EXHIBIT 10.9
Master Development Services Agreement, dated March 15, 2000
by and between Registrant and CFS Group PLC
MASTER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Master Development Services Agreement (this "Agreement"),
effective as of March 15, 2000 (the "Effective Date"), is made by and between
Netsol International, Inc., a Nevada corporation with offices located at 0000
Xxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000 ("Netsol"), and CFS
Group plc, an English public limited company, with its principal office located
at CFS House, Intec Business Estate, Xxxx Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx XX00 0XX
("CFS").
WHEREAS, CFS desires to engage Netsol to perform software development
services relating to client/server, e-commerce and Internet software as a
preferred developer for CFS as may be requested by CFS and hereafter agreed upon
in writing by Netsol (the "Services") in accordance with the terms and
conditions of this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Netsol agrees to provide the Services to CFS in accordance
with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual
promises and covenants hereinafter expressed, the parties hereby mutually agree
as follows:
1. TERM. This Agreement shall be effective as of the date hereof and,
unless sooner terminated in accordance with its terms, shall continue in effect
for an initial term ending March 15, 2003. This Agreement shall thereafter
continue in effect for successive one year terms, unless (a) not later than
ninety (90) days prior to the end of the then current term, CFS shall notify
Netsol in writing the other that this Agreement will expire or (b) not later
than nine months prior to the end of the then current term, Netsol shall notify
CFS in writing that this Agreement will expire. In either case, this Agreement
shall expire on the last day of the then current term. However, any open Work
Order (as hereinafter defined) that remains open on such date, will terminate
upon completion.
2. SCOPE.
(a) SERVICES. The Services provided by Netsol will be authorized on a
Work Order basis.
(b) PRELIMINARY REQUESTS. CFS shall, from time to time, inform Netsol
in reasonable detail of any Services which CFS desires to be performed (other
than Services which CFS may perform for itself). Netsol shall, within 7 days
thereafter, then provide CFS with a preliminary quote for the Services under the
terms of this Agreement, indicating the time to completion, the availability of
Netsol resources, the number of person-days required and other appropriate
information to allow CFS to consider the quote. CFS shall then have the option
of
accepting, rejecting or negotiating the quote. If CFS rejects the quote, it
may engage third-party software developers to perform the Services (and any
follow-on Services relating to the particular project). In such case, the
terms of the engagement of the third party shall, when taken as a whole
(including, without limitation, availability of resources, time to completion
and person-days required), be at least as favorable to CFS as those quoted by
Netsol. The preceding sentence shall have no force or effect after the
occurrence of any event which would cause the shareholders of Netsol as of
the date hereof to cease to own at least 51% of the stock of Netsol (or, in
the case of a merger or consolidation of Netsol, of its successor).
(c) WORK ORDERS. If Netsol accepts the opportunity to perform Services
for a project offered by CFS, following consultation between CFS and Netsol,
Netsol shall prepare a proposed work order which shall include, to the extent
applicable:
(i) Project identification, approach and objectives, the
agreed upon scope of the Services and the location where the Services will be
performed;
(ii) The software and written deliverables to be developed or
prepared specifically for CFS under such Work Order (the "Deliverables"), if
any;
(iii) Any acceptance tests or standards applicable to the
Services or any Deliverables to be provided under such Work Order;
(iv) The fees for the Services under such Work Order, if
calculated in a manner different from that contemplated in Section 3;
(v) The period of performance for the Services under such Work
Order;
(vi) Any project assumptions;
(vii) Staffing by the parties and any CFS resource commitments
and responsibilities in addition to those set forth in this Agreement;
(viii) Any agreement regarding intellectual property rights of
the parties to the extent such agreement would differ from the agreements set
forth in Section 5;
(ix) The identification of any third-party intellectual
property made available by each party; and
(x) Any other information or agreements deemed relevant by the
parties.
Each proposed work order shall be approved by CFS and, when acceptable to both
parties (with such acceptance not to be unreasonably withheld), shall be
executed by both parties (upon such execution, and as may be modified from time
to time in accordance herewith, a "Work Order"). Each Work Order is incorporated
by reference into, and shall be deemed a part of, this Agreement. Netsol will
perform the Services contemplated by each Work Order. Except as may be expressly
provided in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall constitute a
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commitment of either party to enter any particular Work Order. Except as may
otherwise be agreed in writing, Netsol shall be compensated as provided in
EXHIBITS A and B in preparing any proposed work order, or any proposed
addendum or change order to a Work Order, which is prepared at the request of
CFS.
