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): August 28, 2020

 

LMP Automotive Holdings, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

  

Delaware   333-236260   82-3829328
(State or other jurisdiction   (Commission File Number)   (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation)       Identification No.)

 

601 N. State Road 7, Plantation, Florida   33317
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (954) 895-0352

 

N/A

Former name or former address, if changed since last report

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share   LMPX   NASDAQ Capital Market

 

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))

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company ☒

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.01 Entry into a Definitive Material Agreement.

 

On August 28, 2020, LMP Automotive Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “WV APA”) with Beckley Buick-GMC Auto Mall, Inc., a West Virginia corporation (“BBGAM”), King Coal Chevrolet Co., a West Virginia corporation (“KCC”) and Hometown Preowned Vehicles, Inc., a West Virginia corporation (“HPV” and, together with BBGAM and KCC, the “WV Sellers”), to acquire an 85% interest in certain of the WV Sellers’ assets related to the ownership and operation of certain new and used Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia and Subaru motor vehicle dealerships located in West Virginia (the “WV Dealerships”). In exchange for the acquisition of such assets, the Company will pay to the WV Sellers an aggregate amount of approximately $12,000,000. The acquisition is subject to certain customary conditions, in addition to the approval of General Motors LLC (“GM”), Kia Motors of America, Inc., Subaru of America, Inc. and Hyundai Motor America, LLC (collectively, the “Manufacturers”) of the Company as an authorized motor vehicle dealer in the Manufacturers’ products.

 

In connection with the WV APA, a subsidiary of the Company, 601 NSR, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“601 NSR”) and E&W, LLC, a West Virginia limited liability company (“E&W”), also entered into a real estate purchase agreement (the “E&W REPA”), pursuant to which 601 NSR agreed to acquire the real property, buildings and site improvements located at 1508 E. Main Street, Oak Hill, West Virginia 25901 (the “E&W Property”) in exchange for the fair market value of the E&W Property, as determined by an appraisal.

 

601 NSR also entered into a real estate purchase agreement (the “MEG REPA” and, together with the E&W REPA, the “WV REPAs”) with The Meg Rental Corporation, a West Virginia corporation (“MEG”), pursuant to which 601 NSR agreed to acquire the real property, buildings and site improvements located at 3934 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, West Virginia 25801 (the “MEG Property”) in exchange for the fair market value of the MEG Property, as determined by an appraisal. The transactions contemplated by the WV APA and WV REPAs are expected to close on or before December 31, 2020.

 

On August 28, 2020, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “TN APA”) with Bachman-Bernard Chevrolet-Buick-GMC-Cadillac, Inc., a Tennessee corporation (the “TN Seller”), Philip M. Bachman, Jr., an individual resident of Tennessee (“Bachman”), and Myron Bernard (“Bernard” and, together with Bachman, the “Shareholders”), an individual resident of Tennessee, to acquire certain of the TN Seller’s assets related to the ownership and operation of a franchised motor vehicle dealership located at 3365 East Andrew Johnson Highway, Greenville, Tennessee 37745 (the “TN Dealership”). In exchange for the acquisition of such assets, the Company will pay to the TN Seller and the Shareholders an aggregate amount of approximately $2,500,000. The acquisition is subject to certain customary conditions, in addition to the approval by GM of the Company as an authorized motor vehicle dealer of GM’s products.

 

In connection with the TN APA, 601 NSR and the Shareholders also entered into a real estate purchase agreement (the “TN REPA”), pursuant to which 601 NSR agreed to acquire the real property, buildings and site improvements located at the TN Dealership (the “TN Property”) in exchange for $5,400,000. The transactions contemplated by the TN APA and TN REPA are expected to close on or before December 31, 2020.

 

The WV APA, WV REPAs, TN APA and TN REPA are attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4 and 10.5, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing descriptions of the WV APA, WV REPAs, TN APA and TN REPA and the transactions contemplated thereby are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by the contents of the WV APA,WV REPAs, TN APA and TN REPA, respectively.

 

A copy of the press release announcing the transactions contemplated by the WV APA,WV REPAs, TN APA and TN REPA, is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

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Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.   Description
     
10.1   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 28, 2020, by and among LMP Automotive Holdings, Inc., Beckley Buick-GMC Auto Mall, Inc., King Coal Chevrolet Co., Hometown Preowned Vehicles, Inc. and the other parties thereto.
10.2   Real Estate Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 28, 2020, by and between E&W, LLC and 601 NSR, LLC.
10.3   Real Estate Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 28, 2020, by and between The Meg Rental Corporation and 601 NSR, LLC.
10.4   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 28, 2020, by and among LMP Automotive Holdings, Inc., Bachman-Bernard Chevrolet-Buick-GMC-Cadillac, Inc., Philip M. Bachman, Jr. and Myron Bernard.
10.5   Real Estate Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 28, 2020, by and among Philip M. Bachman, Jr., Myron Bernard and 601 NSR, LLC.
99.1   Press Release, dated September 1, 2020.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

  LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC. 
   
September 1, 2020 By: /s/ Sam Tawfik
  Name:   Sam Tawfik
  Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

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Exhibit 10.1

 

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

THIS ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the “Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of the date of the last signature to this Agreement (the “Effective Date”), by and among LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation with a mailing address of c/o Sam Tawfik, 601 North State Road 7, Plantation, Florida 33317 and an email address of sam@lmpmotors.com, and or its assigns (“Purchaser”); BECKLEY BUICK-GMC AUTO MALL, INC., a West Virginia corporation with a mailing address of 334 Old Grandview Road Beaver, West Virginia 25813, and an email address of ldavis@beckleyautomall.com (“BBGAM”), KING COAL CHEVROLET CO., a West Virginia corporation with a mailing address of 334 Old Grandview Road Beaver, West Virginia 25813, and an email address of ldavis@beckleyautomall.com (“KCC”), and HOMETOWN PREOWNED VEHICLES, INC., a West Virginia corporation with a mailing address of 334 Old Grandview Road Beaver, West Virginia 25813, and an email address of ldavis@beckleyautomall.com (“HPV ” and, together with BBGAM and KCC, collectively, the “Seller”). The Purchaser and Seller may each be referred to herein as a “Party” or collectively as the “Parties.” ERNEST B. DAVIS, JR., an individual resident of West Virginia with a mailing address of 334 Old Grandview Road Beaver, West Virginia 25813, and an email address of erniedavis@hometownsubaru.com (“EBD”), LORI A. DAVIS, an individual resident of West Virginia with a mailing address of 334 Old Grandview Road Beaver, West Virginia 25813, and an email address of ldavis@beckleyautomall.com (“ LAD”), TRACY W. HYLTON, II, an individual resident of West Virginia with a mailing address of P.O Box 1109 Beckley, West Virginia 25802, and an email address of jerry@wrminc.com (“TWH” and, together with EBD and LAD, the “Shareholder ”), E & W, LLC, a West Virginia limited liability company (“ E & W”), and THE MEG RENTAL CORPORATION, a West Virginia corporation (“MEG”), each join in this Agreement for the purposes set forth in the attached joinder.

 

WITNESSETH

 

WHEREAS, the Seller owns certain assets used or useful in the operation of the Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, and Subaru motor vehicle sales and service dealerships set forth on Exhibit A (collectively, the “Franchised Dealerships”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Seller owns certain assets used or useful in the operation of 5 used motor vehicle dealerships, as set forth on Exhibit B (collectively, the “Ancillary Dealerships” and, together with the Franchised Dealerships, the “Business”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Franchised Dealerships and the Ancillary Dealerships are operated from the addresses set forth on Exhibit C (collectively, the “Dealership Premises”);

 

WHEREAS, the Shareholder owns, directly or indirectly, all of the outstanding and issued shares of stock in the Seller; and

 

WHEREAS, subject to, and in accordance with, the terms and conditions of this Agreement the Purchaser desires to purchase substantially all of the Dealership Assets from the Seller; and the Purchaser desires to secure dealer sales and service agreements from the Manufacturers appointing the Purchaser as an authorized Buick GMC, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, and Subaru dealer at the Beckley BG Premises, the Oak Hill Chevrolet Premises, the Beckley Hyundai Premises, the Mt. Hope Kia Premises, and the Mt. Hope Subaru Premises, respectively; and

 

WHEREAS, the Seller desires to sell to the Purchaser substantially all of the Dealership Assets, subject to, and in accordance with, the terms and conditions of this Agreement; and

 

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WHEREAS, in connection with the Purchaser’s acquisition of the Dealership Assets, the Purchaser has entered into (a) a real estate purchase agreement with MEG, an Affiliate of the Seller, for the sale and purchase of the Beckley BG Premises (the “Beckley BG REPA”); and (b) a real estate purchase agreement with E & W, an Affiliate of the Seller, for the sale and purchase of the Oak Hill Chevrolet Premises (the “Oak Hill Chevrolet REPA”); and

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the Purchaser’s acquisition of the Dealership Assets, the Purchaser or its assigns, as tenant, and MEG, as landlord, will enter into a lease agreement at the Closing for the use and occupancy of the Beckley Hyundai Premises, the Mt. Hope Kia Premises, the Mt. Hope Subaru Premises, and the Lewisburg Premises (the “MEG Lease Agreement”). The form of the MEG Lease Agreement shall be agreed upon by the Purchaser and MEG during the OA Prep Period; and

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the Purchaser’s acquisition of the Dealership Assets, the Purchaser or its assigns, as tenant, and E & W, as landlord, will enter into a lease agreement at the Closing for the use and occupancy of the Oak Hill Used Premises (the “E & W Lease Agreement”). The form of the E & W Lease Agreement shall be agreed upon by the Purchaser and E & W during the OA Prep Period; and

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the Purchaser’s acquisition of the Dealership Assets, the Parties will seek the consent of the Princeton Landlord, the Summersville Landlord, and the Beaver Landlord to permit the assignment of the Princeton Premises Lease, the Summersville Premises Lease, and the Beaver Premises Lease, respectively, to the Purchaser or its assigns.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the Parties’ execution of this Agreement, and the premises, mutual covenants and promises hereinafter set forth, and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1. DEFINITIONS

 

1.1 Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

 

(a) “Affiliate” of a Person shall mean a Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the first Person.

 

(b) “Applicable Law” shall mean all applicable provisions of any federal, state, local, municipal, statute, law, common law, permit, ordinance, code, rule, regulation, decision, order, decree, treaty or judgment enacted, promulgated or issued by any Governmental Authority in effect on the Closing Date.

 

(c) “Applicable Rate” means 8% per annum, computed on the basis of a 360-day year or, with respect to any amount that an Indemnifying Party has been finally adjudicated as liable to an Indemnifying Party pursuant to Section 6, such higher post-judgment interest as may be imposed by any court of competent jurisdiction

 

(d) “Assumed Liability Credits” shall mean the credits due Purchaser as set forth under Section 3.1(i) and (j)

 

(e) “Basis” shall mean any past or present fact, situation, circumstance, status, condition, activity, practice, plan, occurrence, event, incident, action, failure to act or transaction that forms or could form the basis for any specified consequence.

 

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(f) “Beaver Landlord” shall mean Little General Store, Inc., a West Virginia corporation.

 

(g) “Beaver Premises Lease” shall mean that certain Lease Agreement dated May 1, 2019, by and between HPV and the Beaver Landlord, pursuant to which HPV is leasing the Beaver Premises from the Beaver Landlord.

 

(h) “Business Day” shall mean any day excluding Saturday, Sunday, and any day on which commercial banks are by law closed in the State of West Virginia.

 

(i) “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

(j) “Consent” shall mean all consents, approvals, authorizations, stipulations, ratifications, waivers, exemption or order of, registration, certificate, declaration or filing with, or report or notice to, any Person, including any Governmental Authority.

 

(k) “Contract” or “Contracts” shall mean all agreements, contracts, commitments, orders, licenses, leases and other instruments, arrangements and understandings (whether written or oral) to which a Person is a party, or by which any of its assets or properties are bound.

 

(l) “Control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

(m) “Current Financials” shall mean the internally prepared, un-audited financial statements of the Seller in the form required by the Manufacturers, for the fiscal years ending 2017, 2018, 2019, and year-to-date 2020.

 

(n) “Cut-Off Date” shall mean the date that is 180 days after the Effective Date.

 

(o) “Davis HoldCo” shall mean the entity formed by EBD and LAD to own an interest in LMP Beckley Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

 

(p) “DMS” shall mean a dealership management system.

 

(q) “EEOC” shall mean the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

 

(r) “EIN” shall mean Employer’s Innovative Network, LLC.

 

(s) “EIN Contract” shall mean collectively, the following contracts for providing employees to Seller: (a) contract between EIN and KCC, dated December 3, 2013; (b) contract between EIN and BBGAM dated September 17, 2013, and (c) contract between EIN and HPV dated September 17, 2013.

 

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(t) “Employee Benefit Plan” shall mean any (i) employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, (ii) profit sharing, bonus, compensation, stock purchase, stock option, employment, termination, severance, retention or other similar plan, agreement or arrangement, and (iii) hospitalization, medical, life, or supplemental unemployment benefits plan, program, agreement or arrangement, which are or have been sponsored, maintained or contributed to or required to be contributed to by the Seller, any of its subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate for the benefit of any former or current consultant, employee, officer or director of the Seller, any of its subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate, whether formal or informal and whether legally binding or not.

 

(u) “Encumbrance” shall mean any charge, claim, community property interest, equitable interest, lien, option, pledge, security interest, right of first option, right of first refusal or similar restriction, including any restriction on use, voting (in the case of any security or equity interest), transfer, or exercise of any other attribute of ownership that is imposed by agreement, understanding, Applicable Law or otherwise, whether of record or otherwise.

 

(v) “Environmental, Health and Safety Liabilities” shall mean any Losses, natural resource damages, Encumbrances, orders, and consulting fees, (i) which are incurred as a result of (A) the existence or alleged existence of Hazardous Substances in, on, under, at or emanating from the Dealership Premises, (B) the actual or alleged offsite transportation, treatment, storage or disposal of Hazardous Substances generated by the Seller or at the Dealership Premises or (C) the violation or alleged violation of any Environmental Laws or (ii) which arise under the Environmental Laws.

 

(w) “Environmental Laws” shall mean all Applicable Laws pertaining to the injury to, or the pollution or protection of human health and safety and the environment, including the regulation, control, clean-up, generation, use, collection, treatment, storage, transportation, recovery, removal, discharge or disposal of Hazardous Substances.

 

(x) “ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(y) “ERISA Affiliate” shall mean any trade or business, whether or not incorporated, that together with the Seller or any of its subsidiaries would be deemed a "single employer" within the meaning of Section 4001(b)(1) of ERISA.

 

(z) “Escrow Agent” shall mean Bass Sox Mercer, 2822 Remington Green Circle, Tallahassee, Florida 32308.

 

(aa) “Existing Leases” shall mean any lease agreements or arrangements existing prior to the Closing Date and related to the Beckley Hyundai Premises, the Mt. Hope Kia Premises, the Mt. Hope Subaru Premises, the Lewisburg Premises, or the Oak Hill Used Premises.

 

(bb) “GM” shall mean General Motors LLC.

 

(cc) “Governmental Authority” means any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any entity exercising legislative, executive, judicial, quasi-judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, or any tribunal or arbitrators of competent jurisdiction.

 

(dd) “Hazardous Substances” shall mean any chemical, material, substance, constituent, contaminant, waste or pollutant regulated under any Environmental Law, including:

 

(i) any toxic or hazardous wastes, materials, pollutants or substances, including petroleum products and by-products, flammable explosives, radioactive materials, asbestos, polychlorinated byphenyls, pesticides, herbicides, pesticide or herbicide containers, untreated sewage, industrial process sludge;

 

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(ii) any substances defined as “hazardous substances” or “toxic substances” or similarly identified under CERCLA (42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq., as amended);

 

(iii) “hazardous materials” as identified under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. § 1801 et seq., as amended;

 

(iv) any chemical substance or mixture regulated under the Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976, 15 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq., as amended;

 

(v) any “toxic pollutant” under the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 466 et seq., as amended, any hazardous air pollutant under the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq., as amended; or

 

(vi) any toxic or hazardous wastes, materials, pollutants or substances regulated under any other Environmental Law including any so-called “Super Fund” or “Super Lien” legislation, now existing, pertaining to hazardous materials, pollutants or wastes.

 

(ee) “HMA” shall mean Hyundai Motor America, LLC.

 

(ff) “IRCA” shall mean the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended, and all regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(gg) “KMA” shall mean Kia Motors America, Inc.

 

(hh) “Knowledge” means the actual knowledge of EBD or LAD, and Seller will be deemed to have “Knowledge” of a particular fact or other matter if the foregoing named individuals are actually aware of such fact or other matter, or if a reasonable person in his position would have been aware of such fact or matter.

 

(ii) “Liability” or “Liabilities” shall mean with respect to any Person, any liability or obligation of such Person of any kind, character or description, whether known or unknown, absolute or contingent, accrued or unaccrued, disputed or undisputed, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, joint or several, due or to become due, vested or unvested, executory, determined, determinable or otherwise and whether or not the same is required to be accrued on the financial statements of such Person.

 

(jj) “Licenses” shall mean all licenses, grants, franchises, permits, approvals, Consents and other authorizations issued to or maintained by the Seller in connection with its ownership, possession, use, occupancy or operation of any of the Dealership Assets, or its operation of the Business.

 

(kk) “LMP HoldCo” shall mean LMP Automotive Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

 

(ll) “Losses” shall mean any and all damages (including punitive damages and consequential damages awarded to a third party by a court of competent jurisdiction in respect of a third-party claim), losses, charges, liabilities, claims, demands, Proceedings, payments, judgments, settlements, assessments, obligations, deficiencies, Taxes, interest, penalties, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees).

 

(mm) “Manufacturer” shall mean either GM, KMA, SA, or HMA, as the case may be.

 

(nn) “Manufacturers” shall collectively mean GM, KMA, SA, and HMA.

 

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(oo) “Manufacturer Parts Inventory” shall mean all of the Seller’s inventories of new, current, returnable, and non-obsolete Manufacturer parts and accessories in their original, unbroken packages, which are located on or in transit to the Seller as of the Closing Date, and which are listed in a applicable Manufacturer’s current parts and accessories price book/catalogues, with supplements in effect on the inventory date described in Section 3.2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Manufacturer Parts shall not include any “Obsolete” parts, defined as parts (a) not being listed in the current Manufacturer’s Master Parts Price List/Suggested List Prices and Dealer Prices (or other applicable similar Manufacturer price lists, with supplements or the equivalent in effect as of the Inventory date, the “Master Price List”), as returnable to the applicable Manufacturer at not less than the value reflected in the Master Price List, or (b) that have been in the Seller’s inventory longer than 15 months prior to Closing Date.

 

(pp) “Material Adverse Change” shall mean any change in, or effect on, the Seller (including the business thereof) which is, or could reasonably be expected to be, materially adverse to the business, operations, assets, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Seller.

 

(qq) “Miscellaneous Inventory” shall mean all miscellaneous inventory of the Seller located at the Dealership Premises on the Closing Date and consisting of non-Manufacturer Parts, batteries, tires, and paint, gas, oil and grease, etc., each of which is less than 1 year old, and all of which (in the case of fluids and paint) shall be in unopened containers and usable.

 

(rr) “OA Prep Period” shall mean a period of 30 days following the Effective Date.

 

(ss) “Operating Agreement” means that certain operating agreement by and between LMP HoldCo, Davis HoldCo, and the Purchaser, a form of which shall be agreed upon by the Parties during the OA Prep Period.

 

(tt) “Other Agreements” shall mean collectively, the Bill of Sale and Assignment, the Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement, and any other agreements, instruments, certificates, and documents executed by the Parties in connection herewith or therewith.

 

(uu) “Parts” shall mean collectively, the Manufacturer Parts and the Non-Manufacturer Parts.

 

(vv) “Permitted Encumbrances” shall mean (i) Encumbrances securing indebtedness or other monetary obligations that constitute an Assumed Liability and (ii) statutory Encumbrances securing real and personal property taxes assessed in West Virginia, prorated on a calendar year basis, to the extent that such property taxes are not yet due and payable as of the Closing Date.

 

(ww) “Person” shall mean any natural person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, limited liability company, trust, business trust, Governmental Authority, or other entity (foreign or domestic).

 

(xx) “Princeton Landlord” shall mean Mitchem Enterprises, Inc. a Virginia corporation.

 

(yy) “Princeton Premises Lease” shall mean that certain Lease dated August 3, 2020, by and between BBGAM and the Princeton Landlord, pursuant to which BBGAM is leasing the Princeton Premises from the Princeton Landlord.

 

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(zz) “Proceeding” shall mean any action, claim, demand, suit, proceeding, arbitration, grievance, citation, summons, subpoena, inquiry or investigation, civil, criminal, regulatory or otherwise, in law or in equity.

 

(aaa) “Returns” shall mean any return, report, declaration, form, claim for refund or information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto and any amendment thereof.

 

(bbb) “Required Initial Capitalization” shall mean an amount equal to the Goodwill purchase price plus the Fixed Asset purchase price plus the Manufacturer’s required net working capital requirement less allowable debt incurred by LMP Beckley Holdings, LLC based upon such items, to be determined at the Closing.

 

(ccc) “SA” shall mean Subaru of America, Inc.

 

(ddd) “Service Loaners” shall mean motor vehicles owned by the Seller, located on the Dealership Premises on the Closing Date, and provided by the Seller to customers while their vehicles are being serviced by the Seller. Service Loaners shall include motor vehicles that are current in status as well as vehicles that have been retired from such status.

 

(eee) “Summersville Landlord” shall mean Harper Manor Estates, LLC, a West Virginia limited liability company.

 

(fff) “Summersville Premises Lease” shall mean that certain Commercial Lease Agreement dated May 1, 2020, by and between KCC and the Summersville Landlord, pursuant to which KCC is leasing the Summersville Premises from the Summersville Landlord.

 

(ggg) “TaxorTaxes” shall mean any federal, state, local, foreign or other income, alternative, minimum, accumulated earnings, personal holding company, franchise, capital stock, net worth, capital, profits, windfall profits, gross receipts, value added, sales (including bulk sales), use, goods and services, excise, customs duties, transfer, conveyance, mortgage, registration, stamp, documentary, recording, premium, severance, environmental (including taxes under section 59A of the Code), real property, personal property, ad valorem, intangibles, rent, occupancy, license, occupational, employment, unemployment insurance, social security, disability, workers’ compensation, payroll, health care, withholding, estimated or other similar tax, duty or other governmental charge or assessment or deficiencies thereof, including all interest and penalties thereon and additions thereto whether disputed or not.

 

(hhh) “Third-Party Claim” means a third-party claim asserted against an Indemnified Party by a Person other than (a) an Affiliate of such Indemnified Party or (b) any director, stockholder, officer, member, partner, equity holder or employee of any such Indemnified Party or its Affiliates.

 

(iii) “Transaction” shall mean the sale by the Seller and the purchase by the Purchaser of an undivided interest in the Dealership Assets, and the assumption by the Purchaser of the Assumed Liabilities, all in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

(jjj) “Treasury Regulations” shall mean the Federal income tax regulations promulgated under the Code, as such Treasury Regulations may be amended from time to time.

 

(kkk) “URL” shall mean a uniform resource locator.

 

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(lll) “Used Vehicles” shall mean all vehicles that are located on the Dealership Premises on the Closing Date and owned and held by the Seller for resale, to include Service Loaners, but excluding New Vehicles, Demos, or company vehicles.

 

(mmm) “WARN Act” shall mean the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local Applicable Law.

 

(nnn) “We-Owes” shall mean a promise by the Seller to a customer for the delivery of goods or services in the future.

 

1.2 Other Defined Terms. Certain other terms are defined in this Agreement (or the exhibits) and are used with the meanings so ascribed to them.

 

2. THE TRANSACTION

 

2.1 Purchased Assets. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, on the Closing Date (as defined in Section 4.1 below), the Seller shall sell to the Purchaser and the Purchaser shall purchase from the Seller, all of the Seller’s right, title and interest in and to each of the following assets (collectively, the “Dealership Assets”), free and clear of all Encumbrances (except Permitted Encumbrances):

 

(a) all of the Seller’s furniture, fixtures, signs, product marketing displays, office equipment and computers, machinery and shop equipment, parts equipment, special tools, lifts, hybrid charging stations and related equipment, removable compressors, shop tools, and other items of tangible personal property owned and used by the Seller in the operation of the Business, including those items listed on the outside appraisal of fixed assets pursuant to Section 3.1(b), and on Schedule 2.1(a) attached hereto (the “Fixed Assets”); provided, Fixed Assets does not include leasehold improvements, vehicles, or parts inventory;

 

(b) each new, undamaged, and not previously titled (even if later reversed) or reported sold (even if later reversed), 2020 and newer model year Manufacturer motor vehicles, which (i) has no more than 350 miles recorded on it odometer as of the Closing Date, (ii) has been in inventory fewer than 365 days as of the Closing Date, and (iii) is located at or in transit to the Dealership Premises as of the Closing Date (collectively, the “New Vehicles”);

 

(c) each vehicle that would be a New Vehicle but for having more than 350 miles recorded on its odometer as of the Closing Date (collectively, the “Demos”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Demo shall not include any vehicle with more than 4,000 miles recorded on its odometer as of the Closing Date;

 

(d) such of the Seller’s inventory of Used Vehicles for which the Parties are able to agree to a value. Any Used Vehicle(s) for which the Parties cannot reach an agreement on value shall be considered an Excluded Asset;

 

(e) the Seller’s assignable rights and privileges under (i) the Contracts identified on Schedule 2.1(e)(i) attached hereto, which are required to be assumed by Purchaser, (ii) the Contracts identified on Schedule 2.1(e)(ii), which as part of the Purchaser’s business due diligence the Purchaser shall elect whether to assume, (collectively with the Contracts identified on Schedule 2.1(e)(i), the “Assumed Contracts”); and (ii) other Assumed Liabilities;

 

(f) all of the Seller’s Manufacturer Parts Inventory;

 

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(g) all of the Seller’s Miscellaneous Inventories;

 

(h) all of the Seller’s sublet repairs and work in process repairs for which (i) the Seller possesses an initial repair order signed by the customer authorizing such repair, (ii) the repair order has been open for fewer than 10 Business Days prior to the Closing Date, (iii) in the case of work in process repairs, the subject vehicle is present at the Dealership Premises on the Closing Date, and (iv) in the case of sublet repairs, the subject vehicle is present at the sublet repair facility on the Closing Date (collectively, the “WIP”). The Purchaser may review all WIP prior to the Closing Date;

 

(i) the Seller’s return privileges, if any, concerning the Manufacturer Parts;

 

(j) the Seller’s assignable rights to its email addresses, PO Boxes, telephone and facsimile numbers (local and toll-free), as listed on Schedule 2.1(j);

 

(k) to the extent transferable, all Licenses;

 

(l) all rights of the Seller relating to deposits and prepaid expenses, claims for refunds and rights to offset in respect thereof, each of which relates to an Assumed Liability and are not otherwise an Excluded Asset;

 

(m) all offices supplies, janitorial supplies, and similar items owned by the Seller and located at the Dealership Premises as of the Closing Date;

 

(n) any assignable rights relating to or arising out of or under any express or implied warranties from suppliers with respect to the Dealership Assets;

 

(o) all assignable rights of the Seller arising under any non-compete or restrictive covenant agreements between the Seller and any former member(s), or between the Seller and its employees, current or former;

 

(p) any insurance proceeds for claims or damages to the Dealership Assets that occurs prior to the Closing Date, unless such damages have been repaired prior to the Closing Date; and

 

(q) all of the Seller’s perpetual inventory records, sales records, customer lists, customer service records and all other customer data, deal jackets, supply and manufacturer lists, technical data, and sales and marketing literature, advertising materials, promotional materials, including merchandising literature from the Manufacturers, whether in hard or digital copies (the “Records”), and all of the Seller’s intangible property rights and goodwill associated with the Business, including all assignable franchise rights under the Manufacturers’ dealer sales and service agreements, all tradenames and URLs owned or controlled by the Seller and utilized by the Business, and any and all of the Seller’s rights to content and access (including usernames and passwords, or other access means) related to GooglePlusLocal, GooglePlusBusiness, yelp, LinkedIn®, Facebook®, MySpace®, foursquare, Twitter®, Dealer Rater, Edmunds, and Cars.com, and other intellectual property owned by Seller and used or useable in the Business, and all other intangible assets, rights and properties of the Seller whatsoever (along with the Records, collectively, the “Goodwill”), except as described in Section 2.2.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the transfer of the Dealership Assets under this Agreement shall not include the assumption of any Liability in respect thereof unless the Purchaser expressly assumes such Liability under Section 2.3(a).

 

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2.2 Excluded Assets. Notwithstanding any contrary provision contained herein, the Seller shall retain, and shall not sell to the Purchaser, the assets not included in the Dealership Assets, including the following specific items (collectively, the “Excluded Assets”):

 

(a) cash and cash equivalents on hand and in banks, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, stocks, bonds and other liquid investments;

 

(b) accounts receivable of the Seller (including any “contracts in transit,” rebates receivable, holdbacks, discounts receivable, credit life commissions receivable, A & H commissions and finance Seller receivables, both current and deferred);

 

(c) any prepaid expense, insurance, interest, utilities, or rent and any deposits related thereto, which accrue to the benefit of the Seller as of the day prior to the Closing Date;

 

(d) the minute book, corporate, accounting, and Tax records, and corporate seal of the Seller;

 

(e) any correspondence or records of the Seller that constitutes attorney-client privileged communications;

 

(f) the consideration for the Dealership Assets to be delivered by the Purchaser to the Seller under this Agreement;

 

(g) the Seller’s right to enforce this Agreement;

 

(h) vehicle parts and accessories that do not constitute Manufacturer Parts Inventory or Miscellaneous Inventories;

 

(i) vehicles not purchased by the Purchaser hereunder;

 

(j) the Seller’s contracts or policies of insurance and any refunds of taxes or tax loss carry forwards of the Seller;

 

(k) any assets leased by the Seller that would otherwise constitute Fixed Assets if not so leased, unless the Purchaser assumes such lease obligations;

 

(l) all rights under any Licenses and Contracts, except for Assumed Contracts and assigned Licenses;

 

(m) real estate owned by the Seller;

 

(n) those items of personal property owned by the Shareholder and located at the Dealership Premises, which are listed on Schedule 2.2(n);

 

(o) all Employee Benefit Plans;

 

(p) any and all new and used RV inventory, RV parts inventory, and heavy equipment owned by HPV and used in the RV business of HPV (“RV Business”);

 

(q) “Buy here Pay here” software; and

 

(r) the items listed on Schedule 2.2(r).

 

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2.3 Assumption of Liabilities.

 

(a) At the Closing, the Purchaser shall assume (and shall agree to discharge, pay and perform in accordance with their terms) only the following Liabilities of the Seller (each an “Assumed Liability,” and collectively, the “Assumed Liabilities”), and no other liabilities or obligations of the Seller whatsoever:

 

(i) all of the Seller’s Liabilities under the Assumed Contracts arising on or after the Closing Date (other than any Liabilities arising out of any breach or default that occurred prior to the Closing Date);

 

(ii) all of the Seller’s Liabilities to customers under the conditions of the Seller’s vehicle order forms or special parts order forms arising with respect to any customer deposits received in the ordinary course consistent with past practices, to the extent that (A) the terms and conditions thereof are reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser and consistent with the Seller’s past practices and current market, (B) the associated deposit is not escheatable or otherwise subject to forfeiture to the State of West Virginia as unclaimed property, and (C) the associated vehicles are currently scheduled for production, which such Liabilities shall be reflected at the Closing on a schedule, and, along with any such Seller’s vehicle order or special parts order forms, shall be delivered at the Closing (the “Customer Deposits”); provided, however, that the Purchaser shall not assume any of the Seller’s Liabilities arising out of any breach of or default under such vehicle order that occurred prior to the Closing Date;

 

(iii) all of the Seller’s obligations to complete WIP;

 

(iv) all of the Seller’s We-Owes, the value of which shall be subtracted from the Asset Purchase Price; and

 

(v) all of the Seller’s Liabilities under the Princeton Premises Lease, the Summersville Premises Lease, and the Oak Hill Used Premises Lease arising on or after the Closing Date (other than any Liabilities arising out of any breach or default that occurred prior to the Closing Date).

 

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 2.3, the Purchaser shall not assume, or in any way be responsible or liable for, any Retained Liabilities. “Retained Liabilities” shall mean each and every Liability of the Seller, other than the Assumed Liabilities, including (i) any Liabilities of the Seller arising out of the operation of the Business prior to the Closing Date, (ii) conditions existing or alleged to have existed or any acts or omissions occurring or alleged to have occurred at the Dealership Premises, in each case, alleged by a third party prior to the Closing Date, including any Liabilities described in this Agreement or the Schedules, (iii) any Liabilities attributable to violations of any Applicable Law, (iv) any Proceeding pending or threatened against the Seller, and (v) chargebacks from the cancellation/termination of finance or insurance products on vehicles sold by the Seller prior to the Closing Date.

 

(c) Except for the Assumed Liabilities, following the Closing, the Seller shall pay all amounts due to creditors of the Seller for goods or services provided to the Seller with respect to the Business as such amounts come due, it being understood that Seller shall use its best efforts to discharge such obligations in a timely manner so as not to result in any unreasonable interruption of business or delivery of services or products to the Purchaser. Seller retains the right of setoff with regard to any amounts due to creditors of the Seller.

 

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(d) Without limitation of the foregoing, it is specifically understood and agreed between the Parties that the Purchaser shall not be responsible for any express or implied warranties given by the Seller to customers prior to the Closing Date. Further, should any customer make a claim upon any warranty given by the Seller or for defective vehicle repair by the Seller prior to the Closing, then, in that event, the Purchaser at its option may adjust any such minor item as it so desires, at the Seller’s expense, and on any major item shall notify the Seller and, upon the Seller’s approval, shall repair said item at the Seller’s expense. Any major item shall be defined as any item at cost to the Purchaser in excess of $250.00.

 

(e) Subject to Section 6.6, the obligations of the Seller and Purchaser under this Section 2.3 shall survive the Closing of this Transaction.

 

2.4 Simultaneous Transactions . This Agreement represents one facet of a three -part transaction. The other facets consist of the Beckley BG REPA and the Oak Hill Chevrolet REPA. The respective obligations of the Seller and the Purchaser to close the Transaction hereunder are conditioned on the closing of the transactions contemplated under the Beckley BG REPA and the Oak Hill Chevrolet REPA. In addition, this Agreement, the Beckley BG REPA, and the Oak Hill Chevrolet REPA are hereby cross-defaulted such that a default by a party under this Agreement, the Beckley BG REPA, or the Oak Hill Chevrolet REPA shall constitute a default by that same party or its Affiliate under the other agreements. If this Agreement is terminated and cancelled, the Beckley BG REPA and the Oak Hill Chevrolet REPA shall become void, and there shall be no further liability or obligation of any party to this Agreement, the Beckley BG REPA, or the Oak Hill REPA, except as otherwise provided for herein.

 

3. ASSET PURCHASE PRICE

 

3.1 Asset Purchase Price. The consideration to be paid by the Purchaser to the Seller for the Dealership Assets (the “Asset Purchase Price”) shall be an amount equal to the value of the following Dealership Assets and Assumed Liability Credits, determined and allocated as follows, and shall be payable at Closing in accordance with Section 4.5(a):

 

(a) Goodwill: The purchase price for the Goodwill, and all the items listed in Section 2.1 but not explicitly mentioned in this Section 3.1, shall be $14,000,000; PLUS

 

(b) Fixed Assets: The purchase price for the Fixed Assets shall be determined by a third-party appraiser, which shall be selected by the Parties during the Due Diligence Period. The purchase price for the Fixed Assets will be subject to (i) reduction (at replacement cost) prior to the Closing for Fixed Assets which are listed on Schedule 2.1(a) on the Effective Date but missing from the Dealership Premises or not in good working condition as of the Closing Date, and (ii) increase (at an appraised value) prior to the Closing Date for Fixed Assets which are not listed on Schedule 2.1(a) at the Effective Date, but are added to Fixed Assets prior to the Closing Date with the Purchaser’s prior written approval, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed; PLUS

 

(c) Manufacturer Parts Inventory: The purchase price for the Manufacturer Parts Inventory shall be the value shown in the most recent Manufacturer parts and accessories price book or catalogues, as applicable, with all supplements in effect as of the date of an inventory, with such value to be reduced by any credits, discounts, allowances, rebates, or other incentives for which the Seller has received on said Manufacturer Parts Inventory on or before the Closing Date or would be eligible to receive after the Closing Date, but not reduced by the GM parts purchase target incentive; PLUS

 

(d) Miscellaneous Inventory: The purchase price for the Seller’s Miscellaneous Inventory shall be the Seller’s verifiable costs in such inventories; PLUS

 

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(e) New Vehicles: The purchase price for each New Vehicle shall be an amount equal to the aggregate sum of (i) the Manufacturer’s invoice cost to the Seller, including Manufacturer charges for freight and handling, PLUS (ii) the wholesale cost (without internal markup) to the Seller of all “add-on” parts or accessory items (installed consistent with the Seller’s past practices, but specifically excluding reconditioning charges and soft adds such as etch, leather treatment, undercoatings, paint sealants, etc.), MINUS (iii) dealer holdback, floorplan assistance, advertising or marketing allowance and any dealer cash/rebates or carryover allowances, and any other dealer factory incentives with respect to such vehicles and for which the Seller has previously been paid, MINUS (iv) a credit in favor of the Purchaser equal to the value of any Manufacturer installed accessories removed or missing from a vehicle, valued at cost reflected on such vehicle’s invoice, MINUS (v) the amount of any PDI payment received from the Manufacturer but for which no PDI activity has been performed on such vehicle (such formula being hereinafter referred to as the “Triple Net Formula”). Any dealer-traded vehicle that constitutes a New Vehicle shall be valued in accordance with the Triple Net Formula. The value of each New Vehicle shall not include any cleaning or reconditioning charges or any Seller-imposed surcharge or “pack” (whether or not such amounts have been or were to be taken into income by the Seller); PLUS

 

(f) Demos: The purchase price for each Demo shall be calculated in accordance with the Triple Net Formula, except there shall be an additional credit in favor of the Purchaser in the amount of $0.25 per mile for each mile in excess of 350 miles recorded on such Demo’s odometer as of the Closing Date; PLUS

 

(g) Used Vehicles: The purchase price for each Used Vehicle shall be as mutually agreed upon by the Parties using the MMR Clean value of each vehicle as a guide for said Used Vehicle’s value; PLUS

 

(h) WIP: The purchase price for the WIP shall be the Seller’s cost of parts and accessories (with no internal markup) and the cost of the Seller’s service technician wage expense (with no internal markup); MINUS

 

(i) Customer Deposits: The sum of the value of all Customer Deposits held by the Seller as of the Closing Date for all New Vehicles or special-order parts and accessories to be delivered on or after the Closing Date; MINUS

 

(j) We-Owes: The sum of the value of all outstanding We-Owes issued prior to the Closing Date, which shall be reflected at the Closing on a schedule attached to the closing statement.

 

3.2 Physical Inventories. The classification and valuation of the Manufacturer Parts Inventory and Miscellaneous Inventory shall be established, in accordance with the provisions hereof, by a physical inventory count conducted by an independent inventory service reasonably acceptable to the Parties (the “Parts Inventory”). The Parts Inventory shall be taken as close as practicable to the Closing Date, but no later than 2 days before the Closing Date, and will be adjusted to reflect purchases and sales of the Parts between the date of such physical inventory count and the Closing Date. The Seller agrees that no such additions and deductions shall be made in such inventory except in the ordinary course consistent with past practices and, further, to keep its usual and adequate records of such additions and deductions, which records shall be made available to the Purchaser for review and verification.

 

3.3 Allocations. The Asset Purchase Price shall be allocated in accordance with Exhibit D, and at Closing, subject to any adjustments or prorations provided for herein, classified in accordance with Section 1060 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder (and any similar provision of state, local or foreign law, as appropriate), which allocations and classifications shall be binding upon the Parties. Each of the Parties shall take all actions and file all Returns (including IRS Form 8594 “Asset Acquisition Statement”) consistent with such allocation and classification. The Parties shall timely and properly prepare, execute, file and deliver all such documents, forms and other information as may be reasonably requested by another Party to prepare such allocation

 

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3.4 Audit of Seller’s 2018 and 2019 Financials; Non-Audited Financials.

 

(a) On or before the 10th Business Day after the Effective Date, the Seller agrees to engage a public accounting firm to commence an independent audit of the Seller’s book and records for the fiscal years 2018 and 2019 and to prepare audited financial statements and related statements of income (profit and loss), cash flow, and member equity (balance sheet) (collectively, the “Audited Financial Statements”), to be delivered to the Seller on or before the 60th day after the Effective Date. The Audited Financial Statements shall be prepared in accordance with (i) GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods covered thereby and shall be consistent with the books and records of the Seller; and (b) the standards and rules of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. Within 3 Business Days of receipt of the Audited Financial Statements, the Seller shall deliver to the Purchaser, together with the Audited Financial Statements, an opinion of Seller's independent auditors that the Audited Financial Statements present fairly the financial condition and results of operations of the business relating to the Dealership Assets of the Seller. Seller shall make available to the Purchaser and the Purchaser’s accountants the Seller’s work papers and backup materials used in the preparation of the Audited Financial Statements.

 

(b) Within 30 days after the Effective Date, the Seller shall provide to the Purchaser the following CPA-prepared financial statements for the fiscal years 2018 and 2019: profit and loss statement, cash-flow statement, and balance sheet. Such financial statements shall be prepared according to United States generally accepted accounting principles.

 

3.5 Prorations.

 

(a) All obligations and liabilities represented by ad valorem taxes and assessments on the Dealership Assets for the calendar year in which the Closing occurs, and all prepaid and accrued expenses related to utilities, prepaid items, non-refundable utility deposits and the like relating to the Business or Assumed Liabilities, shall be apportioned between the Seller and the Purchaser as of the Closing Date on a calendar-year basis, it being understood that the Seller shall be responsible for any such obligations and liabilities accrued or allocable to periods prior to the Closing Date (whether or not then paid) and the Purchaser shall be responsible for any such obligations and liabilities accruing or allocable for the periods on and after the Closing Date.

 

(b) To the extent not fixed at the Closing Date, the initial apportionment of taxes shall be upon the basis of the appropriate rate or charge for the preceding year or other applicable period and applied to the latest assessment. If any final bill, including one for taxes and other apportioned obligations and liabilities, is different from that upon which the initial apportionment is made, the Parties shall promptly thereafter make an appropriate adjustment.

 

(c) Payments between the Parties to effect any apportionment under this Section 3.5 shall occur on the Closing Date or promptly after such adjustments have been determined and mutually agreed to by the Parties.

 

3.6 Deposit.

 

(a) Within 3 Business Days of the Effective Date, the Purchaser shall deliver to the Escrow Agent the amount of $500,000.00, to be held in the Escrow Agent’s IOLTA Attorneys Trust Account (the “Deposit”). If the Transaction shall be consummated, the Deposit shall be applied to the Purchaser’s obligations at the Closing as set forth in Section 4.5, and if this Agreement shall be terminated and the Transaction abandoned, then the Deposit shall be applied as set forth in Section 8.2.

 

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(b) By its execution of a counterpart of this Agreement or other signed agreement among Escrow Agent, the Seller, and the Purchaser, the Escrow Agent hereby accepts its designation as the escrow agent with respect to the Deposit, acknowledges receipt of the Deposit, subject to collection, and agrees to hold, invest and disburse the same as herein provided. The Escrow Agent shall not be liable for any acts taken in good faith, shall only be liable for its willful default or action, or gross negligence, and may, in its sole discretion, rely in good faith upon the written notices, communications, orders or instructions given by any Party; provided, however, that if any notice or correspondence is not executed by both the Purchaser and the Seller, the Escrow Agent shall give to the Purchaser or the Seller, as the case may be, copies of any notice or correspondence received from the other and shall not take any actions with regard thereto for 5 Business Days following the giving of such notice.

 

(c) In the event of a disagreement between the Seller and the Purchaser as to the proper disbursement of the Deposit, the Escrow Agent reserves the right to deposit said funds into the Registry of the Clerk of Court of Raleigh County, West Virginia (the “Court Registry”), by filing an interpleader action and Escrow Agent shall thereupon be discharged from the liability hereunder and shall be entitled to reimbursement from the Seller and the Purchaser for all attorney’s fees incurred and court costs expended in connection therewith. The parties acknowledge that the Escrow Agent is also the Purchaser’s attorney with respect to this Transaction and that, in the event an interpleader action is filed with respect to the Escrow Deposit, the Escrow Agent may continue to represent the Seller in such action or in any other action against the Seller with respect to this Agreement.

 

(d) The Seller and the Purchaser hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Escrow Agent against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses which may be incurred by the Escrow Agent in connection with its acceptance of this appointment or the performance of its duties hereunder; provided, however, that if the Escrow Agent shall be found guilty of willful default or action, or gross negligence, then, in such event, the Escrow Agent shall bear all such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses. In the event the Escrow Agent places the Deposit in the Court Registry, upon the delivery of same to the prevailing party, whether by court order or otherwise, the non-prevailing party shall (i) pay to the prevailing party at the time of such delivery, interest on said monies at the publicly announced prime rate of J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, as such rate may change from time to time, said interest to run from the date of deposit into the Court Registry until delivery of same to the prevailing party, and (ii) notwithstanding any contrary provision contained herein, pay to the Escrow Agent all monies necessary to reimburse the Escrow Agent for any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses incurred by the Escrow Agent in connection with its appointment as the Escrow Agent or the performance of its duties hereunder.

 

4. CLOSING

 

4.1 Time, Date and Place of Closing.

 

(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 8, the closing of the Transaction (the “Closing”) shall take place at such time and location as the Parties shall mutually select on or before the 30th day following the later of: (i) Manufacturer’s approval of the Purchaser, as provided in Section 4.2(c) below, (ii) the expiration of the Due Diligence Period, or (iii) such other date agreed to by Seller and Purchaser (the “Closing Date”); provided, the satisfaction (or appropriate waiver in writing) of the conditions set forth in Sections 4.2 and 4.3 below; provided, the foregoing does not diminish the requirement of the fulfillment (or appropriate waiver in writing) of those conditions that by their terms or nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, and such conditions to be satisfied at the Closing shall not be grounds for delaying the scheduling of the Closing.

 

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(b) The Closing shall be effective at 12:00:01 am (Eastern) on the Closing Date.

 

4.2 Conditions to Obligations of the Purchaser . The obligations of the Purchaser to make the payments and deliveries required under Section 4.5 and to consummate the Transaction are subject to the fulfillment prior to or at the Closing Date of each of the following conditions:

 

(a) Accuracy of Representations. Each of the representations and warranties of the Seller contained in this Agreement, or in any certificate, exhibit, Schedule or other document delivered by the Seller in connection with this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects, in each case on the Effective Date and at and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date and each of such representations and warranties that is qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct in all respects in each case on the Effective Date and at and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except in each case for such representations and warranties as are dated as of a particular date, which shall be true and correct in all material respects or true and correct in all respects, as the case may be, as of such date).

 

(b) Performance of Obligations. The Seller and the Shareholder shall have fully complied with and performed all of their obligations and covenants under this Agreement required to be performed or complied with prior to or at the Closing, including tendering for delivery to the Purchaser all of the items set forth in Section 4.4 below. It is contemplated that Seller’s floorplan liabilities and any other secured debt is paid at Closing.

 

(c) No Material Adverse Change. Between the Effective Date and the Closing Date there shall have been no Material Adverse Change.

 

(d) Manufacturer Approval. The Manufacturers shall have approved in writing the Transaction and the appointment of the Purchaser as an authorized motor vehicle dealer in the Manufacturers’ products at the applicable Dealership Premises, all on terms (including any facility or image improvement requirements) acceptable to the Purchaser, and the Manufacturers shall have issued to the Purchaser such documentation necessary for issuance of a West Virginia new motor vehicle dealer license. The Seller shall have executed all documents required by the Manufacturers to terminate its dealer sales and service agreements with the Manufacturers, to be effective as of the Closing Date and to be delivered to the Purchaser and the Manufacturers at Closing.

 

(e) Financing. Within 30 days of the Effective Date, the Purchaser shall have received a written commitment for floor plan and acquisition financing, all on terms and conditions acceptable to the Purchaser.

 

(f) Third Party Consents. With respect to each Assumed Contract that requires, prior to an assignment of the Seller’s interest therein, the Consent of a third party, each such third party shall, without cost to the Purchaser, have granted its Consent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser, authorizing the assignment of each of the Assumed Contracts from the Seller to the Purchaser.

 

(g) No Litigation. No Proceeding shall be pending, or threatened, or reasonably foreseeable, before any court or other Governmental Authority, wherein an unfavorable injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, or charge would (i) restrain, enjoin, prohibit or prevent consummation of the Transaction or any other transaction contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) cause the Transaction to be rescinded following consummation, or (iii) affect adversely the right of the Purchaser to own the Dealership Assets and to operate the Business (and no such injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, or charge shall be in effect).

 

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(h) Licenses. The Purchaser shall have obtained all required Licenses from Governmental Authorities to operate the Business at the Dealership Premises, in the same manner as currently operated by the Seller.

 

(i) Due Diligence. The Purchaser shall be satisfied with its due diligence investigations and inspections of the Business and the Dealership Assets. This provision shall be deemed satisfied at the end of the 2nd Business Day after the end of the Due Diligence Period, unless the Purchaser terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(f).

 

(j) Landlord Consents. The Princeton Landlord, the Summersville Landlord, and the Beaver Landlord shall have consented to the Seller’s assignment of the Princeton Premises Lease, the Summersville Premises Lease, and the Beaver Premises Lease, respectively, to the Purchaser or its assigns.

 

(k) Subordination, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement. Each of the Princeton Landlord’s lenders, the Summersville Landlord’s lenders, and the Beaver Landlord’s lenders shall have entered into a Subordination, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement with regard to the Princeton Premises Lease, the Summersville Premises Lease, and the Beaver Premises Lease, respectively, in form reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser’s counsel.

 

(l) Leases. MEG and E & W shall each have executed the MEG Lease Agreement and the E & W Lease Agreement, respectively.

 

(m) REPAs. The Beckley BG REPA and the Oak Hill Chevrolet REPA shall have closed simultaneously with the Closing.

 

4.3 Conditions to Obligations of the Seller. The obligations of the Seller to make the deliveries set forth in Section 4.4 and to consummate this Transaction are subject to the fulfillment prior to or at the Closing Date of each of the following conditions:

 

(a) Accuracy of Representations. Each of the representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in this Agreement, or in any certificate, exhibit, Schedule or other document delivered by the Purchaser in connection with this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects in each case on the Effective Date and at and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date and each of such representations and warranties that is qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct in all respects in each case on the Effective Date and at and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except in each case for such representations and warranties as are dated as of a particular date, which shall be true and correct in all material respects or true and correct in all respects, as the case may be, as of such date).

 

(b) Performance of the Purchaser’s Obligations. The Purchaser shall have fully complied with and performed all its obligations and covenants under this Agreement required to be performed or complied with prior to or at the Closing, including tendering for delivery to the Purchaser all of the items set forth in Section 4.5 below.

 

(c) No Litigation. No Proceeding shall be pending, or threatened, or reasonably foreseeable, before any court or other Governmental Authority, wherein an unfavorable injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, or charge would (i) restrain, enjoin, prohibit or prevent consummation of any of the Transaction or any other transaction contemplated by this Agreement, or (ii) cause the Transaction to be rescinded following consummation.

 

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(d) Landlord Consents. The Princeton Landlord, the Summersville Landlord, and the Beaver Landlord shall have consented to the Seller’s assignment of the Princeton Premises Lease, the Summersville Premises Lease, and the Beaver Premises Lease, respectively, to the Purchaser or its assigns.

 

(e) Leases. The Purchaser, or its Affiliate(s), shall have executed the MEG Lease Agreement and the E & W Lease Agreement.

 

(f) REPAs. The Beckley BG REPA and the Oak Hill Chevrolet REPA shall have closed simultaneously with the Closing.

 

(g) Manufacturer Approval. The Manufacturers shall have approved in writing the Transaction and the appointment of the Purchaser as an authorized motor vehicle dealer in the Manufacturers’ products at the applicable Dealership Premises, all on terms (including any facility or image improvement requirements) acceptable to each of the Manufacturers, and the Purchaser shall have obtained from each of the Manufacturers all documentation necessary for issuance of a West Virginia new motor vehicle dealer license. Each of the Manufacturers shall have executed all documents required to terminate its dealer sales and service agreements with the Seller, to be effective as of the Closing Date and to be delivered to the Seller at Closing.

 

4.4 Deliveries by the Seller at the Closing. On or before the Closing Date, the Seller and the Shareholder, as the case may be, shall deliver the following to the Purchaser (or as otherwise provided herein), each, where applicable, duly executed (or endorsed, as the case may be) by the Seller and/or Shareholder:

 

(a) (i) such deeds, bills of sale, endorsements, assignments and other good and sufficient instruments of conveyance (collectively, the “Conveyance Instrument”) as will effectively convey to the Purchaser all title to and interest in the Dealership Assets, together with releases or termination statements of all Encumbrances (other than Permitted Encumbrances) on the Dealership Assets, and (ii) an instrument of assignment and assumption with respect to the Assumed Liabilities (the “Assignment and Assumption Instrument,” and along with the Conveyance Instrument, collectively, the “Bill of Sale and Assignment”), in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit E;

 

(b) an instrument of assignment and assumption with respect to the tradenames, trademarks, domain names and URLs listed on Schedule 5.2(q), in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit F (the “IP Assignment Agreement”);

 

(c) an agreement concerning the allocation of the Asset Purchase Price and preparation of IRS Form 8594, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit G (the “8594 Agreement”);

 

(d) a non-competition and non-solicitation agreement, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit H (the “Non-Competition Agreement”);

 

(e) a post-Closing agreement (the “Post-Closing Agreement”), as applicable;

 

(f) a closing and disbursement statement enumerating the Asset Purchase Price, prorations, and adjustments, all in accordance with this Agreement or as otherwise agreed upon by the Seller and the Purchaser (the “Closing Statement”);

 

(g) an assignment and assumption agreement with respect to the Princeton Premises Lease, the Summersville Premises Lease, and the Beaver Premises Lease (the “Lease Assumption Instrument”);

 

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(h) the Operating Agreement;

 

(i) all manufacturer statements of origin furnished by a Manufacturer for the New Vehicles, Demos, and Service Loaners, and all titles for the Used Vehicles and the company vehicles (collectively, the “Titles”), along with a limited power of attorney in favor of the Purchaser with respect to the Titles;

 

(j) letters of good standing from the West Virginia State Tax Department (“WVSTD”) stating that, as of a date not more than 20 days prior to the Closing Date, the Seller is in compliance with all of the requirements of the WVSTD pertaining to the filing of tax returns and payment of taxes. The foregoing certifications shall be collectively referred to as the “Tax Certificates.” If the Seller is unable to deliver the Tax Certificates, the Purchaser may waive this delivery requirement subject to the Seller authorizing the Withheld Tax Amount described in Section 7.11 and executing the Tax Escrow Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit I;

 

(k) all owners’ manuals, all headsets, all DVD remotes (if applicable), all navigation system SD cards and DVDs, all floor mats, and at least 2 keys and wireless key fobs for each New Vehicle, Demo, and Service Loaner, and 1 key to each of the Used Vehicles acquired by the Purchaser;

 

(l) schedules, inventories, and other data from the Seller’s DMS reasonably requested by the Purchaser as part of building closing inventory/accounting schedules;

 

(m) a certificate dated the Closing Date and executed by an authorized representative of the Seller, certifying (i) that the representations and warranties of the Seller in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date, (ii) the covenants and agreements to be performed or complied with by the Seller prior to the Closing have been performed and complied with in all respects, (iii) the resolutions of the Seller authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the agreements contemplated hereby and approving the consummation of the Transaction, and (iv) the incumbency and signatures of any representatives of the Seller executing this Agreement;

 

(n) such document(s) as may be required by the Manufacturers to (i) memorialize or confirm the surrender or termination by the Seller of its dealer sales and service agreements and franchise rights with respect to the Manufacturers’ brands, (ii) confirm successful Closing of the Transaction, or (iii) memorialize the agreed disposition of the Seller’s parts accounts (e.g., the “Parts Account Settlement Acknowledgement”);

 

(o) certificates of good standing with respect to the Seller from the West Virginia Secretary of State, dated as of a recent date prior to the Closing Date;

 

(p) the cancellation of, or transfer to the Purchaser, of all fictitious names associated with the Business;

 

(q) written terminations of the Existing Leases;

 

(r) the Capital Contribution, which shall be satisfied by a credit on the Closing Statement in favor of the Purchaser at Closing, as further described in Section 4.7; and

 

(s) such other documents or instruments as may be required under this Agreement or as may be reasonably requested by the Purchaser in connection with the consummation of the Transaction.

