
violation by Froggatt of any provision of this Agreement; or
(e) The
repeated failure by Froggatt to render full and proper services, as required
by
the terms of this Agreement, and which Employer reasonably believes constitutes
a material breach of this Agreement.
6.2 For
Cause by Froggatt.
This
Agreement shall terminate upon five (5) days prior written notice from Froggatt
to Employer of the termination of this Agreement “for cause” (as defined below),
provided that Employer does not cease the conduct constituting “for cause” prior
to the expiration of such five (5) day period. For purposes of this Section
6.2,
the term “for cause” shall include the following:
(a) The
willful breach of any of the material obligations of Employer to Froggatt
under
this Agreement; or
(b) The
Employer’s chief executive offices are moved to a location outside of Orange
County, California.
6.3 Termination
Without Cause.
6.3.1. Mutual
Right to Terminate.
Either
Party may terminate this Agreement upon the delivery of thirty (30) days
written
notice to the other Party (“Termination Without Cause”).
6.3.2. Termination
By Employer During Initial Term.
In the
event there is a Termination Without Cause by Employer at any time during
the
Initial Term, then:
(a) All
shares stock acquired by Froggatt pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and
all
replacements shall be and remain the property of Froggatt.
(b) Employer
shall continue to pay to Froggatt, in accordance with the terms and conditions
of Section 4.1, above, Froggatt’s Base Salary at the time of Termination Without
Cause (the “Termination Date”) for a period equal to the greater of (i) the
months remaining in the Initial Term at the time of the Termination Date;
or
(ii) twelve (12), plus in any event an additional twelve (12) months as
well.
6.3.3. Termination
By Froggatt During Initial Term.
In the
event there is a Termination Without Cause by Froggatt at any time during
the
Initial Term, then:
(a) All
shares stock acquired by Froggatt pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and
all
replacements shall be immediately forfeited by Froggatt, returned to the
Employer, and be cancelled in full.
(b) Froggatt
shall pay to Employer twenty percent (20%) of the greater of (i) his salary
or
(ii) the gross xxxxxxxx generated by his sales efforts, paid as he receives
compensation, for a period equal to the time remaining in the Initial Term
at
the time of the Termination Date, plus an additional twelve (12) months.
6.4 Other
Termination.
This
Agreement shall terminate upon:
(a) The
death
or legal incapacity of Froggatt;
(b) The
expiration of the Term;
(c) At
such
time as Froggatt suffers a Disability (as defined below);
(d) The
dissolution and winding up of the business of Employer; or
(e) The
express written consent of both Parties.
6.5 Disputes
as to Termination.
If
either Party disputes any aspect of termination hereunder, the disputing
party
may demand arbitration of the dispute by written notice to the other. As
part of
their decision, the arbitrators may allocate the cost of arbitration, including
fees of attorneys and experts, as they deem fair and equitable in light of
all
relevant circumstances. Such arbitration shall be commenced not later than
thirty (30) days following the date of delivery of the notice of arbitration
by
a panel of three qualified arbitrators, one who shall be designated by Froggatt,
one by Employer and one (who shall act as chairman of the arbitration panel)
by
the first two arbitrators so appointed. The arbitration shall be conducted
in
Orange County, California in accordance with the rules promulgated and adopted
by the American Arbitration Association (with the right of discovery as provided
in the California Code of Civil Procedure by all Parties), and each Party
shall
retain the right to cross-examine the opposing Party’s witnesses, either through
legal counsel, expert witnesses or both. The majority decision of the
arbitration panel shall be final, binding and conclusive on all Parties (without
any right of appeal therefrom) and shall not be subject to judicial
review.
6.6 Disability.
For
purposes of this Agreement, the term “Disability” shall mean that by reason of
physical or mental disability, Froggatt will be unable to perform the regular
duties of employment under this Agreement for a continuous period of ninety
(90)
days.
6.7 Survival
of Provisions.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the provisions of Section
5.4
and Articles VI, VII, VIII, IX, and XII, inclusive, shall expressly survive
the
termination of this Agreement.
VII
RESTRICTIVE
COVENANTS AND RELATED CONFIDENTIALITY PROVISIONS
7.1 Trade
Secrets Covenants.
Froggatt shall not at any time, whether during or subsequent to the term
of
Froggatt’s employment, unless specifically consented to in writing by Employer,
either directly or indirectly use, divulge, disclose or communicate to any
person, firm, or corporation, in any manner whatsoever, any confidential
information concerning any matters affecting or relating to the business
of
Employer, including, but not limited to, the names, buying habits, or practices
of any of its customers, its’ marketing methods and related data, the names of
any of its vendors or suppliers, costs of materials, the prices it obtains
or
has obtained or at which it sells or has sold its products or services,
manufacturing and sales, costs, lists or other written records used in
Employer’s business, compensation paid to employees and other terms of
employment, or any other confidential information of, about or concerning
the
business of Employer, its manner of operation, or other confidential data
of any
kind, nature, or description. The Parties hereby stipulate that as between
them,
the foregoing matters are important, material, and confidential trade secrets
and affect the successful conduct of Employer’s business and its goodwill, and
that any breach of any term of this Section 7.1 is a material breach of this
Agreement.
7.2 Customer
Accounts Covenants.
As used
herein, the term “Customer Accounts” shall mean all accounts, clients,
customers, and the like of Employer and its affiliates, subsidiaries, licensees,
and business associations, whether now existing or hereafter developed or
acquired, including any and all accounts developed or acquired by or through
the
efforts of Froggatt. During and through the Term of this Agreement and
continuing for a period of twenty-four (24) months immediately following
the
termination of Froggatt’s employment with Employer, Froggatt shall not directly
or indirectly make known to any person, firm, corporation or entity the names
or
addresses of any of the Customer Accounts or any other information pertaining
to
them. During this same time period, Froggatt shall not, directly or indirectly,
for Froggatt or any other person, firm, corporation or entity, divert, take
away, call on or solicit, or attempt to divert, take away, call on or solicit,
any of the Customer Accounts, including but not limited to those Customer
Accounts which Froggatt called or with whom Froggatt became acquainted during
Froggatt’s employment with Employer.
7.3 Employees
Covenant.
During
and throughout the Term of this Agreement and continuing for a period of
twenty-four (24) months immediately following the termination of Froggatt’s
employment with Employer, Froggatt shall not, directly or indirectly, or
by
action in concert with others, cause or induce or influence, or attempt to
cause
or induce or influence, any employee, agent, independent contractor, or other
business affiliate of Employer to terminate his or her relationship with
Employer, as such relationship exists at any time following the execution
of
this Agreement.
7.4 Competition
Covenant.
Froggatt hereby agrees that during and throughout the Term of this Agreement
and
continuing for a period of twenty-four (24) months immediately following
the
termination of Froggatt’s employment with Employer, Froggatt shall
not:
(a) directly
or indirectly, in an individual or representative capacity, own an interest
in,
operate, join, control, finance (whether as a lender or investor), share
in the
earnings of, participate in, engage in or be connected as an officer, employee,
agent, independent contractor, partner, shareholder, member, consultant,
employer, investor, or principal of any corporation, partnership,
proprietorship, firm, association, limited liability company, person, or
any
other entity engaged in any aspect of the Business inside the Territory,
or
which is otherwise in competition with Employer, except as otherwise provided
for in Section 3.3.2.(b) herein; or
(b) Permit
his name to be used, directly or indirectly, by any corporation, partnership,
proprietorship, firm, association, limited liability company, person, or
any
other entity engaged in the Business within the Territory.
7.5 Books
and Records.