(d) AMENDMENTS TO WORK ORDERS. If at any time a party believes that
services or activities that are in addition to or inconsistent with the Services
under a particular Work Order are desirable or necessary, that party shall
notify the other party and shall submit a proposal to the other party, which
shall describe the terms of the Work Order so affected. If such proposal is
approved by the other party, the parties shall execute an addendum or change
order applicable to such Work Order and incorporate such proposal into such Work
Order.
3. COMPENSATION. Unless provided otherwise in any Work Order, as
compensation for the Services and for the discharge of all Netsol's obligations
under any Work Order, CFS shall pay Netsol's fees in accordance with the rate
schedule attached hereto as EXHIBIT A. Such fees shall be payable in U.S.
Dollars to Netsol's account within thirty (30) days after the receipt of a
monthly invoice covering Services rendered hereunder not previously invoiced.
The invoice shall include a summary description of the Services which were
performed during the covered period. Netsol shall be compensated for its days
worked and reasonable travel, administrative and out-of-pocket expenses, in
accordance with the guidelines attached hereto as EXHIBIT B, unless the
applicable Work Order states to the contrary. CFS shall have the right, at
reasonable intervals, to audit the books and records of Netsol relating to the
performance of this Agreement to the minimum extent reasonably necessary to
establish that the amounts invoiced to CFS under this Agreement are correct.
4. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION; NON-COMPETITION.
(a) DEFINITION. "Confidential Information" means (a) all information
that is not generally known to the public and which either party, or its
suppliers, clients or other persons (to the extent such party owes a duty of
confidence to any such person) has rights, which information is marked
confidential, restricted or proprietary by the party having rights in the same,
or which, under all of the circumstances, ought reasonably to be treated as
confidential and/or proprietary, including this Agreement, (b) trade secrets and
(c) information relating to customers. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Confidential Information does not include information that: (i) is, as of the
time of its disclosure, or thereafter becomes, part of the public domain through
a source other than the receiving party; (ii) was known to the receiving party
as of the time of its disclosure; or (iii) other than trade secrets, is
subsequently learned from a third party (i.e., not Netsol, CFS or any of their
respective employees or agents) not subject to an obligation of confidentiality
with respect to the information disclosed.
(b) RESTRICTIONS. Each party agrees that, with respect to any
Confidential Information disclosed by one party to the other party except as
expressly specified in this Agreement, the party receiving such Confidential
Information (i) shall maintain in confidence such Confidential Information,
using the same degree of care as it uses to protect its own confidential
information of like nature, but not less than a reasonable degree of care, and
(ii) shall not disclose any such Confidential Information to any person outside
that party's business organization. Netsol acknowledges and understands that in
the course of performance
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under this Agreement, CFS will disclose trade secrets to Netsol employees and
agents, and Netsol agrees that its employees and agents will only share
information related to such trade secrets with other Netsol employees or
agents on a need-to-know basis. Netsol represents and warrants that each of
its employee and agents with access to Confidential Information will have
agreed to be bound to the terms of a nondisclosure/non-competition agreement
("IP agreement") mutually acceptable to both parties. Netsol will use
reasonable efforts to enforce such IP agreements.
(c) EXCEPTIONS. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit the ability of a
party in possession of the Confidential Information of the other to disclose
such Confidential Information, and such party shall have no liability for such
disclosure, if such disclosure is (i) required to be made pursuant to law or
regulation, government authority, duly authorized subpoena or court order,
whereupon the receiving party will provide prompt notice to the disclosing party
and give such party an opportunity to respond prior to such disclosure; (ii)
required to be made to a court or other tribunal in connection with the
enforcement of such party's rights under this Agreement; or (iii) is approved by
the prior written consent of the disclosing party.
(d) SURVIVAL OF RESTRICTIONS. The terms of this Section 4 will survive
the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement and will continue in
full force and effect for a period of two (2) years from the date of such
expiration or termination of this Agreement or as otherwise required by law or
regulation. The provisions of this Section 4 shall not limit any of the rights
of the parties set forth in Section 5.