 

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4.5 Deliveries by the Purchaser at the Closing. On or before the Closing Date, the Purchaser shall deliver or cause to be delivered the following to the Seller (or as otherwise provided herein), each, where applicable, duly executed (or endorsed, as the case may be) by the Purchaser:

 

(a) delivery to the Escrow Agent (who will serve as a disbursement agent at the Closing) by wire transfer in immediately available funds of an amount equal to the sum of the Asset Purchase Price, subject to the adjustments provided herein MINUS the Deposit MINUS the Indemnification Escrow Amount MINUS the Withheld Tax Amount MINUS the amount of the Capital Contribution and PLUS or MINUS any adjustments for prorations and other payments and withholdings to be paid or otherwise borne by the Seller or the Purchaser under this Agreement, which such net amount shall be disbursed by the Escrow Agent to the Seller by wire transfer to an account designated by the Seller, in immediately available funds;

 

(b) the Deposit, which shall be disbursed by the Escrow Agent to the Seller by wire transfer in immediately available funds or by certified check;

 

(c) the Membership Interest, described in Section 4.7;

 

(d) the Bill of Sale and Assignment;

 

(e) the IP Assignment Agreement;

 

(f) the 8594 Agreement;

 

(g) the Non-Competition Agreement;

 

(h) the Post-Closing Agreement;

 

(i) the Lease Assumption Instrument;

 

(j) the Operating Agreement;

 

(k) evidence of the issuance to the EBD and LAD of a combined 15% membership interest in the Purchaser;

 

(l) the Closing Statement;

 

(m) as applicable, the Tax Escrow Agreement;

 

(n) a certificate of good standing with respect to the Purchaser from the West Virginia Secretary of State, dated as of a recent date prior to the Closing Date;

 

(o) a certificate dated the Closing Date and executed by an officer of the Purchaser, certifying (i) that the representations and warranties of the Purchaser in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date, (ii) the covenants and agreements to be performed or complied with by the Purchaser prior to the Closing have been performed and complied with in all respects, (iii) the resolutions of the Purchaser authorizing the execution and delivery by the Purchaser of this Agreement and the agreements contemplated hereby and approving the consummation of the Transaction, and (ii) the incumbency and signatures of the officer of the Purchaser executing this Agreement;

 

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(p) the MEG Lease Agreement and the E & W Lease Agreement, each executed by the Purchaser; and

 

(q) such other documents or instruments as may be reasonably required by the Seller in accordance with this Agreement, each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser.

 

4.6 Post-Closing Matters.

 

(a) Delivery of Possession. The Seller shall take all necessary action to provide the Purchaser with possession of the Dealership Assets on the Closing Date. Within 5 Business Days after the Closing Date, the Seller shall remove from the Dealership Premises the Excluded Assets not sold to the Purchaser hereunder, during which time the Purchaser shall not be liable for any damages or losses to any of the Seller’s assets while on the Dealership Premises. If any of the Seller’s Excluded Assets remain on the Dealership Premises after such period, the Purchaser shall provide the Seller with written notice to remove the remaining Excluded Assets within 5 Business Days, and any Excluded Assets not removed by the Seller by the end of such additional period shall be deemed included in the Transaction. The Seller agrees to indemnify and hold the Purchaser harmless from any claims from customers or employees concerning their respective assets located on the Dealership Premises on the Closing Date.

 

(b) Records. The Purchaser agrees to store the Records, at no expense to the Seller, for the period(s) required under Applicable Law. The Purchaser shall be obligated to exercise only the same degree of care in the safeguard and maintenance of said Records as the Purchaser provides its own records. After the Closing Date, the Purchaser shall give to the Seller, and its agents, reasonable access to the Records as shall be necessary for recordkeeping and tax purposes, or in connection with any third-party demand or claim made by or against the Seller.

 

(c) Seller’s Receivables. Following the Closing, the Purchaser agrees for a period of 120 days or 4 month-ends, whichever is greater (the “Run Out Period”), to accept payment of the Seller’s accounts receivable payments arising out of the operation of the Business prior to Closing and to hold same for prompt payment over to the Seller. At the end of the Run Out Period, the Purchaser shall no longer be obligated to accept payments of such accounts receivable. If the Purchaser does accept payment of any of the Seller’s accounts receivable after expiration of the Run Out Period, the Purchaser shall promptly pay same over to the Seller. It is understood that the Purchaser’s responsibility, so far as such collection is concerned, is only to accept monies paid on such accounts receivable and shall not include any obligation to attempt to enforce payment thereof, or to send out bills or statements therefor.

 

(d) Run Out of Books. The Purchaser agrees to turn over to the Seller all payments, mail, invoices, general correspondence, and any other business-related items (“Residual Transactions”) related to the Seller’s Business operations prior to the Closing Date that are received by the Purchaser after the Closing Date, so the Seller may account for such items in the wind-down of its business affairs. The Purchaser and Seller will work closely to reasonably ensure that all Residual Transactions that may impact both the Purchaser and Seller will be reconciled, reviewed, and settled on a weekly basis for the first month and thereafter on a bi-weekly basis through the end of the Run Out Period.

 

(e) Erroneous Payments. The Parties shall in good faith work together and use their commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that (i) amounts paid by the Seller but owed by the Purchaser as a result of Manufacturer or vendor erroneously billing the Seller for items arising out of or in connection with the operation of the Business following Closing shall be paid over to the Seller promptly, and (ii) amounts paid by the Purchaser but owed by the Seller as a result of Manufacturer or vendor erroneously billing the Purchaser for items arising out of or in connection with the operation of the Dealership prior to Closing shall be paid over to the Purchaser promptly.

 

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(f) Further Assurances.

 

(i) To the extent that any of the Assumed Contracts is not assignable without the consent of another party, this Agreement shall not constitute an assignment or attempted assignment thereof at any time prior to receipt of such consent. If such consent shall not be obtained on or prior to the Closing, the Seller agrees to cooperate with the Purchaser after the Closing in implementing any reasonable arrangement designed to provide for the Purchaser the benefits under any such Assumed Contracts.

 

(ii) The Seller shall, from time to time after the Closing, deliver to the Purchaser such further deeds, bills of sale and assignment, documents of title and other instruments necessary or desirable, in the reasonable opinion of the Purchaser’s counsel, to perfect the transfers of the Dealership Assets and the Assumed Liabilities to the Purchaser, free and clear of all Encumbrances other than the Permitted Encumbrances. The Purchaser shall, from time to time after the Closing, deliver to the Seller such further assignments, instruments of assumption, or other documents as may be necessary or desirable, in the reasonable opinion of the Seller’s counsel, to perfect or clarify the Purchaser’s assumption of the Assumed Liabilities.

 

(g) Post-Closing Assistance and Allstate Office. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Purchaser will allow (i) Alex Williams to assist Seller with the closing of Seller’s financial statements for the month of the Closing, and (ii) the Allstate Office, operated by a relative of Seller, to remain on the Beckley BG Premises for up to 12 months, and shall not require a rental payment from the Allstate Office.

 

(h) Survival. The matters under this Section 4.6 shall survive the Closing.

 

4.7 Membership Interest; Capital Contribution.

 

(a) On the Closing Date, the Purchaser shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Davis HoldCo a 15% membership interest in the Purchaser (the “Membership Interest”).

 

(b) On the Closing Date, in exchange for the Purchaser’s issuance of the Membership Interest, Davis HoldCo shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Purchaser an amount equal to 15% of the Required Initial Capitalization (the “Capital Contribution”), which shall be delivered in the form of a credit in the closing statement in favor of the Purchaser at Closing. The Membership Interest shall be subject to the Operating Agreement.

 

5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

5.1 Representations and Warranties by the Purchaser. The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Seller as of the Effective Date and as of the Closing Date as follows:

 

(a) Corporate Matters.

 

(i) The Purchaser is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the state of its formation and in West Virginia.

 

(ii) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Other Agreements to which it is a party by the Purchaser have been duly authorized by all requisite company action. Except for the required Licenses and the Consent of the Manufacturers to the appointment of the Purchaser as an authorized dealer in the Manufacturers’ products, no approval or consent of any other person is required in connection with the execution, delivery, and performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement and the Other Agreements to which it is a party.

 

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(iii) This Agreement has been, and at the Closing the Other Agreements to which the Purchaser is a party will be duly executed and, assuming due authorization, execution, and delivery by the Seller and Shareholder, this Agreement constitutes and the Other Agreements to which the Purchaser is a party will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Purchaser, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, except to the extent that enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws and equitable principles affecting creditors’ rights generally and the discretion of the courts in granting equitable remedies.

 

(iv) The execution and delivery by the Purchaser of this Agreement and the Other Agreements to which it is a party, and the consummation by the Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, will not constitute (with or without the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both) a violation of, contravene, be in conflict with, result in the acceleration of or entitle any party to accelerate (whether after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both), or constitute a default under (A) any term or provision of the articles of organization or operating agreement of the Purchaser, (B) any Contract to which the Purchaser is subject or by which it is bound, or (C) subject to compliance with any Applicable Law.

 

(b) Brokers. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.1(b), no broker, agent, consultant, finder or other similar person has assisted the Purchaser in procuring, negotiating or executing this Agreement, and the Purchaser is under no contract with any such party.

 

(c) Financial Ability. Purchaser has the financial ability to consummate the Transaction and will have the financial ability to consummate the Transaction at Closing.

 

(d) No Material Misrepresentation or Omission. No representation or warranty by the Purchaser contained in this Agreement, and no statement contained in any instrument, list, certificate, or writing furnished by the Purchaser to the Seller under the provisions hereof or in connection with the Transaction, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading.

 

5.2 Representations and Warranties by the Seller. The Seller represents and warrants to the Purchaser as of the Effective Date and as of the Closing Date as follows:

 

(a) Corporate Matters.

 

(i) Each of BBGAM, KCC, and HPV are corporations duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of West Virginia.

 

(ii) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Other Agreements to which it is a party by the Seller have been duly authorized by all requisite company action (including approval by the Shareholder). Except for the Consent of the Manufacturers to the appointment of the Purchaser as an authorized dealer in the Manufacturers’ products, and the approval of the Princeton Landlord, the Summersville Landlord, and the Beaver Landlord to the assignment of the Princeton Premises Lease, the Summersville Premises Lease, and the Beaver Premises Lease, respectively, no approval or consent of any other person is required in connection with the execution, delivery, and performance by the Seller and the Shareholder of this Agreement and the Other Agreements to which they are parties.

 

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(iii) This Agreement has been, and at the Closing the Other Agreements to which the Seller is a party will be duly executed and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Purchaser, this Agreement constitutes and the Other Agreements to which the Seller is a party will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Seller, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, except to the extent that enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws and equitable principles affecting creditors’ rights generally and the discretion of the courts in granting equitable remedies.

 

(iv) The execution and delivery by the Seller of this Agreement and the Other Agreements to which the Seller is a party, and the consummation by the Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, will not constitute (with or without the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both) a violation of, contravene, be in conflict with, result in the acceleration of or entitle any party to accelerate (whether after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both), or constitute a default under (A) any term or provision of the articles of incorporation or by-laws of the Seller, (B) any Contract to which the Seller is subject or by which it is bound, or (C) subject to compliance with any Applicable Law.

 

(b) Title. The Seller owns, and has, or shall have as of the Closing Date, good title to, the Dealership Assets, free and clear of all Encumbrances, other than the Permitted Encumbrances. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.2(b), all Fixed Assets located at the Dealership Premises and utilized by the Seller in the operation of its Business are owned by the Seller.

 

(c) Taxes. The Seller has duly filed all foreign, federal, state, county and local income, excise, sales, property, withholding, social security, franchise, license, information returns and other applicable tax returns and reports, or appropriate and permitted extensions thereto, required to be filed by it as of the Effective Date with respect to the Business and the Dealership Assets. To the Seller’s Knowledge, each such return is true, correct, and complete, and the Shareholder has paid all taxes, assessments, amounts, interest and penalties due to any Governmental Authority. To its Knowledge, the Seller has no liability for any taxes, assessments, amounts, interest or penalties of any nature whatsoever other than those for which the Seller has created sufficient reserves or made other adequate provision. No Governmental Authority is now asserting or, to the Seller’s Knowledge, threatening to assert any deficiency or assessment for additional taxes, interest, penalties or fines with respect to the Seller, the Business, or the Dealership Assets.

 

(d) Contracts. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.2(d):

 

(i) Each Assumed Contract listed on Schedule 2.1(e) is in full force and effect and constitutes a legal, valid and binding agreement, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally and general principles of equity. No event or condition has occurred and is continuing which, with or without the lapse of time or giving of notice, constitutes, or would ripen into or become, a breach of or default under an Assumed Contract by the Seller, or, to the Seller’s Knowledge, by any other party thereto, in any term, covenant or condition of each Assumed Contract; and

 

(ii) Except for (A) the Assumed Contracts, (B) Contracts listed on Schedule 2.1(e)(ii) which Purchaser has elected not to assume, and (C) Contracts involving in each case less than $2,000.00 over their respective terms or which are terminable at will by the Seller without payment or penalty of any nature whatsoever, the Seller is not a party to any assignable Contract.

 

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(e) Employees and Employment Matters. Unless otherwise set forth in detail in Schedule 5.2(e), to Seller’s knowledge:

 

(i) The Seller has complied with all requirements of Applicable Law relating to the Seller’s employees (each an “Employee” and collectively, the “Employees”) and will have paid all wages, salary, vacation, and sick leave (even if not specifically accrued for by the Seller), and bonuses due to the Employees (the “Employee Compensation”) through the Closing Date (including any accrued bonuses). The Seller has not received any notice regarding a current claim against it for (A) overtime pay, wages, salary or bonus, excluding current payroll periods or (B) vacation time, excluding time earned in current payroll periods.

 

(ii) The Seller is not currently paying any pension, deferred compensation, or retirement allowance to anyone.

 

(iii) The Seller has no oral or written collective bargaining or organized labor contracts, employment agreements, bonus or commission agreements, pay plans, deferred compensation agreements, profit sharing agreements, welfare or health benefit agreements, or retirement plans or arrangements, whether or not legally binding. In accordance with the deadlines in Section 7.4, the Seller shall deliver to the Purchaser true and correct copies of each agreement, plan, or arrangement described on Schedule 5.2(e), if any.

 

(iv) The Seller has taken no action that would interfere with any employment by the Purchaser of any Employee.

 

(v) The Seller is not aware that any Employee intends to terminate his or her employment relationship with the Seller. The Seller has no contract for the future employment of any Employee.

 

(vi) The Seller is not aware of any Employee who intends to refuse employment with the Purchaser after the Closing or will terminate his/her employment with the Purchaser within 2 weeks after the Closing Date.

 

(vii) There have been no Employee walk-outs, strikes, or similar events within the last 3 years.

 

(viii) No current or former Employee has filed a charge with the EEOC within the last 2 years.

 

(ix) The Seller maintains current files containing all Labor Condition Applications and related public and non-public access documentation which they must present upon request by the Department of Labor including all documentation noted in 20 CFR §655.760. The Seller also maintain current files containing all documentation which they are required to maintain in the event of an audit related to labor certification for permanent employment filings, including all documentation noted in 20 CFR §655 and 656 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(x) The Seller has taken the required actions under Applicable Law to confirm the identity and work status eligibility of its Employees. The Seller has not received any written notice of any inspection or investigation relating to their alleged noncompliance with or violation of IRCA, nor has the Seller been warned, fined or otherwise penalized for any failure to comply with IRCA or for any willful violation of any other immigration law, rule or regulation.

 

(xi) The Seller has complied in all material respects with the applicable requirements for its employee medical and benefit plans as set forth in the Code and ERISA, including Section 4980B of the Code (as well as its predecessor provision, Section 162(k) of the Code) and Sections 601 through 608, inclusive, of ERISA, which provisions are hereinafter referred to collectively as “COBRA.”

 

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(xii) Subject to the Purchaser’s observance and performance of the covenant by the Purchaser set forth in Section 7.3(g) of this Agreement, the Seller has not violated and will not violate the WARN Act.

 

(f) Financial Statements. True, correct and complete copies of the Current Financials have been delivered by the Seller to the Purchaser for Purchaser’s review in connection with its due diligence investigation of the Business and the Dealership Assets. The Current Financials (i) have been prepared in accordance with the Manufacturers’ reporting requirements, (ii) represent actual, bona fide transactions, and (iii) fairly present the financial condition and the results of operations of the Business as at the respective dates of and for the periods referred to in such records. To the Knowledge of the Seller, neither the Seller nor its independent accountants have identified or been made aware of any fraud, whether or not material, that involves the Seller’s management or other employees who have a role in the preparation of financial statements or the internal controls utilized by the Seller, or any claim or allegation regarding any of the foregoing. Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.2(f), since June 1, 2020, there has been:

 

(i) no business condition or any fact that has specific application to the Seller that may result in a Material Adverse Change;

 

(ii) no damage to, or destruction or loss of, any assets of the Seller materially and adversely affecting the Dealership Assets or the condition (financial or otherwise), business, operations or prospects of the Business;

 

(iii) no sale, lease, abandonment or other disposition or removal of any assets that would have constituted Dealership Assets except in the ordinary course consistent with past practices with replacement by assets of similar utility and value;

 

(iv) no material increases in the compensation, commissions or bonuses payable to any employee or agent of the Seller performing services with respect to the Business; no entry into or amendment or modification of any employment, severance or similar contract; no adoption of or material increase in benefits under any employee benefit plan or program; and no labor problems, strikes or other occurrences of a similar nature; or

 

(v) no change in the accounting methods used by the Seller with respect to the Business.

 

(g) Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.2(g), the Seller has no debts, claims, liabilities or obligations of any nature, whether known or unknown, absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due, asserted or un-asserted, except (1) to the extent disclosed or reserved against in the Seller’s balance sheet for the 12 months ended December 31, 2019, and (2) for liabilities and obligations that were incurred after December 31, 2019 in the ordinary course consistent with past practices and that, individually or in the aggregate, do not exceed $10,000.

 

(h) Condition of the Dealership Assets and Dealership Premises. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.2(h):

 

(i) the Dealership Assets constitute all of the assets used by the Seller in connection with, and necessary for, the operation of the Business in the ordinary course and as historically operated by the Seller;

 

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(ii) the Seller has not received notice of and has no actual knowledge of (A) any pending or contemplated condemnation, eminent domain or rezoning Proceeding affecting the Dealership Premises, (B) any proposal or other consideration for increasing the assessed value of the Dealership Premises for state, county, local or other ad valorem or similar Taxes by an amount that would materially affect the profitability of the Business, or (C) any Proceedings or public improvements which could or might result in the levy of any special Tax or assessment against the Dealership Premises;

 

(iii) the only real estate, properties, and interests used by the Seller in the Business or necessary to the operation of the Business are the Dealership Premises;

 

(iv) a true and correct copy of the Princeton Premises Lease is attached hereto as Exhibit J;

 

(v) a true and correct copy of the Summersville Premises Lease is attached hereto as Exhibit K; and

 

(vi) a true and correct copy of the Beaver Premises Lease is attached hereto as Exhibit L.

 

(i) Litigation. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.2(i), there is no Proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of the Seller, threatened against or relating to the Seller (including in connection with or relating to the Transaction or the Other Agreements or of any action taken or to be taken in connection therewith or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby).

 

(j) Compliance with Applicable Laws. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.2(j), To its Knowledge, the Seller has complied in all material respects with all Applicable Laws relating to the Business, the Dealership Assets and its use and occupation of the Dealership Premises (including zoning laws), and is not and has not been either charged with, in receipt of any notice or warning of, or to the Knowledge of the Seller, under investigation with respect to, any failure or alleged failure to comply with any provision of any Applicable Law.

 

(k) Brokers. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.2(k), no broker, agent, consultant or other similar person has assisted Seller in procuring, negotiating or closing this Transaction, and the Seller is under no contract with any such party.

 

(l) Environmental. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.2(l):

 

(i) To the Seller’s Knowledge, there are no Hazardous Substances present at, on, in or under any portion of the Dealership Premises the Seller operated such portion of the Dealer Premises and was owned by the Shareholder, or a Shareholder Affiliate, except for consumables used and waste generated in the ordinary course of the Seller’s business, in each case in compliance with applicable Environmental Laws.

 

(ii) The Seller has not received any notice, whether oral or written, from any Governmental Authority or other Person of any actual or threatened Environmental, Health and Safety Liabilities that are pending or unresolved with respect to the Dealership Premises Storage or the Business.

 

(iii) To the Seller’s Knowledge, all gasoline, oil and other petroleum products stored, treated, used or disposed of on, in or about any portion of the Dealership Premises by the Seller have been stored, treated, used or disposed of in full and strict compliance with all Applicable Laws. All such above -ground gasoline, oil or petroleum product storage tanks placed upon the Dealership Premises by the Seller or used by the Seller on the Dealership Premises, if any, have been properly registered.

 

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(iv) The Seller has provided to the Purchaser all material environmental reports, assessments, audits, studies, investigations, data and other nonprivileged written environmental information in its custody, possession or control concerning the Business or the Dealership Premises.

 

(m) Manufacturer Communications. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.2(m), no Manufacturer has (i) notified the Seller of any deficiency in dealership operations (including brand imaging, facility conditions, sales efficiency, customer satisfaction, warranty work and reimbursement, or sales incentives); (ii) advised the Seller of a present or future need for facility improvements, upgrades, or relocation in connection with the Business; (iii) notified the Seller of such Manufacturer’s desire to alter the configuration of the Business, including facility utilization; (iv) notified the Seller of a plan to establish an additional dealer within 40 or fewer miles from the Dealership Premises, (v) notified the Seller of the relocation of an existing dealership for any of such Manufacturer’s products within 20 miles of the Dealership Premises, or (vi) notified the Seller of any reduction in the Seller’s new vehicle allocation for such Manufacturer’s products. The Seller is not a party to any “exclusive use agreement,” “site control agreement,” or other Contract with any Manufacturer (other than a dealer sales and service agreement) concerning the occupation and use of the Dealership Premises.

 

(n) Manufacturer Audits. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.2(n), in the last 5 years, no Manufacturer has conducted any audit of the Seller’s sales practices and documentation or service practices and warranty claim documentation, and the Seller has not been subject to a chargeback of monies previously paid to the Seller with respect to its vehicle sales and warranty claims.

 

(o) Dealership Marketing Plans. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.2(o), in the last 5 years, the Seller has not participated, and currently does not participate, in customer marketing or added value plans such as “tires for life,” “batteries for life,” “lifetime oil changes,” customer coupon programs, customer gift certificates, extended service warranties, insurance related products, or similar customer programs, and the Seller has not offered its customers any products or services for which the Seller, or any of its Affiliates, has an ongoing responsibility for administration and the Liability thereof.

 

(p) Tradenames; Domain Names; URLs. Schedule 5.2(p) sets forth a complete list of all tradenames and trademarks that have been utilized by the Seller in its Business and a list of all Internet domain names or URLs registered, owned, or leased by the Seller, Shareholder, or their Affiliates. The Seller owns, solely and exclusively, or possesses the valid and enforceable right to use all of the Seller’s tradenames.

 

(q) Odometer Accuracy. The odometer on each of the motor vehicles included in the Seller’s inventory on the Closing Date represents the actual mileage that such motor vehicle has been driven unless otherwise disclosed on the odometer disclosure statement accompanying such motor vehicle.

 

(r) Privacy Laws. The Seller has complied with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “GLB Act”) with respect to customer information received by the Seller, including, if applicable, responsibility for providing any notice required, and the Seller has implemented and maintained privacy practices to protect any financial information received by the Seller from its customers. Schedule 5.2(r) contains a copy of the Seller’s internal policies and procedures document for compliance with the GLB Act and a copy of the notice provided to the Seller’s customers.

 

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(s) Solvency. The Seller is not insolvent and will not be rendered insolvent by the Transaction. As used in this Section 5.2(s), “insolvent” means that the sum of the Seller’s debts and other probable Liabilities exceeds the present fair saleable value of the Seller’s assets.

 

(t) Intellectual Property Rights. The Seller either owns or is otherwise entitled to use (under a license or otherwise) all Proprietary Rights necessary to conduct the business of the Business as presently conducted. For purposes of this Agreement, “Proprietary Rights” means all (i) trademarks, service marks, trade dress, logos, trade names and corporate names and registrations and applications for registration thereof, (ii) copyrights and registrations and applications for registration thereof, (iii) mask works and registrations and applications for registration thereof, (iv) computer software data and documentation, (v) trade secrets and confidential business information (including ideas, formulas, compositions, inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice), copyrightable works, financial, marketing and business data, pricing and cost information, business and marketing plans and customer and supplier lists and information), (vi) other proprietary rights or any intellectual property, and (vii) copies and tangible embodiments thereof (in whatever form or medium).

 

(u) Licenses. Schedule 5.2(u) contains a list of all Licenses that, to the Knowledge of Seller, constitute all material Licenses as required for the operation of the Business as presently conducted and as presently intended to be conducted. The Seller currently has all such Licenses, and to its Knowledge, the Seller is not in default or violation (and no event has occurred which, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute a default or violation) of any term, condition or provision of any such License, nor are any facts or circumstances that could form the Basis for any such default or violation.

 

(v) No Material Misrepresentation or Omission. No representation or warranty by the Seller contained in this Agreement, and no statement contained in any instrument, list, certificate, or writing furnished by the Seller to the Purchaser under the provisions hereof or in connection with the Transaction, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading.

 

5.3 Representations and Warranties by the Shareholder. The Shareholder represents and warrants to the Purchaser as of the Effective Date and as of the Closing Date as follows:

 

(a) Corporate Matters.

 

(i) Each of BBGAM, KCC, and HPV are corporations duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of West Virginia.

 

(ii) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Other Agreements to which it is a party by the Seller have been duly authorized by all requisite company action (including approval by the Shareholder). Except for the Consent of the Manufacturers to the appointment of the Purchaser as an authorized dealer in the Manufacturers’ products, and the approval of the Princeton Landlord, the Summersville Landlord, and the Beaver Landlord to the assignment of the Princeton Premises Lease, the Summersville Premises Lease, and the Beaver Premises Lease, respectively, no approval or consent of any other person is required in connection with the execution, delivery, and performance by the Seller and the Shareholder of this Agreement and the Other Agreements to which they are parties.

 

(iii) This Agreement has been, and at the Closing the Other Agreements to which the Seller and/or the Shareholder are parties will be duly executed and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Purchaser, this Agreement constitutes and the Other Agreements to which the Seller and/or the Shareholder are parties will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of each of the Seller and the Shareholder, as applicable, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, except to the extent that enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws and equitable principles affecting creditors’ rights generally and the discretion of the courts in granting equitable remedies.

 

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(iv) The execution and delivery by the Seller of this Agreement and the execution and delivery by the Seller and the Shareholder of the Other Agreements to which the Seller and/or the Shareholder are parties, and the consummation by the Seller and the Shareholder, as applicable, of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, will not constitute (with or without the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both) a violation of, contravene, be in conflict with, result in the acceleration of or entitle any party to accelerate (whether after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both), or constitute a default under (A) any term or provision of the articles of incorporation or by-laws of the Seller or the Shareholder, (B) any Contract to which the Seller or the Shareholder are subject or by which they are bound, or (C) subject to compliance with any Applicable Law.

 

(b) Legal Capacity. The Shareholder has the necessary legal capacity to join this Agreement for the purposes set forth in the applicable joinder(s) and the Seller’s Closing Documents to which the Shareholder is a party and to perform his or her obligations hereunder and thereunder, if any.

 

6. SURVIVAL; INDEMNIFICATION

 

6.1Survival. Subject to Section 6.6, the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made by the Parties and in any agreement, certificate, instrument or other document delivered under this Agreement shall survive the Closing and consummation of the Transaction for a period of 24 months following the Closing.

 

6.2 Indemnities of the Seller.

 

(a) Subject to the provisions of this Article 6, the Seller shall, jointly and severally, indemnify, hold harmless and agree to defend the Purchaser and its Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, consultants, representatives, stockholders and controlling Persons and their respective successors and assigns (collectively, the “Purchaser Indemnified Parties”) at all times from and after the date of this Agreement, from and against any and all Losses incurred by any of the Purchaser Indemnified Parties (the “Purchaser Damages”), which may now or in the future be paid, incurred or suffered by or asserted against the Purchaser Indemnified Parties by any Person resulting or arising from or incurred in connection with any one or more of the following:

 

(i) any misrepresentation or breach of any warranty of the Seller or the Shareholder made or contained in this Agreement;

 

(ii) any failure of the Seller to perform any covenant or agreement made or contained in this Agreement or fulfill any obligation in respect thereof;

 

(iii) any Retained Liability or Excluded Asset;

 

(iv) any non-compliance by the Seller with any fraudulent transfer law in connection with the Transaction; or

 

(v) any brokerage or finder’s fees or commissions or similar payments based upon any Contract made, or alleged to have been made, by any Person, with the Seller or the Shareholder (or any Person acting on their behalf) in connection with the Transaction.

 

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(b) Basket. In no event will any amount be recovered from the Seller for any Purchaser Damages resulting from matters described in Section 6.2(a)(i), until the aggregate amount of all Purchaser Damages incurred by the Purchaser Indemnified Parties exceeds $50,000 (the “Basket”), in which event the Seller, jointly and severally, will be obligated, subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, to indemnify the Purchaser Indemnified Parties to the full extent of such Purchaser Damages, including the Basket, on a dollar for dollar basis; provided, however, that the Seller’s Liability for any Purchaser Damages will not be limited as set forth in this Section 6.2(b) if such Purchaser Damages relate to a breach of representation or warranty set forth in Sections 5.2(a) 5.2(b), 5.3(a) or 5.3(b) (inclusive).

 

(c) Cap. In no event will the amount recovered from the Seller for any Purchaser Damages resulting from matters described in Section 6.2(a) exceed $3,000,000.00 (the “Cap”), provided, however, that the Seller’s Liability for any Purchaser Damages will not be limited as set forth in this Section 6.2(c) if such Purchaser Damages relate to a breach of representation or warranty set forth in Sections 5.2(a) 5.2(b), 5.3(a) or 5.3(b) (inclusive).

 

(d) Insurance. The Seller’s indemnification obligations shall be reduced to the extent that the subject matter of any indemnification claim brought by the Purchaser is covered by and paid to Purchaser pursuant to a warranty or indemnification from a third-party or third-party insurance.

 

(e) Indemnification Escrow. At the Closing, an amount equal to $600,000.00 of the Asset Purchase Price shall be withheld and delivered to the Escrow Agent and deposited in escrow by the Purchaser (the “Indemnification Escrow Amount”), to be held for a period of 24 months following the Closing Date (the “Indemnification Escrow Period”) to secure the Seller’s indemnification obligations under this Section 6.2. The Escrow Agent shall deposit the Indemnification Escrow Amount in a non-interest-bearing account to be held in accordance with the form of escrow agreement (“Indemnification Escrow Agreement”) attached hereto as Exhibit M.

 

(i) 50% of the Indemnification Escrow Amount shall be released and paid by the Escrow Agent to the Seller on the 1st anniversary of the Closing Date (the “First Release”); provided, however, the First Release shall be reduced by any amounts either (A) paid to a Purchaser Indemnified Party from the Indemnification Escrow Amount, or (B) subject to a disputed claim as of the date of the First Release.

 

(ii) The remaining portion of the Indemnification Escrow Amount shall be released and paid by the Escrow Agent to the Seller on the 2nd anniversary of the Closing Date (the “Second Release”); provided, however, the Second Release shall be reduced by any amounts either (A) paid to a Purchaser Indemnified Party from the Indemnification Escrow Amount, or (B) subject to a disputed claim as of the date of the Second Release.

 

(iii) If the Seller receives notice from the Purchaser of a request for indemnification during the Indemnification Escrow Period and the Seller does not dispute its indemnification obligation in connection therewith within 10 Business Days of receiving written notice from the Purchaser as provided below in this Section 6.2(e)(iii), the Purchaser may, only after complying with the procedures described in the Indemnification Escrow Agreement, set off the amount owed to it in respect of such indemnification obligation against the Indemnification Escrow Amount. Such amount will reduce the Indemnification Escrow Amount and any corresponding release owed to the Seller during the applicable period set forth in this Section 6.2(e), or upon termination of the Indemnification Escrow Period, as the case may be. Prior to exercising its right of set-off hereunder, the Purchaser shall notify the Seller in writing of the matter in dispute together with all material facts and circumstances reasonably necessary for the Seller to determine the Basis for such claim or asserted obligation.

 

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6.3 Indemnities of the Shareholder.

 

(a) Subject to the provisions of this Section 6, EBD shall, severally, indemnify, hold harmless and agree to defend the Purchaser Indemnified Parties, at all times from and after the date of this Agreement, from and against any and all Purchaser Damages which may now or in the future be paid, incurred or suffered by or asserted against the Purchaser Indemnified Parties by any Person resulting or arising from or incurred in connection any misrepresentation or breach of any warranty of the Shareholder made or contained in this Agreement, to the extent that such misrepresentation or breach is caused by the act or omission of EBD.

 

(b) Subject to the provisions of this Section 6, LAD shall, severally, indemnify, hold harmless and agree to defend the Purchaser Indemnified Parties, at all times from and after the date of this Agreement, from and against any and all Purchaser Damages which may now or in the future be paid, incurred or suffered by or asserted against the Purchaser Indemnified Parties by any Person resulting or arising from or incurred in connection any misrepresentation or breach of any warranty of the Shareholder made or contained in this Agreement, to the extent that such misrepresentation or breach is caused by the act or omission of LAD.

 

(c) Subject to the provisions of this Section 6, TWH shall, severally, indemnify, hold harmless and agree to defend the Purchaser Indemnified Parties, at all times from and after the date of this Agreement, from and against any and all Purchaser Damages which may now or in the future be paid, incurred or suffered by or asserted against the Purchaser Indemnified Parties by any Person resulting or arising from or incurred in connection with any misrepresentation or breach of any warranty of the Shareholder made or contained in this Agreement, to the extent that such misrepresentation or breach is caused by the act or omission of TWH.

 

(d) For the sake of clarity, neither EBD, LAD nor TWH shall be required to indemnify, hold harmless or defend any of the Purchaser Indemnified Parties from or against any Purchaser Damages resulting from or incurred in connection with any misrepresentation or breach of any warranty of the Shareholder made or contained in this Agreement which is not caused, in whole or in part, by the act or omission of such Person.

 

(e) Exhaustion against the Seller. In no event will any amount be recovered from EBD, LAD or TWH individually for any Purchaser Damages resulting from matters described in Sections 6.2(a), 6.2(b) or 6.2(c) (inclusive) unless and until (i) the applicable Purchaser Indemnified Parties have first made claims for indemnification against the Seller with respect to such Purchaser Damages, (ii) such claims are held by a court described in Section 9.6 to be valid, and (iii) the applicable Purchaser Indemnified Parties are unable to enforce such claims against the Seller or unable to collect the full amount of such Purchaser Damages (as determined by said court) from the Seller.

 

(f) Individual Caps.

 

(i) In no event will the amount recovered collectively from EBD individually and LAD individually for any Purchaser Damages resulting from matters described in Section 6.3(a) exceed $1,500,000.00.

 

(ii) In no event will the amount recovered from TWH individually for any Purchaser Damages resulting from matters described in Section 6.3(b) exceed $1,500,000.00.

 

(g) Insurance. The indemnification obligations of EBD, LAD and TWH shall be reduced to the extent that the subject matter of any indemnification claim brought by the Purchaser is covered by and paid to Purchaser pursuant to a warranty or indemnification from a third-party or third-party insurance.

 

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6.4 Indemnities of the Purchaser.

 

(a) Subject to the provisions set forth in this Section 6, the Purchaser shall, and hereby does indemnify, hold harmless and agree to defend the Shareholder and the Seller and its Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, consultants, representatives, stockholders and controlling Persons and their respective successors and assigns (collectively, the “Seller Indemnified Parties”) at all times from and after the date of this Agreement, from and against any and all Losses incurred by any of the Seller Indemnified Parties (the “Seller Damages”), which may now or in the future be paid, incurred or suffered by or asserted against the Seller Indemnified Parties by any Person resulting or arising from or incurred in connection with any one or more of the following:

 

(i) any misrepresentation or breach of any warranty of the Purchaser made or contained in this Agreement;

 

(ii) any failure of the Purchaser to perform any covenant or agreement made or contained in this Agreement or fulfill any obligation in respect thereof;

 

(iii) any brokerage or finder’s fees or commissions or similar payments based upon any Contract made, or alleged to have been made, by any Person, with the Seller or the Shareholder (or any Person acting on their behalf) in connection with the Transaction;

 

(iv) a failure of Purchaser to fulfill the obligations of an Assumed Contract or other Assumed Liability; or

 

(v) any and all liabilities arising from or related to the operation of the business and Dealership Assets after Closing.

 

(b) Basket. In no event will any amount be recovered from the Purchaser for any Seller’s Damages resulting from matters described in Section 6.4(a)(i) until the aggregate amount of all Seller Damages incurred by the Seller Indemnified Parties exceeds the Basket, in which event the Purchaser will be obligated, subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, to indemnify the Seller to the full extent of such Seller’s Damages, including the Basket, on a dollar for dollar basis.

 

6.5 Claim Procedures. Each Person that desires to make a Claim for indemnification pursuant to this Section 6 (an “Indemnified Party”) will provide notice (a “ Claim Notice”) thereof in writing to the Purchaser (if the Indemnified Party is a Seller Indemnified Party) or to the Seller and the Shareholder, as applicable, (if the Indemnified Party is a Purchaser Indemnified Party) (in each such case, an “Indemnifying Party”), specifying the nature and Basis for such Claim and a copy of all papers served with respect to such Claim (if any). For purposes of this Section 6.4, receipt by a Person of written notice of any Third-Party Claim which gives rise to a Claim on behalf of such Person will require delivery of a Claim Notice to the Indemnifying Party within 20 days following the receipt of such Third-Party Claim; provided, however, that an Indemnified Party’s failure to send or delay in sending a Claim Notice will not relieve an Indemnifying Party from Liability hereunder with respect to such Claim except to the extent and only to the extent the Indemnifying Party is materially prejudiced by such failure or delay.

 

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6.6 Limitations on Indemnification.

 

(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, and except for claims for indemnification arising out of (i) the Seller’s Retained Liabilities and Excluded Assets, (ii) the Seller’s breach of Sections 5.2(a) and 5.2(b), (iii) the Purchaser’s breach of Section 5.1(a), or (iv) the Seller’s or Purchaser’s willful, fraudulent, or intentional misrepresentation, each of which shall survive the Closing through the period that ends 60 days after all statutes of limitation applicable to the underlying claim(s), any other claims for indemnification by the Seller or the Purchaser Indemnitees under this Agreement must be made within 24 months following the Closing.

 

(b) The representations, warranties and covenants that are the subject of an on-going claim timely submitted by a Party under this Section 6.6 shall survive until the claim is finally determined

 

(c) In no event will either Party or the Shareholder be liable for any consequential, incidental, indirect, special, or punitive damages.

 

6.7 Calculation, Timing, Manner and Characterization of Indemnification Payments.

 

(a) Payments of all amounts owing by an Indemnifying Party other than as a result of a Third-Party Claim will be made within 15 Business Days after the later of (i) the date the Indemnifying Party is deemed liable therefor pursuant to this Section 6 or (ii) if disputed, the date of the adjudication of the Indemnifying Party’s Liability to the Indemnified Party under this Agreement.

 

(b) Payments of all amounts owing by an Indemnifying Party as a result of a Third-Party Claim will be made as and when Losses with respect thereto are incurred by the Indemnified Party and within 15 Business Days after the Indemnified Party makes demand therefor to the Indemnifying Party.

 

(c) All amounts due and payable under this Agreement (i) with respect to a Third-Party Claim, will bear interest at the Applicable Rate from the date due and payable hereunder until the date paid and (ii) with respect to a Claim other than a Third-Party Claim, will bear interest at the Applicable Rate from the date the Indemnified Party suffers the Losses until the date paid. Such interest shall be calculated daily on the basis of a 365-day year and the actual number of days elapsed.

 

(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that it shall first offset any indemnification obligations of the Seller, so agreed or finally adjudicated arising under this Section 6, against the Indemnification Escrow Amount. To the extent the remaining balance of the Indemnification Escrow Amount (after taking into account prior offsets or any releases of any portion of the Indemnification Escrow Amount pursuant to Section 6.2(d)) is less than any amounts to which the Purchaser is entitled to indemnification, the Seller shall remain liable for the balance of any amounts owed pursuant to such indemnification obligations and shall satisfy them in accordance with this Section 6.7.

 

6.8 Third-Party Claims.

 

(a) In the event of the assertion of any Third-Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party, at its option, may assume (with legal counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party) at its sole cost and expense the defense of such Third-Party Claim if it acknowledges to the Indemnified Party in writing its obligations to indemnify the Indemnified Party with respect to all elements of such Third-Party Claim and may assert any defense of the Indemnified Party or the Indemnifying Party; provided that the Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate jointly with the Indemnifying Party in the defense of any such Third-Party Claim. Counsel representing both the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party must acknowledge in writing its obligation to act as counsel for all parties being represented and must acknowledge and respect separate attorney-client privileges with respect to each party represented. If the Indemnifying Party elects to undertake the defense of any Third-Party Claim under this Agreement, the Indemnified Party will cooperate with the Indemnifying Party in the defense or settlement of the Third-Party Claim, including providing access to information, making documents available for inspection and copying, and making employees available for interviews, depositions and trial, in each case, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense. The Indemnifying Party will not be entitled to settle any Third-Party Claim without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

 

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(b) If the Indemnifying Party, by the 30th day after receipt of notice of any Third-Party Claim (or, if earlier, by the 10th day preceding the day on which an answer or other pleading must be served in order to prevent Judgment by default in favor of the Person asserting such Third-Party Claim) does not assume actively and in good faith the defense of any such Third-Party Claim or action resulting therefrom, the Indemnified Party may, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, defend against such Claim or litigation, after giving notice of the same to the Indemnifying Party, on such terms as the Indemnified Party may deem appropriate, and the Indemnifying Party will be entitled to participate in (but not control) the defense of such action, with its counsel and at its own expense. The Indemnified Party will not settle or compromise any Third-Party Claim for which it is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

 

(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Section 6.8 to the contrary, the Purchaser will in all cases be entitled to control the defense of a Third-Party Claim if the Purchaser reasonably believes (i) such Third-Party Claim could result in Liabilities which, taken together with other then outstanding Claims by the Purchaser under this Agreement, could exceed the remaining potential Losses payable by the Seller under this Agreement or the amount that the Purchaser believes it will be able to collect from the Seller under this Agreement or (ii) such Third-Party Claim could adversely affect in any material respect the Purchaser or its Affiliates (other than as a result of money damages) or if injunctive or other non-monetary relief has been sought against the Purchaser or its Affiliates.

 

6.9 Exclusive Remedy. In the absence of fraud or criminal conduct, the indemnification provisions in this Section 6 will be the sole and exclusive remedy and recourse for any breach of this Agreement by the Purchaser and Seller, except as expressly provided in this Agreement. In addition, any Party will be entitled to seek specific performance against any other Party in accordance with this Agreement.

 

6.10 Materiality. For purposes of determining the amount of Losses that are the subject matter of a Claim for indemnification or reimbursement hereunder, each such representation or warranty shall be read without regard and without giving effect to the term “material” or “materiality” or similar phrases contained in such representation or warranty.

 

6.11 Treatment. Any indemnity payments made under this Agreement will be treated for all U.S. federal income Tax purposes as an adjustment to the aggregate Asset Purchase Price, unless otherwise required by any applicable Legal Requirement.

 

7. OTHER AGREEMENTS

 

7.1 Covenants of the Seller. On and after the Effective Date and until the Closing Date:

 

(a) Continuing Operation of Business. The Seller will (i) carry on the Business in the ordinary course consistent with past practices, shall not engage in any transaction or activity or enter into any Contract or make any commitment except in the ordinary course consistent with past practices, (ii) comply with all Applicable Laws, (iii) file all required tax returns and pay all required Taxes, (iv) maintain or cause to be maintained in full force and effect fire, property damage, and extended coverage insurance in the amount of the full replacement cost of the Dealership Assets under the Seller’s blanket insurance policy or policies, (v) use its commercial reasonable efforts to preserve and promote the Business and preserve intact the reputation of the Business and the Seller’s relationship with Employees, customers, and vendors, (vi) maintain all of the Dealership Assets (including all buildings, structures and improvements on the Dealership Premises) in good operating condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and make any necessary repairs, and (vii) not take or permit any act or omission to act which would have a Materially Adverse Change to the Business.

 

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(b) Financial Statements. The Seller will furnish to the Purchaser within 15 days after the end of each month a statement of income and a balance sheet as of the end of such month with respect to the Business, all of which shall be prepared in accordance with the Manufacturers’ accounting standards.

 

(c) Books and Records. The Seller will maintain books, accounts and records relating to the Business in the ordinary course consistent with past practices.

 

(d) Negative Covenants of the Seller. After the Effective Date and without the consent of the Purchaser, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, the Seller will not with respect to the Business:

 

(i) enter into any employment, collective bargaining or professional services Contract;

 

(ii) change employment terms, including with respect to wages, salary or bonuses, or institute or modify any benefit plans or programs, except in the ordinary course consistent in all material respects with past practices;

 

(iii) make any material change in management personnel;

 

(iv) enter into any new, or amend or terminate any Assumed Contract;

 

(v) take or omit to take any action which would cause a material breach of any Assumed Contract;

 

(vi) implement any operation decision(s) of a material nature relating to the Business; or

 

(vii) make any change in the “dealer agreement” (or any equivalent Contract with the Manufacturers).

 

Except as set forth in Schedule 7.1(d), none of the foregoing has occurred between January 1, 2020 and the Effective Date.

 

(e) Parts Return. Upon the satisfaction of the Manufacturer approval condition in Section 4.2(d), if the Seller has any Parts return privileges or allowances that are not assignable, then the Seller shall initiate a Parts return (designating for return Parts selected by the Purchaser) prior to the Closing Date, with the intent of exhausting any such non-assignable outstanding return privileges or allowances.

 

(f) Dealer Trades. From the Effective Date through the Closing Date, the Seller agrees not to transfer any of its New Vehicle inventory to any new vehicle dealer unless the Seller receives in trade for placement in its New Vehicle inventory a replacement New Vehicle of like kind and quality and in a model and trim that the Seller has sold in the 3-month period prior to the Effective Date.

 

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(g) Damage Disclosure. At Closing, the Seller agrees to inform the Purchaser as to whether or not any of the motor vehicle inventory sold to the Purchaser hereunder is known by the Seller to have incurred damages, and will provide repair records for such vehicles.

 

(h) No Interference. The Seller shall not to take any action that is designed or intended to have the effect of discouraging any lessor, licensor, customer, supplier, Employee, or other business associate of the Business, or the Seller, from maintaining the same business relationships with the Business and the Purchaser after the Closing Date as they maintained with the Business and the Seller prior to the Closing. The Seller will refer all customer inquiries relating to the Business to the Purchaser from and after the Closing Date.

 

(i) Changes in Warranties, Representations and Schedules. The Seller (i) shall not take or permit any action or omit to take any action which would cause any of the representations and warranties of the Seller contained in this Agreement or the Other Agreements become untrue, and (ii) shall promptly notify the Purchaser in writing of any changes to the Seller’s warranties and representations contained herein.

 

7.2 Third Party Consents.

 

(a) Each Party shall cooperate in good faith and shall use its respective reasonable best efforts to obtain any Consents required under this Agreement.

 

(b) Within 2 Business Days after the Effective Date, the Seller shall deliver a notice on the Seller’s letterhead, addressed to each Manufacturer, and prepared in accordance with Applicable Law, expressing the Seller’s desire to consummate the Transaction and otherwise obtain the Manufacturers’ consent to the Transaction and appointment of the Purchaser as an authorized dealer in the Manufacturers’ products at the applicable Dealership Premises. Such notice shall include a request that the Manufacturers provide to the Seller and the Purchaser any forms or applications necessary to achieve the Transaction. The Seller will provide any and all information and assistance reasonably necessary to assist the Purchaser in its application to the Manufacturers.

 

7.3 Employees of the Seller; Employee Benefits; Payroll Tax Related Matters.

 

(a) Within 10 Business Days after the Effective Date, the Seller shall provide to the Purchaser:

 

(i) a complete and correct list of the names, job title, and current salary, bonus and commission arrangements, written or unwritten, for each Employee of the Seller working at or for the Business; and

 

(ii) true and correct copies of each employment/bonus/commission agreement, plan or arrangement described on Schedule 5.2(e).

 

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(b) On the Closing Date, the Seller shall, and shall direct EIN to also, terminate the employment of all of its Employees working at or for the Business, and shall fully pay and satisfy all outstanding Liabilities of the Seller for wages and other compensation, including any unused vacation, sick leave, or paid time-off benefits (even if not specifically accrued for by the Seller), or bonuses, in whole or part, even though a partial month of business has only occurred prior to the Closing Date. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer upon any Employee any rights or remedies, including, any rights of employment of any nature or kind whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, on the Closing Date, if Purchaser assumes the EIN Contract, Seller shall, with respect to all such Employees employed by EIN, fully pay and satisfy all outstanding Liabilities of the Seller for wages and other compensation, including any unused vacation, sick leave, or paid time-off benefits (even if not specifically accrued for by the Seller), or bonuses, in whole or part, even though a partial month of business has only occurred prior to the Closing Date, and Purchaser shall reimburse Seller for any deposit held by EIN for said EIN Contract.

 

(c) The Seller shall after the Closing Date, in accordance with Applicable Law, terminate or take all appropriate action in connection with Employee Benefit Plans, if any, that are applicable to the Seller and/or Employees. The Seller acknowledges that the Purchaser shall have no responsibility or liability or obligation of any nature under any Employee Benefit Plans to any person, firm or corporation whatsoever; it being understood and agreed that if any Applicable Law provides that the Purchaser is or will be liable for any liability or obligation under any Employee Benefit Plans despite the Seller’s contractual liability for such liability or obligation hereunder, and the Seller fails to pay or perform such liability or obligation within 5 Business Days of the Purchaser’s written demand, then any and all such amounts may be subject to indemnification in accordance with Section 6.

 

(d) The Seller, or, where appropriate, the Seller’s health and welfare benefit plans that are “group health plans,” shall retain liability for and shall pay when due all benefits (including all liabilities and obligations for or arising from any “COBRA” health care continuation coverage required to be provided under Section 4980B of the Code, and Sections 601-608 of ERISA) arising out of a “qualifying event” prior to the Closing Date to “covered employees” or “qualified beneficiaries” entitled to “continuation coverage” (as those terms are defined in section 4980B of the Code) regardless of when services were rendered or expenses incurred. The Parties acknowledge that, after giving effect to the actions to be taken at the Closing, the Seller will not have any employees and will not maintain any health and welfare benefit plans after the Closing Date. No later than 10 Days prior to the Closing Date, the Seller shall provide the Purchaser with a list of all individuals to whom the Seller is as of that date liable to provide access to COBRA benefits as well as those employees who have terminated their employment with the Seller prior to Closing and may still apply for COBRA benefits. In accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 54.4980B9 Q&A-8, as of the Closing Date (or, if later, the date on which the Seller ceases to offer any group health plan coverage), the Purchaser, or its health and welfare benefit plans that are “group health plans,” will assume the Seller’s post-Closing non-default liability to provide the Business’s “merger and acquisition qualified beneficiaries” (as that term is defined under COBRA, which includes qualified beneficiaries whose COBRA qualifying event occurred before or in connection with the sale and who is, or whose COBRA qualifying event occurred in connection with a covered employee whose last employment before the COBRA qualifying event was, associated with assets being sold) access to continuing health insurance coverage required under COBRA (at such “beneficiaries’” cost), as well as providing applicable employee notices required under COBRA, and the Seller shall provide to the Purchaser sufficient employee information to enable the Purchaser to carry out such obligations..

 

(e) Upon the Parties’ receipt of the Manufacturers’ written approvals of the Transaction and agreement to appoint the Purchaser as an authorized dealer in the Manufacturers’ products, the Purchaser may begin to interview key Employees for purposes of considering whether and on what terms to offer employment to them effective as of the Closing Date, in accordance with the Purchaser’s hiring practices and requirements. It is the intention of the Purchaser, and the Seller hereby acknowledges such intention, that any Employees that the Purchaser hires will be new employees of the Purchaser as of the Closing Date or the date of hire, whichever is later. Such new employees shall only be entitled to such compensation and employee benefits as are agreed to by such employees and the Purchaser, or as are otherwise provided by the Purchaser, in its sole discretion.

 

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(f) If requested by the Purchaser, the Seller agrees to provide reasonable assistance to the Purchaser in the latter’s efforts to be restated as a successor employer for employment tax purposes with respect to the Employees hired by the Purchaser, including the annual wage limitation for FICA tax, and to meet the requirements of Revenue Procedure 2004 -53, Section 4, Standard Procedure, for federal payroll tax purposes. The Purchaser agrees to perform the obligations imposed upon it under such Revenue Procedure, together with such requirements as may be imposed by FICA. If requested by the Purchaser, the Seller shall execute all documents reasonably necessary to allow the Purchaser to benefit from and take advantage of the payroll tax withholding and deductions of the Seller for the current Tax year, as may be allowed by the Internal Revenue Service and/or state agencies.

 

(g) If the Purchaser does not assume the EIN Contract, Purchaser agrees to hire a sufficient number of Employees upon similar employment terms so as not to (i) require any Employee notice from Seller or EIN under the WARN Act prior to Closing, or, (ii) otherwise create or impose any liability upon Seller or EIN arising from or related to the WARN Act.

 

7.4 Schedule Delivery; Access to Property and Records. All schedules to this Agreement (each a “Schedule,” and collectively, the “Schedules”) shall be arranged in paragraphs corresponding to the lettered and numbered paragraphs contained in this Agreement and delivered by the Seller on or before the 30th Day after the Effective Date (the “Schedule Due Date”), along with a signed certificate from the Seller that the Schedules so delivered are complete (the “Schedule Certificate”). Without limiting the foregoing, each Schedule shall identify with particularity and describe in relevant detail all relevant facts to be described in such Schedules; the mere listing of (or inclusion of a copy) of a document or other item shall not be deemed adequate to disclose an exception to a representation or warranty made by the Seller herein unless the representation or warranty has to do with the existence of the document or other item itself. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Seller shall have the ability to update the Schedules attached hereto within 5 days of learning of a fact that would cause a change to any of the Schedules, with an updated Schedule Certificate attached thereto. The Seller shall disclose to the Purchaser in writing promptly upon discovery thereof (the “Updated Disclosures”) any material variances from the representations and warranties contained in Section 5.2 and/or any information necessary or appropriate to make such representations and warranties true and correct as of such date. None of the foregoing supplemental disclosures shall limit or otherwise affect the remedies available to the Purchaser hereunder; provided, that if such Updated Disclosures (i) were not required to be disclosed to make the representations and warranties true and correct in all material respects as of the Effective Date, (ii) disclose underlying events that occurred and circumstances that arose exclusively between the Effective Date and the Closing, or (iii) are of an Immaterial (as defined below) nature, and are delivered to the Purchaser at least 5 Business Days prior to the Closing Date (any disclosure meeting the requirements of clauses (i), (ii), or (iii), shall constitute a “Qualifying Updated Disclosure”), then such Qualifying Updated Disclosure(s) shall amend and supplement the representations and warranties in Section 5.2 as of the Closing Date for purposes of indemnification under Section 6.2 hereunder but not for purposes of determining whether the conditions set forth in Section 4.2(a) have been satisfied, if the Purchaser gives a written termination notice within 10 Business Days after its receipt of such Qualifying Updated Disclosures and such termination is based on the failure to satisfy the conditions set forth in Section 4.2(a) as a result of the contents of such Qualifying Updated Disclosures. For purposes of this Section 7.4, the term “Immaterial” shall refer to a level of insignificance that would not have affected any decision of a reasonable person in the Purchaser’s position regarding whether to enter into this Agreement or would not affect any decision of a reasonable person in the Purchaser’s position regarding whether to consummate the Transaction.

