ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THIS ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of May 1, 1998, by and among APPLE
SOUTH, INC., a Georgia corporation ("Seller") and T.S.S.O., INC., a Georgia
corporation ("TSSO") and XXXX SEDOWICZ ("Sedowicz") (TSSO and Sedowicz
collectively constituting the "Purchaser"),
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, Seller owns and operates a number of Xxxxxxxx'x Neighborhood Grill
& Bar ("Applebee's") franchise Restaurant; and
WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell to Purchaser an Applebee's restaurant and
related property, and Purchaser desires to purchase such assets, all on the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby
acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereby agree as
follows:
ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS
1.1 Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall
have the meanings set forth below:
"Action" shall mean any action, suit, litigation, complaint, counterclaim,
claim, petition, mediation contest, or administrative proceeding, whether at
law, in equity, in arbitration or otherwise, and whether conducted by or before
any Government or other Person.
"ADI's" shall mean Arbitron Rating Areas of Dominant Influence.
"ADI Personnel" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.4.
"Assets" shall mean all of Seller's rights and interests in, to, or under
the following:
(i) all tangible personal property of any kind located in the Restaurant or
on the Real Property, including, but not limited to, equipment, appliances,
machinery, tables, chairs, other furniture, bars, tableware, cookware, utensils,
furnishings, signage, leasehold improvements, fixtures, uniforms, supplies, food
and beverage inventory (including beer, liquor, and wine inventory), and
advertising and promotional materials;
(ii) $1,500 cash in the Restaurant;
(iii) all prepaid items relating exclusively to the Business;
(iv) all assignable Permits;
(v)all assignable rights under express or implied warranties of
manufacturers, distributors, or retailers relating to the Assets;
(vi) all of Seller's supplier lists, demographic, statistical, and other
information related exclusively to the Business;
(vii) copies of Seller's employee records of those current employees of
Seller who are employed by Purchaser as of the Closing (subject to execution of
a release by each affected employee allowing for the disclosure of such files);
(viii) the Contracts;
(ix) the Real Property; and
1
(x) All records and files related to the Real Property such as rent
calculations, landlord correspondence, purchase agreements, deeds, construction
documents, title reports, environmental and engineering reports, appraisals,
surveys, etc.
"Assets" shall not include cash in the Restaurant in excess of $1,500 per
Restaurant, bank accounts, or any other property, tangible or intangible, real
or personal, not described above.
"Assumed Liabilities" shall mean (i) all obligations of Seller that accrue
after the Closing under the terms of the Contracts and Leases, (ii) all
obligations of Seller under the Contracts and Leases that accrue prior to the
Closing but which are not due for payment until after the Closing and which are
taken into account in computing the Purchase Price pursuant to Section 2.3,
(iii) obligations arising after the Closing under any Permits which are assigned
to Purchaser, (iv) all Property Taxes and all other obligations with respect to
the Assets that accrue prior to the Closing but which are not due for payment
until after the Closing and which are taken into account in computing the
Purchase Price pursuant to Section 2.3, (v) all Property Taxes and all other
obligations with respect to the Assets that accrue after the Closing, (vi) gift
certificates issued by Seller prior to Closing, and (vii) accrued vacation of
ADI Personnel assumed pursuant to Section 6.3(c). Assumed Liabilities shall not
include any liability, obligation, payment, duty, or responsibility of any
nature except as expressly described above and specifically shall not include
(i) liabilities or obligations of Seller arising out of any breach by Seller of
any of the Contracts or Leases; (ii) except as provided in clauses (ii) or (iv)
above, liabilities or obligations of Seller under any of the Contracts or Leases
or with respect to the Real Property or other Assets that accrue in any such
case prior to the Closing; (iii) any liabilities or obligations of Seller under
the Franchise Agreements; (iv) any liability of Seller for product liability,
personal injury, property damage, or otherwise based on any tort claim or
statutory liability (including but not limited to any "dram shop" liability);
(v) any federal, state, or local tax liability of Seller except to the extent
expressly assumed hereunder, (vi) any contractual claim based on any lease,
contract, or agreement other than the Contracts and Leases; (vii) any liability,
obligation, or responsibility of Seller to Seller's employees, agents, or
independent contractors with respect to wages, salaries, bonuses, or other
compensation or benefits earned or accrued prior to the Closing (except for
accrued vacation assumed pursuant to Section 6.3(c)); and (viii) any liability
or obligation of Seller arising out of the negotiation, execution, or
performance of this Agreement, including fees and expenses of attorneys and
accountants, except as otherwise expressly provided herein.
"Xxxx of Sale and Assignment Agreement" shall mean an instrument in
substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto pursuant to which the Assets (except
for the Real Property) will be transferred and assigned to Purchaser at the
Closing and pursuant to which Purchaser will assume the Assumed Liabilities.
"Business" shall mean the business of owning and operating the Restaurant
and developing and opening new Xxxxxxxx'x Neighborhood Grill & Bar Restaurant in
the Territory, as conducted prior to the Closing by Seller pursuant to the
Franchise Agreements.
"Closing" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6 hereof.
"Closing Date" shall mean the time and date that the Closing occurs.
"Code" shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, and all regulations thereunder. Any reference herein to a specific
section or sections of the Code shall be deemed to include a reference to any
corresponding provision of future law.
"Consents" shall mean all consents, approvals, and estoppels of others
which are required to be obtained in order to effect the valid assignment,
transfer, and conveyance to Purchaser of the Material Contracts without
2
resulting in any default thereunder.
"Contracts" shall mean all contracts, agreements, and leases of equipment
or other personal property that relate exclusively to the Business; provided,
however, that the Franchise Agreements are not included within the meaning of
"Contracts."
"Deeds" shall mean special warranty deeds, limited warranty deeds or other
appropriate instruments to convey good and marketable fee simple title to the
Real Property, with the warranty of title contained therein limited to the
claims of Persons claiming by, through or under Seller, but not otherwise.
"Disclosure Memorandum" shall mean the set of numbered schedules
referencing Sections of this Agreement delivered by Seller and dated of even
date herewith, as supplemented by new or amended schedules delivered by Seller
prior to the Closing.
"Effective Time" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5 hereof.
"Environmental Laws" shall mean all federal, state, municipal, and local
laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, conventions, and decrees
relating to the environment, including without limitation, those relating to
emissions, discharges, releases, or threatened releases of pollutants,
contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic, or Hazardous Materials or wastes
of every kind and nature into the environment (including without limitation
ambient air, surface water, ground water, soil, and subsoil), or otherwise
relating to the manufacture, generation, processing, distribution, application,
use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, or handling of pollutants,
contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic, or hazardous substances or
wastes, and any and all laws, rules, regulations, codes, directives, orders,
decrees, judgments, injunctions, consent agreements, stipulations, provisions,
and conditions of Environmental Permits, licenses, injunctions, consent
agreements, stipulations, certificates of authorization, and other operating
authorizations, entered, promulgated, or approved thereunder.
"Environmental Permits" shall mean all permits, licenses, certificates,
approvals, authorizations, regulatory plans or compliance schedules required by
applicable Environmental Laws, or issued by a Government pursuant to applicable
Environmental Laws, or entered into by agreement of the party to be bound,
relating to activities that affect the environment, including without
limitation, permits, licenses, certificates, approvals, authorizations,
regulatory plans and compliance schedules for air emissions, water discharges,
pesticide and herbicide or other agricultural chemical storage, use or
application, and Hazardous Material or Solid Waste generation, use, storage,
treatment and disposal.
"Forum" shall mean any federal, state, local, municipal, or foreign court,
governmental agency, administrative body or agency, tribunal, private
alternative dispute resolution system, or arbitration panel.
"Financing Commitment" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.4.
"Franchise Agreements" shall mean those development agreements, franchise
agreements, and other agreements between Seller and Franchisor relating
exclusively to the Territory.
"Franchisor" shall mean Xxxxxxxx'x International, Inc.
"Financial Statements" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
"Government" shall mean any federal, state, local, municipal, or foreign
government or any department, commission, board, bureau, agency,
instrumentality, unit, or taxing authority thereof.
"Hazardous Material" shall mean all substances and materials designated as
3
hazardous or toxic as of the date hereof pursuant to any applicable
Environmental Law.
"HSR Act" shall mean the Xxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976, as amended.
"Knowledge of Seller" (or words of like effect) when used to qualify a
representation, warranty, or other statement shall mean the actual knowledge of
Sellers' vice president of operations for the Territory and all management of
Seller senior thereto.