(e) NON-COMPETITION. For the period commencing with the date of this
Agreement through the date two (2) years after the termination or expiration of
this Agreement, Netsol shall not develop, modify, sell, produce or license, or
provide consulting or programming services regarding, or engage in any other
business activity with, any product other than the Product (as defined in the
Software Distribution Agreement of even date herewith between the parties (the
"SDA") (it being agreed, however, that Netsol may continue its present
relationship with DaimlerChrysler and may continue to distribute the Product to
End Users during the Ramp Period as set forth in Section 2 of the SDA) which (a)
competes with any Product or involves asset based leases or the management
thereof, or (b) which competes with any product of CFS to which Netsol has
devoted any efforts pursuant to this Agreement.
(f) NETWORK SECURITY. Netsol shall adhere to CFS' reasonable policies
for the protection of CFS' computer network, including, without limitation,
procedures for the protection and confidentiality of network passwords.
5. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. Unless otherwise specified in a Work Order and
subject to any third party's rights, upon full payment, as between the parties,
CFS exclusively shall have all rights, title and interest, including without
limitation, all intellectual property rights of any kind, in any Deliverable,
invention, works of authorship, ideas or information made or conceived or
reduced to practice by Netsol or the parties jointly in the course of
development under this Agreement, all of which shall be deemed to be "works made
for hire" under U.S. and international copyright laws to the extent allowed by
law. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, Netsol shall have and retains the
right to use its knowledge, experience, and know-
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how, including processes, ideas, concepts and techniques developed in the
course of performing the Services ("Netsol Know-How"); provided however, that
such rights are exercised in a manner consistent with Section 4. The parties
hereby make any assignments necessary to accomplish the foregoing provisions.
Netsol agrees to give CFS reasonable assistance, at CFS's expense, to perfect
such assignment of such rights, titles and interest. Netsol hereby grants to
CFS a perpetual, worldwide, fully paid-up limited license to use the Netsol
Know-How for the purpose of utilizing the Deliverables for internal use and
licensing to third parties, with such license assignable in any manner
consistent with Section 13(h).
As between the parties, and notwithstanding the foregoing, Netsol shall
retain all rights, title and interest in and to the Technical Elements.
"Technical Elements" means data, modules, components, designs, utilities,
subsets, objects, program listings, tools, models, methodologies, programs,
systems, analysis frameworks, leading or best practices and specifications that
are both (i) integrated into the Deliverables and (ii) owned or developed by
Netsol prior to, or independently from, its engagement hereto. Subject to the
terms of this Agreement, Netsol grants to CFS a perpetual, worldwide, fully
paid-up limited license to use, distribute and modify such Technical Elements.
The parties agree that the Technical Elements shall be deemed the Confidential
Information of Netsol.
Netsol agrees to deliver to CFS a copy of the source code and source
documentation for each Deliverable accepted by CFS, including any enhancements
or updates to such Deliverable. Netsol also agrees to provide for regular
delivery of source code by Netsol to CFS during the course of development of
each Deliverable on mutually acceptable terms.
6. STAFFING. For the initial twelve (12)-month period following the
Effective Date of this Agreement, CFS agrees to (a) provide sufficient work
orders to enable a minimum of five (5) Team Leaders and ten (10) Software
Developers provided by Netsol to be fully utilized throughout such twelve
(12)-month period (such people are referred to as the "Base Team"), and (b) pay
Netsol a minimum amount of compensation computed based on the full utilization
of the members of the Base Team regardless of whether such members are actually
utilized by CFS. If the staffing levels proposed by Netsol in a particular Work
Order are insufficient to satisfy the schedule or period of performance required
by such Work Order, Netsol shall bear the expense of any additional personnel if
Netsol determines that additional staffing resources are necessary. If CFS
proposes to change the staffing requirements for Netsol, CFS shall provide prior
notice of no less than: (i) ninety (90) days prior to decreasing staffing
requirements, and (ii) thirty (30) days prior to increasing staffing
requirements. Netsol employees assigned to perform Services under a particular
Work Order shall not be permitted to perform Services under any other Work Order
without the consent of CFS. The Base Team shall be exclusively dedicated to CFS
and shall not perform any services for any Netsol internal needs or any other
Netsol customer. No member of the Base Team shall be replaced by Netsol without
the consent of CFS, except under circumstances where that person's services are
no longer used by Netsol or any affiliate. In the event a member of the Base
Team does leave the Base Team, Netsol shall be responsible for replacing that
person with a fully trained replacement at Netsol's expense as quickly as
possible.
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7. RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES.
(a) INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. Nothing herein contained will be construed
to imply a joint venture, partnership or principal-agent relationship between
CFS and Netsol. Netsol will provide Services as an independent contractor.