All
equipment, notebooks, documents, memoranda, reports, files, samples, books,
correspondence, lists, computer disks and data bases, computer programs and
reports, computer software, and all other written, graphic and computer
generated or stored records affecting or relating to the business of Employer
which Froggatt shall prepare, use, construct, observe, possess, or control
shall
be and remain the sole and exclusive property of Employer, and shall constitute
trade secret information of Employer. Within five (5) day so of the Termination
Date, Froggatt shall promptly deliver to Employer all such equipment, notebooks,
documents, memoranda, reports, files, samples, books, correspondence, lists,
computer disks and data bases, computer programs and reports, computer software,
and all other written, graphic and computer generated or stored records relating
to the business of Employer which are or have been in the possession or under
the control of Froggatt.
7.6 Injunctive
Relief.
Froggatt acknowledges that if Froggatt violates any of the provisions of
this
Article VII, it will be difficult to determine the amount of damages resulting
to Employer. In addition to any other remedies which it may have, Employer
shall
also be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief without the
necessity of proving actual damages.
7.7 Enforcement
of Covenants.
It
is the
desire and intent of the Parties that the provisions of this Article VII
shall
be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and public policies
applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. Accordingly,
if any
particular portion of this Article VII shall be adjudicated to be invalid
or
unenforceable, this Article VII shall be deemed amended to delete therefrom
the
portion thus adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable, such deletion to
apply
only with respect to the operation of this Article in the particular
jurisdiction in which such adjudication is made.
VIII
PROPRIETARY
INTEREST
8.1 Inventions.
All
inventions, improvements, ideas and disclosures (whether or not patentable)
conceived or reduced to practice (actually or constructively) by Froggatt
during
the Term of this Agreement which are directly or indirectly related to
Employer’s business shall be the property of Employer. Froggatt shall execute
and deliver to Employer, at Employer’s expense, all instruments of assignment
necessary to vest title to such intangible rights in Employer, and, if
requested, to execute all applications for issuance of Letters Patent in
the
United States or abroad and assignments thereof.
8.2 Specific
Exclusion.
Specifically excluded from this Article XI are any inventions which qualify
fully under California Labor Code §2870, which provides as follows:
(a) Any
provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall
assign, or offer to assign, any of his or her rights in an invention to his
or
her employer shall not apply to an invention that the employee developed
entirely on his or her own time without using the employer’s equipment,
supplies, facilities, or trade secret information except for those inventions
that either:
(1) Related
at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the
employer’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or
development of the employer; or
(2) Result
from any work performed by the employee for the employer.
(b) To
the
extent a provision in an employment agreement purports to require an employee
to
assign an invention otherwise excluded from being required to be assigned
under
subdivision (a), the provision is against the public policy of this state
and is
unenforceable.
IX
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF FROGGATT
Froggatt
hereby represents and warrants to Employer the following as of and on the
day
this Agreement is executed:
(a) The
execution, delivery and consummation of this Agreement will comply with all
applicable law and will not:
(i) Violate
any judgment, order, writ or decree of any court or administrative body
applicable to Froggatt;
(ii) Result
in
the breach of, constitute a default under, constitute an event which with
notice
or lapse of time, or both, would become a default under, or result in the
creation of any right to proceed against Employer under any agreement,
commitment, contract (written or oral) or other instrument to which Froggatt
is
a party.
(b) Froggatt
is not subject to any non-compete, non-disclosure or similar agreement (whether
oral or written) with any third party.
X
EXTENT
OF RELATIONSHIP
FROGGATT
HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS AGREEMENT (AND ALL OTHER REFERENCES
HEREIN)
THE SOLE AGREEMENT BETWEEN EMPLOYER AND FROGGATT REGARDING THE
EXTENT OF
THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMPLOYER AND FROGGATT. THERE
IS NO
OTHER AGREEMENT, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, BETWEEN EMPLOYER AND FROGGATT
FOR
EMPLOYMENT BEYOND THE TERM SPECIFIED HEREIN OR UNDER ANY CONDITIONS
OTHER
THAN THOSE STATED HEREIN. EMPLOYER AND FROGGATT BOTH HAVE THE RIGHT
TO
TERMINATE THIS AGREEMENT ONLY IN STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH THE TERMS
AND
CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.
|
XI
NOTICES
All
notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted
to be
given hereunder shall be effected pursuant to Section 12.13, below, as
follows:
If
to
Employer : With
a
copy to:
Mr.
Xxxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxxx,
Esq.
CREATIVE
BUSINESS CONCEPTS, INC. SPECTRUM
LAW GROUP,
LLP
One
Technology Drive, Building H 0000
Xxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxxx
00000
If
to
Froggatt: With
a
Copy to:
Xx.
Xxx
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx,
Esq.
XXXX
XXXXXXXX
000
Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx
Xxxxx
Xxxx,
Xxxxxxxxxx 00000-0000
XII
ADDITIONAL
PROVISIONS
12.1 Executed
Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in any number of original, fax or copied counterparts,
and all counterparts shall be considered together as one agreement. A faxed
or
copied counterpart shall have the same force and effect as an original signed
counterpart. Each of the Parties hereby expressly forever waives any and
all
rights to raise the use of a fax machine to deliver a signature, or the fact
that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated
through the use of a fax machine, as a defense to the formation of a contract.
12.2 Successors
and Assigns.
Except
as expressly provided in this Agreement, each and all of the covenants, terms,
provisions, conditions and agreements herein contained shall be binding upon
and
shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Parties
hereto.
12.3 Article
and Section Headings.
The
article and section headings used in this Agreement are inserted for convenience
and identification only and are not to be used in any manner to interpret
this
Agreement.
12.4 Severability.
Each
and every provision of this Agreement is severable and independent of any
other
term or provision of this Agreement. If any term or provision hereof is held
void or invalid for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, such
invalidity shall not affect the remainder of this Agreement.
12.5 Governing
Law.
This
Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without
giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether
of the
State of California or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application
of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of California. If any
court
action is necessary to enforce the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
the
Parties hereby agree that the Superior Court of California, County of Orange,
shall be the sole jurisdiction and venue for the bringing of such action.
12.6 Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement, and all references herein, contains the entire understanding among
the Parties hereto and supersedes any and all prior written or oral agreements,
understandings, and negotiations between them respecting the subject matter
contained herein.
12.7 Additional
Documentation.
The
Parties hereto agree to execute, acknowledge and cause to be filed and recorded,
if necessary, any and all documents, amendments, notices and certificates
which
may be necessary or convenient under the laws of the State of
California.
12.8 Attorney’s
Fees.
If any
legal action (including arbitration) is necessary to enforce the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to costs
and reasonable attorney’s fees.
12.9 Amendment.
This
Agreement may be amended or modified only by a writing signed by all
Parties.
12.10 Remedies.
12.10.1. Specific
Performance.
The
Parties hereby declare that it is impossible to measure in money the damages
which will result from a failure to perform any of the obligations under
this
Agreement. Therefore, each Party waives the claim or defense that an adequate
remedy at law exists in any action or proceeding brought to enforce the
provisions hereof.
12.10.2. Cumulative.
The
remedies of the Parties under this Agreement are cumulative and shall not
exclude any other remedies to which any person may be lawfully entitled.
12.11 Waiver.
No
failure by any Party to insist on the strict performance of any covenant,
duty,
agreement, or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy
on
a breach shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or of any other covenant,
duty, agreement, or condition.
12.12 Assignability.
This
Agreement is not assignable by Froggatt, and is assignable by Employer upon
a
merger or similar acquisitive transaction involving Employer.
12.13 Notices.
All
notices, requests and demands hereunder shall be in writing and delivered
by
hand, by facsimile transmission, by mail, by telegram or by recognized
commercial over-night delivery service (such as Federal Express, UPS or DHL),
and shall be deemed given (a) if by hand delivery, upon such delivery; (b)
if by
facsimile transmission, upon telephone confirmation of receipt of same; (c)
if
by mail, forty-eight (48) hours after deposit in the United States mail,
first
class, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid; (d) if by telegram,
upon
telephone confirmation of receipt of same; or, (e) if by recognized commercial
over-night delivery service, upon such delivery.