 

7.5 Due Diligence Inspections.

 

(a) The Purchaser shall have 60 days from the later of (i) the Effective Date, or (ii) the date on which the Schedule Certificate is delivered by the Seller in accordance with Section 7.4 above (the “Due Diligence Period”) to complete to its satisfaction due diligence regarding the Business and the Dealership Assets, including obtaining such reports and studies as the Purchaser deems appropriate. The Parties agree that the Due Diligence Period shall be extended, as applicable, so that the Purchaser shall have no less than 10 Business Days to review the Audited Financial Statements after receipt by the Purchaser.

 

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(b) The Purchaser may conduct due diligence regarding the Business, including obtaining such reports and studies as the Purchaser deems appropriate. The Seller agrees to provide to the Purchaser and Purchaser’s representatives reasonable access to the books, records, reports, information and facilities of the Dealership, and will make the officers, comptroller, accountants and attorneys of the Seller available at reasonable times to discuss with the Purchaser and Purchaser’s representatives such aspects of the Business as the Purchaser may wish.

 

(c) The Purchaser may, at Purchaser’s expense, commission the services of a qualified geotechnical and environmental consultant (hereinafter referred to as the “Engineer”) to conduct a “Phase I Environmental Site Assessment” (a “Phase I”) upon the Dealership Premises to identify any “recognized environmental conditions” and to determine whether the Dealership Premises are in substantial compliance with applicable Environmental Laws, in general accordance with standards recommended by the American Society for Testing and Materials -- ASTM E1527-13 “Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process.” The Purchaser will provide the Seller a copy of the Engineer’s Phase I report(s). All access to the Dealership Premises must be arranged and scheduled with EBD (cell phone: (304)673-6533), so that the Seller, or its representative, is present or available at the time of inspection. The Purchaser shall have no obligation to indemnify the Seller with respect to the presence of any Hazardous Substances discovered during the Purchaser’s due diligence nor shall the Purchaser have any obligation to engage in the remediation of the Dealership Premises with respect to such Hazardous Substances.

 

(d) Should the Purchaser be dissatisfied with its inspections during the Due Diligence Period, it may terminate this Agreement under Section 8.1(f), and thereafter the Purchaser’s right to inspect or to receive data and information shall terminate.

 

(e) No investigation made by, nor any disclosure made prior to or after the Effective Date by, the Purchaser on the one hand, or by the Seller, on the other hand, shall affect the enforceability of, or the remedies available under this Agreement with respect to, any such representations, warranties, covenants, agreements or undertakings or their survival.

 

(f) After Manufacturer approval and prior to the Closing Date, the Seller agrees to afford the Purchaser and its agents, attorneys, accountants and representatives such access to the Dealership Premises, business records and properties of the Seller, and shall furnish to the Purchaser such information concerning the Business, as the Purchaser shall reasonably deem necessary or desirable for the purpose of enabling the Purchaser to prepare for Closing, including preparation of closing inventory schedules. The Seller will make its appropriate officers, employees and representatives available to the Purchaser at all reasonable times for the purpose of assisting, in all reasonable respects, the Purchaser with Closing preparations.

 

7.6 Confidentiality.

 

(a) Except as may be required by law or legal process, the Purchaser agrees that any confidential information received in due diligence will be kept confidential by the Purchaser and its representatives and will not be disclosed by the Purchaser to any Person except the Manufacturers, the Purchaser’s attorneys, accountants, representatives, financial sources, engineers, etc., or otherwise with the specific prior written consent of the Seller. The foregoing obligations and restrictions shall not apply to that part of the Seller’s information that (a) was or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by the Purchaser, or (b) was available, or becomes available, to the Purchaser on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure to the Purchaser by the Seller. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Purchaser may provide notice of this Transaction to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission by filing of a copy of this Agreement.

 

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(b) The Parties also agree that the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Transaction, and the fact the Transaction exists, are to remain confidential. Neither the Seller nor the Purchaser will issue or approve a news release or other announcement of the Transaction without the prior approval of the other as to the contents of the announcement and its release, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the fact the Transaction exists may be disclosed after the Effective Date by the Seller to its vendors and by the Purchaser to Seller’s employees and contractors, with the prior written approval of the other. Furthermore, nothing in this Section 7.6 shall be construed to prohibit the Purchaser or the Purchaser’s Affiliates from applying for, and publishing in the local or regional newspaper as required by West Virginia law, fictitious names for the operation of the Business post-Closing, and the Purchaser shall not be required to obtain the Seller’s permission to make such applications and publications.

 

7.7 Expenses.

 

(a) General. Except as may otherwise be provided in Section 7.7(b) or Section 9.12, whether or not the Transaction is consummated, each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation, drafting and execution of this Agreement. Except as otherwise set forth below or elsewhere in this Agreement, each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses of consummating the Transaction.

 

(b) Specific Expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing:

 

(i) The Seller shall pay all costs, expenses and fees to obtain the Audited Financial Statements, release and discharge any Encumbrances on the Dealership Assets (other than Permitted Encumbrances), all federal and state Taxes of Seller in connection with the Transaction, one-half (1/2) of the fees, costs, and expenses of the Parts Inventory, and one-half (1/2) of the fees, costs, and expenses of the Fixed Assets appraisal.

 

(ii) The Purchaser shall all pay all costs, expenses and fees related to its due diligence and financing, all federal and state Taxes of Purchaser in connection with the Transaction, one-half (1/2) of the fees, costs, and expenses of the Parts Inventory, and one-half (1/2) of the fees, costs, and expenses of the Fixed Assets appraisal.

 

(iii) Provided, however, notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement (including, without limitation, in Section 8.1), in the event that this Agreement is terminated by the Purchaser pursuant to Section 8.1(d) or 8.1(f) or is terminated by the Seller pursuant to Section 8.1(c), then, in any such case, the Purchaser shall pay to the Seller, as reimbursement, an amount equal to one-half (1/2) of all costs, expenses and fees incurred by the Seller in connection with (A) the Audited Financial Statements (but not to exceed $75,000.00), (B) the Parts Inventory and (C) the Fixed Assets appraisal (the “Reimbursement Amount”), and, upon written demand from the Seller, the Escrow Agent shall, without undue delay, disburse to the Seller a portion of the Deposit equal to the Reimbursement Amount.

 

(iv) The Purchaser shall pay (or reimburse the Seller, as the case may be) for all costs, expenses and fees related to its due diligence and financing.

 

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7.8 Pre-Closing Access. The Seller shall afford to the Purchaser and its employees and subcontractors, on reasonable prior notice, reasonable access before Closing to the Dealership Premises for the purpose of installing communications lines (“ New Communications Lines”) which in the Purchaser’s reasonable judgment are necessary to allow the Purchaser, immediately after Closing, to connect those premises and the computer systems, telephone systems, networks and data bases in them to the Purchaser’s computer systems, telephone systems, networks and data bases; provided, however, that the Purchaser shall not use the New Communications Lines before the Closing, other than for testing purposes, without the Seller’s consent. If this Agreement is terminated for any reason, the Purchaser shall undertake to promptly, but in no event later than 30 days after such termination, remove the New Communications Lines. The Purchaser’s installation and, if applicable, removal of the New Communications Lines shall be done in a manner that does not unreasonably interfere with the Seller’s operation of the Business and that does not damage the Dealership Premises. At least 1 week before the anticipated Closing Date, the Seller shall provide the Purchaser with digital access to the Seller’s vehicle inventory. The Purchaser may also arrange for the Seller’s employees to attend DMS and other training prior to Closing so long as such training does not materially interfere with such employee’s work duties to the Seller.

 

7.9 Records. The Seller agrees to deliver to the Purchaser on the Closing Date the Records in a format that meets the Purchaser’s reasonable requests. To the extent the Records are in a digital form, the Purchaser and the Seller acknowledge and understand that the transfer of a copy of a digital form of the Records involves a joint and collaborative effort of the Parties along with the Seller’s DMS vendor and requires the cooperation of the Parties and the vendor. The Seller agrees to contact its DMS vendor and arrange for the transfer of a copy of its Records that are in digital form on its DMS to the Purchaser on or before the Closing, either through the creation of a separate sign-on and creation of a mirror store on the Seller’s DMS or transfer of a copy of the Records to a location of the Purchaser’s choice, it being contemplated that the Purchaser shall have all necessary access to these Records immediately after the Closing. Should the Purchaser obtain access to the Records prior to the Closing, the Purchaser shall hold the Records subject to Section 7.6. In the event the Transaction does not close, any Records in the Purchaser’s possession or control shall be destroyed and the Purchaser shall be enjoined from using the Records for its or any of its affiliates’ benefit. The Parties agree to equally share in the expense of creating a mirror store and separate sign-on on the Seller’s DMS.

 

7.10 No Negotiations or Discussions. Until the earlier of (i) termination of this Agreement by Purchaser or Seller pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, or (ii) the Closing Date, the Seller and the Shareholder shall deal exclusively with the Purchaser regarding the sale of the Dealership Assets. In order to avoid any possible interference with or frustration of this Transaction, neither the Seller nor the Shareholder shall, directly or indirectly (including any agent or designee, or use of the services of a third party), at any time on or prior to the Closing Date, pursue, initiate, encourage or engage in any negotiations or discussions with, or provide any information to, any person or entity (other than the Purchaser and its representatives and affiliates) regarding the sale or possible sale to any such person or entity of all or any of the Dealership Assets, Dealership Premises or stock of the Seller or any merger, consolidation, joint venture, management agreement, or any other transaction of any nature with the Seller or the Shareholder, which would hinder or frustrate the Purchaser from closing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (a “Prohibited Discussion”). If any person or entity other than the Purchaser makes inquiry of the Seller or the Shareholder of any matter which could involve a Prohibited Discussion, then the Seller or the Shareholder (as the case may be) shall inform the Purchaser in writing and inform such person or entity of the existence of this Agreement, and that any Prohibited Discussion would constitute a violation of this Agreement.

 

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7.11 Tax Certificate; Withheld Amount; Clearance In the event the Tax Certificate is not delivered to the Purchaser prior to the Closing Date, an amount equal to 1½ times the average aggregate amount of the Seller’s sales tax obligations and liabilities paid each month during the 6 month period prior to the Closing Date, shall be withheld from the Asset Purchase Price and shall remain in escrow with the Escrow Agent (the “Withheld Tax Amount”), to be held in accordance with the Tax Escrow Agreement for the purpose of assuring the Purchaser that the aggregate of the Seller’s unpaid sales tax obligations to the WVSTD (as contemplated under West Virginia Code) and any related amounts, will be paid.

 

7.12 Unemployment Rate Factor; Worker’s Compensation Experience Factor.

 

(a) The Purchaser, at its election, may utilize the Seller’s State of West Virginia unemployment rate factor to the extent allowed under law. The Seller agrees to assist and cooperate with the Purchaser in such efforts.

 

(b) The Purchaser, at its election, may utilize the Seller’s worker’s compensation experience factor to the extent allowed under West Virginia law. The Seller agrees to assist and cooperate with the Purchaser in such efforts.

 

8. TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT

 

8.1 Termination and Abandonment. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing:

 

(a) by mutual agreement of the Seller and the Purchaser; or

 

(b) by the Purchaser by Notice to the Seller, if the conditions set forth in Section 4.2 have not been satisfied or the deliveries required by Section 4.4 shall not have been complied with and performed, and any such noncompliance or nonperformance shall not have been cured or eliminated (or by its nature cannot be cured or eliminated) on or before the Cut-Off Date unless such failure shall be due to the failure of the Purchaser to comply with any of its obligations to be performed or complied with by it prior to the Closing; or

 

(c) by the Seller by Notice to the Purchaser, if the conditions set forth in Section 4.3 have not been satisfied or the deliveries required by Section 4.5 have not been complied with and performed and such noncompliance or nonperformance shall not have been cured or eliminated (or by its nature cannot be cured or eliminated) on or before the Cut-Off Date, unless such failure shall be due to the failure of the Seller to comply with any of its obligations to be performed or complied with by it prior to the Closing; or

 

(d) by the Purchaser if the Closing has not occurred on or before the Cut-Off Date, or such later date as the Parties may agree upon, unless the Purchaser is in material breach of or default under this Agreement; or

 

(e) by the Seller if the Closing has not occurred on or before the Cut-Off Date, or such later date as the Parties may agree upon, unless the Seller or the Shareholder is in material breach of or default under this Agreement; or

 

(f) by the Purchaser, within 2 Business Days after the expiration of the Due Diligence Period, as extended, if the Purchaser is dissatisfied with its due diligence inspections; or

 

(g) by either Party, after the expiration of the OA Prep Period, if the form of the Operating Agreement, the MEG Lease Agreement, or the E & W Lease Agreement has not been substantially agreed upon, with the substantial form thereof being appended to this Agreement through Amendment to this Agreement, with such Operating Agreement to be executed by the Parties at Closing; or

 

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(h) by either Party, if there shall be a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction in effect preventing the Closing; or

 

(i) by either Party, if a Manufacturer shall exercise, or purport to exercise, any right of first refusal to purchase all or any material portion of the Dealership Assets.

 

8.2 Rights and Obligations on Termination.

 

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 8.2(b) below, if this Agreement is terminated as provided in Section 8.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void, the Escrow Agent shall return the Deposit to Purchaser, and there shall be no liability or obligation on the part of any Party or their respective officers, directors, partners, members, shareholders, principals, agents or representatives.

 

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.2(a) above:

 

(i) if this Agreement is terminated and abandoned pursuant to Section 8.1(c), due to a material breach or material default by the Purchaser under any of its express or implied covenants and obligations hereunder, then the Seller shall be entitled to the Deposit, which will constitute payment in full payment of liquidated damages of the Seller, and which shall be the Seller’s sole and exclusive remedy.

 

(ii) if this Agreement is terminated and abandoned pursuant to Section 8.1(b) due to a material breach or material default by the Seller under any of its express covenants and obligations hereunder, then the Purchaser, at its sole discretion, may seek specific performance or reimbursement by the Seller of its reasonable out of pocket costs not to exceed $250,000.00. The Seller agrees that it is estopped from subsequently asserting in any action to enforce the provisions of the covenants contained herein that the Purchaser has an adequate remedy at law and therefore is not entitled to specific performance or injunctive relief.

 

(c) The Parties acknowledge and agree that the rights and obligations set forth in this Section 8.2 shall not in any way affect or limit the respective rights and obligations of the Parties that arise out of, and survive, the Closing of the Transaction, including the provisions of Section 6 above.

 

9. MISCELLANEOUS

 

9.1 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns.

 

9.2 No Waiver. The waiver by any Party of a breach of any covenant, agreement or undertaking contained herein shall be made only by an instrument in writing signed by the Party giving such waiver, and no such waiver shall operate or be construed as a waiver of any prior or subsequent breach of the same covenant, agreement or undertaking. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the exercise of any remedy provided by law or otherwise, and the provisions of this Agreement for any remedy, shall not exclude any other remedy.

 

9.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining part of such provision, and the validity, legality and enforceability of the other provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby. Any provision of this Agreement that is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall not be deemed invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any other jurisdiction.

 

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9.4 Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement, together with all exhibits and Schedules hereto constitutes the entire agreement among the Parties pertaining to the Transaction, and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations, and discussions, whether oral or written, of the Parties. Except as otherwise provided herein, no supplement to, or modification of, this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by each of the Parties.

 

9.5 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of West Virginia without regard to any principles of conflict of laws.

 

9.6 Submission to Jurisdiction; Jury Trial Waiver. Each of the Parties (a) consents to submit itself to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of any state or federal court sitting in the State of West Virginia, Raleigh County, in any Proceeding for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein, (b) agrees that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard and determined only in any such court, and (c) agrees that it will not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court. Each of the Parties waives any defense of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any proceeding so brought and waives any bond, surety or other security that might be required of any other Party with respect thereto. Any Party may make service on the other Party by sending or delivering a copy of the process to the Person to be served at the address and in the manner provided for the giving of Notices in Section 9.9. Nothing in this Section 9.6, however, shall affect the right of any Party to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by law. EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDING, AND WAIVES INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, AND PUNITIVE DAMAGES.

 

9.7 Assignability. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 9.7, the Purchaser may assign its rights under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any Affiliate of the Purchaser. Except as expressly provided in this Section 9.7, neither this Agreement, nor any of the rights and obligations arising hereunder, may be assigned by either Party without the prior written consent of the other Party.

 

9.8 Notices. All notices, demands and other communications (each, a “Notice”) required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing (including facsimile), and shall be (a) sent by registered or certified mail, First Class postage attached, (b) sent by hand or overnight delivery, or (c) sent by electronic mail or facsimile, in each case addressed to the respective Parties at the addresses first set forth above, or to such other address and to the attention of such other Persons as a Party hereto may specify from time to time by Notice to the other Parties. Each Notice shall be deemed given and be effective only upon actual receipt (or refusal of receipt). Copies of any Notices shall be provided as below:

 

If to the Purchaser, then to its Counsel (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Bass Sox Mercer

Attention: Robert A. Bass, Esq.

2822 Remington Green Circle

Tallahassee, Florida 32308

Telephone: (850) 878-6404

Email: bassra@dealerlawyer.com

 

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If to the Seller or to Shareholder, then to their Counsel (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Underwood & Roberts, PLLC

Attention: Jeff Roberts

3110 Edwards Mill Road, Suite 100

Raleigh, North Carolina 27612

Email: jgroberts@rlulaw.com

 

and

 

Jones & Associates

Attention: E. Forrest Jones

13 Kanawha Boulevard West

Charleston, West Virginia 25387

Email: efjones@efjones.com

 

9.9 Counterparts; Effective Date; Facsimile Copies. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall be deemed to be a single instrument, and shall be effective as of the date when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Parties. A facsimile copy of this Agreement and any signatures on any counterpart hereof shall be considered for all purposes as originals.

 

9.10 Time of Essence; Computation of Time. Time is of the essence with respect to all dates and time periods set forth or referred to in this Agreement and each of its provisions. Whenever this Agreement requires that something be done within a period of days, such period shall: (a) not include the day from which such period commences; (b) include the day upon which such period expires; (c) expire at 8:00 p.m. (ET) on the date by which such thing is to be done; or (d) be extended by 2 Business Days if the final day of such period falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or bank holiday in the state where such thing is to be done.

 

9.11 Agreement Not Recordable. No Party shall have the right or the authority to file this Agreement or any notice thereof of record in any public office unless the same is necessary in order to assert, vindicate, enforce or defend the Party’s rights under this Agreement.

 

9.12 Attorneys’ Fees. Should any Party institute any suit, action or Proceeding in court or otherwise to enforce or interpret this Agreement by reason of or with respect to an alleged breach of any provision hereof, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to receive from the non-prevailing Party such amount as the court may judge to be reasonable attorneys’ and paralegals’ fees for the services rendered to the prevailing Party in such action or Proceeding, plus the prevailing Party’s costs and expenses therein, regardless of whether such suit, action or Proceeding is prosecuted to judgment.

 

9.13 Interpretation. The Parties acknowledge and agree that: (a) each Party and its counsel reviewed and negotiated the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the Other Agreements and have contributed to their revision; and (b) the rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are resolved against the drafting party shall not be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement and the Other Agreements. The words “include,” “includes,” “included,” “including,” and “such as” do not limit the preceding words or terms and shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”. All pronouns and any variations thereof refer to the masculine, feminine or neuter, singular or plural, as the context may require. All terms defined in this Agreement in their singular or plural forms, have correlative meanings when used herein in their plural or singular forms, respectively. The section headings contained in this Agreement are solely for the purpose of reference, are not part of the agreement of the Parties and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

*****

 

[signatures on following page]

 

46

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have duly executed this Asset Purchase and Contribution Agreement on the day and year noted below.

 

PURCHASER:  
   
LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC.,  
a Delaware corporation  
     
By: /s/ Sam Tawfik  
  Sam Tawfik, CEO  
     
Dated: August 28, 2020  
     
SELLER:  
     
BECKLEY BUICK-GMC AUTO MALL, INC.,
a West Virginia corporation
     
By: /s/ Ernest B. Davis, Jr.  
  Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President  
     
Dated: August 28, 2020  
     
KING COAL CHEVROLET CO.,  
a West Virginia corporation  
     
By: /s/ Ernest B. Davis, Jr.  
  Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President  
     
Dated: August 28, 2020  
     
HOMETOWN PREOWNED VEHICLES, INC.,
a West Virginia corporation
 
     
By: /s/ Ernest B. Davis, Jr.  
  Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President  
     
Dated: 

August 28, 2020

 

 

47

 

 

JOINDERS

 

The undersigned joins in this Agreement solely for the purposes of agreeing to: (a) negotiate the MEG Lease Agreement, as described in the Eighth Recital; (b) execute the MEG Lease Agreement at the Closing; and (c) terminate the Existing Leases at the Closing, as provided for in Section 4.4(q).

 

THE MEG RENTAL CORPORATION,    
a West Virginia corporation
       
By:  /s/ Ernest B. Davis, Jr.   Dated: August 28, 2020
Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President    

 

The undersigned joins in this Agreement solely for the purposes of agreeing to: (a) negotiate the E & W Lease Agreement, as described in the Ninth Recital; (b) execute the E & W Lease Agreement at the Closing; and (c) terminate the Existing Leases at the Closing, as provided for in Section 4.4(q).

 

E & W, LLC,

   
a West Virginia limited liability company
       
By:  /s/ Ernest B. Davis, Jr.   Dated: August 28, 2020
Ernest B. Davis, Jr., Member    

 

By:  /s/ Tracy W. Hylton, II   Dated: August 28, 2020
Tracy W. Hylton, II, Member    

 

The undersigned join in this Agreement solely for the purposes of agreeing to: (a) negotiate the Operating Agreement (as defined in the Agreement) and execute the Operating Agreement at the Closing; (b) negotiate the Non-Competition Agreement (as defined in the Agreement) and execute the Non-Competition Agreement at the Closing; (c) make the representations and warranties of the Shareholder set forth in Section 5.3 of the Agreement; and (d) perform the indemnification obligations of such undersigned under Section 6.3 of the Agreement.

 

ERNEST B. DAVIS, JR.

 

LORI A. DAVIS

     
/s/ Ernest B. Davis, Jr.   /s/ Lori A. Davis
 
Dated: August 28, 2020   Dated: August 28, 2020

 

48

 

 

The undersigned joins in this Agreement solely for the purposes of agreeing to: (a) negotiate the Non-Competition Agreement (as defined in the Agreement) and execute the Non-Competition Agreement at the Closing; (b) make the representations and warranties of the Shareholder set forth in Section 5.3 of the Agreement; and (c) perform the indemnification obligations of such undersigned under Section 6.3 of the Agreement.

 

TRACY W. HYLTON, II

   
     
/s/ Tracy W. Hylton, II    
   
Dated: August 28, 2020    

 

49

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT BY ESCROW AGENT

 

The undersigned, on behalf of Bass Sox Mercer, joins in the execution of this Agreement for the purpose of agreeing to act as the Escrow Agent hereunder.

 

Dated: August 28, 2020

 

  BASS SOX MERCER
   
  By: /s/ Robert A. Bass
    Robert A. Bass, Esq.
    Shareholder

 

The undersigned Escrow Agent acknowledges receipt of the $500,000.00 earnest money deposit referred to in Section 3.6 of the foregoing Asset Purchase Agreement, and agrees to hold and disburse said funds and all accrued interest thereon in accordance with the terms of said Agreement.

 

Dated: August ___, 2020

 

  BASS SOX MERCER
   
  By:  
    Robert A. Bass, Esq.
    Shareholder

 

50

 

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

 

Exhibit Letter   Description of Exhibit
     
A   Franchised Dealerships
B   Ancillary Businesses
C   Dealership Premises
D   Allocation
E   Bill of Sale and Assignment
F   IP Assignment Agreement
G   8594 Agreement
H   Non-Competition Agreement
I   Tax Escrow Agreement
J   Princeton Premises Lease
K   Summersville Premises Lease
L   Beaver Premises Lease
M   Indemnification Escrow Agreement
     
Schedule Number   Description of Schedule
     
2.1(a)   Fixed Assets
2.1(e)(i)   Firm Assumed Contracts
2.1(e)(ii)   Proposed Assumed Contracts
2.1(j)   Email Addresses, PO Boxes, Telephone and Facsimile numbers
2.2(n)   Excluded Assets
2.2(r)   Additional Excluded Assets
5.1(b)   Purchaser’s Brokers
5.2(b)   Title
5.2(d)   Exceptions to Assumed Contracts
5.2(e)   Employees and Employment Matters
5.2(f)   Exceptions to Financial Statements
5.2(g)   Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities
5.2(h)   Condition of the Dealership Assets and Real Estate
5.2(i)   Litigation
5.2(j)   Compliance of Applicable Laws
5.2(k)   Seller’s Brokers
5.2(l)   Environmental
5.2(m)   Manufacturer Communications
5.2(n)   Manufacturer Audits
5.2(o)   Dealership Marketing Plans
5.2(p)   Tradenames; Domain Names; URLs
5.2(r)   GLB Act Compliance
5.2(u)   Licenses
7.1(d)   Negative Covenants

 

51

 

 

EXHIBIT A

FRANCHISED DEALERSHIPS

 

Entity Name   Brands   D/B/A   Location
Beckley Buick-GMC- Auto Mall, Inc.   Buick and GMC   Beckley Buick GMC Auto Mall   3934 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, West Virginia 25801
             
King Coal Chevrolet Co.   Chevrolet   King Coal Chevrolet   1508 East Main Street, Oak Hill, West Virginia 25901
             
Hometown Preowned Vehicles, Inc.   Hyundai   Hyundai of Beckley   3921 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, West Virginia 25801
             
Hometown Preowned Vehicles, Inc.   Kia   Hometown Kia   111 Midtown Avenue, Mt. Hope, West Virginia 25880
             
Hometown Preowned Vehicles, Inc.   Subaru   Hometown Subaru   117 Midtown Avenue, Mt. Hope, West Virginia 25880

 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

ANCILLARY DEALERSHIPS

 

Entity Name   Operations   Location
Beckley Buick-GMC- Auto Mall, Inc.   Used Car Dealership   199 Rogers Street, Princeton, West Virginia 24740
         
Beckley Buick-GMC- Auto Mall, Inc.   Used Car Dealership   368 Seneca Trail, Lewisburg, West Virginia 24901
         
King Coal Chevrolet Co.   Used Car Dealership   874 Broad Street, Summersville, West Virginia 26651
         
Hometown Preowned Vehicles, Inc.   Used Car Dealership   762 Ritter Drive, Beaver, West Virginia 25813
         
Hometown Preowned Vehicles, Inc.   Used Car Dealership   111 Pacwood Drive, Oak Hill, West Virginia 25901

 

* The RV Business of Hometown Preowned Vehicles, Inc. is specifically excluded.

 

 

 

EXHIBIT C

DEALERSHIP PREMISES

 

Address   Owner   Method of Transfer
3934 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, West Virginia 25801
(the “Beckley BG Premises”)
  MEG   Purchase
1508 East Main Street, Oak Hill, West Virginia 25901
(the “Oak Hill Chevrolet Premises”)
  E & W   Purchase
3921 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, West Virginia 25801
(the “Beckley Hyundai Premises”)
  MEG   Lease
111 Midtown Avenue, Mt. Hope, West Virginia 25880
(the “Mt. Hope Kia Premises”)
  MEG   Lease
117 Midtown Avenue, Mt. Hope, West Virginia 25880
(the “Mt. Hope Subaru Premises”)
  MEG   Lease
199 Rogers Street, Princeton, West Virginia 24740
(the “Princeton Premises”)
  Princeton Landlord   Assignment
368 Seneca Trail, Lewisburg, West Virginia 24901
(the “Lewisburg Premises”)
  MEG   Lease
874 Broad Street, Summersville, West Virginia 26651
(the “Summersville Premises”)
  Summersville Landlord   Assignment
762 Ritter Drive, Beaver, West Virginia 25813
(the “Beaver Premises”)
  Beaver Landlord   Assignment
111 Pacwood Drive, Oak Hill, West Virginia 25901
(the “Oak Hill Used Premises”)
  E & W   Lease

 

 

 

EXHIBIT D

ALLOCATION

 

                    New                
        Fixed   Manufacturer   Misc.   Vehicles &   Used       Customer    
    Goodwill   Assets   Parts   Inventory   Demos   Vehicles   WIP   Deposits   We-Owes
Buick and GMC   TBD during the Due Diligence Period   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing
Chevrolet     TBD during the Due Diligence Period   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing
Hyundai     TBD during the Due Diligence Period   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing
Kia     TBD during the Due Diligence Period   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing
Subaru     TBD during the Due Diligence Period   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing
Princeton Used   TBD during the Due Diligence Period   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing
Lewisburg Used   TBD during the Due Diligence Period   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing
Summersville Used   TBD during the Due Diligence Period   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing
Beaver Used     TBD during the Due Diligence Period   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing
Oak Hill     TBD during the Due Diligence Period   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing   TBD at the Closing

 

 

 

EXHIBIT E

BILL OF SALE AND ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

 

(see attached)

 

 

 

Exhibit E

 

BILL OF SALE AND ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

 

THIS BILL OF SALE AND ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is executed as of the ____ day of ________, 2020 (the “Closing Date”), by and between BECKLEY BUICK-GMC AUTO MALL, INC., a West Virginia corporation, KING COAL CHEVROLET CO., a West Virginia corporation, and HOMETOWN PREOWNED VEHICLES, INC., a West Virginia corporation (collectively, the “Seller”), in favor of LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Purchaser,” and together with the Seller, the “Parties”).

 

This Agreement is executed and delivered pursuant to that certain Asset Purchase Agreement dated August ____, 2020, by and among the Seller, the Purchaser, and others (the “Purchase Agreement”), relating to the Seller’s Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru and used motor vehicle dealerships (collectively, the “Business”) located at the Dealership Premises.

 

Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Purchase Agreement.

 

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

 

1.  CONVEYANCE. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and in consideration of the receipt of Ten Dollars ($10.00) in hand paid by the Purchaser to the Seller, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Seller hereby sells, transfers, sets over and assigns to the Purchaser all of the Seller’s right, title and interest in and to each of the assets described in Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof (collectively, the “Dealership Assets”), to have and to hold the same unto the Purchaser forever, free and clear of all Encumbrances (except Permitted Encumbrances and the Assumed Liabilities). The Seller shall, however, retain and not sell to the Purchaser, the assets not included in the enumeration of the Dealership Assets, including, without limitation, the items described in Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part hereof (collectively, the “Excluded Assets”).

 

2.  WARRANTY OF TITLE. The Seller warrants that the representation as to warranty of title given by Seller in the Purchase Agreement is true and correct as of the Closing Date, and Seller covenants and agrees to defend the title vested in the Purchaser under this Bill of Sale as required by the Purchase Agreement.

 

3.  FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Seller agrees that, at any time and from time to time after the Closing Date, it will upon request of the Purchaser and at the Purchaser’s sole cost, duly execute, acknowledge and deliver, or will cause to be done, executed, acknowledged and delivered, all such further acts, bills of sale, assignments, transfers, or assurances as may be reasonably required to assign, transfer, convey and confirm to the Purchaser the Purchased Asset Interest.

 

4.  ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION. The Seller does hereby sell, transfer, set over and assign unto the Purchaser all of the Seller’s rights and privileges in and to the liabilities and obligations described in Exhibit C attached hereto (collectively, the “Assumed Liabilities”).

 

The Purchaser hereby accepts the foregoing assignment of the Assumed Liabilities as defined in the Purchase and Contribution Agreement and assumes, covenants and agrees to fully and faithfully perform and discharge each and every covenant, duty, obligation, liability and term on the part of the Seller to be performed in connection with the Assumed Liabilities relating to periods from and after the Closing Date, to the extent, and only to the extent, such obligations first accrue and are required to be performed subsequent to the Closing Date (provided that such obligations did not arise as a result of a breach by the Seller of any contract on or prior to the Closing Date or a breach of the Seller’s covenants and agreements under the Purchase Agreement).

 

 

 

Exhibit E

 

Except for the Assumed Liabilities expressly set forth in Exhibit C, the Purchaser shall not assume, or in any way be responsible or liable for, any Retained Liabilities. “Retained Liabilities” shall having the meaning for such defined term as is set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

 

Without limitation of the foregoing, it is specifically understood and agreed between the Parties that the Purchaser shall not be responsible for any express or implied warranties given by the Seller to customers prior to the Closing Date. Further, should any customer make a claim upon any warranty given by the Seller or for defective vehicle repair by the Seller prior to the Closing, then, in that event, the Purchaser at its option may adjust any such minor item as it so desires, at the Seller’s expense, and on any major item shall notify the Seller and, upon the Seller’s approval, shall repair said item at the Seller’s expense. Any major item shall be defined as any item at cost to the Purchaser in excess of $250.00. The Parties further agree that any breach of this Agreement will be subject to and governed by Article 6 of the Purchase Agreement.

 

5.  BINDING EFFECT. The terms, covenants and agreements herein contained shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the Parties and their respective successors and assigns.

 

6.  GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and shall be governed by the laws of the State of West Virginia. The Parties agree that the state or federal courts in and for Raleigh County, West Virginia are the proper venue and exclusive jurisdiction for any disputes hereunder. THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY.

 

7.  COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall be deemed to be a single instrument. Facsimile and/or electronic copies of this Agreement and any signatures on any counterpart hereof shall be considered for all purposes as originals.

 

8.  INCONSISTENCIES. If there is any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of this Bill of Sale and the Purchase Agreement, the terms of the Purchase Agreement shall govern and control.

 

9.  AMENDMENTS. This Agreement may be amended only by a written agreement executed by the Parties. No waiver granted shall be deemed effective unless in writing and executed by the party against whom enforcement of the waiver is sought.

 

10. CLOSING DATE. This Agreement shall be effective as of the Closing Date.

 

[signatures on following page]

 

 

 

Exhibit E

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be signed and sealed by their respective duly authorized representatives on the date first set forth above.

 

  SELLER:
   
  BECKLEY BUICK-GMC AUTO MALL, INC.,
  a West Virginia corporation
   
  By:  
    Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President
     
  KING COAL CHEVROLET CO.,
  a West Virginia corporation
     
  By:  
    Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President
     
  HOMETOWN PREOWNED VEHICLES, INC.,
a West Virginia corporation
     
  By:  
    Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President
     
  PURCHASER:
   
  LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC.,
  a Delaware corporation
     
  By:  
    Sam Tawfik, CEO

 

Signature Page to Bill of Sale and Assignment and Assumption Agreement

 

 

 

Exhibit E

 

EXHIBIT A

BILL OF SALE AND ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

 

Dealership Assets

 

All of the Seller’s furniture, fixtures, signs, product marketing displays, office equipment and computers, machinery and shop equipment, parts equipment, special tools, lifts, hybrid charging stations and related equipment, removable compressors, shop tools, company vehicles, and other items of tangible personal property owned and used by the Seller in the operation of the Business, including those items listed on the Seller’s depreciation schedules and on Schedule 1 attached hereto (the “Fixed Assets”);

 

The Seller’s New Vehicles and Demos listed on Schedule 2 attached hereto;

 

The Seller’s Used Vehicles listed on Schedule 3 attached hereto;

 

The Seller’s assignable rights and privileges under the Contracts identified on Schedule 4 attached hereto (the “Assumed Contracts”);

 

The Seller’s Parts, all as summarized on Schedule 5 attached hereto;

 

The Seller’s WIP, as listed on Schedule 6 attached hereto (“WIP”);

 

The Seller’s return privileges, if any, concerning the Manufacturer Parts;

 

The Seller’s assignable rights to its email addresses, PO Boxes, telephone and facsimile numbers (local and toll-free), as listed on Schedule 7 attached hereto;

 

To the extent transferable, all Licenses;

 

All assignable rights of the Seller relating to deposits and prepaid expenses, claims for refunds and rights to offset in respect thereof;

 

The Seller’s offices supplies, janitorial supplies, and similar items;

 

Any assignable rights relating to or arising out of or under any express or implied warranties from suppliers with respect to the Dealership Assets;

 

All assignable rights of the Seller arising under any non-compete or restrictive covenant agreements between the Seller and any former member(s), or between the Seller and its current or former employees;

 

Any insurance proceeds for claims or damages to the Dealership Assets, except such proceeds which have been used prior to the Closing Date for repair or restoration; and

 

All of the Seller’s perpetual inventory records, sales records, customer lists, customer service records and all other customer data, deal jackets, supply and manufacturer lists, technical data, and sales and marketing literature, advertising materials, promotional materials, including merchandising literature from the Manufacturers, whether in hard or digital copies, and all of the Seller’s intangible property rights and goodwill associated with the Business, including all assignable franchise rights under the Manufacturers’ dealer sales and service agreements, and any and all of the Seller’s rights to content and access (including usernames and passwords, or other access means) related to GooglePlusLocal, GooglePlusBusiness, yelp, LinkedIn®, Facebook®, MySpace®, foursquare, Twitter®, Dealer Rater, Edmunds, and Cars.com, and other intellectual property owned by the Seller and used or useable in the Business, and all other intangible assets, rights and properties of the Seller whatsoever, except the Excluded Assets.

 

 

 

Exhibit E

 

EXHIBIT B

BILL OF SALE AND ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

 

Excluded Assets

 

Cash and cash equivalents on hand and in banks, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, stocks, bonds and other liquid investments;

 

Accounts receivable of the Seller (including any “contracts in transit,” rebates receivable, holdbacks, discounts receivable, credit life commissions receivable, A & H commissions and finance Seller receivables, both current and deferred);

 

Any prepaid expense, insurance, interest, utilities, or rent and any deposits related thereto, which accrue to the benefit of the Seller as of the day prior to the Closing Date;

 

The minute book, corporate, accounting, and Tax records, and corporate seal of the Seller;

 

Any correspondence or records of the Seller that constitutes attorney-client privileged communications;

 

The consideration for the Purchased Asset Interest to be delivered by the Purchaser to the Seller under the Purchase Agreement;

 

The consideration (membership interest) for the Contributed Asset Interest;

 

The Seller’s right to enforce the Purchase Agreement;

 

Vehicle parts and accessories that do not constitute Manufacturer Parts Inventory or Miscellaneous Inventories;

 

Vehicles not purchased by the Purchaser;

 

The Seller’s contracts or policies of insurance and any refunds of taxes or tax loss carry forwards of the Seller;

 

Any assets leased by the Seller that would otherwise constitute Fixed Assets if not so leased (unless the Purchaser assumes such lease obligations);

 

All rights under any Licenses and Contracts, except for the Assumed Contracts and assigned Licenses;

 

Real estate owned by the Seller;

 

Those items of personal property owned by the Shareholder, as listed on Schedule 8 attached hereto; and

 

All of the Seller’s Employee Benefit Plans.

 

 

 

Exhibit E

 

EXHIBIT C

BILL OF SALE AND ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

 

Assumed Liabilities

 

All of the Seller’s Liabilities under the Assumed Contracts, as listed on Schedule 4 attached hereto, arising on or after the Closing Date (other than any Liabilities arising out of any breach or default that occurred prior to the Closing Date);

 

All of the Seller’s Liabilities to customers under the conditions of the Seller’s vehicle order forms or special parts order forms, as listed on Schedule 9 attached hereto (“Customer Deposits”);

 

All of Seller’s obligations to complete WIP, as listed on Schedule 6 attached hereto; and

 

All of the Seller’s We-Owes, as listed on Schedule 10 attached hereto (“We-Owes”), the value of which shall be subtracted from the Asset Interest Price.

 

 

 

EXHIBIT F

ASSIGNMENT OF INTANGIBLE PROPERTY

 

(see attached)

 

 

 

Exhibit F

 

ASSIGNMENT OF INTANGIBLE PROPERTY

 

THIS ASSIGNMENT OF INTANGIBLE PROPERTY (the “Assignment”) is made as of the _____ day of ________________, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), by and between BECKLEY BUICK-GMC AUTO MALL, INC., a West Virginia corporation, KING COAL CHEVROLET CO., a West Virginia corporation, and HOMETOWN PREOWNED VEHICLES, INC., a West Virginia corporation (collectively, “Assignor”), and LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Assignee”).

 

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS, this Assignment is executed and delivered pursuant to that certain Asset Purchase Agreement dated August _____, 2020 (the “Purchase Agreement”), by and among Assignor, Assignee, and others, concerning the assets of Assignor’s Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru and used motor vehicle dealerships located in Beckley, Oak Hill, Mt. Hope, Princeton, Lewisburg, Summersville and Beaver, West Virginia (collectively, the “Business”); and

 

WHEREAS, Assignor owns or has an interest in the Intangible Property and desires to transfer such Intangible Property to Assignee.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed that:

 

1.  Recitals and Capitalized Terms. The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Purchase Agreement.

 

2.  Transfer and Assignment. Assignor hereby transfers and assigns to Assignee, effective as of the Effective Date, all of Assignor’s right, title, benefit and interest in and to the following assets regarding the Business, subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Purchase Agreement:

 

All of Assignor’s tradenames and URLs owned or controlled by the Seller and utilized by the Business, as listed on Schedule 1 attached hereto (collectively, the “Intangible Property”).

 

3. Acceptance of Assignment. Assignee hereby accepts the Assignment set forth in Section 2 above.

 

4.  Representation and Warranty. Assignor represents and warrants that all corporate action to authorize this Assignment has been completed.

 

5.  Cooperation. Assignor and Assignee agree to promptly do all things necessary or appropriate to accomplish the transfer to Assignee of the Intangible Property.

 

6.  Binding Effect. The terms, covenants, and agreements herein contained shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

 

7.  Governing Law. This Assignment shall be construed in accordance with and shall be governed by the laws of the State of West Virginia.

 

8.  Counterparts. This Assignment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall be deemed to be a single instrument. Facsimile and/or electronic copies of this Assignment and any signatures on any counterpart hereof shall be considered for all purposes as originals.

 

9.  Inconsistencies. If there is any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of this Assignment and the Purchase Agreement, the terms of the Purchase Agreement shall govern.

 

[signatures on following page]

 

1

 

 

Exhibit F

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Assignor and Assignee have executed this Assignment the day and year first above written.

 

  ASSIGNOR:
   
  BECKLEY BUICK-GMC AUTO MALL, INC.,
  a West Virginia corporation
     
  By:  
    Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President
     
  KING COAL CHEVROLET CO.,
  a West Virginia corporation
     
  By:  
    Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President
   
  HOMETOWN PREOWNED VEHICLES, INC.,
a West Virginia corporation
     
  By:  
    Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President
     
  ASSIGNEE:
   
  LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC.,
  a Delaware corporation
     
  By:  
    Sam Tawfik, CEO

 

Signature Page to Assignment of Intangible Property

(sale-purchase)

 

2

 

 

EXHIBIT G

AGREEMENT REGARDING IRS FORM 8594

 

(see attached)

 

 

 

Exhibit G

 

AGREEMENT REGARDING IRS FORM 8594

 

THIS AGREEMENT REGARDING IRS FORM 8594 (this “Agreement”) is made as of the _____ day of _____, 2020 by and among BECKLEY BUICK-GMC AUTO MALL, INC., a West Virginia corporation, KING COAL CHEVROLET CO., a West Virginia corporation, and HOMETOWN PREOWNED VEHICLES, INC., a West Virginia corporation (collectively, “Seller”), and LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Purchaser”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Seller, Purchaser, and others, entered into that certain Asset Purchase Agreement dated August _____, 2020 (the “Purchase Agreement”), concerning the assets of Seller’s Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru and used motor vehicle dealerships described therein (the “Dealership Assets”), on the terms and conditions set forth therein; and

 

WHEREAS, the parties desire to agree upon the fair market values and the allocation of the asset interest price for the Dealership Assets among the various classes of assets as will be set forth on Form 8594 which will be attached to the respective Federal Income Tax Returns of Purchaser and Seller so that the form which is submitted to the Internal Revenue Service by each of them will be identical as to such fair market values and allocation.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and agreements herein contained, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.  Fair Market Values/Allocation of Asset Interest Price. The parties agree that the aggregate fair market values and the aggregate allocation of the asset interest price of the Dealership Assets among the various classes of assets as provided for on Form 8594 shall be as set forth in Part II of the Form 8594 attached hereto as Exhibit A and made a part hereof. Each party agrees to complete and attach a Form 8594, completed identically to Exhibit A attached hereto, to its Federal Income Tax Return for the year in which the closing of the purchase and sale of the Dealership Assets under the Purchase Agreement takes place.

 

2.  Taxes and Expenses. Each of the parties shall be solely responsible for the preparation and timely filing of its respective Federal Income Tax Return and Form 8594 and the payment of all taxes, interest and/or penalties, if any, associated therewith.

 

3.  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and shall be governed by the laws of the State of West Virginia.

 

4.  Attorneys’ Fees and Costs, Etc. In the event a dispute arises between the parties under this Agreement and suit is instituted, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees from the non-prevailing party. As used herein, costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees include any costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees in any appellate proceeding.

 

5.  No Third-Party Beneficiary. This Agreement is solely between the parties hereto and no person not a party to this Agreement shall have any rights hereunder, either as a third-party beneficiary or otherwise.

 

6.  Complete Agreement. This Agreement and the Purchase Agreement constitute the complete agreement between the parties hereto and incorporates all prior discussions, agreements and representations made in regard to the matters set forth herein. This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed except by a writing signed by the party to be charged by said amendment, change or modification. To the extent there is any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the Purchase Agreement, the terms of the Purchase Agreement shall govern and control.

 

[signatures on following page]

 

1

 

 

Exhibit G

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

BECKLEY BUICK-GMC AUTO MALL, INC.,
a West Virginia corporation
  LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC.,
a Delaware corporation
         
By:     By:  
  Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President     Sam Tawfik, CEO
         
KING COAL CHEVROLET CO.,
a West Virginia corporation
     
         
By:        
Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President      
         
HOMETOWN PREOWNED VEHICLES, INC.,
a West Virginia corporation
     
       
By:        
  Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President      

 

Signature Page to Agreement Regarding IRS Form 8594

 

2

 

 

EXHIBIT A

FORM 8594

 

(see attached)

 

3

 

 

EXHIBIT H

NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT AND NON-SOLICITATION AGREEMENT

 

(see attached)

 

 

 

Exhibit H

 

NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION AGREEMENT

 

THIS NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the ____ day of ___, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), by and among LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Purchaser”); BECKLEY BUICK-GMC AUTO MALL, INC., a West Virginia corporation, KING COAL CHEVROLET CO., a West Virginia corporation, and HOMETOWN PREOWNED VEHICLES, INC., a West Virginia corporation (collectively, “Seller”); and ERNEST B. DAVIS, JR., an individual resident of West Virginia, LORI A. DAVIS, an individual resident of West Virginia, and TRACY WARREN HYLTON, II, an individual resident of West Virginia (collectively, “Shareholder,” and together with Seller, the “Restricted Parties,” and each, a “Restricted Party”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Seller owned and operated franchised Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, and Subaru motor vehicle sales and service dealerships and five used car dealerships (collectively, the “Dealership”) located at certain properties in Beckley, Oak Hill, Mt. Hope, Princeton, Lewisburg, Summersville and Beaver, West Virginia (collectively, the “Dealership Premises”); and

 

WHEREAS, Seller’s operation of the Dealership has resulted in Seller developing a significant reputation in its market and the surrounding regions in connection with the sales, lease, repair and service of Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, and Subaru new motor vehicles, the sales lease, repair and service of used vehicles, and the general operation of the Dealership; and

 

WHEREAS, Shareholder has been actively involved in the management, development, and strategic direction of the Dealership and has acquired considerable experience/skill and has contributed to the goodwill of the Dealership; and

 

WHEREAS, Purchaser, Seller and Shareholder entered into that certain Asset Purchase and Contribution Agreement dated August ___, 2020, regarding the Dealership (the “Purchase Agreement”); and

 

WHEREAS, if any of the Restricted Parties were to resume the business activities of a motor vehicle dealership, including but not limited to selling vehicles and/or vehicle parts, clothing or accessories, in the area of the Dealership after the Effective Date, such activities could have a material impact on the Protected Business (defined below). Accordingly, the execution of and compliance with the terms of this Agreement by the Restricted Parties are essential to the business acquired pursuant to the Purchase Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, in order to protect the future business operations of Purchaser from such competition, the Restricted Parties have agreed, for the Term, not to compete with Purchaser and to refrain from soliciting or hiring any of Purchaser’s employees following the Effective Date.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in order to induce Purchaser to close the transactions pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the transfer of financial consideration under the Purchase Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Recitals. The Recitals above are herein incorporated by reference.

 

1

 

 

Exhibit H

 

2. Definitions. As used in this Agreement the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a)  Affiliate” or “Affiliates” of a Person shall mean a Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the first Person.

 

(b)  Clients” includes any customer or other party who engages or has engaged in business with Purchaser or with any other Protected Party as a customer. The term “Clients” includes any party whose business is actively solicited by any Protected Party at any time during the term of this Agreement.

 

(c)  Competition” means any activity that is, directly or indirectly, competitive with the Dealership. Competition includes working within the Restricted Area and making any offer or sale of, or marketing, any product or service competitive with the activities of Protected Business as conducted by the Dealership on the Effective Date, even though the business of producing, processing, shipping, or marketing such product or service may be located outside the Restricted Area. Competition also includes the sale, rental, or service of new or used vehicles originally distributed by, or financed or otherwise regulated by other vehicle manufacturers. For purposes of this Agreement, direct or indirect competition will include but not be limited to competition as a sole proprietor, partner, corporate officer, director, manager, member, employee, lender, consultant, agent, independent contractor, trustee, guarantor, advisor (including as an advisor to a family member), or in any other capacity whatsoever pursuant to which the Restricted Party holds any beneficial interest in a competitor, derives any income or other benefit from a competitor, or provides any service, advice, support (financial or otherwise), or assistance of any type whatsoever to a competitor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the mere ownership and leasing of real estate in the Restricted Area (without more) by Shareholder (or by an entity owned by Shareholder) to a Person whose business may compete with Purchaser shall not constitute an act by Shareholder if competing with Seller. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the sale of parts and/or vehicles in Seller’s possession on the Effective Date that are not purchased by Purchaser shall not be deemed competing with Purchaser.

 

(d)  Confidential Information” shall mean any business information relating to the Restricted Parties’ operation of the Business, and regarding any of the operations, services, employee compensation, pricing procedures, organization, finances, marketing, or sales and service customer lists of the Business, including, but not limited to, all Records (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) purchased by Purchaser. Confidential Information also includes without limitation, all procedures, concepts, methods, and other matters and information, specifically including but not limited to information such as price lists, publicity, marketing strategies, Client, distributor, contractor, supplier and vendor identities and lists, revenues, key contact personnel, financial relationships, methods of soliciting business, documents, financial data, and marketing programs. The term “Confidential Information” is intended to be interpreted very broadly to encompass all items described in this paragraph regardless of whether each item satisfies the legal concept of a trade secret. Confidential Information shall not include any information that is or becomes available to the general public through no fault of the Restricted Parties.

 

(e)  Motor Vehicle Dealership Business” shall mean the operation of a motor vehicle dealership sales and/or service business, including but not limited to the sales and service of new or used motor vehicles, internet sales, and the sale of motor vehicle parts and accessories. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Motor Vehicle Dealership Business shall not include the operation of Seller’s ongoing recreational vehicle dealership sales and/or service business (“RV Dealership Business”).

 

2

 

 

Exhibit H

 

(f)  Person” shall mean an individual, a partnership, an association, a corporation, a limited liability company, a trust, an unincorporated organization, or any other business entity or enterprise.

 

(g)  Protected Business” means the Dealership, as acquired and operated by Purchaser, including, but not limited to, the operation of the motor vehicle dealership and the sale, rental, and/or service of (i) new and used products originally distributed by, or financed or otherwise regulated by General Motors LLC, Kia Motors America, Inc., Subaru of America, Inc. or Hyundai Motor America, LLC (collectively, “Manufacturer”); (ii) other used motor vehicles; and (iii) retail distribution of new motor vehicle parts and accessories.

 

(h)  Protected Party” and “Protected Parties” include Purchaser, its shareholders, directors, officers, and their respective successors and assigns.

 

(i)  Restricted Area” means from a location within a 75-mile radius of the Dealership Premises from which the Dealership sold Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia or Subaru new vehicles as of the Effective Date.

 

Any capitalized terms used herein which are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Purchase Agreement.

 

3.  Non-Competition. After the Effective Date and through the end of a 36-month period after Seller (or Shareholder) no longer is a limited liability company member of Purchaser or any of its Affiliate(s) (the “Term”), each of the Restricted Parties agrees, during the Term, not to be involved directly or indirectly, either as an employee, officer, director, agent, lender, stockholder, partner, member, self-employed individual, contractor, or consultant with a Person, or as manager, owner or operator with any Person engaged in a Motor Vehicle Dealership Business within the Restricted Area. Further, during the Term, each of the Restricted Parties agrees not to engage in Competition with any Protected Party within the Restricted Area. Competition within the Restricted Area includes activities outside the Restricted Area to the extent that such activities include contacting Clients within the Restricted Area or otherwise involve buying, selling, repairing or otherwise dealing in or with competitive goods or services within the Restricted Area; provided, however, that general advertising or marketing (but not direct marketing to Clients, such as direct mail, email, or telephone solicitation) that may be published in the Restricted Area will not violate the foregoing restriction so long as such products do not promote the sale or service of products of Manufacturer or its Affiliates or any other vehicle manufacturer or contain their trademarks. The provisions of this Section 3 will not, however, prevent any Restricted Party from owning less than 1% of the outstanding stock of any publicly traded corporation engaged in competition, so long as no Restricted Party engages in such corporation’s business or otherwise engages in Competition with any Protected Party. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither (i) the operation by Seller or Shareholder of the RV Dealership Business in the Restricted Area, nor (ii) the future incidental sale of a vehicle or vehicle parts in the Restricted Area by any Person in or with respect to which a Restricted Party owns an interest or manages as of the Effective Date, shall be a breach of this Section 3.

 

4.  Non-Solicitation and Hiring. During the Term, without the prior express written consent of Purchaser, which such consent may be withheld in Purchaser’s absolute discretion, the Restricted Parties will not (and will not attempt to, permit or cause any of its Affiliates, subsidiaries, contractors or representatives or their respective owners, directors, officers, employees, contractors, agents, representatives or third parties to) for any reason: (a) hire or solicit to hire any employee under the control of the Dealership, which has had a business relationship with the Dealership (and after the Effective Date, Purchaser) at any time during the period of time from 6 months prior to the Effective Date through the Term (each, a “Restricted Person”), or (b) directly or indirectly recruit, induce, encourage or solicit any Restricted Person to do any of the following (or engage in any discussion, the topic, intent, goal or result of which is, to cause or encourage any such person or entity to): (i) terminate or alter his, her or its employment, contract or relationship with the Dealership (and after the Effective Date, Purchaser), (ii) act in such a manner that his, her or its employment contract or relationship with the Dealership (and after the Effective Date, Purchaser) is terminated or altered, or (iii) become associated with, provide services to or become an employee, agent or representative of any other Person. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the hiring by a Restricted Party (or Person in or with respect to which a Restricted Party owns an interest or manages) of a Restricted Person that responds to a general publication or advertisement made by a Restricted Party (or any such Person in or with respect to which a Restricted Party owns an interest or manages) for the purpose of obtaining applicants for employment shall not be a breach of this Section 4.

 

3

 

 

Exhibit H

 

5.  No use of Confidential Information. The Restricted Parties will not (and will not attempt to, permit or cause any of its Affiliates, subsidiaries, contractors or representatives or their respective owners, directors, officers, employees, contractors, agents, representatives or third parties to attempt), for any reason, directly or indirectly, disclose to any Person, or use or otherwise exploit for the Restricted Parties’ own benefit or for the benefit of any other Person, any Confidential Information, including but not limited to the solicitation of prior customers of Seller’s Business.

 

6.  Reasonableness of Restrictions. Each of the Restricted Parties agrees that the restrictions contained herein have been carefully negotiated with a view toward avoiding unreasonable interference with the ability of each of the Restricted Parties to engage in gainful employment or other advantageous economic activities. In particular, the scope of the Protected Business, the Restricted Area, and the duration of the Restricted Period have been carefully defined to provide necessary protection to the Protected Parties without unreasonably limiting the ability of the Restricted Parties to engage in productive and profitable activities. Each Restricted Party represents that said party (a) is familiar with the covenants set forth in this Agreement; (b) is fully aware of the obligations imposed on the Restricted Parties hereunder, including, without limitation, the length of time, scope and geographic coverage of these covenants; (c) has received specific, bargained for consideration for the covenants contained in this Agreement; and (d) the performance of such Restricted Party’s obligations under this Agreement will not conflict with, or result in a violation or breach of, any other agreement to which such Restricted Party is a part or any judgment, order or decree to which such Restricted Party is subject.

