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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 7, 2006
STEVEN MADDEN, LTD.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 000-23702 13-3588231
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(State or other jurisdiction (Registration Number) (IRS Employer
of incorporation) Identification No.)
52-16 Barnett Avenue, Long Island City, New York 11104
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (718) 446-1800
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to
simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the
following provisions:
[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act
(17 CFR 230.425)
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act
(17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the
Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the
Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
ITEM 1.01. ENTRY INTO A MATERIAL DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT
On February 8, 2006, Steven Madden, Ltd. (the "Company") announced that,
pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement, dated February 7, 2006 (the
"Securities Purchase Agreement"), between the Company and Daniel M. Friedman
("Friedman"), the Company had acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares
of capital stock of each of Daniel M. Friedman & Associates, Inc. and DMF
International, Ltd. (together, the "DMF Companies"). The purchase price was
$18.0 million, plus certain earn-out purchase price payments to be made pursuant
to an Earn-Out Agreement, dated February 7, 2006 (the "Earn-Out Agreement"),
between the Company, Friedman and the DMF Companies. Pursuant to the Earn-Out
Agreement, Friedman shall be eligible to receive certain earn-out purchase price
payments in each of the fiscal years ending 2008, 2009 and 2010 based on the DMF
Companies' financial performance for those years.
The foregoing descriptions of the Securities Purchase Agreement and Earn-Out
Agreement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by
reference to the Securities Purchase Agreement and Earn-Out Agreement, copies of
which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2 respectively, and are
incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 2.01. COMPLETION OF ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS.
As discussed in Item 1.01 above, on February 7, 2006, the Company acquired all
of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the DMF Companies for a
purchase price of $18.0 million, plus certain earn-out purchase price payments.
A copy of the Company's press release, dated February 8, 2006, announcing the
completion of the acquisition is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.1 and is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired
The financial statements required by Item 9.01(a) of Form 8-K will be filed by
amendment within 71 calendar days after the date this report on Form 8-K is
required to be filed.
(b) Pro Forma Financial Statements
The financial statements required by Item 9.01(b) of Form 8-K will be filed by
amendment within 71 calendar days after the date this report on Form 8-K is
required to be filed.
(c) Exhibits
10.1 Securities Purchase Agreement, dated February 7, 2006, between
the Company and Daniel M. Friedman.
10.2 Earn-Out Agreement, dated February 7, 2006, among the Company,
Daniel M. Friedman, Daniel M. Friedman & Associates, Inc. and
DMF International, Ltd.
99.1 Press Release dated February 8, 2006, announcing the Company's
acquisition of Daniel M. Friedman & Associates.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
Steven Madden, Ltd. has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
STEVEN MADDEN, LTD.
By: /s/ JAMIESON A. KARSON
-------------------------------------
Name: Jamieson A. Karson
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Date: February 10, 2006
EXHIBIT INDEX
DOC. NO. DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
Exhibits:
10.1 Securities Purchase Agreement, dated February 7, 2006, between
the Company and Daniel M. Friedman.
10.2 Earn-Out Agreement, dated February 7, 2006, among the Company,
Daniel M. Friedman, Daniel M. Friedman & Associates, Inc. and
DMF International, Ltd.
99.1 Press Release dated February 8, 2006, announcing the Company's
acquisition of Daniel M. Friedman & Associates.
EXHIBIT 10.1
Execution Version
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
by and between
STEVEN MADDEN, LTD.
and
The Sole Shareholder
of
DANIEL M. FRIEDMAN & ASSOCIATES, INC.
and
DMF INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
Dated as of February 7, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE I Certain Definitions...........................................1
ARTICLE II Purchase and Sale.............................................7
2.1 Purchase and Sale of Company Shares...........................7
2.2 Cash Purchase Price...........................................7
2.3 Post-Closing Adjustment.......................................8
ARTICLE III Closing......................................................10
3.1 Closing Date.................................................10
3.2 Certain Actions at Closing...................................10
ARTICLE IV Representations and Warranties of Seller.....................10
4.1 Organization and Good Standing...............................10
4.2 Capitalization...............................................11
4.3 Authorization................................................11
4.4 No Conflicts; Consents.......................................12
4.5 Financial Statements; Undisclosed Liabilities; Promotions
and Allowances; Inventory....................................12
4.6 Taxes........................................................13
4.7 Real and Personal Property...................................14
4.8 Intellectual Property........................................15
4.9 Contracts and Agreements.....................................17
4.10 Insurance....................................................20
4.11 Litigation...................................................20
4.12 Condition and Sufficiency of Assets..........................20
4.13 Compliance with Law; Licenses; Customs.......................20
4.14 Employees....................................................22
4.15 Employee Benefit Plans.......................................23
4.16 Environmental Matters........................................27
4.17 Bank Accounts and Powers of Attorney.........................27
4.18 Absence of Certain Changes...................................27
4.19 Books and Records............................................30
4.20 Transactions with Affiliated Persons.........................30
4.21 Customer and Supplier Relationships..........................30
4.22 Absence of Certain Business Practices........................31
4.23 Brokers and Finders..........................................31
4.24 Restrictions on Business Activities..........................31
4.25 Payables.....................................................31
4.26 Receivables..................................................31
4.27 Business Relations...........................................32
4.28 Disclosure...................................................32
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Page
ARTICLE V Representations and Warranties of Madden.....................32
5.1 Organization and Good Standing...............................32
5.2 Authorization................................................32
5.3 No Conflicts; Consents.......................................32
5.4 Litigation...................................................33
5.5 Brokers and Finders..........................................33
5.6 Investment Intent............................................33
ARTICLE VI Covenants of Seller..........................................33
6.1 Ordinary Course..............................................33
6.2 Conduct of Business..........................................33
6.3 Certain Filings..............................................36
6.4 Consents and Approvals.......................................36
6.5 Efforts to Satisfy Conditions................................36
6.6 Further Assurances...........................................36
6.7 Notification of Certain Matters..............................36
ARTICLE VII Covenants of Madden..........................................37
7.1 Certain Filings..............................................37
7.2 Efforts to Satisfy Conditions................................37
7.3 Further Assurances...........................................37
7.4 Notification of Certain Matters..............................37
7.5 Indemnification .............................................38
ARTICLE VIII Certain Other Agreements.....................................38
8.1 Certain Tax Matters..........................................38
ARTICLE IX Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Madden................41
9.1 Representations and Warranties...............................41
9.2 Compliance with Covenants....................................41
9.3 Lack of Adverse Change.......................................41
9.4 Update Certificate...........................................41
9.5 Legal Opinion................................................42
9.6 Regulatory Approvals.........................................42
9.7 Consents of Third Parties....................................42
9.8 No Violation of Orders.......................................42
9.9 Employment Agreements........................................42
9.10 Transaction Documents........................................42
9.11 License Agreement............................................42
9.12 Other Closing Matters........................................42
ARTICLE X Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Seller................43
10.1 Representations and Warranties...............................43
10.2 Compliance with Covenants....................................43
10.3 Update Certificate...........................................43
10.4 Regulatory Approvals.........................................43
10.5 No Violation of Orders.......................................43
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Page
10.6 Transaction Documents........................................43
10.7 Legal Opinion................................................43
10.8 License Agreement............................................43
10.9 Other Closing Matters........................................43
ARTICLE XI Termination of Agreement.....................................44
11.1 Conditions for Termination...................................44
11.2 Effect of Termination........................................44
ARTICLE XII Indemnification..............................................44
12.1 Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants........44
12.2 Indemnification by Seller....................................45
12.3 Indemnification by Madden....................................46
12.4 Assumption of Defense........................................46
12.5 Non-Assumption of Defense....................................47
12.6 Indemnified Party's Cooperation as to Proceedings............47
12.7 Payments Treated as Purchase Price Adjustment................48
ARTICLE XIII Miscellaneous................................................48
13.1 Expenses.....................................................48
13.2 Entirety of Agreement........................................48
13.3 Notices......................................................48
13.4 Amendment....................................................48
13.5 Waiver.......................................................49
13.6 Counterparts; Facsimile......................................49
13.7 Assignment; Binding Nature; No Beneficiaries.................49
13.8 Headings.....................................................49
13.9 Governing Law; Jurisdiction..................................49
13.10 Construction.................................................49
13.11 Negotiated Agreement.........................................50
13.12 Public Announcements.........................................50
13.13 Remedies Cumulative..........................................50
13.14 Severability.................................................50
13.15 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.........................................50
13.16 Right of Set-Off.............................................51
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STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THIS STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of February 7,
2006, is by and between Steven Madden, Ltd., a Delaware corporation ("Madden"),
on the one hand, and Daniel M. Friedman ("Seller"), on the other hand.
RECITALS
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WHEREAS, Seller owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital
stock of the corporations listed on Schedule A attached hereto (collectively,
the "Companies" and individually, a "Company"); and
WHEREAS, Madden desires to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares
of capital stock of each of the Companies, and Seller desires to sell the same,
on the terms and conditions contained herein and in the Earn-Out Agreement (as
defined below).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants
and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto, intending to be
legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Certain Definitions
-------------------
"Adjustment Payment Date" means a date which is within three (3) Business
Days after the Final Closing Date Balance Sheet is final, binding and
conclusive.
"Affiliate Loans" means loans made to Affiliated Persons by either of the
Companies.
"Affiliated Person" means Seller, any Immediate Family Member of Seller, or
any other Person (other than either of the Companies) that, directly or
indirectly, alone or together with others, controls, is controlled by or is
under common control with either of the Companies, Seller or any Immediate
Family Member of Seller.
"Agreement" has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
"Balance Sheet" means the unaudited combined balance sheet of the Companies
as of December 31, 2005.
"Business Day" means any day that is not a Saturday or Sunday or a legal
holiday on which banks are authorized or required by law to be closed in New
York, New York or Hong Kong, China.
"Cash-On-Hand" means all cash or cash equivalents held by the Companies.
"Cash Purchase Price" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).
"Closing" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
"Closing Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
"Closing Date Balance Sheet" means the balance sheet of the Companies as of
the close of business on the Closing Date.
"Closing Date Net Working Capital" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.3(a)(i).
"Closing Purchase Price" means the Cash Purchase Price minus the Holdback
Amount.
"COBRA" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.15(b).
"Code" means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Companies" has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
"Company IP Rights" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.8(a).
"Company IP Rights Agreements" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.8(b).
"Company Products" means all products sold, designed, marketed, licensed
and/or distributed (whether at wholesale or retail) by either of the Companies.
"Company Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.
"Confidentiality Agreement" means that certain Confidentiality Agreement,
dated October 21, 2005, between Wechsler & Cohen, LLP and Madden.
"Contracts" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.9(a).
"Debt" means the aggregate amounts of long term and short term debt of the
Companies, including, without limitation, any amounts outstanding or owing under
capital leases, notes payable to financial institutions, lines of credit, notes
or dividends payable, amounts due to Seller, any other notes payable, and any
prepayment penalties or expenses associated with the foregoing.
"Disclosure Schedule" means the disclosure schedules of Seller accompanying
this Agreement.
"Dispute Notice" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a)(ii).
"DMFA" means Daniel M. Friedman & Associates, Inc., a New York corporation.
"Earn-Out Agreement" means the Earn-out Agreement among each of the
Companies, Seller and Madden, which has been executed and delivered prior to or
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simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and which shall
become effective as of the Closing, attached hereto as Exhibit A.
"Earn-Out Payment" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
"Employee Benefit Plan" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.15(a).
"Employment Agreements" means the employment agreements between DMFA and
each of Seller, KH, SL and RC, which have been executed and delivered prior to
or simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and which
shall become effective as of the Closing, attached hereto as Exhibit B, Exhibit
C, Exhibit D and Exhibit E, respectively.
"Encumbrance" means any lien, pledge, mortgage, security interest, charge,
restriction, adverse claim or other encumbrance of any kind or nature
whatsoever.
"Environment" means soil, surface water, ground water, land, stream
sediments, surface or subsurface strata, ambient air and any environmental
medium.
"Environmental Law" means any Law of the U.S. or any State or local U.S.
government that governs protection or improvement of human health or the
Environment.
"Environmental Permit" means any permit, registration, certificate,
certification, license, authorization, consent or approval of any Governmental
Body required or issued under Environmental Laws.
"ERISA" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.15(a).
"ERISA Affiliate" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.15(a).
"Final Allocation" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(b)(ii).
"Final Closing Date Balance Sheet" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.3(a)(iii).
"Financial Statements" means the unaudited combined balance sheets and
statements of earnings, shareholders' equity and cash flows of the Companies as
of, and for each of the fiscal years ended, December 31, 2005, 2004, 2003 and
2002, respectively.
"GAAP" means U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, as in effect on
the date of this Agreement, consistently applied.
"Governmental Body" means any governmental or regulatory body, agency,
authority, commission, department, bureau, court, tribunal, arbitrator or
arbitral body (public or private), or political subdivision, in any
jurisdiction.
"Hazardous Materials" means (a) any element, compound, gas or chemical that
is defined, listed, classified or regulated as hazardous or toxic under any
Environmental Law, including, without limitation, any material or substance that
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is defined as a "hazardous waste," "hazardous material," "hazardous substance,"
"extremely hazardous waste," "restricted hazardous waste," "subject waste,"
"contaminant," "toxic waste," "toxic substance" or similar term under any
provision of any Environmental Law; (b) petroleum, petroleum-based or
petroleum-derived products; and (c) any substance containing polychlorinated
biphenyls, asbestos, lead, urea formaldehyde or radon gas.
"HIPPA" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.15(b).
"Holdback Amount" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).
"Immediate Family Member", with respect to any Person who is an individual,
means each of such Person's spouse, children (whether by blood or adoption),
parents and siblings.
"Indemnification Obligations" means the respective indemnification
obligations of Seller or Madden under Article XII.
"Independent Accounting Firm" means an independent accounting firm mutually
acceptable to Madden and Seller (which accounting firm has not, within the prior
twenty-four (24) months, provided services to Madden, Seller or either of the
Companies, or any affiliate of any of them). If Madden and Seller are unable to
agree upon an independent accounting firm within thirty (30) days after Seller's
delivery of a Dispute Notice to Madden, an independent accounting firm selected
by Madden (which accounting firm has not, within the prior twenty-four (24)
months, provided services to Madden or either of the Companies, or any affiliate
of any of them) and an independent accounting firm selected by Seller (which
accounting firm has not, within the prior twenty-four (24) months, provided
services to Seller or either of the Companies, or any affiliate of any of them)
shall select an independent accounting firm (which accounting firm has not,
within the prior twenty-four (24) months, provided services to Madden, Seller or
either of the Companies, or any affiliate of any of them) and such independent
accounting firm shall be the Independent Accounting Firm.
"Intellectual Property Rights" means all intellectual property rights,
including trademarks, service marks, internet domain names, slogans, logos,
trade names, and the goodwill associated therewith, patents, copyrights, in both
published and unpublished works, and all registrations and applications for any
of the foregoing, rights of publicity/privacy, franchises, licenses, proprietary
know-how, proprietary trade secrets, proprietary customer lists, proprietary
vendor lists, proprietary information, proprietary processes, proprietary
formulae, proprietary computer programs and applications, proprietary layouts,
proprietary specifications, proprietary designs, proprietary patterns,
proprietary inventions, proprietary development tools and all documentation and
media constituting, describing or relating to the above, including manuals,
memoranda and records wherever created throughout the world.
"IRS" means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
"KH" means Kenneth Horowitz.
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"Knowledge" means the knowledge, at any time, of: in the case of Seller and
each of the Companies, Seller, KH, SL and RC; and in the case of Madden,
Jamieson A. Karson, Awadhesh Sinha and Ed Rosenfeld.
"Law" means any law (including common law), statute, code, ordinance, rule,
regulation, permit, order, decree or other requirement or guideline in any
jurisdiction.
"License Agreement" means that certain License Agreement, dated as of July
14, 2005, between Madden and Daniel M. Friedman & Associates, Inc.
"Licenses" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.13(b).
"Loss", in respect of any matter, means any loss, liability, cost, expense,
judgment, settlement or damage arising as a result of such matter, including
reasonable attorneys', consultants' and other advisors' fees and expenses,
reasonable costs of investigating or defending any claim, action, suit or
proceeding or of avoiding the same or the imposition of any judgment or
settlement and reasonable costs of enforcing any Indemnification Obligations.
"Madden" has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
"Madden Disclosure Schedule" means the disclosure schedule of Madden
accompanying this Agreement.
"Madden Indemnified Parties" has the meaning set forth in Section 12.2(a).
"Material Adverse Effect" means any material adverse effect on the
business, operations, assets, condition (financial or otherwise), liabilities,
or results of operations of either Company or the Companies taken as a whole.
"Net Working Capital" means the current assets of the Companies, including,
without limitation and without duplication, Cash-On-Hand, inventory,
non-factored accounts receivable net of reserves, amounts due from factor and
prepaid expenses (including, without limitation, the unused portion of prepaid
royalties), minus all liabilities of the Companies, including, without
limitation and without duplication, Debt, accounts payable, accrued employee
expenses (including, without limitation, any bonus accruals) and any applicable
tax accruals related thereto, amounts payable to factor, loan payable to factor,
and taxes payable (other than any Taxes attributable in whole or in part to a
338(h)(10) Election or analogous elections), in each case, if not otherwise
defined herein, as such terms have the meanings assigned to them by GAAP applied
on a basis consistent with the preparation of an audited balance sheet.
"Notice of Set-Off Dispute" has the meaning set forth in Section 13.16(b).
"Permitted Encumbrances" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7(c).
"Person" means an individual, partnership, venture, unincorporated
association, organization, syndicate, corporation, limited liability company, or
other entity, trust, trustee, executor, administrator or other legal or personal
representative or any government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
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"Post-Closing Working Capital Adjustment" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.3(b)(i).
"Pre-Closing Period" means all taxable periods ending on or before the
Closing Date and the portion ending on or before the Closing Date of any taxable
period that includes (but does not begin or end on) the Closing Date.
"Prime Rate" shall mean the rate of interest of The JPMorgan Chase Bank (or
its successor and assign) announces from time to time as its prime lending rate
as then in effect, or if no such rate is announced by The JPMorgan Chase Bank
(or its successor or assign), the prime lending rate announced by a New York
City money center bank selected by Madden and reasonably acceptable to Seller.
"Purchase Price Accounts" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b).
"RC" means Renee Cohen.
"Real Property" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7(a)
"Real Property Documents" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7(a)
"Real Property Interests" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7(a)
"Release" means any releasing, spilling, leaching, pumping, leaking,
pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, depositing, injecting, escaping,
dumping, migrating or disposing, whether intentional or otherwise, of any
Hazardous Material into the Environment.
"Returns" means returns, reports, and information statements with respect
to Taxes required to be filed with the IRS or any other Governmental Body,
domestic or foreign, including consolidated, combined and unitary tax returns,
and returns required in connection with any Employee Benefit Plan.
"Revised Closing Date Balance Sheet" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.3(a)(ii).
"SEC" means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Seller" has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
"Seller Indemnified Parties" has the meaning set forth in Section 12.3(a).
"Services Agreement" means the Services Agreement among Seller, each of the
Companies and Madden, which has been executed and delivered prior to or
simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and which shall
become effective as of the Closing, attached hereto as Exhibit F.
"Set-Off Notice" has the meaning set forth in Section 13.16(b).
"Set-Off Review Period" has the meaning set forth in Section 13.16(b).
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"SL" means Steven Lloyd.
"Straddle Period" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(a)(ii).
"Tax" or "Taxes" means taxes, fees, levies, duties, tariffs, imposts and
governmental impositions or charges of any kind payable to any Governmental Body
in any jurisdiction, including (i) income, franchise, profits, gross receipts,
ad valorem, net worth, value added, sales, use, service, real or personal
property, special assessments, capital stock, license, payroll, withholding,
employment, estimated, social security, workers' compensation, unemployment
compensation, utility, severance, production, excise, stamp, occupation,
premiums, windfall profits, transfer and gains taxes, and (ii) interest,
penalties, additional taxes and additions to tax imposed with respect thereto.
"338(h)(10) Election" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(b)(i).
"Transaction Documents" means this Agreement, the Employment Agreements,
the Earn-Out Agreement and the Services Agreement.
"U.S." means the United States of America.
"Working Capital Refund" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(b).
ARTICLE II
Purchase and Sale
-----------------
2.1 Purchase and Sale of Company Shares. Subject to and upon the terms and
conditions hereinafter set forth, at the Closing, and in reliance upon the
representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or made pursuant
hereto, Seller hereby agrees to sell, assign, transfer and deliver to Madden,
and Madden hereby agrees to purchase from Seller, all of the issued and
outstanding shares of capital stock of each of the Companies as set forth in
Section 2.1 of the Disclosure Schedule (collectively the "Company Shares"), free
and clear of all Encumbrances.
2.2 Cash Purchase Price.
(a) In consideration of the aforesaid sale, assignment, transfer and
delivery of the Company Shares, Madden shall, (i) six (6) days following the
Closing Date, pay or cause to be paid to Seller an amount, in cash, equal to (A)
eighteen million dollars ($18,000,000) (the "Cash Purchase Price") less (B)
three million dollars ($3,000,000) (the "Holdback Amount"), and (ii) in the
amounts and at such times as are set forth in the Earn-Out Agreement, pay to
Seller all amounts (collectively, the "Earn-Out Payment") required to be paid
pursuant to the terms of the Earn-Out Agreement. The Cash Purchase Price may be
adjusted as provided for in Section 2.3. The Holdback Amount shall be available
as a nonexclusive means to fulfill Seller's obligations pursuant to Section 2.3,
and shall be released to Seller no later than three (3) Business Days following
the final settlement of the adjustment set forth in such Section.