Netsol does not undertake by this Agreement or otherwise to perform any
obligation of CFS, whether regulatory or contractual, or to assume any
responsibility for CFS's business or operations.
(b) CONCERNING EMPLOYEES OF CFS AND NETSOL. Personnel supplied by
either party will be deemed employees of such party and will not for any purpose
be considered employees or agents of the other party. Except as may otherwise be
provided in this Agreement, each party shall be solely responsible for the
supervision, daily direction and control of its employees and payment of their
salaries (including withholding of appropriate payroll taxes), workers'
compensation, disability and other benefits.
8. CFS RESPONSIBILITY. CFS shall: (a) have the overall direction for all
Services to be performed hereunder; (b) provide Netsol, in a timely fashion,
with all information reasonably required for the performance of the Services by
Netsol hereunder; (c) provide Netsol with reasonable access to the premises
necessary for the performance of the Services; (d) cooperate fully with Netsol
in the providing of Services; (e) provide adequate resources in accordance with
the applicable Work Order to participate in or facilitate the performance of the
Services; (f) participate in the conduct of training sessions; (g) be
responsible for the development of new documentation procedures; (h) timely
participate in meetings and make its personnel readily available for such
meetings; (i) approve or reject Deliverables and reports provided to CFS by
Netsol within the time periods specified in the Acceptance Testing Standards to
be agreed to by the parties; (j) assign personnel with relevant training and
experience to work as part of a project team with Netsol or in consultation with
Netsol's personnel; and (k) provide a time management system for tracking Netsol
resources utilized in performing Services under particular Work Orders.
9. CONTRACT PERFORMANCE.
(a) PROJECT SPONSOR. A management official designated by CFS (the
"Project Sponsor") shall have overall responsibility for the performance of each
Work Order by CFS, for coordinating the performance of the Services with Netsol,
for acting as a day-to-day contact with the Account Executive (as defined below)
and for making available to Netsol the data, facilities, resources and other
support services from CFS required for Netsol to be able to perform the Services
in a timely and accurate manner.
(b) ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE. A management official designated by Netsol (the
"Account Executive") shall have primary operational responsibility for Netsol's
performance of the Services, including all Netsol personnel and other technical
resources used in performing the Services, and will serve as day-to-day contact
with the Project Sponsor.
(c) AUTHORITY TO MAKE CHANGES. The Project Sponsor and the Account
Executive may propose, accept and implement changes to technical aspects of any
Work Order by signing amendments thereto setting forth such changes, provided
such changes do not affect the fees or reimbursements agreed upon under any Work
Order or materially change the Services. Any material change to the Services
under any Work Order must be agreed to by the
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parties and set forth in writing in an addendum or change order to the
relevant Work Order executed by the parties.
(d) STEERING COMMITTEE. CFS and Netsol shall each appoint two
representatives (or such other number, equally divided among CFS and Netsol, as
they may agree from time-to-time) to a Steering Committee (the "Steering
Committee") which will meet on a regular basis and at such time as its members
or the parties deem appropriate, to discuss relevant developments relating to
this Agreement. The Steering Committee shall serve an advisory function only,
except that the parties may agree to confer specific duties and responsibilities
thereon, which shall be set forth on a written charter for the Steering
Committee signed by the parties.
10. WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.
(a) WARRANTY. Netsol will exercise due professional care and competence
in the performance of the Services. CFS must provide Netsol with written notice
of any deficiencies in the Services within ninety (90) days of acceptance by CFS
of the Services under any Work Order. For any breach of the above warranty for
which CFS provides such notice to Netsol, CFS's exclusive remedy, and Netsol's
entire liability, shall be the re-performance of the Services. (It being
understood that services supplied by Netsol outside the warranty shall be paid
for pursuant to the Maintenance and Support Agreement defined in the SDA.) If
Netsol is unable to re-perform the Services as warranted within ninety (90)
days, CFS shall be entitled to recover the fees actually paid to Netsol for the
deficient Services.
(b) LIMITED LIABILITY. Except with respect to Sections 4 and 5, to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the total aggregate liability to CFS
of Netsol and its subcontractors, collectively, regardless of whether such
liability is based on breach of contract, tort, strict liability, breach of
warranties, failure of essential purpose or otherwise, under this Agreement or
any Work Order shall be limited to the lesser of (i) an amount equal to one
hundred fifty percent (150%) of the fees paid by CFS to Netsol or (ii) but not
to exceed the net revenues paid by customers to CFS, pursuant to the Work Order
under which any such liability arises.