"Material Contracts" shall mean all Contracts that involve monetary
obligations of Seller of more than $12,000 per year and that are not cancelable
by Seller upon thirty days notice or less, a list of which are set forth on
Schedule 1.1C.
"Minor Contracts" shall mean all Contracts that are not Material Contracts.
"Orders" shall mean all applicable orders, writs, judgments, decrees,
rulings, consent agreements, and awards of or by any Forum or entered by consent
of the party to be bound.
"Permits" shall mean all rights of Seller under any liquor, alcoholic
beverage, beer and wine licenses, other licenses of every kind, certificates of
occupancy, and permits or approvals of any nature, from governmental and
regulatory authorities which relate exclusively to the Business, the Restaurant,
or the Real Property.
"Permitted Encumbrances" shall mean, in the case of all Real Property, (i)
such easements, restrictions, covenants, and other such encumbrances which are
shown as exceptions on the Title Commitments and any other encumbrances of
record as of the effective date of the Title Commitments, (ii) ordinances
(municipal and zoning), (iii) survey matters, and (iv) such easements,
restrictions, covenants, and other encumbrances which become matters of public
record after the effective date of the Title Commitments and before the Closing,
in each such case, to the extent that such encumbrances could not reasonably be
expected to materially interfere with or impair Purchaser's use of the Real
Property for an Xxxxxxxx'x Neighborhood Grill & Bar Restaurant or that are
waived, or deemed to be waived, by Purchaser pursuant to Section 7.1(a).
Permitted Encumbrances shall include in the case of both Real Property and
personal property all liens for taxes not yet due and payable.
"Person" shall include an individual, a partnership, a joint venture, a
corporation, a limited liability company, a trust, an unincorporated
organization, a government, and any other legal entity.
"Property Taxes" shall mean all ad valorem, real property, and personal
property taxes, all general and special private and public assessments, all
other property taxes, and all similar obligations pertaining to the Assets.
"Real Property" shall mean that tract and parcel of land owned by Seller on
which the Restaurant is located (all of which tract and parcel are described in
Schedule 1.1B), and all buildings, fixtures, signs, parking facilities, and
other improvements located thereon.
"Restaurant" shall mean the Xxxxxxxx'x Neighborhood Grill & Bar Restaurant
operated by Seller at the location set forth on Schedule 1.1A.
"Schedules" shall mean the numbered sections of the Disclosure Memorandum.
"Seller Plans" shall have the meaning set forth on Schedule 3.15.
"Solid Waste" shall mean any garbage, refuse, sludge from a waste treatment
plant, water supply treatment plant, or air pollution control facility, and
other discarded material, including solid, liquid, semisolid, or contained
4
gaseous material resulting from industrial, commercial, mining, and agricultural
operations, and from community activities.
"Termination Date" shall mean June 12, 1998.
"Territory" shall mean a portion of the Peoria/Bloomington, Illinois ADI,
as described on Schedule 1.1D
"Title Commitments" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).
"Title Policies" shall mean the Title Policies as defined in Section
7.1(a).
ARTICLE II - PURCHASE AND SALE
2.1 Purchase and Sale. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in this Agreement, at the Closing Seller shall sell, transfer, and assign
to Purchaser all of Seller's right, title, and interest in and to the Assets
free and clear of any mortgage, security interest, lien, charge, claim, or other
encumbrance of any nature except the Permitted Encumbrances, and Purchaser shall
purchase the Assets from Seller for the Purchase Price set forth in Section 2.3.
2.2 Assumption of Liabilities. As of the Effective Time, Purchaser shall
assume all of the Assumed Liabilities. Except for the Assumed Liabilities,
Purchaser does not hereby assume or agree to assume or pay any obligations,
liabilities, indebtedness, duties, responsibilities, or commitments of Seller or
any other Person, of any nature whatsoever, whether known or unknown, absolute
or contingent, due or to become due.
2.3 Purchase Price. The purchase price for the Assets (the "Purchase
Price") shall be $1,750,000 as adjusted as follows:
(a) The amount of the purchase price shall be increased by (i) all Property
Taxes accruing with respect to the Assets after the Closing that have been paid
by Seller prior to Closing; (ii) all amounts paid by Seller under the Contracts
with respect to periods after the Closing; (iii) any other prepaid expenses
pertaining to the Business (such as telephone expenses, advertising expenses,
utility charges, and the like) to the extent that the same will benefit
Purchaser after the Closing; and (iv) an amount equal to Seller's cost of those
Assets consisting of food, beverage (including beer, wine, and liquor), new
uniforms, paper, and supplies inventory as determined by the parties' joint
inventory at the close of business on the day prior to the Closing Date.
(b) The amount of the purchase price shall be decreased by (i) all Property
Taxes accruing with respect to the Assets prior to the Closing that are due and
payable after the Closing and that have not been paid as of the Closing, (ii)
all amounts payable under the Contracts that pertain to periods before the
Closing but are due and payable after the Closing and that have not been paid as
of the Closing, and (iii) the cost of unused vacation accrued as of the Closing
Date by ADI Personnel hired by Purchaser the cost of which is being assumed by
Seller pursuant to Section 6.3(c).
(c) The amount of the purchase price shall be further adjusted to reflect
any expense paid by one party which the other party has agreed to pay or share
pursuant to Section 10.1 or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement.
The foregoing adjustments shall be calculated by the parties and set forth
on Schedule 2.3 which shall be signed by both parties at Closing. The Purchase
Price shall be paid by Purchaser on the Closing Date by wire transfer of
immediately available funds to an account designated by Seller.
2.4 Deliveries at the Closing. (a) At the Closing, Seller shall deliver to
Purchaser the following:
5
(i) A certificate executed by Seller, dated as of the Closing Date,
certifying in such detail as Purchaser may reasonably request that subject to
the matters disclosed in the Disclosure Memorandum, as it may be supplemented by
Seller from time to time, all representations and warranties of Seller in this
Agreement are true in all material respects as of the Closing Date;
(ii) A certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of Seller,
dated as of the Closing Date, certifying in such detail as Purchaser may
reasonably request (A) that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of
resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of Seller authorizing the
execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement, the Xxxx of Sale and
Assignment Agreement, and the Deeds, and that all such resolutions are still in
full force and effect and are all the resolutions adopted in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (B) as to the incumbency and
specimen signature of each officer of Seller executing this Agreement, the Xxxx
of Sale and Assignment Agreement, the Deeds, and any certificate or instrument
furnished pursuant hereto, and a certification by another officer of Seller as
to the incumbency and signature of the officer signing such certificate;
(iii) The opinion of Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP, counsel to Seller, in
substantially the form of Exhibit B hereto;
(iv) The Xxxx of Sale and Assignment Agreement, duly executed by Seller;
(v) The Consents;
(vi) The Deeds, duly executed by Seller, with the assignee to be designated
as Sedowicz;
(vii) A Cross-Receipt, duly executed by Seller; and
(viii) Any other documents that Purchaser may reasonably request at least
three days prior to the Closing in order to effectuate the transactions
contemplated hereby.
(b) At the Closing Purchaser shall deliver to Seller the following:
(i) A certificate executed by Purchaser, dated as of the Closing Date,
certifying in such detail as Seller may reasonably request to the fulfillment of
the conditions specified in Sections 7.3(a) and (b) hereof;
(ii) A certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of Purchaser,
dated as of the Closing Date, certifying in such detail as Seller may request
(i) that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of resolutions adopted by
the Board of Directors of Purchaser authorizing the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the Xxxx of Sale and Assignment Agreement, and
that all such resolutions are still in full force and effect and are all the
resolutions adopted in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, and (ii) as to the incumbency and specimen signature of each officer
of Purchaser executing this Agreement, and any certificate or instrument
furnished pursuant hereto or to be furnished in connection herewith as of the
Closing Date, and a certification by another officer of Purchaser as to the
incumbency and signature of the officer signing such certificate;
(iii) The funds constituting the Purchase Price;
(iv) The Xxxx of Sale and Assignment Agreement, duly executed by Purchaser;
(v) The opinion of Xxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxxx, Esq., counsel to Purchaser, in
substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto;
(vi) A Cross-Receipt, duly executed by Purchaser; and
(vii) Any other documents that Seller may reasonably request at least three
days prior to the Closing.
6
2.5 Transfer of Operations. Purchaser shall be entitled to immediate
possession of, and to exercise all rights arising under, the Assets from and
after the time that the Restaurant open for business on the Closing Date, and
operation of the Restaurant shall transfer at such time (the "Effective Time").
Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, all profits, losses,
liabilities, claims, or injuries arising before the Effective Time shall be
solely to the benefit or the risk of Seller. All such occurrences after the
Effective Time shall be solely to the benefit or the risk of Purchaser. The risk
of loss or damage by fire, storm, flood, theft, or other casualty or cause shall
be in all respects upon Seller prior to the Effective Time and upon the
Purchaser thereafter.
2.6 Closing. The closing of the transactions described in this Article II
(the "Closing") shall take place at the offices of Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP,
Suite 2800, 0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, at 10:00 a.m. on June 12,
1998, or on such other date and time as may be mutually agreed upon by the
parties hereto.
2.7 Allocation of Purchase Price. The Purchase Price shall be allocated
among the various Assets as set forth on Schedule 2.7 hereof. Each party hereby
agrees that it will not take a position on any income tax return, before any
governmental agency charged with the collection of any income tax, or in any
judicial proceeding that is inconsistent with the terms of this Section 2.7.
2.8 Further Assurances. From time to time after the Closing at Purchaser's
request and expense, Seller shall execute, acknowledge, and deliver to Purchaser
such other instruments of conveyance and transfer and shall take such other
actions and execute and deliver such other documents, certifications, and
further assurances as Purchaser may reasonably require to vest more effectively
in Purchaser, or to put Purchaser more fully in possession of, any of the
Assets, or to better enable Purchaser to complete, perform and discharge the
Assumed Liabilities. Each party hereto will cooperate with the other and execute
and deliver to the other party hereto such other instruments and documents and
take such other actions as may be reasonably requested from time to time by any
other party hereto as necessary to carry out, evidence, and confirm the intended
purpose of this Agreement.
ARTICLE III - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
Subject to the limitations and exceptions set forth in the Disclosure
Memorandum dated of even date hereof, as supplemented or amended from time to
time by Seller prior to the Closing Date, regardless of whether any Schedule
constituting a part of the Disclosure Memorandum is referenced in any specific
provision below, Seller hereby represents and warrants to Purchaser as follows:
3.1 Organization, Qualifications and Corporate Power. Seller is a corporation
duly incorporated and organized, validly existing, and in good standing under
the laws of the State of Georgia. Seller has the corporate power and authority
to execute, deliver, and perform this Agreement, the Xxxx of Sale and Assignment
Agreement, the Deeds, and all other agreements, documents, certificates, and
other papers contemplated to be delivered by Seller pursuant to this Agreement.
3.2 Authorization. The execution, delivery, and performance by Seller of
this Agreement, the Xxxx of Sale and Assignment Agreement, the Deeds, and all
other agreements, documents, certificates, and other papers contemplated to be
delivered by Seller pursuant to this Agreement have been duly authorized by the
Board of Directors of Seller.
3.3 Non-Contravention. Subject to obtaining the consents to assignment of
the Material Contracts set forth on Schedule 3.3, the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement will not violate or result in a breach of any term
of Seller's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, result in a breach of any
agreement or other instrument to which Seller is a party (except for defaults
under Minor Contracts where the consent of the other party or parties to such
contract to the assignment thereof will not be obtained) or violate any law or
7
any order, rule, or regulation applicable to Seller of any court or of any
regulatory body, administrative agency, or other governmental instrumentality
having jurisdiction over Seller; and will not result in the creation or
imposition of any lien, charge, or encumbrance of any nature whatsoever upon any
of the Assets. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.3 and except for consents
required under Minor Contracts, the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the other documents executed in connection herewith, and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not require
any filing with, notice to or consent, waiver or approval of any third party,
including but not limited to, any governmental body or entity other than any
filing required under the HSR Act and the expiration of any applicable waiting
period thereunder. Schedule 3.3 identifies separately each notice, consent,
waiver, or approval by reference to each Material Contract to which it is
applicable.
3.4 Validity. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the
Seller and constitutes the legal, valid, and binding obligation of Seller,
enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to general equity principles
and to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and
similar laws from time to time in effect affecting the enforcement of creditors'
rights. When the Xxxx of Sale and Assignment Agreement has been executed and
delivered in accordance with this Agreement, it will constitute the legal,
valid, and binding obligation of Seller, enforceable in accordance with its
terms, subject to general equity principles and to applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and similar laws from time to time in
effect affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights.
3.5 Assets. (a) Seller has good and valid title to all of the Assets
constituting personal property, free and clear of any and all mortgages,
pledges, security interests, liens, charges, conditional sales agreements, and
other encumbrances except Permitted Encumbrances.
(b) The Assets located at the Restaurant constitute all tangible personal
property required on site to operate the Restaurant in accordance with the
Franchise Agreements.
(c) There are no assets or property of any nature which is not being
transferred to Purchaser hereunder that has been customarily used exclusively in
the operation or ownership of the Restaurant other than Permits and software
licenses that are not assignable.
(d) Each Asset constituting tangible personal property having a fair market
value of $5,000 or more is in good operating condition consistent with its age,
subject to normal wear and tear.
(e) The Assets consisting of uniforms, supplies, and advertisement and
promotional materials are in material compliance with all Franchise Agreements.
3.6 Contracts and Leases.
(a) Each Material Contract is a valid and subsisting agreement, without any
material default of Seller thereunder, and to the knowledge of Seller, without
any default on the part of any other party thereto. To the knowledge of Seller,
no event or occurrence has transpired which with the passage of time or giving
of notice or both will constitute a default under any Material Contract. A true
and correct list of each Material Contract and every amendment thereto or other
agreement or document relating thereto is set forth as Schedule 3.6 to this
Agreement. True and correct copies of the Material Contracts (and any amendments
thereto) have been provided to Purchaser. At the time of Closing, Seller shall
have made all payments and performed all obligations due through the Closing
Date under each Contract, except to the extent that any payment due is set forth
on Schedule 2.3 and deducted in calculating the Purchase Price pursuant to
Section 2.3.
(b) No Contract has been assigned by Seller or any interest granted therein
8
by Seller to any third party, or is subject to any mortgage, pledge,
hypothecation, security interest, lien, or other encumbrance or claim.
(c) The Contracts have been entered into in the ordinary course of Seller's
business and, to Seller's knowledge, contain commercially reasonable terms.
3.7 Real Property.
(a) Schedule 3.7(a) sets forth with respect to the Restaurant, its
location, and whether the improvements are owned or leased.
(b) The water, electric, gas, and sewer utility services, and storm
drainage facilities currently available to the Real Property are adequate for
the operation of the Restaurant as presently operated, and to Seller's
knowledge, there is no condition which will result in the termination of the
present access from the Real Property to such utility services and other
facilities.
(c) Seller has obtained all authorizations and rights-of-way which are
necessary to ensure vehicular and pedestrian ingress and egress to and from the
site of the Restaurant, all of which are assignable and shall be assigned to
Purchaser at the Closing.
(d) Seller has received no notice that any governmental body having the
power of eminent domain over the Real Property has commenced or intends to
exercise the power of eminent domain or a similar power with respect to any part
of the Real Property.
(e) The Real Property and the present uses thereof comply in all material
respects with all material laws and regulations (including zoning laws and
ordinances) of all governmental bodies having jurisdiction over the Real
Property, and Seller has received no notice from any governmental body alleging
that the Real Property or any improvements erected or situated thereon, or the
uses conducted thereon or therein, violate any regulations of any governmental
body having jurisdiction over the Real Property.
(f) To the knowledge of Seller, no work for municipal improvements has been
commenced on or in connection with the Real Property or any street adjacent
thereto and no such improvements are contemplated. No assessment for public
improvements has been made against the Real Property which remains unpaid. No
notice from any county, township, or other governmental body has been served
upon the Real Property or received by Sellers, requiring or calling attention to
the need for any work, repair, construction, alteration, or installation on or
in connection with the Real Property which has not been complied with.
(g) Seller holds all Environmental Permits necessary for conducting the
Business and has conducted, and is presently conducting, the Business in
material compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws and Environmental
Permits held by it, including, without limitation, all record keeping and filing
requirements. To the Seller's knowledge, all Hazardous Materials and Solid
Waste, on, in, or under Real Property have been properly removed and disposed
of, and to the Seller's knowledge no past or present disposal, discharge, spill,
or other release of, or treatment, transportation, or other handling of
Hazardous Materials or Solid Waste on, in, under, or off-site from any Real
Property will subject the Purchaser, or any subsequent owner, occupant, or
operator of the Real Property to corrective or compliance action or any other
liability. There are no presently pending, or to Seller's knowledge, threatened
Actions or Orders against or involving Seller relating to any alleged past or
ongoing violation of any Environmental Laws or Environmental Permits with
respect to the Real Property, nor to Seller's knowledge is Seller subject to any
liability for any such past or ongoing violation.