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(b) All payments of cash pursuant to Section 2.2(a) shall be made in
immediately available funds by wire transfer to an account or accounts (the
"Purchase Price Accounts") specified by Seller at least two (2) Business Days
prior to the date such payments are to be made.
2.3 Post-Closing Adjustment.
(a) Closing Date Balance Sheet.
(i) Preparation of Closing Date Balance Sheet. As promptly as
practicable, but in any event within seventy-five (75) days after the
Closing Date, Madden shall prepare and deliver to Seller (A) the Closing
Date Balance Sheet, which Closing Date Balance Sheet shall be prepared in
accordance with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with the preparation of
the Balance Sheet, and (B) a calculation of Net Working Capital as of the
close of business on the Closing Date based upon the Closing Date Balance
Sheet (the "Closing Date Net Working Capital"), which shall explain in
reasonable detail such calculation of Closing Date Net Working Capital.
(ii) Closing Date Balance Sheet Disputes. Seller may dispute the
amount of the Closing Date Net Working Capital reflected on the Closing
Date Balance Sheet by sending written notice (a "Dispute Notice") to Madden
within thirty (30) days of Madden's delivery of the Closing Date Balance
Sheet and Closing Date Net Working Capital calculation to Seller (such
delivery date, the "Delivery Date"). The Dispute Notice shall identify, in
reasonable detail, each disputed item on the Closing Date Balance Sheet,
specifying the amount of such dispute and setting forth the basis for such
dispute. In the event of such a dispute, Madden and Seller shall attempt in
good faith to reconcile their differences (including providing information
that is reasonably requested to the other party), and any resolution by
them as to any disputed items shall be final, binding and conclusive on the
parties and shall be evidenced by a writing signed by Madden and Seller,
including a revised Closing Date Balance Sheet (together with a revised
calculation of the Closing Date Net Working Capital based upon such revised
Closing Date Balance Sheet, the "Revised Closing Date Balance Sheet")
reflecting such resolution. If Madden and Seller are unable to reach such
resolution within twenty (20) days after Seller's delivery of the Dispute
Notice to Madden, then Madden and Seller shall promptly submit any
remaining disputed items to an Independent Accounting Firm for final
binding resolution. If any remaining disputed items are submitted to an
Independent Accounting Firm for resolution (A) each party will furnish to
the Independent Accounting Firm such workpapers and other documents and
information relating to the remaining disputed items as the Independent
Accounting Firm may reasonably request and are available to such party, and
each party will be afforded the opportunity to present to the Independent
Accounting Firm any material relating to the disputed items and to discuss
the resolution of the disputed items with the Independent Accounting Firm;
(B) each party will use its good faith commercially reasonable efforts to
cooperate with the resolution process so that the disputed items can be
resolved within forty-five (45) days of submission of the disputed items to
the Independent Accounting Firm; (C) the determination by the Independent
Accounting Firm, as set forth in a written notice to Madden and Seller
(which written notice shall include a Revised Closing Date Balance Sheet),
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shall, subject to the provisions of Section 2.3(a)(iii), be final, binding
and conclusive on the parties; and (D) the fees and disbursements of the
Independent Accounting Firm shall be allocated by the Independent
Accounting Firm between Madden and Seller in the same proportion that the
aggregate dollar amount of the disputed items submitted to the Independent
Accounting Firm that are unsuccessfully disputed by Seller (as finally
determined by the Independent Accounting Firm) bears to the total amount of
all disputed items submitted to the Independent Accounting Firm. By way of
illustration, if Seller disputes $500,000 of items, and the Independent
Accounting Firm determines that Seller's position is correct as to $400,000
of the disputed items, then Madden would bear 80 percent and Seller would
bear 20 percent of such fees and disbursements.
(iii) Final Closing Date Balance Sheet. The Closing Date Balance
Sheet, or, if one has been adopted pursuant to Section 2.3(a)(ii), the
Revised Closing Date Balance Sheet, shall be deemed to be final, binding
and conclusive on Madden and Seller (the "Final Closing Date Balance
Sheet") upon the earliest of (A) the failure of Seller to deliver to Madden
the Dispute Notice within thirty (30) days of the Delivery Date; (B) the
resolution by Madden and Seller of all disputes, as evidenced by the
Revised Closing Date Balance Sheet; and (C) the resolution by the
Independent Accounting Firm of all disputes, as evidenced by the Revised
Closing Date Balance Sheet. Any adjustment to the Cash Purchase Price based
on the Final Closing Date Balance Sheet shall be made in accordance with
Section 2.3(b).
(b) Post-Closing Working Capital Adjustment. Upon the Final Closing Date
Balance Sheet being deemed final, binding and conclusive pursuant to Section
2.3(a)(iii), an adjustment to the Cash Purchase Price shall be made as follows
(the "Post-Closing Working Capital Adjustment"): In the event that the Closing
Date Net Working Capital reflected on the Final Closing Date Balance Sheet plus
the Additional Working Capital Amount (as defined below) is less than five
million five hundred thousand dollars ($5,500,000), then Seller shall be
obligated to pay Madden on the Adjustment Payment Date the Working Capital
Refund (as defined below) in immediately available funds, at Madden's option, by
certified or official bank check or by wire transfer to an account specified, in
writing, by Madden; provided, however, that any payments owed by Seller to
Madden pursuant to this Section 2.3(b) shall first be satisfied by a deduction
from the Holdback Amount. The "Working Capital Refund" means the amount by which
the Closing Date Net Working Capital on the Final Closing Date Balance Sheet
plus the Additional Working Capital Amount is less than five million five
hundred thousand dollars ($5,500,000). Additional Working Capital Amount means
an amount equal to the gross profit after royalties on sales of any goods
shipped between the Closing Date until and inclusive of February 17, 2006 less
five percent (5%) of such sales; provided, however, that (i) such goods were
included in the Open Orders File, attached hereto as Exhibit J; (ii) such goods
were in the warehouse on or before February 10, 2006; and (iii) such goods had a
start ship date at least one (1) day prior to the Closing Date.
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ARTICLE III
Closing
-------
3.1 Closing Date. Subject to the fulfillment or waiver by the beneficiary
thereof of the agreements and conditions precedent set forth in Articles IX and
X, the closing of the transactions contemplated hereby (the "Closing") shall be
held on February 7, 2006, assuming the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions
to closing set forth in Articles IX and X of this Agreement, at 10:00 a.m.,
prevailing local time, at the offices of Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP,
1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, or on such other date or at
such other time or place as may be agreed to in writing by Madden and Seller.
The date on which the Closing actually occurs is herein referred to as the
"Closing Date."
3.2 Certain Actions at Closing. At the Closing:
(a) Seller shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Madden stock
certificates representing all of the Company Shares, accompanied by stock powers
duly endorsed in blank or duly executed instruments of transfer;
(b) to the extent not previously executed and/or delivered to Madden,
Seller shall execute and/or deliver to Madden, or cause to be executed and/or
delivered to Madden, each of the Transaction Documents and any other document,
certificate or other instrument required to be executed and/or delivered by
Seller and each of the Companies under this Agreement at or prior to the
Closing;
(c) to the extent not previously executed and/or delivered to Seller,
Madden shall execute and/or deliver to Seller, each of the Transaction Documents
and any other document, certificate or other instrument required to be executed
and/or delivered by Madden under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing; and
(d) Seller shall be liable for and shall pay all stamp, transfer and
similar Taxes, direct or indirect, if any, attributable to the transfer of the
Company Shares and, in connection therewith, shall affix any necessary transfer
stamps to the stock certificates (or stock transfer powers) evidencing the
Company Shares.
ARTICLE IV
Representations and Warranties of Seller
----------------------------------------
Seller hereby represents and warrants to Madden as follows:
4.1 Organization and Good Standing. Each Company is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdiction of incorporation. The Companies have full corporate power and
authority to own or lease their respective properties and to carry on their
businesses as they are now being conducted. Each of the Companies is duly
qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction
wherein the nature of the business done or the property owned, leased or
operated by it requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so
qualified would not be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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Copies of the organizational documents of each of the Companies have been
delivered to Madden and are true, complete and accurate in all respects. The
corporate minutes and corporate records of each of the Companies have been made
available to Madden and are true, complete and accurate in all respects. The
stock register and transfer records of each of the Companies have been made
available to Madden and are true, complete and accurate in all respects. Except
as set forth in Section 4.1 of the Disclosure Schedule, neither of the Companies
has any direct or indirect subsidiaries and does not own any ownership or equity
interest in any Person.
4.2 Capitalization.
(a) The capitalization of each of the Companies is as set forth in Section
2.1 of the Disclosure Schedule. The Company Shares are all of the issued and
outstanding shares of the Companies and have been duly authorized and are
validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable. Seller owns,
beneficially and of record, and has valid and marketable title to, and the right
to transfer to Madden, all of the Company Shares set forth in Section 2.1 of the
Disclosure Schedule, free and clear of any and all Encumbrances. At the Closing
Madden will own, and will have valid and marketable title to, all of the issued
and outstanding shares of capital stock of each of the Companies, free and clear
of any and all Encumbrances not created by or with the written consent of
Madden. No Person other than Madden has any written or oral agreement,
arrangement, understanding or option for, or any right or privilege (whether by
law, preemption or contract) that is or is capable of becoming an agreement,
arrangement, understanding or option for, the purchase or acquisition from
either of the Companies or any Person of any shares of capital stock or other
securities of either of the Companies.
(b) There are no outstanding or authorized options, warrants, purchase
agreements, participation agreements, subscription rights, conversion rights,
exchange rights or other securities, contracts, arrangements, understanding or
commitments that could require either of the Companies to issue, sell or
otherwise cause to become outstanding any of its authorized but unissued shares
of capital stock or any securities convertible into, exchangeable for or
carrying a right or option to purchase shares of capital stock, or to create,
authorize, issue, sell or otherwise cause to become outstanding any new class of
capital stock. None of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of
either of the Companies has been issued in violation of any rights of any Person
or in violation of the registration requirements of any applicable
jurisdiction's securities Laws.
4.3 Authorization.
(a) Seller has full legal capacity to enter into and carry out Seller's
obligations under this Agreement and the other applicable Transaction Documents,
and is not under any prohibition or restriction, contractual, statutory or
otherwise, against doing so. This Agreement, the Earn-Out Agreement, Seller's
Employment Agreement and the Services Agreement have been duly executed and
delivered by Seller and constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of
Seller, enforceable against Seller in accordance with their respective terms,
except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or other laws affecting the rights of creditors generally
and by general principles of equity.
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(b) The Employment Agreements, the Services Agreement and the Earn-Out
Agreement have been duly executed and delivered by the applicable Companies and
constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of each of the Companies,
enforceable against each of the Companies in accordance with their respective
terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or other laws affecting the rights of creditors generally
and by general principles of equity.
4.4 No Conflicts; Consents. Except as set forth in Section 4.4 of the
Disclosure Schedule, neither the execution and delivery by Seller or either of
the Companies of this Agreement or any of the Transaction Documents to which
Seller or either of the Companies is a party, nor the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, will, with or without notice or
lapse of time or both, directly or indirectly, (i) conflict with or violate the
organizational documents of, or resolutions of the directors or shareholders of,
either of the Companies, (ii) conflict with, violate, result in the breach of
any term of, result in the acceleration of performance of any obligation under,
constitute a default under, give any Person the right to cancel, terminate or
modify, or require the consent or approval of or any notice to or filing with
any third party or Governmental Body under, (x) any note, mortgage, deed of
trust, lease or other agreement or instrument to which Seller or either of the
Companies is a party or by which Seller or either of the Companies or any of
their respective properties or assets are bound, or (y) any Law, writ,
injunction, or License of any Governmental Body having jurisdiction over Seller,
either of the Companies or their respective properties or assets, or (iii)
create an Encumbrance on any of the shares of capital stock or properties or
assets of either of the Companies, including, without limitation, the Company
Shares.
4.5 Financial Statements; Undisclosed Liabilities; Promotions and
Allowances; Inventory.
(a) Except as set forth in Section 4.5(a) of the Disclosure Schedule, the
Financial Statements (true, complete and accurate copies of which have been
previously delivered to Madden) have been prepared from the books and records of
each of the Companies in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis
throughout the periods covered thereby and fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition of each of the Companies as at their respective
dates and the results of operations and cash flows of each of the Companies for
the periods covered thereby. The statements of operations included in the
Financial Statements do not include any item of special or non-recurring income,
except as specifically identified therein.
(b) As of the date of the Balance Sheet, other than those (i) set forth in
Section 4.5(b) of the Disclosure Schedule or (ii) which are reflected or
reserved against on the Balance Sheet, neither of the Companies had any
liabilities, debts or obligations (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or
otherwise).
(c) Section 4.5(c) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth (i) the material
terms of all return, markdown, promotion, co-op advertising and other similar
programs and allowances currently offered by each of the Companies to any of
their customers and (ii) the amount of the reserve established by each of the
Companies as of December 31, 2005, regarding the items described in clause (i).
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(d) Except as set forth in Section 4.5(d) of the Disclosure Schedule, the
inventory reflected in the Financial Statements or thereafter acquired has been
determined and valued in accordance with GAAP as reflected in the Financial
Statements and the books and records of each of the Companies at the lower of
cost or market. Except as set forth in Section 4.5(d) of the Disclosure
Schedule: (i) the inventory of each of the Companies is salable, and consists of
items which are good and merchantable (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code
of the State of New York) at normal mark-up, in each case in the ordinary course
of business consistent with past practice without any material problems; and
(ii) no previously sold inventory is subject to refunds materially in excess of
that historically experienced by each of the Companies. All commitments or
orders for work-in-process were entered into in the ordinary course of business
consistent with pact practice and in a commercially reasonable manner.
4.6 Taxes.
(a) Except as set forth in Section 4.6(a) of the Disclosure Schedule, each
of the Companies has timely filed with the appropriate taxing authorities all
Returns required to be filed by it (taking into account any extension of time to
file). The information on such Returns is complete and accurate. Each of the
Companies has paid, or, where payment is not yet due, has established an
adequate accrual on the Balance Sheet in accordance with GAAP for the payment
of, all Taxes (whether or not shown on any Return) due and payable, except for
any Taxes that result by reason of a 338(h)(10) Election or analogous elections
made pursuant to Section 8.1(b). There are no liens for Taxes (other than for
Permitted Encumbrances) upon the properties or assets of either of the
Companies.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 4.6(b) of the Disclosure Schedule, no
unpaid (or unreserved in accordance with GAAP) and unresolved deficiencies for
Taxes have been claimed, proposed or assessed, in each case in writing, by any
taxing authority or other Governmental Body with respect to either of the
Companies for any Pre-Closing Period, and there are no pending or, to the
Knowledge of Seller and each of the Companies, threatened audits,
investigations, claims or assessments for or relating to any liability in
respect of Taxes of or with respect to either of the Companies. Neither of the
Companies has requested any extension of time within which to file any currently
unfiled Returns in respect of any Taxes and no waiver or extension of a
statutory period of limitations for the assessment of any Taxes is in effect
with respect to either of the Companies.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 4.6(c) of the Disclosure Schedule, (i)
except for any Taxes that result by reason of a 338(h)(10) Election made
pursuant to Section 8.1(b), each of the Companies has made or will make
provisions for all Taxes payable by it with respect to any Pre-Closing Period
which have not been paid prior to the Closing Date; (ii) except for any Taxes
that result by reason of a 338(h)(10) Election made pursuant to Section 8.1(b),
the provisions for Taxes with respect to each of the Companies for the
Pre-Closing Period (excluding any reserve for deferred Taxes established to
reflect timing differences between book and Tax income) are adequate to cover
all Taxes with respect to such period; (iii) each of the Companies has withheld
and paid all Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with
amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor,
shareholder or other third party; (iv) all material elections with respect to
Taxes affecting either of the Companies as of the date hereof are set forth in
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Section 4.6(c)(iv) of the Disclosure Schedule; (v) there are no advance tax
rulings in respect of any Tax issued to or pending between or with respect to
either of the Companies and any taxing authority or any other written agreements
with a Tax authority with regard to any Tax; (vi) the tax year end for each of
the Companies is December 31; (vii) neither of the Companies is liable for Taxes
of any other Person, and neither is currently under any contractual obligation
to or a party to any tax sharing agreement or any other agreement providing for
payments by either of the Companies with respect to Taxes; (viii) neither of the
Companies is a party to any joint venture, partnership or other arrangement or
contract which could be treated as a partnership for income tax purposes; (ix)
neither of the Companies has granted any Person a power of attorney with respect
to Taxes; (x) neither of the Companies has entered into any sale leaseback or
any leveraged lease transaction; (xi) neither of the Companies, as of the
Closing Date, has agreed and will not be required, as a result of a change made
prior to the Closing Date in method of accounting or otherwise, to include any
adjustment under any provision of Hong Kong, U.S., state, local or foreign law
in taxable income for any period after the Closing Date; (xii) Section
4.6(c)(xii) of the Disclosure Schedule contains a list of all jurisdictions in
which each of the Companies is required to file any Return, and no written claim
has ever been made by a taxing authority in a jurisdiction where either of the
Companies does not currently file Returns that either of the Companies is or may
be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction; (xiii) neither of the Companies has
filed or been included in a combined, consolidated or unitary return (or
substantial equivalent thereof) of any Person; (xiv) neither of the Companies is
obligated under any agreement with respect to industrial development bonds or
other obligations with respect to which the excludability from gross income of
the holder for Federal or state income tax purposes could be affected by the
transactions contemplated hereunder; (xv) neither of the Companies has engaged
in any transaction for which its participation is required to be disclosed under
Treasury Regulation ss. 1.6011-4; and (xvi) since its inception, DMFA has
qualified for and has properly had in effect an election (which has not
terminated) to be an S corporation within the meaning of Section 1361(a)(1) of
the Code (and any corresponding provision of applicable state law), and a copy
of such election has been provided to Madden.
4.7 Real and Personal Property.
(a) Section 4.7(a)-1 of the Disclosure Schedule contains a complete list by
address of all real property owned, leased, operated or used by each of the
Companies (collectively, the "Real Property"), indicating the nature of the
interest of such Companies therein (collectively, the "Real Property
Interests"). No litigation, condemnation, expropriation, eminent domain or
similar proceeding affecting all or any portion of any Real Property is pending
or threatened. Each of the Companies has furnished to Madden true, correct and
complete copies of all documents relating to the Real Property Interests
(collectively, the "Real Property Documents"). There are no oral agreements with
respect to any Real Property Interest. Except as set forth in Section 4.7(a)-2
of the Disclosure Schedule, no Real Property Document requires that the consent
or approval of any third party be obtained in order to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, nor do such transactions violate
any Real Property Document or cause either of the Companies to be in default
under any Real Property Document. Neither of the Companies nor Seller has given
or received any notice of default under any Real Property Document, and neither
of the Companies is in default thereunder. No option to extend, renew or
purchase arising under any Real Property Document has been exercised. No
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guaranty or other undertaking with respect to the performance of any obligation
arising under any Real Property Document has been delivered by either of the
Companies. All service, management, leasing and other similar agreements with
respect to any Real Property Interest (other than leases of Real Property listed
on Section 4.7(a)-1 of the Disclosure Schedule) are terminable upon no more than
thirty (30) days' prior notice.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 4.7(b) of the Disclosure Schedule, each
of the Companies has good and insurable (in the case of Real Property Interests)
title to all of the properties and assets, real and personal, tangible and
intangible, it owns, including those reflected on its books and records and on
the Balance Sheet (except those sold or disposed of subsequent to the date
thereof in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and in
a commercially reasonable manner), free and clear of all Encumbrances, except
for Permitted Encumbrances. Except as set forth in Section 4.7(b) of the
Disclosure Schedule, each of the Companies has a valid and enforceable fee,
leasehold, license or other interest in all of the other properties and assets,
real or personal, tangible or intangible, which are used in the operation of the
business of such Company, free and clear of all Encumbrances, except for
Permitted Encumbrances. Except as set forth in Section 4.7(b) of the Disclosure
Schedule, none of the properties or assets owned, leased, operated or used by
either of the Companies is subject to any lease, sublease, license, sublicense
or other agreement granting to any other Person any right to the use, occupancy
or enjoyment of such property or any portion thereof.
(c) As used herein, "Permitted Encumbrances" means (i) liens for Taxes not
yet due and payable or which are being diligently contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings and as to which appropriate reserves (to the extent
required by GAAP) have been established in the books and records of each of the
Companies; (ii) mechanics', materialmen's, carriers', warehousemen's, landlord's
and similar liens securing obligations not yet delinquent or which are being
diligently contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which
appropriate reserves (to the extent required by GAAP) have been established in
the books and records of each of the Companies; (iii) such imperfections of
title, Encumbrances and easements, restrictive covenants and rights of way as do
not and will not materially detract from or interfere with the use of the
properties subject thereto or affected thereby, or otherwise materially impair
business operations involving such properties; (iv) purchase money Encumbrances
securing the purchase price of the related personal property set forth in
Section 4.7(c) of the Disclosure Schedule; and (v) platting, subdivision,
zoning, building and other similar legal requirements which are not violated by
the building, structures and other improvements located on any real property,
whether or not of record.