12.14 Time.
All
Parties agree that time is of the essence as to this Agreement.
12.15 Disputes.
The
Parties agree to cooperate and meet in order to resolve any disputes or
controversies arising under this Agreement. Should they be unable to do so,
then
either may elect arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration
Association, and both Parties are obligated to proceed thereunder. Arbitration
shall proceed in Orange County, and the Parties agree to be bound by the
arbitrator’s award, which may be filed in the
Superior
Court of California, County of Orange. The
Parties consent to the jurisdiction of California Courts for enforcement
of this
determination by arbitration. The prevailing Party shall be entitled to
reimbursement for his attorney’s fees and all costs associated with arbitration.
In any arbitration proceeding conducted pursuant to the provisions of this
Section, both Parties shall have the right to conduct discovery, to call
witnesses and to cross-examine the opposing Party’s witnesses, either through
legal counsel, expert witnesses or both, and the provisions of the California
Code of Civil Procedure (Right to Discovery; Procedure and Enforcement) are
hereby incorporated into this Agreement by this reference and made a part
hereof. EACH
PARTY HEREBY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTER CLAIM
BROUGHT BY ANY OF THEM AGAINST THE OTHER ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED
WITH THIS AGREEMENT, OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENTS EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH
OR
THE ADMINISTRATION THEREOF OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED
HEREIN.
12.16 Provision
Not Construed Against Party Drafting Agreement.
This
Agreement is the result of negotiations by and between the Parties, and each
Party has had the opportunity to be represented by independent legal counsel
of
its choice. This Agreement is the product of the work and efforts of all
Parties, and shall be
deemed
to have been drafted by all Parties. In the event of a dispute, no Party
hereto
shall be entitled to claim that any provision should be construed against
any
other Party by reason of the fact that it was drafted by one particular
Party.
12.17 Incorporation
of Exhibits and Schedules.
The
Exhibits and Schedules identified in this Agreement are incorporated herein
by
reference and made a part hereof as if set out in full herein.
12.18 Recitals.
The
facts recited in Article II, above, are hereby conclusively presumed to be
true
as between and affecting the Parties.
12.19 Consents,
Approvals and Discretion.
Except
as herein expressly provided to the contrary, whenever this Agreement requires
consent or approval to be given by a Party, or a Party must or may exercise
discretion, the Parties agree that such consent or approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed, and such discretion shall
be
reasonably exercised. Except as otherwise provided herein, if no response
to a
consent or request for approval is provided within ten (10) days from the
receipt of the request, then the consent or approval shall be presumed to
have
been given.
12.20 No
Third Party Beneficiaries.
This
Agreement has been entered into solely by and between Employer and Froggatt,
solely for their benefit. There is no intent by either Party to create or
establish a third party beneficiary to this Agreement, and no such third
party
shall have any right to enforce any right, claim, or cause of action created
or
established under this Agreement.
12.21 Best
Efforts.
The
Parties shall use and exercise their best efforts, taking all reasonable,
ordinary and necessary measures to ensure an orderly and smooth relationship
under this Agreement, and further agree to work together and negotiate in
good
faith to resolve any differences or problems which may arise in the
future.
12.22 Definitional
Provisions.
For
purposes of this Agreement, (i) those words, names, or terms which are
specifically defined herein shall have the meaning specifically ascribed
to
them; (ii) wherever from the context it appears appropriate, each term stated
either in the singular or plural shall include the singular and plural; (iii)
wherever from the context it appears appropriate, the masculine, feminine,
or
neuter gender, shall each include the others; (iv) the words “hereof”, “herein”,
“hereunder”, and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, shall
refer to this Agreement as a whole, and not to any particular provision of
this
Agreement; (v) all references to designated “Articles”, “Sections”, and to other
subdivisions are to the designated Articles, Sections, and other subdivisions
of
this Agreement as originally executed; (vi) all references to “Dollars” or “$”
shall be construed as being United States dollars; (vii) the
term
“including” is not limiting and means “including without limitation”;
and,
(viii) all references to all statutes, statutory provisions, regulations,
or
similar administrative provisions shall be construed as a reference to such
statute, statutory provision, regulation, or similar administrative provision
as
in force at the date of this Agreement and as may be subsequently amended.
XIII
EXECUTION
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, this
Agreement has been duly executed by the Parties, and shall be effective as
of
and on the Effective Date.
EMPLOYER: FROGGATT:
CREATIVE
BUSINESS CONCEPTS, INC.,
a
California corporation
/s/
Xxx Xxxxxxxx
XXX
XXXXXXXX
BY:/s/
J. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx DATED:
September 1, 2005
NAME:
J.Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
TITLE:
President/CFO
DATED:
September 22, 2005
1.1/bos/gb/cbc/itnet/employmentagreements/froggatt
SCHEDULE
“A”
SECTION MATTER COMMENTS
3.1 Position/Title Froggatt
shall serve as Employer’s _____ ________.
3.1 Services The
services to be rendered by Froggatt shall include but not be limited to _______
___________ _________.
4.1 Annual
Base Salary One
Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000).
35
EXHIBIT
9.2(c)
XXXX
XXXXXXXX EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT
CREATIVE
BUSINESS CONCEPTS, INC.,
as
“Employer”
and
XXXX
XXXXXXXX,
as
“Xxxxxxxx”
Effective
Date:
September
1, 2005
EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT
I
PARTIES
THIS
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
(the
“Agreement”) is entered into this ____ day of ____________, 2005, by and between
CREATIVE BUSINESS CONCEPTS, INC., a California corporation (the “Employer”);
and,
XXXX
XXXXXXXX, an individual residing in the State of California (“Xxxxxxxx”).
Employer and Xxxxxxxx are sometimes referred to collectively herein as the
“Parties”, and each individually as a “Party”.
II
RECITALS
A. Employer
is a wireless
and business systems provider specializing in WiFi/WiMAX, security, IT
integration, and telecommunication services. As part of these offering of
services, Employer designs
and
installs specialty communication systems for data, voice, video, and telecom,
among other things (the “Business”).
B. Employer’s
principal place of business is located at Xxx Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx
X,
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, 00000 (the “Premises”), and is deemed to be conducted
throughout the continental United States, but principally conducted in the
Southern California counties of San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura,
San
Bernardino, and Riverside, and in each metropolitan area in which the
headquarters of a client of Employer is located (the “Territory”).
X. Xxxxxxxx
represents to possess certain skills and contacts which would enable Xxxxxxxx
to
benefit Employer.
D. Immediately
prior to executing this Agreement, Xxxxxxxx was an employee of IT NETWORK
PARTNERS, INC., a California corporation (“IT NET”), of
which
Xxxxxxxx was a principal shareholder.
E. Concurrent
with the execution of this Agreement, Employer acquired one hundred percent
(100%) of the issued and outstanding shares of stock of IT NET under the
terms
and conditions of an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Purchase
Agreement”). Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the same meanings
attached to them in the Purchase Agreement.
F. The
Parties acknowledge that Catiller’s abilities and services are unique and
essential to the prospects of Employer, and Employer has relied upon Xxxxxxxx
agreeing to serve Employer pursuant to this Agreement.
G. Employer
desires to retain the services of Xxxxxxxx, and Xxxxxxxx desires to be retained
by Employer, all pursuant to the terms and conditions contained
herein.
H. NOW,
THEREFORE,
in
consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants contained herein,
and for
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are
hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree
as
follows:
III
EMPLOYMENT
3.1 Position.
Employer hereby hires Catiller to serve in the position referenced on Schedule
“A”, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Xxxxxxxx shall do
and
perform all services, duties, responsibilities, and acts (i) prescribed by
the
Bylaws of Employer, as amended from time-to-time, (ii) which are customarily
vested in the position hereunder by Xxxxxxxx, and (iii) necessary or advisable
to carry out such responsibilities, subject always to the control of the
Board
of Directors of Employer (the “Board”), or all authorized designees. Said
services may include, but not be limited to, those listed on Schedule
“A”.