 

7. Enforcement.

 

(a)  Injunctive Relief; Individual Restricted Party Liability. The parties hereto recognize that because of the role of Restricted Parties in the management, operation and ownership of the Dealership and because of the knowledge of the Dealership’s customers, business plans and financial strengths and weaknesses, irreparable damage will result to Purchaser in the event of a breach of the terms of this Agreement by a Restricted Party. Each Restricted party shall be liable to Purchaser for a breach of this Agreement by such Restricted Party. A Restricted Party that has not committed a breach of this Agreement shall not be liable in any manner whatsoever to Purchaser with respect to a breach of this Agreement by another Restricted Party. The Restricted Parties agree that in such event Purchaser shall be entitled, in addition to any other remedies and damages available, to an injunction to restrain and enjoin each Restricted Party that has breached this Agreement from violating the restrictive covenants in Paragraphs 3, 4, or 5 above (collectively, the “Restrictive Covenants”) without the necessity of posting any bond or proving special damages or irreparable injury. Moreover, it is agreed that the Restricted Party which has breached this Agreement shall be responsible for any and all expenses incurred by Purchaser, including reasonable and necessary legal fees of Purchaser in any litigation between Purchaser and such Restricted Party involving such breach of this Agreement in which Purchaser prevails. It is understood and agreed between the parties to this Agreement that in the event there is a suit in equity by Purchaser against a Restricted Party to enforce this Agreement, and the Court shall refuse for any reason to enforce this Agreement by injunction, such suit in equity shall not be a bar to a later suit to recover damages.

 

4

 

 

Exhibit H

 

(b)  Interpretation; Severability. The parties hereto expressly agree and acknowledge that it is not their intention that the Restrictive Covenants in this Agreement violate any public policy or statutory or common law. If a court of competent jurisdiction renders a ruling (sustained on appeal, if any) holding that any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement, including the stated term and/or geographic coverage of the Restrictive Covenants, constitute an unreasonable restriction, then the parties specifically agree that the Restrictive Covenants shall not be rendered void but shall apply to such extent and as to such time period and geographic areas as the court may determine constitutes a reasonable restriction under the circumstances.

 

(c)  Term Extended. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, and provided Purchaser furnishes written notice to the Restricted Parties of its objection to a breach of this Agreement, the Term shall be automatically extended with respect to a particular Restricted Party by a period of time equal to any and all times during which such particular Restricted Party is found to be in breach of this Agreement.

 

8.  Jury Waiver. THE PARTIES EACH HEREBY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTERS IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO OR CONNECTED WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE MATTERS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN.

 

9.  Advice of Legal Counsel. Each Restricted Party acknowledges and represents that, in executing this Agreement, he or it has consulted with legal counsel (or has affirmatively chosen not to do so) and is fully aware of his or its rights and obligations under this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be construed against any party by reason of its drafting or preparation.

 

10.  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of West Virginia (without regard to the conflict of laws principles thereof).

 

11.  Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining part of such provision, and the validity, legality and enforceability of the other provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby.

 

12.  Assignment; Incorporation by Reference. Purchaser may freely assign its rights and duties under this Agreement by providing Seller written notice. Purchaser and Seller each hereby covenants and agrees that Article 9 of the Purchase Agreement is incorporated herein by reference and shall be a part of this Agreement, mutatis mutandis, and otherwise modified as necessary to apply to this Agreement as if herein stated.

 

[signatures on following page]

 

5

 

 

Exhibit H

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Non-Competition Agreement under seal or caused this Non-Competition Agreement to be executed under seal as of the day and year first written above.

 

WITNESSES:   PARTIES:
    BECKLEY BUICK-GMC AUTO MALL, INC.,
      a West Virginia corporation
       
    By:  
Print Name:       Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President
         
      KING COAL CHEVROLET CO.,
      a West Virginia corporation
       
    By:  
Print Name:       Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President
         
      HOMETOWN PREOWNED VEHICLES, INC.,
      a West Virginia corporation
       
              By:          
Print Name:       Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President
         
     
Print Name:     ERNEST B. DAVIS, JR.
       
     
Print Name:     LORI A. DAVIS
       
     
Print Name:     TRACY WARREN HYLTON, II
       
      LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC.,
      a Delaware corporation
       
    By:  
Print Name:       Sam Tawfik, CEO

 

6

 

 

EXHIBIT I

TAX ESCROW AGREEMENT

 

(see attached)

 

 

 

Exhibit I

 

TAX ESCROW AGREEMENT

 

THIS TAX ESCROW AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), dated as of ___ ____, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), is by and among BECKLEY BUICK- GMC AUTO MALL, INC., a West Virginia corporation, KING COAL CHEVROLET CO., a West Virginia corporation, and HOMETOWN PREOWNED VEHICLES, INC., a West Virginia corporation (collectively, “Seller”), LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Purchaser”), and BASS SOX MERCER (“Tax Escrow Agent”).

 

This Agreement is executed and delivered pursuant to that certain Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Seller, Purchaser, and others, dated August ____, 2020 (the “Purchase Agreement”), regarding the assets of Seller’s Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru and used motor vehicle dealership operations (the “Dealership”) located in Beckley, Oak Hill, Mt. Hope, Princeton, Lewisburg, Summersville and Beaver, West Virginia. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Purchase Agreement.

 

Under Section 7.11 of the Purchase Agreement, the parties agreed to withhold the Withheld Tax Amount from the Asset Interest Price paid at Closing for the purpose of assuring Purchaser that the aggregate of Seller’s unpaid sales tax obligations to the WVSTD (as contemplated under West Virginia Code) and any related amounts, including any interest and penalties (collectively, the “Taxes”), will be paid.

 

AGREEMENT

 

The parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Establishment of Escrow

 

(a) Purchaser is depositing with Tax Escrow Agent the sum of $______ in immediately available funds (the “Withheld Tax Amount”) (as reduced by any disbursements, the “Escrow Fund”). Wiring instructions for Tax Escrow Agent are attached hereto as Exhibit A. Tax Escrow Agent acknowledges receipt of the Escrow Fund. Seller acknowledges and agrees that the establishment of the Escrow Fund does not limit its obligations and liabilities under the Asset Purchase Agreement.

 

(b)  Tax Escrow Agent hereby agrees to act as escrow agent and to hold, safeguard and disburse the Escrow Fund pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof.

 

2. Claims to be Paid. The Escrow Fund shall be held by the Tax Escrow Agent for the purpose of, and to be applied to, payment of the following:

 

(a) Any and all amounts claimed by the applicable State of West Virginia authorities, or any other applicable governmental authority(ies) having jurisdiction over the Taxes (collectively, the “Department”) to be owed by Seller, in connection with the Taxes (defined above), or any other claim, lien or assessment issued in connection therewith if not paid by Seller upon final adjudication.

 

(b) Seller reserves the right to contest the validity of any such claim, lien or assessment.

 

1

 

 

Exhibit I

 

3. Distribution. The Tax Escrow Agent shall distribute the Escrow Fund as follows:

 

(a)  At such time as Seller delivers to Tax Escrow Agent a copy of a filed Sales Tax Return regarding Seller’s liability to the Department, which shall include all taxes, penalties and interest, and proof of payment of Sales Tax Due, then, at Seller’s direction, (i) the Tax Escrow Agent shall pay to the Department from the Escrow Fund the balance of such tax liability determined to be due such Department, or (ii) the Tax Escrow Agent shall hold a portion of the Escrow Fund sufficient to pay the amount of any such contested tax liability determination, including a sufficient reserve for interest and penalty, until Seller’s appeal is finally determined by the Department or court with jurisdiction to hear such appeal.

 

(b)  At the time the Tax Escrow Agent receives full payment confirmation reasonably acceptable to counsel for Seller and Purchaser, the Tax Escrow Agent shall promptly pay the balance of the Escrow Fund to Seller.

 

(c)  The Tax Escrow Agent may also make such partial payments from the Escrow Fund as Seller and Purchaser may jointly authorize and direct from time to time due to partial releases of Seller’s obligations under the subject matter of this Agreement. It is the express intention of the parties that the Tax Escrow Agent shall make payments from the Escrow Fund concurrent with receipt from Seller of a clearance certificate or a notice of sales tax liability.

 

4. Duties of Tax Escrow Agent

 

(a)  Tax Escrow Agent shall not be under any duty to give the Escrow Fund held by it hereunder any greater degree of care than it gives its own similar property and shall not be required to invest any funds held hereunder except as directed in this Agreement. Uninvested funds held hereunder shall not earn or accrue interest.

 

(b)  Tax Escrow Agent shall not be liable, except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct and, except with respect to claims based upon such gross negligence or willful misconduct that are successfully asserted against Tax Escrow Agent, the other parties hereto shall jointly and severally indemnify and hold harmless Tax Escrow Agent (and any successor Tax Escrow Agent) from and against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, actions, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, arising out of and in connection with this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, Tax Escrow Agent shall in no event be liable in connection with its investment or reinvestment of any cash held by it hereunder in good faith, in accordance with the terms hereof, including, without limitation, any liability for any delays (not resulting from its gross negligence or willful misconduct) in the investment or reinvestment of the Escrow Fund, or any loss of interest incident to any such delays. This Section 4(b) shall survive notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement or the resignation of Tax Escrow Agent.

 

(c)  Tax Escrow Agent shall be entitled to rely upon any order, judgment, certification, demand, notice, instrument or other writing delivered to it hereunder without being required to determine the authenticity or the correctness of any fact stated therein or the propriety or validity of the service thereof. Tax Escrow Agent may act in reliance upon any instrument or signature believed by it to be genuine and may assume that the person purporting to give receipt or advice or make any statement or execute any document in connection with the provisions hereof has been duly authorized to do so. Tax Escrow Agent may conclusively presume that the undersigned representative of any party hereto which is an entity other than a natural person has full power and authority to instruct Tax Escrow Agent on behalf of that party unless written notice to the contrary is delivered to Tax Escrow Agent.

 

(d)  Tax Escrow Agent may act pursuant to the advice of counsel with respect to any matter relating to this Agreement and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith in accordance with such advice.

 

2

 

 

Exhibit I

 

(e)  Tax Escrow Agent does not have any interest in the Escrow Fund deposited hereunder but is serving as escrow holder only and having only possession thereof.

 

(f)  Tax Escrow Agent makes no representation as to the validity, value, genuineness or the collectability of any security or other document or instrument held by or delivered to it.

 

(g)  Tax Escrow Agent (and any successor Tax Escrow Agent) may at any time resign as such by delivering the Escrow Fund to any successor Tax Escrow Agent jointly designated by the other parties hereto in writing, or to any court of competent jurisdiction, whereupon Tax Escrow Agent shall be discharged of and from any and all future obligations arising in connection with this Agreement. The resignation of Tax Escrow Agent will take effect on the earlier of (a) the appointment of a successor (including a court of competent jurisdiction) or (b) the day which is 30 days after the date of delivery of its written notice of resignation to the other parties hereto. If at that time Tax Escrow Agent has not received a designation of a successor Tax Escrow Agent, Tax Escrow Agent’s sole responsibility after that time shall be to retain and safeguard the Escrow Fund until receipt of a designation of successor Tax Escrow Agent or a joint written disposition instruction by the other parties hereto or a final binding decision of an arbitration panel, as provided herein. Purchaser and Seller shall have the right to replace Tax Escrow Agent at any time by joint written Notice to Tax Escrow Agent and joint written designation of a successor Tax Escrow Agent. In such event, Tax Escrow Agent shall promptly resign, and the preceding provisions of this Section 4(g) pertinent to Tax Escrow Agent’s resignation shall become applicable.

 

(h)  In the event of any disagreement between the other parties hereto resulting in adverse claims or demands being made in connection with the Escrow Fund or in the event that Tax Escrow Agent is in doubt as to what action it should take hereunder, Tax Escrow Agent shall be entitled to retain the Escrow Fund until Tax Escrow Agent shall have received (i) a final binding decision of an arbitration panel, as provided herein, or (ii) a written agreement executed by the other parties hereto directing delivery of the Escrow Fund, in which event Tax Escrow Agent shall disburse the Escrow Fund in accordance with such order or agreement. Any arbitration decision shall be accompanied by a legal opinion by counsel for the presenting party satisfactory to Tax Escrow Agent to the effect that the decision is final and binding. Tax Escrow Agent shall act on such decision and legal opinion without further question.

 

(i)  No printed or other matter in any language (including, without limitation, prospectuses, notices, reports and promotional material) that mentions Tax Escrow Agent’s name or the rights, powers, or duties of Tax Escrow Agent shall be issued by the other parties hereto or on such parties’ behalf unless Tax Escrow Agent shall first have given its specific written consent thereto.

 

(j)  The other parties hereto authorize Tax Escrow Agent, for any securities held hereunder, to use the services of any United States central securities depository it reasonably deems appropriate, including, without limitation, the Depositary Trust Company and the Federal Reserve Book Entry system.

 

5.  Limited Responsibility. This Agreement expressly sets forth all the duties of Tax Escrow Agent with respect to any and all matters pertinent hereto. No implied duties or obligations shall be read into this Agreement against Tax Escrow Agent. Tax Escrow Agent shall not be bound by the provisions of any agreement among the other parties hereto except this Agreement.

 

3

 

 

Exhibit I

 

6.  Notices. All notices, consents, waivers and other communications under this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when (a) delivered to the appropriate address by hand or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service (costs prepaid); (b) sent by email (with confirmation by the transmitting equipment); or (c) received by the addressee, if sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, in each case to the following addresses and facsimile numbers and marked to the attention of the person (by name or title) designated below (or to such other address, facsimile number or person as a party may designate by notice to the other parties):

 

If to Seller:

 

Beckley Buick-GMC Auto Mall, Inc.,

King Coal Chevrolet Co., and

Hometown Preowned Vehicles, Inc.

Attn: Lori A. Davis

334 Old Grandview Road

Beaver, WV 25813

Email: ldavis@beckleyautomall.com

 

with a copy to:

 

Jones & Associates

Attention: E. Forrest Jones

13 Kanawha Blvd West, Suite 200

Charleston, WV 25387 

Email: efjones@efjones.com

 

If to Purchaser:

 

LMP Automotive Holdings, Inc.

Attn: Sam Tawfik

601 North State Road 7

Plantation, Florida 33317

Email: sam@lmpmotors.com

 

with a copy to:

 

Bass Sox Mercer

Attn: Robert A. Bass, Esq.

2822 Remington Green Circle

Tallahassee, Florida 32308

Email: bassra@dealerlawyer.com

 

If to Tax Escrow Agent:

 

Bass Sox Mercer

Attn: Robert A. Bass, Esq.

2822 Remington Green Circle

Tallahassee, Florida 32308 

Email: bassra@dealerlawyer.com

 

7.  Jurisdiction. Any Proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought in the courts of the State of West Virginia, County of Raleigh, or, if it has or can acquire jurisdiction, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, and each of the parties irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such Proceeding and waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to venue or to convenience of forum, agrees that all claims in respect of the Proceeding shall be heard and determined only in any such court and agrees not to bring any Proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any other court. Process in any Proceeding referred to in the preceding sentence may be served on any party anywhere in the world. Upon depositing such monies with the court, the Tax Escrow Agent shall be released from any further liability under this Agreement. Reasonable charges for the Tax Escrow Agent’s attorneys’ fees and court costs may be deducted from the Escrow Account.

 

4

 

 

Exhibit I

 

8.  Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement.

 

9.  Section Headings. The headings of sections in this Agreement are provided for convenience only and will not affect its construction or interpretation.

 

10.  Waiver. The rights and remedies of the parties to this Agreement are cumulative and not alternative. Neither the failure nor any delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, power or privilege, and no single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege will preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, (a) no claim or right arising out of this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement can be discharged by one party, in whole or in part, by a waiver or renunciation of the claim or right unless in writing signed by the other party; (b) no waiver that may be given by a party will be applicable except in the specific instance for which it is given; and (c) no notice to or demand on one party will be deemed to be a waiver of any obligation of such party or of the right of the party giving such notice or demand to take further action without notice or demand as provided in this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement.

 

11.  Exclusive Agreement and Modification. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements among the parties with respect to its subject matter and constitutes (along with the documents referred to in this Agreement) a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of the agreement between the parties with respect to its subject matter. This Agreement may not be amended except by a written agreement executed by Purchaser, Seller and the Tax Escrow Agent.

 

12.  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of West Virginia without regard to conflicts of law principles.

 

[signature page follows]

 

5

 

 

Exhibit I

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Tax Escrow Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

WITNESSES:   SELLER:
     
    BECKLEY BUICK-GMC AUTO MALL, INC.,
      a West Virginia corporation
       
    By:  
Print Name:       Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President
         
      KING COAL CHEVROLET CO.,
      a West Virginia corporation
       
    By:  
Print Name:       Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President
         
      HOMETOWN PREOWNED VEHICLES, INC.,
      a West Virginia corporation
       
    By:  
Print Name:             Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President
         
      PURCHASER:
       
      LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC.,
      a Delaware corporation
       
    By:  
Print Name:       Sam Tawfik, CEO
         
      TAX ESCROW AGENT:
       
      BASS SOX MERCER
       
    By:     
Print Name:       Robert A. Bass, Esq.
        Shareholder

 

6

 

 

EXHIBIT J

PRINCETON PREMISES LEASE

 

(see attached)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT K

SUMMERSVILLE PREMISES LEASE

(see attached)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT L

BEAVER PREMISES LEASE

 

(see attached)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT M

INDEMNIFICATION ESCROW AGREEMENT

 

(see attached)

 

 

 

Exhibit M

 

INDEMNIFICATION ESCROW AGREEMENT

 

THIS INDEMNIFICATION ESCROW AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of ___________ _____, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), by and among LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware co rporation (“Purchaser”); LEY BUICK-GMC AUTO MALL, INC., a West Virginia corporation, KING COAL CHEVROLET CO., a West Virginia corporation, and HOMETOWN PREOWNED VEHICLES, INC., a West Virginia corporation (collectively, “Seller”); and BASS SOX MERCER (the “Indemnification Escrow Agent”)

 

RECITALS

 

A. Seller, Purchaser, and others entered into that certain Asset Purchase and Contribution Agreement dated August ___, 2020 (the “Purchase Agreement”), with respect to Seller’s Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru and used motor vehicle dealerships located in Beckley, Oak Hill, Mt. Hope, Princeton, Lewisburg, Summersville and Beaver, West Virginia.

 

B. As set forth in Section 6.2(d) of the Purchase Agreement, the parties agreed to withhold from the Asset Interest Price $[**] (the “Original Escrow Amount”) (as reduced by any disbursements or amounts withdrawn under Section 3 hereof, the “Escrow Fund”) for the purpose of securing the performance of Seller’s obligation to indemnify Purchaser against claims arising under the Purchase Agreement. [Note: Amount to be inserted when APA is finalized.]

 

C. Capitalized terms used in this agreement without definition shall have the respective meanings given to them in the Asset Purchase Agreement.

 

AGREEMENT

 

The parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

1. ESTABLISHMENT OF ESCROW

 

(a) Purchaser, as a delivery of the Purchase Price under the Purchase Agreement, is depositing with the Indemnification Escrow Agent in immediately available funds the Original Escrow Amount. Wiring instructions for the Indemnification Escrow Agent are attached hereto as Exhibit A. The Indemnification Escrow Agent acknowledges receipt thereof.

 

(b) The Indemnification Escrow Agent hereby agrees to act as escrow agent and to hold, safeguard and disburse the Escrow Fund pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof.

 

2. ACCOUNT

 

The Indemnification Escrow Agent shall deposit the Escrow Fund into non-interest bearing attorney IOLTA accounts in any number of different accounts with any number of different FDIC-insured institutions as the Indemnification Escrow Agent chooses.

 

3. CLAIMS

 

(a) From time to time on or before the 24th month after the Effective Date, an Authorized Representative (as defined below) of Purchaser may give notice (a “Notice”) to Seller and the Indemnification Escrow Agent specifying in reasonable detail the nature and dollar amount of any claim (a “Claim”) it may have under Section 6.2 of the Purchase Agreement; such Authorized Representative may make more than one claim with respect to any underlying state of facts. If an Authorized Representative of Seller gives notice to Purchaser and the Indemnification Escrow Agent disputing any Claim (a “Counter Notice”) within 30 days following receipt by the Indemnification Escrow Agent of the Notice regarding such Claim, such Claim shall be resolved as provided in Section 3(b). If no Counter Notice is received by the Indemnification Escrow Agent within such 30-day period, then the dollar amount of damages claimed by Purchaser as set forth in its Notice shall be deemed established for purposes of this Agreement and the Purchase Agreement and, at the end of such 30-day period, the Indemnification Escrow Agent shall pay to Purchaser the dollar amount claimed in the Notice from (and only to the extent of) the Escrow Fund. The Indemnification Escrow Agent shall not inquire into or consider whether a Claim complies with the requirements of the Purchase Agreement.

 

1

 

 

Exhibit M

 

(b) If a Counter Notice is given by an Authorized Representative with respect to a Claim, the Indemnification Escrow Agent shall reserve from the Escrow Fund a portion thereof equal to the Claim amount (a “Reserved Amount”) and thereafter shall disburse such Reserved Amount only in accordance with (i) joint written instructions of each Authorized Representative of Purchaser and Seller or (ii) a final, non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction. Any court order shall be accompanied by a legal opinion by counsel for the presenting party satisfactory to the Indemnification Escrow Agent to the effect that the order is final and non-appealable. The Indemnification Escrow Agent shall act on such court order and legal opinion without further question.

 

4. PARTIAL RELEASE AND TERMINATION OF ESCROW

 

At the end of the 12th month after the Effective Date, $[**] (50% of the Original Escrow Amount) of the Escrow Fund, less (i) the amount of all offsets and reductions previously made in accordance with this Agreement less (ii) any Reserved Amount for any Claims that are then pending in an amount equal to the aggregate dollar amount shown in the Notice(s) of such Claim(s), shall be released to Seller. At the end of the 24th month after the Closing Date and provided that all claims by Purchaser under Section 6.2 of the Purchase Agreement, if any, have been finally resolved and further provided that no Claims are then pending, the remaining amount of the Escrow Fund shall be released to Seller. All disbursements provided for in this Section 4 hereof require joint written instructions of Purchaser and Seller or a final, non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction as contemplated by Section 3(b) hereof. [Note: Amount to be inserted when APA is finalized.]

 

5. DUTIES OF INDEMNIFICATION ESCROW AGENT

 

(a) The Indemnification Escrow Agent agrees to hold and distribute the Escrow Funds under the terms and conditions of this Agreement and to perform the acts and duties expressly set forth in this Agreement, which shall be deemed purely ministerial in nature, in good faith and in a commercially-reasonable manner. This Agreement expressly sets forth all the duties of the Indemnification Escrow Agent with respect to any and all matters pertinent hereto. No implied duties or obligations shall be read into this Agreement against the Indemnification Escrow Agent. Unless the Indemnification Escrow Agent is a party thereto, the Indemnification Escrow Agent shall not be bound by the provisions of any agreement among the other parties hereto except this Agreement.

 

(b) The Indemnification Escrow Agent shall be entitled to rely upon any order, judgment, certification, demand, notice, instrument or other writing delivered to it hereunder without being required to determine the authenticity or the correctness of any fact stated therein or the propriety or validity of the service thereof. The Indemnification Escrow Agent may act in reliance upon any instrument or signature reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed by an Authorized Representative, as applicable. The Indemnification Escrow Agent may conclusively presume that the undersigned Authorized Representative of any party hereto has full power and authority to instruct the Indemnification Escrow Agent on behalf of that party unless written notice to the contrary is delivered to the Indemnification Escrow Agent.

 

2

 

 

Exhibit M

 

(c) Except in the case of fraud, willful misconduct or gross negligence, the Indemnification Escrow Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it (or any action suffered by it to be taken or omitted to be taken) in good faith and reasonably believed by it to be authorized or within the rights or powers conferred upon it by this Agreement.

 

(d) The Indemnification Escrow Agent may resign and thus be discharged from its duties or obligations hereunder by giving 5 days’ notice in writing of such resignation to each of the other parties to this Agreement, specifying a date when such resignation shall take effect, which shall not be less than 10 days or more than 30 days after the date of such resignation notice. A successor escrow agent shall be appointed in writing by the mutual written agreement of the other parties or, failing such, by a court of competent jurisdiction. A successor escrow agent shall execute a copy of this Agreement agreeing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

 

(e) Purchaser and Seller shall each be severally responsible for 1/2 of the commercially-reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, incurred or paid by the Indemnification Escrow Agent in connection with carrying out its duties under this Agreement; provided, however, that no attorneys’ fees and costs shall be paid by the Indemnification Escrow Agent to the Indemnification Escrow Agent’s law firm. No other compensation will be due or payable to the Indemnification Escrow Agent for its services under this Agreement.

 

(f) Each of Purchaser, on the one hand, and Seller, on the other hand, agree to indemnify the Indemnification Escrow Agent for, and to hold it harmless against, 1/2 of any loss, damage, cost, liability or expense (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, and costs of defending itself against any claim or liability) incurred or sustained (including, without limitation, any third-party claims) without gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on the part of the Indemnification Escrow Agent, by reason of its compliance in good faith with the terms of this Agreement. To avoid any doubt, this Section 5 shall survive for the maximum time period permitted under applicable law.

 

6. LIMITED RESPONSIBILITY

 

This Agreement expressly sets forth all the duties of the Indemnification Escrow Agent with respect to any and all matters pertinent hereto. No implied duties or obligations shall be read into this Agreement against the Indemnification Escrow Agent. The Indemnification Escrow Agent shall not be bound by the provisions of any agreement among the other parties hereto except this Agreement.

 

7. OWNERSHIP FOR TAX PURPOSES

 

Seller agrees that, for purposes of federal and other taxes based on income, Seller will be treated as the owner of the Escrow Fund and that Seller will report all income, if any, that is earned on, or derived from, the Escrow Fund as its income in the taxable year or years in which such income is properly includible and pay any taxes attributable thereto.

 

8. AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES

 

The parties acknowledge and agree that the following individuals shall serve as the authorized representatives of such party (the “Authorized Representatives”): (a)(i) Lori A. Davis has been appointed as Seller’s Authorized Representative, (ii) any instructions to be given or actions to be taken hereunder may be given or taken by Sellers’ Authorized Representative on behalf of Seller, and (iii) as between Sellers, Purchaser and the Indemnification Escrow Agent, all actions taken or consented to by Seller’s Authorized Representative hereunder shall be final, irrevocable and binding upon each of the Seller; and (b) (i) [**] has been appointed as Purchaser’s Authorized Representative, (ii) any instructions to be given or actions to be taken hereunder may be given or taken by Purchaser’s Authorized Representative on behalf of Purchaser, and (iii) as between Seller, Purchaser and the Indemnification Escrow Agent, all actions taken or consented to by Purchaser’s Authorized Representative hereunder shall be final, irrevocable and binding upon Purchaser.

 

3

 

 

Exhibit M

 

9. NOTICES

 

All notices, Consents, waivers and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given to a party when (a) delivered to the appropriate address by hand or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service (costs prepaid); (b) sent by email (with confirmation by the transmitting equipment); or (c) received by the addressee, if sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, in each case to the following addresses and facsimile numbers and marked to the attention of the person (by name or title) designated below (or to such other address, facsimile number or person as a party may designate by notice to the other parties):

 

If to Seller:

 

Beckley Buick-GMC Auto Mall, Inc.,

King Coal Chevrolet Co., and

Hometown Preowned Vehicles, Inc.

Attn: Lori A. Davis

334 Old Grandview Road

Beaver, West Virginia 25813

Email: ldavis@beckleyautomall.com

 

with a copy to:

 

Jones & Associates

Attention: E. Forrest Jones

13 Kanawha Blvd West, Suite 200

Charleston, WV 25387

Email: efjones@efjones.com

 

If to Purchaser:

 

LMP Automotive Holdings, Inc.

Attn: Sam Tawfik

601 North State Road 7

Plantation, Florida 33317

Email: sam@lmpmotors.com

 

with a copy to:

 

Bass Sox Mercer

2822 Remington Green Circle

Tallahassee, Florida 32308

Attention: Robert A. Bass

Email: bassra@dealerlawyer.com

 

4

 

 

Exhibit M

 

If to Indemnification Escrow Agent:

 

Bass Sox Mercer

2822 Remington Green Circle

Tallahassee, Florida 32308

Attention: Robert A. Bass

Email: bassra@dealerlawyer.com

 

10. INDEMNIFICATION ESCROW AGENT AS COUNSEL

 

The parties acknowledge that the Indemnification Escrow Agent acts as counsel on behalf of Purchaser. The parties acknowledge that the Indemnification Escrow Agent has accepted appointment as escrow agent under this Agreement only at the specific request of Purchaser and Seller. Further, Seller acknowledges that it is represented by independent counsel. Seller hereby waives any and all real or perceived conflicts of interest between Purchaser and the Indemnification Escrow Agent resulting from the existing representation of Purchaser so long as the Indemnification Escrow Agent acts in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Indemnification Escrow Agent’s service hereunder shall not affect the Indemnification Escrow Agent’s ability to represent Purchaser in connection with any matters arising from or in connection with the Purchase Agreement, with the exception of any matters which may involve this Agreement, so long as the Indemnification Escrow Agent has resigned from its position as escrow agent.

 

11. JURISDICTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS

 

Any Proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement may be brought in the courts of the State of West Virginia, County of Raleigh, or, if it has or can acquire jurisdiction, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, and each of the parties irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such Proceeding and waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to venue or to convenience of forum, agrees that all claims in respect of the Proceeding shall be heard and determined only in any such court and agrees not to bring any Proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any other court. Process in any Proceeding referred to in the preceding sentence may be served on any party anywhere in the world.

 

12. EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT

 

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original copy of this Agreement and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement. The exchange of copies of this Agreement and of signature pages by facsimile transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Agreement as to the parties and may be used in lieu of the original Agreement for all purposes. Signatures of the parties transmitted by facsimile shall be deemed to be their original signatures for any purposes whatsoever.

 

13. SECTION HEADINGS, CONSTRUCTION

 

The headings of sections in this Agreement are provided for convenience only and will not affect its construction or interpretation.

 

5

 

 

Exhibit M

 

14. WAIVER

 

The rights and remedies of the parties to this Agreement are cumulative and not alternative. Neither the failure nor any delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, power or privilege, and no single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege will preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, (a) no claim or right arising out of this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement can be discharged by one party, in whole or in part, by a waiver or renunciation of the claim or right unless in writing signed by the other party; (b) no waiver that may be given by a party will be applicable except in the specific instance for which it is given; and (c) no notice to or demand on one party will be deemed to be a waiver of any obligation of such party or of the right of the party giving such notice or demand to take further action without notice or demand as provided in this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement.

 

15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND MODIFICATION

 

This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements among the parties with respect to its subject matter and constitutes (along with the documents referred to in this Agreement) a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of the agreement between the parties with respect to its subject matter. This Agreement may not be amended except by a written agreement executed by Purchaser, Seller and the Indemnification Escrow Agent.

 

16. GOVERNING LAW

 

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of West Virginia without regard to conflicts of law principles that would require the application of any other Law.

 

[Signatures to begin on following page]

 

6

 

 

Exhibit M

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  SELLER:
   
 

BECKLEY BUICK-GMC AUTO MALL, INC.,

a West Virginia corporation

     
  By:
    Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President
   
 

KING COAL CHEVROLET CO.,

a West Virginia corporation

   
  By:  
    Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President
     
 

HOMETOWN PREOWNED VEHICLES, INC.,

a West Virginia corporation

   
  By:  
    Ernest B. Davis, Jr., President
     
  PURCHASER:
     
 

LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

     
  By:  
    Sam Tawfik, CEO
     
 

INDEMNIFICATION ESCROW AGENT:

 

BASS SOX MERCER

   
  By:  
   

Robert A. Bass, Esq.

Shareholder

 

 

7

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

REAL ESTATE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

THIS REAL ESTATE PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of this 28th day of August, 2020 (the “Effective Date”) by and between E & W, LLC, a West Virginia limited liability company (“Seller”), and 601 NSR, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and or its assigns (“Purchaser”, and together with Seller, each a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”).

 

RECITALS:

 

WHEREAS, Seller is the owner of the surface of real property, buildings and site improvements located at 1508 E. Main Street, Oak Hill, West Virginia 25901, being more particularly described in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference (the “Premises”);

 

WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell, and Purchaser desires to purchase, the Property (hereinafter defined); and

 

WHEREAS, Seller is the owner of a 100% fee simple interest in all buildings, certain structures and certain site improvements located on the Premises (collectively the “Improvements”).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements of the parties as hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties intending to be legally bound hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Purchase and Sale; Integral Transaction; Deposit. Subject to and on the terms and conditions set forth herein, Seller hereby agrees to sell to Purchaser, and Purchaser agrees to purchase from Seller, the Premises together with all (a) benefits, privileges, fixtures, easements, hereditaments and other rights appurtenant to the Premises or any part thereof, including without limitation Seller’s right, title and interest, if any, in and to any streets, alleys, ways, sewer rights, utility capacity or rights thereto, development rights, impact fee credits, air rights, water rights, water courses and water bodies adjacent to the Premises and mineral rights; (b) all of Seller’s right, title and interest in and to any and all of the Improvements; and (c) all of Seller’s right, title and interest in and to all surveys, reports, plans, specifications, drawings, engineering information and data, guaranties, warranties, licenses and permits relating to the Premises (the Premises and all other property and/or rights enumerated in Sections 1(a), 1(b) and 1(c) are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Property”).

 

This Agreement represents one facet of a multi-part transaction. The other facet consists of a separate asset purchase agreement of even date herewith (the “APA”; capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein are used as defined in the APA), by and between Beckley Buick-GMC Auto Mall, Inc., a West Virginia corporation, King Coal Chevrolet Co., a West Virginia corporation and Hometown Preowned Vehicles, Inc., a West Virginia corporation (collectively the “Asset Seller”), and LMP Automotive Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Asset Purchaser”), for purchase and sale of the Franchised Dealerships and Ancillary Dealerships, as defined in the APA. This Agreement shall terminate automatically upon termination or expiration of the APA for any reason. No separate deposit under this Agreement is required of Purchaser; rather, Purchaser has delivered to the Escrow Agent (as defined in the APA) the Deposit (as defined in the APA) to be held and disbursed in accordance with the terms of the APA; accordingly, the Deposit provisions of the APA are part of this Agreement. The respective obligations of Seller and Purchaser to close the transaction hereunder are conditioned upon the closing of the transactions contemplated under the APA. In addition, this Agreement and the APA are hereby cross-defaulted such that a default by a Party under one shall constitute a default by that same Party, or its affiliate, under the other agreement. If this Agreement is terminated and cancelled, this Agreement and the APA shall become void, and there shall be no further liability or obligation of any Party to either this Agreement or the APA, except as to matters of default as provided in the pertinent sections of this Agreement and the APA, as well as matters that are expressly stated to survive termination.

 

Page 1 of 17

 

 

2. Purchase Price; Appraisal Fair Market Value.

 

(a) The purchase price for the Property (the “Purchase Price”) shall be its fair market value as of the Effective Date, as determined by appraisal of the Property (including all Improvements thereon) performed by a MAI-certified appraiser (e.g., CBRE, Cushman Wakefield, Integra, etc.) selected by Purchaser or its lender (the “Initial Appraisal”); provided, however, that such appraisal shall not include the income approach to valuation. The Initial Appraisal, with its cost to be borne by Purchaser, shall be ordered within twenty (20) business days after the Effective Date. Upon receipt of the Initial Appraisal report, Purchaser shall promptly provide Seller with a copy.

 

(b) If Seller objects to the appraised fair market value of the Property as determined in the Initial Appraisal, the Seller, at its cost, shall have the right to have a second appraisal of the fair market value of the Property (the “Confirmation Appraisal”), which shall be ordered by the Seller within five (5) business days after receipt of a copy of the Initial Appraisal. The Confirmation Appraisal shall not include the income approach to valuation. Upon receipt of the Confirmation Appraisal, Seller shall promptly provide Purchaser with a copy.

 

(c) If the difference in the fair market value of the Property between the Confirmation Appraisal and the Initial Appraisal is ten percent (10%) or less (calculated by taking the difference and dividing it by the fair market value of the Initial Appraisal), then the Purchase Price shall be an amount equal to the average of the fair market value of the Property as reflected in the Initial and Confirmation Appraisals.

 

(d) If the difference in the fair market value of the Property between the Confirmation Appraisal and the Initial Appraisal is greater than ten percent (10%) (calculated by taking the difference and dividing it by the fair market value of the Initial Appraisal), then five (5) business days after delivery of a copy of the Confirmation Appraisal to Seller and Purchaser, the Parties shall mutually choose a third appraiser to perform a third appraisal (the “Resolution Appraisal”), the cost of which shall be borne one-half (1/2) by each of Seller and Purchaser. The Resolution Appraisal shall not include the income approach to valuation. Copies of the Resolution Appraisal shall be promptly provided to Seller and Purchaser upon completion.

 

(e) Upon completion of the Resolution Appraisal, the resolved fair market value of the Property shall be determined by averaging the fair market values reflected in the two (2) appraisals nearest to each other in value, and the Purchase Price shall be an amount equal to such resolved fair market value. The appraisal with the largest variance in value from the other two (2) appraisals shall not be used to determine the fair market value of the Property.

 

(f) The Purchase Price shall equal the fair market value determined by the above stated appraisal process even though it may differ from the appraised fair market value utilized by Purchaser’s lender for purposes of financing the Purchase Price.

 

(g) Except as otherwise set forth above, each of the appraisals obtained in accordance with the foregoing shall be prepared in compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, as well as the Financial Institution Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989. There shall be no Extraordinary Assumptions or Hypothetical Conditions (as defined in the Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, 5th Edition) used in any of the appraisal methods.

 

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3. Payment; Closing. Payment for the Property purchased as described herein shall be made at the closing of the purchase and sale of the Property described herein (the “Closing”) by wire transfer of immediately available funds, PLUS or MINUS any adjustments for prorations and other payments and withholdings to be paid or otherwise borne by Seller or Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement. At Closing, Seller will deliver to Purchaser possession of the Property, subject to the Permitted Exceptions (as hereinafter defined), and shall deliver all available keys, and alarm codes, if any, to the Property. The Closing will occur on the “Closing Date” under, and as defined in the APA; and this Agreement shall terminate automatically upon termination or expiration of the APA for any reason.

 

4. Deed. At Closing, Seller will transfer marketable title to the Property to Purchaser by general warranty deed in form reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser (the “Deed”) free and clear of any and all liens and encumbrances (except for Permitted Exceptions, as hereinafter defined, if any). If the legal description of the Property set forth on the Survey (defined below) is different from the legal description set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, Seller shall also execute, at Closing, a quit claim deed conveying the Property to Purchaser utilizing the legal description reflected in the Survey.

 

5. Documents to be Delivered by Seller. Within 3 days following the Effective Date, Seller shall deliver to Purchaser copies of the following, to the extent in Seller’s or Seller’s representatives’ possession or control:

 

(a) Copies of all existing and proposed easements, covenants, restrictions, appraisals, agreements, plans, designs, blueprints, utility capacity letters, contracts, service agreements and other documents that affect the Property.

 

(b) Correct and complete copies of all leases of all or any portion of the Property, and any amendments thereto. Correct and complete copies of any and all options or rights of first refusal affecting the Property.

 

(c) A copy of Seller’s owners/lenders title insurance policy, if any, and the most recent survey of the Property.

 

(d) Copies of all environmental studies or impact reports relating to the Property, including, but not limited to Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments previously conducted, any asbestos studies, and any environmental approvals, conditions, orders or declarations issued by any governmental authority relating thereto. Any reports or information (written or verbal) regarding underground storage tanks presently located on the Property or which may at any time have been located on the Property, as well as any reports or other information (written or verbal) of which Seller is aware relating to the disposition of any pollutants from any source whatsoever in, on or under the Property.

 

(e) Details and contact information for all contractors and subcontractors that have provided material goods or services for improvements or repairs on or to the Property at the request of Seller outside the course of regular maintenance in the past one hundred (100) days prior to the Effective Date and copies of any and all warranties, agreements or proposals currently in effect provided or assigned by contractors or subcontractors that have performed services for Seller on the Premises.

 

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6. Inspections.

 

6.1 Environmental and Building Inspections. Purchaser shall have 60 days from receipt of the Effective Date (the “Inspection Period”) in which to conduct, inspect and evaluate any and all tests, studies, and surveys of, in Purchaser’s sole discretion, all aspects of the Property, including, without limitation, the condition of the improvements located thereon, the soil conditions, environmental conditions (including Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments), property condition assessments, structural testing, and to confirm the zoning and status of entitlements applicable to the Property. Purchaser shall avoid any unreasonable interference with the business and operations of Seller’s current tenant’s business; and Purchaser, at its sole expense, shall promptly repair any damage caused by said inspections. Seller will make its appropriate officers, employees and representatives available to Purchaser at all reasonable times for the purpose of assisting Purchaser in such investigations or examinations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Purchaser may not perform any test of the Property of an intrusive or disruptive nature (including, without limitation, soil borings), without the prior written consent of Seller, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, except that Seller shall be entitled to review and approve any investigation planned and split any samples taken. If Purchaser is required or advised by its consultants or its lender to do environmental testing in addition to Phase I environmental testing, or if a Phase II environmental site assessment is recommended, the Inspection Period shall be automatically extended an additional 15 days (or such greater amount as may be reasonably necessary for Seller and Purchaser (and its lender) to review and agree upon any recommended course of remediation) beyond the completion of such additional environmental testing. Purchaser shall provide copies of all tests, studies, reports and surveys obtained by Purchaser in the course of Purchaser’s investigation and evaluation of the Property as soon as reasonably possibly after the receipt thereof by Purchaser, and if Purchaser’s environmental reports reveal recognized environmental conditions that require remediation in order to bring the Property into compliance with applicable Environmental Laws, then Seller, at its sole expense, shall take all actions necessary to remediate said conditions prior to Closing to Purchaser’s commercially reasonable satisfaction. If Purchaser is not satisfied with the inspections of the Property, Purchaser may terminate this Agreement (without premium or penalty) by sending written notice to the other Party on or before 2nd Business Day after expiration of the Inspection Period, as may be extended in accordance with the terms hereof. All site inspections shall be coordinated in advance with Lori A. Davis, whose email address isldavis@beckleyautomall.com and whose cell phone number is 304-[**].

 

6.2 Title Examination.

 

(a) Purchaser shall order and obtain a title insurance commitment (the “Commitment”) from a national title insurance company of its selection (“Title Insurer”), insuring fee-simple marketable surface title to the Property. Purchaser shall have until the expiration of the Inspection Period to examine the Commitment and all instruments listed as exceptions and as requirements therein. If title is found unacceptable to Purchaser, Purchaser shall, on or before expiration of the Inspection Period, provide Notice(s) to Seller specifying its title and/or survey objections (the “Title Notice”), and any exceptions set forth in the Commitment or Survey to which Purchaser does not object pursuant to a Title Notice shall be deemed a permitted exception (the “Permitted Exceptions”). Seller will have 10 days from receipt of Purchaser’s Title Notice(s), (the “Seller’s Response Period”) to either (i) notify Purchaser that it will cure any of such title objections and the steps it will take to do so, (ii) notify Purchaser that it elects not to cure any of such objections. If Seller fails to respond within Seller’s Response Period, then Seller is deemed to have elected not to seek to remove, correct, and/or satisfy any objections. If Seller’s response indicates that Seller will not seek to remove, correct, and/or satisfy certain objections set forth in Purchaser’ Title Notice, or if Seller fails to notify Purchaser of Seller’s response within Seller’s Response Period, then Purchaser may either (i) waive certain objections set forth in Purchaser’s Title Notice and proceed with Closing or (ii) terminate this Agreement by sending written notice thereof to Seller not later than 5 business days after the later of Purchaser’s receipt of Seller’s response if any, or expiration of Seller’s Response Period if Seller failed to provide a timely response. If Purchaser fails to terminate this Agreement, Purchaser is deemed to have waived any of those certain objections set forth in a Title Notice that Seller has elected not to cure, and to have accepted those title conditions as Permitted Exceptions. If there remain at Closing any objections that Purchaser included in Purchaser’s Title Notice(s) for which Seller affirmatively agreed to seek to remove, correct, and/or satisfy, then Purchaser may elect to: (i) waive such objections and proceed with the Closing and accept the Property subject to such exceptions without reduction of the Purchase Price, and all such exceptions so waived or otherwise accepted by Purchaser shall hereinafter constitute “Permitted Exceptions”, or (ii) Purchaser may terminate this Agreement, thereby releasing Purchaser and Seller from all further obligations under this Agreement (except those that expressly survive), upon which the APA shall also terminate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller shall cure or cause any monetary liens against the Property to be satisfied and removed at or prior to Closing and to remove any liens pendens against the Property.

 

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(b) If any subsequent update of the Commitment reveals any additional exceptions not permitted by this Agreement, Seller shall have 10 days in which to remove such additional exceptions, subject to the limitations set forth above. If Seller elects not to remove or is unable to remove such additional exceptions, Purchaser shall have the same rights and remedies as provided above, except that the Closing shall not be extended more than 10 days to permit Seller to cure any such additional exceptions.

 

(c) Seller and Purchaser each agree to provide commercially reasonable affidavits and documentation, acceptable in form and substance to Seller and Purchaser, to enable the Title Company to delete all Schedule B-I requirements, the “gap” exception, and the construction lien and parties in possession exceptions from the Commitment at Closing. Seller and Purchaser each shall be responsible for satisfying those Schedule B-I requirements applicable to each of them.

 

6.3 Survey. Purchaser may, at its expense, obtain a survey of the Property (the “Survey”) during the Inspection Period. If the Survey discloses an encroachment on the Property or that improvements located on the Property encroach on setback lines, easements, lands of others, or violate any restrictions or applicable governmental regulations which are unacceptable to Purchaser, which will impair the marketability of the Property, or constitute a survey exception on the owner’s title insurance policy, then upon Notice to Seller, tendered on or before expiration of the Inspection Period, the same shall constitute a Title Notice and shall be governed by the terms of Section 6.2 hereof.

 

7. Representations, Warranties and Covenants.

 

7.1 Representations, Warranties and Covenants by Seller. Seller hereby represents, warrants and covenants as of the date hereof and as of the Closing that:

 

(a) Subject to the Permitted Exceptions, Seller is the fee simple owner of the surface estate in and to the Property. No other agreement concerning or restricting the sale of the Property is in effect and no person or entity, other than Purchaser, has any right or option to acquire all or any portion of the Property. There are no leases or other occupancy agreements affecting the Property and there are no licenses or related agreements affecting the Property which are not a Permitted Exception or which will be terminated as of the Closing.

 

(b) To Seller’s Knowledge, the Property described herein is the only real estate, property, and interests used by KCC, an Asset Seller, in the conduct of its Dealership Operations.

 

(c) Seller is a West Virginia limited liability company, duly formed, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of its formation. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Seller has been duly authorized by its members, and the person executing this Agreement on behalf of Seller has full power and authority to do so and to perform every act and to execute and deliver every document and instrument necessary or appropriate to consummate the transaction provided for herein. The transactions contemplated in this Agreement are not prohibited by any law, regulation, agreement, instrument, restriction, order or judgment including, without limitation, any site control agreement, option or right of first refusal.

 

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(d) Seller is not a “foreign person” under, and as defined in, Section 1445(f)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended from time to time.

 

(e) This Agreement constitutes the valid obligation of Seller, is legally binding, and is enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws and equitable principles affecting creditors’ rights generally and the discretion of the courts in granting equitable remedies. Provided, there are no attachments, executions, assignments for the benefit of creditors, receiverships, conservatorships or voluntary or involuntary proceedings in bankruptcy or pursuant to any other debtor relief laws contemplated or filed by Seller or pending against Seller or the Property

 

(f) The execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement and any other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents executed and delivered by Seller pursuant hereto (the “Seller Delivered Agreements”), and the consummation by Seller of the transaction provided for herein, will not constitute (with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both) a violation of, be in conflict with, result in the acceleration of or entitle any Party to accelerate (whether after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both), or constitute a default under (i) any term or provision of the formation documents of Seller, as may be amended (ii) any material agreement, commitment or understanding to which Seller or its members or managers are subject or by which they are bound, or (iii) any applicable law.

 

(g) Seller has no Knowledge that the continued ownership, operation, use and occupancy of the Property violates in a material manner any zoning, building, health, flood control, fire or other law, ordinance, order or regulation or any restrictive covenant. To Seller’s Knowledge, there are no violations in any material respect of any federal, state, county or municipal law, ordinance, order, regulation or requirement, affecting any portion of the Property, and no written notice of any such violation has been issued by any governmental authority. To the Knowledge of Seller, all necessary certificates of occupancy, licenses, permits, authorizations and approvals by all governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the Property have been paid for, issued and remain in full force and effect for the Property.

 

(h) To the Knowledge of Seller, there are no condemnation or annexation or similar proceedings affecting the Property or any portion thereof, including any pending or threatened action that would result in (i) the termination or impairment of access to or from the Property, or (ii) access from the Property to existing sewer or other utility facilities servicing, adjoining or situated on the Property, and Seller has not received any notice, nor has any Knowledge, that any such proceeding is currently contemplated.

 

(i) Seller has received no notice of actual or threatened special assessments or reassessments of the Property, and the Property is not burdened by any obligation for contribution of money or property to or participation in any road development or completion project or to bear any share of the cost of any road or other offsite improvement. Seller has not made and has no Knowledge of any commitments to or agreements with any governmental or quasi-governmental authority, utility company, school board, church or other religious body, any property owner’s association, or any other organization, group or individual relating to the Property, which have not been fulfilled or satisfied prior to the Effective Date hereof, and which would impose an obligation upon Purchaser, as owner of the Property, to construct, install or maintain any improvements of a public or private nature on or off the Property.

 

(j) There are no actions, suits, claims, proceedings or causes of action which are pending or, to Seller’s Knowledge, have been threatened or asserted against, or are affecting, Seller or the Property or any part thereof in any court or before any arbitrator, board or governmental or administrative agency or other person or entity which might have a material adverse effect on the Property or any portion thereof or on Purchaser’s ability to use the Property for a full service franchised dealership facility.

 

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(k) Except as set forth in Schedule 7.1(k):

 

(i) to the Seller’s Knowledge, there are no Hazardous Substances (as defined in the APA) present at, on, in or under any portion of the Premises used by the Seller or in the ordinary course of business by BBGAM during the period the Premises have been owned by Seller and used by BBGAM, except for consumables used and waste generated in the ordinary course of the BBGAM’s business, in each case, to Seller’s Knowledge, in compliance by BBGAM with applicable Environmental Laws;

 

(ii) the Seller has not received any notice, whether oral or written, from any Governmental Authority or other Person of any actual or threatened Environmental, Health and Safety Liabilities that are pending or unresolved with respect to the Premises;

 

(iii) to the Seller’s Knowledge, all gasoline, oil and other petroleum products stored, treated, used or disposed of on, in or about any portion of the Premises by BBGAM have been stored, treated, used or disposed of in material compliance with all Applicable Laws (as defined in the APA), and,

 

(iv) the Seller has provided to the Purchaser all material environmental reports, assessments, audits, studies, investigations, data and other nonprivileged written environmental information in its custody, possession or control concerning the Premises.

 

(l) Seller has not released or modified any warranties of builders, contractors, manufacturers or other trade persons with respect to the Property that have been given to Seller.

 

(m) From and after the Effective Date, assuming this Agreement remains in full force and effect, Seller shall not: (i) make any material changes on or about the Property other than as contemplated by this Agreement; (ii) except as set forth herein, create or incur or permit to exist any mortgage, lien, pledge or other encumbrance in any way affecting the Property that will not be paid at Closing; (iii) commit any waste or nuisance on the Property; or (iv) convey any interest (fee or leasehold) in the Property.

 

(n) Seller shall maintain and keep in place all insurance coverage affecting the Property and improvements through and including the Closing Date.

 

(o) To Seller’s Knowledge, all information given to Purchaser by or on behalf of Seller and pertaining to the Property or the operations thereon is true and correct in all material respects, and fully and accurately depicts, in all material respects, the matters set forth therein.

 

For purposes of this Agreement, Seller’s “Knowledge” is defined as set forth in the APA. The representations and warranties of Seller set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing and delivery and recordation of the Deed for a period of 24 months.

 

7.2 Representations and Warranties by Purchaser.

 

(a) Purchaser is a Delaware limited liability company, duly formed, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the state of its formation. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Purchaser has been duly authorized by its member and the person executing this Agreement on behalf of Purchaser has full power and authority to do so and to perform every act and to execute and deliver every document and instrument necessary or appropriate to consummate the transaction provided for herein.

 

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(b) This Agreement constitutes the valid obligation of Purchaser, is legally binding, and is enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws and equitable principles affecting creditors’ rights generally and the discretion of the courts in granting equitable remedies.

 

(c) The execution and delivery by Purchaser of this Agreement and any other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents executed and delivered by any of them pursuant hereto, and the consummation by Purchaser of the transaction provided for herein, will not constitute (with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both) a violation of, be in conflict with, result in the acceleration of or entitle any Party to accelerate (whether after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both), or constitute a default under (i) any term or provision of the formation documents of Purchaser, as may be amended (ii) any material agreement, commitment or understanding to which Purchaser is subject or by which they are bound, or (iii) any applicable law.

 

The representations and warranties of Purchaser set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing and delivery and recordation of the Deed for a period of 24 months.

 

8. Conditions Precedent to Purchaser’s Obligations. The obligations of Purchaser hereunder are subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions:

 

(a) Seller’s representations and warranties contained in this Agreement shall be true and accurate, in all material respects as if made as of Closing except as updated in writing by Seller to Purchaser prior to Closing, and Seller shall have fulfilled its delivery requirements set forth herein.

 

(b) Seller shall have delivered or caused to be delivered the items set forth in Sections 5 and 10.

 

(c) Seller shall have paid any and all taxes, franchise fees and any other tax charge(s) which is/are currently due and payable in relation to the Property, subject to the proration thereof on a calendar year basis as set forth in the Settlement Statement.

 

(d) The transactions contemplated under the APA shall have closed, it being contemplated that such closing shall occur simultaneously with the Closing hereunder.

 

(e) No work shall have been performed or be in progress and no materials or services shall be furnished with respect to the Property or any portion thereof other than maintenance and repairs in the ordinary course of business which could give rise to any mechanic's, materialmen or other liens.

 

(f) The Purchaser shall have received a written commitment for acquisition financing on terms reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser.

 

In the event any of the foregoing conditions precedent to Closing are not satisfied, in Purchaser’s reasonable opinion, on or prior to Closing, then Purchaser shall have the right to terminate this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Purchaser and Seller shall be obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to satisfy the conditions set forth in this Section 8.

 

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9. Conditions Precedent to Seller’s Obligations. The obligations of Seller hereunder are subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions:

 

(a) At Closing, the representations and warranties set forth herein by Purchaser shall be true and correct in all material respects as if made as of Closing and Purchaser shall have fulfilled its delivery requirements set forth herein.

 

(b) Purchaser shall have delivered or cause to be delivered the items set forth in Section 10 below.

 

(c) Each of the obligations of Purchaser required by this Agreement to be performed by it at or prior to the Closing shall have been duly performed and complied with in all material respects as of the Closing.

 

(d) The transactions contemplated under the APA shall have closed, it being contemplated that such closing shall occur simultaneously with the Closing hereunder.