4.8 Intellectual Property.
(a) Except as set forth in Section 4.8(a) of the Disclosure Schedule, each
of the Companies owns, or has the valid right to use or license, without
Encumbrances, all Intellectual Property Rights as used in its business as
presently conducted and as it is expected to be conducted as of the Closing
(such Intellectual Property Rights hereinafter referred to as the "Company IP
Rights"). The Company IP Rights are sufficient to conduct the business of each
of the Companies.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 4.8(b) of the Disclosure Schedule, the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of
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the transactions contemplated hereby will not constitute a breach of any
instrument or agreement governing any Company IP Rights (the "Company IP Rights
Agreements"), will not cause the forfeiture or termination or give rise to a
right of forfeiture or termination of any Company IP Rights or impair the right
of either of the Companies or, after the Closing, Madden, to own, use or license
any Company IP Rights or portion thereof.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 4.8(c) of the Disclosure Schedule, there
are no royalties, honoraria, fees or other payments payable by either of the
Companies to any Person for the use by either of the Companies of any Company IP
Rights.
(d) Except as set forth in Section 4.8(d) of the Disclosure Schedule, (i)
to the Knowledge of Seller the conduct of the business of each of the Companies,
as presently conducted, does not violate or infringe any Intellectual Property
Rights of any other Person, and (ii) there is no pending or, to the Knowledge of
Seller and each of the Companies, threatened claim or litigation contesting the
validity, ownership, registrability, right to use or right to license any
Company IP Rights, nor is there any valid or reasonable basis for any such
claim, nor has either of the Companies or Seller received any notice asserting
that any Company IP Rights or the proposed use, registration or license thereof
infringes or otherwise violates, or will infringe or otherwise violate the
rights of such Person.
(e) Except as set forth in Section 4.8(e)(i) of the Disclosure Schedule,
each of the Companies has taken all reasonable and practicable steps to
safeguard and maintain the secrecy and confidentiality of its trade secrets.
Seller has delivered to Madden true, complete and accurate copies of all
agreements that any directors, officers, employees or consultants of either of
the Companies have executed regarding (i) the protection of proprietary
information, and (ii) the assignment to either of the Companies of all
Intellectual Property Rights arising from the services performed for either of
the Companies by such persons. Except as set forth in Section 4.8(e)(ii) of the
Disclosure Schedule, no current or prior directors, officers, employees,
consultants or contractors of either of the Companies claim or have a right to
claim an ownership interest in any Company IP Rights.
(f) Section 4.8(f) of the Disclosure Schedule separately lists (i) all
licenses and other agreements under which either of the Companies or any Person
granted rights by either of the Companies uses any Company IP Rights, and (ii)
all licenses and other agreements under which either of the Companies or any
Person granted rights by either of the Companies uses any Intellectual Property
of any other Person. All such licenses and other agreements are valid,
enforceable, in full force and effect, and without breach Known to Seller and
will continue to be so without change in any provision or term thereof after the
Closing.
(g) Except as set forth in Section 4.8(g) of the Disclosure Schedule, (i)
no notice has been sent, no claim has been made and no action or proceeding has
been filed asserting that any Person's use of, or application for, any
Intellectual Property Rights infringes upon or otherwise violates any Company IP
Rights, and (ii) no Person is infringing upon or otherwise violating any Company
IP Rights, or has filed to register any Intellectual Property Rights which, if
used by any third party, would infringe upon or otherwise violate the Company IP
Rights.
-16-
(h) Section 4.8(h) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of all
patents, trademarks, service marks, trade dress, copyrights, slogans, trade
names, and internet domain names comprising the Company IP Rights, including
without limitation all registrations and applications for any of the foregoing
owned, licensed, used or filed by or on behalf of either of the Companies
anywhere in the world. For each trademark listed in Section 4.8(h) of the
Disclosure Schedule, identify the trademark, the jurisdiction, the
registration/application number, the registrant/applicant, the class, the
goods/services, the status (including any rejections and the basis therefor),
and the principal terms of any license governing such trademark. All
applications, registrations and licenses listed in Section 4.8(h) of the
Disclosure Schedule, unless otherwise indicated, are in full force and effect
and have not been cancelled, expired, rejected or abandoned. Except as set forth
in Section 4.8(d) of the Disclosure Schedule, there is no pending, existing or,
to the Knowledge of Seller and each of the Companies, threatened opposition,
interference, cancellation, proceeding or other legal or governmental proceeding
before any court or Governmental Body against or involving the applications or
registrations listed in Section 4.8(h) of the Disclosure Schedule.
4.9 Contracts and Agreements.
(a) Section 4.9(a) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, complete
and accurate list of each of the following contracts, agreements, arrangements,
instruments or understandings, whether oral or written, to which either of the
Companies is a party or by which either of the Companies or its assets or
properties are bound, except for purchase orders entered into by the Companies
with customers, manufacturers and suppliers in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice and, in the case of purchase orders with
manufacturers and suppliers, on the forms of purchase order previously provided
to Madden (collectively, the "Contracts"):
(i) each employment and other similar agreement with any Person
retained by either of the Companies as an employee or "leased employee"
(within the meaning of Section 414(n) or (o) of the Code or other similar
Law) providing for compensation, severance or a fixed term of employment in
respect of services performed by any employee or "leased employee" of
either of the Companies;
(ii) each management, consulting, independent contractor,
subcontractor, retainer or other similar type of agreement under which
services are provided by any Person to either of the Companies with a term
of more than one (1) year or requiring payments in excess of $50,000 per
annum or $75,000 in the aggregate;
(iii) each other agreement or commitment for services and supplies
(other than Company Products) provided by any other Person to either of the
Companies with a term of more than one (1) year or requiring payments in
excess of $50,000 per annum or $75,000 in the aggregate;
(iv) each agreement with sales or commission agents or sales
representatives with a term of more than one (1) year or requiring payments
in excess of $50,000 per annum or $75,000 in the aggregate;
-17-
(v) each agreement or commitment for the supply of products (other
than Company Products) or services by either of the Companies to any other
Person with a term of more than one (1) year (other than those that are
terminable upon not more than thirty (30) days' notice by the applicable
Companies without penalty) or involving payments in excess of $50,000 per
annum or $75,000 in the aggregate;
(vi) each agreement that restricts in any material manner the
operation of the business of either of the Companies as presently
conducted, including each agreement that restricts the ability of either of
the Companies to conduct business in any geographic or product market, to
buy or sell particular goods or services, to buy or sell goods or services
from any other Person or to solicit customers, employees or other service
providers;
(vii) each agreement with any officer or director of either of the
Companies;
(viii) each agreement with an Affiliated Person or with any entity in
which an officer or director of either of the Companies holds an interest;
(ix) each lease (as lessor, lessee, sublessor or sublessee) of any
real property;
(x) each lease (as lessor, lessee, sublessor or sublessee) of any
tangible personal property requiring payment during its term or any
extension or renewal thereof in excess of $50,000;
(xi) each license (as licensor, licensee, sublicensor or sublicensee)
of any Intellectual Property Rights (other than licenses of commercially
available, "packaged, off the shelf," shrink-wrap or click-through computer
software), including, without limitation, each license relating to any
Company Products;
(xii) each agreement under which any money has been or may be borrowed
or loaned, or any note, bond, factoring agreement, indenture or other
evidence of indebtedness has been issued or assumed, and each guaranty
(including "take-or-pay" and "keepwell" agreements) of any evidence of
indebtedness or other obligation, or of the net worth, of any Person;
(xiii) each mortgage agreement, deed of trust, security agreement,
purchase money agreement, conditional sales contract or capital lease;
(xiv) each partnership, joint venture or similar agreement;
(xv) each agreement relating to securities of either of the Companies,
including shareholder agreements, voting agreements, and any agreements
granting preferential rights to acquire securities of either of the
Companies or containing restrictions with respect to the payment of
dividends or other distributions in respect of the capital stock or
securities of either of the Companies;
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(xvi) each agreement or commitment to make unpaid capital expenditures
in excess of $10,000;
(xvii) each agreement containing a change of control provision;
(xviii) each manufacturing, distribution or sourcing agreement or
arrangement;
(xix) each agreement or other arrangement pursuant to which either of
the Companies is obligated to accept returned merchandise or grant credit
for unsold merchandise other than as set forth in standard form,
non-negotiated purchase orders or confirmations;
(xx) each agreement or other arrangement relating to any EDI or
similar programs;
(xxi) each agreement or other arrangement providing for the
development of software for, or license of software (other than
off-the-shelf, shrink-wrap, or click-through software applications) or
Intellectual Property Rights to, either of the Companies, which software or
Intellectual Property Rights are used or incorporated in any of the Company
Products, including rights of publicity;
(xxii) each agreement with respect to any Company IP Rights;
(xxiii) each agreement or arrangement with respect to advertising
(including co-op advertising), marketing or any concept shops or in-store
sales environments (i.e. shop in shops) for any Company Product;
(xxiv) each agreement that obligates either of the Companies to
indemnify a third party; and
(xxv) each other agreement (or group of related agreements) having an
indefinite term or a fixed term of more than one (1) year (other than those
that are terminable upon not more than thirty (30) days' notice by either
of the Companies without penalty) or requiring payments in excess of
$50,000 per year or $75,000 in the aggregate or the loss of which could
reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Material Adverse Effect.
Complete copies of all written (and summaries of all oral) Contracts required to
be disclosed pursuant to this Section 4.9(a) have been previously delivered to
Madden.
(b) Each of the Contracts is legal, valid, binding and in full force and
effect and is enforceable by the applicable Companies in accordance with its
respective terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium and other similar laws affecting creditors' rights
generally and by general principles of equity. Except as set forth in Section
4.9(b) of the Disclosure Schedule, each of the Companies is not (with or without
the lapse of time or the giving of notice, or both) in breach of or in default
under any of the Contracts, and, to the Knowledge of Seller and each of the
Companies, no other party to any of the Contracts is (with or without the lapse
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of time or the giving of notice, or both) in breach of or in default under any
of the Contracts.
4.10 Insurance. All insurance policies currently maintained by each of the
Companies, or under which either of the Companies is insured, are accurately
listed in Section 4.10 of the Disclosure Schedule and complete copies of such
policies have been previously delivered to Madden. Each such insurance policy is
in full force and effect (and to the Knowledge of Seller and each of the
Companies, free from any presently exercisable right of termination on the part
of the insurance company issuing such policy prior to the expiration of the term
of such policy) and all premiums due and payable in respect thereof have been
paid. There are no pending claims with respect to either of the Companies or
their properties or assets under any such insurance policy. Neither Seller nor
either of the Companies has received notice of cancellation or non-renewal of
any such policy. The transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not give
rise to a right of termination of any such policy by the insurance company
issuing the same prior to the expiration of the term of such policy.
4.11 Litigation. Except as set forth in Section 4.11 of the Disclosure
Schedule, and except with respect to environmental matters (which are addressed
in Section 4.16 of this Agreement), there is no lawsuit, governmental
investigation or legal, administrative or arbitration action or proceeding
pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller and each of the Companies, threatened
against Seller or either of the Companies or any of their respective properties
or assets, or any director, officer or employee of either of the Companies, in
his or her capacity as such, and each of the Companies is not identified as a
party subject to any restrictions or limitations under any judgment, order or
decree of any Governmental Body.
4.12 Condition and Sufficiency of Assets. The properties and assets owned,
leased, operated and used by each of the Companies in the conduct or operation
of its business are, taken as a whole, in good operating condition and repair,
are suitable for the purposes for which they are used and are all of the
properties and assets necessary for the conduct and operation of the businesses
of the Companies as currently conducted.
4.13 Compliance with Law; Licenses; Customs.
(a) Except as set forth in Section 4.13(a) of the Disclosure Schedule, each
of the Companies is and has been in compliance in all material respects with all
applicable Laws governing the conduct or operation of its business, and with all
of its Licenses. Neither of the Companies nor Seller has received any written
notice of any violation of any such Law or License, and to the Knowledge of
Seller and each of the Companies, no such violation has been threatened.
(b) All governmental licenses, approvals, authorizations, registrations,
consents, orders, certificates, decrees, franchises and permits (collectively,
"Licenses") of each of the Companies are listed in Section 4.13(b) of the
Disclosure Schedule. The Licenses are all of the Licenses necessary for the
ownership and operation of the properties and assets of each of the Companies,
the manufacturing, marketing, sale and distribution of the Company Products by
each of the Companies and the conduct and operation of their businesses. Such
Licenses are in full force and effect, and no proceeding is pending or, to the
Knowledge of Seller and each of the Companies, threatened, seeking the
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revocation or limitation of any such License. To the Knowledge of Seller and
each of the Companies, there exists no state of facts which could cause any
Governmental Body to limit, revoke or fail to renew any License related to or in
connection with any business as currently conducted or operated by either of the
Companies.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 4.13(c) of the Disclosure Schedule,
neither of the Companies is the importer of record for any product.
(d) Notwithstanding and in addition to the foregoing, each of the Companies
and, to the Knowledge of Seller and each of the Companies, the employees, agents
and representatives of each of the Companies are, and at all times have been, in
compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws and regulations
relating to importing and exporting, customs and national and international
trade with respect to business conducted by each of the Companies or for which
either of the Companies could be held liable, including, without limitation, the
accuracy of all statements and representations made to any Governmental Body
(including the U.S. Customs Service, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,
the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, and the U.S. Consumer Products Safety
Commission), the timely and accurate filing of all reports, schedules and forms
required to be filed with any Governmental Body and the timely and accurate
reporting and payment of all duties, taxes, fees, payments or other governmental
obligations.
(e) Each of the Companies and, to the Knowledge of Seller and each of the
Companies, the employees, agents and representatives of each of the Companies
have not provided any assistance, directly or indirectly, to the maker of any
goods either of the Companies has imported, including, without limitation,
equipment or materials, which assistance would be subject to a duty, tax, fee or
other payment, other than such assistance which has been fully and accurately
disclosed to the appropriate Governmental Bodies and for which such duty, tax,
fee or other payment has been fully paid.
(f) Each of the Companies and, to the Knowledge of Seller and each of the
Companies, the employees, agents and representatives of each of the Companies
have accurately prepared and maintained in all material respects all records
with respect to the business conducted by each of the Companies or for which
either of the Companies could be held liable relating to importing and
exporting, customs and international trade, as required by Law.
(g) Section 4.13(g) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth all liabilities
or obligations owing by either of the Companies or, to the Knowledge of Seller
and each of the Companies, the employees, agents or representatives of either of
the Companies to the U.S. Customs Service or any Governmental Body in connection
with the purchase, importation or attempted importation of any product by either
of the Companies or for which either of the Companies could be held liable,
including but not limited to: duties, taxes, fees and interest thereon;
liquidated damages; penalties; claims and assessments (whether actual or
potential and whether or not yet asserted by the U.S. Customs Service, any
Governmental Body or some third party).
(h) Neither of the Companies nor Seller has received written notice of any
pending audits, inquiries, investigations, claims, notices or demands for
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duties, fines, penalties, seizures, forfeitures, or liquidated damages by any
Governmental Body (including but not limited to the U.S. Customs Service, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Consumer
Products Safety Commission, U.S. Department of Justice, any Office of the U.S.
Attorney or any other agency of the U.S. government) arising out of any
transactions or importation of merchandise by or for either of the Companies
and, to the Knowledge of Seller and each of the Companies, neither of the
Companies has committed any acts or omissions which could give rise to any such
inquiry, investigation, claim, notice or demand.
4.14 Employees.
(a) Section 4.14(a) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth, as of January
27, 2005, a true, correct and complete list of all of the employees, officers,
independent contractors and consultants of each of the Companies, and with
respect to each such employee, officer, independent contractor and consultant,
such individual's: (i) base salary, (ii) guaranteed bonus, (iii) 2005
discretionary bonus, (iv) all other compensation and perquisites (including,
without limitation, incentive compensation, fees or other remuneration) received
by such individual in the immediately preceding fiscal year of the applicable
Company, (v) accrued vacation, (vi) current title, (vii) date of hire, and
(viii) outstanding loans to such individuals.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 4.14(b) of the Disclosure Schedule, each
of the Companies (i) is and has been in compliance in all material respects with
all applicable Laws (including any legal obligation to engage in affirmative
action), agreements and contracts relating to former, current, and prospective
employees, independent contractors and "leased employees" (within the meaning of
Section 414(n) of the Code) of each of the Companies, workplace practices, and
terms and conditions of employment with such Companies or retention by such
Companies, including all such Laws, agreements and contracts relating to wages,
hours, collective bargaining, employment discrimination, immigration,
disability, civil rights, fair labor standards, occupational safety and health,
workers' compensation, pay equity, wrongful discharge and violation of the
potential rights of such former, current, and prospective employees, independent
contractors and leased employees, and (ii) has timely prepared and filed all
appropriate forms (including Immigration and Naturalization Service Form I-9)
required by any relevant Law or Governmental Body. Neither of the Companies is
engaged in any unfair labor practice.
(c) No collective bargaining agreement with respect to the business of
either of the Companies is currently in effect or being negotiated. Neither of
the Companies has any obligation to negotiate any other collective bargaining
agreement, and, to the Knowledge of Seller and each of the Companies, no
employees of either of the Companies desire to be covered by a collective
bargaining agreement.
(d) Each of the Companies generally has good relationships with its
employees. No strike, slowdown or work stoppage is occurring or has occurred
since the inception of either of the Companies nor, to the Knowledge of Seller
and each of the Companies, is threatened or has been threatened within the
one-year period prior to the date hereof, with respect to the employees of
either of the Companies.
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(e) Each of the Companies has withheld for all periods all required amounts
from its employees, including, without limitation, for employee income tax
withholding, social security and unemployment taxes in compliance with
applicable law. Federal, state, local and foreign returns, as required by
applicable law, have been filed by each of the Companies for all periods for
which returns were due with respect to employee income tax withholding, social
security and unemployment taxes, and the amounts shown thereof to be due and
payable have been paid, together with any interest and penalties that are due as
a result of the failure of either of the Companies to file such returns when due
and pay when due the amounts shown thereon to be due.
(f) Section 4.14(f) of the Disclosure Schedule accurately sets forth all
severance or continuing payment obligations of each of the Companies, as well as
all unpaid severance or continuing payments of any kind (other than pursuant to
a plan or program described in Section 4.15) which are due or claimed in writing
to be due from either of the Companies to any Person whose employment with
either of the Companies was terminated.
(g) Section 4.14(g) of the Disclosure Schedule accurately sets forth each
of the Companies' policies with respect to accrued, but unused, vacation time.
(h) Except as set forth in Section 4.14(h) of the Disclosure Schedule, each
employee of each of the Companies is employed on an at-will basis and neither
Seller nor either of the Companies has any written or oral agreements with any
employees of either of the Companies regarding continued employment or terms of
employment subsequent to the date hereof or the Closing Date, or which would
otherwise interfere with the ability to discharge such employees. Neither Seller
nor either of the Companies has made any written or oral statements, promises or
representations or distributed any written material to any of its shareholders,
directors, officers, employees, consultants, independent contractors, agents,
representatives or other personnel that any of such persons will continue to be
employed or engaged by either of the Companies or will receive any particular
benefits subsequent to the date hereof or the Closing Date. To the Knowledge of
Seller and each of the Companies, no key employee and no group of employees of
either of the Companies has any plans to terminate or modify their status as an
employee or employees of either of the Companies (including upon consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby), except as contemplated by the Employment
Agreements.
(i) Section 4.14(i) of the Disclosure Schedule contains the most recent
reports in the possession of each of the Companies with respect to the
compliance with Laws by contractors, manufacturers or suppliers of either of the
Companies. To the Knowledge of Seller and each of the Companies, except as set
forth in Section 4.14(i) of the Disclosure Schedule, no contractor, manufacturer
or supplier used by or under contract with either of the Companies is in
material violation of any Law relating to labor or employment matters.
4.15 Employee Benefit Plans.
(a) Section 4.15(a) of the Disclosure Schedule lists all Employee Benefit
Plans. "Employee Benefit Plan" means any "employee benefit plan" as defined in
Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
from time to time ("ERISA") and any other plan, policy, program, practice,
agreement, understanding or arrangement (whether written or oral) providing
-23-
compensation or other benefits to any current or former officer, employee or
consultant (or to any dependent or beneficiary thereof), of either of the
Companies or any ERISA Affiliate, which are now, or within the last six (6)
years were, maintained by either of the Companies or any ERISA Affiliate, or
with respect to which either of the Companies or any ERISA Affiliate has or may
have any liability, including but not limited to any obligation to contribute,
including all employee pension, profit-sharing, savings, retirement, incentive,
bonus, deferred compensation, vacation, holiday, cafeteria, medical, disability,
life, accident or other insurance, stock purchase, stock option, stock
appreciation right, phantom stock, restricted stock or other equity-based
compensation plans, and any other plans, policies, programs, practices or
arrangements. "ERISA Affiliate" means any entity (whether or not incorporated)
other than either of the Companies that, together with either of the Companies,
is or could reasonably be expected to be deemed to be a member of a controlled
group of corporations within the meaning of Section 414(b) of the Code, of a
group of trades or businesses under common control within the meaning of Section
414(c) of the Code, or in the case of any Employee Benefit Plan subject to Part
3 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA, of an affiliated service group within the
meaning of Section 414(m) of the Code.
(b) Each of the Companies has delivered to Madden true and complete copies
of (A) with respect to each Employee Benefit Plan, (i) such Employee Benefit
Plan including all amendments and written summaries of any unwritten plan or
amendment, and related trust agreements, insurance and other contracts
(including policies), (ii) the summary plan description and all summaries of
material modifications, and all material communications distributed to the
participants of such Employee Benefit Plan (and written summaries of any other
communications that were not written), (iii) to the extent applicable, the three
(3) most recent annual reports on Form 5500 with accompanying schedules and
attachments, (iv) to the extent applicable, the most recent IRS opinion or
determination letter, (v) to the extent applicable, audited financial statements
and actuarial valuation reports, (vi) to the extent applicable,
nondiscrimination tests performed under the Code (including 401(k) and 401(m)
tests), and (vii) forms or written communications explaining employee and
related beneficiaries rights under Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA and
Section 4980B of the Code ("COBRA"), or certifying group health insurance
coverage pursuant to Part 7 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA and Chapter 100 of
the Code ("HIPAA"); (B) any communications or election forms sent to employees
or participants in any Employee Benefit Plan or other individuals regarding
compliance with Section 409A of the Code, and a written description of any
measures that either of the Companies has taken to address Section 409A
compliance; and (C) all procedures and policies relating to the employment of
employees of either of the Companies and the use of temporary employees and
independent contractors by either of the Companies (including written summaries
of any procedures and policies that are unwritten).