3.2 Certain
Changes and Additional Responsibilities. Nothing
herein shall preclude the Board from changing Catiller’s title and duties if
such Board has concluded in its reasonable judgment that such change is in
Employer’s best interests. If Xxxxxxxx is elected or appointed a director or
officer of Employer or any subsidiary thereof during the term of this Agreement,
Xxxxxxxx will serve in such capacity without further compensation.
3.3 Time
and Effort.
3.3.1. Entire
Productive Time.
Xxxxxxxx shall devote Catiller’s entire productive time, attention, knowledge
and skill to the business and interests of Employer. Employer shall be entitled
to all the benefits and profits arising from or incident to any and all services
performed by Xxxxxxxx pursuant to this Agreement.
3.3.2. Exceptions.
Nothing
contained in Section 3.3.1., above, shall be construed to prevent Xxxxxxxx
from:
(a) investing
his personal assets in businesses which do not compete with Employer, in
such
form or manner as will not require any services on the part of Xxxxxxxx in
the
operation or the affairs of the companies in which such investments are made
and
in which his participation is solely that of an investor;
(b) purchasing
securities in any corporation whose securities are regularly traded provided
that such purchase shall not result in his collectively owning beneficially
at
any time five percent (5%) or more of the equity securities of any corporation
engaged in a business competitive to that of Employer; and
(c) participating
in conferences, preparing or publishing papers or books or teaching, so long
as
the Board approves of such activities prior to Xxxxxxxx engaging in them.
3.4 Term.
3.4.1. Initial
Term.
The
Term of this Agreement shall commence on the ____ day of ______, 2005, (the
“Start Date”) and shall continue for a period of thirty-six (36) months, unless
sooner terminated as provided for herein (the “Initial Term”).
3.4.2. Renewal
Terms.
This
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall renew for a maximum
of
three (3) additional twelve (12) month periods (each referred to as a “Renewal
Term”), provided that both Parties at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of
Initial Term, and then any Renewal Term, give written notice to the other
of
their intent to have the Agreement remain in full force and effect for the
next
Renewal Term.
3.4.3. Term
Defined.
For
purposes of this Agreement, the word “Term” shall specifically include the
Initial Term and all Renewal Terms hereunder.
3.5 Location.
Except
for routine travel incident to the business of Employer, Catiller’s services
hereunder shall be principally performed at the Premises, or such other location
within the surrounding area of the Premises.
IV
COMPENSATION
4.1 Base
Salary.
Employer agrees to pay Xxxxxxxx and Xxxxxxxx agrees to accept as compensation
for the services and obligations set forth herein, as Base Salary, the sum
referenced on Schedule “A”, per annum, which sum shall be paid to Xxxxxxxx by
Employer in equal semi-monthly installments to be tendered to Xxxxxxxx on
the
first and fifteenth day of each month, or at such other intervals as may
be
mutually agreed upon by Employer and Xxxxxxxx.
4.1.1. Necessary
Deductions.
Employer shall deduct from the Base Salary amounts sufficient to cover
applicable federal, state, and/or local income tax withholdings, and any
other
amounts which Employer is required to withhold by applicable law.
4.1.2. Yearly
Review.
On each
year anniversary date hereunder, Catiller’s Base Salary shall be reviewed by the
Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”).
Base Salary may be increased, but may never be decreased, in the sole discretion
of the Board or the Compensation Committee.
4.2 Participation
in Divisional Profit Pool.
As
additional consideration hereunder, Employer shall pay to Xxxxxxxx in accordance
with the following:
4.2.1. Divisional
Profit Pool.
Xxxxxxxx shall be entitled to participate in the Divisional Profit Pool,
as
defined below, and receive his proportionate share of such distributions,
if
any, as additional compensation for his services rendered as an employee
hereunder.
4.2.2. Proportionate
Share.
Xxxxxxxx shall be entitled to receive ten percent (10%) of the total of all
distributions from the Divisional Profit Pool.
4.2.3. Determinations
and Distributions.
The
Divisional Profit Pool shall be determined each calendar year no later than
the
31st
day of
March of each calendar year. Distributions of the Divisional Profit Pool
shall
be effected by CBC, if any, no later than the 30th
day of
April each year.
4.2.4. Applicable
Definitions.
For
purposes of this Section 4.2, the follows terms shall be defined as provided
below:
(a) “Divisional
Profit Pool” shall be defined as a percentage of the Net Profit of the division
referred to by Employer as the “IT NET Division”, with said percentage to be
determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee in good faith on a
yearly
basis, and in no event in excess of fifty percent (50%).
(b) “Net
Profit” shall be defined (and calculated for each calendar year) as the total of
all revenue actually collected by or attributed to the IT NET Division,
less
all
costs and expenses directly attributable to the IT NET Division, further
qualified as follows:
(i) During
the first twelve (12) months hereunder, Net Profit shall be determined without
regard to or inclusion of any allocation for the general and administrative
expenses of CBC; and
(ii) At
all
times hereunder, Net Profit shall be determined by including the gross revenues
of CBC generated by the sales of Employee and all other employees of CBC
whose
efforts are directed toward the IT NET Division and which are not otherwise
included under the IT NET Division, with the additional inclusion of all
direct
expenses for said sales and an allocable share of the general and administrative
expenses of CBC as compared to the included gross proceeds.
4.3 Additional
Annual Compensation.
Employer may, but is not obligated to, pay Xxxxxxxx as additional annual
compensation, during each calendar year ending during the Term of this
Agreement, such sums as may annually be determined by the Board, or the
Compensation Committee, including bonus, regular and cost of living increases
and adjustments.
V
EMPLOYEE
BENEFITS
5.1 Employer
Policy.
During
the Term of this Agreement, Xxxxxxxx
shall be entitled to participate in employee benefit plans or programs of
Employer, if any, to the extent that his position, tenure, salary, age, health
and other qualifications make him eligible to participate, subject to the
rules
and regulations applicable thereto. Such additional benefits shall include,
subject to the approval of the Board, full medical, dental and income insurance,
and participation in qualified pension and profit sharing plans.
5.2 Business
Expenses.
Employer will reimburse Xxxxxxxx for all reasonable business expenses incurred
by Xxxxxxxx in the performance of Catiller’s duties provided that:
(a) Each
such
expenditure qualifies as a proper deduction for Employer for federal income
tax
purposes; and
(b) Xxxxxxxx
furnishes to Employer adequate records and other documentary evidence required
to substantiate such expenditures as a proper deduction for federal income
tax
purposes; and
(c) Prior
to
incurring any such expense in excess of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000), Xxxxxxxx
receives express authorization from the Chief Executive Officer or other
authorized officer of Employer; and
(d) Any
reimbursed expense payment to Xxxxxxxx that is disallowed, in whole or in
part,
as a deductible business expense of Employer for federal income tax purposes
shall be immediately repaid to Employer by Xxxxxxxx to the full extent of
such
disallowance.
5.3 Vacation
Time.
Xxxxxxxx shall be granted three (3) weeks paid vacation for each calendar
year
during the Term, with said time being prorated for the calendar year in which
Xxxxxxxx celebrates his first year of full-time employment. However, if at
the
end of any calendar year there is any accrued and unused vacation time for
Employee, additional vacation time for Employee will not accrue until Employee
takes all of his vacation time accrued from prior calendar years. Upon using
said accrued vacation time, Employee shall once again be entitled to three
(3)
weeks paid vacation time for that calendar year, prorated for the month in
which
the remaining accrued vacation time was taken.