3.8 Financial Statements. Schedule 3.8 contains for the Restaurant
unaudited statements of operations as of the end of the 1997 fiscal year and for
each fiscal month ended thereafter through the date hereof for which such
9
statements are available, prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, except for the absence of explanatory notes and except as
otherwise expressly described therein (the "Financial Statements"). The
Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with Seller's historical
practices and fairly present the operations of the Restaurant for the periods
presented and as of their respective dates.
3.9 Taxes. All Property Taxes relating to the Assets have been fully paid
for 1997 and all prior tax years and there are no delinquent property tax liens
or assessments. Seller has also timely filed (or will timely file) all other tax
returns and reports of whatever kind pertaining to the Assets and required to be
filed by Seller up to the Closing Date. Seller has paid (or will timely pay) all
taxes of whatever kind, including any interest, penalties, governmental charges,
duties, fees, and fines imposed by all governmental entities or taxing
authorities, which are due and payable prior to the Closing Date or for which
assessments relating to any period prior to the Closing Date have been received,
the nonpayment of which would result in lien on any of the Assets. There are no
audits, suits, actions, claims, investigations, inquiries, or proceedings
pending or, to Seller's knowledge, threatened against Seller with respect to
taxes, interest, penalties, governmental charges, duties, or fines, nor are any
such matters under discussion with any governmental authority, nor have any
claims for additional taxes, interest, penalties, charges, fines, fees, or
duties been received by assessed against Seller that in any such case affect the
Assets.
3.10 Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.10, there is no material
action, suit, investigation, or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of
Seller, threatened against or affecting Seller that pertains to the Restaurant,
or any of the Assets before any court or by or before any governmental body or
arbitration board or tribunal.
3.11 Permits. Seller has all material Permits as are necessary to operate
the Restaurant. Seller has fulfilled and performed all of its material
obligations with respect to such Permits and, to the knowledge of Seller, no
event has occurred which allows, nor after notice or lapse of time or both would
allow, revocation or termination thereof or would result in any other impairment
of the rights of the holder of any such Permits.
3.12 Health and Safety Requirements. To the knowledge of Seller, Seller is
in compliance with all laws, governmental standards, rules and regulations
applicable to Seller or to any of the Assets in respect to the Americans with
Disabilities Act and similar state laws, occupational health and safety laws,
and environmental laws.
3.13 Employment Contracts, Etc. Seller is not is a party to any written
employment agreements related to the employees at the Restaurant, (or any oral
agreements providing for employment other than employment "at will") or any
deferred compensation agreements.
3.14 Labor Matters. Seller is not and never has been a party to any
collective bargaining or other labor agreement affecting the Business. To the
knowledge of Seller, there is no pending or threatened labor dispute, strike,
work stoppage, union representation, election, negotiation of collective
bargaining agreement, or similar labor matter affecting the Business. Seller is
not involved in any controversy with any group of its employees or any
organization representing any employees involved in the Business, and to the
knowledge of Seller, Seller is in compliance with all applicable federal and
state laws and regulations concerning the employer/employee relationship,
including but not limited to wage/hour laws, laws prohibiting discrimination,
and labor laws. Seller is in compliance with all of its agreements relating to
the employment of its employees, including, without limitation, provisions
thereof relating to wages, bonuses, hours of work and the payment of Social
Security taxes, and Seller is not liable for any unpaid wages, bonuses, or
commissions or any tax, penalty, assessment, or forfeiture for failure to comply
with any of the foregoing.
10
3.15 Employee Benefits.
(a) Schedule 3.15 hereto contains a true and complete list of all the
following agreements or plans of Seller which are presently in effect and which
pertain to any of the employees engaged exclusively in the Business:
(i) "employee welfare benefit plans" and "employee pension benefit plans,"
as defined in Sections 3(1) and 3(2), respectively, of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA");
(ii) any other pension, profit sharing, retirement, deferred compensation,
stock purchase, stock option, incentive, bonus, vacation, severance, disability,
health, hospitalization, medical, life insurance, vision, dental, prescription
drug, supplemental unemployment, layoff, automobile, apprenticeship and
training, day care, scholarship, group legal benefits, fringe benefits, or other
employee benefit plan, program, policy, or arrangement, whether written or
unwritten, formal or informal, which Sellers maintains or to which Seller has
any outstanding, present, or future obligation to contribute to or make payments
under, whether voluntary, contingent, or otherwise (the plans, programs,
policies, or arrangements described in clauses (i) or (ii) are herein
collectively referred to as the "Seller Plans").
(b) Seller does not presently contributes and/or has ever contributed or
been obligated to contribute to a multiemployer plan as defined in section
3(37)(A) of ERISA.
(c) No Seller Plan is subject to Title IV of ERISA.
3.16 Accuracy of Schedules, Certificates and Documents. All information
concerning Seller contained in any certificate furnished to Purchaser pursuant
to this Agreement or in the Disclosure Memorandum is or will be when furnished
both complete and accurate in all material respects; and all documents furnished
to Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement which are documents described in this
Agreement or in the Disclosure Memorandum are true and correct copies of the
documents which they purport to represent.
ARTICLE IV - COVENANTS OF SELLER
4.1 Performance of Assumed Contracts. Seller shall, through the Closing
Date, continue to faithfully and diligently perform each and every continuing
obligation of Seller, if any, under each of the Material Contracts, where the
failure to do so would have a material adverse affect on the operations of the
Restaurant.
4.2 Transfer of Licenses and Permits. Seller shall use commercially
reasonable efforts to cooperate in assisting Purchaser with the assumption,
transfer, or reissuance of any and all Permits required for the operation of the
Restaurant.
4.3 Liabilities of Seller. All liabilities of Seller related to the Assets
are not Assumed Liabilities will be promptly paid by Seller as they come due.
4.4 Agreements Respecting Employees of Seller.
(a) Prior to the Effective Time without the prior written approval of
Purchaser, Seller shall not transfer or reassign to operations outside the
Business any employee exclusively involved in the operation or supervision of
the Restaurant ("ADI Personnel") At the Effective Time, Seller shall terminate
all ADI Personnel. For a period of twelve months following the Closing, Seller
shall not hire any person who was an employee of Purchaser within the previous
three months. For a period of eighteen months following the Closing, Seller
shall not solicit for employment any person who is an employee of Purchaser.
(b) Seller shall be solely responsible for any severance amounts due or
11
granted by Seller to any ADI Personnel.
(c) Seller and Purchaser shall cooperate in the transition of coverage of
ADI Personnel from Seller's health, medical, life insurance and other welfare
plans to plans maintained by Purchaser.
4.5 Conduct of Business. (a) From the date hereof until Closing, Seller
shall (i) operate the Restaurant as it is currently being operated and in the
ordinary course of business and in compliance with all terms and conditions of
the Franchise Agreements, using commercially reasonable efforts in keeping with
Seller's historical practices to preserve and maintain the services of its
employees and its relationships with suppliers and customers, (ii) pay all bills
and debts incurred by it related to the Business promptly as they become due,
and (iii) consult in advance with Purchaser on all decisions outside the
ordinary course of business relating to the Assets or the Restaurant.
(b) In particular, and without limiting the foregoing, with respect to the
Business, Seller shall:
(i) maintain the Assets consistent with past practices;
(ii) continue to purchase and maintain inventories for the Restaurant in
such quantities and quality as necessary to operate the Restaurant in accordance
with Seller's historical practice;
(iii) continue to operate the Restaurant in accordance with all material
applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations; and
(c) Further, with respect to the Restaurant, Seller shall not, without the
express prior written approval of Purchaser:
(i) change in any material manner the ownership of the Assets;
(ii) increase the rate of compensation to ADI Personnel beyond the usual
and customary annual merit increases or bonuses under established compensation
plans, except for payments under the stay-bonus plan described on Schedule 4.5,
which has been approved;
(iii) mortgage, pledge, or subject to lien any of the Assets;
(iv) sell or otherwise dispose of any Asset except in the ordinary course
of business;
(v) enter into any Material Contract except in the ordinary course of
business;
(vi) other than in the ordinary course of business, cancel or terminate or
consent to or accept any cancellation or termination of any Material Contract,
amend or otherwise modify any of its material terms or waive any breach of any
of its material terms or provisions or take any other action in connection with
any Material Contract that would materially impair the interests or rights of
Seller to be transferred to Purchaser hereunder.