(c) Neither of the Companies nor any ERISA Affiliate maintains or
contributes to or has ever maintained or contributed to an Employee Benefit Plan
(including, without limitation, any "multiemployer plan" within the meaning of
Section 3(37) of ERISA) subject to Title IV or Section 302 of ERISA and Section
412 of the Code, and no condition exists or is reasonably likely to exist as a
result of which either of the Companies could have any liability under any such
sections.
-24-
(d) No event has occurred in connection with which either of the Companies
or any Employee Benefit Plan, directly or indirectly, could be subject to any
liability under ERISA, the Code or any other Law or governmental order
applicable to any Employee Benefit Plan, or under any agreement, instrument,
statute, rule of law or regulation pursuant to or under which either of the
Companies or any ERISA Affiliate has agreed to indemnify or is required to
indemnify any person against liability incurred under, or for a violation or
failure to satisfy the requirements of, any such statute, regulation or order.
(e) Each Employee Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified under
Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from
the IRS, has timely adopted all amendments required for continued plan
qualification and nothing has occurred and no circumstances exist that could
cause the disqualification of any such Employee Benefit Plan. Each Employee
Benefit Plan is and has been maintained in form and operation in compliance with
its terms and all applicable Laws, including, without limitation, ERISA and the
Code. As of and including the date of the Closing, each of the Companies shall
have made all contributions required to be made by it up to and including the
date of the Closing with respect to each Employee Benefit Plan, or adequate
accruals therefor will have been provided for and will be properly reflected on
the books of each of the Companies. All notices, filings and disclosures
required by ERISA and the Code (including notices under Section 4980B and
Sections 9801-9805 of the Code and Parts 6 and 7 of Subtitle B of Title I of
ERISA) have been timely made.
(f) With respect to each Employee Benefit Plan, (i) no "party in interest"
or "disqualified person" (as defined in Section 3(14) of ERISA or Section 4975
of the Code, respectively) has at any time engaged in a transaction which could
subject Madden, either of the Companies or Seller, directly or indirectly, to a
tax, penalty or liability for prohibited transactions imposed by ERISA or the
Code and (ii) no fiduciary (as defined in Section 3(21) of ERISA) has breached
any of the responsibilities or obligations imposed upon the fiduciary under
Title I of ERISA.
(g) Each Employee Benefit Plan may, by its terms, be amended or terminated
at any time, and no additional liabilities to either of the Companies or to such
plan will arise on account of any such termination (including, but not limited
to, retrospective premium adjustments or early cancellation penalties).
(h) There are no actions, claims (other than routine claims for benefits),
lawsuits or arbitrations pending or threatened with respect to any Employee
Benefit Plan or against any fiduciary of any Employee Benefit Plan, and to the
Knowledge of Seller and each of the Companies, there are no facts that could
give rise to any such actions, claims, lawsuits or arbitrations.
(i) Each Employee Benefit Plan which is a "welfare plan" within the meaning
of Section 3(1) of ERISA and which provides health, disability or death benefits
is fully insured; neither of the Companies is obligated to directly pay any such
benefits or to reimburse any third Person payor for the payment of such
benefits.
(j) No Employee Benefit Plan provides for medical or health benefits or
coverage for any participant or any dependent or beneficiary of any participant
-25-
after such participant's retirement or other termination of employment, except
as may be required by COBRA or any other similar law. There has been no
communication to any person providing services to either of the Companies that
could reasonably be expected to promise or grant any such person any retiree
health or life insurance or any retiree death benefits, except as required by
COBRA or any other similar law.
(k) No Employee Benefit Plan is a "multiple employer plan" as described in
Section 3(40) of ERISA or Section 413(c) of the Code.
(l) Neither of the Companies has proposed, announced or agreed to create
any additional Employee Benefit Plans or to amend or modify any Employee Benefit
Plan.
(m) The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
either alone or in combination with any other event, will not result in (i) any
payment (including, without limitation, severance, unemployment compensation,
golden parachute, bonus payments or otherwise) becoming due to any current or
former director, officer, employee or consultant of either of the Companies,
(ii) any increase in the amount of compensation or benefits payable in respect
of any director, officer, employee or consultant of either of the Companies,
(iii) any acceleration of the vesting or timing of payment of any benefits or
compensation payable in respect of any director, officer, employee or consultant
of either of the Companies, or (iv) any "parachute payment" under Section 280G
of the Code, whether or not such amount may be considered reasonable
compensation for personal services rendered.
(n) There are no pending or threatened investigations by any Governmental
Body involving or relating to any Employee Benefit Plan or pending claims
(except for routine claims for benefits payable in the normal operation of the
Employee Benefit Plans), suits or proceedings against any Employee Benefit Plan,
either of the Companies, Seller, or any fiduciary or trustee of any Employee
Benefit Plan, nor, to the Knowledge of Seller and each of the Companies, are
there any facts that could give rise to any liability in the event of such
investigation, claim, suit or proceeding.
(o) No condition exists as a result of which either of the Companies could
have any material liability, whether actual or contingent, including any
obligation under any Employee Benefit Plan, as a result of or arising out of any
misclassification of any person performing services for either of the Companies
as an independent contractor or as the employee of a third party rather than as
an employee of either of the Companies.
(p) Section 4.15(p) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth annual costs for
the last calendar year associated with the maintenance of each Employee Benefit
Plan, including, without limitation, annual premiums and contributions.
(q) No Employee Benefit Plan is an employee stock ownership plan (within
the meaning of Section 4975(e)(7) of the Code) or otherwise invests in Common
Stock.
(r) No Employee Benefit Plan covers any non-U.S. employees.
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(s) No Employee Benefit Plan, other than a pension or defined contribution
plan, is funded through a trust intended to be exempt from tax pursuant to
Section 501 of the Code.
4.16 Environmental Matters. Except as set forth in Section 4.16 of the
Disclosure Schedule:
(a) each of the Companies is and has been in compliance in all material
respects with all applicable Environmental Laws;
(b) no Environmental Claims have been asserted against either of the
Companies or Seller, nor does either of the Companies or Seller have Knowledge
or notice of any pending or threatened Environmental Claim against either of the
Companies or Seller;
(c) there has been no Release of a Hazardous Material at or from any real
property owned or leased by either of the Companies that would subject either of
the Companies to liability under any Environmental Law, nor has either of the
Companies or Seller received written notice that it is a potentially responsible
party under any Environmental Law; and
(d) neither of the Companies has managed, handled, generated, manufactured,
refined, recycled, discharged, emitted, buried, processed, produced, reclaimed,
stored, treated, transported, or disposed of any Hazardous Substance, except in
compliance with all Environmental Laws.
4.17 Bank Accounts and Powers of Attorney. Section 4.17 of the Disclosure
Schedule sets forth the name of each bank in which each of the Companies has an
account, lock box or safe deposit box, the number of each such account, lock box
and safe deposit box, and the names of all Persons authorized to draw thereon or
have access thereto. Except as set forth in Section 4.17 of the Disclosure
Schedule, no Person holds any power of attorney from either of the Companies.
4.18 Absence of Certain Changes. Since the date of the Balance Sheet, each
of the Companies has operated its business in the ordinary course consistent
with past practice and in a commercially reasonable manner, and has maintained
its relationships with customers, vendors, suppliers, employees, agents and
others in a commercially reasonable manner, and there has not occurred any
event, development or change, and no facts or circumstances exist, which,
individually or in the aggregate, have had or could be reasonably expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect. Without limiting the generality of the
immediately preceding sentences and except as set forth in Section 4.18 of the
Disclosure Schedule, since that date, neither of the Companies has:
(i) amended or otherwise modified its organizational documents or
altered, through merger, liquidation, reorganization, restructuring or in
any other fashion, its corporate structure or ownership;
(ii) issued or sold, or authorized for issuance or sale, or granted
any options or made other agreements, arrangements or understandings of the
type referred to in Section 4.2(b) with respect to, any shares of its
capital stock or any other of its securities, or altered any term of any of
-27-
its outstanding securities or made any change in its outstanding shares of
capital stock or other ownership interests or its capitalization, whether
by reason of a reclassification, recapitalization, stock split or
combination, exchange or readjustment of shares, stock dividend or
otherwise;
(iii) mortgaged, pledged or granted any security interest in any of
its assets, except Permitted Encumbrances and security interests solely in
tangible personal property granted pursuant to any purchase money
agreement, conditional sales contract or capital lease under which, solely
with respect to conditional sales contracts and capital leases, there
exists an aggregate future liability not in excess of $50,000 per contract
or lease (which amount was not more than the purchase price for such
personal property and which security interest does not extend to any other
item or items of personal property);
(iv) declared, set aside, made or paid any dividend or other
distribution to any holder with respect to its capital stock or other
securities except for the distributions to Seller noted in Section 4.5(b)
of the Disclosure Schedule;
(v) redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired, directly or indirectly,
any of its capital stock or other securities;
(vi) increased the compensation of any of its non-executive employees,
except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and
in a commercially reasonable manner, or increased the compensation of any
of its executive officers, except for bonuses disclosed in Section 4.5(b)
of the Disclosure Schedule;
(vii) adopted or, except as required by Law, amended, any Employee
Benefit Plan;
(viii) extended, terminated or modified any Contract, permitted any
renewal notice period or option period to lapse with respect to any
Contract or received any written notice of termination of any Contract,
except for terminations of Contracts upon their expiration during such
period in accordance with their terms;
(ix) incurred or assumed any indebtedness for borrowed money or
guaranteed any obligation or the net worth of any Person, except for
endorsements of negotiable instruments for collection and the factoring of
receivables, in each case in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice and in a commercially reasonable manner;
(x) incurred any liabilities, debts or obligations (whether absolute,
accrued, contingent or otherwise), except for liabilities (including,
without limitation, the factoring of receivables) incurred in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice and in a commercially
reasonable manner;
(xi) incurred any liability, debt or obligation (whether absolute,
accrued, contingent or otherwise) to or of any Affiliated Person, or made
any Affiliate Loans;
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(xii) discharged or satisfied any Encumbrance other than those then
required to be discharged or satisfied during such period in accordance
with their original terms;
(xiii) paid any obligation or liability (absolute, accrued, contingent
or otherwise), whether due or to become due, except for any current
liabilities and the current portion of any long term liabilities shown on
the Financial Statements or incurred since the date of the Balance Sheet in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and in a
commercially reasonable manner, except as noted in Section 4.5(b) of the
Disclosure Schedule;
(xiv) sold, transferred, leased to others or otherwise disposed of any
assets having a fair market value in excess of $50,000, except sales of
inventory and dispositions of obsolete assets no longer used or useful in
the business of the Company, in each case in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice and in a commercially reasonable
manner;
(xv) cancelled, waived or compromised any debt or claim;
(xvi) suffered any damage or destruction to, loss of, or condemnation
or eminent domain proceeding relating to any of its tangible properties or
assets (whether or not covered by insurance);
(xvii) lost the employment services of any employee whose annual
salary exceeded $50,000;
(xviii) made any loan or advance to any Person, other than travel and
other similar routine advances to employees in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice and in a commercially reasonable
manner;
(xix) purchased or acquired any capital stock or other securities of
any other corporation or any ownership interest in any other business
enterprise or Person;
(xx) made capital expenditures or capital additions or betterments in
amounts which exceeded $10,000 in the aggregate;
(xxi) changed its method of accounting or its accounting principles or
practices, including any policies or practices with respect to the
establishment of reserves for work-in-process and accounts receivable,
utilized in the preparation of the Financial Statements, other than as
required by GAAP;
(xxii) instituted or settled any litigation or any legal,
administrative or arbitration action or proceeding before any court or
Governmental Body relating to it or any of its properties or assets;
(xxiii) made any new elections or changed any current elections with
respect to its Taxes;
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(xxiv) entered into any transaction with any Affiliated Person, other
than the Employment Agreements; (xxv) entered into any agreements,
commitments or contracts, except those made in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice and in a commercially reasonable
manner; or
(xxvi) entered into any agreement or commitment to do any of the
foregoing.
4.19 Books and Records. The books and records of each of the Companies with
respect to each of the Companies, its operations, employees and properties have
been maintained in the usual, regular and ordinary manner, all entries with
respect thereto have been accurately made in all material respects, and all
transactions involving either of the Companies have been accurately accounted
for in all material respects.
4.20 Transactions with Affiliated Persons. Except (i) for employment
relationships between either of the Companies and employees of such Companies,
(ii) for remuneration by either of the Companies for services rendered as a
director, officer or employee of either of the Companies, or (iii) as set forth
in Section 4.20 of the Disclosure Schedule, (A) neither of the Companies has,
and has not since its inception, in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice or otherwise, directly or indirectly, purchased, leased or
otherwise acquired any property or obtained any services from, or sold, leased
or otherwise disposed of any property or furnished any services to, any
Affiliated Person; (B) neither of the Companies owes any amount to any
Affiliated Person, except for the reimbursement of travel, business,
entertainment and other business expenses to officers and employees of the
Company in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and in
accordance with the Company's existing policies and procedures; (C) no
Affiliated Person owes any amount to either of the Companies; and (D) no part of
the property or assets of any Affiliated Person is used by either of the
Companies in the conduct or operation of its business.
4.21 Customer and Supplier Relationships.
(a) Section 4.21(a) of the Disclosure Schedule lists the ten (10) largest
customers of each of the Companies for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004
and 2005. Except as set forth in Section 4.21(a) of the Disclosure Schedule, to
the Knowledge of Seller and each of the Companies, there are no facts or
circumstances (including the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby) that are likely to result in the loss of any one customer or group of
customers of either of the Companies or a material adverse change in the
relationship of either of the Companies with such a customer or group of
customers. Each of the Companies generally has a good relationship with each of
its ten (10) largest customers.
(b) Section 4.21(b) of the Disclosure Schedule lists the top ten (10)
largest suppliers of products to each of the Companies for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2004 and 2005. Except as set forth in Section 4.21(b) of the
Disclosure Schedule, to the Knowledge of Seller and each of the Companies, there
are no facts or circumstances (including the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby) that are likely to result in the loss of any one supplier
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or group of suppliers of either of the Companies or a material adverse change in
the relationship of either of the Companies with such a supplier or group of
suppliers. Each of the Companies generally has a good relationship with each of
its ten (10) largest suppliers.
4.22 Absence of Certain Business Practices. Neither Seller nor either of
the Companies, nor any of their directors or officers, nor, to the Knowledge of
Seller and each of the Companies, the employees or agents of either of the
Companies, have, directly or indirectly, (a) made any contribution or gift which
contribution or gift is in violation of any applicable Law, (b) made any bribe,
rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other payment to any Person,
private or public, regardless of form, whether in money, property or services
(i) to obtain favorable treatment in securing business, (ii) to pay for
favorable treatment for business secured, (iii) to obtain special concessions or
for special concessions already obtained for or in respect of either of the
Companies or any Affiliated Person of either of the Companies, or (iv) in
violation of any Law or legal requirement, or (c) established or maintained any
fund or asset of either of the Companies that has not been recorded in the books
and records of either of the Companies.
4.23 Brokers and Finders. Except as set forth in Section 4.23 of the
Disclosure Schedule, no broker, finder or investment advisor has been engaged by
Seller or either of the Companies in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. Seller (and not the Companies) shall be
responsible for and shall pay all fees, commissions and costs of any such
broker, finder or investment advisor.
4.24 Restrictions on Business Activities. Except as set forth in Section
4.24 of the Disclosure Schedule, there is no judgment, injunction, order or
decree binding upon either of the Companies or Seller or, to the Knowledge of
Seller and each of the Companies, threatened, that has or could reasonably be
expected to have the effect of prohibiting or impairing the conduct of the
business of either of the Companies as currently conducted or any business
practice of either of the Companies, including the acquisition of property, the
sale of products, the provision of services, the hiring of employees, and the
solicitation of customers, in each case either individually or in the aggregate.
4.25 Payables. Except as set forth in Section 4.25 of the Disclosure
Schedule, all accounts payable of each of the Companies have arisen in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice. All items which are
required by GAAP to be reflected as payables in the Financial Statements and on
the books and records of the Company are so reflected and have been recorded in
accordance with GAAP and in a commercially reasonable manner. There has been no
material adverse change since December 31, 2005 in the amount or delinquency of
accounts payable of either of the Companies, either individually or in the
aggregate.
4.26 Receivables. Except as set forth in Section 4.26 of the Disclosure
Schedule, all accounts receivable of each of the Companies have arisen in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, represent valid
obligations to each of the Companies arising from bona fide transactions, and,
to the Knowledge of Seller and each of the Companies, are not subject to claims,
set-off, or other defenses or counterclaims. All items which are required by
GAAP to be reflected as receivables in the Financial Statements and on the books
and records of either of the Companies are so reflected and have been recorded
in accordance with GAAP and in a commercially reasonable manner.
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4.27 Business Relations. Other than as set forth in Section 4.27 of the
Disclosure Schedule, (i) neither of the Companies is required to provide any
bonding or any other financial security arrangements in connection with any
transaction with any customer or supplier, (ii) since December 31, 2004, neither
of the Companies nor Seller has received any notice of any disruption (including
delayed deliveries or allocations by suppliers) in the availability of any
materials or products used in the business of either of the Companies, nor do
any of them have reason to believe that any such disruption will occur in
connection with the business of either of the Companies, and (iii) there are no
sole source suppliers of goods, equipment or services used by either of the
Companies (other than public utilities) with respect to which practical
alternative sources of supply are unavailable.
4.28 Disclosure. No representation or warranty by Seller contained in this
Agreement or any Transaction Document or any statement or certificate furnished
by Seller to Madden or its representatives in connection herewith or therewith
or pursuant hereto or thereto contains any untrue statement of a material fact,
or omits to state any material fact required to make the statements herein or
therein contained, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made,
not misleading. There is no fact or circumstance known to Seller which could be
reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
ARTICLE V
Representations and Warranties of Madden
----------------------------------------
Madden represents and warrants to Seller as follows:
5.1 Organization and Good Standing. Madden is a corporation duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware
and has full corporate power and authority to enter into and carry out its
obligations under this Agreement.
5.2 Authorization. The execution and delivery by Madden of this Agreement
and the other Transaction Documents to which Madden is a party have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action required on the part of Madden.
This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which Madden is a party
have been duly executed and delivered by Madden and constitute legal, valid and
binding obligations of Madden, enforceable against Madden in accordance with
their respective terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other laws affecting the rights
of creditors generally and by general principles of equity.
5.3 No Conflicts; Consents. Neither the execution and delivery by Madden of
this Agreement or any of the Transaction Documents to which Madden is a party
nor the consummation by Madden of the transactions contemplated hereby or
thereby will (i) conflict with or violate the charter or by-laws of Madden, or
(ii) conflict with, violate, result in the breach of any term of, constitute a
default under or require the consent or approval of, or any notice to or filing
with any Person under, any note, mortgage, deed of trust or other agreement or
instrument to which Madden is a party or by which Madden is bound, or any Law,
writ or injunction of any Governmental Body having jurisdiction over Madden,
except with respect to clause (ii) where such conflict, violation, breach or
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default, or the failure to obtain such consent or approval, give such notice or
make such filing, would not materially adversely impair the ability of Madden to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
5.4 Litigation. No lawsuit, governmental investigation or legal,
administrative, or arbitration action or proceeding is pending or, to the
Knowledge of Madden, threatened against Madden, or any director, officer or
employee of Madden in his or her capacity as such, which questions the validity
of this Agreement or seeks to prohibit, enjoin or otherwise challenge the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
5.5 Brokers and Finders. Except as set forth in Section 5.5 of the Madden
Disclosure Schedule, no broker, finder or financial advisor has been engaged by
Madden in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Madden shall be responsible for and shall pay all fees, commissions and costs of
any such broker, finder or financial advisor.
5.6 Investment Intent. Madden is acquiring all of the Company Shares for
its own account and for investment purposes and not with a view to the sale or
other distribution of any of the Company Shares.
ARTICLE VI
Covenants of Seller
-------------------
Seller hereby covenants and agrees as follows:
6.1 Ordinary Course. From the date hereof until the Closing, other than as
contemplated by this Agreement or as set forth in Section 6.1 of the Disclosure
Schedule, Seller will (a) cause each of the Companies to (i) maintain its
corporate existence in good standing, (ii) maintain in effect all of its
presently existing insurance coverage (or substantially equivalent insurance
coverage), preserve its business organization substantially intact, use good
faith commercially reasonable efforts to keep the services of its present
principal employees and preserve its present business relationships with its
material suppliers and customers, (iii) maintain the lines of business of each
of the Companies, and (iv) in all respects conduct its business in the usual and
ordinary course consistent with past practice and in a commercially reasonable
manner, without a material change in current operational policies, subject, in
each case, to the restrictions set forth in Section 6.2, and (b) permit Madden,
its accountants, its legal counsel and its other representatives reasonable
access to the management, accountants, legal counsel, minute books and stock
transfer records, other books and records, contracts, agreements, properties and
operations of each of the Companies at all reasonable times upon reasonable
notice (provided that all such parties shall be subject to the terms of the
Confidentiality Agreement).