5.4 Indemnification.
The
Parties agree that all liabilities incurred by Xxxxxxxx in his capacity as
an
employee of Employer hereunder shall be incurred for the account of Employer,
and Xxxxxxxx shall not be personally liable therefore except for those matters
under applicable provisions of California General Corporate Law which are
subject to indemnification for officers of corporations. Xxxxxxxx shall not
be
liable to Employer, or any of its respective subsidiaries, affiliates,
employees, officers, directors, agents, representatives, successors, assigns,
stockholders, and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates, and Employer
shall, and hereby agrees to, indemnify, defend and hold Xxxxxxxx harmless
from
and against any and all damages and/or loss or liability (including, without
limitation, all cost of defense thereof), for any acts or omissions in the
performance of service under and within the scope of this Section 5.5.
VI
TERMINATION
6.1 For
Cause by Employer.
This
Agreement shall terminate upon five (5) days prior written notice from Employer
to Xxxxxxxx of the termination of Catiller’s employment “for cause” (as defined
below), provided that Xxxxxxxx does not cease the conduct constituting “for
cause” prior to the expiration of such five (5) day period. For purposes of this
Section 6.1, the term “for cause” shall include the following:
(a) Any
action by Xxxxxxxx involving the violation of any criminal statute constituting
a felony;
(b) Gross
misconduct in the performance of Catiller’s duties hereunder;
(c) The
failure by Xxxxxxxx to follow or comply with the policies and procedures
of
Employer, or the written directives of the Board of Directors of Employer,
provided that such policies, procedures or directives are consistent with
Catiller’s duties hereunder;
(d) The
violation by Xxxxxxxx of any provision of this Agreement; or
(e) The
repeated failure by Xxxxxxxx to render full and proper services, as required
by
the terms of this Agreement, and which Employer reasonably believes constitutes
a material breach of this Agreement.
6.2 For
Cause by Xxxxxxxx.
This
Agreement shall terminate upon five (5) days prior written notice from Xxxxxxxx
to Employer of the termination of this Agreement “for cause” (as defined below),
provided that Employer does not cease the conduct constituting “for cause” prior
to the expiration of such five (5) day period. For purposes of this Section
6.2,
the term “for cause” shall include the following:
(a) The
willful breach of any of the material obligations of Employer to Xxxxxxxx
under
this Agreement; or
(b) The
Employer’s chief executive offices are moved to a location outside of Orange
County, California.
6.3 Termination
Without Cause.
6.3.1. Mutual
Right to Terminate.
Either
Party may terminate this Agreement upon the delivery of thirty (30) days
written
notice to the other Party (“Termination Without Cause”).
6.3.2. Termination
By Employer During Initial Term.
In the
event there is a Termination Without Cause by Employer at any time during
the
Initial Term, then:
(a) All
shares stock acquired by Xxxxxxxx pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and
all
replacements shall be and remain the property of Xxxxxxxx.
(b) Employer
shall continue to pay to Xxxxxxxx, in accordance with the terms and conditions
of Section 4.1, above, Catiller’s Base Salary at the time of Termination Without
Cause (the “Termination Date”) for a period equal to the greater of (i) the
months remaining in the Initial Term at the time of the Termination Date;
or
(ii) twelve (12), plus in any event an additional twelve (12) months as
well.
6.3.3. Termination
By Xxxxxxxx During Initial Term.
In the
event there is a Termination Without Cause by Xxxxxxxx at any time during
the
Initial Term, then:
(a) All
shares stock acquired by Xxxxxxxx pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and
all
replacements shall be immediately forfeited by Xxxxxxxx, returned to the
Employer, and be cancelled in full.
(b) Xxxxxxxx
shall pay to Employer twenty percent (20%) of the greater of (i) his salary
or
(ii) the gross xxxxxxxx generated by his sales efforts, paid as he receives
compensation, for a period equal to the time remaining in the Initial Term
at
the time of the Termination Date, plus an additional twelve (12) months.
6.4 Other
Termination.
This
Agreement shall terminate upon:
(a) The
death
or legal incapacity of Xxxxxxxx;
(b) The
expiration of the Term;
(c) At
such
time as Xxxxxxxx suffers a Disability (as defined below);
(d) The
dissolution and winding up of the business of Employer; or
(e) The
express written consent of both Parties.
6.5 Disputes
as to Termination.
If
either Party disputes any aspect of termination hereunder, the disputing
party
may demand arbitration of the dispute by written notice to the other. As
part of
their decision, the arbitrators may allocate the cost of arbitration, including
fees of attorneys and experts, as they deem fair and equitable in light of
all
relevant circumstances. Such arbitration shall be commenced not later than
thirty (30) days following the date of delivery of the notice of arbitration
by
a panel of three qualified arbitrators, one who shall be designated by Xxxxxxxx,
one by Employer and one (who shall act as chairman of the arbitration panel)
by
the first two arbitrators so appointed. The arbitration shall be conducted
in
Orange County, California in accordance with the rules promulgated and adopted
by the American Arbitration Association (with the right of discovery as provided
in the California Code of Civil Procedure by all Parties), and each Party
shall
retain the right to cross-examine the opposing Party’s witnesses, either through
legal counsel, expert witnesses or both. The majority decision of the
arbitration panel shall be final, binding and conclusive on all Parties (without
any right of appeal therefrom) and shall not be subject to judicial
review.
6.6 Disability.
For
purposes of this Agreement, the term “Disability” shall mean that by reason of
physical or mental disability, Xxxxxxxx will be unable to perform the regular
duties of employment under this Agreement for a continuous period of ninety
(90)
days.
6.7 Survival
of Provisions.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the provisions of Section
5.4
and Articles VI, VII, VIII, IX, and XII, inclusive, shall expressly survive
the
termination of this Agreement.
VII
RESTRICTIVE
COVENANTS AND RELATED CONFIDENTIALITY PROVISIONS
7.1 Trade
Secrets Covenants.
Xxxxxxxx shall not at any time, whether during or subsequent to the term
of
Catiller’s employment, unless specifically consented to in writing by Employer,
either directly or indirectly use, divulge, disclose or communicate to any
person, firm, or corporation, in any manner whatsoever, any confidential
information concerning any matters affecting or relating to the business
of
Employer, including, but not limited to, the names, buying habits, or practices
of any of its customers, its’ marketing methods and related data, the names of
any of its vendors or suppliers, costs of materials, the prices it obtains
or
has obtained or at which it sells or has sold its products or services,
manufacturing and sales, costs, lists or other written records used in
Employer’s business, compensation paid to employees and other terms of
employment, or any other confidential information of, about or concerning
the
business of Employer, its manner of operation, or other confidential data
of any
kind, nature, or description. The Parties hereby stipulate that as between
them,
the foregoing matters are important, material, and confidential trade secrets
and affect the successful conduct of Employer’s business and its goodwill, and
that any breach of any term of this Section 7.1 is a material breach of this
Agreement.
7.2 Customer
Accounts Covenants.
As used
herein, the term “Customer Accounts” shall mean all accounts, clients,
customers, and the like of Employer and its affiliates, subsidiaries, licensees,
and business associations, whether now existing or hereafter developed or
acquired, including any and all accounts developed or acquired by or through
the
efforts of Xxxxxxxx. During and through the Term of this Agreement and
continuing for a period of twenty-four (24) months immediately following
the
termination of Catiller’s employment with Employer, Xxxxxxxx shall not directly
or indirectly make known to any person, firm, corporation or entity the names
or
addresses of any of the Customer Accounts or any other information pertaining
to
them. During this same time period, Xxxxxxxx shall not, directly or indirectly,
for Xxxxxxxx or any other person, firm, corporation or entity, divert, take
away, call on or solicit, or attempt to divert, take away, call on or solicit,
any of the Customer Accounts, including but not limited to those Customer
Accounts which Xxxxxxxx called or with whom Xxxxxxxx became acquainted during
Catiller’s employment with Employer.
7.3 Employees
Covenant.