(c) EXCLUSION OF CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES AND LIMITED RECOURSE. Except
with respect to Section 4, in no event will Netsol, its subcontractors, or CFS
be liable for consequential, incidental, indirect, punitive or special damages
(including loss of profits, data, business or goodwill), from all causes of
action of any kind, including contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of
the likelihood of such damages occurring. CFS's recourse with respect to any
liability or obligation of Netsol hereunder shall be limited to the assets of
Netsol, and CFS shall have no recourse against, and shall bring no claim
against, any partner or employee of Netsol or any of the assets thereof.
(d) YEAR 2000 DEFECTS.
(i) Incorrect entry, processing, storage, interpretation or
reporting of date information that causes computer systems and other digital
devices and components thereof
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that process dates ("Systems") to fail or to produce erroneous results ("Year
2000 Defects"), which Year 2000 Defects may be exceptionally pervasive,
complex and latent in CFS's systems.
(ii) Subject to Section 10(d)(iii) below, Netsol warrants that
any computer software produced exclusively by Netsol hereunder, with third party
software tools and components, if any, selected solely by Netsol, that processes
dates ("Software"), is designed to manipulate dates correctly, including dates
occurring on and after January 1, 2000, provided that any and all dates that are
entered into or otherwise supplied for processing by Software are unambiguous as
to the year and are otherwise accurate ("Year 2000 Readiness"). The warranty in
this Section 10(d)(ii) shall apply only if CFS provides Netsol with written
notice of any deficiencies in the Software's manipulation of dates in violation
of this warranty within ninety (90) days of completion of the Services under the
applicable Work Order. CFS's exclusive remedy, and Netsol's entire liability for
any such deficiency shall be the repair of the Software. If Netsol is unable to
repair the Software to comply with the warranty provided in this Section
10(d)(ii), CFS shall be entitled to recover the fees paid to Netsol for the
deficient Services.
(iii) CFS UNDERSTANDS THAT NETSOL IS PERFORMING THE SERVICES
HEREUNDER IN RELATION TO SYSTEMS AND DATA THAT HAVE BEEN PRODUCED BY CFS, OR
SUPPLIED TO CFS BY THIRD PARTIES, AND FOR WHICH NETSOL HAS NO RESPONSIBILITY.
NETSOL WILL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR (X) THE YEAR 2000 READINESS OF, OR ANY
DEFICIENCY IN CFS'S or CFS CUSTOMER'S PRODUCTION AND LEGACY SYSTEMS AND SYSTEMS
THAT RECEIVE DATA FROM SYSTEMS, ITEMS, SERVICES OR SOFTWARE PRODUCED BY NETSOL,
EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 10(d)(ii) ABOVE, OR (Y) ANY PROCESSING DEFICIENCY
IN ANY SYSTEM THAT IS CAUSED IN WHOLE OR PART BY INPUT DATA CONTAINING DATES
THAT ARE AMBIGUOUS AS TO THE YEAR OR ARE OTHERWISE INACCURATE.
(e) INSURANCE. Netsol shall use commercially reasonable efforts to
obtain professional indemnity insurance in an amount of Seven Million U.S.
Dollars ($7,000,000) to cover liabilities in connection with the Services
performed under this Agreement.
(f) APPLICABILITY TO SUBCONTRACTORS. The provisions of this Section 10
are specifically intended to operate for the benefit of, and shall be
enforceable by, any approved subcontractor performing Services on behalf of
Netsol hereunder.
(g) NO OTHER WARRANTIES. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE STATED IN SECTION 10
HEREOF, NETSOL MAKES NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE, WHETHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE, OR WARRANTIES OF ANY SOFTWARE PROVIDED BY A
THIRD PARTY VENDOR.
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11. TERMINATION.
(a) BREACH. If Netsol should materially or repeatedly fail to fulfill
its obligations (a "breach") under this Agreement or any Work Order, CFS,
without liability therefor, may terminate this Agreement, and all outstanding
Work Orders, in whole or in part, by giving Netsol written notice of such breach
and the intention of CFS to terminate this Agreement. No failure by CFS to
follow the provisions of this Agreement (other than Sections 3, 4, 5 and 6)
shall be deemed to be a breach of this Agreement. If CFS breaches its
obligations under Sections 3, 4, 5 or 6, Netsol, without liability therefor, may
terminate this Agreement, and all outstanding Work Orders, in whole or in part,
by giving CFS written notice of such breach and the intention of Netsol to
terminate this Agreement. Such notice shall be deemed to be effective only if it
contains the following sentences in all capital letters: "THIS IS A FORMAL
NOTICE OF A BREACH OF CONTRACT. FAILURE TO CURE SUCH BREACH WILL HAVE
SIGNIFICANT LEGAL CONSEQUENCES."