6.2 Conduct of Business. From the date hereof until the Closing, other than
as contemplated by this Agreement or as set forth in Section 6.2 of the
Disclosure Schedule, Seller will cause each of the Companies not to do any of
the following without the prior written consent of Madden:
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(i) amend or otherwise modify its organizational documents or alter,
through merger, liquidation, reorganization, restructuring or in any other
fashion, its corporate structure or ownership;
(ii) other than pursuant to Section 2.1, issue or sell, or authorize
for issuance or sale, or grant any options or make other agreements,
arrangements or understandings of the type referred to in Section 4.2(b)
with respect to, any shares of its capital stock or any other of its
securities, or alter any term of any of its outstanding securities or make
any change in its outstanding shares of capital stock or other ownership
interests or its capitalization, whether by reason of a reclassification,
recapitalization, stock split or combination, exchange or readjustment of
shares, stock dividend or otherwise;
(iii) mortgage, pledge or grant any security interest in any of its
assets, except Permitted Encumbrances and security interests solely in
tangible personal property granted pursuant to any purchase money
agreement, conditional sales contract or capital lease under which, solely
with respect to conditional sales contracts and capital leases, there
exists an aggregate future liability not in excess of $50,000 per contract
or lease (which amount is not more than the purchase price for such
personal property and which security interest does not extend to any other
item or items of personal property);
(iv) declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other
distribution to any holder with respect to its capital stock or other
securities except as disclosed in Section 4.5(b) of the Disclosure
Schedule;
(v) redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any
of its capital stock or other securities;
(vi) increase the compensation of any of its non-executive employees,
except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and
in a commercially reasonable manner, or increase the compensation of any of
its executive officers;
(vii) adopt or, except as otherwise required by Law, amend, any
Employee Benefit Plan or enter into any collective bargaining agreement;
(viii) extend, terminate or modify any Contract or permit any renewal
notice period or option period to lapse with respect to any Contract,
except for terminations of Contracts upon their expiration during such
period in accordance with their terms;
(ix) incur or assume any indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantee
any obligation or the net worth of any Person, except for endorsements of
negotiable instruments for collection and the factoring of receivables, in
each case in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(x) incur any liabilities, debts or obligations (whether absolute,
accrued, contingent or otherwise), except for liabilities (including,
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without limitation, the factoring of receivables) incurred in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice and in a commercially
reasonable manner;
(xi) incur any liability, debt or obligation (whether absolute,
accrued, contingent or otherwise) to or of any Affiliated Person, or make
any Affiliate Loans;
(xii) discharge or satisfy any Encumbrance other than those which are
required to be discharged or satisfied during such period in accordance
with their original terms;
(xiii) pay any obligation or liability (absolute, accrued, contingent
or otherwise), whether due or to become due, except for any current
liabilities, and the current portion of any long term liabilities shown on
the Financial Statements or incurred since the date of the Balance Sheet in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and in a
commercially reasonable manner;
(xiv) sell, transfer, lease to others or otherwise dispose of any of
its properties or assets having a fair market value in excess of $50,000,
except sales of inventory and dispositions of obsolete assets no longer
used or useful in its business, in each case in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice and in a commercially reasonable
manner;
(xv) cancel, waive or compromise any debt or claim;
(xvi) make any loan or advance to any Person, other than travel and
other similar routine advances to employees in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice and in a commercially reasonable
manner;
(xvii) purchase or acquire any capital stock or other securities of
any other corporation or any ownership interest in any other business
enterprise or Person;
(xviii) make capital expenditures or capital additions or betterments
in amounts which exceed $5,000 in the aggregate;
(xix) change its method of accounting or its accounting principles or
practices, including any policies or practices with respect to the
establishment of reserves for work-in-process, inventory and accounts
receivable, utilized in the preparation of the Financial Statements, other
than as required by GAAP;
(xx) institute or settle any litigation or any legal, administrative
or arbitration action or proceeding before any court or Governmental Body
relating to it or any of its properties or assets;
(xxi) make any settlements or new elections, or change any current
elections, with respect to its Taxes;
(xxii) enter into any agreements, commitments or contracts for any
real property leases;
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(xxiii) enter into any transaction with any Affiliated Person, other
than the Employment Agreements;
(xxiv) enter into any other agreements, commitments or contracts,
except those made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice and in a commercially reasonable manner; or
(xxv) enter into any agreement or commitment to do any of the
foregoing.
6.3 Certain Filings. Seller agrees to make or cause to be made all filings
with Governmental Bodies that are required to be made by Seller or by either of
the Companies to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
including as required under any applicable anti-competition Law. Seller agrees
to assist, and to cause each of the Companies to assist, Madden in making all
such filings, applications and notices as may be necessary or desirable in order
to obtain the authorization, approval or consent of any Governmental Body which
may be reasonably required of Madden or which Madden may reasonably request in
connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby,
including as required under any applicable anti-competition Law.
6.4 Consents and Approvals. Seller agrees to use its good faith
commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, or to cause each of the Companies to
obtain, as promptly as practicable, but not later than the Closing in any event,
all consents, authorizations, approvals and waivers required in connection with
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
6.5 Efforts to Satisfy Conditions. Seller agrees to use its good faith
commercially reasonable efforts to satisfy the conditions set forth in Article
IX.
6.6 Further Assurances. Seller agrees to execute and deliver, and to cause
each of the Companies to execute and deliver, such additional documents and
instruments, and to perform such additional acts as Madden may reasonably
request to effectuate or carry out and perform all the terms, provisions and
conditions of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and to effectuate the intent and
purposes hereof.
6.7 Notification of Certain Matters. Promptly after obtaining knowledge
thereof, Seller shall notify Madden in writing of (a) the occurrence or
non-occurrence of any fact or event which causes or would be reasonably likely
to cause (i) any representation or warranty of Seller contained in this
Agreement to be untrue or inaccurate in any material respect at any time from
the date hereof to the Closing Date or (ii) any covenant, condition or agreement
of Seller in this Agreement not to be complied with or satisfied in any material
respect, and (b) any failure of Seller to comply with or satisfy any covenant,
condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by Seller hereunder in
any material respect; provided, however, that no such notification shall affect
the representations or warranties of Seller, or the right of Madden to rely
thereon, or the conditions to the obligations of Madden except as provided in
the following sentence. If Seller notifies Madden in writing of any matter
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referred to in the preceding clause (a)(i) or (ii) and Madden nevertheless
consummates the transactions contemplated hereby, Madden shall have no claim
against Seller for a breach of such representation or warranty, or covenant,
condition or agreement, as applicable, based on the information contained in
such notification and the provisions of Section 12.2 shall not apply with
respect to any such matter. Seller shall give prompt notice in writing to Madden
of any notice or other communication from any third party alleging that the
consent of such third party is or may be required to be obtained by Seller or
either of the Companies in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
ARTICLE VII
Covenants of Madden
-------------------
Madden hereby covenants and agrees as follows:
7.1 Certain Filings. Madden agrees to make or cause to be made all filings
with Governmental Bodies that are required to be made by Madden or its
affiliates to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
including as required under any applicable anti-competition Law. Madden agrees
to assist Seller in making all such filings, applications and notices as may be
necessary or desirable in order to obtain the authorization, approval or consent
of any Governmental Body which may be reasonably required of Seller or which
Seller may reasonably request in connection with the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby, including as required under any applicable
anti-competition Law.
7.2 Efforts to Satisfy Conditions. Madden agrees to use its good faith
commercially reasonable efforts to satisfy the conditions set forth in Article X
hereof that are within its control.
7.3 Further Assurances. Madden agrees to execute and deliver such
additional documents and instruments, and to perform such additional acts, as
Seller may reasonably request to effectuate or carry out and perform all the
terms, provisions and conditions of this Agreement and the other Transaction
Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and to effectuate
the intent and purposes hereof.
7.4 Notification of Certain Matters. Promptly after obtaining knowledge
thereof, Madden shall notify Seller of (a) the occurrence or non-occurrence of
any fact or event which causes or would be reasonably likely to cause (i) any
representation or warranty of Madden contained in this Agreement to be untrue or
inaccurate in any material respect at any time from the date hereof to the
Closing Date or (ii) any covenant, condition or agreement of Madden in this
Agreement not to be complied with or satisfied in any material respect and (b)
any failure of Madden to comply with or satisfy any covenant, condition or
agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it hereunder in any material
respect; provided, however, that no such notification shall affect the
representations or warranties of Madden or Seller's right to rely thereon, or
the conditions to the obligations of Seller except as provided in the following
sentence. If Madden notifies Seller in writing of any matter referred to in the
preceding clause (a)(i) or (ii) and Seller nevertheless consummates the
transactions contemplated hereby, Seller shall have no claim against Madden for
a breach of such representation or warranty, or covenant, condition or
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agreement, as applicable, based on the information contained in such
notification and the provisions of Section 12.3 shall not apply with respect to
any such matter. Madden shall give prompt notice in writing to Seller of any
notice or other communication from any third party alleging that the consent of
such third party is or may be required to be obtained by Madden in connection
with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
7.5 Indemnification . Madden shall indemnify and hold harmless Seller from
and against any Loss incurred or suffered by Seller as a result of or arising
from Seller's (a) limited personal guaranty under that certain Factoring
Agreement, dated June 19, 1995, as amended, between DMFA and Wells Fargo
Century, Inc. and (b) personal guarantees under the Leases, dated January 7,
2004, and June 22, 2004, respectively, with Ten West Thirty Third Associates
with respect to Rooms 600 and 601, respectively, at 4-16 West 33rd Street, New
York, New York.
ARTICLE VIII
Certain Other Agreements
------------------------
8.1 Certain Tax Matters. The parties hereby further covenant and agree as
follows:
(a) Tax Returns and Cooperation.
(i) Seller shall, or shall use good faith commercially reasonable
efforts to cause each of the Companies to, prepare and timely file, in a
commercially reasonable manner, (x) all Returns and amendments thereto
required to be filed by or for each of the Companies for all taxable
periods ending on or before the Closing Date. Madden will be given a
reasonable opportunity to review and comment on all such Returns required
to be filed after the date hereof.
(ii) Seller shall be liable for all Taxes of each of the Companies for
the Pre-Closing Period except for any Taxes that will result by reason of a
338(h)(10) Election or analogous elections made pursuant to Section 8.1(b)
(with respect to which Madden will be liable), and all Taxes of Seller for
any taxable year or taxable period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the
case of any taxable period that includes (but does not begin or end on) the
Closing Date (a "Straddle Period"), the portion of the Taxes of each of the
Companies for such Straddle Period attributable to the period prior to
close of the Closing Date shall be treated as Taxes of a Pre-Closing Period
for purposes of this Section 8.1(a)(ii). The amount of Straddle Period
Taxes of each of the Companies that are treated as Taxes of a Pre-Closing
Period shall be computed (x) in the case of income, franchise, sales, or
similar taxes, pursuant to an interim closing of the books method by
assuming that each of the Companies had a taxable year or period which
ended on the Closing Date, except that exemptions, allowances or deductions
that are calculated on an annual basis, such as the deduction for
depreciation, shall be apportioned on a per-diem basis and (y) in the case
of real property Taxes, personal property taxes and similar ad valorem
obligations by prorating such Taxes owed for the Straddle Period on a
per-diem basis.
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(iii) Each of the Companies shall be liable for any and all Taxes
imposed on either of the Companies relating to or apportioned to any
taxable year or portion thereof beginning on or after the Closing Date and
ending after the Closing Date.
(iv) Madden and Seller shall each cooperate fully, as and to the
extent reasonably requested by the other party, in connection with the
filing of Returns pursuant to this Section 8.1(a) and any audit, litigation
or other proceeding with respect to Taxes. Such cooperation shall include
the retention and (upon the other party's request) the provision of records
and information which are reasonably relevant to any such audit, litigation
or other proceeding and making employees available on a mutually convenient
basis to provide additional information and explanation of any material
provided hereunder. Seller (before the Closing) and Madden (after the
Closing) shall each cause each of the Companies (A) to retain all books and
records with respect to Tax matters pertinent to it relating to any taxable
period beginning before the Closing Date until the expiration of the
statutory period of limitations of the respective taxable periods, and to
abide by all record retention agreements entered into with any taxing
authority, and (B) to give the other party reasonable written notice prior
to transferring, destroying or discarding any such books and records.
(v) Madden and Seller further agree, upon request, to use good faith
commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any certificate or other document
from any Governmental Body or any other Person as may be necessary to
mitigate, reduce or eliminate any Tax that could be imposed (including, but
not limited to, with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby);
provided that such certificate or other document does not increase the Tax
of Madden or Seller.
(b) 338(h)(10) Election.
(i) At the request of Madden, Madden and Seller shall timely make a
joint election under Section 338(h)(10) of the Code (a "338(h)(10)
Election") with respect to the purchase of the shares of DMFA. Madden and
Seller shall, at the request of Madden, make any analogous election with
respect to state, local or foreign Taxes, to the extent that such election
is separately available. Madden and Seller shall exchange completed and
executed copies of (A) IRS Form 8023 and required schedules thereto and (B)
to the extent required, any similar forms with respect to state, local or
foreign Taxes, which shall in each case be completed in a manner consistent
with the Final Allocation (as defined below), as soon after the preparation
of the Final Allocation as is reasonably practicable.
(ii) Unless Madden determines that it will not make a 338(h)(10)
Election and provides to Seller written notice thereof, Madden shall,
within sixty (60) days of the Closing, determine and provide to Seller the
allocation of the purchase price, as determined for United States federal
income Tax purposes, among the assets deemed acquired for United States
federal income Tax purposes assuming a 338(h)(10) Election were made with
respect to the DMFA shares (the "Final Allocation"). The Final Allocation
shall be made in accordance with the Code and any applicable Treasury
Regulations. The Final Allocation shall be redetermined, consistent with
the principles set forth above, upon the happening of any event reasonably
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requiring such redetermination, including, without limitation, any
adjustments to taxable income, post-closing adjustments pursuant to Section
2.3(b) and the payment to Seller of the Earn-Out Payment pursuant to the
Earn-Out Agreement. The Final Allocation, once determined, shall be annexed
to this Agreement as Exhibit G, and any redetermination of the Final
Allocation pursuant to the preceding sentence shall likewise be annexed to
this Agreement with an appropriate designation. The Final Allocation (and
any redetermination thereof) shall be binding on Seller and Madden for all
Tax and financial reporting purposes.
(iii) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Madden shall
reimburse Seller for the increased Taxes, if any, and Seller shall pay to
Madden the amount of the decreased Taxes, if any, incurred by Seller with
respect to the year in which the Closing occurs and/or any subsequent year
as a result of any 338(h)(10) Election or analogous elections made (taking
into account the Final Allocation) such that Seller will receive the same
after-tax proceeds with respect to the year in which the Closing occurs
and/or any subsequent year as if Seller had sold stock and no 338(h)(10)
Election or analogous elections had been made. Within thirty (30) days
after determination of the Final Allocation, Seller shall provide to Madden
a schedule, with supporting workpapers, which shall be based upon the Final
Allocation, setting forth (A) the amount of Taxes incurred by Seller with
respect to the year in which the Closing occurs from the sale of the
Company Shares with respect to which a 338(h)(10) Election or analogous
election is made and (B) the amount of Taxes that would have been incurred
by Seller with respect to the year in which the Closing occurs from the
sale of such Company Shares determined as if no such election were made. In
the event that Madden's payment to Seller or Seller's payment to Madden
occur (or will occur) after the end of the year in which the Closing occurs
(including the years in which the Earn-Out Payment is made), then Seller
shall provide Madden with a recomputed schedule, with supporting
workpapers, setting forth the amount of any additional or reduced Taxes
incurred by Seller with respect to such year following the year in which
the Closing occurs as a result of a 338(h)(10) Election or any analogous
election. Unless Madden disputes the schedule by providing written notice
to Seller within thirty (30) days of the receipt thereof, Seller's schedule
shall be final, binding and conclusive on the parties for all Tax purposes.
If Madden and Seller cannot agree on the proper amount that Madden is
required to pay Seller, or Seller is required to pay Madden, pursuant to
this Section 8.1(b)(iii) within thirty (30) days of the provision of
written notice to Seller, such dispute shall be settled, within thirty (30)
days of its submission, by the Independent Accounting Firm selected in the
manner set forth in Article I hereof, and the amount that the Independent
Accounting Firm determines is required to be paid pursuant to this Section
8.1(b)(iii) shall be final, binding and conclusive on the parties for all
Tax purposes. Madden and Seller shall submit the dispute to the Independent
Accounting Firm within twenty (20) days of the receipt by Seller of the
written objection. Seller's schedule and the determination of any amounts
required to be paid pursuant to this Section 8.1(b)(iii) shall be
consistent with and based upon, inter alia, the principles, statements and,
if applicable, assumptions set forth in Exhibit G-1 attached hereto, which
shall also be applied by the Independent Accounting Firm in settling any
dispute hereunder. It is understood and agreed among the parties that any
amount paid in excess of the amounts due and owing pursuant to this Section
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8.1(b) shall be promptly repaid. Madden and Seller shall pay the amounts
required to be paid pursuant to this Section 8.1(b)(iii) on or before the
date Seller is required to pay the increased or decreased Taxes as a result
of the 338(h)(10) Election or analogous election, provided, however, that
Seller shall not be required to pay any amounts required to be paid by
Seller to Madden pursuant to this Section 8.1(b)(iii) with respect to any
decreased interest under Section 453A of the Code as a result of the
338(h)(10) Election or analogous election until the first year in which the
Earn-Out Payment is made, such payment obligation accruing until such year.
(iv) In addition to the foregoing, Madden shall reimburse Seller for
any reasonable documented out-of-pocket professional fees and expenses
incurred by Seller in connection with determining the parties' obligations,
if any, under clause (iii) above.
(v) Madden shall promptly provide written notice to Seller of any
audit or other investigation that may be initiated in connection with a
338(h)(10) Election or any analogous election.
ARTICLE IX
Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Madden
---------------------------------------------
The obligations of Madden under Article II and Article III shall be subject
to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing of the following conditions, any
one or more of which may be waived by Madden:
9.1 Representations and Warranties. Each and every representation and
warranty of Seller contained in this Agreement, and any schedule or any
certificate delivered pursuant hereto, shall have been true and correct when
made and shall be repeated at the Closing and (a) if qualified by materiality
(or any variation of such term), shall be true and correct (as so qualified) as
of the Closing Date, except that any such representation or warranty that is
made as of a specified date shall only be required to be true and correct as of
that date, and (b) if not qualified by materiality (or any variation of such
term), shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing
Date, except that any such representation or warranty that is made as of a
specified date shall only be required to be true and correct in all material
respects as of that date.
9.2 Compliance with Covenants. Seller shall have performed and observed in
all material respects all covenants and agreements to be performed or observed
by Seller under this Agreement at or before the Closing.
9.3 Lack of Adverse Change. Since the date of the Balance Sheet, there has
not occurred any circumstance or event which, individually or in the aggregate,
has had or is reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect,
including a material decrease in the revenue of either of the Companies (other
than decreases solely attributable to normal seasonal variations for the
respective Companies).
9.4 Update Certificate. Madden shall have received a favorable certificate,
dated the Closing Date, signed by Seller as to the matters set forth in Sections
9.1, 9.2 and 9.3.
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9.5 Legal Opinion. Madden shall have received the opinion of Wechsler &
Cohen, LLP, counsel to Seller, dated the Closing Date, substantially in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit H.
9.6 Regulatory Approvals. All material approvals and consents of
Governmental Bodies required to carry out the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, including approvals under any applicable anti-competition Laws, shall
have been obtained.
9.7 Consents of Third Parties. All consents from third parties to Contracts
or otherwise that are required to be listed in Section 4.4 of the Disclosure
Schedule in order to avoid a misrepresentation under Section 4.4 shall have been
obtained in writing.
9.8 No Violation of Orders. No preliminary or permanent injunction or other
order issued by any Governmental Body, nor any statute, rule, regulation, decree
or executive order promulgated or enacted by any Governmental Body, that
declares this Agreement invalid or unenforceable in any material respect or that
prevents or delays the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or
which imposes or will impose restrictions on Madden's right or ability to
operate the business of either of the Companies shall be in effect; and no
action or proceeding before any Governmental Body shall have been instituted or,
to the Knowledge of Seller and each of the Companies, threatened by any
Governmental Body, or by any other Person, which seeks to prevent or delay the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or which
challenges the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or which seeks to
impose restrictions on Madden's right or ability to operate the business of
either of the Companies, or seeks to require Madden to dispose of any of its
businesses, operations, properties or assets or any claim relating to the equity
of either of the Companies.
9.9 Employment Agreements. DMFA and each of Seller, KH, SL and RC shall
have entered into the Employment Agreements, and the Employment Agreements shall
be in full force and effect with no notice that any of Seller, KH, SL or RC do
not intend to honor such Employment Agreements.
9.10 Transaction Documents. Each of the Companies and Seller shall have
entered into each of the other Transaction Documents to which they are a party.
9.11 License Agreement. The License Agreement shall have been terminated by
the mutual agreement of the parties thereto.
9.12 Other Closing Matters. Madden shall have received such other
supporting information in confirmation of the representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements of Seller and the satisfaction of the conditions to
Madden's obligation to close hereunder as Madden or its counsel may reasonably
request.
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ARTICLE X
Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Seller
---------------------------------------------
The obligations of Seller under Article II and Article III shall be subject
to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing of the following conditions, any
one or more of which may be waived by Seller:
10.1 Representations and Warranties. Each and every representation and
warranty of Madden contained in this Agreement, and any schedule or any
certificate delivered pursuant hereto, shall have been true and correct when
made and shall be repeated at the Closing and (a) if qualified by materiality
(or any variation of such term), shall be true and correct (as so qualified) as
of the Closing Date, except that any such representation or warranty that is
made as of a specified date shall only be required to be true and correct as of
that date, and (b) if not qualified by materiality (or any variation of such
term), shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing
Date, except that any such representation or warranty that is made as of a
specified date shall only be required to be true and correct in all material
respects as of that date.