4.6 Access to Information. Seller shall afford Purchaser, its counsel,
financial advisors, auditors, lenders, lenders' counsel and other authorized
representatives reasonable access for any purpose consistent with this Agreement
from the date hereof until the Closing, during normal business hours, to the
offices, properties, books, and records of Seller with respect to the Assets and
the Restaurant and shall furnish to Purchaser such additional financial and
operating data and other information as Seller may possess and as Purchaser may
reasonably request, subject to Purchaser's obligations regarding the
confidentiality of such information as set forth in Section 6.2 hereof;
provided, however, that such access shall be arranged in advance by Purchaser
with Seller and will be scheduled in a manner and with a frequency calculated to
cause the minimum disruption of the business of Seller.
12
4.7 Intentionally Omitted.
4.8 Reporting Requirements. Through the Closing Date, Seller shall furnish
to Purchaser:
(a) Promptly after the occurrence, or failure to occur, of any such event,
information respect to any event which has materially adversely affected the
Assets or the operations of the Restaurant.
(b) As soon as available and in any event within fifteen business days
after the end of each fiscal month, the statement of operations of the
Restaurant for such month in the Seller's regularly prepared format.
(c) Promptly after the commencement of each such matter, notice of all
actions, charges, orders or other directives affecting the Business or the
Restaurant that, if adversely determined, could materially adversely affect the
Assets, the operations, business, prospects or condition (financial or
otherwise) of the Restaurant or the ability of Seller to perform its obligations
hereunder;
(d) Such other information respecting the Assets or the operations,
business prospects, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Restaurant as
the Purchaser may from time to time reasonably request.
4.9 Cooperation. Insofar as such conditions are within its reasonable
control or influence, Seller will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause
the conditions set forth in Article VII to be satisfied and to facilitate and
cause the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including
obtaining the Consents. The parties acknowledge that no consents will be sought
with respect to any Minor Contract even if the failure to so obtain a consent to
assignment may result in a default or termination thereunder.
4.10 Subsequent Contracts. From the date of this Agreement to the Closing
Date, Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts (a) to include in any
Material Contracts entered into by Seller ("Subsequent Contracts") a provision
permitting the assignment of any such Subsequent Contract to Purchaser and
providing that upon such assignment, Purchaser shall succeed to all of Seller's
rights, title, and interests thereunder subject to the Purchaser's assumption of
all of Seller's duties, powers, and obligations under such Subsequent Contract,
and (b) to ensure that no Subsequent Contract contains any provision which would
limit in any way the rights, title, and interests of Seller in the Assets.
4.11 Transition Services. For a period of two weeks after the Closing,
Seller agrees to provide to Purchaser the services of personnel of Seller via
telephone to answer questions of Purchaser regarding the Business, provided that
all such personnel shall not devote more than an aggregrate of 20 hours per week
to such telephone calls and services directly related to such telephone calls.
4.12 Delivery of Real Estate Documents. Within five business days of the
date hereof Seller shall provide to Purchaser legal descriptions of the Real
Property and copies of all surveys, title policies, and environmental reports
pertaining to the Real Property in Seller's possession.
ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER
Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to Sellers as follows:
5.1 Organization, Corporate Power, Authorization. TSSO is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Georgia and in each other jurisdiction in which it is lawfully required
to qualify to conduct business. TSSO and Sedowicz have the power and authority
to execute and deliver this Agreement and the Xxxx of Sale and Assignment
Agreement, and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. All corporate
action on the part of TSSO necessary for the authorization, execution, and
13
delivery of this Agreement and the Xxxx of Sale and Assignment Agreement, and
performance of all obligations of Purchaser thereunder has been duly taken.
5.2 Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
Xxxx of Sale and Assignment Agreement by TSSO do not and the consummation by
TSSO of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will not violate any
provision of its articles of incorporation or bylaws.
5.3 Validity. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
Purchaser, and constitutes the legal, valid, and binding obligation of
Purchaser, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to
general equity principles and to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium, and similar laws from time to time in effect
affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights. When the Xxxx of Sale and
Assignment Agreement has been executed and delivered in accordance with this
Agreement, it will constitute the legal, valid, and binding obligation of
Purchaser, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to general equity
principles and to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium,
and similar laws from time to time in effect affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights.
5.4 Litigation Relating to the Agreement. Purchaser is not a party to, or
subject to any judgment, decree, or order entered in any lawsuit or proceeding
brought by any governmental agency or instrumentality or other party seeking to
prevent the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby.
ARTICLE VI - COVENANTS OF PURCHASER
6.1 Purchaser Performance. After the Closing Date, Purchaser shall promptly
pay as they become due and otherwise perform all obligations of Seller under the
Assumed Liabilities and otherwise perform and fulfill all other obligations with
respect to the Assets pertaining to the period after the Closing Date.
6.2 Confidentiality. In connection with the negotiation of this Agreement,
Seller may disclose Confidential Information, as defined below, to Purchaser.
Purchaser agrees that if the transactions contemplated herein are not
consummated, it will return to Seller all documents and other written
information furnished to it. Purchaser further agrees to maintain the
confidentiality of any and all Confidential Information of Seller and not
disclose any Confidential Information to any Person other than such Person to
whom Confidential Information must be disclosed to effect the transactions and
who are bound by appropriate non-disclosure agreement or obligations. Purchaser
shall not use such Confidential Information for financial gain or in any manner
adverse to Seller. The foregoing obligations shall not apply to (i) any
information which was known by Purchaser prior to its disclosure by Seller; (ii)
any information which was in the public domain prior to the disclosure thereof;
(iii) any information which comes into the public domain through no fault of
Purchaser; (iv) any information which is disclosed to Purchaser by a third
party, other than an affiliate, having the legal right to make such disclosure;
or (iv) any information which is required to be disclosed by Order of any Forum.
For purposes of this Section, "Confidential Information" shall mean any and all
technical, business, and other information which is (a) possessed or hereafter
acquired by Seller and disclosed to Purchaser and (b) derives economic value,
actual or potential, from not being generally known to Persons other than
Seller, including, without limitation, technical or nontechnical data,
compositions, devices, methods, techniques, drawings, inventions, processes,
financial data, financial plans, product plans, lists of actual or potential
customers or suppliers, information regarding the business plans and operations
of Seller, and the existence of discussions and negotiations between the parties
hereto relating to the terms hereof. The restrictions of this Section shall
expire three years from the date hereof with respect to any confidential
business information that does not constitute a trade secret under applicable
law.
14
6.3 Seller Employees.
(a) Purchaser shall offer employment to all ADI Personnel upon terms and
conditions substantially equivalent to those provided by Seller; however,
Purchaser shall not be required to provide stock options or any stock purchase
rights. For a period of twelve months following the Closing, Purchaser shall not
hire any person who was an employee of Seller or any subsidiary of Seller within
the previous three months (other than ADI Personnel) and for a period of
eighteen months following the Closing. Purchaser shall not solicit for
employment any person who is an employee of Seller or any subsidiary of Seller.
(b) Purchaser shall maintain employee records transferred to Purchaser
hereunder for a period of not less than four years and during that period will
afford Seller reasonable access to such records during Purchaser's normal
business hours. Purchaser shall maintain the confidentiality of such records and
limit access thereto in a manner consistent with Purchaser's treatment of its
employee records.
(c) Purchaser agrees with respect to ADI Personnel hired by Purchaser: (i)
to give such employees credit under Purchaser's benefits plans, programs, and
arrangements, including credit for accrued vacation which has been charged to
Seller under Section 2.3, for such employees' period of service with Seller,
provided that such credit shall only be taken into account under any
tax-qualified plan maintained by Purchaser for purposes of determining such
employees' eligibility for participation and eligibility to satisfy any hours of
service requirement in order to receive an allocation of an employer
contribution; (ii) to provide coverage to such employees who are eligible under
Purchaser's health, medical, life insurance, and other welfare plans (A) without
the need to undergo a physical examination or otherwise provide evidence of
insurability; (B) any pre-existing condition or similar limitations or
exclusions will be applied by taking into account the period of coverage under
Seller's plan; (C) by applying and giving credit for amounts paid for the plan
year in which the Closing Date occurs as deductibles, out of pocket expenses,
and similar amounts paid by individuals and their beneficiaries.