The breaching party will have thirty (30) days from receipt of such
notification to cure such breach, except that, with respect to those breaches
which cannot reasonably be cured within such thirty (30)-day period, the
breaching party shall have such period of time to cure such breach as would be
required by a party, in the exercise of good faith and all commercially
reasonable efforts, in order to cure such breach; provided, however, that such
breaching party shall in fact exercise such good faith and such commercially
reasonable efforts to attempt to cure such breach. The failure to cure such
breach as stated in the preceding sentence will result in the termination of
this Agreement and each Work Order as of the end of such period without
prejudice to any other rights the parties may have.
(b) TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE. The parties may terminate this Agreement
without cause and without liability as described in Section 1.
(c) BANKRUPTCY. Either party may terminate this Agreement and all Work
Orders hereunder effective immediately upon giving notification thereof in the
event the other party is adjudged insolvent or bankrupt, or upon the institution
of any proceeding against the other party seeking relief, reorganization or
arrangement under any laws relating to insolvency, or for the making of any
assignment for the benefit of creditors, or upon the appointment of a receiver,
liquidator or trustee of any of the other party's property or assets, or upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the other party's business.
12. FORCE MAJEURE.
(a) FORCE MAJEURE EVENTS. Each party hereto shall be excused from
default or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder if and to the
extent that such default or delay is caused by an act of God, or other cause
beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to, work stoppages,
government immigration limitations, fires, riots, accident, explosion, flood,
storm, or failures or fluctuations in electrical power, heat light, air
conditioning or telecommunications equipment. In such event, the non-performing
party shall be excused from performance for as long as such circumstances
prevail and shall as soon as practicable notify the other by telephone (to be
confirmed promptly in writing) of any actual or anticipated delay.
(b) CFS DELAYS. Netsol performance hereunder is contingent upon the
cooperation of CFS, including the supply to Netsol of adequate resources and
information as
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mutually agreed pursuant to this Agreement and any Work Order. If any delays
in Netsol performance occur as a result of failure or untimely performance by
CFS, the term of this Agreement and any applicable Work Order, as the case
may be, shall be extended to the extent of any such delay and Netsol shall
not incur any liability to CFS as a result of such delay.
13. FURTHER UNDERSTANDINGS.
(a) NOTICES. All notices, reports, requests, acceptances and other
communications required or permitted under this Agreement (except for direct
communications between Project Sponsor and the Account Representative as
contemplated in Section 9) will be in writing. Notices will be deemed given when
actually received. All communications will be sent to the receiving party's
address as set forth below or to such other address that the receiving party may
have provided for purposes of receiving notices as provided in this Section
13(a).
To Netsol:
Netsol International, Inc.
0000 Xxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Attention: General Counsel
with a copy to:
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx LLP
00000 Xx Xxxxxx Xxxx
Xxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Attention: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Esq.
To CFS:
CFS Group plc
CFS House
Intec Business Xxxxxx
Xxxx Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx XX00 0XX
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Attention: Company Secretary
with a copy to:
Xxxxxxx & XxXxxxxx
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Attention: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
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(b) BINDING NATURE. This Agreement shall be binding on and inure to the
benefit of the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
(c) SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement, or the
application thereof, shall for any reason and to any extent be determined by a
court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining
provisions of this Agreement shall be interpreted so as best to reasonably
effect the intent of the parties. The parties further agree to replace any such
invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid and enforceable provisions
designed to achieve, to the extent possible, the business purposes and intent of
such invalid and unenforceable provisions.
(d) ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, all Exhibits hereto and any Work
Orders hereunder constitute the entire agreement between the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all agreements and
understandings between CFS and Netsol with respect to the subject matter hereof
made prior to the date hereof. There are no representations, warranties,
understandings or agreements relating to the subject matter hereof which are not
fully expressed in this Agreement. No amendment, modification, waiver or
discharge of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by an
authorized representative of the party against whom such amendment,
modification, waiver or discharge is sought to be enforced.
(e) GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the
State of California, excluding its conflict of law rules.