10.2 Compliance with Covenants. Madden shall have performed and observed in
all material respects all covenants and agreements to be performed or observed
by it under this Agreement at or before the Closing.
10.3 Update Certificate. Seller shall have received a favorable
certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed by Madden as to the matters set
forth in Sections 10.1 and 10.2.
10.4 Regulatory Approvals. All material approvals and consents of
Governmental Bodies required to carry out the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, including approvals under any applicable anti-competition Laws, shall
have been obtained.
10.5 No Violation of Orders. No preliminary or permanent injunction or
other order issued by any Governmental Body, nor any statute, rule, regulation,
decree or executive order promulgated or enacted by any Governmental Body, that
declares this Agreement invalid or unenforceable in any material respect or that
prevents the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall be in
effect.
10.6 Transaction Documents. Madden shall have entered into each of the
other Transaction Documents to which it is a party.
10.7 Legal Opinion. Seller shall have received the opinion of Kramer Levin
Naftalis & Frankel LLP, counsel to Madden, dated the Closing Date, substantially
in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I.
10.8 License Agreement. The License Agreement shall have been terminated by
the mutual agreement of the parties thereto.
10.9 Other Closing Matters. Seller shall have received such other
supporting information in confirmation of the representations, warranties,
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covenants and agreements of Madden and the satisfaction of the conditions to
Seller's obligations to close hereunder as Seller or its counsel may reasonably
request.
ARTICLE XI
Termination of Agreement
------------------------
11.1 Conditions for Termination. This Agreement may be terminated:
(a) at any time prior to the Closing by mutual consent of Madden and
Seller;
(b) by Madden if the Closing shall not have been consummated by forty-five
(45) days after the date hereof, unless such failure of consummation shall be
due to a material breach of any representation or warranty, or the
nonfulfillment in any material respect, and failure to cure such nonfulfillment
as set forth in clause (d) below, of any covenant or agreement contained herein
on the part of Madden; or
(c) by Seller if the Closing shall not have been consummated by forty-five
(45) days after the date hereof, unless such failure of consummation shall be
due to a material breach of any representation or warranty, or the
nonfulfillment in any material respect, and failure to cure such nonfulfillment
as set forth in clause (d) below, of any covenant or agreement contained herein
on the part of Seller; or
(d) by Madden or Seller if the other party fails to cure a material breach
of any provision of this Agreement within fifteen (15) days after its receipt of
written notice of such breach from the non-breaching party, provided, however,
that a party shall not be entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this
Section 11.1(d) if it is also in material breach of any provision of this
Agreement.
11.2 Effect of Termination. Upon the termination of this Agreement for any
reason, Madden and Seller shall have no liability or further obligations arising
out of this Agreement, except for any liability resulting from any intentional
breach of a representation, warranty or covenant contained in this Agreement
prior to termination. Furthermore, the provisions of Sections 4.23, 5.5, this
Section 11.2 and Article XIII shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE XII
Indemnification
---------------
12.1 Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants. The parties to
this Agreement hereby agree that the remedy for any breach of a representation
or warranty, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement shall be the
indemnification provisions set out in this Article XII; provided, however, that
nothing in this Section 12.1 shall prohibit any party from seeking specific
performance or injunctive relief against any other party in respect of a breach
by such other party of any covenant hereunder; and provided further, that
nothing in this Section 12.1 shall limit any party's remedies for a breach of a
covenant occurring prior to the Closing.
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(a) The representations and warranties of the parties contained in this
Agreement, any schedule or any certificate delivered pursuant hereto, shall
survive the Closing and shall continue in full force and effect (a) in the case
of the representations and warranties of Seller and Madden contained in Sections
4.6, 4.15, 4.16, 4.23 and 5.5 until thirty (30) days following the expiration of
the applicable statutory period of limitations with respect to the matter to
which the claim relates, as such limitation period may be extended from time to
time, (b) in the case of the representations and warranties of Seller and Madden
contained in Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.20, 5.1 and 5.2, indefinitely, and (c) in
the case of all other representations and warranties of the parties contained in
this Agreement, and in any schedule or any certificate delivered pursuant
hereto, until twenty-four (24) months after the Closing Date. Each party hereto
shall be entitled to rely on any such representation or warranty regardless of
any independent knowledge of such party or any inquiry or investigation made by
or on behalf of such party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any representation or
warranty in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder shall survive the
time at which it would otherwise terminate pursuant to this Section 12.1 if
notice of the breach thereof shall have been given to the party against whom
such indemnity may be sought prior to the expiration of the applicable survival
period.
(b) The parties' covenants and agreements under this Agreement shall
survive the Closing indefinitely unless a shorter period of performance is
specified with respect to such covenant or agreement.
12.2 Indemnification by Seller.
(a) Subject to Section 12.2(b), Seller shall indemnify and hold harmless
Madden, each of the Companies, and each of their respective stockholders,
directors, officers, employees, agents and representatives, and the successors
and assigns of each of the foregoing (collectively, the "Madden Indemnified
Parties") from and against any Loss incurred or suffered by such Person as a
result of or arising from, without duplication:
(i) a breach by Seller of any representation or warranty made by
Seller in this Agreement, the Earn-Out Agreement or any schedule or
certificate delivered pursuant hereto or thereto; and
(ii) a failure by Seller to perform or comply with any covenant or
agreement on the part of Seller contained herein or in the Earn-Out
Agreement.
Any amount paid pursuant to this Section 12.2(a) shall be paid to Madden or, at
Madden's election, to a Company or the Companies and shall be the amount
required to put Madden or the Companies, as the case may be, in the position it
or they would have been in had such representation, warranty, covenant or
agreement not been breached.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 12.2(a):
(i) Seller shall not have any obligation to indemnify the Madden
Indemnified Parties from and against any Loss under clause (i) of Section
12.2(a) until the Madden Indemnified Parties have suffered aggregate
Losses, by reason of all such breaches, in excess of one hundred fifty
thousand dollars ($150,000); provided that such threshold shall not apply
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to any Loss as a result of, arising from or in connection with a breach by
Seller of a representation or warranty contained in Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3,
4.6, 4.20 or 4.23; and
(ii) Seller shall not have any obligation to indemnify the Madden
Indemnified Parties from and against any Loss under clause (i) of Section
12.2(a) to the extent the aggregate Losses the Indemnified Parties have
suffered by reason of all such breaches exceed fourteen million dollars
($14,000,000), plus any amounts earned by Seller pursuant to the Earn-Out
Agreement; provided that such aggregate limit shall not apply to any Loss
as a result of, arising from or in connection with a breach by Seller of a
representation or warranty contained in Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.6, 4.20
or 4.23.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 12.2(b)
or anywhere else in this Agreement, Seller shall indemnify and hold harmless the
Madden Indemnified Parties, without limitation, from and against any and all
Losses incurred or suffered by such Person after the Closing Date as a result of
or arising from any fraudulent act or willful or intentional misconduct by
either of the Companies prior to the Closing Date or by Seller.
12.3 Indemnification by Madden.
(a) Madden shall indemnify and hold harmless Seller and each of his agents
and representatives, and the successors and assigns of each of the foregoing
(the "Seller Indemnified Parties"), from and against any Loss incurred or
suffered by such Person as a result of or arising from:
(i) a breach by Madden of any representation or warranty made by
Madden in this Agreement, the Earn-Out Agreement or in any schedule or
certificate delivered pursuant hereto or thereto; and
(ii) a failure by Madden to perform or comply with any covenant or
agreement on the part of Madden contained herein or in the Earn-Out
Agreement.
Any amount paid pursuant to this Section 12.3(a) shall be the amount required to
put Seller in the position Seller would have been in had such representation,
warranty, covenant or agreement not been breached.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement,
Madden shall indemnify and hold harmless the Seller Indemnified Parties from and
against any Loss incurred or suffered by Seller after the Closing Date as a
result of or arising from any fraudulent act or willful misconduct by Madden.
12.4 Assumption of Defense. An indemnified party shall promptly give notice
to each indemnifying party after obtaining knowledge of any matter as to which
recovery may be sought against such indemnifying party because of the indemnity
set forth above, and, if such indemnity shall arise from the claim of a third
party, shall permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of any such
claim or any proceeding resulting from such claim; provided, however, that
failure to give any such notice promptly shall not affect the indemnification
provided under this Article XII, except to the extent such indemnifying party
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shall have been actually and materially prejudiced as a result of such failure,
but shall relieve the indemnifying party for any liability for legal fees and
expenses incurred prior to the date such notice is given. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, an indemnifying party may not assume the defense of any such
third-party claim if it does not demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of
the indemnified party that it has adequate financial resources to defend such
claim and pay any and all Losses that may result therefrom, or if the claim (i)
is reasonably likely to result in imprisonment of the indemnified party, (ii) is
reasonably likely to result in an equitable remedy which would materially impair
the indemnified party's ability to exercise its rights under this Agreement, or
impair Madden's right or ability to operate either of the Companies, or (iii)
names both the indemnifying party and the indemnified party (including impleaded
parties) and representation of both parties by the same counsel would create a
conflict. If an indemnifying party assumes the defense of such third party
claim, such indemnifying party shall agree prior thereto, in writing, that it is
liable under this Article XII to indemnify the indemnified party in accordance
with the terms contained herein in respect of such claim, shall conduct such
defense diligently, shall have full and complete control over the conduct of
such proceeding on behalf of the indemnified party and shall, subject to the
provisions of this Section 12.4, have the right to decide all matters of
procedure, strategy, substance and settlement relating to such proceeding;
provided, however, that any counsel chosen by such indemnifying party to conduct
such defense shall be reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party, and the
indemnifying party will not without the written consent of the indemnified party
consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement with respect
to the matter which does not include a provision whereby the plaintiff or the
claimant in the matter releases the indemnified party from all liability with
respect thereto or which may reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect on
the indemnified party. The indemnified party may participate in such proceeding
and retain separate co-counsel at its sole cost and expense. Failure by an
indemnifying party to notify the indemnified party of its election to defend any
such claim or proceeding by a third party within thirty (30) days after notice
thereof shall be deemed a waiver by such indemnifying party of its right to
defend such claim or action.
12.5 Non-Assumption of Defense. If no indemnifying party is permitted or
elects to assume the defense of any such claim by a third party or proceeding
resulting therefrom, the indemnified party shall diligently defend against such
claim or litigation in such manner as it may deem appropriate and, in such
event, the indemnifying party or parties shall promptly reimburse the
indemnified party for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses, legal or
otherwise, incurred by the indemnified party and its affiliates in connection
with the defense against such claim or proceeding, as such costs and expenses
are incurred. Any counsel chosen by such indemnified party to conduct such
defense must be reasonably satisfactory to the indemnifying party or parties,
and only one counsel shall be retained to represent all indemnified parties in
an action (except that if litigation is pending in more than one jurisdiction
with respect to an action, one such counsel may be retained in each jurisdiction
in which such litigation is pending). The indemnified party shall not settle or
compromise any such claim without the written consent of the indemnifying party,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
12.6 Indemnified Party's Cooperation as to Proceedings. The indemnified
party will cooperate in all reasonable respects with any indemnifying party in
the conduct of any proceeding as to which such indemnifying party assumes the
defense. For the cooperation of the indemnified party pursuant to this Section
12.6, the indemnifying party or parties shall promptly reimburse the indemnified
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party for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses, legal or otherwise,
incurred by the indemnified party or its affiliates in connection therewith, as
such costs and expenses are incurred.
12.7 Payments Treated as Purchase Price Adjustment. Any payment by Madden,
either of the Companies or Seller under this Article XII will be treated for Tax
purposes as an adjustment to the consideration hereunder for the Company Shares.
ARTICLE XIII
Miscellaneous
-------------
13.1 Expenses. Except as otherwise explicitly set forth herein, whether or
not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, each party hereto
shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by such party in respect of the
transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that all expenses incurred
by either of the Companies with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby
for the benefit of Seller prior to the Closing, including, without limitation,
expenses for legal and investment advisory services, shall be paid by Seller.
13.2 Entirety of Agreement. This Agreement (including the Disclosure
Schedule, the Madden Disclosure Schedule and all other schedules and exhibits
hereto), together with the other Transaction Documents and certificates and
other instruments delivered hereunder and thereunder, state the entire agreement
of the parties, merge all prior negotiations, agreements and understandings, if
any, and state in full all representations, warranties, covenants and agreements
which have induced this Agreement. Each party agrees that in dealing with third
parties no contrary representations will be made. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in this Section 13.2, unless and until the Closing occurs, the
Confidentiality Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.
13.3 Notices. All notices, demands and communications of any kind which any
party hereto may be required or desire to serve upon another party under the
terms of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by: (a) personal
service upon such other party; (b) mailing a copy thereof by certified or
registered mail, postage prepaid, with return receipt requested; (c) sending a
copy thereof by Federal Express or equivalent courier service; or (d) sending a
copy thereof by facsimile, in each case to the parties at the respective
addresses and facsimile numbers set forth on the signature pages hereto. In case
of service by Federal Express or equivalent courier service or by facsimile or
by personal service, such service shall be deemed complete upon delivery or
transmission, as applicable. In the case of service by mail, such service shall
be deemed complete on the fifth Business Day after mailing. The addresses and
facsimile numbers to which, and persons to whose attention, notices and demands
shall be delivered or sent may be changed from time to time by notice served as
hereinabove provided by any party upon any other party.
13.4 Amendment. This Agreement may be modified or amended only by an
instrument in writing, duly executed by all of the parties hereto.
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13.5 Waiver. No waiver by any party of any term, provision, condition,
covenant, agreement, representation or warranty contained in this Agreement (or
any breach thereof) shall be effective unless it is in writing executed by the
party against which such waiver is to be enforced. No waiver shall be deemed or
construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such term, provision,
condition, covenant, agreement, representation or warranty (or breach thereof)
on any other occasion or as a waiver of any other term, provision, condition,
covenant, agreement, representation or warranty (or of the breach of any other
term, provision, condition, covenant, agreement, representation or warranty)
contained in this Agreement on the same or any other occasion.
13.6 Counterparts; Facsimile. For the convenience of the parties, any
number of counterparts hereof may be executed, each such executed counterpart
shall be deemed an original and all such counterparts together shall constitute
one and the same instrument. Facsimile transmission of any signed original
counterpart and/or retransmission of any signed facsimile transmission shall be
deemed the same as the delivery of an original.
13.7 Assignment; Binding Nature; No Beneficiaries. This Agreement may not
be assigned by any party hereto without the written consent of Madden and
Seller; provided, however, that Madden may assign its rights hereunder to any
affiliate of Madden which assumes the obligations of Madden hereunder, but no
such assignment shall relieve Madden of any such obligations. Subject to the
preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit
of, and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective heirs,
personal representatives, legatees, successors and permitted assigns. Except as
otherwise expressly provided in Article XII, this Agreement shall not confer any
rights or remedies upon any Person other than the parties hereto and their
respective heirs, personal representatives, legatees, successors and permitted
assigns.
13.8 Headings. The headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience
only and shall not constitute a part hereof.
13.9 Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York
including, without limitation, Section 5-1401 of the New York General
Obligations Law and New York Civil Practice Laws and Rules 327. In the event of
any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the
breach or alleged breach hereof, each of the parties hereto irrevocably (a)
submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York state court sitting in
the County of New York or any federal court sitting in U.S. District Court for
the Southern District of the State of New York, (b) waives any objection which
it may have at any time to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding
brought in any such court, (c) waives any claim that such action or proceeding
has been brought in an inconvenient forum, and (d) agrees that service of
process or of any other papers upon such party by registered mail at the address
to which notices are required to be sent to such party under Section 13.3 shall
be deemed good, proper and effective service upon such party.
13.10 Construction. In this Agreement (i) words denoting the singular
include the plural and vice versa, (ii) "it" or "its" or words denoting any
gender include all genders, (iii) the word "including" shall mean "including
without limitation," whether or not expressed, (iv) any reference to a statute
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shall mean the statute and any regulations thereunder in force as of the date of
this Agreement or the Closing Date, as applicable, unless otherwise expressly
provided, (v) any reference herein to a Section, Article, Schedule or Exhibit
refers to a Section or Article of or a Schedule or Exhibit to this Agreement or
the Disclosure Schedule, as applicable, unless otherwise stated, and (vi) when
calculating the period of time within or following which any act is to be done
or steps taken, the date which is the reference day in calculating such period
shall be excluded and if the last day of such period is not a Business Day, then
the period shall end on the next day which is a Business Day.
13.11 Negotiated Agreement. Madden and Seller acknowledge that they have
been advised and represented by counsel in the negotiation, execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents and accordingly agree
that if an ambiguity exists with respect to any provision of this Agreement or
the Transaction Documents, such provision shall not be construed against any
party because such party or its representatives drafted such provision.
13.12 Public Announcements. Neither Madden nor Seller shall issue any press
release or make any other public announcement concerning this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby without the prior written approval of Madden,
in the case of an announcement by Seller, and Seller, in the case of an
announcement by Madden; provided, however, that Madden or its affiliates may,
upon written notice to Seller, describe this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby in any press release or filing with the SEC or other
Governmental Body it is required to make under applicable Law.
13.13 Remedies Cumulative. The remedies provided for or permitted by this
Agreement shall be cumulative and the exercise by any party of any remedy
provided for herein shall not preclude the assertion or exercise by such party
of any other right or remedy provided for herein.
13.14 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application
of any such provision to any party or circumstances shall be determined by any
arbitrator to be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this
Agreement, or the application of such provision to such person or circumstances
other than those to which it is so determined to be invalid or unenforceable,
shall not be affected thereby, and each provision hereof shall be enforced to
the fullest extent permitted by law. If the final determination of any
arbitrator declares that any item or provision hereof is invalid or
unenforceable, the parties hereto agree that the arbitrator making the
determination of invalidity or unenforceability shall have the power, and is
hereby directed, to reduce the scope, duration or area of the term or provision,
to delete specific words or phrases and to replace any invalid or unenforceable
term or provision with a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and
that comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable
term or provision, and this Agreement shall be enforceable as so modified.
13.15 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. MADDEN AND SELLER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE, TO
THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION,
PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE)
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT
OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY.
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13.16 Right of Set-Off.
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement or the Earn-Out
Agreement to the contrary, the parties hereby acknowledge and agree that, in
addition to any other right hereunder or under the Earn-Out Agreement or
otherwise, Madden shall have the right, but not the obligation, from time to
time to set off against any amounts otherwise required to be paid by Madden to
Seller pursuant to this Agreement or the Earn-Out Agreement any amounts owed at
such time by Seller to either of the Companies, Madden or any other Madden
Indemnified Party under this Agreement or the Earn-Out Agreement.
(b) If Madden elects to exercise its set-off rights hereunder against any
amounts otherwise required to be paid by Madden to Seller pursuant to this
Agreement or the Earn-Out Agreement, it shall give Seller written notice of such
election (the "Set-Off Notice"), which Set-Off Notice shall include the amount
to be set-off and a reasonable description of the circumstances giving rise to
Madden's entitlement to such set-off. Seller shall have ten (10) days after
receipt of such Set-Off Notice to review such Set-Off Notice (the "Set-Off
Review Period"), and in the event that Seller has any objections or challenges
to the exercise of the set-off right of Madden, Seller shall submit a single
written notice of set-off dispute ("Notice of Set-Off Dispute") to Madden during
such Set-Off Review Period, specifying in reasonable detail the nature of any
asserted objections or challenges. In the event of any such dispute, Seller and
Madden shall negotiate in good faith to resolve such dispute for thirty (30)
days after receipt by Madden of the Notice of Set-Off Dispute. If Seller and
Madden are unable to resolve such dispute with such 30-day period, the amount
payable by Madden to Seller shall automatically be reduced by the amount set
forth in the Set-Off Notice. In the event that there is a final determination
that Seller did not owe either of the Companies, Madden or any Madden
Indemnified Party the amount that has been set-off, Madden shall promptly repay
to Seller all such amounts that are so determined to have been incorrectly
set-off, plus interest, calculated from the date of set-off until the date such
amount is paid to Seller, at a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate,
calculated and payable monthly, compounded monthly. For purposes of this Section
13.16, a determination shall be final if any and all appeals therefrom shall
have been resolved or if thirty (30) days shall have passed from the rendering
of such determination (or of any determination of appeal therefrom) and no party
shall have commenced any appeal therefrom.
(c) In the case of any such set-off by Madden pursuant to this Section
13.16, Seller's obligation to make such payment (or any portion thereof) shall
be deemed satisfied and discharged to the extent of such set-off. The exercise
of such right of set-off by Madden in good faith, whether or not finally
determined to be justified, will not constitute a breach under this Agreement or
the Earn-Out Agreement.
[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank.]
-51-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed and delivered
this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.
STEVEN MADDEN, LTD.
Address:
52-16 Barnett Ave. By: /s/ JAMIESON A. KARSON
Long Island City, New York 11104 --------------------------------
Attention: Awadhesh Sinha Name: Jamieson A. Karson
Facsimile No.: (718) 446-5599 Title: Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
with copies to:
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
Attention: James A. Grayer, Esq.
Facsimile No.: (212) 715-8000
-52-
SELLER
6 Kristi Lane /s/ DANIEL M. FRIEDMAN
Woodbury, New York 11797 ------------------------------------
Facsimile No.: (212 ) 643-7524 Daniel M. Friedman
with copies to:
(Until March 15, 2006)
Wechsler & Cohen, LLP
116 John Street, 33rd Floor
New York, New York 10038
Attention: Mitchell S. Cohen, Esq.