During
and throughout the Term of this Agreement and continuing for a period of
twenty-four (24) months immediately following the termination of Catiller’s
employment with Employer, Xxxxxxxx shall not, directly or indirectly, or
by
action in concert with others, cause or induce or influence, or attempt to
cause
or induce or influence, any employee, agent, independent contractor, or other
business affiliate of Employer to terminate his or her relationship with
Employer, as such relationship exists at any time following the execution
of
this Agreement.
7.4 Competition
Covenant.
Xxxxxxxx hereby agrees that during and throughout the Term of this Agreement
and
continuing for a period of twenty-four (24) months immediately following
the
termination of Catiller’s employment with Employer, Xxxxxxxx shall
not:
(a) directly
or indirectly, in an individual or representative capacity, own an interest
in,
operate, join, control, finance (whether as a lender or investor), share
in the
earnings of, participate in, engage in or be connected as an officer, employee,
agent, independent contractor, partner, shareholder, member, consultant,
employer, investor, or principal of any corporation, partnership,
proprietorship, firm, association, limited liability company, person, or
any
other entity engaged in any aspect of the Business inside the Territory,
or
which is otherwise in competition with Employer, except as otherwise provided
for in Section 3.3.2.(b) herein; or
(b) Permit
his name to be used, directly or indirectly, by any corporation, partnership,
proprietorship, firm, association, limited liability company, person, or
any
other entity engaged in the Business within the Territory.
7.5 Books
and Records.
All
equipment, notebooks, documents, memoranda, reports, files, samples, books,
correspondence, lists, computer disks and data bases, computer programs and
reports, computer software, and all other written, graphic and computer
generated or stored records affecting or relating to the business of Employer
which Xxxxxxxx shall prepare, use, construct, observe, possess, or control
shall
be and remain the sole and exclusive property of Employer, and shall constitute
trade secret information of Employer. Within five (5) day so of the Termination
Date, Xxxxxxxx shall promptly deliver to Employer all such equipment, notebooks,
documents, memoranda, reports, files, samples, books, correspondence, lists,
computer disks and data bases, computer programs and reports, computer software,
and all other written, graphic and computer generated or stored records relating
to the business of Employer which are or have been in the possession or under
the control of Xxxxxxxx.
7.6 Injunctive
Relief.
Xxxxxxxx acknowledges that if Xxxxxxxx violates any of the provisions of
this
Article VII, it will be difficult to determine the amount of damages resulting
to Employer. In addition to any other remedies which it may have, Employer
shall
also be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief without the
necessity of proving actual damages.
7.7 Enforcement
of Covenants.
It
is the
desire and intent of the Parties that the provisions of this Article VII
shall
be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and public policies
applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. Accordingly,
if any
particular portion of this Article VII shall be adjudicated to be invalid
or
unenforceable, this Article VII shall be deemed amended to delete therefrom
the
portion thus adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable, such deletion to
apply
only with respect to the operation of this Article in the particular
jurisdiction in which such adjudication is made.
VIII
PROPRIETARY
INTEREST
8.1 Inventions.
All
inventions, improvements, ideas and disclosures (whether or not patentable)
conceived or reduced to practice (actually or constructively) by Xxxxxxxx
during
the Term of this Agreement which are directly or indirectly related to
Employer’s business shall be the property of Employer. Xxxxxxxx shall execute
and deliver to Employer, at Employer’s expense, all instruments of assignment
necessary to vest title to such intangible rights in Employer, and, if
requested, to execute all applications for issuance of Letters Patent in
the
United States or abroad and assignments thereof.
8.2 Specific
Exclusion.
Specifically excluded from this Article XI are any inventions which qualify
fully under California Labor Code §2870, which provides as follows:
(a) Any
provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall
assign, or offer to assign, any of his or her rights in an invention to his
or
her employer shall not apply to an invention that the employee developed
entirely on his or her own time without using the employer’s equipment,
supplies, facilities, or trade secret information except for those inventions
that either:
(1) Related
at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the
employer’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or
development of the employer; or
(2) Result
from any work performed by the employee for the employer.
(b) To
the
extent a provision in an employment agreement purports to require an employee
to
assign an invention otherwise excluded from being required to be assigned
under
subdivision (a), the provision is against the public policy of this state
and is
unenforceable.
IX
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF XXXXXXXX
Xxxxxxxx
hereby represents and warrants to Employer the following as of and on the
day
this Agreement is executed:
(a) The
execution, delivery and consummation of this Agreement will comply with all
applicable law and will not:
(i) Violate
any judgment, order, writ or decree of any court or administrative body
applicable to Xxxxxxxx;
(ii) Result
in
the breach of, constitute a default under, constitute an event which with
notice
or lapse of time, or both, would become a default under, or result in the
creation of any right to proceed against Employer under any agreement,
commitment, contract (written or oral) or other instrument to which Xxxxxxxx
is
a party.
(b) Xxxxxxxx
is not subject to any non-compete, non-disclosure or similar agreement (whether
oral or written) with any third party.
X
EXTENT
OF RELATIONSHIP
XXXXXXXX
HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS AGREEMENT (AND ALL OTHER REFERENCES
HEREIN)
THE SOLE AGREEMENT BETWEEN EMPLOYER AND XXXXXXXX REGARDING THE
EXTENT OF
THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMPLOYER AND XXXXXXXX. THERE
IS NO
OTHER AGREEMENT, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, BETWEEN EMPLOYER AND XXXXXXXX
FOR
EMPLOYMENT BEYOND THE TERM SPECIFIED HEREIN OR UNDER ANY CONDITIONS
OTHER
THAN THOSE STATED HEREIN. EMPLOYER AND XXXXXXXX BOTH HAVE THE RIGHT
TO
TERMINATE THIS AGREEMENT ONLY IN STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH THE TERMS
AND
CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.
|
XI
NOTICES
All
notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted
to be
given hereunder shall be effected pursuant to Section 12.13, below, as
follows:
If
to
Employer : With
a
copy to:
Mr.
Xxxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxxx,
Esq.
CREATIVE
BUSINESS CONCEPTS, INC. SPECTRUM
LAW GROUP, LLP
One
Technology Drive, Building H 0000
Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx
000
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
If
to
Xxxxxxxx: With
a
Copy to:
Xx.
Xxxx
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx,
Esq.
XXXX
XXXXXXXX
000
Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx
Xxxxx
Xxxx,
Xxxxxxxxxx 00000-0000
XII
ADDITIONAL
PROVISIONS
12.1 Executed
Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in any number of original, fax or copied counterparts,
and all counterparts shall be considered together as one agreement. A faxed
or
copied counterpart shall have the same force and effect as an original signed
counterpart. Each of the Parties hereby expressly forever waives any and
all
rights to raise the use of a fax machine to deliver a signature, or the fact
that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated
through the use of a fax machine, as a defense to the formation of a contract.
12.2 Successors
and Assigns.
Except
as expressly provided in this Agreement, each and all of the covenants, terms,
provisions, conditions and agreements herein contained shall be binding upon
and
shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Parties
hereto.
12.3 Article
and Section Headings.
The
article and section headings used in this Agreement are inserted for convenience
and identification only and are not to be used in any manner to interpret
this
Agreement.
12.4 Severability.
Each
and every provision of this Agreement is severable and independent of any
other
term or provision of this Agreement. If any term or provision hereof is held
void or invalid for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, such
invalidity shall not affect the remainder of this Agreement.
12.5 Governing
Law.
This
Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without
giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether
of the
State of California or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application
of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of California. If any
court
action is necessary to enforce the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
the
Parties hereby agree that the Superior Court of California, County of Orange,
shall be the sole jurisdiction and venue for the bringing of such action.
12.6 Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement, and all references herein, contains the entire understanding among
the Parties hereto and supersedes any and all prior written or oral agreements,
understandings, and negotiations between them respecting the subject matter
contained herein.
12.7 Additional
Documentation.