(f) NO WAIVER. No waiver or failure to exercise any option, right or
privilege under the terms of this Agreement by either of the parties hereto on
any occasion or occasions shall be construed to be a waiver of the same on any
other occasion or of any other option, right or privilege.
(g) HEADINGS AND REFERENCES. The headings and captions used in this
Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in
construing or interpreting this Agreement. All references in this Agreement to
Sections or Exhibits shall, unless otherwise provided, refer to Sections hereof
or Exhibits attached hereto, all of which Exhibits are incorporated herein by
this reference.
(h) ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned by either party
without the prior written consent of the other party, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld; provided, however, that a party may assign this Agreement
and its rights and obligations hereunder to any entity that succeeds to or
acquires all or substantially all of assets of, or interest in, such party
through merger, consolidation, acquisition of assets or other business
combination; and provided further, that in the case of an assignment of this
Agreement by Netsol, Netsol shall assign the license to Netsol Know-How provided
in Section 5 hereof.
(i) SOLICITATION. During the term of this Agreement, and for a period
of one (1) year following the expiration or termination of this Agreement,
neither party shall solicit
11
or hire any employee of the other party who has performed Services hereunder
without the prior written consent of such other party.
(j) SURVIVAL. The provisions set forth in Sections 4, 5, 10 and 13,
and the provisions of any agreement set forth in an Exhibit hereto to the
extent expressly stated therein, shall survive the expiration or any
termination of this Agreement.
(k) ORDER OF PRECEDENCE. In the event of inconsistency between or among
the documents listed below, the following order of precedence shall govern:
(i) this Agreement and its Exhibits; and
(ii) Work Orders (except as to terms specifically identified
as superseding the terms of this Agreement, which terms shall control over this
Agreement for that Work Order only).
(l) MEDIATION/ARBITRATION. Any controversy or claim arising out of
or relating to this Agreement, any Work Order or the Services provided by
Netsol pursuant thereto (including any such matter involving any parent,
subsidiary, affiliate, successor in interest, or agent of CFS or of Netsol)
shall be submitted first to voluntary mediation, and if mediation is not
successful, then to binding arbitration, in accordance with the dispute
resolution procedures set forth in EXHIBIT C attached hereto. Judgment on any
arbitration award may be entered in any court in the State of New York having
proper jurisdiction.
(m) TRADEMARKS. This Agreement and any Work Order does not give either
party ownership in or right to use the other party's trade name or trademarks.
(n) TAXES. Any applicable taxes incurred in connection with the
Services or Deliverables (except for taxes imposed on the income of Netsol)
will be billed to, and paid by, CFS, in addition to fees and expenses.
(o) PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT. Neither party shall make any Public
Announcement mentioning the other party or this Agreement or the terms hereof
without the written consent of such other party, unless required by law or by
the applicable regulations of a securities exchange. In the event any party
concludes that it is required by law to make such a Public Announcement, it
shall use its best efforts to consult with the other party as to the content
of such Public Announcement, and give reasonable consideration to such other
party's suggestions prior to making such Public Announcement. "Public
Announcement" shall mean any public announcement, including any publicly
accessible filing with a government or regulatory agency, advertisement, or
publication or release for publication of any statement.
12
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as
of the day and year first above written.
NETSOL INTERNATIONAL, INC. CFS GROUP PLC
By: By:
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxx /s/ N.G. Canderans
-------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
(Signature) (Signature)
Xxxxx Xxxxxx N.G. Canderans
-------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
(Print Name) (Print Name)
Chief Executive Officer CEO CFS Europe Ltd.
-------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
(Position) (Position)
March 10, 2000 March 10, 2000
-------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
(Date) (Date)
By: By:
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxx
-------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
(Signature) (Signature)
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx
-------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
(Print Name) (Print Name)
President and Secretary Executive Chairman
-------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
(Position) (Position)
March 10, 2000 March 10, 2000
-------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
(Date) (Date)
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO MASTER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT]
EXHIBIT A
RATE SCHEDULE
The labor rates to be charged by Netsol for services shall be
determined as follows:
1. Netsol shall charge its standard daily rates per person per day:
Skill Rate Structure
----- --------------
Team Leader (Training) $160 per day (for the ninety
(90)-day period following the
initial identification of
the individual (the "Initial
Training Period") for the first
fifteen (15) employees
performing Services
Team Leader (Project) $215 per day (after the Initial
Training Period)
Software Developer (Training) $140 per day (during the Initial
Training Period for the first
fifteen (15) employees
performing Services
Software Developer (Project) $190 per day (after the Initial
Training Period)
2. Netsol's standard rates are subject to increases from year to year
beginning on May 1, 2001 and on each anniversary date thereof. Netsol
shall deliver to CFS any proposal for rate increases at least ninety
(90) days prior to the effective date of any rate increase which Netsol
and CFS shall negotiate in good faith. In no event may a rate be
increased to a rate that exceeds either: (a) one hundred fifteen
percent (115%) of the then-current rates, or (b) the lowest rates
provided to any customers of Netsol other than for short-term
promotional rates.