Facsimile No.: (212) 847-7955
(After March 15, 2006)
Wechsler & Cohen, LLP
17 State Street, 15th Floor
New York, New York 10004
Attention: Mitchell S. Cohen, Esq.
Facsimile No.: (212) 847-7955
-53-
Schedules and Exhibits to Stock Purchase Agreement
Disclosure Schedule
Section 2.1 Company Shares/Capitalization
Section 4.1 Company Subsidiaries
Section 4.4 Conflicts and Consents
Section 4.5(a) Financial Statement Deficiencies
Section 4.5(b) Undisclosed Liabilities
Section 4.5(c) Material Programs and Allowances
Section 4.5(d) Inventory
Section 4.6(a) Late Tax Filings
Section 4.6(b) Unpaid Tax Deficiencies; Audits
Section 4.6(c) Miscellaneous Tax Representations
Section 4.6(c)(iv) Material Tax Elections
Section 4.6(c)(xii) Taxing Jurisdictions
Section 4.7(a)-1 Real Property
Section 4.7(a)-2 Real Property Consents/Defaults
Section 4.7(b) Title and Leasehold Deficiencies; Sublicenses
and Subleases
Section 4.7(c) Purchase Money Encumbrances
Section 4.8(a) Intellectual Property Deficiencies
Section 4.8(b) Breach of Company IP Rights Agreements
Section 4.8(c) Royalties
Section 4.8(d) Third Party Infringement
Section 4.8(e)(i) Confidentiality
Section 4.8(e)(ii) Affiliate Intellectual Property Claims
Section 4.8(f) License Agreements
Section 4.8(g) Infringement of Company IP Rights
Section 4.8(h) Intellectual Property Filings
Section 4.9(a) Contracts
Section 4.9(b) Contract Breaches and Defaults
Section 4.10 Insurance Policies
Section 4.11 Litigation
Section 4.13(a) Compliance with Laws
Section 4.13(b) Licenses
Section 4.13(c) Importer Status
Section 4.13(g) Customs Liabilities
Section 4.14(a) Employees
Section 4.14(b) Employment Laws
Section 4.14(f) Severance Obligations
Section 4.14(g) Accrued Vacations; Vacation Policy
Section 4.14(h) No At-Will Employees
Section 4.14(i) Reports
Section 4.15(a) Employee Benefit Plans
Section 4.15(b) Employment Agreements, Contracts and Employee
Benefit Plans Subject to Section 409A
Section 4.15(p) Employee Benefit Plan Maintenance Costs
Section 4.16 Environmental Matters
-54-
Section 4.17 Bank Accounts; Powers of Attorney
Section 4.18 Certain Changes
Section 4.20 Transactions with Affiliated Persons
Section 4.21(a) Customers
Section 4.21(b) Suppliers
Section 4.23 Brokers, Finders, etc.
Section 4.24 Restrictions on Business Activities
Section 4.25 Payables
Section 4.26 Receivables
Section 4.27 Bonding and Financial Security Arrangements
Section 6.1 Ordinary Course Exceptions
Section 6.2 Conduct of Business
Madden Disclosure Schedule
Section 5.5 Brokers, Finders, etc.
Other Schedules
Schedule A Companies
Exhibits
Exhibit A Earn-Out Agreement
Exhibit B Seller Employment Agreement
Exhibit C KH Employment Agreement
Exhibit D SL Employment Agreement
Exhibit E RC Employment Agreement
Exhibit F Services Agreement
Exhibit G Final Allocation
Exhibit G-1 338(h)(10) Election Assumptions
Exhibit H Form of Opinion of Wechsler & Cohen, LLP
Exhibit I Form of Opinion of Kramer Levin Naftalis &
Frankel LLP
Exhibit J Open Orders File
-55-
Schedule A
----------
Companies
---------
Daniel M. Friedman & Associates, Inc.
DMF International, Ltd.
-56-
Exhibit G-1
-----------
For the avoidance of doubt, the determination of the amount to be paid by
Madden to Seller or by Seller to Madden pursuant to Section 8.1(b)(iii) (the
"Payment") shall be based, inter alia, on the following:
1. The Payment shall take into account any interest which may be
imposed under Section 453A of the Code in respect of payments
made pursuant to the Agreement, including Section 8.1(b)(iii)
after the year in which the Closing occurs. Seller shall provide
Madden with a schedule setting forth relevant information
relating to any other installment obligations held by Seller.
2. Madden and Seller acknowledge that, pursuant to Treasury
Regulation ss. 15A.453-1(b)(3)(i), neither of the Companies shall
recognize any gain on the date of the Closing with respect to all
liabilities of such Company existing immediately prior to the
Closing that constitute qualifying indebtedness (within the
meaning of Treasury Regulation ss. 15A.453-1(b)(2)(iv)) to the
extent of such Company's aggregate basis in its assets.
3. Neither of the Companies shall elect out of the installment
method pursuant to Section 453(d) of the Code with respect to the
deemed sale of its assets.
4. This schedule is subject to change based upon any change in Law.
-57-
EXHIBIT 10.2
EARN-OUT AGREEMENT
by and among
STEVEN MADDEN, LTD.,
DANIEL M. FRIEDMAN & ASSOCIATES, INC.,
DMF INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
and
DANIEL M. FRIEDMAN
Dated as of February 7, 2006
EARN-OUT AGREEMENT
This EARN-OUT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of
February 7, 2006 and effective as of the Closing Date (as defined below), if one
occurs, is by and among Steven Madden, Ltd., a Delaware corporation
("Purchaser"), Daniel M. Friedman, ("Friedman" or "Seller"), Daniel M. Friedman
& Associates, Inc. and DMF International, Ltd. (each a "Company," and together
the "Companies").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Seller and Purchaser are
entering into that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof
(as amended from time to time in accordance with its terms, the "Stock Purchase
Agreement"), pursuant to which Purchaser shall purchase all of the issued and
outstanding shares of each of the Companies from Seller; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 2.2(a) of the Stock Purchase
Agreement, Seller shall be entitled to receive certain earn-out purchase price
payments, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in respect of
each of fiscal years 2008, 2009 and 2010.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the
mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto,
intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
"2008 Contingent Purchase Price Payment" shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 2(a) hereof.
"2009 Contingent Purchase Price Payment" shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 2(b) hereof.
"2010 Contingent Purchase Price Payment" shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 2(c) hereof.
"AAA" shall mean the American Arbitration Association.
"Act" shall mean the United States Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.
"Affiliate" with respect to any Person shall mean any other
Person which, directly or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by or is
under common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this
definition, "control," when used with respect to any Person, means the power to
direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly,
whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. In
the case of any Person who is an individual, such Person's Affiliates shall
include such Person's spouse, siblings, parents, children, grandchildren, and
trusts for the benefit of any of the foregoing. For the avoidance of doubt,
Purchaser and its Affiliates shall be deemed to be Affiliates of each of the
Companies after the Closing Date.
"Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.
"Applicable Contingent Purchase Price Payment Date" shall have
the meaning set forth in Section 4(a) hereof.
"Board of Directors" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 6(a) hereof.
"Business Day" means any day that is not a Saturday or Sunday
or a legal holiday on which banks are authorized or required by law to be closed
in New York, New York.
"Closing Date" shall have the meaning set forth in the Stock
Purchase Agreement.
"Company" or "Companies" shall have the meaning set forth in
the preamble.
"Contingent Purchase Price Payment" shall mean each of the
2008 Contingent Purchase Price Payment, the 2009 Contingent Purchase Price
Payment and the 2010 Contingent Purchase Price Payment.
"Contingent Purchase Price Statement" shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 3(a) hereof.
"Dispute" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16
hereof.
"Dispute Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3(b) hereof.
"Disputing Party" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
16 hereof.
"Earn-Out Year" shall mean each of fiscal year 2008, fiscal
year 2009 and fiscal year 2010, which shall end on December 31, 2008, 2009 and
2010, respectively.
"Earn-Out Multiple" shall mean 4.64.
"EBITDA" shall mean the Companies' (a) net sales, less,
without duplication, the sum of (i) cost of sales (including, without
limitation, any amounts which, absent the transactions contemplated by the Stock
Purchase Agreement, would have been payable by Daniel M. Friedman & Associates,
Inc. to the Purchaser pursuant to the terms of the License Agreement (as
hereinafter defined) as if, with respect to such amounts, such License Agreement
is coterminous with this Agreement), (ii) selling and distribution expenses,
(iii) design and production expenses and (iv) general administrative expenses
(for the avoidance of doubt, including in each of the foregoing clauses the net
amount payable under the Services Agreement), plus (b) to the extent included in
expenses in clause (a) of this definition, the sum of (i) interest expense, (ii)
fees and expenses (including prepayment penalties) in connection with
financings, (iii) income tax expense (including payments in respect of any tax
sharing or other similar agreement) other than international VAT or other
similar tax, (iv) depreciation and amortization expense, (v) expenses resulting
from FAS 142 or FAS 144, (vi) amortized expenses related to the closing of the
transactions contemplated by the Stock Purchase Agreement and the 338(h)(10)
Election (as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement), (vii) any allocation of
corporate overhead from Affiliates of either Company or allocation of profit,
loss or expenses from Affiliates of either Company, other than those allocations
specified in the Services Agreement, (viii) any Losses (as defined in the Stock
Purchase Agreement) of either of the Companies which give rise to an indemnity
obligation pursuant to the indemnification provisions of the Stock Purchase
Agreement, to the extent, and only to the extent, that such indemnity
obligations have been honored, and (ix) any amounts recovered or recoverable by
either Company from insurance, to the extent, and only to the extent, the Loss
attributable to such insurance arose in the same period, plus (c) the amount set
forth on Schedule A attached hereto for the applicable fiscal year; provided
that for purposes of the foregoing, all products of Purchaser sold by the
Companies to retail stores of Purchaser shall be sold at cost. Each figure in
clause (a) and clause (b) of this definition shall be determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied from the Closing
Date.
"Employment Agreement" shall mean the employment agreement,
dated as of the date hereof, between Daniel M. Friedman & Associates, Inc. and
Friedman, executed and delivered simultaneously with the execution and delivery
of this Agreement.
"Final Contingent Purchase Price Statement" shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 3(c) hereof.
"Final Financial Statements" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 3(c) hereof.
"Financial Statements" means for any fiscal year, unaudited
consolidated financial statements for the Companies for such fiscal year, which
shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP.
"Friedman" means Daniel M. Friedman.
"GAAP" shall mean United States generally accepted accounting
principles, as in effect on the date of this Agreement, consistently applied.
"Independent Accounting Firm" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 3(b) hereof.
"Intercompany Transaction" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 7 hereof.
"License Agreement" shall mean that certain License Agreement,
dated as of July 14, 2005, between Purchaser and Daniel M. Friedman &
Associates, Inc.
"Notice of Set-Off Dispute" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 5(b) hereof.
"Ordinary Course Operations of the Companies" shall mean the
ordinary course operations of the Companies consistent with past practice,
taking into account the provisions of Section 6 of this Agreement.
"Person" shall mean an individual, partnership, venture,
unincorporated association, organization, syndicate, corporation, limited
liability company, or other entity, trust, trustee, executor, administrator or
other legal or personal representative or any government or any agency or
political subdivision thereof.
"Prime Rate" shall mean the rate of interest that The JPMorgan
Chase Bank (or its successor and assign) announces from time to time as its
prime lending rate as then in effect, or if no such rate is announced by The
JPMorgan Chase Bank (or its successor or assign), the prime lending rate
announced by a New York City money center bank selected by Purchaser and
reasonably acceptable to the Seller.
"Purchaser" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.
"Quarterly Statement" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 6(g) hereof.
"Quarterly Statement Due Date" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 6(g) hereof.
"Revised Contingent Purchase Price Statement" shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 3(b) hereof.
"Revised Financial Statements" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3(b) hereof.
"Rules" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16 hereof.
"SEC" shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission.
"Seller" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.
"Services Agreement" shall mean that certain services
agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among Purchaser, Seller and the
Companies pursuant to which the Companies shall pay Purchaser certain
agreed-upon fees in respect of certain services provided for the Companies by
Purchaser.
"Set-Off Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
5(b) hereof.
"Set-Off Review Period" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 5(b) hereof.
"Stock Purchase Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in
the recitals.
2. Contingent Purchase Price Calculation.
-------------------------------------
(a) 2008 Contingent Purchase Price Payment. The aggregate
amount of the contingent purchase price payment payable to Seller with respect
to fiscal year 2008 (the "2008 Contingent Purchase Price Payment") shall equal
10% of the product of (i) the EBITDA for fiscal year 2008 and (ii) the Earn-Out
Multiple.
(b) 2009 Contingent Purchase Price Payment. The aggregate
amount of the contingent purchase price payment payable to Seller with respect
to fiscal year
2009 (the "2009 Contingent Purchase Price Payment") shall equal 10% of the
product of (i) the EBITDA for fiscal year 2009 and (ii) the Earn-Out Multiple.
(c) 2010 Contingent Purchase Price Payment. The aggregate
amount of the contingent purchase price payment payable to Seller with respect
to fiscal year 2010 (the "2010 Contingent Purchase Price Payment") shall equal
20% of the product of (i) the EBITDA for fiscal year 2010 and (ii) the Earn-Out
Multiple.
(d) For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that
no Contingent Purchase Price Payment shall ever be less than zero.
3. Contingent Purchase Price Statement; Dispute.
--------------------------------------------
(a) As promptly as practicable, but in any event within ninety
(90) days after the end of each Earn-Out Year, Purchaser shall prepare and
deliver to Seller (and the Companies shall provide Purchaser with all assistance
as may be reasonably requested by Purchaser in connection with such preparation)
(i) Financial Statements for such fiscal year, (ii) a statement of the
Contingent Purchase Price Payment for such fiscal year, which shall explain in
reasonable detail the calculations of EBITDA for such fiscal year (a "Contingent
Purchase Price Statement") and (iii) reasonable supporting documentation
sufficiently detailed to enable Seller to verify the amounts set forth in such
Financial Statements and Contingent Purchase Price Statement.
(b) Seller may dispute such Financial Statements and/or
Contingent Purchase Price Payment Statement for such fiscal year by sending a
written notice (a "Dispute Notice") to Purchaser within thirty (30) days of
Purchaser's delivery of all of the items specified in Section 3(a) to the
Seller. The Dispute Notice shall identify each disputed item on the Financial
Statements or Contingent Purchase Price Statement, specify the amount of such
dispute and set forth in reasonable detail the basis for such dispute. In the
event of any such disputes, Purchaser and Seller shall attempt, in good faith,
to reconcile their differences (including providing information that is
reasonably requested to the other party), and any resolution by them as to any
disputed items shall be final, binding and conclusive on the parties and shall
be evidenced by a writing signed by Purchaser and Seller, including, as
appropriate, revised Financial Statements ("Revised Financial Statements")
and/or a revised Contingent Purchase Price Statement (a "Revised Contingent
Purchase Price Statement") reflecting such resolution. If Purchaser and Seller
are unable to reach such resolution within twenty (20) days after the Seller's
delivery of the Dispute Notice to Purchaser, then Purchaser and Seller shall
promptly submit any remaining disputed items for final binding resolution to any
independent accounting firm mutually acceptable to Purchaser and Seller (which
accounting firm has not, within the prior twenty-four (24) months, provided
services to Purchaser, Seller or either Company or any Affiliate of any of
them). If Purchaser and Seller are unable to agree upon an independent
accounting firm within ten (10) days, an independent accounting firm selected by
Purchaser (which accounting firm has not, within the prior twenty-four (24)
months, provided services to Purchaser or either Company or any Affiliate of any
of them) and an independent accounting firm selected by Seller (which accounting
firm has not, within the prior twenty-four (24) months, provided services to
Seller or either Company or any Affiliate of any of them) shall select an
independent accounting firm that has not, within the prior twenty-four (24)
months, provided services to Purchaser, Seller or either Company or any
Affiliate of any of them. Such independent accounting firm mutually agreed upon
by Purchaser and Seller or selected by the procedure referenced in the
immediately preceding sentence, as the case may be, is hereinafter referred to
as the "Independent Accounting Firm." If any remaining disputed items are
submitted to an Independent Accounting Firm for resolution, (A) each party will
furnish to the Independent Accounting Firm such workpapers and other documents
and information relating to the remaining disputed items as the Independent
Accounting Firm may request and are available to such party, and each party will
be afforded the opportunity to present to the Independent Accounting Firm any
material relating to the disputed items and to discuss the resolution of the
disputed items with the Independent Accounting Firm; (B) each party will use its
good faith commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the resolution
process so that the disputed items can be resolved within forty-five (45) days
of submission of the disputed items to the Independent Accounting Firm; (C) the
determination by the Independent Accounting Firm, as set forth in a written
notice to Purchaser and Seller (which written notice shall include, as
appropriate, Revised Financial Statements and/or a Revised Contingent Purchase
Price Statement), shall be final, binding and conclusive on the parties; and (D)
the fees and disbursements of the Independent Accounting Firm shall be allocated
between Purchaser and Seller in the same proportion that the aggregate dollar
amount of the disputed items submitted to the Independent Accounting Firm that
are unsuccessfully disputed by Seller (as finally determined by the Independent
Accounting Firm) bears to the total amount of all disputed items submitted to
the Independent Accounting Firm. By way of illustration, if Seller disputes
$500,000 of items, and the Independent Accounting Firm determines that Seller's
position is correct as to $400,000 of the disputed items, then Purchaser would
bear 80 percent and Seller would bear 20 percent of such fees and disbursements.
(c) The Financial Statements for such fiscal year and the
Contingent Purchase Price Statement or, if either have been adopted pursuant to
Section 3(b), the Revised Financial Statements and/or the Revised Contingent
Purchase Price Statement, shall be deemed to be final, binding and conclusive on
Purchaser and Seller ("Final Financial Statements" and "Final Contingent
Purchase Price Statement") upon the earliest of (A) the failure of Seller to
deliver to Purchaser the Dispute Notice within thirty (30) days of Purchaser's
delivery to Seller of all of the items specified in Section 3(a) for such fiscal
year; (B) the resolution by Purchaser and Seller of all disputes, as evidenced
by, as appropriate, Revised Financial Statements and/or a Revised Contingent
Purchase Price Statement; and (C) the resolution by the Independent Accounting
Firm of all disputes, as evidenced by, as appropriate, Revised Financial
Statements and/or a Revised Contingent Purchase Price Statement. Any Contingent
Purchase Price Payment based on Final Financial Statements and a Final
Contingent Purchase Price Statement shall be made in accordance with Section 4
hereof.
4. Contingent Purchase Price Payments.
----------------------------------
(a) Each Contingent Purchase Price Payment shall be paid and
payable by Purchaser or the Companies to Seller with respect to each Earn-Out
Year and shall be paid on a date or dates selected by Purchaser that results in
the payment of such Contingent Purchase Price Payment to Seller in full on or
before the tenth Business Day after the later of (x) the date on which the Final
Financial Statements and Final Contingent Purchase Price Statement are deemed
final, binding and conclusive for such Earn-Out Year pursuant to Section 3(c)
and (y) the conclusion of the negotiation period with respect to any set-off
pursuant to Section 5 (such date, the "Applicable Contingent Purchase Price
Payment Date"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that Seller timely
delivers a Dispute Notice to Purchaser pursuant to Section 3(b), the Applicable
Contingent Purchase Price Payment Date with respect to the portion of the
Contingent Purchase Price Payment that would otherwise be payable to Seller if
Seller had not delivered such Dispute Notice shall be on or before the tenth
Business Day after the later of (1) the delivery date of such Dispute Notice and
(2) the conclusion of the negotiation period with respect to any set-off
pursuant to Section 5. In the event that any amounts due under this Section 4
shall not be paid to Seller on or before the Applicable Contingent Purchase
Price Payment Date, such amounts shall bear interest, calculated from the
Applicable Contingent Purchase Price Payment Date until the date such amounts
are paid to Seller, at a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate, calculated and
payable monthly, compounded monthly. Each Contingent Purchase Price Payment
shall be paid in cash and shall be made by wire transfer of immediately
available funds to an account or accounts designated at least two (2) Business
Days prior to the applicable payment date by Seller in writing. The Contingent
Purchase Price Payments are not subject to or contingent on Seller's employment
status with the Companies or Purchaser.
5. Set-Off Rights.
--------------
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the
contrary, the parties hereby acknowledge and agree that, in addition to any
other right hereunder, Purchaser shall have the right, but not the obligation,
from time to time to set off against any Contingent Purchase Price Payment
required to be paid by Purchaser to Seller pursuant to this Agreement any
amounts owed at such time by Seller to either Company or to Purchaser (or any of
its Affiliates) hereunder or pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement.