The
Parties hereto agree to execute, acknowledge and cause to be filed and recorded,
if necessary, any and all documents, amendments, notices and certificates
which
may be necessary or convenient under the laws of the State of
California.
12.8 Attorney’s
Fees.
If any
legal action (including arbitration) is necessary to enforce the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to costs
and reasonable attorney’s fees.
12.9 Amendment.
This
Agreement may be amended or modified only by a writing signed by all
Parties.
12.10 Remedies.
12.10.1. Specific
Performance.
The
Parties hereby declare that it is impossible to measure in money the damages
which will result from a failure to perform any of the obligations under
this
Agreement. Therefore, each Party waives the claim or defense that an adequate
remedy at law exists in any action or proceeding brought to enforce the
provisions hereof.
12.10.2. Cumulative.
The
remedies of the Parties under this Agreement are cumulative and shall not
exclude any other remedies to which any person may be lawfully entitled.
12.11 Waiver.
No
failure by any Party to insist on the strict performance of any covenant,
duty,
agreement, or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy
on
a breach shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or of any other covenant,
duty, agreement, or condition.
12.12 Assignability.
This
Agreement is not assignable by Xxxxxxxx, and is assignable by Employer upon
a
merger or similar acquisitive transaction involving Employer.
12.13 Notices.
All
notices, requests and demands hereunder shall be in writing and delivered
by
hand, by facsimile transmission, by mail, by telegram or by recognized
commercial over-night delivery service (such as Federal Express, UPS or DHL),
and shall be deemed given (a) if by hand delivery, upon such delivery; (b)
if by
facsimile transmission, upon telephone confirmation of receipt of same; (c)
if
by mail, forty-eight (48) hours after deposit in the United States mail,
first
class, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid; (d) if by telegram,
upon
telephone confirmation of receipt of same; or, (e) if by recognized commercial
over-night delivery service, upon such delivery.
12.14 Time.
All
Parties agree that time is of the essence as to this Agreement.
12.15 Disputes.
The
Parties agree to cooperate and meet in order to resolve any disputes or
controversies arising under this Agreement. Should they be unable to do so,
then
either may elect arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration
Association, and both Parties are obligated to proceed thereunder. Arbitration
shall proceed in Orange County, and the Parties agree to be bound by the
arbitrator’s award, which may be filed in the
Superior
Court of California, County of Orange. The
Parties consent to the jurisdiction of California Courts for enforcement
of this
determination by arbitration. The prevailing Party shall be entitled to
reimbursement for his attorney’s fees and all costs associated with arbitration.
In any arbitration proceeding conducted pursuant to the provisions of this
Section, both Parties shall have the right to conduct discovery, to call
witnesses and to cross-examine the opposing Party’s witnesses, either through
legal counsel, expert witnesses or both, and the provisions of the California
Code of Civil Procedure (Right to Discovery; Procedure and Enforcement) are
hereby incorporated into this Agreement by this reference and made a part
hereof. EACH
PARTY HEREBY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTER CLAIM
BROUGHT BY ANY OF THEM AGAINST THE OTHER ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED
WITH THIS AGREEMENT, OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENTS EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH
OR
THE ADMINISTRATION THEREOF OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED
HEREIN.
12.16 Provision
Not Construed Against Party Drafting Agreement.
This
Agreement is the result of negotiations by and between the Parties, and each
Party has had the opportunity to be represented by independent legal counsel
of
its choice. This Agreement is the product of the work and efforts of all
Parties, and shall be
deemed
to have been drafted by all Parties. In the event of a dispute, no Party
hereto
shall be entitled to claim that any provision should be construed against
any
other Party by reason of the fact that it was drafted by one particular
Party.
12.17 Incorporation
of Exhibits and Schedules.
The
Exhibits and Schedules identified in this Agreement are incorporated herein
by
reference and made a part hereof as if set out in full herein.
12.18 Recitals.
The
facts recited in Article II, above, are hereby conclusively presumed to be
true
as between and affecting the Parties.
12.19 Consents,
Approvals and Discretion.
Except
as herein expressly provided to the contrary, whenever this Agreement requires
consent or approval to be given by a Party, or a Party must or may exercise
discretion, the Parties agree that such consent or approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed, and such discretion shall
be
reasonably exercised. Except as otherwise provided herein, if no response
to a
consent or request for approval is provided within ten (10) days from the
receipt of the request, then the consent or approval shall be presumed to
have
been given.
12.20 No
Third Party Beneficiaries.
This
Agreement has been entered into solely by and between Employer and Xxxxxxxx,
solely for their benefit. There is no intent by either Party to create or
establish a third party beneficiary to this Agreement, and no such third
party
shall have any right to enforce any right, claim, or cause of action created
or
established under this Agreement.
12.21 Best
Efforts.
The
Parties shall use and exercise their best efforts, taking all reasonable,
ordinary and necessary measures to ensure an orderly and smooth relationship
under this Agreement, and further agree to work together and negotiate in
good
faith to resolve any differences or problems which may arise in the
future.
12.22 Definitional
Provisions.
For
purposes of this Agreement, (i) those words, names, or terms which are
specifically defined herein shall have the meaning specifically ascribed
to
them; (ii) wherever from the context it appears appropriate, each term stated
either in the singular or plural shall include the singular and plural; (iii)
wherever from the context it appears appropriate, the masculine, feminine,
or
neuter gender, shall each include the others; (iv) the words “hereof”, “herein”,
“hereunder”, and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, shall
refer to this Agreement as a whole, and not to any particular provision of
this
Agreement; (v) all references to designated “Articles”, “Sections”, and to other
subdivisions are to the designated Articles, Sections, and other subdivisions
of
this Agreement as originally executed; (vi) all references to “Dollars” or “$”
shall be construed as being United States dollars; (vii) the
term
“including” is not limiting and means “including without limitation”;
and,
(viii) all references to all statutes, statutory provisions, regulations,
or
similar administrative provisions shall be construed as a reference to such
statute, statutory provision, regulation, or similar administrative provision
as
in force at the date of this Agreement and as may be subsequently amended.
XIII
EXECUTION
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, this
Agreement has been duly executed by the Parties, and shall be effective as
of
and on the Effective Date.
EMPLOYER: XXXXXXXX:
CREATIVE
BUSINESS CONCEPTS, INC.,
a
California corporation
/s/
Xxxx Xxxxxxxx
XXXX
XXXXXXXX
BY:/s/
J. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx DATED:
September 1, 2005
NAME:
J.Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
TITLE:
President/CFO
DATED:
September 22, 2005
1.1/bos/gb/cbc/itnet/employmentagreements/xxxxxxxx
SCHEDULE
“A”
SECTION MATTER COMMENTS
3.1 Position/Title Xxxxxxxx
shall serve as Employer’s _____ ________.
3.1 Services The
services to be rendered by Xxxxxxxx shall include but not be limited to _______
___________ _________.
4.1 Annual
Base Salary Ninety
Five Thousand Dollars ($95,000).
36
EXHIBIT
9.2(d)
XXX
XXXXX EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT
CREATIVE
BUSINESS CONCEPTS, INC.,
as
“Employer”
and
XXX
XXXXX,
as
“Xxxxx”
Effective
Date:
September
1, 2005
EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT
I
PARTIES
THIS
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
(the
“Agreement”) is entered into this ____ day of ____________, 2005, by and between
CREATIVE BUSINESS CONCEPTS, INC., a California corporation (the “Employer”);
and,
XXX
XXXXX, an individual residing in the State of California (“Xxxxx”). Employer and
Xxxxx are sometimes referred to collectively herein as the “Parties”, and each
individually as a “Party”.
II
RECITALS
A. Employer
is a wireless
and business systems provider specializing in WiFi/WiMAX, security, IT
integration, and telecommunication services. As part of these offering of
services, Employer designs
and
installs specialty communication systems for data, voice, video, and telecom,
among other things (the “Business”).