 

10. Closing Documents.

 

10.1 Deliveries by Seller at Closing. On or prior to the Closing, Seller shall execute (as applicable) and deliver to Purchaser, the following:

 

(a) The Deed conveying fee simple title to the surface estate in and to Property, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, except the Permitted Exceptions. A quit claim deed as provided for in Section 4 hereof, as applicable;

 

(b) A bill of sale conveying the Improvements and all Property rights to be conveyed hereunder, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, except the Permitted Exceptions;

 

(c) Assignment of any and all warranties (if any), plans, specifications, drawings, and engineering information and data provided or assigned by any contractors and subcontractors, architects and engineers that have provided material goods or services on or to the Property (along with paid invoices;

 

(d) An owner’s affidavit in a commercially reasonable form acceptable to Title Insurer, affirming that there are no unrecorded outstanding possessory rights, liens or rights to claim liens against the Property;

 

(e) An Affidavit from Seller required pursuant to Section 1445 of the Code and corresponding laws of the State of West Virginia, as applicable;

 

(f) An IRS Form 1099;

 

(g) A termination of any and all leases affecting the Property which grant a possessory interest to Seller’s affiliates or a third party;

 

(h) Written assurances (the “Lienholder Assurances”), reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser, executed by the holders of all liens encumbering the Property (the “Real Property Lienholders”), setting forth the payment (the “Release Payment”) required to be made to each such Real Property Lienholder to obtain a release of all encumbrances of such Real Property Lienholder affecting the Property, and containing each such Real Property Lienholder’s commitment to promptly execute and deliver to Purchaser a complete release of all such encumbrances upon receipt of the Release Payment;

 

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(i) A certificate dated the Closing Date and executed by an authorized representative of Seller stating that the representations and warranties of Seller in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date, as updated by written notice to Purchaser prior to Closing, with the same effect as those such representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date, and that the covenants and agreements to be performed or complied with by Seller prior to the Closing have been performed and complied with in all material respects;

 

(j) Settlement statement prepared in accordance with the allocations contained in Section 14 hereof (the “Settlement Statement”);

 

(k) Such other closing documents as may be customary in the jurisdiction in which the Property is located, including, without limitation, corporate certificates and resolutions and affidavits reasonably required by the Title Insurer; and

 

(l) Certificate of Good Standing for Seller issued within 30 days prior to the Closing

 

Date.

 

10.2 Deliveries by Purchaser at Closing.

 

(a) The Purchase Price as set forth in Section 2 hereof, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, subject to prorations, adjustments and credits as described in this Agreement;

 

(b) Execute and deliver or obtain for delivery any instruments reasonably necessary to close this transaction, including, without limitation, corporate certificates and resolutions and affidavits reasonably required by the Title Insurer;

 

(c) Certificate of Good Standing for Purchaser issued within 30 days prior to the Closing Date; and

 

(d) The Settlement Statement.

 

11. Condemnation. If prior to the Closing all or any part of the Property shall have been taken, or Purchaser or Seller received notice that all or any part of the Property may be taken, in the exercise of the power of eminent domain, Purchaser or Seller may, upon written notice to the other Party given within 10 days after a Party receives written notice of such taking, terminate this Agreement and, in such event, Seller and Purchaser shall have no further rights or obligations hereunder to the other. Otherwise, if prior to the Closing Date any part of the Property shall have been taken, or Purchaser or Seller received notice that all or any part of the Property may be taken, in the exercise of the power of eminent domain by any governmental or private authority, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and at Closing, Seller shall assign, transfer and set over to Purchaser all of the right, title and interest of Seller in and to any awards that have been or that may thereafter be made for such taking. In the event Seller has received payment of any such awards prior to Closing, such amounts shall be credited against the Purchase Price, to the extent not used for restoring or repairing the improvements. If restoration or repairs are conducted, then Seller will expeditiously and timely undertake to restore the Property to a condition reasonably acceptable to Purchaser, and Purchaser will have the right to approve all plans, specifications, time periods and the contractor performing any such work.

 

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12. Casualty. If, prior to the Closing, all or any part of the Property shall have been damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty rendering 20% or more not usable for at least 45 days, Purchaser or Seller may, upon written notice to the other Party given within 10 days after a Party receives written notice of such casualty, or within 10 days after discovering said casualty, terminate this Agreement and, in such event, Purchaser and Seller shall have no further rights or obligations hereunder to the other. If Seller or Purchaser does not elect to terminate this Agreement as aforesaid, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and at Closing, Seller shall assign, transfer and set over to Purchaser all of the right, title and interest of Seller in and to any proceeds that have been or that may thereafter be made for such casualty. In the event Seller has received payment of any such proceeds prior to Closing, such amounts shall be credited against the Purchase Price, to the extent not used for restoring or repairing the improvements. If restoration or repairs are conducted, then Seller will expeditiously and timely undertake to restore the Property to a condition reasonably acceptable to Purchaser, and Purchaser will have the right to approve all plans, specifications, time periods and the contractor performing any such work.

 

13. Commission. Seller and Purchaser warrant and represent to each other that, except for Robert Morris of the Tim Lamb Group who shall be paid at Closing by Seller at Seller’s sole expense pursuant to a separate agreement, Seller and Purchaser have not entered into any agreement or arrangement and have not received services from any broker or broker’s employees or independent contractors and there are no broker’s commissions or fees payable in connection with this Agreement or the purchase and sale of the Property by reason of their respective dealings, negotiations or communications. The warranties and representations made in this Section 13 shall survive termination, expiration or Closing of this Agreement.

 

14. Costs. Except as provided below, the costs and expenses of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be allocated as is customary in commercial transactions in the county and state where the property is situated. Ad valorem and any other applicable taxes for the year in which the Closing occurs shall be prorated as of the Closing Date; provided, however, rollback taxes or special assessments, if any, shall be the sole obligation of Seller without proration, and due and payable at Closing.

 

(a) At the Closing, Seller shall pay the cost of:

 

(i) any unpaid taxes, assessments or similar charges (subject to proration between the Parties as set forth in this Agreement);

 

(ii) any applicable deed transfer tax and/or excise tax with respect to this

 

transaction, including without limitation documentary stamp taxes or fees;

 

(iii) any expenses incurred by Seller in obtaining a release of mortgages or encumbrances affecting title, and all of Seller’s attorneys’ fees; and

 

(b) At the Closing, Purchaser shall pay the cost of:

 

(i) recording the Deed;

 

(ii) owner’s policy premium, endorsement, and title search and exam fees;

 

(iii) lender’s title policy premiums and fees, endorsements, title search and exam fees and other related title costs;

 

(iv) all loan fees charged by Purchaser’s lender and Purchaser’s attorneys’ fees;

 

(v) all expenses incurred by Purchaser in the investigation of the suitability of the Property, including but not limited to engineering fees, surveyor fees, consulting fees, feasibility studies and environmental fees (Phase I and Phase II), architectural fees, appraisal fees, and other consultants’ fees; and

 

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15. Indemnification.

 

(a) Seller agrees, from and after the Closing, to indemnify Purchaser, its successors and assigns and their respective owners, managers, partners, officers, directors, employees and agents (collectively, the “Purchaser Parties”) harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, penalties, loss, cost or expense any of them may incur, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incident to, resulting from any way arising out of (i) the breach of any warranty or representation made herein, (ii) any damages incurred by Purchaser as a result of Seller’s failure to pay expenses arising as a result of required environmental remediation as contemplated by Section 6.1 above or (iii) subject to section 6.1 and 6.2 herein above, the ownership or operation of the Property by Seller on or prior to Closing, including but not limited to any and all claims, liabilities, damages, penalties, loss or expense incurred, resulting from, or in any way arising out of any injury to persons or damage to property happening or occurring in, on or about the Property in connection with the operation of the Property by Seller on or prior to the Closing. This Section 15 shall survive the Closing for twenty-four (24) months.

 

(b) Purchaser hereby agrees, from and after the Closing, to indemnify Seller and hold Seller harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, penalties, loss, cost or expense incurred by Seller, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incident to, resulting from, or any way arising out of (i) the breach of any warranty or representation made herein, (ii) the investigation (prior to Closing), or (ii) ownership or operation of the Property by Purchaser after the Closing, including but not limited to any and all claims, liabilities, damages, penalties, loss or expense incurred, resulting from, or in any way arising out of any injury to persons or damage to property happening or occurring in, on or about the Property in connection with the operation of the Property, after the Closing. This Section 15 shall survive the Closing for twenty-four (24) months.

 

(c) As used in this Section 15, the term “Indemnitor” refers to the Party from whom indemnification is sought and the “Indemnified Party” refers to the Party seeking indemnification.

 

(d) If any claim that is covered by this Section 15 is made against an Indemnified Party, the Indemnified Party shall give prompt written notice of such claim (the “Indemnity Notice”) to the Indemnitor within the survival period as set forth in this Agreement. Failure to give or delay in giving the Indemnity Notice shall not relieve the Indemnitor of its obligation to indemnify unless, and to the extent that, the Indemnitor is materially prejudiced by the failure or delay.

 

(e) Upon receipt by the Indemnitor of the Indemnity Notice, the Indemnitor shall have the responsibility of defending the claim, and all expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred in connection therewith shall be paid by the Indemnitor and shall notify the Indemnified Party of its intention to defend within 10 days of receipt of notice. The Indemnified Party shall have the right to be represented by counsel at its own expense in any defense. If the Indemnitor defends the claim, the Indemnitor shall have the exclusive right to settle any such matter, either before or after the initiation of litigation, at such time and upon such terms as it deems fair and reasonable, provided that the Indemnitor, except with the consent of the Indemnified Party, shall not consent to entry of judgment or enter into any settlement that involves injunctive relief against the Indemnified Party or does not include an unconditional release by the claimant to the Indemnified Party from all liability in respect to such matter. If a claim under this Section is not defended by the Indemnitor and the claim is determined favorably to the Indemnified Party, the Indemnified Party shall give notice to the Indemnitor of the amount of the expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred with respect to such claim, and the Indemnitor shall remit such amount to the Indemnified Party promptly. If such claim is finally determined adversely to the Indemnified Party or if the Indemnified Party compromises the claim, the Indemnified Party shall give notice to the Indemnitor of the amount of such claim as finally determined or compromised (including the amount of the Indemnified Party's costs and interest with respect thereto and attorneys’ fees, if applicable), and the Indemnitor shall remit such amount to the Indemnified Party promptly. References herein to costs and attorneys’ fees shall also include all costs and attorneys' fees incurred in appeals.

 

Page 12 of 17

 

 

(f) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in no event will either Party be liable for any indirect, special, consequential or punitive damages, or any damages for business interruption or lost profits arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, even if any Party hereto has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

 

(g) A Party entitled to indemnification hereunder shall take, and cause its Affiliates to take, all reasonable steps to mitigate any loss upon becoming aware of any event or circumstance that would be reasonably expected to, or does, give rise thereto, including incurring costs only to the minimum extent necessary to remedy the breach that gives rise to such loss.

 

16. Default.

 

(a) If Purchaser shall default hereunder and fails to remedy such default within 10 days after receiving written notice from Seller thereof (or such longer period of time as may be reasonably necessary given the specific nature of the default, so long as Purchaser promptly commences cure thereof and diligently pursues completion), Seller’s sole remedy is to terminate this Agreement and cause its affiliate, the seller under the Asset Purchase Agreement, to seek any available remedies thereunder.

 

(b) If Seller shall default hereunder and fails to remedy such default within 10 days after receiving written notice from Purchaser thereof (or such longer period of time as may be reasonably necessary given the specific nature of the default, so long as Seller promptly commences cure thereof and diligently pursues completion), Purchaser’s sole remedy is to terminate this Agreement and cause its affiliate, the purchaser under the Asset Purchase Agreement, to seek any available remedies thereunder.

 

(c) This section shall survive Closing, termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

17. Notices. All notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing and shall be (a) sent by registered or certified mail, First Class postage attached, (b) sent by hand or overnight delivery, or (c) sent by electronic mail, in each case addressed to the respective Parties at the addresses set forth below, or to such other address and to the attention of such other Persons as a Party hereto may specify from time to time by Notice to the other Parties. Each Notice shall be deemed given and be effective only upon actual receipt (or refusal of receipt), except that electronic mail notices will be deemed duly given and effective upon the date of mailing, provided that a copy of said notice is confirmed within 2 days thereafter by delivery (or refusal) by any of the delivery methods described in (a) or (b). Either Party may, by notice in writing, direct that future notices or demands be sent to different addresses, and notices on behalf of either Party may be given by the attorneys representing such Party. The Parties and their respective counsel may waive, by way of email correspondence, any notice requirements provided for herein. To the extent there are multiple Purchaser or Seller parties, a notice to one purchaser or seller is effective as to all of the purchaser or sellers, respectively.

 

If to Seller, to:

 

E & W, LLC

Attention: Lori Davis

334 Old Grandview Road

Beaver, West Virginia 25813

Email: ldavis@beckleyautomall.com

 

Page 13 of 17

 

 

With a copy to:

 

Jones & Associates

Attention: E. Forrest Jones, Jr., Esq.

P. O. Box 1989

Charleston, West Virginia 25327

Email: efjones@efjones.com

 

Overnight courier address:

Jones & Associates

13 Kanawha Blvd. West, Suite 200

Charleston, West Virginia 25302

 

If to Purchaser to:

 

LMP Automotive

Attention: Mr. Sam Tawfik

601 North State Road 7

Plantation, Florida 33317

 

Email: sam@lmpmotors.com

 

With a copy to:

 

Bass Sox Mercer

Attention: Gregory A. May, Esq.

2822 Remington Green Circle

Tallahassee, Florida 32308

Email: gmay@dealerlawyer.com

 

The refusal by any party to accept delivery shall not negate the effectiveness of notice otherwise properly given.

 

18. Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the sale and purchase of the Property, and may not be modified orally or in any manner other than by an agreement in writing signed by the Parties. Escrow Agent will not be required to join in the execution of any amendments unless its rights or obligations under this Agreement are affected. It is expressly understood and agreed that without Seller’s consent, Purchaser may assign or otherwise transfer all of Purchaser’s rights, obligations and benefits hereunder to any entity owned or controlled in whole or in part by Purchaser’s equity owner(s).

 

19. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns.

 

20. No Waiver. The waiver by any Party of a breach of any covenant, agreement or undertaking contained herein shall be made only by an instrument in writing signed by the Party giving such waiver, and no such waiver shall operate or be construed as a waiver of any prior or subsequent breach of the same covenant, agreement or undertaking. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the exercise of any remedy provided by law or otherwise, and the provisions of this Agreement for any remedy, shall not exclude any other remedy.

 

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21. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining part of such provision, and the validity, legality and enforceability of the other provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby.

 

22. Time of Essence; Computation of Time. Time is of the essence with respect to all dates and time periods set forth or referred to in this Agreement and each of its provisions. Whenever this Agreement requires that something be done within a period of days, such period shall: (a) not include the day from which such period commences; (b) include the day upon which such period expires; (c) expire at 8:00 p.m. (Eastern) on the date by which such thing is to be done; or (d) be extended by 2 Business Days if the final day of such period falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or bank holiday in the state where such thing is to be done.

 

23. 1031 Exchange. In the event Purchaser or Seller desires to effect a tax-deferred exchange in connection with the conveyance of the Property, Seller and Purchaser each agrees to cooperate in effecting such exchange; provided, however, that neither Party shall be responsible for any additional costs associated with an exchange by the other Party, and provided further that neither Party shall not assume any additional liability or be responsible for any costs with respect to such tax-deferred exchange nor shall it cause a delay in closing. Seller and Purchaser shall execute such additional documents as shall be reasonably required to give effect to this provision.

 

24. Applicable Law and Venue. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS AND JUDICIAL DECISIONS OF THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF. ANY LITIGATION, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE INSTITUTED IN ANY STATE COURT IN THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA, RALEIGH COUNTY. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION WHICH IT MIGHT HAVE NOW OR HEREAFTER TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH LITIGATION, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, SUBMITS TO THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY SUCH COURT AND, WAIVES ANY CLAIM OR DEFENSE OF INCONVENIENT FORUM. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS BY REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, AT THE ADDRESS SPECIFIED HEREIN AND EXPRESSLY WAIVES THE BENEFIT OF ANY CONTRARY PROVISION OF LAW.

 

25. Joint Preparation. The preparation of this Agreement has been a joint effort of the parties and the resulting documents shall not, solely as a matter of judicial construction, be construed more severely against one of the parties than the other.

 

26. JURY WAIVER. IN ANY CIVIL ACTION, COUNTERCLAIM, OR PROCEEDING, WHETHER AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, WHICH ARISES OUT OF, CONCERNS, OR RELATES TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY AND ALL TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE RELATIONSHIP CREATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE, TRIAL SHALL BE TO A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION AND NOT TO A JURY. THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY. ANY PARTY MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE OTHER PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT OF THE WAIVER OF ITS RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. NEITHER PARTY HAS MADE OR RELIED UPON ANY ORAL REPRESENTATIONS TO OR BY ANY OTHER PARTY REGARDING THE ENFORCEABILITY OF THIS PROVISION. EACH PARTY HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS THE EFFECT OF THIS JURY WAIVER PROVISION.

 

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27. Confidentiality. Prior to the Closing or in the event this Agreement is terminated for any reason, Purchaser and Seller will maintain in confidence, the terms of this Agreement and any information not previously disclosed to the public, furnished by Seller to Purchaser or by Purchaser to Seller in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, or disclosed by any inspection of the Property, and shall not disclose such information except: (i) to their respective attorneys, accountants, brokers, consultants, key employees and financial advisors having a need to know such information; (ii) to the extent necessary or appropriate in making any filing or obtaining any waiver, consent or approval required for the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby; or (iii) as required by law or in a legal proceeding involving this Agreement upon prior notice to the other Party. If this Agreement is terminated for any reason prior to Closing, each Party shall return or destroy as much of such written information as the other Party may reasonably request. The confidentiality provisions set forth herein shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason. Each Party shall take reasonable precautions to ensure that all of its employees, agents and other representatives comply with these covenants.

 

28. Attorneys' Fees. In connection with any dispute arising under, from, or as a result of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the prevailing Party or Parties will be entitled to recover all costs or expenses incurred (including those incurred in any appeals from any litigation and enforcement of judgments), including reasonable attorneys' fees, paralegals and legal assistants. This provision will survive the Closing or any termination of this Agreement.

 

29. Recording. Neither Purchaser nor Seller will record this Agreement or a memorandum of this Agreement, except as done in connection with an action to enforce the terms hereof, and any violation of this Section will be a default under this Agreement.

 

30. Further Assurances. Purchaser and Seller each agree from time to time to execute and deliver such further and other transfers, assignments, and documents and to do all matters and things that are legally required or reasonably necessary to effectuate the intentions of this Agreement. This provision will survive the Closing.

 

31. Gender and Case. Wherever in this Agreement the singular number is used, the same will include the plural, and the masculine gender will include the feminine and neuter genders, and vice versa, as the context will require.

 

32. Captions. The captions of this Contract are for convenience only and are not to be construed as defining or limiting in any way the scope or intent of the provisions of this Contract.

 

33. Counterparts; Effective Date; Electronic Mail Copies. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall be deemed to be a single instrument and shall be effective as of the date when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Parties. An electronic mail copy or pdf version of this Agreement and any signatures on any counterpart hereof shall be considered for all purposes as originals.

 

(Signatures on following page)

 

Page 16 of 17

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Real Estate Purchase Agreement on the dates shown below.

 

SELLER:  
   
E&W, LLC  
   
By: /s/ Ernest B. Davis, Jr.  
  Ernest B. Davis, Jr., member  
   
Date: 08/28/2020  
   
By: /s/ Tracy W. Hylton, II.  
  Tracy W. Hylton, II., member  
   
Date: 08/28/2020  
   
PURCHASER:  
   
601 NSR, LLC, a Delaware limited  
liability company  
   
By: /s/ Sam Tawfik  
  Sam Tawfik, its manager  
   
Date: 08/28/2020  

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

(attached hereto)

 

 

 

All that certain tract or parcel of real estate, situate in or near the City of Oak Hill, Fayetteville District, Fayette County, and more particularly bounded and described as follows, to-wit:

 

BEGINNING at a post, corner to Mrs. C. P. Anderson, said post being 16.5’ from the edge of pavement of Giles, Fayette and Kanawha Turnpike; thence leaving the Turnpike and with Anderson S 70° 35’ E 933.77’ to a post corner to Anderson & Richards Addition; thence leaving Anderson and with Richards Addition S 57° 57’ W 504.75’ to a stake on the east side of Third Street of said Addition and corner to Lot 28; thence crossing Third Street S 50° 13’ W 32.17’ to a stake; thence S 49° 05’ W 159.15’ to a stone on the west side of Fourth alley and a corner to Lot 32 of aforesaid addition; thence leaving the addition and with N 59° 24’ W 325.73’ to a stone; thence S 41° 39’ W 97.08’ to a stake on the east side of Roberts Avenue of the City of Oak Hill; thence with Roberts Avenue N 59° 44’ W 193.76’ to a post, and corner to Robert Gordon; thence leaving Roberts Avenue and with Gordon N 30° 01’ E 108.00’ top a post; thence continuing with Gordon N 61° 02’ W 61.07’ to a point, corner to Gordon and on right-of-way of Giles, Fayette and Kanawha Turnpike; thence leaving Gordon and with the Turnpike N 30° 21’ E 440.59’ to the point of beginning and containing 9.489 acres, more or less.

 

There is excepted and reserved from the operation of this deed, such coal and other minerals together with necessary mining rights and privileges, which have been conveyed or excepted and reserved in prior deeds by the grantors’ predecessors in title.

 

And being the same property conveyed unto E & W, LLC, a West Virginia corporation, from J. Ike Brown by deed bearing date July 12, 2012, of record in the Office of the Clerk of the County Commission of Fayette County, West Virginia, in Deed Book 683 at page 247.

 

 

 

That certain lot or parcel of land lying partly within the corporate limits of the City of Oak Hill in Plateau District, Fayette County, West Virginia, and more particularly bounded and described as follows:

 

BEGINNING at a stone on the west side of Fourth Alley and being a common corner of this alley with Lot 32 of the Richards Addition, of which this alley is a part, and a corner with land belonging to J. Richards; thence running with the J. Richards land N 59° 24’ W 199.73 feet to an iron angle driven into the ground by the side of a sassafras sapling; thence running S 65° 56’ W 40.70 feet to an iron angle driven into the ground; thence S 40° 42’ W 59.00 feet to a car axle driven into the ground on the North side of Roberts Street; thence running with said street N 60° 02’ W 107 feet; N 59° 44’ W 193.76 feet; N 61° 02’ W 81.07 feet to a point, said point being at where this land corners on the North-East corner of where said Roberts Avenue intersects with the Giles, Fayette & Kanawha Turnpike; thence with the aforesaid Turnpike N 30° 0 1’ E 108 feet; thence N 30° 21’ E 221.23 feet by calculation to a steel fence post; thence leaving the exterior boundary of the J. Ike Brown tract and running through said tract the following courses and distances: S 59° 44’ E 174.79 feet; S 34° 28’ E 169.72 feet; S 46° 09’ E 34.09 feet; S 50° 01’ E 301.53 feet to a stake in the exterior boundary line of this tract where it meets and bounds with the Richards Addition; thence with said addition S 49° 50’ W 108.13 feet to the point and place of the beginning containing 3.42 acres.

 

And being the same property conveyed unto E & E, LLC, a West Virginia limited liability company, by OAK-MONT CORP., a West Virginia limited liability company, by deed bearing date the 12thday of July, 2012, of record in the Office of the Clerk of the County Commission of Fayette County, West Virginia, in Deed Book 683 at page 236.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.3

 

REAL ESTATE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

THIS REAL ESTATE PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of this 28th day of August, 2020 (the “Effective Date”) by and between THE MEG RENTAL CORPORATION, a West Virginia corporation (“Seller”), and 601 NSR, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and or its assigns (“Purchaser”, and together with Seller, each a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”).

 

RECITALS:

 

WHEREAS, Seller is the owner of the surface of real property, buildings and site improvements located at 3934 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, West Virginia 25801, being more particularly described in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference (the “Premises”);

 

WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell, and Purchaser desires to purchase, the Property (hereinafter defined); and

 

WHEREAS, Seller is the owner of a 100% fee simple interest in all buildings, certain structures and certain site improvements located on the Premises (collectively the “Improvements”).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements of the parties as hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties intending to be legally bound hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Purchase and Sale; Integral Transaction; Deposit. Subject to and on the terms and conditions set forth herein, Seller hereby agrees to sell to Purchaser, and Purchaser agrees to purchase from Seller, the Premises together with all (a) benefits, privileges, fixtures, easements, hereditaments and other rights appurtenant to the Premises or any part thereof, including without limitation Seller’s right, title and interest, if any, in and to any streets, alleys, ways, sewer rights, utility capacity or rights thereto, development rights, impact fee credits, air rights, water rights, water courses and water bodies adjacent to the Premises and mineral rights; (b) all of Seller’s right, title and interest in and to any and all of the Improvements; and (c) all of Seller’s right, title and interest in and to all surveys, reports, plans, specifications, drawings, engineering information and data, guaranties, warranties, licenses and permits relating to the Premises (the Premises and all other property and/or rights enumerated in Sections 1(a), 1(b) and 1(c) are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Property”).

 

This Agreement represents one facet of a multi-part transaction. The other facet consists of a separate asset purchase agreement of even date herewith (the “APA”; capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein are used as defined in the APA), by and between Beckley Buick-GMC Auto Mall, Inc., a West Virginia corporation, King Coal Chevrolet Co., a West Virginia corporation and Hometown Preowned Vehicles, Inc., a West Virginia corporation (collectively the “Asset Seller”), and LMP Automotive Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Asset Purchaser “), for purchase and sale of the Franchised Dealerships and Ancillary Dealerships, as defined in the APA. This Agreement shall terminate automatically upon termination or expiration of the APA for any reason. No separate deposit under this Agreement is required of Purchaser; rather, Purchaser has delivered to the Escrow Agent (as defined in the APA) the Deposit (as defined in the APA) to be held and disbursed in accordance with the terms of the APA; accordingly, the Deposit provisions of the APA are part of this Agreement. The respective obligations of Seller and Purchaser to close the transaction hereunder are conditioned upon the closing of the transactions contemplated under the APA. In addition, this Agreement and the APA are hereby cross-defaulted such that a default by a Party under one shall constitute a default by that same Party, or its affiliate, under the other agreement. If this Agreement is terminated and cancelled, this Agreement and the APA shall become void, and there shall be no further liability or obligation of any Party to either this Agreement or the APA, except as to matters of default as provided in the pertinent sections of this Agreement and the APA, as well as matters that are expressly stated to survive termination.

 

Page 1 of 18

 

 

2. Purchase Price; Appraisal Fair Market Value.

 

(a) The purchase price for the Property (the “Purchase Price”) shall be its fair market value as of the Effective Date, as determined by appraisal of the Property (including all Improvements thereon) performed by a MAI-certified appraiser (e.g., CBRE, Cushman Wakefield, Integra, etc.) selected by Purchaser or its lender (the “Initial Appraisal”); provided, however, that such appraisal shall not include the income approach to valuation. The Initial Appraisal, with its cost to be borne by Purchaser, shall be ordered within twenty (20) business days after the Effective Date. Upon receipt of the Initial Appraisal report, Purchaser shall promptly provide Seller with a copy.

 

(b) If Seller objects to the appraised fair market value of the Property as determined in the Initial Appraisal, the Seller, at its cost, shall have the right to have a second appraisal of the fair market value of the Property (the “Confirmation Appraisal”), which shall be ordered by the Seller within five (5) business days after receipt of a copy of the Initial Appraisal. The Confirmation Appraisal shall not include the income approach to valuation. Upon receipt of the Confirmation Appraisal, Seller shall promptly provide Purchaser with a copy.

 

(c) If the difference in the fair market value of the Property between the Confirmation Appraisal and the Initial Appraisal is ten percent (10%) or less (calculated by taking the difference and dividing it by the fair market value of the Initial Appraisal), then the Purchase Price shall be an amount equal to the average of the fair market value of the Property as reflected in the Initial and Confirmation Appraisals.

 

(d) If the difference in the fair market value of the Property between the Confirmation Appraisal and the Initial Appraisal is greater than ten percent (10%) (calculated by taking the difference and dividing it by the fair market value of the Initial Appraisal), then five (5) business days after delivery of a copy of the Confirmation Appraisal to Seller and Purchaser, the Parties shall mutually choose a third appraiser to perform a third appraisal (the “Resolution Appraisal”), the cost of which shall be borne one-half (1/2) by each of Seller and Purchaser. The Resolution Appraisal shall not include the income approach to valuation. Copies of the Resolution Appraisal shall be promptly provided to Seller and Purchaser upon completion.

 

(e) Upon completion of the Resolution Appraisal, the resolved fair market value of the Property shall be determined by averaging the fair market values reflected in the two (2) appraisals nearest to each other in value, and the Purchase Price shall be an amount equal to such resolved fair market value. The appraisal with the largest variance in value from the other two (2) appraisals shall not be used to determine the fair market value of the Property.

 

(f) The Purchase Price shall equal the fair market value determined by the above stated appraisal process even though it may differ from the appraised fair market value utilized by Purchaser’s lender for purposes of financing the Purchase Price.

 

(g) Except as otherwise set forth above, each of the appraisals obtained in accordance with the foregoing shall be prepared in compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, as well as the Financial Institution Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989. There shall be no Extraordinary Assumptions or Hypothetical Conditions (as defined in the Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, 5th Edition) used in any of the appraisal methods.

 

Page 2 of 18

 

 

3. Payment; Closing. Payment for the Property purchased as described herein shall be made at the closing of the purchase and sale of the Property described herein (the “Closing”) by wire transfer of immediately available funds, PLUS or MINUS any adjustments for prorations and other payments and withholdings to be paid or otherwise borne by Seller or Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement. At Closing, Seller will deliver to Purchaser possession of the Property, subject to the Permitted Exceptions (as hereinafter defined), and shall deliver all available keys, and alarm codes, if any, to the Property. The Closing will occur on the “Closing Date” under, and as defined in the APA; and this Agreement shall terminate automatically upon termination or expiration of the APA for any reason.

 

4. Deed. At Closing, Seller will transfer marketable title to the Property to Purchaser by general warranty deed in form reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser (the “Deed”) free and clear of any and all liens and encumbrances (except for Permitted Exceptions, as hereinafter defined, if any). If the legal description of the Property set forth on the Survey (defined below) is different from the legal description set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, Seller shall also execute, at Closing, a quit claim deed conveying the Property to Purchaser utilizing the legal description reflected in the Survey.

 

5. Documents to be Delivered by Seller. Within 3 days following the Effective Date, Seller shall deliver to Purchaser copies of the following, to the extent in Seller’s or Seller’s representatives’ possession or control:

 

(a) Copies of all existing and proposed easements, covenants, restrictions, appraisals, agreements, plans, designs, blueprints, utility capacity letters, contracts, service agreements and other documents that affect the Property.

 

(b) Correct and complete copies of all leases of all or any portion of the Property, and any amendments thereto. Correct and complete copies of any and all options or rights of first refusal affecting the Property.

 

(c) A copy of Seller’s owners/lenders title insurance policy, if any, and the most recent survey of the Property.

 

(d) Copies of all environmental studies or impact reports relating to the Property, including, but not limited to Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments previously conducted, any asbestos studies, and any environmental approvals, conditions, orders or declarations issued by any governmental authority relating thereto. Any reports or information (written or verbal) regarding underground storage tanks presently located on the Property or which may at any time have been located on the Property, as well as any reports or other information (written or verbal) of which Seller is aware relating to the disposition of any pollutants from any source whatsoever in, on or under the Property.

 

(e) Details and contact information for all contractors and subcontractors that have provided material goods or services for improvements or repairs on or to the Property at the request of Seller outside the course of regular maintenance in the past one hundred (100) days prior to the Effective Date and copies of any and all warranties, agreements or proposals currently in effect provided or assigned by contractors or subcontractors that have performed services for Seller on the Premises.

 

Page 3 of 18

 

 

6. Inspections.

 

6.1 Environmental and Building Inspections. Purchaser shall have 60 days from receipt of the Effective Date (the “Inspection Period”) in which to conduct, inspect and evaluate any and all tests, studies, and surveys of, in Purchaser’s sole discretion, all aspects of the Property, including, without limitation, the condition of the improvements located thereon, the soil conditions, environmental conditions (including Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments), property condition assessments, structural testing, and to confirm the zoning and status of entitlements applicable to the Property. Purchaser shall avoid any unreasonable interference with the business and operations of Seller’s current tenant’s business; and Purchaser, at its sole expense, shall promptly repair any damage caused by said inspections. Seller will make its appropriate officers, employees and representatives available to Purchaser at all reasonable times for the purpose of assisting Purchaser in such investigations or examinations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Purchaser may not perform any test of the Property of an intrusive or disruptive nature (including, without limitation, soil borings), without the prior written consent of Seller, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, except that Seller shall be entitled to review and approve any investigation planned and split any samples taken. If Purchaser is required or advised by its consultants or its lender to do environmental testing in addition to Phase I environmental testing, or if a Phase II environmental site assessment is recommended, the Inspection Period shall be automatically extended an additional 15 days (or such greater amount as may be reasonably necessary for Seller and Purchaser (and its lender) to review and agree upon any recommended course of remediation) beyond the completion of such additional environmental testing. Purchaser shall provide copies of all tests, studies, reports and surveys obtained by Purchaser in the course of Purchaser’s investigation and evaluation of the Property as soon as reasonably possibly after the receipt thereof by Purchaser, and if Purchaser’s environmental reports reveal recognized environmental conditions that require remediation in order to bring the Property into compliance with applicable Environmental Laws, then Seller, at its sole expense, shall take all actions necessary to remediate said conditions prior to Closing to Purchaser’s commercially reasonable satisfaction. If Purchaser is not satisfied with the inspections of the Property, Purchaser may terminate this Agreement (without premium or penalty) by sending written notice to the other Party on or before 2nd Business Day after expiration of the Inspection Period, as may be extended in accordance with the terms hereof. All site inspections shall be coordinated in advance with Lori A. Davis, whose email address isldavis@beckleyautomall.com and whose cell phone number is 304-.

 

6.2 Title Examination.

 

(a) Purchaser shall order and obtain a title insurance commitment (the “Commitment”) from a national title insurance company of its selection (“Title Insurer”), insuring fee-simple marketable surface title to the Property. Purchaser shall have until the expiration of the Inspection Period to examine the Commitment and all instruments listed as exceptions and as requirements therein. If title is found unacceptable to Purchaser, Purchaser shall, on or before expiration of the Inspection Period, provide Notice(s) to Seller specifying its title and/or survey objections (the “Title Notice”), and any exceptions set forth in the Commitment or Survey to which Purchaser does not object pursuant to a Title Notice shall be deemed a permitted exception (the “Permitted Exceptions”). Seller will have 10 days from receipt of Purchaser’s Title Notice(s), (the “Seller’s Response Period”) to either (i) notify Purchaser that it will cure any of such title objections and the steps it will take to do so, (ii) notify Purchaser that it elects not to cure any of such objections. If Seller fails to respond within Seller’s Response Period, then Seller is deemed to have elected not to seek to remove, correct, and/or satisfy any objections. If Seller’s response indicates that Seller will not seek to remove, correct, and/or satisfy certain objections set forth in Purchaser’ Title Notice, or if Seller fails to notify Purchaser of Seller’s response within Seller’s Response Period, then Purchaser may either (i) waive certain objections set forth in Purchaser’s Title Notice and proceed with Closing or (ii) terminate this Agreement by sending written notice thereof to Seller not later than 5 business days after the later of Purchaser’s receipt of Seller’s response if any, or expiration of Seller’s Response Period if Seller failed to provide a timely response. If Purchaser fails to terminate this Agreement, Purchaser is deemed to have waived any of those certain objections set forth in a Title Notice that Seller has elected not to cure, and to have accepted those title conditions as Permitted Exceptions. If there remain at Closing any objections that Purchaser included in Purchaser’s Title Notice(s) for which Seller affirmatively agreed to seek to remove, correct, and/or satisfy, then Purchaser may elect to: (i) waive such objections and proceed with the Closing and accept the Property subject to such exceptions without reduction of the Purchase Price, and all such exceptions so waived or otherwise accepted by Purchaser shall hereinafter constitute “Permitted Exceptions”, or (ii) Purchaser may terminate this Agreement, thereby releasing Purchaser and Seller from all further obligations under this Agreement (except those that expressly survive), upon which the APA shall also terminate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller shall cure or cause any monetary liens against the Property to be satisfied and removed at or prior to Closing and to remove any lis pendens against the Property.

 

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(b) If any subsequent update of the Commitment reveals any additional exceptions not permitted by this Agreement, Seller shall have 10 days in which to remove such additional exceptions, subject to the limitations set forth above. If Seller elects not to remove or is unable to remove such additional exceptions, Purchaser shall have the same rights and remedies as provided above, except that the Closing shall not be extended more than 10 days to permit Seller to cure any such additional exceptions.

 

(c) Seller and Purchaser each agree to provide commercially reasonable affidavits and documentation, acceptable in form and substance to Seller and Purchaser, to enable the Title Company to delete all Schedule B-I requirements, the “gap” exception, and the construction lien and parties in possession exceptions from the Commitment at Closing. Seller and Purchaser each shall be responsible for satisfying those Schedule B-I requirements applicable to each of them.

 

6.3 Survey. Purchaser may, at its expense, obtain a survey of the Property (the “Survey”) during the Inspection Period. If the Survey discloses an encroachment on the Property or that improvements located on the Property encroach on setback lines, easements, lands of others, or violate any restrictions or applicable governmental regulations which are unacceptable to Purchaser, which will impair the marketability of the Property, or constitute a survey exception on the owner’s title insurance policy, then upon Notice to Seller, tendered on or before expiration of the Inspection Period, the same shall constitute a Title Notice and shall be governed by the terms of Section 6.2 hereof.

 

7. Representations, Warranties and Covenants.

 

7.1 Representations, Warranties and Covenants by Seller. Seller hereby represents, warrants and covenants as of the date hereof and as of the Closing that:

 

(a) Subject to the Permitted Exceptions, Seller is the fee simple owner of the surface estate in and to the Property. No other agreement concerning or restricting the sale of the Property is in effect and no person or entity, other than Purchaser, has any right or option to acquire all or any portion of the Property. There are no leases or other occupancy agreements affecting the Property and there are no licenses or related agreements affecting the Property which are not a Permitted Exception or which will be terminated as of the Closing.

 

(b) To Seller’s Knowledge, the Property described herein is the only real estate, property, and interests used by BBGAM, an Asset Seller, in the conduct of its Dealership Operations.

 

(c) Seller is a West Virginia corporation, duly formed, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of its formation. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Seller has been duly authorized by its shareholders and directors, and the person executing this Agreement on behalf of Seller has full power and authority to do so and to perform every act and to execute and deliver every document and instrument necessary or appropriate to consummate the transaction provided for herein. The transactions contemplated in this Agreement are not prohibited by any law, regulation, agreement, instrument, restriction, order or judgment including, without limitation, any site control agreement, option or right of first refusal.

 

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(d) Seller is not a “foreign person” under, and as defined in, Section 1445(f)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended from time to time.

 

(e) This Agreement constitutes the valid obligation of Seller, is legally binding, and is enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws and equitable principles affecting creditors’ rights generally and the discretion of the courts in granting equitable remedies. Provided, there are no attachments, executions, assignments for the benefit of creditors, receiverships, conservatorships or voluntary or involuntary proceedings in bankruptcy or pursuant to any other debtor relief laws contemplated or filed by Seller or pending against Seller or the Property

 

(f) The execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement and any other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents executed and delivered by Seller pursuant hereto (the “Seller Delivered Agreements”), and the consummation by Seller of the transaction provided for herein, will not constitute (with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both) a violation of, be in conflict with, result in the acceleration of or entitle any Party to accelerate (whether after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both), or constitute a default under (i) any term or provision of the formation documents of Seller, as may be amended (ii) any material agreement, commitment or understanding to which Seller or its members or managers are subject or by which they are bound, or (iii) any applicable law.

 

(g) Seller has no Knowledge that the continued ownership, operation, use and occupancy of the Property violates in a material manner any zoning, building, health, flood control, fire or other law, ordinance, order or regulation or any restrictive covenant. To Seller’s Knowledge, there are no violations in any material respect of any federal, state, county or municipal law, ordinance, order, regulation or requirement, affecting any portion of the Property, and no written notice of any such violation has been issued by any governmental authority. To the Knowledge of Seller, all necessary certificates of occupancy, licenses, permits, authorizations and approvals by all governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the Property have been paid for, issued and remain in full force and effect for the Property.

 

(h) To the Knowledge of Seller, there are no condemnation or annexation or similar proceedings affecting the Property or any portion thereof, including any pending or threatened action that would result in (i) the termination or impairment of access to or from the Property, or (ii) access from the Property to existing sewer or other utility facilities servicing, adjoining or situated on the Property, and Seller has not received any notice, nor has any Knowledge, that any such proceeding is currently contemplated.

 

(i) Seller has received no notice of actual or threatened special assessments or reassessments of the Property, and the Property is not burdened by any obligation for contribution of money or property to or participation in any road development or completion project or to bear any share of the cost of any road or other offsite improvement. Seller has not made and has no Knowledge of any commitments to or agreements with any governmental or quasi-governmental authority, utility company, school board, church or other religious body, any property owner’s association, or any other organization, group or individual relating to the Property, which have not been fulfilled or satisfied prior to the Effective Date hereof, and which would impose an obligation upon Purchaser, as owner of the Property, to construct, install or maintain any improvements of a public or private nature on or off the Property.

 

(j) There are no actions, suits, claims, proceedings or causes of action which are pending or, to Seller’s Knowledge, have been threatened or asserted against, or are affecting, Seller or the Property or any part thereof in any court or before any arbitrator, board or governmental or administrative agency or other person or entity which might have a material adverse effect on the Property or any portion thereof or on Purchaser’s ability to use the Property for a full service franchised dealership facility.

 

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(k) Except as set forth in Schedule 7.1(k):

 

(i) to the Seller’s Knowledge, there are no Hazardous Substances (as defined in the APA) present at, on, in or under any portion of the Premises used by the Seller or in the ordinary course of business by BBGAM during the period the Premises have been owned by Seller and used by BBGAM, except for consumables used and waste generated in the ordinary course of the BBGAM’s business, in each case, to Seller’s Knowledge, in compliance by BBGAM with applicable Environmental Laws;

 

(ii) the Seller has not received any notice, whether oral or written, from any Governmental Authority or other Person of any actual or threatened Environmental, Health and Safety Liabilities that are pending or unresolved with respect to the Premises;

 

(iii) to the Seller’s Knowledge, all gasoline, oil and other petroleum products stored, treated, used or disposed of on, in or about any portion of the Premises by BBGAM have been stored, treated, used or disposed of in material compliance with all Applicable Laws (as defined in the APA), and,

 

(iv) the Seller has provided to the Purchaser all material environmental reports, assessments, audits, studies, investigations, data and other nonprivileged written environmental information in its custody, possession or control concerning the Premises.

 

(l) Seller has not released or modified any warranties of builders, contractors, manufacturers or other trade persons with respect to the Property that have been given to Seller.

 

(m) From and after the Effective Date, assuming this Agreement remains in full force and effect, Seller shall not: (i) make any material changes on or about the Property other than as contemplated by this Agreement; (ii) except as set forth herein, create or incur or permit to exist any mortgage, lien, pledge or other encumbrance in any way affecting the Property that will not be paid at Closing; (iii) commit any waste or nuisance on the Property; or (iv) convey any interest (fee or leasehold) in the Property.

 

(n) Seller shall maintain and keep in place all insurance coverage affecting the Property and improvements through and including the Closing Date.

 

(o) To Seller’s Knowledge, all information given to Purchaser by or on behalf of Seller and pertaining to the Property or the operations thereon is true and correct in all material respects, and fully and accurately depicts, in all material respects, the matters set forth therein.

 

For purposes of this Agreement, Seller’s “Knowledge” is defined as set forth in the APA. The representations and warranties of Seller set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing and delivery and recordation of the Deed for a period of 24 months.

 

7.2 Representations and Warranties by Purchaser.

 

(a) Purchaser is a Delaware limited liability company, duly formed, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the state of its formation. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Purchaser has been duly authorized by its member and the person executing this Agreement on behalf of Purchaser has full power and authority to do so and to perform every act and to execute and deliver every document and instrument necessary or appropriate to consummate the transaction provided for herein.

 

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(b) This Agreement constitutes the valid obligation of Purchaser, is legally binding, and is enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws and equitable principles affecting creditors’ rights generally and the discretion of the courts in granting equitable remedies.

 

(c) The execution and delivery by Purchaser of this Agreement and any other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents executed and delivered by any of them pursuant hereto, and the consummation by Purchaser of the transaction provided for herein, will not constitute (with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both) a violation of, be in conflict with, result in the acceleration of or entitle any Party to accelerate (whether after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both), or constitute a default under (i) any term or provision of the formation documents of Purchaser, as may be amended (ii) any material agreement, commitment or understanding to which Purchaser is subject or by which they are bound, or (iii) any applicable law.

 

The representations and warranties of Purchaser set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing and delivery and recordation of the Deed for a period of 24 months.

 

8. Conditions Precedent to Purchaser’s Obligations. The obligations of Purchaser hereunder are subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions:

 

(a) Seller’s representations and warranties contained in this Agreement shall be true and accurate, in all material respects as if made as of Closing except as updated in writing by Seller to Purchaser prior to Closing, and Seller shall have fulfilled its delivery requirements set forth herein.

 

(b) Seller shall have delivered or caused to be delivered the items set forth in Sections 5 and 10.

 

(c) Seller shall have paid any and all taxes, franchise fees and any other tax charge(s) which is/are currently due and payable in relation to the Property, subject to the proration thereof on a calendar year basis as set forth in the Settlement Statement.

 

(d) The transactions contemplated under the APA shall have closed, it being contemplated that such closing shall occur simultaneously with the Closing hereunder.

 

(e) No work shall have been performed or be in progress and no materials or services shall be furnished with respect to the Property or any portion thereof other than maintenance and repairs in the ordinary course of business which could give rise to any mechanic’s, materialmen or other liens.

 

(f) The Purchaser shall have received a written commitment for acquisition financing on terms reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser.

 

In the event any of the foregoing conditions precedent to Closing are not satisfied, in Purchaser’s reasonable opinion, on or prior to Closing, then Purchaser shall have the right to terminate this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Purchaser and Seller shall be obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to satisfy the conditions set forth in this Section 8.

 

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9. Conditions Precedent to Seller’s Obligations. The obligations of Seller hereunder are subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions:

 

(a) At Closing, the representations and warranties set forth herein by Purchaser shall be true and correct in all material respects as if made as of Closing and Purchaser shall have fulfilled its delivery requirements set forth herein.

 

(b) Purchaser shall have delivered or cause to be delivered the items set forth in Section 10 below.

 

(c) Each of the obligations of Purchaser required by this Agreement to be performed by it at or prior to the Closing shall have been duly performed and complied with in all material respects as of the Closing.

 

(d) The transactions contemplated under the APA shall have closed, it being contemplated that such closing shall occur simultaneously with the Closing hereunder.

 

10. Closing Documents.

 

10.1 Deliveries by Seller at Closing. On or prior to the Closing, Seller shall execute (as applicable) and deliver to Purchaser, the following:

 

(a) The Deed conveying fee simple title to the surface estate in and to Property, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, except the Permitted Exceptions. A quit claim deed as provided for in Section 4 hereof, as applicable;

 

(b) A bill of sale conveying the Improvements and all Property rights to be conveyed hereunder, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, except the Permitted Exceptions;

 

(c) Assignment of any and all warranties (if any), plans, specifications, drawings, and engineering information and data provided or assigned by any contractors and subcontractors, architects and engineers that have provided material goods or services on or to the Property (along with paid invoices;

 

(d) An owner’s affidavit in a commercially reasonable form acceptable to Title Insurer, affirming that there are no unrecorded outstanding possessory rights, liens or rights to claim liens against the Property;

 

(e) An Affidavit from Seller required pursuant to Section 1445 of the Code and corresponding laws of the State of West Virginia, as applicable;

 

(f) An IRS Form 1099;

 

(g) A termination of any and all leases affecting the Property which grant a possessory interest to Seller’s affiliates or a third party;

 

(h) Written assurances (the “Lienholder Assurances”), reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser, executed by the holders of all liens encumbering the Property (the “Real Property Lienholders”), setting forth the payment (the “Release Payment”) required to be made to each such Real Property Lienholder to obtain a release of all encumbrances of such Real Property Lienholder affecting the Property, and containing each such Real Property Lienholder’s commitment to promptly execute and deliver to Purchaser a complete release of all such encumbrances upon receipt of the Release Payment;

 

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(i) A certificate dated the Closing Date and executed by an authorized representative of Seller stating that the representations and warranties of Seller in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date, as updated by written notice to Purchaser prior to Closing, with the same effect as those such representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date, and that the covenants and agreements to be performed or complied with by Seller prior to the Closing have been performed and complied with in all material respects;

 

(j) Settlement statement prepared in accordance with the allocations contained in Section 14 hereof (the “Settlement Statement”);

 

(k) Such other closing documents as may be customary in the jurisdiction in which the Property is located, including, without limitation, corporate certificates and resolutions and affidavits reasonably required by the Title Insurer; and

 

(l) Certificate of Good Standing for Seller issued within 30 days prior to the Closing Date.

 

10.2 Deliveries by Purchaser at Closing.

 

(a) The Purchase Price as set forth in Section 2 hereof, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, subject to prorations, adjustments and credits as described in this Agreement;

 

(b) Execute and deliver or obtain for delivery any instruments reasonably necessary to close this transaction, including, without limitation, corporate certificates and resolutions and affidavits reasonably required by the Title Insurer;

 

(c) Certificate of Good Standing for Purchaser issued within 30 days prior to the Closing Date; and

 

(d) The Settlement Statement.

 

11. Condemnation. If prior to the Closing all or any part of the Property shall have been taken, or Purchaser or Seller received notice that all or any part of the Property may be taken, in the exercise of the power of eminent domain, Purchaser or Seller may, upon written notice to the other Party given within 10 days after a Party receives written notice of such taking, terminate this Agreement and, in such event, Seller and Purchaser shall have no further rights or obligations hereunder to the other. Otherwise, if prior to the Closing Date any part of the Property shall have been taken, or Purchaser or Seller received notice that all or any part of the Property may be taken, in the exercise of the power of eminent domain by any governmental or private authority, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and at Closing, Seller shall assign, transfer and set over to Purchaser all of the right, title and interest of Seller in and to any awards that have been or that may thereafter be made for such taking. In the event Seller has received payment of any such awards prior to Closing, such amounts shall be credited against the Purchase Price, to the extent not used for restoring or repairing the improvements. If restoration or repairs are conducted, then Seller will expeditiously and timely undertake to restore the Property to a condition reasonably acceptable to Purchaser, and Purchaser will have the right to approve all plans, specifications, time periods and the contractor performing any such work.

 

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12. Casualty. If, prior to the Closing, all or any part of the Property shall have been damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty rendering 20% or more not usable for at least 45 days, Purchaser or Seller may, upon written notice to the other Party given within 10 days after a Party receives written notice of such casualty, or within 10 days after discovering said casualty, terminate this Agreement and, in such event, Purchaser and Seller shall have no further rights or obligations hereunder to the other. If Seller or Purchaser does not elect to terminate this Agreement as aforesaid, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and at Closing, Seller shall assign, transfer and set over to Purchaser all of the right, title and interest of Seller in and to any proceeds that have been or that may thereafter be made for such casualty. In the event Seller has received payment of any such proceeds prior to Closing, such amounts shall be credited against the Purchase Price, to the extent not used for restoring or repairing the improvements. If restoration or repairs are conducted, then Seller will expeditiously and timely undertake to restore the Property to a condition reasonably acceptable to Purchaser, and Purchaser will have the right to approve all plans, specifications, time periods and the contractor performing any such work.

 

13. Commission. Seller and Purchaser warrant and represent to each other that, except for Robert Morris of the Tim Lamb Group who shall be paid at Closing by Seller at Seller’s sole expense pursuant to a separate agreement, Seller and Purchaser have not entered into any agreement or arrangement and have not received services from any broker or broker’s employees or independent contractors and there are no broker’s commissions or fees payable in connection with this Agreement or the purchase and sale of the Property by reason of their respective dealings, negotiations or communications. The warranties and representations made in this Section 13 shall survive termination, expiration or Closing of this Agreement.

 

14. Costs. Except as provided below, the costs and expenses of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be allocated as is customary in commercial transactions in the county and state where the property is situated. Ad valorem and any other applicable taxes for the year in which the Closing occurs shall be prorated as of the Closing Date; provided, however, rollback taxes or special assessments, if any, shall be the sole obligation of Seller without proration, and due and payable at Closing.

 

(a) At the Closing, Seller shall pay the cost of:

 

(i) any unpaid taxes, assessments or similar charges (subject to proration between the Parties as set forth in this Agreement);

 

(ii) any applicable deed transfer tax and/or excise tax with respect to this transaction, including without limitation documentary stamp taxes or fees;

 

(iii) any expenses incurred by Seller in obtaining a release of mortgages or encumbrances affecting title, and all of Seller’s attorneys’ fees; and

 

(b) At the Closing, Purchaser shall pay the cost of:

 

(i) recording the Deed;

 

(ii) owner’s policy premium, endorsement, and title search and exam fees;

 

(iii) lender’s title policy premiums and fees, endorsements, title search and exam fees and other related title costs;

 

(iv) all loan fees charged by Purchaser’s lender and Purchaser’s attorneys’ fees;

 

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(v) all expenses incurred by Purchaser in the investigation of the suitability of the Property, including but not limited to engineering fees, surveyor fees, consulting fees, feasibility studies and environmental fees (Phase I and Phase II), architectural fees, appraisal fees, and other consultants’ fees; and

 

15. Indemnification.

 

(a) Seller agrees, from and after the Closing, to indemnify Purchaser, its successors and assigns and their respective owners, managers, partners, officers, directors, employees and agents (collectively, the “Purchaser Parties”) harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, penalties, loss, cost or expense any of them may incur, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incident to, resulting from any way arising out of (i) the breach of any warranty or representation made herein, (ii) any damages incurred by Purchaser as a result of Seller’s failure to pay expenses arising as a result of required environmental remediation as contemplated by Section 6.1 above or (iii) subject to section 6.1 and 6.2 herein above, the ownership or operation of the Property by Seller on or prior to Closing, including but not limited to any and all claims, liabilities, damages, penalties, loss or expense incurred, resulting from, or in any way arising out of any injury to persons or damage to property happening or occurring in, on or about the Property in connection with the operation of the Property by Seller on or prior to the Closing. This Section 15 shall survive the Closing for twenty-four (24) months.

 

(b) Purchaser hereby agrees, from and after the Closing, to indemnify Seller and hold Seller harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, penalties, loss, cost or expense incurred by Seller, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incident to, resulting from, or any way arising out of (i) the breach of any warranty or representation made herein, (ii) the investigation (prior to Closing), or (ii) ownership or operation of the Property by Purchaser after the Closing, including but not limited to any and all claims, liabilities, damages, penalties, loss or expense incurred, resulting from, or in any way arising out of any injury to persons or damage to property happening or occurring in, on or about the Property in connection with the operation of the Property, after the Closing. This Section 15 shall survive the Closing for twenty-four (24) months.

 

(c) As used in this Section 15, the term “Indemnitor” refers to the Party from whom indemnification is sought and the “Indemnified Party” refers to the Party seeking indemnification.

 

(d) If any claim that is covered by this Section 15 is made against an Indemnified Party, the Indemnified Party shall give prompt written notice of such claim (the “Indemnity Notice”) to the Indemnitor within the survival period as set forth in this Agreement. Failure to give or delay in giving the Indemnity Notice shall not relieve the Indemnitor of its obligation to indemnify unless, and to the extent that, the Indemnitor is materially prejudiced by the failure or delay.

 

(e) Upon receipt by the Indemnitor of the Indemnity Notice, the Indemnitor shall have the responsibility of defending the claim, and all expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred in connection therewith shall be paid by the Indemnitor and shall notify the Indemnified Party of its intention to defend within 10 days of receipt of notice. The Indemnified Party shall have the right to be represented by counsel at its own expense in any defense. If the Indemnitor defends the claim, the Indemnitor shall have the exclusive right to settle any such matter, either before or after the initiation of litigation, at such time and upon such terms as it deems fair and reasonable, provided that the Indemnitor, except with the consent of the Indemnified Party, shall not consent to entry of judgment or enter into any settlement that involves injunctive relief against the Indemnified Party or does not include an unconditional release by the claimant to the Indemnified Party from all liability in respect to such matter. If a claim under this Section is not defended by the Indemnitor and the claim is determined favorably to the Indemnified Party, the Indemnified Party shall give notice to the Indemnitor of the amount of the expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred with respect to such claim, and the Indemnitor shall remit such amount to the Indemnified Party promptly. If such claim is finally determined adversely to the Indemnified Party or if the Indemnified Party compromises the claim, the Indemnified Party shall give notice to the Indemnitor of the amount of such claim as finally determined or compromised (including the amount of the Indemnified Party’s costs and interest with respect thereto and attorneys’ fees, if applicable), and the Indemnitor shall remit such amount to the Indemnified Party promptly. References herein to costs and attorneys’ fees shall also include all costs and attorneys’ fees incurred in appeals.