Exhibit A-1
EXHIBIT B
TRAVEL, LIVING, AND MISCELLANEOUS
EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT GUIDELINES
For Netsol personnel required to travel away from their primary
residence to provide Services to CFS:
1. CFS shall provide housing or lodging accommodations reasonably satisfactory
to Netsol.
2. CFS shall reimburse Netsol for per diem expenses for food and incidentals
at the daily rates of: (a) Thirty U.S. Dollars ($30) for the United States
and Australia; (b) Twenty-Five British Pounds (L 25) for Europe; and
(c) other amounts to be mutually negotiated by the parties for other
countries.
3. CFS shall reimburse Netsol for reasonable ground and economy-class air
transportation expenses.
Exhibit B-1
EXHIBIT C
DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES
The following procedures shall be used to resolve any controversy or claim
("dispute") as provided in this Agreement. If any of these provisions are
determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain
in effect and binding on the parties to the fullest extent permitted by law.
MEDIATION
A dispute shall be submitted to mediation by written notice to the other party
or parties. In the mediation process, the parties will try to resolve their
differences voluntarily with the aid of an impartial mediator, who will attempt
to facilitate negotiations. The mediator will be selected by agreement of the
parties. If the parties cannot agree on a mediator, a mediator will be
designated by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA"). Any mediator so
designated must be acceptable to all parties.
The mediation will be conducted as specified by the mediator and agreed upon by
the parties. The parties agree to discuss their differences in good faith and to
attempt, with the assistance of the mediator, to reach an amicable resolution of
the dispute.
The mediation will be treated as a settlement discussion and therefore will be
confidential. The mediator may not testify for either party in any later
proceeding relating to the dispute. No recording or transcript shall be made of
the mediation proceedings.
Each party will bear its own costs in the mediation. The fees and expenses of
the mediator will be shared equally by the parties.
ARBITRATION
If a dispute has not been resolved within ninety (90) days after the written
notice beginning the mediation process (or a longer period, if the parties agree
to extend the mediation), the mediation shall terminate and the dispute will be
settled by arbitration. The arbitration will be conducted in accordance with the
procedures in this document and the International Arbitration Rules of the AAA
("AAA Rules"). In the event of a conflict, the provisions of this document will
control.
The arbitration will be conducted before a panel of three arbitrators,
regardless of the size of the dispute, to be selected as provided in the AAA
Rules. Any issue concerning the extent to which any dispute is subject to
arbitration, or concerning the applicability, interpretation, or enforceability
of these procedures, including any contention that all or part of these
procedures are invalid or unenforceable, shall be governed by the Federal
Arbitration Act and resolved by the arbitrators. No potential arbitrator may
serve on the panel unless he or she has agreed in writing to abide and be bound
by these procedures.
Unless otherwise provided in the Agreement, the arbitrators may not award
non-monetary or equitable relief of any sort. They shall have no power to award
(i) damages inconsistent with the
Exhibit C-1
Agreement or (ii) punitive damages or any other damages not measured by the
prevailing party's actual damages, and the parties expressly waive their
right to obtain such damages in arbitration or in any other forum. In no
event, even if any other portion of these provisions is held to be invalid or
unenforceable, shall the arbitrators have power to make an award or impose a
remedy that could not be made or imposed by a court deciding the matter in
the same jurisdiction.
No discovery will be permitted in connection with the arbitration unless it is
expressly authorized by the arbitration panel upon a showing of substantial need
by the party seeking discovery.
All aspects of the arbitration shall be treated as confidential. Neither the
parties nor the arbitrators may disclose the existence, content or results of
the arbitration, except as necessary to comply with legal or regulatory
requirements. Before making any such disclosure, a party shall give written
notice to all other parties and shall afford such parties a reasonable
opportunity to protect their interests.
The result of the arbitration will be binding on the parties, and judgment on
the arbitrators' award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.
Exhibit C-2