(b) If Purchaser elects to exercise its set-off rights
hereunder against any amounts otherwise required to be paid by Purchaser to
Seller pursuant to this Agreement, it shall give Seller written notice of such
election (the "Set-Off Notice"), which Set-Off Notice shall include the amount
to be set off and a reasonable description of the circumstances giving rise to
Purchaser's entitlement to such set-off. Seller shall have ten (10) days after
receipt of such Set-Off Notice to review such Set-Off Notice (the "Set-Off
Review Period"), and in the event that Seller has any objections or challenges
to the exercise of the set-off right of Purchaser, Seller shall submit a single
written notice of set-off dispute ("Notice of Set-Off Dispute") to Purchaser
during such Set-Off Review Period, specifying in reasonable detail the nature of
any asserted objections or challenges. In the event of any such dispute, Seller
and Purchaser shall negotiate in good faith to resolve such dispute for thirty
(30) days after receipt by Purchaser of the Notice of Set-Off Dispute. If Seller
and Purchaser are unable to resolve such dispute within such 30-day period, the
amount payable by Purchaser to Seller shall automatically be reduced by the
amount set forth in the Set-Off Notice. In the event that there is a final
determination that Seller did not owe either Company or Purchaser (or any of its
Affiliates) the amount that has been set off, Purchaser shall promptly repay to
Seller all such amounts that are so determined to have been incorrectly set off,
plus interest, calculated from the date of set-off until the date such amount is
paid to Seller, at a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate, calculated and
payable monthly, compounded monthly. For purposes of this Section 5, a
determination shall be final if any and all appeals therefrom shall have been
resolved or if thirty (30) days shall have passed from the rendering of such
determination (or of any determination of appeal therefrom) and no party shall
have commenced any appeal therefrom.
(c) In the case of any such set-off by Purchaser pursuant to
this Section 5, Seller's obligation to make such payment (or any portion
thereof) shall be deemed satisfied and discharged to the extent of such set-off.
The exercise of such right of set-off by Purchaser in good faith, whether or not
finally determined to be justified, will not constitute a breach under this
Agreement or the Stock Purchase Agreement.
6. Corporate Governance During Earn-Out Period. Seller and
Purchaser agree that until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement or
the end of fiscal year 2010, the Companies shall be managed in accordance with
the following provisions:
(a) The Board of Directors of each Company (the "Board of
Directors") shall consist of the same three (3) persons, and Purchaser will vote
the Companies' common stock owned by it in favor of the election of two (2)
designees of Purchaser and one (1) designee of Friedman, provided that during
his term of employment with Daniel M. Friedman & Associates, Inc., the designee
of Friedman shall be himself.
(b) Friedman shall, subject to Purchaser's then existing
policies, practices and procedures consistently applied to Purchaser and to all
domestic subsidiaries of Purchaser, have authority to control, in reasonable
consultation with Purchaser, the Ordinary Course Operations of the Companies,
including, without limitation, the following: (i) accepting new customers and
terminating existing customers, (ii) hiring or promoting design, merchandising,
sales, marketing and advertising employees of the Companies, (iii) firing
design, merchandising, sales, marketing and advertising employees of the
Companies below the Vice President level, (iv) selling, marketing or otherwise
distributing products to historical and prospective customers of the Companies,
and (v) terminating existing suppliers or engaging new suppliers that, in each
case, are not also suppliers of Purchaser. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Friedman shall not, without the prior written consent of the Board of Directors,
enter into any contract that would impose any obligation or negative covenant
(e.g., a most favored nations provision or a restriction on the ability to
conduct business) on Purchaser or any of its subsidiaries (other than either of
the Companies).
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6(b), the Board
of Directors or its designee shall have authority to control, in reasonable
consultation with Friedman, the following matters: (i) hiring or promoting
finance and other back office employees of the Companies, (ii) firing finance
and other back office employees of the Companies, (iii) firing design,
merchandising, sales, marketing and advertising employees of the Companies at
the Vice President or higher level, (iv) the declaring, authorizing or paying by
the Companies of any dividend or distribution, (v) determining the compensation
and benefits of employees, (vi) expanding the channels of sales or distribution
of the Companies' products from that existing on the Closing Date, (vii) the
termination of existing license agreements and the entering into of new license
agreements by the Companies, and (viii) the products covered by the Companies'
new license agreements and any amendments or renewals of existing license
agreements; provided that Purchaser shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates
not to, take any action that is primarily intended to adversely impact the
Ordinary Course Operations of the Companies. Furthermore, neither Purchaser nor
the Companies may (A) take any action that is expressly controlled by Friedman
pursuant to Section 6(b) hereunder or (B) take any action or enter into any
transaction that is primarily intended to adversely affect any of the Contingent
Purchase Price Payments payable under this Agreement.
(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 6(b) and 6(c),
the following actions shall not be taken without the mutual consent of Friedman,
on the one hand, and Purchaser or the Board of Directors, on the other hand: (i)
terminating existing suppliers or engaging new suppliers that, in either case,
are also suppliers of Purchaser, (ii) entering into any transaction with any
Affiliate of either Company or any officer or director of either Company or its
Affiliates (including family members), other than compensation arrangements in
the Ordinary Course Operations of the Companies or as provided in the Services
Agreement, (iii) voluntarily liquidating or dissolving either Company, (iv)
filing of a petition under bankruptcy or other insolvency laws, or admitting in
writing that either Company is bankrupt, insolvent or generally unable to pay
its debts as they become due, (v) issuing any capital stock or other securities
of either Company or granting any option or other right to acquire any capital
stock or other securities of either Company, (vi) engaging in any line of
business other than the business in which the Companies are engaged as of the
Closing Date, (vii) Purchaser's suffering or permitting any third person, firm
or corporation (including Purchaser) other than Daniel M. Friedman & Associates,
Inc. to be a licensee of Purchaser, or otherwise giving permission to any other
entity to use any trademarks of Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, with respect
to any category of "Products" covered by the License Agreement, notwithstanding
the termination of such License Agreement pursuant to the Stock Purchase
Agreement, provided, however, that the rights reserved by Purchaser pursuant to
Section 1.3 of such License Agreement will survive the termination of such
License Agreement, or (viii) selling stock or assets of either Company to a
third party that is not a one-hundred percent (100%)-owned subsidiary of
Purchaser or Purchaser itself (other than sales of inventory in the ordinary
course of business consistent with the Companies' past practices) or engaging in
a merger transaction (other than mergers solely for the purpose of
reincorporating the Companies in the state of Delaware). For the avoidance of
doubt, it is acknowledged and agreed among the parties hereto that the
restrictions set forth in clause (vi) above shall not apply to a sale of all or
substantially all of the stock or assets of Purchaser or any Affiliate of
Purchaser (other than the Companies) or the engagement by Purchaser or any
Affiliate of Purchaser (other than the Companies) in any merger transaction.
(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 6(b), 6(c) and
6(d), the Board of Directors or its designee shall have authority to control the
following matters: (i) capital expenditures, (ii) the incurrence of
indebtedness, (iii) selecting legal counsel and auditors for the Companies, and
(iv) mergers solely for the purpose of reincorporating the Companies in the
state of Delaware; provided that neither Purchaser nor the Companies may take
any action or enter into any transaction that is primarily intended to adversely
affect any of the Contingent Purchase Price Payments payable under this
Agreement. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the
contrary, the Board of Directors of each of the Companies shall have the
authority, in their sole discretion, to veto, modify or change any action taken
or to be taken by the Companies with respect to any matter; provided, however,
that, to the extent any such veto, modification or change (i) relates to a
matter that would have been subject to Friedman's control under Section 6(b)
hereunder or Friedman's consent under Section 6(d) hereunder, and (ii) is
reasonably objected to by Friedman as evidenced in a writing setting forth such
objections in reasonable detail, then any significant adverse effect on the
Companies' EBITDA (taking into account the effect on EBITDA of the action or
proposed action to which the veto, modification or change related) directly
resulting from such veto, modification or change shall be disregarded for
purposes of calculating EBITDA pursuant to this Agreement. For purpose of
clarity, the preceding sentence shall be construed to override any other
contrary provision of this Agreement.
(f) Friedman and designees of Purchaser shall consult
regularly (but in any event at least quarterly) with each other regarding the
strategic direction of the Companies, the sales and merchandising functions of
the Companies (including the hiring and firing of sales and merchandising
employees), and to mutually agree on EBITDA and revenue goals. In addition,
Purchaser shall have prompt access to all properties, records, financial
information or other data concerning the Companies that Purchaser may request,
and the Companies shall prepare and provide to Purchaser all financial
statements, reports and analyses required by Purchaser within a reasonable
period after any request therefor.
(g) No later than fifteen (15) days after the end of each
quarterly period (beginning with the quarter beginning April 1, 2006) (each, a
"Quarterly Statement Due Date") the Companies shall submit a statement (a
"Quarterly Statement") to Purchaser setting forth the Companies' actual EBITDA
for such quarterly period, and the Companies' projected revenue and EBITDA for
the prospective four fiscal quarter period following such completed fiscal
quarter. In addition, the Companies shall provide reasonable supporting
documentation sufficiently detailed to enable Purchaser (i) to verify the actual
amounts set forth in the Companies' Quarterly Statement and (ii) to verify that
the assumptions underlying the projected amounts set forth in the Companies'
Quarterly Statement are reasonable.
(h) In the event that the employment of Seller is terminated
by the Companies for "Cause" or by Seller without "Good Reason" (as such terms
are defined in the Employment Agreement) or due to his death or disability, (i)
he may be removed from the Board of Directors and (ii) the management of the
Companies shall be at the sole discretion of Purchaser or its designees and the
Companies shall thereafter be operated by Purchaser. In the event that the
employment of Seller is terminated by the Companies without "Cause" or by Seller
with "Good Reason" and the Companies employ another executive or executives to
replace Seller, then any excess of the compensation, benefits and expenses of
the executive(s) employed to replace Seller over the amounts that would have
been payable to Seller pursuant to the Employment Agreement had Seller remained
employed with the Companies shall be disregarded for purposes of the calculation
of EBITDA pursuant to this Agreement, regardless of the actual amount of such
compensation, benefits and expenses. In the event that the employment of any of
Steven Lloyd, Kenneth Horowitz or Renee Cohen (each, a "Specified Employee") is
terminated by the Companies without "Cause" (as such term is defined in such
Specified Employee's employment agreement with the Companies) and the Companies
employ another executive or executives to replace such Specified Employee, any
excess of the sum of (1) any compensation or other payments made to such
Specified Employee after his or her termination pursuant to the terms of such
Specified Employee's employment agreement with the Companies plus (2) the
compensation, benefits and expenses of the executive(s) employed to replace such
Specified Employee, over the amounts that would have been payable to such
Specified Employee pursuant to such Specified Employee's employment agreement
with the Companies had such Specified Employee remained employed with the
Companies, shall be disregarded for purposes of the calculation of EBITDA
pursuant to this Agreement, regardless of the actual amount of such
compensation, benefits and expenses.
7. Intercompany Transactions and Other Activities During Earn-Out
Period. For purposes of determining any Contingent Purchase Price Payment
payable under this Agreement, Seller and Purchaser agree that until the earlier
of the termination of this Agreement or the end of fiscal year 2010, all
transactions between the Companies, on the one hand, and Purchaser or any of its
Affiliates (excluding the Companies and their subsidiaries), on the other hand
(each an "Intercompany Transaction"), shall be at cost or shall be adjusted to
be upon fair and reasonable terms no less favorable to either party than would
be obtained in a comparable arm's-length transaction with an unaffiliated third
Person. The parties acknowledge and agree that the Services Agreement is or will
be on arm's-length terms.
8. Term. This Agreement shall be effective on the Closing Date, if
one occurs, and shall continue until the payment of all Contingent Purchase
Price Payments pursuant to Section 4.
9. Assignment; Binding Nature. Neither this Agreement nor any of
the rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be assigned by Seller.
Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure
to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective
heirs, personal representatives, legatees, successors and permitted assigns.
10. Amendment. This Agreement may be modified or amended only by
an instrument in writing, duly executed by Purchaser, on the one hand, and
Seller, on the other hand.
11. Notices. All notices, demands and communications of any kind
which any party hereto may be required or desires to serve upon another party
under the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by: (a)
personal service upon such other party; (b) mailing a copy thereof by certified
or registered mail, postage prepaid, with return receipt requested; (c) sending
a copy thereof by Federal Express or equivalent courier service; or (d) sending
a copy thereof by facsimile, in each case addressed as required for notices
pursuant to Section 13.3 of the Stock Purchase Agreement. In case of service by
Federal Express or equivalent courier service or by facsimile or by personal
service, such service shall be deemed complete upon delivery or transmission, as
applicable. In the case of service by mail, such service shall be deemed
complete on the fifth Business Day after mailing. The addresses and facsimile
numbers to which, and persons to whose attention, notices and demands shall be
delivered or sent may be changed from time to time by notice served as
hereinabove provided by any party upon any other party.
12. Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement and all the
transactions contemplated hereby, and all disputes between the parties under or
related to the Agreement or the facts and circumstances leading to its
execution, whether in contract, tort or otherwise, shall be governed by, and
construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York
including, without limitation, Section 5-1401 of the New York General
Obligations Law and New York Civil Practice Laws and Rules 327.
13. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the
application of any such provision to any party or circumstances shall be
determined by any arbitrator to be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, the
remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such provision to such person
or circumstances other than those to which it is so determined to be invalid or
unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each provision hereof shall be
enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. If the final determination of
an arbitrator declares that any item or provision hereof is invalid or
unenforceable, the parties hereto agree that the arbitrator making the
determination of invalidity or unenforceability shall have the power, and is
hereby directed, to reduce the scope, duration or area of the term or provision,
to delete specific words or phrases and to replace any invalid or unenforceable
term or provision with a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and
that comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable
term or provision, and this Agreement shall be enforceable as so modified.
14. Headings. The headings in this Agreement are inserted for
convenience only and shall not constitute a part hereof.
15. Counterparts; Facsimile. For the convenience of the parties, any
number of counterparts hereof may be executed, each such executed counterpart
shall be deemed an original, and all such counterparts together shall constitute
one and the same instrument. Facsimile transmission of any signed original
counterpart and/or retransmission of any signed facsimile transmission shall be
deemed the same as the delivery of an original.
16. Arbitration. Except as otherwise set forth in Section 3(b) hereof,
if any dispute or difference of any kind whatsoever shall arise between the
parties to this Agreement (each a "Disputing Party") in connection with or
arising out of this Agreement, or the breach, termination or validity thereof (a
"Dispute"), then, on the demand of any Disputing Party, the Dispute shall be
finally and exclusively resolved by arbitration in accordance with the
Commercial Arbitration Rules of the AAA (the "Rules") then in effect, except as
modified herein. The arbitration shall be held, and the award shall be issued
in, the City of New York. There shall be one neutral arbitrator appointed by
agreement of the Disputing Parties within thirty (30) days of receipt by
respondent of the demand for arbitration. If such arbitrator is not appointed
within the time limit provided herein, on the request of any Disputing Party, an
arbitrator shall be appointed by the AAA by using a list striking and ranking
procedure in accordance with the Rules. Any arbitrator appointed by the AAA
shall be a retired judge or a practicing attorney with no less than fifteen
years of experience and an experienced arbitrator. By agreeing to arbitration,
the Disputing Parties do not intend to deprive any court of its jurisdiction to
issue a pre arbitral injunction, pre arbitral attachment, or other order in aid
of arbitration proceedings and the enforcement of any award. Without prejudice
to such provisional remedies as may be available under the jurisdiction of a
court, the arbitrator shall have full authority to grant provisional remedies
and to direct the Disputing Parties to request that any court modify or vacate
any temporary or preliminary relief issued by such court, and to award damages
for the failure of any Disputing Party to respect the arbitrator's orders to
that effect. Any arbitration proceedings, decisions or awards rendered hereunder
and the validity, effect and interpretation of this arbitration agreement shall
be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. et seq. In arriving at a
decision, the arbitrator shall be bound by the terms and conditions of this
Agreement and shall apply the governing law of this Agreement as designated in
Section 12. The arbitrator is not empowered to award damages in excess of
compensatory damages, and each Disputing Party hereby irrevocably waives any
right to recover punitive, exemplary or similar damages with respect to any
Dispute. The award shall provide that the fees and expenses of the arbitration
(including the fees of the AAA, the fees and expenses of the arbitrator and
attorneys' fees) shall be allocated based on the proportion that the aggregate
amount of disputed items submitted to arbitration that are unsuccessfully
disputed by each Disputed Party (as finally determined by the arbitrator) bears
to the total amount of all disputed items submitted to arbitration. The award,
which shall be in writing and shall, on the written request of any Disputing
Party, state the findings of fact and conclusions of law upon which it is based,
shall be final and binding on the Disputing Parties and shall be the sole and
the exclusive remedy between the Disputing Parties regarding any claims,
counterclaims, issues or accountings presented to the arbitral tribunal.
Judgment upon any award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction
located in the State of New York, and the parties hereby consent to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in the State of New York.
17. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Stock Purchase
Agreement, the Services Agreement and the Employment Agreement, including all
schedules and exhibits hereto and thereto, contain the entire understanding of
the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as
of the date first above written.
COMPANIES:
---------
DANIEL M. FRIEDMAN & ASSOCIATES, INC.
By: /s/ DANIEL M. FRIEDMAN
-------------------------------------------
Name: Daniel M. Friedman
Title: President
DMF INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
By: /s/ DANIEL M. FRIEDMAN
-------------------------------------------
Name: Daniel M. Friedman
Title: President
PURCHASER:
---------
STEVEN MADDEN, LTD.
By: /s/ JAMIESON A. KARSON
-------------------------------------------
Name: Jamieson A. Karson
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
SELLER:
/s/ DANIEL M. FRIEDMAN
----------------------------------------------
Daniel M. Friedman
SCHEDULE A
----------
2008 $446,000
2009 $492,000
2010 $521,000
EXHIBIT 99.1
Company Contact: Ed Rosenfeld
Vice President, Strategic
Planning and Finance
Steven Madden, Ltd.
(718) 446-1800
Investor Relations: Cara O'Brien/Lauren Puffer
Press: Melissa Merrill
Financial Dynamics
(212) 850-5600
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- ---------------------
STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. ACQUIRES A MARKET LEADING ACCESSORIES BUSINESS,
DANIEL M. FRIEDMAN & ASSOCIATES
~ Company Acquires Its Accessories Licensee to Further Strengthen and
Expand Accessories Platform ~
~ Company Effectively Uses Cash to Add a Complementary and Profitable
Business ~
LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y. - February 8, 2006 - Steven Madden, Ltd. (NASDAQ: SHOO),
a leading designer, wholesaler and marketer of fashion footwear for women, men
and children, today announced it has completed the acquisition of privately held
Daniel M. Friedman & Associates, a designer, manufacturer, and distributor of
handbags, belts and related accessories.
The acquisition was completed for $18 million in cash and includes
certain earn out provisions that are based on financial performance through
2010. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive, contributing
approximately $0.15 - $0.18 in earnings per diluted share within the first full
year of ownership excluding amortization of intangibles associated with the
acquisition, the amount of which is still being determined.
This strategic acquisition will enable the Company to further augment
and complement its core footwear category and continue to expand its reach into
the branded lifestyle concept. Moreover, the Company believes the acquisition
will provide additional design and management talent and will further bolster
Steven Madden, Ltd.'s already strong operating team.
"Not only is the accessories category highly complementary to our
footwear business, but this acquisition ties in perfectly with our strategy of
developing Steven Madden, Ltd. into a global lifestyle brand," commented
Jamieson Karson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Steven Madden, Ltd.
"This transaction affords us more control over our accessories business as Steve
will be intimately involved in the creative process as we develop our handbags
and other categories to their fullest potential. Direct ownership of this strong
and proven business represents a very effective use of our cash that we expect
will provide significant return to our shareholders."
Steven Madden, Ltd. signed a licensing agreement with Daniel M.
Friedman & Associates for handbags and related accessories in July 2005. Under
this previous licensing agreement between the two companies, certain Steven
Madden, Ltd. retail stores are currently receiving shipments of Steve Madden
accessories from Daniel M. Friedman & Associates, and product is planned to
launch in wholesale accounts in March 2006.
Founded in 1995, Daniel M. Friedman & Associates is a leading
manufacturer and distributor of brand name fashion handbags and accessories and
offers a proven and successful business model. In addition to the current Steve
Madden license, the Company holds accessory licenses for Betsey Johnson, Ellen
Tracy, and others. The Company is also well known for its private label
offerings as well as its own fashion belt line under the Fina Firenze brand. The
Company most recently achieved an approximate $41 million in net sales
(unaudited) for fiscal 2005.
Effectively immediately, Daniel M. Friedman & Associates will become a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Steven Madden, Ltd., maintaining its existing
business model and current licenses while developing Steve Madden handbags and
belts. Daniel M. Friedman & Associates will retain its current operations and
location in New York City.
"We have had a long standing relationship with Steven Madden, Ltd. and
are excited to start working together in this new capacity," commented Daniel M.
Friedman. "With our shared vision of developing creative and trend right
products, we feel that this was a logical step in our relationship and we are
honored to formally partner with one of the leading fashion forward companies in
the marketplace. I am extremely confident that our business will continue to
thrive under the leadership of Steve Madden, Ltd."
Mr. Karson concluded, "We are excited about this opportunity to build
on the momentum of last year and bring together two well-seasoned, highly
talented management and design teams. Led by Steve, the newly combined design
group will develop fresh and fashion right product across multiple categories
under the Steven Madden, Ltd. brand. We welcome Daniel Friedman and his team and
look forward to a successful future together."
Steven Madden, Ltd. designs and markets fashion-forward footwear for
women, men and children. The shoes are sold through company-owned retail stores,
department stores, apparel and footwear specialty stores, and on-line at
www.stevemadden.com. The Company has several licenses for the Steve Madden
brand, including handbags, eyewear, hosiery, and belts, and owns and operates 99
retail stores, including its online store. The Company is also the licensee for
l.e.i. Footwear, Candie's Footwear and UNIONBAY Men's Footwear.
Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or
current fact constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unknown
factors that could cause the actual results of the Company to be materially
different from the historical results or from any future results expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements which
explicitly describe such risks and uncertainties readers are urged to consider
statements labeled with the terms "believes", "belief", "expects", "intends",
"anticipates" or "plans" to be uncertain and forward-looking. The forward
looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks
and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company's reports
and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
###