 

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(f) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in no event will either Party be liable for any indirect, special, consequential or punitive damages, or any damages for business interruption or lost profits arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, even if any Party hereto has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

 

(g) A Party entitled to indemnification hereunder shall take, and cause its Affiliates to take, all reasonable steps to mitigate any loss upon becoming aware of any event or circumstance that would be reasonably expected to, or does, give rise thereto, including incurring costs only to the minimum extent necessary to remedy the breach that gives rise to such loss.

 

16. Default.

 

(a) If Purchaser shall default hereunder and fails to remedy such default within 10 days after receiving written notice from Seller thereof (or such longer period of time as may be reasonably necessary given the specific nature of the default, so long as Purchaser promptly commences cure thereof and diligently pursues completion), Seller’s sole remedy is to terminate this Agreement and cause its affiliate, the seller under the Asset Purchase Agreement, to seek any available remedies thereunder.

 

(b) If Seller shall default hereunder and fails to remedy such default within 10 days after receiving written notice from Purchaser thereof (or such longer period of time as may be reasonably necessary given the specific nature of the default, so long as Seller promptly commences cure thereof and diligently pursues completion), Purchaser’s sole remedy is to terminate this Agreement and cause its affiliate, the purchaser under the Asset Purchase Agreement, to seek any available remedies thereunder.

 

(c) This section shall survive Closing, termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

17. Notices. All notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing and shall be (a) sent by registered or certified mail, First Class postage attached, (b) sent by hand or overnight delivery, or (c) sent by electronic mail, in each case addressed to the respective Parties at the addresses set forth below, or to such other address and to the attention of such other Persons as a Party hereto may specify from time to time by Notice to the other Parties. Each Notice shall be deemed given and be effective only upon actual receipt (or refusal of receipt), except that electronic mail notices will be deemed duly given and effective upon the date of mailing, provided that a copy of said notice is confirmed within 2 days thereafter by delivery (or refusal) by any of the delivery methods described in (a) or (b). Either Party may, by notice in writing, direct that future notices or demands be sent to different addresses, and notices on behalf of either Party may be given by the attorneys representing such Party. The Parties and their respective counsel may waive, by way of email correspondence, any notice requirements provided for herein. To the extent there are multiple Purchaser or Seller parties, a notice to one purchaser or seller is effective as to all of the purchaser or sellers, respectively.

 

Page 13 of 18

 

 

If to Seller, to:

 

The MEG Rental Corporation

Attention: Lori Davis

334 Old Grandview Road

Beaver, West Virginia 25813

Email: ldavis @beckleyautomall.com

 

With a copy to:

 

Jones & Associates

Attention: E. Forrest Jones, Jr., Esq.

P. O. Box 1989

Charleston, West Virginia 25327

Email: efjones@efjones.com

 

Overnight courier address:

Jones & Associates

13 Kanawha Blvd. West, Suite 200

Charleston, West Virginia 25302

 

If to Purchaser to:

 

LMP Automotive

Attention: Mr. Sam Tawfik

601 North State Road 7

Plantation, Florida 33317

Email: sam@lmpmotors.com

 

With a copy to:

 

Bass Sox Mercer

Attention: Gregory A. May, Esq.

2822 Remington Green Circle

Tallahassee, Florida 32308

Email: gmay@dealerlawyer.com

 

The refusal by any party to accept delivery shall not negate the effectiveness of notice otherwise properly given.

 

18. Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the sale and purchase of the Property, and may not be modified orally or in any manner other than by an agreement in writing signed by the Parties. Escrow Agent will not be required to join in the execution of any amendments unless its rights or obligations under this Agreement are affected. It is expressly understood and agreed that without Seller’s consent, Purchaser may assign or otherwise transfer all of Purchaser’s rights, obligations and benefits hereunder to any entity owned or controlled in whole or in part by Purchaser’s equity owner(s).

 

19. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns.

 

20. No Waiver. The waiver by any Party of a breach of any covenant, agreement or undertaking contained herein shall be made only by an instrument in writing signed by the Party giving such waiver, and no such waiver shall operate or be construed as a waiver of any prior or subsequent breach of the same covenant, agreement or undertaking. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the exercise of any remedy provided by law or otherwise, and the provisions of this Agreement for any remedy, shall not exclude any other remedy.

 

Page 14 of 18

 

 

21. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining part of such provision, and the validity, legality and enforceability of the other provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby.

 

22. Time of Essence; Computation of Time. Time is of the essence with respect to all dates and time periods set forth or referred to in this Agreement and each of its provisions. Whenever this Agreement requires that something be done within a period of days, such period shall: (a) not include the day from which such period commences; (b) include the day upon which such period expires; (c) expire at 8:00 p.m. (Eastern) on the date by which such thing is to be done; or (d) be extended by 2 Business Days if the final day of such period falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or bank holiday in the state where such thing is to be done.

 

23. 1031 Exchange. In the event Purchaser or Seller desires to effect a tax-deferred exchange in connection with the conveyance of the Property, Seller and Purchaser each agrees to cooperate in effecting such exchange; provided, however, that neither Party shall be responsible for any additional costs associated with an exchange by the other Party, and provided further that neither Party shall not assume any additional liability or be responsible for any costs with respect to such tax-deferred exchange nor shall it cause a delay in closing. Seller and Purchaser shall execute such additional documents as shall be reasonably required to give effect to this provision.

 

24. Applicable Law and Venue. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS AND JUDICIAL DECISIONS OF THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF. ANY LITIGATION, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE INSTITUTED IN ANY STATE COURT IN THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA, RALEIGH COUNTY. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION WHICH IT MIGHT HAVE NOW OR HEREAFTER TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH LITIGATION, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, SUBMITS TO THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY SUCH COURT AND, WAIVES ANY CLAIM OR DEFENSE OF INCONVENIENT FORUM. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS BY REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, AT THE ADDRESS SPECIFIED HEREIN AND EXPRESSLY WAIVES THE BENEFIT OF ANY CONTRARY PROVISION OF LAW.

 

25. Joint Preparation. The preparation of this Agreement has been a joint effort of the parties and the resulting documents shall not, solely as a matter of judicial construction, be construed more severely against one of the parties than the other.

 

26. JURY WAIVER. IN ANY CIVIL ACTION, COUNTERCLAIM, OR PROCEEDING, WHETHER AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, WHICH ARISES OUT OF, CONCERNS, OR RELATES TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY AND ALL TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE RELATIONSHIP CREATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE, TRIAL SHALL BE TO A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION AND NOT TO A JURY. THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY. ANY PARTY MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE OTHER PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT OF THE WAIVER OF ITS RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. NEITHER PARTY HAS MADE OR RELIED UPON ANY ORAL REPRESENTATIONS TO OR BY ANY OTHER PARTY REGARDING THE ENFORCEABILITY OF THIS PROVISION. EACH PARTY HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS THE EFFECT OF THIS JURY WAIVER PROVISION.

 

Page 15 of 18

 

 

27. Confidentiality. Prior to the Closing or in the event this Agreement is terminated for any reason, Purchaser and Seller will maintain in confidence, the terms of this Agreement and any information not previously disclosed to the public, furnished by Seller to Purchaser or by Purchaser to Seller in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, or disclosed by any inspection of the Property, and shall not disclose such information except: (i) to their respective attorneys, accountants, brokers, consultants, key employees and financial advisors having a need to know such information; (ii) to the extent necessary or appropriate in making any filing or obtaining any waiver, consent or approval required for the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby; or (iii) as required by law or in a legal proceeding involving this Agreement upon prior notice to the other Party. If this Agreement is terminated for any reason prior to Closing, each Party shall return or destroy as much of such written information as the other Party may reasonably request. The confidentiality provisions set forth herein shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason. Each Party shall take reasonable precautions to ensure that all of its employees, agents and other representatives comply with these covenants.

 

28. Attorneys’ Fees. In connection with any dispute arising under, from, or as a result of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the prevailing Party or Parties will be entitled to recover all costs or expenses incurred (including those incurred in any appeals from any litigation and enforcement of judgments), including reasonable attorneys’ fees, paralegals and legal assistants. This provision will survive the Closing or any termination of this Agreement.

 

29. Recording. Neither Purchaser nor Seller will record this Agreement or a memorandum of this Agreement, except as done in connection with an action to enforce the terms hereof, and any violation of this Section will be a default under this Agreement.

 

30. Further Assurances. Purchaser and Seller each agree from time to time to execute and deliver such further and other transfers, assignments, and documents and to do all matters and things that are legally required or reasonably necessary to effectuate the intentions of this Agreement. This provision will survive the Closing.

 

31. Gender and Case. Wherever in this Agreement the singular number is used, the same will include the plural, and the masculine gender will include the feminine and neuter genders, and vice versa, as the context will require.

 

32. Captions. The captions of this Contract are for convenience only and are not to be construed as defining or limiting in any way the scope or intent of the provisions of this Contract.

 

33. Counterparts; Effective Date; Electronic Mail Copies. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall be deemed to be a single instrument and shall be effective as of the date when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Parties. An electronic mail copy or pdf version of this Agreement and any signatures on any counterpart hereof shall be considered for all purposes as originals.

 

(Signatures on following page)

 

Page 16 of 18

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Real Estate Purchase Agreement on the dates shown below.

 

SELLER:  
   
THE MEG RENTAL CORPORATION  
   
By: /s/ Ernest B. Davis  
  Ernest B. Davis., Jr., its President  
     
Date:  8-28-2020  
   
PURCHASER:  
   
601 NSR, LLC, a Delaware limited  
liability company  
     
By: /s/ Sam Tawfik  
  Sam Tawfik, its manager  
     
Date: 08/28/2020  

 

Page 17 of 18

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Being a tract of land (surface) in Town District - Raleigh County - West Virginia situated south of the intersection of U.S. Route 19 and West Virginia Route 16, bordering on said Route 16 and on the southwest side of the CSX Transportation Railroad and on the north side of the Beckley city limits, and being more particularly described as follows (all bearings are referenced to the Meadows Lumber Co. meridian and distances are horizontal):

 

BEGINNING at a mine roof bolt found, corner 1, on the east side of WV Route 16(project #U341-16-18.37), being at station 158+25, 100 feet right, and 0.7 feet south of an 8” curb, being a corner to H.C. Holdings, LLC (R 5000-2107), thence leaving H.C. Holdings and with the east side of WV Route 16 for four calls

 

N 24° 07’ 20” W 90.00 feet to a railroad spike found, corner 2, on the north and west edge of pavement (subject property’s main entrance from Route 16), being station 159+00, 60 feet right of Route 16, thence

 

N 07° 01’ 34” W passing a 1/2” x 30” rebar set flush, point 3, being on the north side of an entrance from WV Route 16, on line at 472.04 feet, and continuing in all 649.55 feet to a point on a 6” concrete curb, corner 4, with reference to a 1/2” x 30” rebar set flush and bearing N 44° 52’ 00” W 0.22 feet, said point being at station 165+50, 50 feet right of Route 16, thence

 

N 13° 18’ 00” E 123.21 feet to a 1/2” x 30” rebar set flush corner 5, being N 31 ° 11’ E 1.20 feet of an electric pole # 800C5ll, thence N 53° 43’ 00” E 15.81 feet to a 1/2” rebar found flush with ground, corner 6, being 21.5 feet southwest of center of CSX Transportation, Inc., being N. 82° 59’ W. 1.95 feet of the north corner of a 6” concrete curb, with reference to a 1/2” rebar found and bearing N 52° 51’ 50” E 41.59 feet, thence leaving WV Route 16 and with the southwest side of said railroad being 21.5 feet from center

 

S 37° 10’ 28” E 935.56 feet to a mine roof bolt found, corner 7, on a steep northeast slope, corner to B.C. Associates, LTD, Part. (DB 751-421), thence leaving said railroad property and with B.C. Associates for two calls

 

S 52° 34’ 14” W. 78.62 feet to a mine roof bolt found, corner 8, flush with ground being 3.4 feet north of a 6” concrete curb with reference to a 5/8” rebar found flush and bearing S 75° 14’ 34” W 3.94 feet, thence

 

S 81 ° 38’ 3 7” W passing 0.10 feet north of a 5 / 8” steel rod found at 263.57 feet, called for being corner to B.C. Associates and to H.C. Holdings, LLC (Roll 5000-2107) and leaving B.C. Associates and with H.C. Holdings, continuing in all 432.32 feet to the Beginning containing 253,887 square feet or 5.83 acres more or less.

 

 

Page 18 of 18

 

 

Exhibit 10.4

 

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

THIS ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the date of the last signature to this Agreement (the “Effective Date”), by and among LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation with a mailing address of c/o Sam Tawfik, 601 North State Road 7, Plantation, Florida 33317 and an email address of sam@lmpmotors.com, and or its assigns (“Purchaser”); BACHMAN-BERNARD CHEVROLET-BUICK-GMC-CADILLAC, INC., a Tennessee corporation with a mailing address of 3365 East Andrew Johnson Highway, Greeneville, Tennessee 37745-0967 and an email address of stouffer@bachmancars.com (the “Seller”); and PHILIP M. BACHMAN, JR., an individual resident of Tennessee with a mailing address of 1330 East Allen’s Bridge Road, Meadow Hall, Greeneville, Tennessee 37743 and an email address of meadowhl@aol.com (“Bachman”), and MYRON BERNARD, an individual resident of Tennessee with a mailing address of 215 Brobeck Road, Limestone, Tennessee 37681 and an email address of myron@bachmanbernard.com (“Bernard” and, together with Bachman, the “Shareholder”). The Purchaser, Seller, and Shareholder may each be referred to herein as a “Party” or collectively as the “Parties.”

 

W I T N E S S E T H

 

WHEREAS, the Seller owns and operates a franchised motor vehicle dealership located at 3365 East Andrew Johnson Highway, Greenville, Tennessee 37745 (the “Dealership Premises”), which sells and services (i) new and used Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC motor vehicles manufactured by General Motors LLC (the “Manufacturer”), (ii) new parts and accessories, and (iii) other used motor vehicles (collectively, the “Business”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Shareholder owns all of the outstanding and issued shares of stock in the Seller, and each such Shareholder, as longstanding leading participants in the greater Greenville, Tennessee automobile sales market, have also separately developed certain Personal Goodwill as described herein; and

 

WHEREAS, the Seller desires to sell the Purchased Assets, and the Shareholder desires to sell their Personal Goodwill, subject to, and in accordance with, the terms and conditions of this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Purchaser desires to purchase the Purchased Assets from the Seller and the Personal Goodwill from the Shareholder, and to secure a dealer sales and service agreement from the Manufacturer appointing the Purchaser as an authorized dealer in the Manufacturer’s products and services at the Dealership Premises; and

 

WHEREAS, the Shareholder owns the Dealership Premises and facilities thereon. In connection with the Purchaser’s acquisition of the Purchased Assets, the Purchaser’s Affiliate has entered into an agreement with the Shareholder to purchase the Dealership Premises (the “REPA”), which, subject to certain terms and conditions specified in the REPA, is contemplated to close simultaneously with this Transaction.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the Parties’ execution of this Agreement, and the premises, mutual covenants and promises hereinafter set forth, and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1. DEFINITIONS

 

1.1 Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

 

(a)  “Affiliate” of a Person shall mean a Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the first Person.

 

 

 

 

(b) “Applicable Law” shall mean all applicable provisions of any federal, state, local, municipal, statute, law, common law, permit, ordinance, code, rule, regulation, decision, order, decree, treaty or judgment enacted, promulgated or issued by any Governmental Authority.

 

(c) “Basis” shall mean any past or present fact, situation, circumstance, status, condition, activity, practice, plan, occurrence, event, incident, action, failure to act or transaction that forms or could form the basis for any specified consequence.

 

(d) “Business Day” shall mean any day excluding Saturday, Sunday, and any day on which commercial banks are by law closed in the State of Tennessee.

 

(e) “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

(f) “Consent” shall mean all consents, approvals, authorizations, stipulations, ratifications, waivers, exemption or order of, registration, certificate, declaration or filing with, or report or notice to, any Person, including any Governmental Authority.

 

(g) “Contract” or “Contracts” shall mean all agreements, contracts, commitments, orders, licenses, leases and other instruments, arrangements and understandings (whether written or oral) to which a Person is a party, or by which any of its assets or properties are bound.

 

(h) “Control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

(i) “Current Financials” shall mean the internally prepared, un-audited financial statements of the Seller in the form required by the Manufacturer, for the fiscal years ending 2017, 2018, 2019, and year-to-date 2020.

 

(j) “Cut-Off Date” shall mean the date that is 120 days after the Effective Date, with an automatic 30-day extension in the event the conditions in Section 4.2(d) have not been satisfied by the end of the 120-day period.

 

(k) “DMS” shall mean a dealership management system.

 

(l) “EEOC” shall mean the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

 

(m) “Employee Benefit Plan” shall mean any (i) employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, (ii) profit sharing, bonus, compensation, stock purchase, stock option, employment, termination, severance, retention or other similar plan, agreement or arrangement, and (iii) hospitalization, medical, life, or supplemental unemployment benefits plan, program, agreement or arrangement, which are or have been sponsored, maintained or contributed to or required to be contributed to by the Seller, any of its subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate for the benefit of any former or current consultant, employee, officer or director of the Seller, any of its subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate, whether formal or informal and whether legally binding or not.

 

2

 

 

(n) “Encumbrance” shall mean any charge, claim, community property interest, equitable interest, lien, option, pledge, security interest, right of first option, right of first refusal or similar restriction, including any restriction on use, voting (in the case of any security or equity interest), transfer, or exercise of any other attribute of ownership that is imposed by agreement, understanding, Applicable Law or otherwise, whether of record or otherwise.

 

(o) “Environmental, Health and Safety Liabilities” shall mean any Losses, natural resource damages, Encumbrances, orders, and consulting fees, (i) which are incurred as a result of (A) the existence or alleged existence of Hazardous Substances in, on, under, at or emanating from the Dealership Premises, (B) the actual or alleged offsite transportation, treatment, storage or disposal of Hazardous Substances generated by the Seller or at the Dealership Premises or (C) the violation or alleged violation of any Environmental Laws or (ii) which arise under the Environmental Laws.

 

(p) “Environmental Laws” shall mean all Applicable Laws pertaining to the injury to, or the pollution or protection of human health and safety and the environment, including the regulation, control, clean-up, generation, use, collection, treatment, storage, transportation, recovery, removal, discharge or disposal of Hazardous Substances.

 

(q) “ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(r) “ERISA Affiliate” shall mean any trade or business, whether or not incorporated, that together with the Seller or any of its subsidiaries would be deemed a “single employer” within the meaning of Section 4001(b)(1) of ERISA.

 

(s) “Escrow Agent” shall mean First American Title Insurance Company.

 

(t) “GAAP” shall mean the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

 

(u) “Governmental Authority” means any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any entity exercising legislative, executive, judicial, quasi-judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, or any tribunal or arbitrators of competent jurisdiction.

 

(v) “Hazardous Substances” shall mean any chemical, material, substance, constituent, contaminant, waste or pollutant regulated under any Environmental Law, including:

 

(i) any toxic or hazardous wastes, materials, pollutants or substances, including petroleum products and by-products, flammable explosives, radioactive materials, asbestos, polychlorinated byphenyls, pesticides, herbicides, pesticide or herbicide containers, untreated sewage, industrial process sludge;

 

(ii) any substances defined as “hazardous substances” or “toxic substances” or similarly identified under CERCLA (42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq., as amended);

 

(iii) “hazardous materials” as identified under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. § 1801 et seq., as amended;

 

(iv) any chemical substance or mixture regulated under the Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976, 15 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq., as amended;

 

(v) any “toxic pollutant” under the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 466 et seq., as amended, any hazardous air pollutant under the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq., as amended; or

 

3

 

 

(vi) any toxic or hazardous wastes, materials, pollutants or substances regulated under any other Environmental Law including any so-called “Super Fund” or “Super Lien” legislation, now existing, pertaining to hazardous materials, pollutants or wastes.

 

(w) “IRCA” shall mean the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended, and all regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(x) “IRS” shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Service.

 

(y) “Knowledge” an individual will be deemed to have “Knowledge” of a particular fact or other matter if such individual knows or, after reasonable investigation, should have known of the particular matter referred to; with respect to the Seller, shall mean such actual knowledge of either Shareholder, Suzanne Stouffer, and Seller’s General Manager.

 

(z) “Liability” or “Liabilities” shall mean with respect to any Person, any liability or obligation of such Person of any kind, character or description, whether known or unknown, absolute or contingent, accrued or unaccrued, disputed or undisputed, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, joint or several, due or to become due.

 

(aa) “Licenses” shall mean all licenses, grants, franchises, permits, approvals, Consents and other authorizations issued to or maintained by the Seller in connection with its ownership, possession, use, occupancy or operation of any of the Purchased Assets, or its operation of the Business.

 

(bb) “Losses” shall mean any and all damages (including punitive damages and consequential damages awarded by a court of competent jurisdiction to the extent not waived hereunder), losses, charges, liabilities, claims, demands, Proceedings, payments, judgments, settlements, assessments, obligations, deficiencies, Taxes, interest, penalties, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees actually incurred).

 

(cc) “Manufacturer Parts Inventory” shall mean all of the Seller’s inventories of new, current, returnable, and non-obsolete Manufacturer parts and accessories in their original, unbroken packages, which are located on or in transit to the Seller as of the Closing Date, and which are listed in a Manufacturer’s current parts and accessories price book/catalogues, with supplements in effect on the inventory date described in Section 3.2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Manufacturer Parts shall not include any “Obsolete” parts, defined as parts (i) not being listed in the current Manufacturer’s Master Parts Price List/Suggested List Prices and Dealer Prices (or other applicable similar Manufacturer price lists, with supplements or the equivalent in effect as of the Inventory date, the “Master Price List”), as returnable to the Manufacturer at not less than the purchase price reflected in the Master Price List, or (ii) that have been in the Seller’s inventory longer than 12 months prior to Closing Date.

 

(dd) “Material Adverse Change” shall mean any change in, or effect on, the Seller (including the business thereof) which is, or could reasonably be expected to be, materially adverse to the business, operations, assets, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Seller, but which shall not encompass: (i) any developments in the current pandemic conditions in the United States; (ii) general economic conditions; or (iii) changes in dealer operations required by General Motors, unless any of the conditions or acts described in subparts (i) through (iii) have a disproportionate effect on the Seller or the Business.

 

(ee) “Miscellaneous Inventory” shall mean all miscellaneous inventory of the Seller located at the Dealership Premises on the Closing Date and consisting of non-Manufacturer Parts, shop supplies, batteries, tires, and paint, gas, oil and grease, etc., each of which is less than 1 year old, and all of which (in the case of fluids and paint) shall be in unopened containers and usable.

 

4

 

 

(ff) “Non-Competition Period” is the Term (as defined in the Non-Competition Agreement).

 

(gg) Other Agreements” shall mean collectively, the Bill of Sale and Assignment, the Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement, and any other agreements, instruments, certificates and documents executed by the Parties in connection herewith or therewith.

 

(hh) “Parts” shall mean collectively, the Manufacturer Parts and the Non-Manufacturer Parts.

 

(ii) “Permitted Encumbrances” shall mean Encumbrances securing indebtedness or other monetary obligations that constitute an Assumed Liability.

 

(jj) “Person” shall mean any natural person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, limited liability company, trust, business trust, Governmental Authority or other entity (foreign or domestic).

 

(kk) “Personal Goodwill” shall mean with respect to an individual constituting the Shareholder, such individual’s personal ability, experience, personality, reputation, skill, contacts, integrity and accumulated information relating thereto in the Seller’s service area in the Business.

 

(ll) “PPP Loan” shall mean a loan issued under the Paycheck Protection Program, a lending program authorized by the CARES Act and administered by the SBA.

 

(mm) “Proceeding” shall mean any action, claim, demand, suit, proceeding, arbitration, grievance, citation, summons, subpoena, inquiry or investigation, civil, criminal, regulatory or otherwise, in law or in equity.

 

(nn) “Returns” shall mean any return, report, declaration, form, claim for refund or information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto and any amendment thereof.

 

(oo) “SBA” shall mean the Small Business Administration.

 

(pp) “Service Loaners” shall mean Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, or GMC motor vehicles owned by the Seller, located on the Dealership Premises on the Closing Date, and provided by the Seller to customers while the Seller is servicing their vehicles. Service Loaners shall include motor vehicles that are current in status as well as vehicles that have been retired from such status.

 

(qq) “TaxorTaxes” shall mean any federal, state, local, foreign or other income, alternative, minimum, accumulated earnings, personal holding company, franchise, capital stock, net worth, capital, profits, windfall profits, gross receipts, value added, sales (including bulk sales), use, goods and services, excise, customs duties, transfer, conveyance, mortgage, registration, stamp, documentary, recording, premium, severance, environmental (including taxes under section 59A of the Code), real property, personal property, ad valorem, intangibles, rent, occupancy, license, occupational, employment, unemployment insurance, social security, disability, workers’ compensation, payroll, health care, withholding, estimated or other similar tax, duty or other governmental charge or assessment or deficiencies thereof, including all interest and penalties thereon and additions thereto whether disputed or not.

 

5

 

 

(rr) “TDOR” shall mean the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

 

(ss) “Third-Party Claim” means a third-party claim asserted against an Indemnified Party by a Person other than (a) an Affiliate of such Indemnified Party or (b) any director, stockholder, officer, member, partner, equity holder or employee of any such Indemnified Party or its Affiliates.

 

(tt) “Transaction” shall mean the sale by the Seller and the purchase by the Purchaser of the Purchased Assets, the assumption by the Purchaser of the Assumed Liabilities, and the sale by the Shareholder and the purchase by the Purchaser of the Personal Goodwill, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

(uu) “Treasury Regulations” shall mean the Federal income tax regulations promulgated under the Code, as such Treasury Regulations may be amended from time to time.

 

(vv) “URL” shall mean a uniform resource locator.

 

(ww) “Used Vehicles” shall mean all vehicles that are located on the Dealership Premises on the Closing Date and owned and held by the Seller for resale, but excluding New Vehicles, Demos, Qualified Service Loaners, or company vehicles.

 

(xx) “WARN Act” shall mean the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local Applicable Law.

 

(yy) “We-Owes” shall mean a promise by the Seller to a customer for the delivery of goods or services in the future.

 

1.2 Other Defined Terms. Certain other terms are defined in this Agreement and are used with the meanings so ascribed to them.

 

2. THE TRANSACTION

 

2.1 Purchased Assets. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, on the Closing Date, the Seller shall sell to the Purchaser and the Purchaser shall purchase from the Seller, all of the Seller’s right, title, and interest in and to the following assets (collectively, the “Purchased Assets”), free and clear of all Encumbrances (except Permitted Encumbrances):

 

(a) all of the Seller’s furniture, fixtures, signs, product marketing displays, office equipment and computers, company vehicles, machinery and shop equipment, parts equipment, special tools, lifts, hybrid charging stations and related equipment, removable compressors, shop tools, company vehicles, and other items of tangible personal property owned and used by the Seller in the operation of the Business, including those items listed on the Seller’s depreciation schedules and on Schedule 2.1(a) (the “Fixed Assets”), attached hereto;

 

(b) each new and not previously titled (even if later reversed) or reported sold (even if later reversed), 2020 and newer model year Manufacturer motor vehicles, which (i) has less than 500 miles recorded on its odometer as of the Closing Date, (ii) has been in inventory fewer than 365 days as of the Closing Date, (iii) is located at or in transit to the Dealership Premises as of the Closing Date, and (iv) has less than $1,000.00 worth of damage (even if previously repaired) (collectively, the “New Vehicles”);

 

(c) each vehicle that would be a New Vehicle but for having 500 miles or more recorded on its odometer as of the Closing Date (collectively, the “Demos”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Demo shall not include any vehicle with more than 5,000 miles recorded on its odometer as of the Closing Date;

 

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(d) each new and not previously titled (even if later reversed) or reported sold (even if later reversed), 2020 and newer model year Service Loaners, which (i) has less than 5,000 miles recorded on its odometer as of the Closing Date, (ii) has been in inventory fewer than 365 days as of the Closing Date, and (iii) has less than $1,000.00 worth of damage (even if previously repaired) (collectively, the “Qualified Service Loaners”);

 

(e) such of the Seller’s inventory of Used Vehicles for which the Parties are able to agree to a purchase price. Any Used Vehicle(s) for which the Parties cannot reach an agreement on a purchase price shall be considered an Excluded Asset;

 

(f) the Seller’s assignable rights and privileges under (i) the Contracts identified on Schedule 2.1(f) attached hereto, which the Purchaser shall elect whether to assume by the end of its Due Diligence Period (collectively, the “Assumed Contracts”); and (ii) other Assumed Liabilities;

 

(g) all of the Seller’s Manufacturer Parts Inventory;

 

(h) all of the Seller’s Miscellaneous Inventories;

 

(i) all of the Seller’s sublet repairs and work in process repairs for which (i) the Seller possesses an initial repair order signed by the customer authorizing such repair, (ii) the repair order has been open for fewer than 10 Business Days prior to the Closing Date, (iii) in the case of work in process repairs, the subject vehicle is present at the Dealership Premises on the Closing Date, and (iv) in the case of sublet repairs, the subject vehicle is present at the sublet repair facility on the Closing Date (collectively, the “WIP”). The Purchaser may review all WIP prior to the Closing Date;

 

(j) the Seller’s return privileges, if any, concerning the Manufacturer Parts;

 

(k) the Seller’s assignable rights to its email addresses, PO Boxes, telephone and facsimile numbers (local and toll-free), as listed on Schedule 2.1(k);

 

(l) to the extent transferable, all Licenses;

 

(m) all rights of the Seller relating to deposits and prepaid expenses, claims for refunds and rights to offset in respect thereof, each of which relates to an Assumed Liability and are not otherwise an Excluded Asset;

 

(n) all offices supplies, janitorial supplies, and similar items owned by the Seller and located at the Dealership Premises as of the Closing Date;

 

(o) any rights relating to or arising out of or under any express or implied warranties from suppliers with respect to the Purchased Assets;

 

(p) all assignable rights of the Seller arising under any non-compete or restrictive covenant agreements between the Seller and any former member(s), or between the Seller and its employees, current or former;

 

(q) any insurance proceeds for claims or damages to the Purchased Assets, unless such proceeds have been used prior to the Closing Date for repair or restoration; and

 

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(r) all of the Seller’s perpetual inventory records, sales records, customer lists, customer service records and all other customer data, deal jackets, supply and manufacturer lists, technical data, and sales and marketing literature, advertising materials, promotional materials, including merchandising literature from the Manufacturer, whether in hard or digital copies (the “Records”), and all of the Seller’s intangible property rights and goodwill associated with the Business, including all assignable franchise rights under the Manufacturer’s dealer sales and service agreements, all tradenames and URLs (including those listed in Schedule 5.2(q)) owned or controlled by the Seller and utilized by the Business, and any and all of the Seller’s rights to content and access (including usernames and passwords, or other access means) related to GooglePlusLocal, GooglePlusBusiness, yelp, LinkedIn®, Facebook®, MySpace®, foursquare, Twitter®, Dealer Rater, Edmunds, and Cars.com, and other intellectual property owned by Seller and used or useable in the Business, and all other intangible assets, rights and properties of the Seller whatsoever (along with the Records, collectively, the “Company Goodwill”), except as described in Section 2.2.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the transfer of the Purchased Assets under this Agreement shall not include the assumption of any Liability in respect thereof unless the Purchaser expressly assumes such Liability under Section 2.4(a).

 

2.2 Personal Goodwill. The Purchaser agrees to purchase, and Bachman and Bernard agree to sell, assign, and transfer to the Purchaser, all of their interest in and to their Personal Goodwill as of the Closing. From and after the Closing, and from time to time thereafter throughout the Noncompetition Period, without further compensation, Bachman and Bernard will take all actions that the Purchaser deems reasonably necessary to ensure the orderly transition of the Personal Goodwill. Such actions may include, without limitation, the following: Bachman and Bernard introducing the Purchaser and/or its designees to Bachman and Bernard’s vendors, institutional customers, recurring customers and referral sources, and any others selected by the Purchaser, and using reasonable efforts to transfer to the Purchaser Bachman and Bernard’s goodwill and relationships with customers, contractors, vendors and referral sources to the individuals designated by the Purchaser. Such introductions and transitions shall be in the form of email, calls, written correspondence and/or face to face communication, at the option of the Purchaser. Bachman and Bernard shall use their reasonable efforts to persuade existing or prospective customers to be and remain customers of the Purchaser or its designee from and after the Closing Date. The compensation for the foregoing is described in Section 3.1(a)(ii) below.

 

2.3 Excluded Assets. Notwithstanding any contrary provision contained herein, the Seller shall retain, and shall not sell to the Purchaser, the assets not included in the Purchased Assets, including the following specific items (collectively, the “Excluded Assets”):

 

(a) cash and cash equivalents on hand and in banks, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, stocks, bonds and other liquid investments;

 

(b) accounts receivable of the Seller (including any “contracts in transit,” rebates receivable, holdbacks, discounts receivable, credit life commissions receivable, A & H commissions and finance Seller receivables, both current and deferred);

 

(c) any prepaid expense, insurance, interest, utilities, or rent and any deposits related thereto, which accrue to the benefit of the Seller as of the day prior to the Closing Date;

 

(d) any deposits, credits, reimbursements, or claims relating to Contracts which are not Assumed Contracts;

 

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(e) the minute book, corporate, accounting, and Tax records, and corporate seal of the Seller;

 

(f) any correspondence or records of the Seller that constitutes attorney-client privileged communications;

 

(g) the consideration for the Purchased Assets to be delivered by the Purchaser to the Seller under this Agreement;

 

(h) the Seller’s right to enforce this Agreement;

 

(i) vehicle parts and accessories that do not constitute Manufacturer Parts Inventory or Miscellaneous Inventories;

 

(j) vehicles not purchased by the Purchaser hereunder;

 

(k) the Seller’s contracts or policies of insurance and any refunds of taxes or tax loss carry forwards of the Seller;

 

(l) any assets leased by the Seller that would otherwise constitute Fixed Assets if not so leased, unless the Purchaser assumes such lease obligations;

 

(m) all rights under any Licenses and Contracts, except for Assumed Contracts and assigned Licenses;

 

(n) real estate owned by the Seller, which is the subject of the REPA;

 

(o) those items of personal property owned by the Shareholder or an Affiliate of the Shareholder and located at the Dealership Premises, which are listed on Schedule 2.3(o); and

 

(p) all Employee Benefit Plans.

 

2.4 Assumption of Liabilities.

 

(a) At the Closing, the Purchaser shall assume (and shall agree to discharge, pay and perform in accordance with their terms) only the following Liabilities of the Seller (each an “Assumed Liability,” and collectively, the “Assumed Liabilities”), and no other liabilities or obligations of the Seller whatsoever:

 

(i) all of the Seller’s Liabilities under the Assumed Contracts arising on or after the Closing Date (other than any Liabilities arising out of any breach or default that occurred prior to the Closing Date);

 

(ii) all of the Seller’s Liabilities to customers under the conditions of the Seller’s vehicle order forms or special parts order forms arising with respect to any customer deposits received in the ordinary course consistent with past practices, to the extent that (A) the terms and conditions thereof are reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser and consistent with the Seller’s past practices and current market as would be acknowledged during the Due Diligence Period, (B) the associated deposit is not escheatable or otherwise subject to forfeiture to the State of Tennessee as unclaimed property, and (C) the associated vehicles are currently scheduled for production, which such Liabilities shall be reflected at the Closing on a schedule, and, along with any such Seller’s vehicle order or special parts order forms, shall be delivered during the Due Diligence Period and then updated at the Closing (the “Customer Deposits”); provided, however, that the Purchaser shall not assume any of the Seller’s Liabilities arising out of any breach of or default under such vehicle order that occurred prior to the Closing Date;

 

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(iii) all of the Seller’s obligations to complete WIP; and

 

(iv) all of the Seller’s We-Owes, the value of which shall be subtracted from the Purchase Price.

 

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 2.3, the Purchaser shall not assume, or in any way be responsible or liable for, any Retained Liabilities. “Retained Liabilities” shall mean each and every Liability of the Seller, other than the Assumed Liabilities, including (i) any Liabilities of the Seller arising out of the operation of the Business prior to the Closing Date, (ii) conditions existing or alleged to have existed or any acts or omissions occurring or alleged to have occurred at the Dealership Premises prior to the Closing Date, including any Liabilities described in this Agreement or the Schedules, (iii) any Liabilities attributable to violations of any Applicable Law, (iv) any pending or threatened Proceeding against the Seller, and (v) chargebacks from the cancellation/termination of finance or insurance products on vehicles sold by the Seller prior to the Closing Date.

 

(c) Except for the Assumed Liabilities, following the Closing, the Seller shall pay all amounts due to creditors of the Seller for goods or services provided to the Seller with respect to the Business as such amounts come due, it being understood that Seller shall use its best efforts to discharge such obligations in a timely manner so as not to result in any unreasonable interruption of business or delivery of services or products to the Purchaser.

 

(d) Without limitation of the foregoing, it is specifically understood and agreed between the Parties that the Purchaser shall not be responsible for any express or implied warranties given by the Seller to customers prior to the Closing Date. Further, should any customer make a claim upon any warranty given by the Seller or for defective vehicle repair by the Seller prior to the Closing, then, in that event, the Purchaser at its option may adjust any such minor item as it so desires, at the Seller’s expense, and on any major item shall notify the Seller and, upon the Seller’s approval, shall repair said item at the Seller’s expense. Any major item shall be defined as any item at cost to the Purchaser in excess of $250.00.

 

(e) The obligations of the Seller and Purchaser under this Section 2.3 shall survive the Closing of this Transaction.

 

2.5 Simultaneous Transactions. This Agreement represents one facet of a two-part transaction. The other facet consists of the REPA. The respective obligations of the Seller and the Purchaser to close the Transaction hereunder are conditioned on the closing of the transaction contemplated under the REPA. In addition, this Agreement and the REPA are hereby cross-defaulted such that a default by a party under this Agreement or the REPA shall constitute a default by that same party or its Affiliate under the other agreement. If this Agreement is terminated and canceled, the REPA shall become void, and there shall be no further liability or obligation of any Party to either this Agreement or the REPA, except as otherwise provided for herein.

 

3. PURCHASE PRICE

 

3.1 Purchase Price. The consideration to be paid by the Purchaser for the Purchased Assets and Personal Goodwill (the “Purchase Price”) shall be determined and allocated as follows, and shall be payable at Closing in accordance with Section 4.5(a):

 

(a) Company Goodwill: The purchase price for the Company Goodwill shall be $2,000,000.00; PLUS

 

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(b) Personal Goodwill: The purchase price for the Personal Goodwill shall be $500,000.00, which shall be split equally between Bernard and Bachman; PLUS

 

(c) Fixed Assets: The purchase price for the Fixed Assets shall be equal to their depreciated net book value (on tax basis accounting in accordance with the Code) as of the month ending preceding the Closing Date; provided, however, with respect to any lease or financing agreement involving the Fixed Assets and included in the Assumed Contracts, the purchase price for the Fixed Assets shall be reduced by an amount equal to any applicable payoff amount of such obligation as of the Closing Date. The purchase price for the Fixed Assets will be subject to (i) reduction (at replacement cost) prior to the Closing for Fixed Assets which are listed on Schedule 2.1(a) on the Effective Date but missing from the Dealership Premises or not in good working condition as of the Closing Date, and (ii) increase (at depreciated net book value) prior to the Closing Date for Fixed Assets which are not listed on Schedule 2.1(a) at the Effective Date, but are added to Fixed Assets prior to the Closing Date with the Purchaser’s prior written approval, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed; PLUS

 

(d) Manufacturer Parts Inventory: The purchase price for the Manufacturer Parts Inventory shall be the price shown in the most recent Manufacturer parts and accessories price book or catalogues, as applicable, with all supplements in effect as of the date of an inventory, with such pricing to be reduced by any credits, discounts, allowances, rebates, or other incentives for which the Seller has received on or before the Closing Date or would be eligible to receive after the Closing Date; PLUS

 

(e) Miscellaneous Inventory: The purchase price for the Miscellaneous Inventory shall be the Seller’s verifiable costs in such inventories; PLUS

 

(f) New Vehicles: The purchase price for each New Vehicle shall be an amount equal to the aggregate sum of (i) the Manufacturer’s invoice cost to the Seller, including Manufacturer charges for freight and handling, PLUS (ii) the wholesale cost (without internal markup) to the Seller of all “add-on” parts or accessory items (installed consistent with the Seller’s past practices, but specifically excluding reconditioning charges and soft adds such as etch, leather treatment, undercoatings, paint sealants, etc.), MINUS (iii) dealer holdback, floorplan assistance, advertising or marketing allowance and any dealer cash/rebates or carryover allowances, and any other dealer factory incentives with respect to such vehicles and for which the Seller has previously been paid, MINUS (iv) a credit in favor of the Purchaser equal to the value of any Manufacturer installed accessories removed or missing from a vehicle, valued at cost reflected on such vehicle’s invoice, MINUS (v) the amount of any PDI payment received from the Manufacturer but for which no PDI activity has been performed on such vehicle, and MINUS the amount necessary to repair any damages to such vehicle (such formula being hereinafter referred to as the “Triple Net Formula”). Any dealer-traded vehicle that constitutes a New Vehicle shall be priced in accordance with the Triple Net Formula. The purchase price of each New Vehicle shall not include any cleaning or reconditioning charges or any Seller-imposed surcharge or “pack” (whether or not such amounts have been or were to be taken into income by the Seller); PLUS

 

(g) Demos: The purchase price for each Demo shall be calculated in accordance with the Triple Net Formula, except there shall be an additional credit in favor of the Purchaser in the amount of $0.25 per mile for each mile in excess of 500 miles recorded on such Demo’s odometer as of the Closing Date; PLUS

 

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(h) Qualified Service Loaners: The purchase price for each Qualified Service Loaner shall be calculated in accordance with the formula for Demos, except there shall be an additional credit in favor of the Purchaser for any and all additional monies paid, or to be paid, by the Manufacturer to the Seller related to Manufacturer’s service loaner program, including, but not limited to, monies received when a Qualified Service Loaner is entered into the loaner program or removed from the loaner program; PLUS

 

(i) Used Vehicles: The purchase price for each Used Vehicle shall be as mutually agreed upon by the Parties; PLUS

 

(j) WIP: The purchase price for the WIP shall be the Seller’s cost of parts and accessories (with no internal markup) and the cost of the Seller’s service technician wage expense (with no internal markup); MINUS

 

(k) Customer Deposits: The sum of all Customer Deposits held by the Seller as of the Closing Date for all New Vehicles or special-order parts and accessories to be delivered on or after the Closing Date; MINUS

 

(l) We-Owes: The sum of all outstanding We-Owes issued prior to the Closing Date, which shall be reflected at the Closing on a schedule.

 

3.2 Physical Inventories. The classification and valuation of the Manufacturer Parts Inventory and Miscellaneous Inventory shall be established, in accordance with the provisions hereof, by a physical inventory count conducted by an independent inventory service reasonably acceptable to the Parties (the “Parts Inventory”). The Parts Inventory shall be taken as close as practicable to the Closing Date, but no later than 2 days before the Closing Date, and will be adjusted to reflect purchases and sales of the Parts between the date of such physical inventory count and the Closing Date. The Seller agrees that no such additions and deductions shall be made in such inventory except in the ordinary course consistent with past practices and, further, to keep its usual and adequate records of such additions and deductions, which records shall be made available to the Purchaser for review and verification.

 

3.3 Audit of Seller’s 2018 and 2019 Financials; Non-Audited Financials.

 

(a) At or prior to the Effective Date of this Agreement, the Seller shall engage its longstanding accountants Brown Edwards (“BE-CPA”) to undertake requisite procedures to prepare financial statements in accordance with GAAP for the fiscal years 2018 and 2019 as encompassing profit and loss statement, cash-flow statement, and balance sheet, accompanied by appropriate disclosures. Such financial statements shall be prepared in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS) promulgated by the Accounting and Review Services Committee of the AICPA. (the “Unaudited Financial Statements”). The Seller shall coordinate with such accountants to catalyze such preparation process with a goal that such Unaudited Financial Statements shall be available within 30 days from the Effective Date (with the parties acknowledging that this is aggressive time frame, that the accountants may not be able to fulfill such time frame, and that such non-fulfillment shall not be considered a breach by Seller hereunder).

 

(b) On or before the 5th Business Day after the Effective Date, the Seller agrees to engage a national public accounting firm to commence an independent audit of the Seller’s book and records for the fiscal years 2018 and 2019, utilizing as appropriate the work product of BE-CPA from preparation of the Reviewed Financial Statements, to prepare audited financial statements and related statements of income (profit and loss), cash flow, and member equity (balance sheet) (collectively, the “Audited Financial Statements”), to be delivered to the Seller on or before the 60th day after the Effective Date. The Audited Financial Statements shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods covered thereby as well as consistent with PCAOB standards, and shall be consistent with the books and records of the Seller. Within 3 Business Days of receipt of the Audited Financial Statements, the Seller shall deliver to the Purchaser, together with the Audited Financial Statements, an opinion of Seller’s independent auditors that the Audited Financial Statements present fairly the financial condition and results of operations of the business relating to the Purchased Assets of the Seller. Seller shall make available to the Purchaser and the Purchaser’s accountants the Seller’s work papers and backup materials used in the preparation of the Audited Financial Statements.

 

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(c) The costs incurred in connection with the accountants undertakings for the Unaudited Financial Statements and the Audited Financial Statements (“Accountants Fees”) shall be allocated as follows: (i) if the Transaction is consummated, Purchaser shall be responsible for payment or reimbursement of 75% of such Accountants Fees and the Seller shall be responsible for payment of 25% of such Accountants Fees; and (ii) if the Transaction is not consummated, the costs shall be borne as provided in Section 8.2 hereof.

 

3.4 Prorations.

 

(a) All obligations and liabilities represented by ad valorem taxes and assessments on the Purchased Assets for the year in which the Closing occurs, and all prepaid and accrued expenses related to utilities, prepaid items, non-refundable utility deposits and the like relating to the Business or Assumed Liabilities, shall be apportioned between the Seller and the Purchaser as of the Closing Date, it being understood that the Seller shall be responsible for any such obligations and liabilities accrued or allocable to periods prior to the Closing Date (whether or not then paid) and the Purchaser shall be responsible for any such obligations and liabilities accruing or allocable for the periods on and after the Closing Date.

 

(b) To the extent not fixed at the Closing Date, the initial apportionment of taxes shall be upon the basis of the appropriate rate or charge for the preceding year or other applicable period and applied to the latest assessment. If any final bill, including one for taxes and other apportioned obligations and liabilities, is different from that upon which the initial apportionment is made, the Parties shall promptly thereafter make an appropriate adjustment.

 

(c) Payments between the Parties to effect any apportionment under this Section 3.4 shall occur on the Closing Date or promptly after such adjustments have been determined and mutually agreed to by the Parties.

 

3.5 Allocations.

 

(a) The Parties shall agree to an allocation of the Purchase Price, taking into account any adjustments made thereto in accordance with this Agreement, among the Purchased Assets and the Personal Goodwill per the procedures shown on Exhibit C. The Parties acknowledge that such procedures comply with Section 1060 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder (and any similar provision of state, local or foreign law, as appropriate), which the allocations shall be binding upon the Parties. Each of the Parties shall take all actions and file all Returns (including IRS Form 8594 “Asset Acquisition Statement”) consistent with such allocation. The Parties shall timely and properly prepare, execute, file and deliver all such documents, forms and other information as may be reasonably requested by another Party to prepare such allocation.

 

(b) The Seller and the Shareholder acknowledge and agree that the Purchaser was not involved in and takes no responsibility for the allocation of the value between the Company Goodwill and the Shareholder’s Personal Goodwill (the “Personal Goodwill Allocation”). Should the IRS (or any other Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over matters involving the Transaction) challenge the Personal Goodwill Allocation such that the Purchaser incurs a Loss, the Seller and the Shareholder, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify the Purchaser in accordance Section 6.2.

 

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3.6 Deposit.

 

(a) Within 3 Business Days of the Effective Date, the Purchaser shall deliver to the Escrow Agent the amount of $250,000.00, to be held by the Escrow Agent in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (the “Deposit”).

 

(b) If the Transaction shall be consummated, the Deposit shall be applied to the Purchaser’s obligations at the Closing as set forth in Section 4.5, and if this Agreement shall be terminated and the Transaction abandoned, then the Deposit shall be applied as set forth in Section 8.2.

 

(c) By its execution of a counterpart of this Agreement or other signed agreement among Escrow Agent, the Seller, and the Purchaser, the Escrow Agent hereby accepts its designation as the escrow agent with respect to the Deposit, acknowledges receipt of the Deposit, subject to collection, and agrees to hold, invest and disburse the same as herein provided. The Escrow Agent shall not be liable for any acts taken in good faith, shall only be liable for its willful default or action, or gross negligence, and may, in its sole discretion, rely in good faith upon the written notices, communications, orders or instructions given by any Party; provided, however, that if any notice or correspondence is not executed by both the Purchaser and the Seller, the Escrow Agent shall give to the Purchaser or the Seller, as the case may be, copies of any notice or correspondence received from the other and shall not take any actions with regard thereto for 5 Business Days following the giving of such notice.

 

(d) In the event of a disagreement between the Seller and the Purchaser as to the proper disbursement of the Deposit, the Escrow Agent reserves the right to deposit said funds into the Registry of the Clerk of Court of Greene County, Tennessee (the “Court Registry”), by filing an interpleader action and Escrow Agent shall thereupon be discharged from the liability hereunder and shall be entitled to reimbursement from the Seller and the Purchaser for all attorney’s fees incurred and court costs expended in connection therewith. The parties acknowledge that the Escrow Agent is also the Purchaser’s attorney with respect to this Transaction and that, in the event an interpleader action is filed with respect to the Escrow Deposit, the Escrow Agent may continue to represent the Seller in such action or in any other action against the Seller with respect to this Agreement.

 

(e) The Seller and the Purchaser hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Escrow Agent against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses which may be incurred by the Escrow Agent in connection with its acceptance of this appointment or the performance of its duties hereunder; provided, however, that if the Escrow Agent shall be found guilty of willful default or action, or gross negligence, then, in such event, the Escrow Agent shall bear all such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses. In the event the Escrow Agent places the Deposit in the Court Registry, upon the delivery of same to the prevailing party, whether by court order or otherwise, the non-prevailing party shall (i) pay to the prevailing party at the time of such delivery, interest on said monies at the publicly announced prime rate of J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, as such rate may change from time to time, said interest to run from the date of deposit into the Court Registry until delivery of same to the prevailing party, and (ii) notwithstanding any contrary provision contained herein, pay to the Escrow Agent all monies necessary to reimburse the Escrow Agent for any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses incurred by the Escrow Agent in connection with its appointment as the Escrow Agent or the performance of its duties hereunder.

 

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4. CLOSING

 

4.1 Time, Date and Place of Closing.

 

(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 8, the closing of the Transaction (the “Closing”) shall take place at such time and location as the Parties shall mutually select on or before the 10th Business Day following the later of: (i) Manufacturer’s approval of the Purchaser, as provided in Section 4.2(c) below, (ii) the expiration of the Due Diligence Period, or (iii) such other date agreed to by Seller and Purchaser (the “Closing Date”); provided, the satisfaction (or appropriate waiver in writing) of the conditions set forth in Sections 4.2 and 4.3 below; provided, the foregoing does not diminish the requirement of the fulfillment (or appropriate waiver in writing) of those conditions that by their terms or nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, and such conditions to be satisfied at the Closing shall not be grounds for delaying the scheduling of the Closing.

 

(b) The Closing shall be effective at 12:00:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the Closing Date.

 

4.2 Conditions to Obligations of the Purchaser. The obligations of the Purchaser to make the payments and deliveries required under Section 4.5 and to consummate the Transaction are subject to the fulfillment prior to or at the Closing Date of each of the following conditions:

 

(a) Accuracy of Representations. Each of the representations and warranties of the Seller and the Shareholder contained in this Agreement, or in any certificate or other document delivered by the Seller and the Shareholder in connection with this Agreement (as encompassing any referenced exhibits or schedules thereto) shall be true and correct in all material respects, in each case on the Effective Date and at and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date and each of such representations and warranties that is qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct in all respects in each case on the Effective Date and at and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except in each case for such representations and warranties as are dated as of a particular date, which shall be true and correct in all material respects or true and correct in all respects, as the case may be, as of such date).

 

(b) Performance of Obligations. The Seller and the Shareholder shall have complied with and performed in all material respects all of their obligations and covenants under this Agreement required to be performed or complied with prior to or at the Closing, including tendering for delivery to the Purchaser all of the items set forth in Section 4.4 below, with the expectation that any non-performance which is not material to the Transaction shall be encompassed within the Post-Closing Agreement.

 

(c) No Material Adverse Change. Between the Effective Date and the Closing Date there shall have been no Material Adverse Change.

 

(d) Manufacturer Approval. The Manufacturer shall have approved in writing the Transaction and the appointment of the Purchaser as an authorized motor vehicle dealer in the Manufacturer’s products at the Dealership Premises, on no less favorable terms than the Seller’s current franchise agreement with the Manufacturer, and the Manufacturer shall have issued to the Purchaser such documentation necessary for issuance of a Tennessee new motor vehicle dealer license. The Seller shall have executed all documents required by the Manufacturer to terminate its dealer sales and service agreement with the Manufacturer, to be effective as of the Closing Date and to be delivered to the Purchaser and the Manufacturer at Closing.

 

(e) Third Party Consents. With respect to each Assumed Contract that requires, prior to an assignment of the Seller’s interest therein, the Consent of a third party, each such third party shall, without cost to the Purchaser, have granted its Consent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser, authorizing the assignment of each of the Assumed Contracts from the Seller to the Purchaser.

 

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(f) No Litigation. No Proceeding shall be pending, or threatened, or reasonably foreseeable, before any court or other Governmental Authority, wherein an unfavorable injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, or charge would (i) restrain, enjoin, prohibit or prevent consummation of the Transaction or any other transaction contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) cause the Transaction to be rescinded following consummation, or (iii) affect adversely the right of the Purchaser to own the Purchased Assets and to operate the Business (and no such injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, or charge shall be in effect).

 

(g) Licenses. The Purchaser shall have obtained all required Licenses from Governmental Authorities to operate a franchised new motor vehicle dealership at the Dealership Premises, in the same manner as currently operated by the Seller.

 

(h) Due Diligence. The Purchaser shall be satisfied with its due diligence investigations and inspections of the Business and the Purchased Assets, and shall be deemed satisfied at the end of the 1st Business Day after the end of the Due Diligence Period, unless the Purchaser terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(f).

 

(i) REPA. The REPA shall have closed simultaneously with the Closing pursuant to the terms thereof.

 

4.3 Conditions to Obligations of the Seller. The obligations of the Seller to make the deliveries set forth in Section 4.4 and to consummate this Transaction are subject to the fulfillment prior to or at the Closing Date of each of the following conditions:

 

(a) Accuracy of Representations. Each of the representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in this Agreement, or in any certificate, exhibit, Schedule or other document delivered by the Purchaser in connection with this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects in each case on the Effective Date and at and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date and each of such representations and warranties that is qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct in all respects in each case on the Effective Date and at and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except in each case for such representations and warranties as are dated as of a particular date, which shall be true and correct in all material respects or true and correct in all respects, as the case may be, as of such date).

 

(b) Performance of the Purchaser’s Obligations. The Purchaser shall have complied with and performed in all material respects all its obligations and covenants under this Agreement required to be performed or complied with prior to or at the Closing, including tendering for delivery to the Purchaser all of the items set forth in Section 4.5 below, with the expectation that any non-performance which is not material to the Transaction shall be encompassed within the Post-Closing Agreement.

 

(c) Manufacturer Approval. The Seller shall have received documents required by the Manufacturer to terminate the Seller’s dealer sales and service agreement with the Manufacturer, to be effective as of the Closing Date, as would encompass release or transition procedures (including the Parts Account Settlement Acknowledgement described below.

 

(d) No Litigation. No Proceeding shall be pending, or threatened, or reasonably foreseeable, before any court or other Governmental Authority, wherein an unfavorable injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, or charge would (i) restrain, enjoin, prohibit or prevent consummation of any of the Transaction or any other transaction contemplated by this Agreement, or (ii) cause the Transaction to be rescinded following consummation.

 

(e) REPA. The REPA shall have closed simultaneously with the Closing pursuant to the terms thereof.