6.4 Cooperation. Insofar as such conditions are within its reasonable
control or influence, Purchaser shall use commercially reasonable efforts to
cause the conditions set forth in Article VII to be satisfied and to facilitate
and cause the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
Specifically, but not by way of limitation, Purchaser will (i) use its
reasonably best efforts to obtain a signed commitment letter for financing in
substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit D, (ii) promptly provide
Franchisor with all information required by Franchisor to determine whether
Purchaser will be approved as a franchisee with respect to the Territory, (iii)
actively pursue an agreement with Franchisor as to the principal terms of
franchise and development agreements with respect to the Territory, and (iv)
file all documents required to obtain approval of the transactions contemplated
hereby under the HSR Act within 15 days of the date hereof.
ARTICLE VII - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE CLOSING
7.1 Title Examination and Property Inspection. (a) Purchaser shall have 30
days following receipt of the documents referred to in Section 4.12 (the "Title
Inspection Period") to obtain and review current surveys and title insurance
commitments with respect to the Real Property ("Title Commitments") pursuant to
which the Title Company will agree to issue at Closing owner's policies of title
insurance ("Title Policies") on American Land Title Association standard Form
B-1990, without exceptions except as shown in the Title Commitments, to be
issued by a reputable title insurance company of Sellers' choice and reasonably
acceptable to Purchaser ("Title Company") in an amount in the case of each
parcel equal to the purchase price allocated to such parcel of the Real Property
pursuant to Section 2.7. The Title Policies shall insure the Purchaser that,
upon consummation of the purchase and sale herein contemplated, Purchaser will
be vested with good, fee simple, marketable, and insurable title to the Real
15
property, subject only to the Permitted Encumbrances or arising out of acts of
the insured. Purchaser shall have until the end of the Title Inspection Period
in which to furnish Seller a written statement of reasonable objections to
exceptions which, in Purchaser's reasonable judgment, would materially interfere
with or impair Purchaser's use of the Real Property for the operation of
Applebee's Restaurant ("Material Objections"). Seller shall have until the
Termination Date to satisfy such Material Objections (but with no obligation to
do so) in all material respects, and if Seller fails to satisfy all Material
Objections in all material respects on or prior to the Termination Date, then
Purchaser's sole right and remedy shall be to either (i) waive the objections
and elect to close, or (ii) terminate this Agreement by giving written notice of
such termination to Seller. If Purchaser fails to furnish Seller a written
statement of Material Objections by the end of the Title Inspection Period with
respect to any matter appearing as an exception on a Title Commitment, such
matter shall be deemed waived by Purchaser and shall be a Permitted Encumbrance.
(b) Property Inspection.
(A) Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, Purchaser and
Purchaser's agents, employees, contractors, representatives and other designees
(hereinafter collectively called "Purchaser's Designees") shall have the right
to enter the Real Property for the purposes of inspecting the Real Property,
conducting soil tests, conducting surveys, mechanical and structural engineering
studies, environmental studies, and conducting any other investigations,
examinations, tests, and inspections as Purchaser may reasonably require to
assess the condition of the Real Property; provided, however, that (i) any
activities by or on behalf of Purchaser, including, without limitation, the
entry by Purchaser or Purchaser's Designees onto the Real Property, or the other
activities of Purchaser or Purchaser's Designees with respect to the Real
Property (hereinafter called "Purchaser's Activities") shall not damage the Real
Property in any manner whatsoever; (ii) in the event the Real Property is
altered or disturbed in any manner in connection with any Purchaser's
Activities, Purchaser shall immediately return the Real Property to the
condition existing prior to Purchaser's Activities; (iii) Purchaser shall in no
event without Seller's prior written consent disclose the results of any of its
investigations, examinations, tests, or inspections to any party (including any
Government unless required by law) other than to its lenders, attorneys,
consultants, and investors; and (iv) Purchaser shall indemnify, defend, and hold
Seller harmless from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages,
losses, costs, and expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever (including, without
limitation, attorneys' fees, and expenses and court costs) suffered, incurred or
sustained by Seller as a result of, by reason of, or in connection with any
Purchaser's Activities. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the
contrary, Purchaser shall not have the right to undertake any environmental
studies or testing beyond the scope of a standard "Phase I" evaluation without
the prior written consent of Seller.
(B) Purchaser shall have until the date which is thirty days after the date
of this Agreement (hereinafter called the "Due Diligence Date"), to perform such
investigations, examinations, tests and inspections as Purchaser shall deem
necessary or desirable to determine whether the Real Property is suitable and
satisfactory to Purchaser and can be used for Applebee's franchise Restaurant.
In the event Purchaser shall determine that the Real Property is not reasonably
suitable and satisfactory to Purchaser, Purchaser shall have the right to
terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to Seller on or before the Due
Diligence Date If Purchaser does not terminate this Agreement in accordance with
this Section 7.1(b) on or before the Due Diligence Date, Purchaser shall have no
further right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.1(b).
(C) Prior to any entry by Purchaser or any of Purchaser's Designees onto
the Real Property, Purchaser shall: (i) procure a policy of commercial general
liability insurance, issued by an insurer reasonably satisfactory to Seller,
covering all Purchaser's Activities, with a single limit of liability (per
occurrence and aggregate) of not less than $1,000,000.00; and (ii) deliver to
Seller a Certificate of Insurance, evidencing that such insurance is in force
16
and effect, and evidencing that Seller has been named as an additional insured
thereunder with respect to any Purchaser's Activities. Such insurance shall be
written on an "occurrence" basis, and shall be maintained in force until the
earlier of (i) the termination of this Agreement and the conclusion of all
Purchaser's Activities; or (ii) Closing.
(D) Purchaser acknowledges that Seller may deliver to Purchaser certain
documents and information in possession of Seller or Seller's agents with regard
to the Real Property (hereinafter called the "Due Diligence Materials"). The Due
Diligence Materials will be provided to Purchaser without any representation or
warranty of any kind or nature whatsoever and are merely provided to Purchaser
for Purchaser's informational purposes. Until Closing, Purchaser and Purchaser's
Designees shall maintain all Due Diligence Materials as Confidential
Information.
7.2 Purchaser's Conditions to Closing. The obligations of Purchaser
hereunder are subject to satisfaction of each of the following conditions at or
before Closing, the occurrence of which may, at the option of Purchaser, be
waived:
(a) Subject to the matters disclosed in the Disclosure Memorandum as
supplemented by Seller from time to time, all representations and warranties of
Seller in this Agreement shall be true in all material respects on and as of the
Closing.
(b) Any supplement to the Disclosure Memorandum delivered by Seller shall
not reflect in Purchaser's reasonable judgment any material adverse change in
the Assets or the Business.
(c) Seller shall have performed and complied in all material respects with
all of its obligations under this Agreement which are to be performed or
complied with by Seller prior to or on the Closing Date.
(d) Seller shall have obtained and delivered to Purchaser all consents
necessary to transfer and assign the Assets (except for Minor Contracts) to
Purchaser.
(e) Purchaser and Franchisor shall have entered into a franchise agreement
with respect to the Restaurant and a development agreement with respect to the
Territory.
(f) Purchaser shall have obtained, either from Seller or directly from the
issuing authority, all permits, licenses, including liquor licenses, and
approvals of all governmental and quasi-governmental authorities necessary for
the operation of the Restaurant in accordance with franchise requirements;
provided, however, that if Purchaser is unable to obtain from local municipal or
county authorities a permit necessary for such operation of the Restaurant, and
Purchaser reasonably believes that it will be able to obtain such a permit
within two months of the Closing Date, Closing of the transactions contemplated
hereunder will not be delayed if Seller delivers to Purchaser a duly executed
liquor license management agreement or agreements.
(g) Any applicable waiting period under the HSR Act shall have expired or a
notification of early termination of such waiting period shall have been
received by Purchaser.
(h) Purchaser shall have obtained the financing described on Exhibit D upon
terms and conditions reasonably acceptable to Purchaser or other financing
reasonably acceptable to Purchaser.
(i) Purchaser shall have been issued the Title Policies.
(j) Seller shall have delivered the items required by Section 2.4(a).
7.3 Seller's Conditions to Closing. The obligations of Seller hereunder are
17
subject to satisfaction of each of the following conditions at or before
Closing, the occurrence of which may, at the option of Seller, be waived:
(a) All representations and warranties of Purchaser in this Agreement shall
be true on and as of the Closing, and Purchaser shall have delivered to Seller a
certificate to such effect dated as of the Closing Date.
(b) Purchaser shall have performed and complied in all material respects
with all of its obligations under this Agreement which are to be performed or
complied with by Purchaser prior to or on the Closing Date.