B. Employer’s
principal place of business is located at Xxx Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx
X,
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, 00000 (the “Premises”), and is deemed to be conducted
throughout the continental United States, but principally conducted in the
Southern California counties of San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura,
San
Bernardino, and Riverside, and in each metropolitan area in which the
headquarters of a client of Employer is located (the “Territory”).
X. Xxxxx
represents to possess certain skills and contacts which would enable Xxxxx
to
benefit Employer.
D. Immediately
prior to executing this Agreement, Xxxxx was an employee of IT NETWORK PARTNERS,
INC., a California corporation (“IT NET”), of
which
Xxxxx was a principal shareholder.
E. Concurrent
with the execution of this Agreement, Employer acquired one hundred percent
(100%) of the issued and outstanding shares of stock of IT NET under the
terms
and conditions of an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Purchase
Agreement”). Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the same meanings
attached to them in the Purchase Agreement.
F. The
Parties acknowledge that Xxxxx’x abilities and services are unique and essential
to the prospects of Employer, and Employer has relied upon Xxxxx agreeing
to
serve Employer pursuant to this Agreement.
G. Employer
desires to retain the services of Xxxxx, and Xxxxx desires to be retained
by
Employer, all pursuant to the terms and conditions contained
herein.
H. NOW,
THEREFORE,
in
consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants contained herein,
and for
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are
hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree
as
follows:
III
EMPLOYMENT
3.1 Position.
Employer hereby hires Xxxxx to serve in the position referenced on Schedule
“A”,
attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Xxxxx shall do and
perform
all services, duties, responsibilities, and acts (i) prescribed by the Bylaws
of
Employer, as amended from time-to-time, (ii) which are customarily vested
in the
position hereunder by Xxxxx, and (iii) necessary or advisable to carry out
such
responsibilities, subject always to the control of the Board of Directors
of
Employer (the “Board”), or all authorized designees. Said services may include,
but not be limited to, those listed on Schedule “A”.
3.2 Certain
Changes and Additional Responsibilities. Nothing
herein shall preclude the Board from changing Xxxxx’x title and duties if such
Board has concluded in its reasonable judgment that such change is in Employer’s
best interests. If Xxxxx is elected or appointed a director or officer of
Employer or any subsidiary thereof during the term of this Agreement, Xxxxx
will
serve in such capacity without further compensation.
3.3 Time
and Effort.
3.3.1. Entire
Productive Time.
Xxxxx
shall devote Xxxxx’x entire productive time, attention, knowledge and skill to
the business and interests of Employer. Employer shall be entitled to all
the
benefits and profits arising from or incident to any and all services performed
by Xxxxx pursuant to this Agreement.
3.3.2. Exceptions.
Nothing
contained in Section 3.3.1., above, shall be construed to prevent Xxxxx
from:
(a) investing
his personal assets in businesses which do not compete with Employer, in
such
form or manner as will not require any services on the part of Xxxxx in the
operation or the affairs of the companies in which such investments are made
and
in which his participation is solely that of an investor;
(b) purchasing
securities in any corporation whose securities are regularly traded provided
that such purchase shall not result in his collectively owning beneficially
at
any time five percent (5%) or more of the equity securities of any corporation
engaged in a business competitive to that of Employer; and
(c) participating
in conferences, preparing or publishing papers or books or teaching, so long
as
the Board approves of such activities prior to Xxxxx engaging in them.
3.4 Term.
3.4.1. Initial
Term.
The
Term of this Agreement shall commence on the ____ day of ______, 2005, (the
“Start Date”) and shall continue for a period of thirty-six (36) months, unless
sooner terminated as provided for herein (the “Initial Term”).
3.4.2. Renewal
Terms.
This
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall renew for a maximum
of
three (3) additional twelve (12) month periods (each referred to as a “Renewal
Term”), provided that both Parties at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of
Initial Term, and then any Renewal Term, give written notice to the other
of
their intent to have the Agreement remain in full force and effect for the
next
Renewal Term.
3.4.3. Term
Defined.
For
purposes of this Agreement, the word “Term” shall specifically include the
Initial Term and all Renewal Terms hereunder.
3.5 Location.
Except
for routine travel incident to the business of Employer, Xxxxx’x services
hereunder shall be principally performed at the Premises, or such other location
within the surrounding area of the Premises.
IV
COMPENSATION
4.1 Base
Salary.
Employer agrees to pay Xxxxx and Xxxxx agrees to accept as compensation for
the
services and obligations set forth herein, as Base Salary, the sum referenced
on
Schedule “A”, per annum, which sum shall be paid to Xxxxx by Employer in equal
semi-monthly installments to be tendered to Xxxxx on the first and fifteenth
day
of each month, or at such other intervals as may be mutually agreed upon
by
Employer and Xxxxx.
4.1.1. Necessary
Deductions.
Employer shall deduct from the Base Salary amounts sufficient to cover
applicable federal, state, and/or local income tax withholdings, and any
other
amounts which Employer is required to withhold by applicable law.
4.1.2. Yearly
Review.
On each
year anniversary date hereunder, Xxxxx’x Base Salary shall be reviewed by the
Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”).
Base Salary may be increased, but may never be decreased, in the sole discretion
of the Board or the Compensation Committee.
4.2 Participation
in Divisional Profit Pool.
As
additional consideration hereunder, Employer shall pay to Xxxxx in accordance
with the following:
4.2.1. Divisional
Profit Pool.
Xxxxx
shall be entitled to participate in the Divisional Profit Pool, as defined
below, and receive his proportionate share of such distributions, if any,
as
additional compensation for his services rendered as an employee hereunder.
4.2.2. Proportionate
Share.
Xxxxx
shall be entitled to receive ten percent (10%) of the total of all distributions
from the Divisional Profit Pool.
4.2.3. Determinations
and Distributions.
The
Divisional Profit Pool shall be determined each calendar year no later than
the
31st
day of
March of each calendar year. Distributions of the Divisional Profit Pool
shall
be effected by CBC, if any, no later than the 30th
day of
April each year.
4.2.4. Applicable
Definitions.
For
purposes of this Section 4.2, the follows terms shall be defined as provided
below:
(a) “Divisional
Profit Pool” shall be defined as a percentage of the Net Profit of the division
referred to by Employer as the “IT NET Division”, with said percentage to be
determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee in good faith on a
yearly
basis, and in no event in excess of fifty percent (50%).
(b) “Net
Profit” shall be defined (and calculated for each calendar year) as the total of
all revenue actually collected by or attributed to the IT NET Division,
less
all
costs and expenses directly attributable to the IT NET Division, further
qualified as follows:
(i) During
the first twelve (12) months hereunder, Net Profit shall be determined without
regard to or inclusion of any allocation for the general and administrative
expenses of CBC; and
(ii) At
all
times hereunder, Net Profit shall be determined by including the gross revenues
of CBC generated by the sales of Employee and all other employees of CBC
whose
efforts are directed toward the IT NET Division and which are not otherwise
included under the IT NET Division, with the additional inclusion of all
direct
expenses for said sales and an allocable share of the general and administrative
expenses of CBC as compared to the included gross proceeds.
4.3 CBC
Commission Sales Schedule.
Xxxxx
shall also be eligible to participate in the CBC Commission Sales Schedule
then
in effect, as amended from time-to-time. The Parties hereby agree to memorialize
in writing all such commission arrangements, which shall be in addition to
all
other amounts earned by and paid to Xxxxx hereunder.
4.4 Additional
Annual Compensation.
Employer may, but is not obligated to, pay Xxxxx as additional annual
compensation, during each calendar year ending during the Term of this
Agreement, such sums as may annually be determined by the Board, or the
Compensation Committee, including bonus, regular and cost of living increases
and adjustments.
V
EMPLOYEE
BENEFITS