 

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4.4 Deliveries by the Seller at the Closing. On or before the Closing Date, the Seller and the Shareholder, as the case may be, shall deliver the following to the Purchaser (or as otherwise provided herein), each, where applicable, duly executed (or endorsed, as the case may be) by the Seller and/or Shareholder:

 

(a) (i) such deeds, bills of sale, endorsements, assignments and other good and sufficient instruments of conveyance (collectively, the “Conveyance Instrument”) as will effectively convey to the Purchaser all title to and interest in the Purchased Assets, together with releases or termination statements of all Encumbrances (other than Permitted Encumbrances) on the Purchased Assets, and (ii) an instrument of assignment and assumption with respect to the Assumed Liabilities (the “Assignment and Assumption Instrument,” and along with the Conveyance Instrument, collectively, the “Bill of Sale and Assignment”), in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A;

 

(b) an instrument of assignment and assumption with respect to the fictitious names, tradenames, trademarks, domain names and URLs listed on Schedule 5.2(q), in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “IP Assignment Agreement”);

 

(c) an instrument of conveyance with respect to the Personal Goodwill;

 

(d) an agreement concerning the allocation of the Purchase Price and preparation of IRS Form 8594 (which shall include a draft Form 8594 that allocates the Purchase Price in accordance with this Agreement), in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (the “8594 Agreement”);

 

(e) a non-competition and non-solicitation agreement, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (the “Non-Competition Agreement”);

 

(f) a post-Closing agreement (the “Post-Closing Agreement”), as applicable;

 

(g) the Indemnification Escrow Agreement;

 

(h) the PPP Escrow Agreement, as applicable;

 

(i) a closing and disbursement statement enumerating the Purchase Price, prorations, and adjustments, all in accordance with this Agreement or as otherwise agreed upon by the Seller and the Purchaser (the “Closing Statement”);

 

(j) all manufacturer statements of origin furnished by the Manufacturer for the New Vehicles, Demos, and purchased Service Loaners, and all titles for the purchased Used Vehicles and the company vehicles (collectively, the “Titles”), along with a limited power of attorney in favor of the Purchaser with respect to the Titles;

 

(k) an affidavit from an officer of the Seller as to Seller’s compliance with TDOR regulations in remitting or accruing sales tax in accordance with Section 67-6-513, Tennessee Code. The foregoing shall be referred to as the “Tax Affidavit.”

 

(l) all owners’ manuals, all headsets, all DVD remotes (if applicable), all navigation system SD cards and DVDs, all floor mats, and at least 2 keys and wireless key fobs for each New Vehicle, Demo, purchased Service Loaner, and purchased Used Vehicle that has not been titled, and 1 key to each of the other purchased Used Vehicles;

 

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(m) schedules, inventories, and other data from the Seller’s DMS reasonably requested by the Purchaser as part of building closing inventory/accounting schedules;

 

(n) a certificate dated the Closing Date and executed by an authorized representative of the Seller, certifying (i) that the representations and warranties of the Seller in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date, (ii) the covenants and agreements to be performed or complied with by the Seller prior to the Closing have been performed and complied with in all material respects, (iii) the resolutions of the Seller authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the agreements contemplated hereby and approving the consummation of the Transaction, (iv) the incumbency and signatures of any representatives of the Seller executing this Agreement; and (v) attachment of certificate of good standing with respect to the Seller from the Tennessee Secretary of State, dated as of a recent date prior to the Closing Date;

 

(o) such document(s) as may be required by the Manufacturer to (i) memorialize or confirm the surrender or termination by the Seller of its dealer sales and service agreement and franchise rights with respect to the Manufacturer’s brands, (ii) confirm successful Closing of the Transaction, or (iii) memorialize the agreed disposition of the Seller’s parts account (e.g., the “Parts Account Settlement Acknowledgement”); and

 

(p) such other documents or instruments as may be required under this Agreement or as may be reasonably requested by the Purchaser in connection with the consummation of the Transaction.

 

4.5 Deliveries by the Purchaser at the Closing. On or before the Closing Date, the Purchaser shall deliver or cause to be delivered the following to the Seller (or as otherwise provided herein), each, where applicable, duly executed (or endorsed, as the case may be) by the Purchaser:

 

(a) delivery by wire transfer in immediately available funds of an amount equal to the sum of the Purchase Price, subject to the adjustments provided herein MINUS the Deposit MINUS the Indemnification Escrow Amount MINUS any PPP Escrow Amount and PLUS or MINUS any adjustments for prorations and other payments and withholdings to be paid or otherwise borne by the Seller or the Purchaser under this Agreement, which such net amount shall be disbursed to the Seller by wire transfer to an account designated by the Seller, in immediately available funds; except that the Purchaser may pay directly to creditors of the Seller the amount required to satisfy the PPP Non-Forgiven Amount and release any Encumbrances (other than Permitted Encumbrances) on the Purchased Assets;

 

(b) the Deposit, which shall be disbursed by the Escrow Agent to the Seller by wire transfer to an account designated by the Seller, in immediately available funds;

 

(c) the Bill of Sale and Assignment;

 

(d) the IP Assignment Agreement;

 

(e) the 8594 Agreement;

 

(f) the Non-Competition Agreement;

 

(g) the Post-Closing Agreement, if applicable;

 

(h) the Indemnification Escrow Agreement;

 

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(i) the PPP Escrow Agreement, as applicable;

 

(j) the Closing Statement;

 

(k) a certificate of good standing with respect to the Purchaser from the Tennessee Secretary of State, dated as of a recent date prior to the Closing Date;

 

(l) a certificate dated the Closing Date and executed by an officer of the Purchaser, certifying (i) that the representations and warranties of the Purchaser in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date, (ii) the covenants and agreements to be performed or complied with by the Purchaser prior to the Closing have been performed and complied with in all material respects, (iii) the resolutions of the Purchaser authorizing the execution and delivery by the Purchaser of this Agreement and the agreements contemplated hereby and approving the consummation of the Transaction, and (ii) the incumbency and signatures of the officer of the Purchaser executing this Agreement; and

 

(m) such other documents or instruments as may be reasonably required by the Seller in accordance with this Agreement, each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser.

 

4.6 Post-Closing Matters.

 

(a) Delivery of Possession. The Seller shall take all necessary action to provide the Purchaser with possession of the Purchased Assets on the Closing Date. Within 5 Business Days after the Closing Date, the Seller shall remove from the Dealership Premises the Excluded Assets not sold to the Purchaser hereunder, during which time the Purchaser shall not be liable for any damages or losses to any of the Seller’s assets while on the Dealership Premises. If any of the Seller’s Excluded Assets remain on the Dealership Premises after such period, the Purchaser shall provide the Seller with written notice to remove the remaining Excluded Assets within 5 Business Days, and any Excluded Assets not removed by the Seller by the end of such additional period shall be deemed included in the Transaction. The Seller agrees to indemnify and hold the Purchaser harmless from any claims from customers or employees concerning their respective assets located on the Dealership Premises on the Closing Date.

 

(b) Records. The Purchaser agrees to store the Records, at no expense to the Seller, for the period(s) required under Applicable Law (and a period of not less than 7 years for deal jackets). The Purchaser shall be obligated to exercise only the same degree of care in the safeguard and maintenance of said Records as the Purchaser provides its own records. After the Closing Date, the Purchaser shall give to the Seller, and its agents, reasonable access to the Records as shall be necessary for recordkeeping and tax purposes, or in connection with any third-party demand or claim made by or against the Seller.

 

(c) Seller’s Receivables. Following the Closing, the Purchaser agrees for a period of 120 days or 4 month-ends, whichever is greater (the “Run Out Period”), to accept payment of the Seller’s accounts receivable payments arising out of the operation of the Business prior to Closing and to hold same for prompt payment over to the Seller. At the end of the Run Out Period, the Purchaser shall no longer be obligated to accept payments of such accounts receivable. If the Purchaser does accept payment of any of the Seller’s accounts receivable after expiration of the Run Out Period, the Purchaser shall promptly pay same over to the Seller. It is understood that the Purchaser’s responsibility, so far as such collection is concerned, is only to accept monies paid on such accounts receivable and shall not include any obligation to attempt to enforce payment thereof, or to send out bills or statements therefor.

 

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(d) Run Out of Books.

 

(i) The Purchaser agrees to turn over to the Seller all payments, mail, invoices, general correspondence, and any other business-related items (“Residual Transactions”) related to the Seller’s Business operations prior to the Closing Date that are received by the Purchaser after the Closing Date, so the Seller may account for such items in the winddown of its business affairs. The Purchaser and Seller will work closely to reasonably ensure that all Residual Transactions that may impact both the Purchaser and Seller will be reconciled, reviewed, and settled on a weekly basis for the first month and thereafter on a bi-weekly basis through the end of the Run Out Period.

 

(ii) For a period of 30 days after the Closing, the Purchaser shall provide the Seller with office space and use of the Purchaser’s telephone and computer systems so that the Seller can conduct its wind-down activities.

 

(e) Erroneous Payments. The Parties shall in good faith work together and use their commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that (i) amounts paid by the Seller but owed by the Purchaser as a result of Manufacturer or vendor erroneously billing the Seller for items arising out of or in connection with the operation of the Business following Closing shall be paid over to the Seller promptly, and (ii) amounts paid by the Purchaser but owed by the Seller as a result of Manufacturer or vendor erroneously billing the Purchaser for items arising out of or in connection with the operation of the Dealership prior to Closing shall be paid over to the Purchaser promptly.

 

(f) Further Assurances.

 

(i) To the extent that any of the Assumed Contracts is not assignable without the consent of another party, this Agreement shall not constitute an assignment or attempted assignment thereof at any time prior to receipt of such consent. If such consent shall not be obtained on or prior to the Closing, the Seller agrees to cooperate with the Purchaser after the Closing in implementing any reasonable arrangement designed to provide for the Purchaser the benefits under any such Assumed Contracts.

 

(ii) The Seller shall, from time to time after the Closing, deliver to the Purchaser such further deeds, bills of sale and assignment, documents of title and other instruments necessary or desirable, in the reasonable opinion of the Purchaser’s counsel, to perfect the transfers of the Purchased Assets and the Assumed Liabilities to the Purchaser, free and clear of all Encumbrances other than the Permitted Encumbrances. The Purchaser shall, from time to time after the Closing, deliver to the Seller such further assignments, instruments of assumption, or other documents as may be necessary or desirable, in the reasonable opinion of the Seller’s counsel, to perfect or clarify the Purchaser’s assumption of the Assumed Liabilities.

 

(g) Survival. The matters under this Section 4.6 shall survive the Closing.

 

5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

5.1 Representations and Warranties by the Purchaser. The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Seller as of the Effective Date and as of the Closing Date as follows:

 

(a) Corporate Matters.

 

(i) The Purchaser is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the state of its formation and will, by the Closing Date, be authorized to conduct business in the State of Tennessee.

 

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(ii) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Other Agreements to which it is a party by the Purchaser have been duly authorized by all requisite company action. Except for the required Licenses, third party Consents related to Assumed Liabilities, and the Consent of the Manufacturer to the appointment of the Purchaser as an authorized dealer in the Manufacturer’s products, no approval or consent of any other person is required in connection with the execution, delivery, and performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement and the Other Agreements to which it is a party.

 

(iii) This Agreement has been, and at the Closing the Other Agreements to which the Purchaser is a party will be duly executed and, assuming due authorization, execution, and delivery by the Seller and Shareholder, this Agreement constitutes and the Other Agreements to which the Purchaser is a party will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Purchaser, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, except to the extent that enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws and equitable principles affecting creditors’ rights generally and the discretion of the courts in granting equitable remedies.

 

(iv) The execution and delivery by the Purchaser of this Agreement and the Other Agreements to which it is a party, and the consummation by the Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, will not constitute (with or without the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both) a violation of, contravene, be in conflict with, result in the acceleration of or entitle any party to accelerate (whether after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both), or constitute a default under (A) any term or provision of the articles of organization or operating agreement of the Purchaser, (B) any Contract to which the Purchaser is subject or by which it is bound, or (C) subject to compliance with any Applicable Law.

 

(b) Financial Ability. The Purchaser has the financial ability to consummate the Transaction as set forth herein.

 

(c) Brokers. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.1(c), no broker, agent, consultant, finder, or other similar person has assisted the Purchaser in procuring, negotiating, or executing this Agreement, and the Purchaser is under no contract with any such party.

 

(d) No Material Misrepresentation or Omission. No representation or warranty by the Purchaser contained in this Agreement, and no statement contained in any instrument, list, certificate, or writing furnished by the Purchaser to the Seller under the provisions hereof or in connection with the Transaction, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading.

 

5.2 Representations and Warranties by the Seller and Shareholder. Each of the Seller and the Shareholder represent and warrant to the Purchaser as of the Effective Date and as of the Closing Date as follows:

 

(a) Corporate Matters.

 

(i) The Seller is a Corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Tennessee.

 

(ii) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Other Agreements to which it is a party by the Seller have been duly authorized by all requisite company action (including approval by the Shareholder). Except for the Consent of the Manufacturer to the appointment of the Purchaser as an authorized dealer in the Manufacturer’s products, no approval or consent of any other person is required in connection with the execution, delivery, and performance by the Seller and the Shareholder of this Agreement and the Other Agreements to which they are parties.

 

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(iii) This Agreement has been, and at the Closing the Other Agreements to which the Seller and/or the Shareholder are parties will be duly executed and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Purchaser, this Agreement constitutes and the Other Agreements to which the Seller and/or the Shareholder are parties will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of each of the Seller and the Shareholder, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, except to the extent that enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws and equitable principles affecting creditors’ rights generally and the discretion of the courts in granting equitable remedies.

 

(iv) Except as to the consents or other actions required at the Closing set forth on Schedule 5.2(a), the execution and delivery by the Seller and the Shareholder of this Agreement and the Other Agreements to which the Seller and/or the Shareholder are parties, and the consummation by the Seller and the Shareholder of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, will not constitute (with or without the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both) a violation of, contravene, be in conflict with, result in the acceleration of or entitle any party to accelerate (whether after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both), or constitute a default under (A) any term or provision of the articles of organization or operating agreement of the Seller or the Shareholder, (B) any Contract to which the Seller or the Shareholder are subject or by which they are bound, or (C) subject to compliance with any Applicable Law.

 

(b) Legal Capacity. The Shareholder has the necessary legal capacity to enter into this Agreement and the Seller’s Closing Documents to which the Shareholder is a party and to perform his obligations hereunder and thereunder.

 

(c) Title. The Seller owns, and has, or shall have as of the Closing Date, good title to, the Purchased Assets, free and clear of all Encumbrances, other than the Permitted Encumbrances. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.2(c), all Fixed Assets located at the Dealership Premises and utilized by the Seller in the operation of its Business are owned by the Seller.

 

(d) Taxes. The Seller has duly filed all foreign, federal, state, county and local income, excise, sales, property, withholding, social security, franchise, license, information returns and other applicable tax returns and reports, or appropriate and permitted extensions thereto, required to be filed by it as of the Effective Date with respect to the Business and the Purchased Assets. To the Seller’s Knowledge, each such return is true, correct, and complete, and the Shareholder has paid all taxes, assessments, amounts, interest and penalties due to any Governmental Authority. To its Knowledge, the Seller has no liability for any taxes, assessments, amounts, interest or penalties of any nature whatsoever other than those for which the Seller has created sufficient reserves or made other adequate provision. No Governmental Authority is now asserting or, to the Seller’s Knowledge, threatening to assert any deficiency or assessment for additional taxes, interest, penalties or fines with respect to the Seller, the Business, the Real Property or the Purchased Assets.

 

(e) Contracts.

 

(i) Each Assumed Contract listed on Schedule 2.1(f) is in full force and effect and constitutes a legal, valid, and binding agreement, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally and general principles of equity. No event or condition has occurred and is continuing which, with or without the lapse of time or giving of notice, constitutes, or would ripen into or become, a breach of or default under an Assumed Contract by the Seller, or, to the Seller’s Knowledge, by any other party thereto, in any term, covenant or condition of each Assumed Contract.

 

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(ii) Except for (A) the Assumed Contracts, and (B) Contracts involving in each case less than $2,000.00 over their respective terms or which are terminable at will by the Seller without payment or penalty of any nature whatsoever, the Seller is not a party to any Contract.

 

(f) Employees and Employment Matters. Unless otherwise set forth in detail in Schedule 5.2(f):

 

(i) The Seller has complied with all requirements of Applicable Law relating to the Seller’s employees (each an “Employee” and collectively, the “Employees”) and will have paid all wages, salary, vacation, and sick leave (even if not specifically accrued for by the Seller), and bonuses due to the Employees (the “Employee Compensation”) through the Closing Date (including any accrued bonuses). The Seller has not received any notice regarding a current claim against it for (A) overtime pay, wages, salary or bonus, excluding current payroll periods or (B) vacation time, excluding time earned in current payroll periods.

 

(ii) The Seller is not currently paying any pension, deferred compensation, or retirement allowance to anyone.

 

(iii) The Seller has no oral or written collective bargaining or organized labor contracts, employment agreements, bonus or commission agreements, pay plans, deferred compensation agreements, profit sharing agreements, welfare or health benefit agreements, or retirement plans or arrangements, whether or not legally binding. In accordance with the deadlines in Section 7.4, the Seller shall deliver to the Purchaser true and correct copies of each agreement, plan, or arrangement described on Schedule 5.2(f), if any.

 

(iv) The Seller represents that it has taken no action that would interfere with any employment by the Purchaser of any Employee.

 

(v) To Seller’s Knowledge, no Employee intends to terminate his or her employment relationship with the Seller. The Seller has no contract for the future employment of any Employee.

 

(vi) To Seller’s Knowledge, no Employee intends to refuse employment with the Purchaser after the Closing or will terminate his/her employment with the Purchaser within 2 weeks after the Closing Date.

 

(vii) There have been no Employee walk-outs, strikes, or similar events within the last 3 years.

 

(viii) No current or former Employee has filed a charge with the EEOC within the last 2 years.

 

(ix) The Seller maintains current files containing all Labor Condition Applications and related public and non-public access documentation which they must present upon request by the Department of Labor including all documentation noted in 20 CFR §655.760. The Seller also maintain current files containing all documentation which they are required to maintain in the event of an audit related to labor certification for permanent employment filings, including all documentation noted in 20 CFR §655 and 656 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

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(x) The Seller has taken the required actions under Applicable Law to confirm the identity and work status eligibility of its Employees. The Seller has not received any written notice of any inspection or investigation relating to their alleged noncompliance with or violation of IRCA, nor has the Seller been warned, fined or otherwise penalized for any failure to comply with IRCA or for any willful violation of any other immigration law, rule or regulation.

 

(xi) The Seller has complied in all material respects with the applicable requirements for its employee medical and benefit plans as set forth in the Code and ERISA, including Section 4980B of the Code (as well as its predecessor provision, Section 162(k) of the Code) and Sections 601 through 608, inclusive, of ERISA, which provisions are hereinafter referred to collectively as “COBRA.”

 

(xii) The Seller has not violated the WARN Act.

 

(g) Financial Statements. True, correct and complete copies of the Current Financials have been delivered by the Seller to the Purchaser for Purchaser’s review in connection with its due diligence investigation of the Business and the Purchased Assets. The Current Financials (i) have been prepared in accordance with the Manufacturer’s reporting requirements, (ii) represent actual, bona fide transactions, and (iii) fairly present in all material respects the financial condition and the results of operations of the Business as at the respective dates of and for the periods referred to in such records. To the Knowledge of the Seller, neither the Seller nor its independent accountants have identified or been made aware of any fraud, whether or not material, that involves the Seller’s management or other employees who have a role in the preparation of financial statements or the internal controls utilized by the Seller, or any claim or allegation regarding any of the foregoing. Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.2(g), since July 1, 2020, there has been:

 

(i) no business condition or any fact that has specific application to the Seller that may result in a Material Adverse Change;

 

(ii) no damage to, or destruction or loss of, any assets of the Seller materially and adversely affecting the Purchased Assets or the condition (financial or otherwise), business, operations or prospects of the Business;

 

(iii) no sale, lease, abandonment or other disposition or removal of any assets that would have constituted Purchased Assets except in the ordinary course consistent with past practices with replacement by assets of similar utility and value;

 

(iv) no material increases in the compensation, commissions or bonuses payable to any employee or agent of the Seller performing services with respect to the Business; no entry into or amendment or modification of any employment, severance or similar contract; no adoption of or material increase in benefits under any employee benefit plan or program; and no labor problems, strikes or other occurrences of a similar nature; or

 

(v) no change in the accounting methods used by the Seller with respect to the Business.

 

(h) Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. The Seller has no debts, claims, liabilities or obligations of any nature, whether known or unknown, absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due, asserted or un-asserted, except (1) to the extent disclosed or reserved against in the Seller’s balance sheet for the 12 months ended December 31, 2019, and (2) for liabilities and obligations that were incurred after December 31, 2019 in the ordinary course consistent with past practices and that, individually or in the aggregate, do not exceed $25,000.00.

 

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(i) Condition of the Purchased Assets and the Dealership Premises. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.2(i):

 

(i) the Purchased Assets constitute all of the assets used by the Seller in connection with, and necessary for, the operation of the Business in the ordinary course and as historically operated by the Seller;

 

(ii) the facility is in compliance with all currently-effective requirements of General Motors whether as to size or condition of the facility or its image;

 

(iii) the Seller has not received notice of and has no actual knowledge of (A) any pending or contemplated condemnation, eminent domain or rezoning Proceeding affecting the Dealership Premises, (B) any proposal or other consideration for increasing the assessed value of the Dealership Premises for state, county, local or other ad valorem or similar Taxes by an amount that would materially affect the profitability of the Business, or (C) any Proceedings or public improvements which could or might result in the levy of any special Tax or assessment against the Dealership Premises; and

 

(iv) the only real estate, properties, and interests used by the Seller in the Business or necessary to the operation of the Business are the Dealership Premises.

 

(j) Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.2(j), there is no Proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of the Seller or the Shareholder, threatened against or relating to the Seller (including in connection with or relating to the Transaction or the Other Agreements or of any action taken or to be taken in connection therewith or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby).

 

(k) Compliance with Applicable Laws. To its Knowledge, the Seller has complied with all Applicable Laws relating to the Business, the Purchased Assets and its use and occupation of the Dealership Premises (including zoning laws), and is not and has not been either charged with, in receipt of any notice or warning of, or to the Knowledge of the Seller, under investigation with respect to, any failure or alleged failure to comply with any provision of any Applicable Law.

 

(l) Brokers. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.2(l), no broker, agent, consultant or other similar person has assisted Seller in procuring, negotiating or closing this Transaction, and the Seller is under no contract with any such party.

 

(m) Environmental. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.2(m):

 

(i) To the Seller’s and Shareholder’s Knowledge, there are no Hazardous Substances present at, on, in or under the Dealership Premises, except for consumables used and waste generated in the ordinary course of the Seller’s business, in each case in compliance with applicable Environmental Laws.

 

(ii) The Seller and Shareholder have not received any notice, whether oral or written, from any Governmental Authority or other Person of any actual or threatened Environmental, Health and Safety Liabilities that are pending or unresolved with respect to the Dealership Premises Storage or the Business.

 

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(iii) There are currently no underground storage tanks or underground hydraulic lifts located in, at, on or under the Dealership Premises, and any former such items that were removed from the Dealership Premises prior to Effective Date were in good condition and repair and not leaking when removed and were removed in accordance with all Applicable Laws.

 

(iv) To the Seller’s Knowledge, all gasoline, oil and other petroleum products stored, treated, used or disposed of on, in or about any portion of the Dealership Premises have been stored, treated, used or disposed of in full and strict compliance with all Applicable Laws. All above-ground gasoline, oil or petroleum product storage tanks on the Dealership Premises, if any, have been properly registered.

 

(v) The Seller or the Shareholder has provided to the Purchaser all material environmental reports, assessments, audits, studies, investigations, data and other nonprivileged written environmental information in its custody, possession or control concerning the Business or the Dealership Premises.

 

(n) Manufacturer Communications. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.2(n), no Manufacturer has (i) notified the Seller or Shareholder of any deficiency in dealership operations (including brand imaging, facility conditions, sales efficiency, customer satisfaction, warranty work and reimbursement, or sales incentives); (ii) advised the Seller or the Shareholder of a present or future need for facility improvements, upgrades, or relocation in connection with the Business; (iii) notified the Seller or the Shareholder of the Manufacturer’s desire to alter the configuration of the Business, including facility utilization; (iv) notified the Seller or the Shareholder of a plan to establish an additional dealer within 40 or fewer miles from the Dealership Premises, (v) notified the Seller or the Shareholder of the relocation of an existing dealership for any of the Manufacturer’s products within 20 miles of the Dealership Premises, or (vi) notified the Seller or the Shareholder of any reduction in the Seller’s new vehicle allocation for the Manufacturer’s products. The Seller is not a party to any “exclusive use agreement,” “site control agreement,” or other Contract with any Manufacturer (other than a dealer sales and service agreement) concerning the occupation and use of the Dealership Premises.

 

(o) Manufacturer Audits. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.2(o), in the last 5 years, the Manufacturer has not conducted any audit of the Seller’s sales practices and documentation or service practices and warranty claim documentation, and the Seller has not been subject to a chargeback of monies previously paid to the Seller with respect to its vehicle sales and warranty claims.

 

(p) Dealership Marketing Plans. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.2(p), in the last 5 years, the Seller has not participated, and currently does not participate, in customer marketing or added value plans such as “tires for life,” “batteries for life,” “lifetime oil changes,” customer coupon programs, customer gift certificates, extended service warranties, insurance related products, or similar customer programs, and the Seller has not offered its customers any products or services for which the Seller, or any of its Affiliates, has an ongoing responsibility for administration and the Liability thereof.

 

(q) Tradenames; Domain Names; URLs. Schedule 5.2(q) sets forth a complete list of all tradenames and trademarks that have been utilized by the Seller in its Business and a list of all Internet domain names or URLs registered, owned, or leased by the Seller, Shareholder, or their Affiliates. The Seller owns, solely and exclusively, or possesses the valid and enforceable right to use all of the Seller’s tradenames.

 

(r) Odometer Accuracy. The odometer on each of the motor vehicles included in the Seller’s inventory on the Closing Date represents the actual mileage that such motor vehicle has been driven unless otherwise disclosed on the odometer disclosure statement accompanying such motor vehicle.

 

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(s) Privacy Laws. The Seller has complied with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “GLB Act”) with respect to customer information received by the Seller, including, if applicable, responsibility for providing any notice required, and the Seller has implemented and maintained privacy practices to protect any financial information received by the Seller from its customers. Schedule 5.2(s) contains a copy of the Seller’s internal policies and procedures document for compliance with the GLB Act and a copy of the notice provided to the Seller’s customers.

 

(t) Solvency. The Seller is not insolvent and will not be rendered insolvent by the Transaction. As used in this Section 5.2(t), “insolvent” means that the sum of the Seller’s debts and other probable Liabilities exceeds the present fair saleable value of the Seller’s assets.

 

(u) Intellectual Property Rights. The Seller either owns or is otherwise entitled to use (under a license or otherwise) all Proprietary Rights necessary to conduct the business of the Business as presently conducted. For purposes of this Agreement, “Proprietary Rights” means all (i) trademarks, service marks, trade dress, logos, trade names and corporate names and registrations and applications for registration thereof, (ii) copyrights and registrations and applications for registration thereof, (iii) mask works and registrations and applications for registration thereof, (iv) computer software data and documentation, (v) trade secrets and confidential business information (including ideas, formulas, compositions, inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice), copyrightable works, financial, marketing and business data, pricing and cost information, business and marketing plans and customer and supplier lists and information), (vi) other proprietary rights or any intellectual property, and (vii) copies and tangible embodiments thereof (in whatever form or medium).

 

(v) Licenses. Schedule 5.2(v) contains a list of all Licenses that, to the Knowledge of Seller, constitute all material Licenses as required for the operation of the Business as presently conducted and as presently intended to be conducted. The Seller currently has all such Licenses, and to its Knowledge, the Seller is not in default or violation (and no event has occurred which, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute a default or violation) of any term, condition or provision of any such License, nor are any facts or circumstances that could form the Basis for any such default or violation.

 

(w) No Material Misrepresentation or Omission. No representation or warranty by the Seller or the Shareholder contained in this Agreement, and no statement contained in any instrument, list, certificate, or writing furnished by the Seller or the Shareholder to the Purchaser under the provisions hereof or in connection with the Transaction, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading.

 

(x) Loans. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.2(x), the Seller is not liable as a principal, borrower, guarantor, or obligor for any loans or other debt instruments, and the Shareholder is not a principal, borrower, guarantor, or obligor for any loans or other debt instruments that are related to the Seller or the Business.

 

6. SURVIVAL; INDEMNIFICATION

 

6.1 Survival. Subject to the limitations described in Section 6.5, the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made by the Parties and in any agreement, certificate, instrument or other document delivered under this Agreement shall survive the Closing and consummation of the Transaction.

 

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6.2 Indemnities of the Seller and Shareholder.

 

(a) The Seller and Shareholder shall, jointly and severally, indemnify, hold harmless and agree to defend the Purchaser and its Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, consultants, representatives, stockholders and controlling Persons and their respective successors and assigns (collectively, the “Purchaser Indemnified Parties”) at all times from and after the date of this Agreement, from and against any and all Losses incurred by any of the Purchaser Indemnified Parties (the “Purchaser Damages”), which may now or in the future be actually incurred or suffered by the Purchaser Indemnified Parties resulting from or arising out of any one or more of the following:

 

(i) any misrepresentation or breach of any warranty of the Seller or the Shareholder made or contained in this Agreement

 

(ii) any failure of the Seller or the Shareholder to perform any covenant or agreement made or contained in this Agreement or fulfill any obligation in respect thereof;

 

(iii) any Retained Liability or Excluded Asset;

 

(iv) any non-compliance by the Seller or the Shareholder with any fraudulent transfer law in connection with the Transaction;

 

(v) the Seller and Shareholder’s valuation of Company Goodwill and Personal Goodwill; or

 

(vi) any brokerage or finder’s fees or commissions or similar payments based upon any Contract made, or alleged to have been made, by any Person, with the Seller or the Shareholder (or any Person acting on their behalf) in connection with the Transaction.

 

(b) Basket. In no event will any amount be recovered from the Seller for any Purchaser Damages resulting from matters described in Section 6.1(a)(i) or (ii) until the aggregate amount of all Purchaser Damages incurred by the Purchaser Indemnified Parties exceeds $40,000.00 (the “Basket”), in which event the Seller and Shareholder, jointly and severally, will be obligated, subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, to indemnify the Purchaser Indemnified Parties to the full extent of such Purchaser Damages, including the Basket, on a dollar for dollar basis; provided, however, that the Seller’s Liability for any Purchaser Damages will not be limited as set forth in this Section 8.1(b) if such Purchaser Damages relate to a breach of representation or warranty set forth in Sections 5.2(a), (b), or (c) (inclusive).

 

(c) Insurance. The Seller’s indemnification obligations shall be reduced to the extent that the subject matter of any indemnification claim brought by the Purchaser is covered by and paid to Purchaser pursuant to a warranty or indemnification from a third-party or third-party insurance.

 

(d) Indemnification Escrow. At the Closing, an amount equal to $250,000.00 of the Purchase Price shall be withheld and delivered to the Escrow Agent and deposited in escrow by the Purchaser (the “Indemnification Escrow Amount”), to be held for a period of 18 months following the Closing Date (the “Indemnification Escrow Period”) to secure the Seller’s indemnification obligations under this Section 6.2. The Escrow Agent shall deposit the Indemnification Escrow Amount in a non-interest-bearing account to be held in accordance with the form of escrow agreement (“Indemnification Escrow Agreement”) attached hereto as Exhibit E.

 

(i) Fifty percent (50%) of the Indemnification Escrow Amount shall be released and paid by the Escrow Agent to the Seller on the 1st anniversary of the Closing Date (the “First Release”); provided, however, the First Release shall be reduced by any amounts either (A) paid to a Purchaser Indemnified Party from the Indemnification Escrow Amount, or (B) subject to a disputed claim as of the date of the First Release.

 

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(ii) The remaining portion of the Indemnification Escrow Amount shall be released and paid by the Escrow Agent to the Seller at the end of the Indemnification Escrow Period (the “Second Release”); provided, however, the Second Release shall be reduced by any amounts either (A) paid to a Purchaser Indemnified Party from the Indemnification Escrow Amount, or (B) subject to a disputed claim as of the date of the Second Release.

 

(iii) If the Seller receives notice from the Purchaser of a request for indemnification during the Indemnification Escrow Period and the Seller does not dispute its indemnification obligation in connection therewith, the Purchaser may, only after complying with the procedures described in the Indemnification Escrow Agreement, set off the amount owed to it in respect of such indemnification obligation against the Indemnification Escrow Amount. Such amount will reduce the Indemnification Escrow Amount and any corresponding release owed to the Seller during the applicable period set forth in this Section 6.2(d), or upon termination of the Indemnification Escrow Period, as the case may be. Prior to exercising its right of set-off hereunder, the Purchaser shall notify the Seller in writing of the matter in dispute together with all material facts and circumstances reasonably necessary for the Seller to determine the Basis for such claim or asserted obligation.

 

6.3 Indemnities of the Purchaser.

 

(a) The Purchaser shall, and hereby does indemnify, hold harmless and agree to defend the Seller and its Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, consultants, representatives, stockholders and controlling Persons and their respective successors and assigns (collectively, the “Seller Indemnified Parties”) at all times from and after the date of this Agreement, from and against any and all Losses incurred by any of the Seller Indemnified Parties (the “Seller Damages”), which may now or in the future be actually incurred by the Seller Indemnified Parties resulting from or arising out of any one or more of the following:

 

(i) any misrepresentation or breach of any warranty of the Purchaser made or contained in this Agreement;

 

(ii) any failure of the Purchaser to perform any covenant or agreement made or contained in this Agreement or fulfill any obligation in respect thereof; or

 

(iii) any brokerage or finder’s fees or commissions or similar payments based upon any Contract made, or alleged to have been made, by any Person, with the Purchaser (or any Person acting on their behalf) in connection with the Transaction.

 

(b) Basket. In no event will any amount be recovered from the Purchaser for any Seller’s Damages resulting from matters described in Section 6.3(a)(i) until the aggregate amount of all Seller Damages incurred by the Seller Indemnified Parties exceeds the Basket, in which event the Purchaser will be obligated, subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, to indemnify the Seller to the full extent of such Seller’s Damages, including the Basket, on a dollar for dollar basis.

 

6.4 Claim Procedures. Each Person that desires to make a Claim for indemnification pursuant to this Section 6 (an “Indemnified Party”) will provide notice (a “Claim Notice”) thereof in writing to the Purchaser (if the Indemnified Party is a Seller Indemnified Party) or to the Seller (if the Indemnified Party is a Purchaser Indemnified Party) (in each such case, an “Indemnifying Party”), specifying the nature and Basis for such Claim and a copy of all papers served with respect to such Claim (if any). For purposes of this Section 6.4, receipt by a Person of written notice of any Third-Party Claim which gives rise to a Claim on behalf of such Person will require delivery of a Claim Notice to the Indemnifying Party within 20 days following the receipt of such Third-Party Claim; provided, however, that an Indemnified Party’s failure to send or delay in sending a Claim Notice will not relieve an Indemnifying Party from Liability hereunder with respect to such Claim except to the extent and only to the extent the Indemnifying Party is materially prejudiced by such failure or delay.

 

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6.5 Limitations on Indemnification.

 

(a) Except for claims for indemnification arising out of (i) the Seller’s Retained Liabilities or Excluded Assets, (ii) the Seller’s breach of Sections 5.2(a) and 5.2(b), (iii) the Purchaser’s breach of Section 5.1(a), or (iv) the Seller’s or Purchaser’s willful, fraudulent, or intentional misrepresentation, each of which shall survive the Closing through the period that ends 60 days after all statutes of limitation applicable to the underlying claim(s), any other claims for indemnification by the Seller or the Purchaser Indemnitees under this Agreement must be made within 18 months following the Closing.

 

(b) The representations, warranties and covenants that are the subject of a claim shall survive until the claim is finally determined.

 

(c) The aggregate amount of all Losses for which the Seller and Shareholder shall be liable pursuant to Section 6.2 shall not exceed $2,500,000.00 (the “Cap”). The Cap shall not apply to Losses related to the Seller’s or the Shareholder’s fraud, Tax, or Section 6.2(a)(iii).

 

6.6 Calculation, Timing, Manner and Characterization of Indemnification Payments.

 

(a) Payments of all amounts owing by an Indemnifying Party other than as a result of a Third-Party Claim will be made within 15 Business Days after the later of (i) the date the Indemnifying Party is deemed liable therefor pursuant to this Section 6 or (ii) if disputed, the date of the adjudication of the Indemnifying Party’s Liability to the Indemnified Party under this Agreement.

 

(b) Payments of all amounts owing by an Indemnifying Party as a result of a Third-Party Claim will be made as and when Losses with respect thereto are incurred by the Indemnified Party and within 15 Business Days after the Indemnified Party makes demand therefor to the Indemnifying Party.

 

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that it shall first offset any indemnification obligations of the Seller, so agreed or finally adjudicated arising under this Section 6, against the Indemnification Escrow Amount. To the extent the remaining balance of the Indemnification Escrow Amount (after taking into account prior offsets or any releases of any portion of the Indemnification Escrow Amount pursuant to Section 6.2(d)) is less than any amounts to which the Purchaser is entitled to indemnification, the Seller shall remain liable for the balance of any amounts owed pursuant to such indemnification obligations and shall satisfy them in accordance with this Section 6.5.

 

6.7 Third-Party Claims.

 

(a) In the event of the assertion of any Third-Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party, at its option, may assume (with legal counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party) at its sole cost and expense the defense of such Third-Party Claim if it acknowledges to the Indemnified Party in writing its obligations to indemnify the Indemnified Party with respect to all elements of such Third-Party Claim and may assert any defense of the Indemnified Party or the Indemnifying Party; provided that the Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate jointly with the Indemnifying Party in the defense of any such Third-Party Claim. Counsel representing both the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party must acknowledge in writing its obligation to act as counsel for all parties being represented and must acknowledge and respect separate attorney-client privileges with respect to each party represented. If the Indemnifying Party elects to undertake the defense of any Third-Party Claim under this Agreement, the Indemnified Party will cooperate with the Indemnifying Party in the defense or settlement of the Third-Party Claim, including providing access to information, making documents available for inspection and copying, and making employees available for interviews, depositions and trial, in each case, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense. The Indemnifying Party will not be entitled to settle any Third-Party Claim without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

 

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(b) If the Indemnifying Party, by the 30th day after receipt of notice of any Third-Party Claim (or, if earlier, by the 10th day preceding the day on which an answer or other pleading must be served in order to prevent Judgment by default in favor of the Person asserting such Third-Party Claim) does not assume actively and in good faith the defense of any such Third-Party Claim or action resulting therefrom, the Indemnified Party may, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, defend against such Claim or litigation, after giving notice of the same to the Indemnifying Party, on such terms as the Indemnified Party may deem appropriate, and the Indemnifying Party will be entitled to participate in (but not control) the defense of such action, with its counsel and at its own expense. The Indemnified Party will not settle or compromise any Third-Party Claim for which it is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

 

(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Section 6.6 to the contrary, the Purchaser will in all cases be entitled to control the defense of a Third-Party Claim if the Purchaser reasonably believes (i) such Third-Party Claim could result in Liabilities which, taken together with other then outstanding Claims by the Purchaser under this Agreement, could exceed the remaining potential Losses payable by the Seller under this Agreement or the amount that the Purchaser believes it will be able to collect from the Seller under this Agreement or (ii) such Third-Party Claim could adversely affect in any material respect the Purchaser or its Affiliates (other than as a result of money damages) or if injunctive or other non-monetary relief has been sought against the Purchaser or its Affiliates.

 

6.8 Exclusive Remedy. In the absence of fraud or criminal conduct, the indemnification provisions in this Section 6 will be the sole and exclusive remedy and recourse for any breach of this Agreement by the Purchaser and Seller, except as expressly provided in this Agreement. In addition, any Party will be entitled to seek specific performance against any other Party in accordance with this Agreement.

 

6.9 Materiality. For purposes of determining the amount of Losses that are the subject matter of a Claim for indemnification or reimbursement hereunder (but not for purposes of determining whether any such item had been breached), each such representation or warranty shall be read without regard and without giving effect to the term “material” or “materiality” or similar phrases contained in such representation or warranty.

 

6.10 Treatment. Any indemnity payments made under this Agreement will be treated for all U.S. federal income Tax purposes as an adjustment to the aggregate Purchase Price, unless otherwise required by any applicable Legal Requirement.

 

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7. OTHER AGREEMENTS

 

7.1 Covenants of the Seller. On and after the Effective Date and until the Closing Date:

 

(a) Continuing Operation of Business. The Seller will (i) carry on the Business in the ordinary course consistent with past practices, shall not engage in any transaction or activity or enter into any Contract or make any commitment except in the ordinary course consistent with past practices, (ii) comply with all Applicable Laws, (iii) file all required tax returns and pay all required Taxes, (iv) maintain or cause to be maintained in full force and effect fire, property damage, and extended coverage insurance in the amount of the full replacement cost of the Purchased Assets under the Seller’s blanket insurance policy or policies, (v) use its commercial best efforts to preserve and promote the Business and preserve intact the reputation of the Business and the Seller’s relationship with Employees, customers, and vendors, (vi) maintain all of the Purchased Assets (including all buildings, structures and improvements on the Dealership Premises) in good operating condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and make any necessary repairs, and (vii) not take or permit any act or omission to act which would have a Materially Adverse Change to the Business.

 

(b) Internal Operating Statements. The Seller will furnish to the Purchaser within 15 days after the end of each month a statement of income and a balance sheet as of the end of such month with respect to the Business, all of which shall be prepared in accordance with the Manufacturer’s accounting standards.

 

(c) Books and Records. The Seller will maintain books, accounts and records relating to the Business in the ordinary course consistent with past practices.

 

(d) Negative Covenants of the Seller. After the Effective Date and without the consent of the Purchaser, the Seller will not with respect to the Business:

 

(i) enter into any employment, collective bargaining or professional services Contract;

 

(ii) change employment terms, including with respect to wages, salary or bonuses, or institute or modify any benefit plans or programs, except in the ordinary course consistent in all material respects with past practices;

 

(iii) make any material change in management personnel;

 

(iv) enter into any new, or amend or terminate any Assumed Contract;

 

(v) take or omit to take any action which would cause a material breach of any Assumed Contract;

 

(vi) implement any operation decision(s) of a material nature relating to the Business; or

 

(vii) make any change in the “dealer agreement” (or any equivalent Contract with the Manufacturer).

 

Except as set forth in Schedule 7.1(d), none of the foregoing has occurred between January 1, 2020 and the Effective Date.

 

(e) Parts Return. Upon the satisfaction of the Manufacturer’s approval condition in Section 4.2(d), if the Seller has any Parts return privileges or allowances that are not assignable, then the Seller shall initiate a Parts return (designating for return Parts selected by the Purchaser) prior to the Closing Date, with the intent of exhausting any such non-assignable outstanding return privileges or allowances.

 

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(f) Dealer Trades. From the Effective Date through the Closing Date, the Seller agrees not to transfer any of its New Vehicle inventory to any new vehicle dealer unless the Seller receives in trade for placement in its New Vehicle inventory a replacement New Vehicle of like kind and quality and in a model and trim that the Seller has sold in the 3-month period prior to the Effective Date.

 

(g) Damage Disclosure. At Closing, the Seller agrees to inform the Purchaser as to whether or not any of the motor vehicle inventory sold to the Purchaser hereunder is known by the Seller to have incurred damages, and will provide repair records for such vehicles.

 

(h) No Interference. The Seller shall not to take any action that is designed or intended to have the effect of discouraging any lessor, licensor, customer, supplier, Employee, or other business associate of the Business, or the Seller, from maintaining the same business relationships with the Business and the Purchaser after the Closing Date as they maintained with the Business and the Seller prior to the Closing. The Seller will refer all customer inquiries relating to the Business to the Purchaser from and after the Closing Date.

 

(i) Changes in Warranties, Representations and Schedules. The Seller (i) shall not take or permit any action or omit to take any action which would cause any of the representations and warranties of the Seller contained in this Agreement or the Other Agreements become untrue, and (ii) shall promptly notify the Purchaser, in accordance with Section 7.4(b), of any changes to the Seller’s warranties and representations contained herein.

 

7.2 Third Party Consents.

 

(a) Each Party shall cooperate in good faith and shall use its respective reasonable best efforts to obtain any Consents required under this Agreement.

 

(b) Within 2 Business Days after the Effective Date, the Seller shall deliver a notice on the Seller’s letterhead, addressed to the Manufacturer, and prepared in accordance with Applicable Law, expressing the Seller’s desire to consummate the Transaction and otherwise obtain the Manufacturer’s consent to the Transaction and appointment of the Purchaser as an authorized dealer in the Manufacturer’s products at the Dealership Premises. Such notice shall include a request that the Manufacturer provide to the Seller and the Purchaser any forms or applications necessary to achieve the Transaction. The Seller will provide any and all information and assistance reasonably necessary to assist the Purchaser in its application to the Manufacturer.

 

7.3 Employees of the Seller; Employee Benefits; Payroll Tax Related Matters.

 

(a) Within 3 Business Days after the Effective Date, the Seller shall provide to the Purchaser:

 

(i) a complete and correct list of the names, job title, and current salary, bonus and commission arrangements, written or unwritten, for each Employee of the Seller working at or for the Business; and

 

(ii) true and correct copies of each employment/bonus/commission agreement, plan or arrangement described on Schedule 5.2(f).

 

(b) On the Closing Date, the Seller shall, with respect to all such Employees, terminate the employment of all of its Employees working at or for the Business, and shall fully pay and satisfy all outstanding Liabilities of the Seller for wages and other compensation, including any unused vacation, sick leave, or paid time-off benefits (even if not specifically accrued for by the Seller), or bonuses, in whole or part, even though a partial month of business has only occurred prior to the Closing Date. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer upon any Employee any rights or remedies, including, any rights of employment of any nature or kind whatsoever.

 

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(c) The Seller shall after the Closing Date, in accordance with Applicable Law, terminate or take all appropriate action in connection with Employee Benefit Plans, if any, that are applicable to the Seller and/or Employees. The Seller acknowledges that the Purchaser shall have no responsibility or liability or obligation of any nature under any Employee Benefit Plans to any person, firm or corporation whatsoever; it being understood and agreed that if any Applicable Law provides that the Purchaser is or will be liable for any liability or obligation under any Employee Benefit Plans despite the Seller’s contractual liability for such liability or obligation hereunder, and the Seller fails to pay or perform such liability or obligation within 5 Business Days of the Purchaser’s written demand, then any and all such amounts may be subject to indemnification in accordance with Section 6.

 

(d) The Seller, or, where appropriate, the Seller’s health and welfare benefit plans that are “group health plans,” shall retain liability for and shall pay when due all benefits (including all liabilities and obligations for or arising from any “COBRA” health care continuation coverage required to be provided under Section 4980B of the Code, and Sections 601-608 of ERISA) arising out of a “qualifying event” prior to the Closing Date to “covered employees” or “qualified beneficiaries” entitled to “continuation coverage” (as those terms are defined in section 4980B of the Code) regardless of when services were rendered or expenses incurred. The Parties acknowledge that, after giving effect to the actions to be taken at the Closing, the Seller will not have any employees and will not maintain any health and welfare benefit plans after the Closing Date. No later than 10 Days prior to the Closing Date, the Seller shall provide the Purchaser with a list of all individuals to whom the Seller is as of that date liable to provide access to COBRA benefits as well as those employees who have terminated their employment with the Seller prior to Closing and may still apply for COBRA benefits. In accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 54.4980B9 Q&A-8, as of the Closing Date (or, if later, the date on which the Seller ceases to offer any group health plan coverage), the Purchaser, or its health and welfare benefit plans that are “group health plans,” will assume the Seller’s post-Closing non-default liability to provide the Business’s “merger and acquisition qualified beneficiaries” (as that term is defined under COBRA, which includes qualified beneficiaries whose COBRA qualifying event occurred before or in connection with the sale and who is, or whose COBRA qualifying event occurred in connection with a covered employee whose last employment before the COBRA qualifying event was, associated with assets being sold) access to continuing health insurance coverage required under COBRA (at such “beneficiaries’” cost), as well as providing applicable employee notices required under COBRA, and the Seller shall provide to the Purchaser sufficient employee information to enable the Purchaser to carry out such obligations.

 

(e) Upon the Parties’ receipt of the Manufacturer’s written approval of the Transaction and agreement to appoint the Purchaser as an authorized dealer in the Manufacturer’s products, the Purchaser may begin to interview the Employees for purposes of considering whether and on what terms to offer employment to them effective as of the Closing Date, in accordance with the Purchaser’s hiring practices and requirements. It is the intention of the Purchaser, and the Seller hereby acknowledges such intention, that any Employees that the Purchaser hires will be new employees of the Purchaser as of the Closing Date or the date of hire, whichever is later. Such new employees shall only be entitled to such compensation and employee benefits as are agreed to by such employees and the Purchaser, or as are otherwise provided by the Purchaser, in its sole discretion. As a condition to the Purchaser’s discretion in hiring Employees, the Purchaser shall ensure that it shall hire a sufficient number of the Employees so that the WARN will not apply to the Transaction.

 

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(f) If requested by the Purchaser, the Seller agrees to provide reasonable assistance to the Purchaser in the latter’s efforts to be restated as a successor employer for employment tax purposes with respect to the Employees hired by the Purchaser, including the annual wage limitation for FICA tax, and to meet the requirements of Revenue Procedure 2004-53, Section 4, Standard Procedure, for federal payroll tax purposes. The Purchaser agrees to perform the obligations imposed upon it under such Revenue Procedure, together with such requirements as may be imposed by FICA. If requested by the Purchaser, the Seller shall execute all documents reasonably necessary to allow the Purchaser to benefit from and take advantage of the payroll tax withholding and deductions of the Seller for the current Tax year, as may be allowed by the Internal Revenue Service and/or state agencies.

 

7.4 Schedule Delivery.

 

(a) All schedules to this Agreement (each a “Schedule,” and collectively, the “Schedules”) shall be arranged in paragraphs corresponding to the lettered and numbered paragraphs contained in this Agreement and delivered by the Seller on or before the 5th Business Day after the Effective Date (the “Schedule Due Date”), along with a signed certificate from the Seller that the Schedules so delivered are complete (the “Schedule Certificate”). Without limiting the foregoing, each Schedule shall identify with particularity and describe in relevant detail all relevant facts to be described in such Schedules; the mere listing of (or inclusion of a copy) of a document or other item shall not be deemed adequate to disclose an exception to a representation or warranty made by the Seller herein unless the representation or warranty has to do with the existence of the document or other item itself.

 

(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Seller shall have the ability to update the Schedules attached hereto within 5 days of learning of a fact that would cause a change to any of the Schedules, with an updated Schedule Certificate attached thereto. The Seller shall disclose to the Purchaser in writing promptly upon discovery thereof (the “Updated Disclosures”) any material variances from the representations and warranties contained in Section 5.2 and/or any information necessary or appropriate to make such representations and warranties true and correct as of such date. None of the foregoing supplemental disclosures shall limit or otherwise affect the remedies available to the Purchaser hereunder; provided, that if such Updated Disclosures (i) were not required to be disclosed to make the representations and warranties true and correct in all material respects as of the Effective Date, (ii) disclose underlying events that occurred and circumstances that arose exclusively between the Effective Date and the Closing, and are delivered to the Purchaser at least 5 Business Days prior to the Closing Date (any disclosure meeting the requirements of clauses (i) and (ii) a “Qualifying Updated Disclosure”), then such Qualifying Updated Disclosure(s) shall amend and supplement the representations and warranties in Section 5.2 as of the Closing Date for purposes of indemnification under Section 6.2 hereunder but not for purposes of determining whether the conditions set forth in Section 4.2(a) have been satisfied, if the Purchaser gives a written termination notice within 10 Business Days after its receipt of such Qualifying Updated Disclosures and such termination is based on the failure to satisfy the conditions set forth in Section 4.2(a) as a result of the contents of such Qualifying Updated Disclosures.

 

7.5 Due Diligence Inspections.

 

(a) The Purchaser shall have 60 days from the later of (i) the Effective Date, or (ii) the date on which the Schedule Certificate is delivered by the Seller in accordance with Section 7.4 above (the “Due Diligence Period”) to complete to its satisfaction due diligence regarding the Business and the Dealership Assets, including obtaining such reports and studies as the Purchaser deems appropriate. The Parties agree that the Due Diligence Period shall be extended, as applicable, so that the Purchaser shall have not less than 10 Business Days to review the Audited Financial Statements after receipt by the Purchaser. The Purchaser may conduct due diligence regarding the Business, including obtaining such reports and studies as the Purchaser deems appropriate. The Seller agrees to provide to the Purchaser and Purchaser’s representatives reasonable access to the books, records, reports, information and facilities of the Dealership, and will make the officers, comptroller, accountants and attorneys of the Seller available at reasonable times to discuss with the Purchaser and Purchaser’s representatives such aspects of the Business as the Purchaser may wish.

 

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(b) The Purchaser may, at Purchaser’s expense, commission the services of a qualified geotechnical and environmental consultant (hereinafter referred to as the “Engineer”) to conduct a “Phase I Environmental Site Assessment” (a “Phase I”) upon the Dealership Premises to identify any “recognized environmental conditions” and to determine whether the Dealership Premises are in substantial compliance with applicable Environmental Laws, in general accordance with standards recommended by the American Society for Testing and Materials -- ASTM E1527-13 “Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process.” The Purchaser will provide the Seller a copy of the Engineer’s Phase I report(s). All access to the Dealership Premises must be arranged and scheduled with Myron Bernard (at his contact information on first page hereof), so that the Seller, or its representative, is present or available at the time of inspection. The Purchaser shall have no obligation to indemnify the Seller with respect to the presence of any Hazardous Substances discovered during the Purchaser’s due diligence nor shall the Purchaser have any obligation to engage in the remediation of the Dealership Premises with respect to such Hazardous Substances.

 

(c) Should the Purchaser be dissatisfied with its inspections during the Due Diligence Period, it may terminate the Asset Purchase Agreement under Section 8.1(f), and thereafter the Purchaser’s right to inspect or to receive data and information shall terminate.

 

(d) No investigation made by, nor any disclosure made prior to or after the Effective Date by, the Purchaser on the one hand, or by the Seller, on the other hand, shall affect the enforceability of, or the remedies available under this Agreement with respect to, any such representations, warranties, covenants, agreements or undertakings or their survival.

 

(e) After Manufacturer approval and prior to the Closing Date, the Seller agrees to afford the Purchaser and its agents, attorneys, accountants and representatives such access to the Dealership Premises, business records and properties of the Seller, and shall furnish to the Purchaser such information concerning the Business, as the Purchaser shall reasonably deem necessary or desirable for the purpose of enabling the Purchaser to prepare for Closing, including preparation of closing inventory schedules. The Seller will make its appropriate officers, employees and representatives available to the Purchaser at all reasonable times for the purpose of assisting, in all reasonable respects, the Purchaser with Closing preparations.

 

7.6 Confidentiality.

 

(a) Except as may be required by law or legal process, the Purchaser agrees that any confidential information received in due diligence will be kept confidential by the Purchaser and its representatives and will not be disclosed by the Purchaser to any Person except the Manufacturer, the Purchaser’s attorneys, accountants, representatives, financial sources, engineers, etc., or otherwise with the specific prior written consent of the Seller. The foregoing obligations and restrictions shall not apply to that part of the Seller’s information that (a) was or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by the Purchaser, or (b) was available, or becomes available, to the Purchaser on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure to the Purchaser by the Seller. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Purchaser may provide notice of this Transaction to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission by filing of a copy of this Agreement.

 

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(b) The Parties also agree that the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Transaction, and the fact the Transaction exists, are to remain confidential. Neither the Seller nor the Purchaser will issue or approve a news release or other announcement of the Transaction without the prior approval of the other as to the contents of the announcement and its release, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the fact the Transaction exists may be disclosed after the Effective Date by the Seller to its vendors and by the Purchaser to Seller’s employees and contractors, with the prior written approval of the other. Furthermore, nothing in this Section 7.6 shall be construed to prohibit the Purchaser or the Purchaser’s Affiliates from applying for, and publishing in the local or regional newspaper as required by Tennessee law, fictitious names for the operation of the Business post-Closing, and the Purchaser shall not be required to obtain the Seller’s permission to make such applications and publications.