(c) Franchisor shall have agreed to terminate the Franchise Agreements
effective as of the Closing.
(d) Seller shall have obtained all the Consents.
(e) Any applicable waiting period under the HSR Act shall have expired or a
notification of early termination of such waiting period shall have been
received by Seller.
(f) Purchaser shall have delivered the items required by Section 2.4(b).
ARTICLE VIII - INDEMNIFICATION
8.1 Purchaser Claims.
(a) Seller shall indemnify and hold harmless Purchaser, its successors and
assigns, against, and in respect of:
(i) Any and all damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses incurred
or suffered by Purchaser that result from, relate to, or arise out of:
(A) any and all liabilities and obligations of Seller of any nature
whatsoever, except for the Assumed Liabilities;
(B) any failure by Seller to carry out any covenant or agreement contained
in this Agreement;
(C) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty by Seller contained in this
Agreement, the Disclosure Memorandum, or any certificate, furnished to Purchaser
by Seller pursuant hereto; or
(D) any claim by any Person for any brokerage or finder's fee or commission
in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby as a result of Seller's
dealings, agreement, or arrangement with such Person.
(ii) Any and all actions, suits, claims, proceedings, investigations,
demands, assessments, audits, fines, judgments, costs, and other expenses
(including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees and expenses) incident to
any of the foregoing including all such expenses reasonably incurred in
mitigating any damages resulting to Purchaser from any matter set forth in
subsection (i) above.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller shall have no liability for
indemnification or otherwise with respect to Section 8.1(a)(i)(C) (and Section
8.1(a)(ii) to the extent the items covered thereby relate back to Section
8.1(a)(i)(C)) until the aggregate liability of Seller thereunder exceeds $17,500
and then only to the extent that the aggregate liability of Seller thereunder
exceeds such amount; provided, however, that liabilities arising with respect to
Sections 3.1 through 3.4 hereof shall not be subject to the foregoing threshold
and any liabilities arising with respect to such matters shall not be taken into
account in computing aggregate liabilities for the purpose of applying such
threshold amount to liabilities arising under other Sections subject thereto. In
no event shall the aggregate liability of Seller under Section 8.1(a)(i)(C) (and
18
Section 8.1(a)(ii) to the extent the items covered thereby relate back to
Section 8.1(a)(i)(C)) exceed $500,000.
(c) The amount of any liability of Seller under this Section 8.1 shall be
computed net of any tax benefit to Purchaser from the matter giving rise to the
claim for indemnification hereunder and net of any insurance proceeds received
by Purchaser with respect to the matter out of which such liability arose.
(d) The representations and warranties of Seller contained in this
Agreement, the Disclosure Memorandum, or any certificate delivered by or on
behalf of Seller pursuant to this Agreement or in connection with the
transactions contemplated herein shall survive the consummation of the
transactions contemplated herein and shall continue in full force and effect for
the periods specified below ("Survival Period"):
(i) the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.5(d) shall be
of no further force and effect after thirty days from the date of the Closing;
(ii) the representations and warranties contained in Sections 3.1, through
3.4 and Section 3.8(g) shall survive until the expiration of any applicable
statues of limitation provided by law; and
(iii) all other representations and warranties of Seller shall be of no
further force and effect after one year from the date of the Closing.
Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, the Survival Period shall be
extended automatically to include any time period necessary to resolve a written
claim for indemnification which was made in reasonable detail before expiration
of the Survival Period but not resolved prior to its expiration, and any such
extension shall apply only as to the claims so asserted and not so resolved
within the Survival Period. Liability for any such item shall continue until
such claim shall have been finally settled, decided, or adjudicated.
(e) Purchaser may not assert any claim against Seller for breach of any
covenant contained in Article IV (except for Sections 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, and 4.11)
and all such claims shall be deemed to be waived as a result of the Closing. The
other covenants contained in Article IV and liability therefor shall survive the
Closing.
(f) Purchaser shall provide written notice to Seller of any claim for
indemnification under this Article as soon as practicable; provided, however,
that failure to provide such notice on a timely basis shall not bar Purchaser's
ability to assert any such claim except to the extent that Seller is actually
prejudiced thereby. Purchaser shall make commercially reasonable efforts to
mitigate any damages, expenses, etc. resulting from any matter giving rise to
liability of Seller under this Article.
(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article VIII, the aggregate
principal amount of the obligation of Seller under this Article VIII shall not
exceed the gross proceeds actually received by the Seller in connection with
this Agreement and the transaction contemplated hereby.
8.2 Defense of Third Party Claims. With respect to any claim by Purchaser
under Section 8.1, relating to a third party claim or demand, Purchaser shall
provide Seller with prompt written notice thereof in accordance with Section
10.4 and Seller may defend, in good faith and at its expense, by legal counsel
chosen by it and reasonably acceptable to Purchaser any such claim or demand,
and Purchaser, at its expense, shall have the right to participate in the
defense of any such third party claim. So long as Seller is defending in good
faith any such third party claim, Purchaser shall not settle or compromise such
third party claim. In any event Purchaser shall cooperate in the settlement or
compromise of, or defense against, any such asserted claim.
8.3 Seller Claims. Purchaser shall indemnify and hold harmless Seller
against, and in respect of, any and all damages, claims, losses, liabilities,
19
and expenses, including without limitation, legal, accounting and other
expenses, which may arise out of: (i) any breach or violation by Purchaser of
any covenant set forth herein or any failure to fulfill any obligation set forth
herein, including, but not limited to, the obligation to satisfy the Assumed
Liabilities; (ii) any breach of any of the representations or warranties made in
this Agreement by Purchaser; or (iii) any claim by any Person for any brokerage
or finder's fee or commission in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby
as a result of Purchaser's dealings, agreement, or arrangement with such Person.
8.4 Exclusive Remedies. The rights and remedies of the parties under this
Article VIII shall be the sole and exclusive rights and remedies that either
party may seek for any misrepresentation, breach of warranty, or failure to
fulfill any covenant or agreement under this Agreement, except that either party
may seek specific performance or injunctive relief.
8.5 Settlement of Disputes.
(a) Arbitration. All disputes with respect to any claim for indemnification
under this Article VIII and all other disputes and controversies of every kind
and nature between the parties hereto arising out of or in connection with this
Agreement shall be submitted to arbitration pursuant to the following
procedures:
(i) After a dispute or controversy arises, either party may, in a written
notice delivered to the other party, demand such arbitration. Such notice shall
designate the name of the arbitrator appointed by such party demanding
arbitration, together with a statement of the matter in controversy;
(ii) Within 30 days after receipt of such demand, the other party shall, in
a written notice delivered to the other party, name such party's arbitrator. If
such party fails to name an arbitrator, then the second arbitrator shall be
named by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA"). The two arbitrators so
selected shall name a third arbitrator within 30 days, or in lieu of such
agreement on a third arbitrator by the two arbitrators so appointed, the third
arbitrator shall be appointed by the AAA;
(iii) The arbitration hearing shall be held in Atlanta, Georgia at a
location designated by a majority of the arbitrators. The Commercial Arbitration
Rule of the AAA shall be used and the substantive laws of the State of Georgia
(excluding conflict of laws provisions) shall apply;
(iv) An award rendered by a majority of the arbitrators appointed pursuant
to this Agreement shall be final and binding on all parties to the proceeding,
shall deal with the question of costs of the arbitration and all related
matters, and judgment on such award may be entered by either party in a court of
competent jurisdiction; and
(v) Except as set forth in subsection (b) below, the parties stipulate that
the provisions of this Section 8.5 shall be a complete defense to any suit,
action or proceeding instituted in any federal, state, or local court or before
any administrative tribunal with respect to any controversy or dispute arising
out of this Agreement. The arbitration provisions hereof shall, with respect to
such controversy or dispute, survive the termination or expiration of this
Agreement.
(b) Emergency Relief. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 8.5 to the
contrary, either party may seek from a court any provisional remedy that may be
necessary to protect any rights or property of such party pending the
establishment of the arbitral tribunal or its determination of the merits of the
controversy.
ARTICLE IX - TERMINATION
9.1 Termination.
20
(a) This Agreement may be terminated as follows:
(i) At any time by the mutual consent of Seller and Purchaser;
(ii) By Purchaser pursuant to Section 7.1;
(iii) By Seller if Purchaser shall not (i) have obtained and provided a
copy of a Financing Commitment to Seller within 20 days from the date hereof,
(ii) been approved hereof as a franchisee with respect to the Territory by
Franchisor within 30 days of the date hereof, (iii) reached agreement with
Franchisor as to a development schedule and other material terms of franchise
and development agreements with respect to the Territory within 30 days from the
date hereof; or
(iv) By either Seller or Purchaser, at its sole election, at any time after
the Termination Date, if the Closing shall not have occurred on or prior to such
date.
(b) In the event of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to
subparagraph (a)(iv) above because Seller or Purchaser, as the case may be,
shall have willingly failed to fulfill its obligations hereunder, the other
party shall, subject to Section 8.5, be entitled to pursue, exercise, and
enforce any and all remedies, rights, powers, and privileges available to it at
law or in equity.
(c) Section 6.2, Article VIII, and Article X hereof shall survive the
termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE X - MISCELLANEOUS
10.1 Expenses. (a) Each party hereto shall pay its own legal, accounting,
and similar expenses incidental to the preparation of this Agreement, the
carrying out of the provisions of this Agreement, and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) Purchaser shall pay all filing fees required under the HSR Act.
(c) Purchaser shall pay the costs of obtaining title insurance with respect
to the Real Property and all transfer, intangible, recording, and documentary
taxes, stamps, and fees with respect to the transfer of the Real Property.
Purchaser shall also pay the cost of all surveys, and all environmental
investigations, studies, and reports, and all other costs of any investigation
of the Assets, the Restaurant, or the Business by Purchaser.
(d) Purchaser shall pay any costs associated with the transfer of any
Permits and the cost of obtaining liquor licenses or other Permits that are not
assignable.
(e) The parties shall split equally the cost of any sales taxes, transfer
taxes, documentary stamp taxes, or other taxes imposed with respect to the
transfer of any Assets constituting personal property.
(f) Seller shall pay the costs of obtaining any Consents.
(g) Following the Closing, Seller shall pay to Purchaser on a monthly basis
as billed the amount of all gift certificates issued by Seller prior to the
Closing and redeemed thereafter.
10.2 Contents of Agreement; Parties in Interest; etc. This Agreement sets
forth the entire understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the
transactions contemplated hereby and constitutes a complete statement of the
terms of such transaction. This Agreement shall not be amended or modified
except by written instrument duly executed by each of the parties hereto. Any
and all previous agreements and understandings between the parties regarding the
21
subject matter hereof, whether written or oral, are superseded by this
Agreement. Neither party has been induced to enter into this Agreement in
reliance on, and has not relied upon, any statement, representation, or warranty
of the other party not set forth in this Agreement, the Disclosure Memorandum,
or any certificate delivered pursuant to this Agreement.
10.3 Assignment and Binding Effect. Purchaser may assign the right to
receive any of the Assets at Closing to any affiliate or other third party
reasonably acceptable to Seller and acceptable to Franchisor, provided that no
such assignment shall affect Purchaser's liability hereunder. Subject to the
foregoing, all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the successors and
assigns of Seller and Purchaser.
10.4 Notices. Any notice, request, demand, waiver, consent, approval, or
other communication which is required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing
and shall be deemed given only if delivered personally or sent by telecopy or by
first class registered or certified United States Mail, with proper postage
prepaid, as follows:
If to Seller, to: With a required copy to:
Apple South, Inc. Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP
Xxxxxxx at Washington 0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000 Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxx X. (Dusty) Profumo Attention: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, Esq.
Fax: 000-000-0000 Fax: 000-000-0000
If to Purchaser: With a required copy to:
Xxxx Sedowicz Xxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxxx, Esq.
T.S.S.O., Inc. 0000-X Xxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
Suite 355 Fax: 000-000-0000
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxx Sedowicz
Fax: 000-000-0000
or to such other address or person as the addressee may have specified in a
notice duly given to the sender as provided herein. Such notice, request,
demand, waiver, consent, approval or other communication will be deemed to have
been given as of the date actually delivered, or if mailed, four days after
deposit in the U. S. Mail properly addressed with adequate postage affixed.
10.5 GEORGIA LAW TO GOVERN. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
INTERPRETED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA
WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES.
10.6 Headings. All section headings contained in this Agreement are for
convenience of reference only, do not form a part of this Agreement, and shall
not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
10.7 Schedules and Exhibits. All Exhibits and Schedules referred to herein
are intended to be and hereby are specifically made a part of this Agreement.
10.8 Severability. Any provision of this Agreement which is invalid or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall be ineffective to the extent of such
invalidity or unenforceability without invalidating or rendering unenforceable
the remaining provisions hereof, and any such invalidity or unenforceability in
any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in
any other jurisdiction.
10.9 Public Announcements. Purchaser and Seller will coordinate with each
other all press releases relating to the transactions contemplated by this
22
Agreement and, except to the extent required by law, refrain from issuing any
press release, publicity statement, or other public notice relating to this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby without providing the other
party reasonable opportunity to review and comment thereon.
10.10 Construction. The parties hereto have participated jointly in the
negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event that any ambiguity or
question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed
as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto and no presumption or burden of
proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party hereto by virtue of the
authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
10.11 Disclaimer of Warranties. OTHER THAN TO THE EXTENT OF ANY EXPRESS
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT AND IN THE
CLOSING CERTIFICATE REQUIRED BY SECTION 2.4(a)(i), SELLER DOES NOT, BY THE
EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, AND SELLER SHALL NOT, BY THE EXECUTION
AND DELIVERY OF ANY DOCUMENT OR INSTRUMENT EXECUTED AND DELIVERED IN CONNECTION
WITH THE CLOSING, MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF
ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER, WITH RESPECT TO THE ASSETS, AND ALL SUCH
WARRANTIES ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED. PURCHASER WILL CONDUCT SUCH INSPECTIONS AND
INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ASSETS (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE PHYSICAL AND
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION THEREOF) AND RELY UPON SAME AND, UPON CLOSING, SHALL
ASSUME THE RISK THAT ADVERSE MATTERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN REVEALED BY PURCHASER'S
INSPECTIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS. SELLER SHALL SELL AND CONVEY TO PURCHASER, AND
PURCHASER SHALL ACCEPT, THE ASSETS "AS IS", "WHERE IS", AND WITH ALL FAULTS, AND
THERE ARE NO ORAL AGREEMENTS, WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS, COLLATERAL TO OR
AFFECTING THE ASSETS BY SELLER OR ANY THIRD PARTY. WITHOUT LIMITING THE
GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, SELLER MAKES, AND SHALL MAKE, NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF SUITABILITY OR FITNESS OF ANY OF THE ASSETS FOR ANY PURPOSE, OR AS
TO THE MERCHANTABILITY, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION, TITLE, VALUE, QUALITY,
QUANTITY, CONDITION OR SALABILITY OF ANY OF THE ASSETS, OR AS TO THE PRESENCE ON
OR ABSENCE FROM THE ASSETS OF ANY HAZARDOUS MATERIAL, OR THAT THE USE OR SALE OF
ANY OF THE ASSETS WILL NOT VIOLATE THE COPYRIGHT, TRADEMARK OR PATENT RIGHTS OF
ANY PERSON. THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS SECTION 10.11 SHALL SURVIVE THE
CONSUMMATION OF THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF THE ASSETS ON THE CLOSING DATE WITHOUT
REGARD TO ANY GENERAL LIMITATIONS UPON SURVIVAL SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT.
10.12 Time. Time is and shall be of the essence of this Agreement.
10.13 Purchaser. Unless otherwise specified herein, every obligation, duty,
liability, representation, warranty, and covenant of Purchaser in this Agreement
shall be the joint and several obligation of TSSO and Sedowicz. Unless otherwise
specified herein, every benefit, obligation, duty, representation, warranty, and
covenant to and in favor of Purchaser in this Agreement shall be to both TSSO
and Sedowicz unless they otherwise agree between themselves and give notice of
such agreement to Seller.
[Signatures Located on Following Pages]
23
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as
of the date first written above.
SELLER:
APPLE SOUTH, INC.
By:
Name:
Title:
PURCHASER:
T.S.S.O., INC.
By:
Name:
Title:
XXXX SEDOWICZ
24
EXHIBIT TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXHIBIT TITLE
A Xxxx of Sale and Assignment Agreement
B Opinion of Seller's Counsel
C Opinion of Purchaser's Counsel
D Loan Terms
Exhibits to this agreement are not filed pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of SEC
Regulation S-K. By the filling of this Form 10-Q, the Registrant hereby agrees
to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule to the Commission upon
request.
25