 

7.7 Expenses.

 

(a) General. Except as may otherwise be provided in Section 9.12, whether or not the Transaction is consummated, each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation, drafting and execution of this Agreement. Except as otherwise set forth below or elsewhere in this Agreement, each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses of consummating the Transaction.

 

(b) Specific. Notwithstanding the foregoing:

 

(i) The Seller shall pay all costs, expenses and fees to release and discharge any Encumbrances on the Purchased Assets (other than Permitted Encumbrances), all federal and state Taxes due or payable by Seller in connection with the Transaction, and ½ of the fees, costs, and expenses of the Parts Inventory.

 

(ii) The Purchaser shall pay all costs, expenses and fees related to its due diligence and financing, and ½ of the fees, costs, and expenses of the Parts Inventory.

 

7.8 Pre-Closing Access. The Seller shall afford to the Purchaser and its employees and subcontractors, on reasonable prior notice, reasonable access before Closing to the Dealership Premises for the purpose of installing communications lines (” New Communications Lines”) which in the Purchaser’s reasonable judgment are necessary to allow the Purchaser, immediately after Closing, to connect those premises and the computer systems, telephone systems, networks and data bases in them to the Purchaser’s computer systems, telephone systems, networks and data bases; provided, however, that the Purchaser shall not use the New Communications Lines before the Closing, other than for testing purposes, without the Seller’s consent. If this Agreement is terminated for any reason, the Purchaser shall undertake to promptly, but in no event later than 30 days after such termination, remove the New Communications Lines. The Purchaser’s installation and, if applicable, removal of the New Communications Lines shall be done in a manner that does not unreasonably interfere with the Seller’s operation of the Business and that does not damage the Dealership Premises. At least 1 week before the anticipated Closing Date, the Seller shall provide the Purchaser with digital access to the Seller’s vehicle inventory. The Purchaser may also arrange for the Seller’s employees to attend DMS and other training prior to Closing so long as such training does not materially interfere with such employee’s work duties to the Seller.

 

7.9 Records. The Seller agrees to deliver to the Purchaser on the Closing Date the Records in a format that meets the Purchaser’s reasonable requests. To the extent the Records are in a digital form, the Purchaser and the Seller acknowledge and understand that the transfer of a copy of a digital form of the Records involves a joint and collaborative effort of the Parties along with the Seller’s DMS vendor and requires the cooperation of the Parties and the vendor. The Seller agrees to contact its DMS vendor and arrange for the transfer of a copy of its Records that are in digital form on its DMS to the Purchaser on or before the Closing, either through the creation of a separate sign-on and creation of a mirror store on the Seller’s DMS or transfer of a copy of the Records to a location of the Purchaser’s choice, it being contemplated that the Purchaser shall have all necessary access to these Records immediately after the Closing. Should the Purchaser obtain access to the Records prior to the Closing, the Purchaser shall hold the Records subject to Section 7.6. In the event the Transaction does not close, any Records in the Purchaser’s possession or control shall be destroyed and the Purchaser shall be enjoined from using the Records for its or any of its Affiliates’ benefit. The Parties agree to equally share in the expense of creating a mirror store and separate sign-on on the Seller’s DMS.

 

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7.10 No Negotiations or Discussions. Until the Closing Date, the Seller and the Shareholder shall deal exclusively with the Purchaser regarding the sale of the Purchased Assets. In order to avoid any possible interference with or frustration of this Transaction, neither the Seller nor the Shareholder shall, directly or indirectly (including any agent or designee, or use of the services of a third party), at any time on or prior to the Closing Date, pursue, initiate, encourage or engage in any negotiations or discussions with, or provide any information to, any person or entity (other than the Purchaser and its representatives and Affiliates) regarding the sale or possible sale to any such person or entity of all or any of the Purchased Assets, Dealership Premises or stock of the Seller or any merger, consolidation, joint venture, management agreement, or any other transaction of any nature with the Seller or the Shareholder, which would hinder or frustrate the Purchaser from closing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (a “Prohibited Discussion”). If any person or entity other than the Purchaser makes inquiry of the Seller or the Shareholder of any matter which could involve a Prohibited Discussion, then the Seller or the Shareholder (as the case may be) shall inform the Purchaser in writing and inform such person or entity of the existence of this Agreement, and that any Prohibited Discussion would constitute a violation of this Agreement.

 

7.11 Unemployment Rate Factor; Worker’s Compensation Experience Factor.

 

(a) The Purchaser, at its election, may utilize the Seller’s State of Tennessee unemployment rate factor to the extent allowed under law. The Seller agrees to assist and cooperate with the Purchaser in such efforts.

 

(b) The Purchaser, at its election, may utilize the Seller’s worker’s compensation experience factor to the extent allowed under Tennessee law. The Seller agrees to assist and cooperate with the Purchaser in such efforts.

 

7.12 PPP Loan.

 

(a) If the Seller received a PPP Loan, the Seller shall complete the Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application (OMB Control Number 3245-0407) and file same with the lender servicing the PPP Loan (the “PPP Lender”) within 30 days of the Effective Date.

 

(b) If, by the Closing Date, the Seller does not receive formal, written notification from the SBA or the PPP Lender stating that the Seller’s PPP Loan is fully or partially forgiven, the Purchase Price shall be reduced by an amount equal to 20% of the outstanding principal balance on the PPP Loan (the “PPP Escrow Amount”). At the Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver to the Escrow Agent an amount equal to the PPP Escrow Amount, to be held in accordance with the form of escrow agreement (the “PPP Escrow Agreement”) attached hereto as Exhibit F.

 

(c) If the PPP Loan has been forgiven, partially or fully, prior to the Closing Date, the Seller will provide the Purchaser with written evidence of such forgiveness. If the PPP Loan is just partially forgiven, then prior to the Closing Date, the Seller shall make payments on the unforgiven portion as required by Applicable Law and/or the PPP Loan documents. At the Closing, the Escrow Agent, using the Seller’s closing proceeds, shall pay off the unpaid portion of any partially forgiven PPP Loan.

 

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8. TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT; DEPOSIT

 

8.1 Termination and Abandonment. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing:

 

(a) by mutual agreement of the Seller and the Purchaser; or

 

(b) by the Purchaser by Notice to the Seller, if the conditions set forth in Section 4.2 have not been satisfied or the deliveries required by Section 4.4 shall not have been complied with and performed, and any such noncompliance or nonperformance shall not have been cured or eliminated (or by its nature cannot be cured or eliminated) on or before the Cut-Off Date unless such failure shall be due to the failure of the Purchaser to comply with any of its obligations to be performed or complied with by it prior to the Closing; or

 

(c) by the Seller by Notice to the Purchaser, if the conditions set forth in Section 4.3 have not been satisfied or the deliveries required by Section 4.5 have not been complied with and performed and such noncompliance or nonperformance shall not have been cured or eliminated (or by its nature cannot be cured or eliminated) on or before the Cut-Off Date, unless such failure shall be due to the failure of the Seller to comply with any of its obligations to be performed or complied with by it prior to the Closing; or

 

(d) by the Purchaser if the Closing has not occurred on or before the Cut-Off Date, or such later date as the Parties may agree upon, unless the Purchaser is in material breach of or default under this Agreement; or

 

(e) by the Seller if the Closing has not occurred on or before the Cut-Off Date, or such later date as the Parties may agree upon, unless the Seller or the Shareholder is in material breach of or default under this Agreement; or

 

(f) by the Purchaser, by notice within 1 Business Day after the expiration of the Due Diligence Period if the Purchaser is dissatisfied with its due diligence inspections; or

 

(g) by either Party, if there shall be a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction in effect preventing the Closing; or

 

(h) by either Party, if the Manufacturer shall exercise, or purport to exercise, any right of first refusal to purchase all or any material portion of the Purchased Assets.

 

8.2 Rights and Obligations on Termination.

 

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 8.2(b) below, if this Agreement is terminated as provided in Section 8.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void, the Escrow Agent shall return the Deposit to the Purchaser, and there shall be no liability or obligation on the part of any Party or their respective officers, directors, partners, members, shareholders, principals, agents or representatives.

 

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.2(a) above:

 

(i) if this Agreement is terminated and abandoned pursuant to Section 8.1(c), due to a material breach or material default by the Purchaser under any of its express or implied covenants and obligations hereunder, then the Seller shall be entitled to: (A) the Deposit from the Escrow Agent and (B) reimbursement from the Purchaser of the Accountants Fees, not to exceed $150,000.00 as full payment and liquidated damages, which shall be the Seller’s sole and exclusive remedy.

 

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(ii) if this Agreement is terminated and abandoned pursuant to Section 8.1(b) due to a material breach or material default by the Seller under any of its express covenants and obligations hereunder, then the Purchaser, at its sole discretion, may seek specific performance or reimbursement by the Seller and the Shareholder of its reasonable out-of-pocket costs not to exceed $100,000.00. The Seller agrees that it is estopped from subsequently asserting in any action to enforce the provisions of the covenants contained herein that the Purchaser has an adequate remedy at law and therefore is not entitled to specific performance or injunctive relief.

 

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.2(a) above, if the Transaction is terminated under Section 8.1(b) and the Seller is not in breach of this Agreement, Section 8.1(d), Section 8.1(f), Section 8.1(g), or Section 8.1(h), then the Seller shall be entitled to reimbursement of the Accountants Fees, not to exceed $150,000.00 (whether from the Escrow Fund via the Escrow Agent or separate reimbursement form Purchaser).

 

(d) The Parties acknowledge and agree that the rights and obligations set forth in this Section 8.2 shall not in any way affect or limit the respective rights and obligations of the Parties that arise out of, and survive, the Closing of the Transaction, including the provisions of Section 6 above.

 

9. MISCELLANEOUS

 

9.1 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns.

 

9.2 No Waiver. The waiver by any Party of a breach of any covenant, agreement or undertaking contained herein shall be made only by an instrument in writing signed by the Party giving such waiver, and no such waiver shall operate or be construed as a waiver of any prior or subsequent breach of the same covenant, agreement or undertaking. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the exercise of any remedy provided by law or otherwise, and the provisions of this Agreement for any remedy, shall not exclude any other remedy.

 

9.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining part of such provision, and the validity, legality and enforceability of the other provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby. Any provision of this Agreement that is held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall not be deemed invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any other jurisdiction.

 

9.4 Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement, together with all exhibits and Schedules hereto constitutes the entire agreement among the Parties pertaining to the Transaction, and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations, and discussions, whether oral or written, of the Parties. Except as otherwise provided herein, no supplement to, or modification of, this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by each of the Parties.

 

9.5 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Tennessee without regard to any principles of conflict of laws.

 

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9.6 Submission to Jurisdiction; Jury Trial Waiver. Each of the Parties (a) consents to submit itself to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of any state or federal court sitting in the State of Tennessee, Greene County, in any Proceeding for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein, (b) agrees that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard and determined only in any such court, and (c) agrees that it will not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court. Each of the Parties waives any defense of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any proceeding so brought and waives any bond, surety or other security that might be required of any other Party with respect thereto. Any Party may make service on the other Party by sending or delivering a copy of the process to the Person to be served at the address and in the manner provided for the giving of Notices in Section 9.9. Nothing in this Section 9.6, however, shall affect the right of any Party to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by law. EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDING.

 

9.7 Assignability. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 9.7, the Purchaser may assign its rights under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any Affiliate of the Purchaser. Except as expressly provided in this Section 9.7, neither this Agreement, nor any of the rights and obligations arising hereunder, may be assigned by either Party without the prior written consent of the other Party.

 

9.8 Notices. All notices, demands and other communications (each, a “Notice”) required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing (including facsimile), and shall be (a) sent by registered or certified mail, First Class postage attached, (b) sent by hand or overnight delivery, or (c) sent by electronic mail or facsimile, in each case addressed to the respective Parties at the addresses first set forth above, or to such other address and to the attention of such other Persons as a Party hereto may specify from time to time by Notice to the other Parties. Each Notice shall be deemed given and be effective only upon actual receipt (or refusal of receipt). Copies of any Notices shall be provided as below:

 

If to the Purchaser, then to its Counsel (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Bass Sox Mercer

Attention: Robert A. Bass, Esq.

2822 Remington Green Circle

Tallahassee, Florida 32308

Telephone: (850) 878-6404

Email: bassra@dealerlawyer.com

 

If to the Seller or to Shareholder, then to their Counsel (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Burr & Forman, LLP

Attention: James M. McCarten

171 17th Street, NW, Suite 1100

Atlanta, Georgia 30363

Telephone: 404-532-7236

Email: jim.mccarten@burr.com

 

9.9 Counterparts; Effective Date; Facsimile Copies. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall be deemed to be a single instrument, and shall be effective as of the date when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Parties. A facsimile copy of this Agreement and any signatures on any counterpart hereof shall be considered for all purposes as originals.

 

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9.10 Time of Essence; Computation of Time. Time is of the essence with respect to all dates and time periods set forth or referred to in this Agreement and each of its provisions. Whenever this Agreement requires that something be done within a period of days, such period shall: (a) not include the day from which such period commences; (b) include the day upon which such period expires; (c) expire at 8:00 p.m. (ET) on the date by which such thing is to be done; or (d) be extended by 2 Business Days if the final day of such period falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or bank holiday in the state where such thing is to be done.

 

9.11 Agreement Not Recordable. No Party shall have the right or the authority to file this Agreement or any notice thereof of record in any public office unless the same is necessary in order to assert, vindicate, enforce, or defend the Party’s rights under this Agreement.

 

9.12 Attorneys’ Fees. Should any Party institute any suit, action or Proceeding in court or otherwise to enforce or interpret this Agreement by reason of or with respect to an alleged breach of any provision hereof, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to receive from the non-prevailing Party such amount as the court may judge to be reasonable attorneys’ and paralegals’ fees for the services rendered to the prevailing Party in such action or Proceeding, plus the prevailing Party’s costs and expenses therein.

 

9.13 Interpretation. The Parties acknowledge and agree that: (a) each Party and its counsel reviewed and negotiated the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the Other Agreements and have contributed to their revision; and (b) the rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are resolved against the drafting party shall not be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement and the Other Agreements. The words “include,” “includes,” “included,” “including,” and “such as” do not limit the preceding words or terms and shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”. All pronouns and any variations thereof refer to the masculine, feminine or neuter, singular or plural, as the context may require. All terms defined in this Agreement in their singular or plural forms, have correlative meanings when used herein in their plural or singular forms, respectively. The section headings contained in this Agreement are solely for the purpose of reference, are not part of the agreement of the Parties and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

*****

 

[signatures on following page]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have duly executed this Asset Purchase Agreement on the last date noted below.

 

PURCHASER:    
     
LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC.,    
a Delaware corporation    
       
By: /s/ Sam Tawfik   Dated: August 28, 2020
  Sam Tawfik, CEO    
       
SELLER:    
     
BACHMAN-BERNARD CHEVROLET-BUICK-    
GMC-CADILLAC, INC., a Tennessee corporation    
       
By: /s/ Phillip M. Bachman, Jr.   Dated: August 28, 2020
  Phillip M. Bachman, Jr.    
       
SHAREHOLDER:    
     
PHILIP M. BACHMAN, JR.,    
     
    Dated: August 28, 2020
     
MYRON BERNARD    
       
    Dated: August 28, 2020

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have duly executed this Asset Purchase Agreement on the last date noted below.

 

PURCHASER:    
     
LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC.,    
a Delaware corporation    
       
By: /s/ Sam Tawfik   Dated: August 28, 2020
  Sam Tawfik, CEO    
       
SELLER:    
     
BACHMAN-BERNARD CHEVROLET-BUICK-    
GMC-CADILLAC, INC., a Tennessee corporation    
       
By: /s/ Myron Bernard   Dated: August 28, 2020
  Myron Bernard, Vice President/Secretary    
       
SHAREHOLDER:    
     
PHILIP M. BACHMAN, JR. by Martha M.Bachman
Under Power of Attorney dated August 22, 2012
   
     
Philip M. Bachman, JR. by Martha M.Bachman   Dated: August 28, 2020
       
MYRON BERNARD    
       
Myron Bernard   Dated: August 28, 2020

 

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT BY ESCROW AGENT

 

The undersigned, on behalf of First American Title Insurance Company, joins in the execution of this Agreement for the purpose of agreeing to act as the Escrow Agent hereunder.

 

Date: August 27, 2020

 

  FIRST AMERICAN TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY
     
  By: /s/ Alicia Otten
  Name:  Alicia Otten
  Title: Sr. Escrow Officer

 

The undersigned Escrow Agent acknowledges receipt of the $250,000.00 earnest money deposit referred to in Section 3.6 of the foregoing Asset Purchase Agreement, and agrees to hold and disburse said funds and all accrued interest thereon in accordance with the terms of said Agreement.

 

Date:               , 2020

 

  FIRST AMERICAN TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY
     
  By:          
  Name: 
  Title:

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

 

Exhibit Letter   Description of Exhibit
     
A   Bill of Sale and Assignment and Assumption Agreement
B   Assignment of Intangible Property
C   Agreement Regarding IRS Form 8594
D   Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement
E   Indemnification Escrow Agreement
F   PPP Escrow Agreement

 

Schedule Number   Description of Schedule
     
2.1(a)   Fixed Assets
2.1(f)   Assumed Contracts
2.1(k)   Email Addresses, PO Boxes, Telephone and Facsimile numbers
2.3(o)   Excluded Assets
5.1(c)   Purchaser’s Brokers
5.2(a)   Consents
5.2(c)   Title
5.2(f)   Employees and Employment Matters
5.2(g)   Exceptions to Financial Statements
5.2(i)   Condition of the Purchased Assets and the Dealership Premises
5.2(j)   Litigation
5.2(l)   Seller’s Brokers
5.2(m)   Environmental
5.2(n)   Manufacturer Communications
5.2(o)   Manufacturer Audits
5.2(p)   Dealership Marketing Plans
5.2(q)   Tradenames; Domain Names; URLs
5.2(s)   GLB Act Compliance
5.2(v)   Licenses
5.2(x)   Loans
7.1(d)   Negative Covenants

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

BILL OF SALE AND ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

 

(see attached)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

BILL OF SALE AND ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

 

THIS BILL OF SALE AND ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is executed as of the __________________ day of ____________________, 2020 (the “Closing Date”), BACHMAN-BERNARD CHEVROLET-BUICK-GMC-CADILLAC, INC., a Tennessee corporation (the “Seller”), in favor of LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Purchaser,” and together with the Seller, the “Parties”).

 

This Agreement is executed and delivered pursuant to that certain Asset Purchase Agreement dated August ____, 2020, by and among the Seller, the Purchaser, and others (the “Purchase Agreement”), relating to the Seller’s Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC motor vehicle dealership (the “Business”) located at 3365 East Andrew Johnson Highway, Greenville, Tennessee 37745 (the “Dealership Premises”).

 

Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Purchase Agreement.

 

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

 

1. CONVEYANCE. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and in consideration of the receipt of Ten Dollars ($10.00) in hand paid by the Purchaser to the Seller, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Seller hereby sells, transfers, sets over and assigns to the Purchaser all of the Seller’s right, title and interest in and to the assets described in Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof (collectively, the “Purchased Assets”), to have and to hold the same unto the Purchaser forever, free and clear of all Encumbrances (other than Permitted Encumbrances). The Seller shall, however, retain and not sell to the Purchaser, all assets not included in the enumeration of the Purchased Assets, including, without limitation, the items described in Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part hereof (collectively, the “Excluded Assets”).

 

2. WARRANTY OF TITLE. The Seller warrants that it is the lawful owner of the Purchased Assets, it possesses good and valid title to sell, transfer, convey and deliver the Purchased Assets described in this Bill of Sale to the Purchaser, free and clear of any and all Encumbrances whatsoever (other than Permitted Encumbrances), and the Seller covenants and agrees to defend the title vested in the Purchaser under this Bill of Sale.

 

3. FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Seller agrees that, at any time and from time to time after the Closing Date, it will upon request of the Purchaser and at the Purchaser’s sole cost, duly execute, acknowledge and deliver, or will cause to be done, executed, acknowledged and delivered, all such further acts, bills of sale, assignments, transfers, powers of attorney or assurances as may be reasonably required to assign, transfer, convey and confirm to the Purchaser title to any of the Purchased Assets.

 

4. ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION. The Seller does hereby sell, transfer, set over and assign unto the Purchaser all of the Seller's rights and privileges in and to the liabilities and obligations described in Exhibit C attached hereto (collectively, the “Assumed Liabilities”).

 

The Purchaser hereby accepts the foregoing assignment of the Assumed Liabilities as defined in the Purchase Agreement and assumes, covenants and agrees to fully and faithfully perform and discharge each and every covenant, duty, obligation, liability and term on the part of the Seller to be performed in connection with the Assumed Liabilities relating to periods from and after the Closing Date, to the extent, and only to the extent, such obligations first accrue and are required to be performed subsequent to the Closing Date (provided that such obligations did not arise as a result of a breach by the Seller of any contract on or prior to the Closing Date or a breach of the Seller’s representations, warranties, covenants and agreements under the Purchase Agreement).

 

A-1

 

 

Exhibit A

 

Except for the Assumed Liabilities expressly set forth in Exhibit C, the Purchaser shall not assume, or in any way be responsible or liable for, any Retained Liabilities. “Retained Liabilities” shall mean each and every Liability of the Seller, other than the Assumed Liabilities, including (i) any Liabilities of the Seller arising out of the operation of the Business prior to the Closing Date, (ii) conditions existing or alleged to have existed or any acts or omissions occurring or alleged to have occurred at the Dealership Premises prior to the Closing Date, including any Liabilities described in the Purchase Agreement or the Schedules attached thereto, (iii) any Liabilities attributable to violations of any Applicable Law, (iv) any pending or threatened Proceeding against the Seller, and (v) chargebacks from the cancellation/termination of finance or insurance products on vehicles sold by the Seller prior to the Closing Date.

 

Without limitation of the foregoing, it is specifically understood and agreed between the Parties that the Purchaser shall not be responsible for any express or implied warranties given by the Seller to customers prior to the Closing Date. Further, should any customer make a claim upon any warranty given by the Seller or for defective vehicle repair by the Seller prior to the Closing Date, then, in that event, the Purchaser at its option may adjust any such minor item as it so desires, at the Seller’s expense, and on any major item shall notify the Seller and, upon the Seller’s approval, shall repair said item at the Seller’s expense. Any major item shall be defined as any item at cost to the Purchaser in excess of $250.00.

 

5. BINDING EFFECT. The terms, covenants, and agreements herein contained shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the Parties and their respective successors and assigns.

 

6. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee. The Parties agree that the state or federal courts in and for Greene County, Tennessee are the proper venue and exclusive jurisdiction for any disputes hereunder. THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY.

 

7. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall be deemed to be a single instrument. Facsimile and/or electronic copies of this Agreement and any signatures on any counterpart hereof shall be considered for all purposes as originals.

 

8. INCONSISTENCIES. If there is any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of this Bill of Sale and the Purchase Agreement, the terms of the Purchase Agreement shall govern and control.

 

9. AMENDMENTS. This Agreement may be amended only by a written agreement executed by the Parties. No waiver granted shall be deemed effective unless in writing and executed by the party against whom enforcement of the waiver is sought.

 

10. CLOSING DATE. This Agreement shall be effective as of the Closing Date.

 

[signatures on following page]

 

A-2

 

 

Exhibit A

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Bill of Sale and Assignment and Assumption Agreement to be signed and sealed by their respective duly authorized representatives on the date first set forth above.

 

  SELLER:
   
  BACHMAN-BERNARD CHEVROLET-
  BUICK-GMC-CADILLAC, INC.,
  a Tennessee corporation
   
  By:               
    Myron Bernard, Vice President/Secretary
   
  PURCHASER:
   
  LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC.,
  a Delaware corporation
   
  By:
    Sam Tawfik, CEO

 

A-3

 

 

Exhibit A

 

EXHIBIT A

BILL OF SALE AND ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

 

Purchased Assets

 

All of the Seller’s furniture, fixtures, signs, product marketing displays, office equipment and computers, company vehicles, machinery and shop equipment, parts equipment, special tools, lifts, hybrid charging stations and related equipment, removable compressors, shop tools, company vehicles, and other items of tangible personal property owned and used by the Seller in the operation of the Business, including those items listed on the Seller’s depreciation schedules and on Schedule 1 attached hereto (the “Fixed Assets”);

 

The Seller’s New Vehicles, Demos, and Qualified Service Loaners listed on Schedule 2 attached hereto;

 

The Seller’s Used Vehicles listed on Schedule 3 attached hereto;

 

The Seller’s assignable rights and privileges under (i) the Contracts identified on Schedule 4 attached hereto (the “Assumed Contracts”) and (ii) other Assumed Liabilities;

 

All of the Manufacturer Parts Inventory and Miscellaneous Inventory, all as summarized on Schedule 5 attached hereto;

 

All of the Seller’s sublet repairs and work in process repairs, as listed on Schedule 6 attached hereto (“WIP”);

 

The Seller’s return privileges, if any, concerning the Manufacturer Parts;

 

The Seller’s assignable rights to its email addresses, PO Boxes, telephone and facsimile numbers (local and toll-free), as listed on Schedule 7 attached hereto;

 

To the extent transferable, all Licenses;

 

All assignable rights of the Seller relating to deposits and prepaid expenses, claims for refunds and rights to offset in respect thereof;

 

All of the Seller’s offices supplies, janitorial supplies, and similar items owned by the Seller and located at the Dealership Premises as of the Closing Date;

 

Any rights relating to or arising out of or under any express or implied warranties from suppliers with respect to the Purchased Assets;

 

All assignable rights of the Seller arising under any non-compete or restrictive covenant agreements between the Seller and any former member(s), or between the Seller and its employees, current or former;

 

Any insurance proceeds for claims or damages to the Purchased Assets, unless such proceeds have been used prior to the Closing Date for repair or restoration; and

 

A-4

 

 

Exhibit A

 

All of the Seller’s perpetual inventory records, sales records, customer lists, customer service records and all other customer data, deal jackets, supply and manufacturer lists, technical data, and sales and marketing literature, advertising materials, promotional materials, including merchandising literature from the Manufacturer, whether in hard or digital copies, and all of the Seller’s intangible property rights and goodwill associated with the Business, including all assignable franchise rights under the Manufacturer’s dealer sales and service agreements, and any and all of the Seller’s rights to content and access (including usernames and passwords, or other access means) related to GooglePlusLocal, GooglePlusBusiness, yelp, LinkedIn®, Facebook®, MySpace®, foursquare, Twitter®, Dealer Rater, Edmunds, and Cars.com, and other intellectual property owned by Seller and used or useable in the Business, and all other intangible assets, rights and properties of the Seller whatsoever, except the Excluded Assets.

 

A-5

 

 

Exhibit A

 

EXHIBIT B

BILL OF SALE AND ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

 

Excluded Assets

 

Cash and cash equivalents on hand and in banks, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, stocks, bonds and other liquid investments;

 

Accounts receivable of the Seller (including any “contracts in transit,” rebates receivable, holdbacks, discounts receivable, credit life commissions receivable, A & H commissions and finance Seller receivables, both current and deferred);

 

Any prepaid expense, insurance, interest, utilities, or rent and any deposits related thereto, which accrue to the benefit of the Seller as of the day prior to the Closing Date;

 

Any deposits, credits, reimbursements, or claims relating to Contracts which are not Assumed Contracts;

 

The minute book, corporate, accounting, and Tax records, and corporate seal of the Seller;

 

Any correspondence or records of the Seller that constitutes attorney-client privileged communications;

 

The consideration for the Purchased Assets to be delivered by the Purchaser to the Seller under the Purchase Agreement;

 

The consideration for the Purchased Assets;

 

The Seller’s right to enforce the Purchase Agreement;

 

Vehicle parts and accessories that do not constitute Manufacturer Parts Inventory or Miscellaneous Inventories;

 

Vehicles not purchased by the Purchaser;

 

The Seller’s contracts or policies of insurance and any refunds of taxes or tax loss carry forwards of the Seller;

 

Any assets leased by the Seller that would otherwise constitute Fixed Assets if not so leased (unless the Purchaser assumes such lease obligations);

 

All rights under any Licenses and Contracts, except for the Assumed Contracts and assigned Licenses;

 

Real estate owned by the Seller, which is the subject of the REPA;

 

Those items of personal property owned by the Shareholder or an Affiliate of the Shareholder and located at the Dealership Premises, which are listed on Schedule 8 attached hereto; and

 

All of the Seller’s Employee Benefit Plans.

 

A-6

 

 

Exhibit A

 

EXHIBIT C

BILL OF SALE AND ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

 

Assumed Liabilities

 

All of the Seller’s Liabilities under the Assumed Contracts, as listed on Schedule 4 attached hereto, arising on or after the Closing Date (other than any Liabilities arising out of any breach or default that occurred prior to the Closing Date);

 

All of the Seller’s Liabilities to customers under the conditions of the Seller’s vehicle order forms or special parts order forms, as listed on Schedule 9 attached hereto (“Customer Deposits”);

 

All of Seller’s obligations to complete WIP, as listed on Schedule 6 attached hereto; and

 

All of the Seller’s We-Owes, as listed on Schedule 10 attached hereto (“We-Owes”), the value of which shall be subtracted from the Purchase Price.

 

A-7

 

 

EXHIBIT B

ASSIGNMENT OF INTANGIBLE PROPERTY

 

(see attached)

 

 

 

Exhibit B

 

ASSIGNMENT OF INTANGIBLE PROPERTY

 

THIS ASSIGNMENT OF INTANGIBLE PROPERTY (the “Assignment”) is made as of the _____ day of ________________, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), by and between BACHMAN-BERNARD CHEVROLET-BUICK-GMC-CADILLAC, INC., a Tennessee corporation (“Assignor”), and LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Assignee”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, this Assignment is executed and delivered pursuant to that certain Asset Purchase Agreement dated August ____, 2020 (the “Purchase Agreement”), by and among Assignor, Assignee, and others, concerning assets of Assignor’s Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC motor vehicle dealership located in Greenville, Tennessee (the “Business”); and

 

WHEREAS, Assignor owns or has an interest in the Intangible Property and desires to transfer an undivided interest in such Intangible Property to Assignee.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed that:

 

1. Recitals and Capitalized Terms. The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Purchase Agreement.

 

2. Transfer and Assignment. Assignor hereby transfers and assigns, effective as of the Effective Date, all of its right, title, benefit, and interest in and to the following assets regarding the Business, subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Purchase Agreement:

 

All of Assignor’s tradenames and URLs owned or controlled by the Seller and utilized by the Business, as listed on Schedule 1 attached hereto (collectively, the “Intangible Property”).

 

3. Acceptance of Assignment. Assignee hereby accepts the Assignment set forth in Section 2 above.

 

4. Representation and Warranty. Assignor represents and warrants that all corporate action to authorize this Assignment has been completed.

 

5. Cooperation. Assignor and Assignee agree to promptly do all things necessary or appropriate to accomplish the transfer to Assignee of the Intangible Property.

 

6. Binding Effect. The terms, covenants and agreements herein contained shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

 

7. Governing Law. This Assignment shall be construed in accordance with and shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee.

 

8. Counterparts. This Assignment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall be deemed to be a single instrument. Facsimile and/or electronic copies of this Assignment and any signatures on any counterpart hereof shall be considered for all purposes as originals.

 

B-1

 

 

Exhibit B

 

9. Inconsistencies. If there is any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of this Assignment and the Purchase Agreement, the terms of the Purchase Agreement shall govern.

 

[signatures on following page]

 

B-2

 

 

Exhibit B

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Assignor and Assignee have executed this Assignment of Intangible Property the day and year first above written.

 

  ASSIGNOR:
   
  BACHMAN-BERNARD CHEVROLET-
  BUICK-GMC-CADILLAC, INC.,
  a Tennessee corporation
   
  By:
    Myron Bernard, Vice President/Secretary
   
  ASSIGNEE:
   
  LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC.,
  a Delaware corporation
   
  By:
    Sam Tawfik, CEO

 

B-3

 

 

EXHIBIT C

AGREEMENT REGARDING IRS FORM 8594

 

(see attached)

 

 

 

Exhibit C

 

AGREEMENT REGARDING IRS FORM 8594

 

THIS AGREEMENT REGARDING IRS FORM 8594 (this “Agreement”) is made as of the _____ day of _______________, 2020 by and between BACHMAN-BERNARD CHEVROLET-BUICK-GMC-CADILLAC, INC., a Tennessee corporation (“Seller”), and LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Purchaser”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Seller, Purchaser, and others, entered into that certain Asset Purchase Agreement dated August ____, 2020 (the “Purchase Agreement”), whereby Seller agreed to sell and Purchaser agreed to purchase certain assets described therein (“Assets”) on the terms and conditions set forth therein; and

 

WHEREAS, the parties desire to agree upon the fair market values and the allocation of the purchase price for the Assets among the various classes of assets as will be set forth on Form 8594 which will be attached to the respective Federal Income Tax Returns of the Purchaser and the Seller so that the form which is submitted to the Internal Revenue Service by each of them will be identical as to such fair market values and allocation.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and agreements herein contained, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

1. Fair Market Values/Allocation of Purchase Price. The parties agree that the aggregate fair market values and the aggregate allocation of the purchase price of the Assets among the various classes of assets as provided for on Form 8594 shall be as set forth in Part II of the Form 8594 attached hereto as Exhibit A and made a part hereof. Each party agrees to complete and attach a Form 8594, completed identically to Exhibit A attached hereto, to its Federal Income Tax Return for the year in which the closing of the purchase and sale of the Assets under the Purchase Agreement takes place.

 

2. Taxes and Expenses. Each of the parties shall be solely responsible for the preparation and timely filing of its respective Federal Income Tax Return and Form 8594 and the payment of all taxes, interest and/or penalties, if any, associated therewith.

 

3. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee.

 

4. Attorneys' Fees and Costs, Etc. In the event a dispute arises between the parties under this Agreement and suit is instituted, the allocation of costs and attorneys’ fees shall be in accordance with Section 9.12 of the Purchase Agreement.

 

5. No Third-Party Beneficiary. This Agreement is solely between the parties hereto and no person not a party to this Agreement shall have any rights hereunder, either as a third-party beneficiary or otherwise.

 

6. Complete Agreement. This Agreement and the Purchase Agreement constitute the complete agreement between the parties hereto and incorporates all prior discussions, agreements and representations made in regard to the matters set forth herein. This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed except by a writing signed by the party to be charged by said amendment, change or modification. To the extent there is any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the Purchase Agreement, the terms of the Purchase Agreement shall govern and control.

 

C-1

 

 

Exhibit C

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement Regarding IRS Form 8594 as of the date first set forth above.

 

PURCHASER:  
   
LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC.,  
a Delaware corporation  
   
By:    
  Sam Tawfik, CEO  
   
SELLER:  
   
BACHMAN-BERNARD CHEVROLET-BUICK-  
GMC-CADILLAC, INC., a Tennessee corporation  
   
By:    
  Myron Bernard, Vice President/Secretary  

 

C-2

 

 

EXHIBIT A

FORM 8594

 

(see attached)

 

C-3

 

 

EXHIBIT D

NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION AGREEMENT

 

(see attached)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit D

 

NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION AGREEMENT

 

THIS NON-COMPETITION AND NON- SOLICITATION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the ____ day of _____________, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), by and among LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Purchaser”); BACHMAN-BERNARD CHEVROLET-BUICK-GMC-CADILLAC, INC., a Tennessee corporation (“Seller”); and MYRON BERNARD, an individual resident of Tennessee (“Bernard”), and PHILLIP M. BACHMAN, JR., an individual resident of Tennessee (“Bachman” and, together with Bernard, “Shareholder”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Seller owned and operated a franchised Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC motor vehicle dealership (the “Dealership”) located at 3365 East Andrew Johnson Highway, Greenville, Tennessee 37745 (the “Dealership Premises”); and

 

WHEREAS, Seller’s operation of the Dealership has resulted in Seller developing a significant reputation in its market and the surrounding regions in connection with sales, lease, repair, and service of Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC new motor vehicles and with the general operation of the Dealership; and

 

WHEREAS, Shareholder has been actively involved in the management, development, and strategic direction of the Dealership and has acquired considerable experience/skill and has contributed to the goodwill of the Dealership; and

 

WHEREAS, Purchaser, Seller, and Shareholder entered into that certain Asset Purchase Agreement dated August ____, 2020, regarding the sale and purchase of substantially all the operating assets and inventories of the Dealership (the “Purchase Agreement”); and

 

WHEREAS, if any of the Restricted Parties were to resume the business activities of a motor vehicle dealership, including but not limited to selling vehicles and/or vehicle parts, clothing or accessories, in the area of the Dealership after the Effective Date, such activities could have a material impact on the Protected Business. Accordingly, the execution of and compliance with the terms of this Agreement by the Restricted Parties are essential to the business acquired pursuant to the Purchase Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, in order to protect the future business operations of Purchaser from such competition, the Restricted Parties have agreed, for the Term not to compete with Purchaser and to refrain from soliciting or hiring any of Purchaser’s employees following the Effective Date.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in order to induce Purchaser to close the transactions pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the transfer of financial consideration under the Purchase Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Recitals. The Recitals above are herein incorporated by reference.

  

D-1

 

 

Exhibit D

 

2. Definitions. As used in this Agreement the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a) “Affiliate” or “Affiliates” of a Person shall mean a Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the first Person.

 

(b) “Clients” includes any customer or other party who engages or has engaged in business with Purchaser or with any other Protected Party as a customer. The term “Clients” includes any party whose business is actively solicited by any Protected Party at any time during the term of this Agreement.

 

(c) “Competition” means any activity that is, directly or indirectly, competitive with the Dealership. Competition includes working within the Restricted Area and making any offer or sale of, or marketing, any product or service competitive with the Protected Business, even though the business of producing, processing, shipping, or marketing such product or service may be located outside the Restricted Area. Competition also includes the sale, rental, or service of new or used vehicles originally distributed by, or financed or otherwise regulated by other vehicle manufacturers. For purposes of this Agreement, direct or indirect competition will include but not be limited to competition as a sole proprietor, partner, corporate officer, director, manager, member, employee, lender, consultant, agent, independent contractor, trustee, guarantor, advisor (including as an advisor to a family member), or in any other capacity whatsoever pursuant to which the Restricted Party holds any beneficial interest in a competitor, derives any income or other benefit from a competitor, or provides any service, advice, support (financial or otherwise), or assistance of any type whatsoever to a competitor.

 

(d) “Confidential Information” shall mean any business information relating to the Restricted Parties’ operation of the Business, and regarding any of the operations, services, employee compensation, pricing procedures, organization, finances, marketing, or sales and service customer lists of the Business, including, but not limited to, all Records (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) purchased by Purchaser. Confidential Information also includes without limitation, all procedures, concepts, methods, and other matters and information, specifically including but not limited to information such as price lists, publicity, marketing strategies, Client, distributor, contractor, supplier and vendor identities and lists, revenues, key contact personnel, financial relationships, methods of soliciting business, documents, financial data, and marketing programs. The term “Confidential Information” is intended to be interpreted very broadly to encompass all items described in this paragraph regardless of whether each item satisfies the legal concept of a trade secret. Confidential Information shall not include any information that is or becomes available to the general public through no fault of the Restricted Parties.

 

(e) “Motor Vehicle Dealership Business” shall mean the operation of a motor vehicle dealership sales and/or service business, including but not limited to the sales and service of new or used motor vehicles, internet sales, and the sale of motor vehicle parts and accessories.

 

(f) “Person” shall mean an individual, a partnership, an association, a corporation, a limited liability company, a trust, an unincorporated organization, or any other business entity or enterprise.

 

(g) “Protected Business” means the Dealership, as acquired and operated by Purchaser, including, but not limited to, the operation of the motor vehicle dealership and the sale, rental, and/or service of (i) new and used products originally distributed by, or financed or otherwise regulated by General Motors LLC (“GM”); (ii) other used motor vehicles; and (iii) retail distribution of new motor vehicle parts and accessories.

 

(h) “Protected Party” and “Protected Parties” include Purchaser, its shareholders, directors, officers, and their respective successors and assigns.

 

D-2

 

 

Exhibit D

 

(i) “Restricted Area” means from a location within a 75-mile radius of the Dealership Premises.

 

(j) Restricted Parties” shall collectively mean Seller and Shareholder.

 

Any capitalized terms used herein which are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Purchase Agreement.

 

3. Non-Competition. From the Effective Date and for a period of 36 months thereafter (the “Term”), each of the Restricted Parties agrees not to be involved directly or indirectly, either as an employee, officer, director, agent, lender, stockholder, partner, member, self-employed individual, contractor, or consultant with a Person, or as manager, owner or operator with any Person engaged in a Motor Vehicle Dealership Business within the Restricted Area. Further, during the Term, each of the Restricted Parties agrees not to engage in Competition with any Protected Party within the Restricted Area. Competition within the Restricted Area includes activities outside the Restricted Area to the extent that such activities include contacting Clients within the Restricted Area or otherwise involve buying, selling, repairing or otherwise dealing in or with competitive goods or services within the Restricted Area; provided, however, that general advertising or marketing (but not direct marketing to Clients, such as direct mail, email, or telephone solicitation) that may be published in the Restricted Area will not violate the foregoing restriction so long as such products do not promote the sale or service of products of GM or its Affiliates or any other vehicle manufacturer or contain their trademarks. The provisions of this Section 3 will not, however, prevent any Restricted Party from: (a) owning less than 1% of the outstanding stock of any publicly traded corporation engaged in competition, so long as no Restricted Party engages in such corporation’s business or otherwise engages in Competition with any Protected Party, (b) the use, showing, warehousing and eventual sale or trade of a classic car collection; or (c) owning and operating the current “buy-here, pay-here” operation known as the “Boulevard Motors” in Greenville, Tennessee.

 

4. Non-Solicitation and Hiring. During the Term, without the prior express written consent of Purchaser, which such consent may be withheld in Purchaser’s absolute discretion, the Restricted Parties will not (and will not attempt to, permit or cause any of its Affiliates, subsidiaries, contractors or representatives or their respective owners, directors, officers, employees, contractors, agents, representatives or third parties to) for any reason: (a) hire or solicit to hire any employee, independent contractor or third party under the control of the Dealership, which has had a business relationship with the Dealership (and after the Effective Date, Purchaser) at any time during the period of time from 6 months prior to the Effective Date through the Term (each, a “Restricted Person”), or (b) directly or indirectly recruit, induce, encourage or solicit any Restricted Person to do any of the following (or engage in any discussion, the topic, intent, goal or result of which is, to cause or encourage any such person or entity to): (i) terminate or alter his, her or its employment, contract or relationship with the Dealership (and after the Effective Date, Purchaser), (ii) act in such a manner that his, her or its employment contract or relationship with the Dealership (and after the Effective Date, Purchaser) is terminated or altered, or (iii) become associated with, provide services to or become an employee, contractor, agent or representative of any other Person.

 

5. No use of Confidential Information. The Restricted Parties will not (and will not attempt to, permit or cause any of its Affiliates, subsidiaries, contractors or representatives or their respective owners, directors, officers, employees, contractors, agents, representatives or third parties to attempt), for any reason, directly or indirectly, disclose to any Person, or use or otherwise exploit for the Restricted Parties’ own benefit or for the benefit of any other Person, any Confidential Information, including but not limited to the solicitation of prior customers of Seller’s Business.

 

D-3

 

 

Exhibit D

 

6. Reasonableness of Restrictions. Each of the Restricted Parties agrees that the restrictions contained herein have been carefully negotiated with a view toward avoiding unreasonable interference with the ability of each of the Restricted Parties to engage in gainful employment or other advantageous economic activities. In particular, the scope of the Protected Business, the Restricted Area, and the duration of the Restricted Period have been carefully defined to provide necessary protection to the Protected Parties without unreasonably limiting the ability of the Restricted Parties to engage in productive and profitable activities. Each Restricted Party represents that said party (a) is familiar with the covenants set forth in this Agreement; (b) is fully aware of the obligations imposed on the Restricted Parties hereunder, including, without limitation, the length of time, scope and geographic coverage of these covenants; (c) has received specific, bargained for consideration for the covenants contained in this Agreement; and (d) the performance of such Restricted Party’s obligations under this Agreement will not conflict with, or result in a violation or breach of, any other agreement to which such Restricted Party is a part or any judgment, order or decree to which such Restricted Party is subject.

 

7. Enforcement.

 

(a) Injunctive Relief. The parties hereto recognize that because of the role of Restricted Parties in the management, operation and ownership of the Dealership and because of the knowledge of the Dealership’s customers, business plans and financial strengths and weaknesses, irreparable damage will result to Purchaser in the event of a breach of the terms of this Agreement by the Restricted Parties. The Restricted Parties agree that in such event Purchaser shall be entitled, in addition to any other remedies and damages available, to an injunction to restrain and enjoin Seller from violating the restrictive covenants in Paragraphs 3, 4, or 5 above (collectively, the “Restrictive Covenants”) without the necessity of posting any bond or proving special damages or irreparable injury. Moreover, it is agreed that the Restricted Parties, jointly and severally, shall be responsible for any and all expenses incurred by Purchaser, including reasonable and necessary legal fees of Purchaser in any litigation between Purchaser and the Restricted Parties involving this Agreement in which Purchaser prevails. It is understood and agreed between the parties to this Agreement that in the event there is a suit in equity by Purchaser against the Restricted Parties to enforce this Agreement, and the Court shall refuse for any reason to enforce this Agreement by injunction, such suit in equity shall not be a bar to a later suit to recover damages.

 

(b) Interpretation; Severability. The parties hereto expressly agree and acknowledge that it is not their intention that the Restrictive Covenants in this Agreement violate any public policy or statutory or common law. If a court of competent jurisdiction renders a ruling (sustained on appeal, if any) holding that any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement, including the stated term and/or geographic coverage of the Restrictive Covenants, constitute an unreasonable restriction, then the parties specifically agree that the Restrictive Covenants shall not be rendered void but shall apply to such extent and as to such time period and geographic areas as the court may determine constitutes a reasonable restriction under the circumstances.

 

(c) Term Extended. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, and provided Purchaser furnishes written notice to the Restricted Parties of its objection to a breach of this Agreement, the Term shall be automatically extended by a period of time equal to any and all times during which the Restricted Parties are found to be in breach of this Agreement.

 

8. Jury Waiver. THE PARTIES EACH HEREBY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTERS IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO OR CONNECTED WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE MATTERS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN.

 

D-4

 

 

Exhibit D

 

9. Advice of Legal Counsel. Each Restricted Party acknowledges and represents that, in executing this Agreement, he or it has consulted with legal counsel (or has affirmatively chosen not to do so) and is fully aware of his or its rights and obligations under this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be construed against any party by reason of its drafting or preparation.

 

10. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of Tennessee (without regard to the conflict of laws principles thereof).

 

11. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining part of such provision, and the validity, legality and enforceability of the other provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby.

 

12. Assignment; Incorporation by Reference. Purchaser may freely assign its rights and duties under this Agreement by providing Seller written notice. Purchaser and Seller each hereby covenants and agrees that Article 9 of the Purchase Agreement is incorporated herein by reference and shall be a part of this Agreement, mutatis mutandis, and otherwise modified as necessary to apply to this Agreement as if herein stated.

 

[signatures on following page]

 

D-5

 

 

Exhibit D

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Non-Competition Agreement under seal or caused this Non-Competition Agreement to be executed under seal as of the day and year first written above.

 

WITNESSES:     PARTIES:
       
      BACHMAN-BERNARD CHEVROLET-
      BUICK-GMC-CADILLAC, INC.,
      a Tennessee corporation
         
    By:         
Print Name:               Phillip M. Bachman, Jr.
       
     
Print Name:     MYRON BERNARD
         
     
Print Name:     PHILLIP M. BACHMAN, JR.
      LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC.,
      a Delaware corporation
       
    By:  
Print Name:     Sam Tawfik, CEO

 

D-6

 

 

EXHIBIT E

INDEMNIFICATION ESCROW AGREEMENT

 

(see attached)

 

 

 

Exhibit E

 

INDEMNIFICATION ESCROW AGREEMENT

 

THIS INDEMNIFICATION ESCROW AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of ___________ _____, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), by and among LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Purchaser”), BACHMAN-BERNARD CHEVROLET-BUICK-GMC-CADILLAC, INC., a Tennessee corporation (“Seller”), and FIRST AMERICAN TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY (the “Indemnification Escrow Agent”)

 

RECITALS

 

A. Seller, Purchaser, and others, entered into that certain Asset Purchase Agreement dated August ____, 2020 (the “Purchase Agreement”), with respect to Seller’s Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC motor vehicle dealership located at 3365 East Andrew Johnson Highway, Greenville, Tennessee 37745.

 

B. As set forth in Section 6.2(d) of the Purchase Agreement, the parties agreed to withhold from the Purchase Price $250,000.00 (the “Original Escrow Amount”) (as reduced by any disbursements and amounts withdrawn under Section 3 hereof, the “Escrow Fund”) for the purpose of securing the performance of Seller’s obligation to indemnify Purchaser against claims arising under the Purchase Agreement.

 

C. Capitalized terms used in this agreement without definition shall have the respective meanings given to them in the Asset Purchase Agreement.

 

AGREEMENT

 

The parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

1. ESTABLISHMENT OF ESCROW

 

(a) Purchaser, as a delivery of the Purchase Price under the Purchase Agreement, is depositing with the Indemnification Escrow Agent in immediately available funds the Original Escrow Amount. Wiring instructions for the Indemnification Escrow Agent are attached hereto as Exhibit A. The Indemnification Escrow Agent acknowledges receipt thereof.

 

(b) The Indemnification Escrow Agent hereby agrees to act as escrow agent and to hold, safeguard and disburse the Escrow Fund pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof.

 

2. ACCOUNT

 

The Indemnification Escrow Agent shall deposit the Escrow Fund into non-interest bearing attorney IOLTA accounts in any number of different accounts with any number of different FDIC-insured institutions as the Indemnification Escrow Agent chooses.

 

3. CLAIMS

 

(a) From time to time on or before the 18th month after the Effective Date, an Authorized Representative of Purchaser may give notice (a “Notice”) to Seller and the Indemnification Escrow Agent specifying in reasonable detail the nature and dollar amount of any claim (a “Claim”) it may have under Section 6.2 of the Purchase Agreement; such Authorized Representative may make more than one claim with respect to any underlying state of facts. If an Authorized Representative of Seller gives notice to Purchaser and the Indemnification Escrow Agent disputing any Claim (a “Counter Notice ”) within 30 days following receipt by the Indemnification Escrow Agent of the Notice regarding such Claim, such Claim shall be resolved as provided in Section 3(b). If no Counter Notice is received by the Indemnification Escrow Agent within such 30-day period, then the dollar amount of damages claimed by Purchaser as set forth in its Notice shall be deemed established for purposes of this Agreement and the Purchase Agreement and, at the end of such 30-day period, the Indemnification Escrow Agent shall pay to Purchaser the dollar amount claimed in the Notice from (and only to the extent of) the Escrow Fund. The Indemnification Escrow Agent shall not inquire into or consider whether a Claim complies with the requirements of the Purchase Agreement.

 

E-1

 

 

Exhibit E

 

(b) If a Counter Notice is given by an Authorized Representative with respect to a Claim, the Indemnification Escrow Agent shall reserve from the Escrow Fund a portion thereof equal to the Claim amount (a “Reserved Amount”) and thereafter shall disburse such Reserved Amount only in accordance with (i) joint written instructions of each Authorized Representative of Purchaser and Seller or (ii) a final, non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction. Any court order shall be accompanied by a legal opinion by counsel for the presenting party satisfactory to the Indemnification Escrow Agent to the effect that the order is final and non-appealable. The Indemnification Escrow Agent shall act on such court order and legal opinion without further question.

 

4. PARTIAL RELEASE AND TERMINATION OF ESCROW

 

At the end of the 12th month after the Effective Date, $125,000 of the Escrow Fund, less (i) the amount of all offsets and reductions previously made in accordance with this Agreement less (ii) any Reserved Amount for any Claims that are then pending in an amount equal to the aggregate dollar amount shown in the Notice(s) of such Claim(s), shall be released to Seller. At the end of the 18th month after the Closing Date and provided that all claims by Purchaser under Section 6.2 of the Purchase Agreement, if any, have been finally resolved and further provided that no Claims are then pending, the remaining amount of the Escrow Fund shall be released to Seller. All disbursements provided for in this Section 4 hereof require joint written instructions of Purchaser and Seller or a final, non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction as contemplated by Section 3(b) hereof.

 

5. DUTIES OF INDEMNIFICATION ESCROW AGENT

 

(a) The Indemnification Escrow Agent agrees to hold and distribute the Escrow Funds under the terms and conditions of this Agreement and to perform the acts and duties expressly set forth in this Agreement, which shall be deemed purely ministerial in nature, in good faith and in a commercially-reasonable manner. This Agreement expressly sets forth all the duties of the Indemnification Escrow Agent with respect to any and all matters pertinent hereto. No implied duties or obligations shall be read into this Agreement against the Indemnification Escrow Agent. Unless the Indemnification Escrow Agent is a party thereto, the Indemnification Escrow Agent shall not be bound by the provisions of any agreement among the other parties hereto except this Agreement.

 

(b) The Indemnification Escrow Agent shall be entitled to rely upon any order, judgment, certification, demand, notice, instrument or other writing delivered to it hereunder without being required to determine the authenticity or the correctness of any fact stated therein or the propriety or validity of the service thereof. The Indemnification Escrow Agent may act in reliance upon any instrument or signature reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed by an Authorized Representative, as applicable. The Indemnification Escrow Agent may conclusively presume that the undersigned Authorized Representative of any party hereto has full power and authority to instruct the Indemnification Escrow Agent on behalf of that party unless written notice to the contrary is delivered to the Indemnification Escrow Agent.

 

E-2

 

 

Exhibit E

 

(c) Except in the case of fraud, willful misconduct or gross negligence, the Indemnification Escrow Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it (or any action suffered by it to be taken or omitted to be taken) in good faith and reasonably believed by it to be authorized or within the rights or powers conferred upon it by this Agreement.

 

(d) The Indemnification Escrow Agent may resign and thus be discharged from its duties or obligations hereunder by giving 5 days’ notice in writing of such resignation to each of the other parties to this Agreement, specifying a date when such resignation shall take effect, which shall not be less than 10 days or more than 30 days after the date of such resignation notice. A successor escrow agent shall be appointed in writing by the mutual written agreement of the other parties or, failing such, by a court of competent jurisdiction. A successor escrow agent shall execute a copy of this Agreement agreeing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

 

(e) Purchaser and the Seller shall each be severally responsible for ½ of the commercially-reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, incurred or paid by the Indemnification Escrow Agent in connection with carrying out its duties under this Agreement; provided, however, that no attorneys’ fees and costs shall be paid by the Indemnification Escrow Agent to the Indemnification Escrow Agent’s law firm. No other compensation will be due or payable to the Indemnification Escrow Agent for its services under this Agreement.

 

(f) Each of Purchaser, on the one hand, and Seller, on the other hand, agree to indemnify the Indemnification Escrow Agent for, and to hold it harmless against, 1/2 of any loss, damage, cost, liability or expense (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, and costs of defending itself against any claim or liability) incurred or sustained (including, without limitation, any third-party claims) without gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on the part of the Indemnification Escrow Agent, by reason of its compliance in good faith with the terms of this Agreement. To avoid any doubt, this Section 5 shall survive for the maximum time period permitted under applicable law.

 

6. LIMITED RESPONSIBILITY

 

This Agreement expressly sets forth all the duties of the Indemnification Escrow Agent with respect to any and all matters pertinent hereto. No implied duties or obligations shall be read into this Agreement against the Indemnification Escrow Agent. The Indemnification Escrow Agent shall not be bound by the provisions of any agreement among the other parties hereto except this Agreement.

 

7. OWNERSHIP FOR TAX PURPOSES

 

Seller agrees that, for purposes of federal and other taxes based on income, Seller will be treated as the owner of the Escrow Fund and that Seller will report all income, if any, that is earned on, or derived from, the Escrow Fund as its income in the taxable year or years in which such income is properly includible and pay any taxes attributable thereto.

 

8. AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES

 

The parties acknowledge and agree that the following individuals shall serve as the authorized representatives of such party (the “Authorized Representatives”): (a)(i) Myron Bernard has been appointed as Seller’s Authorized Representative, (ii) any instructions to be given or actions to be taken hereunder may be given or taken by Sellers’ Authorized Representative on behalf of Seller, and (iii) as between Sellers, Purchaser and the Indemnification Escrow Agent, all actions taken or consented to by Seller’s Authorized Representative hereunder shall be final, irrevocable and binding upon each of the Seller; and (b) (i) [**] has been appointed as Purchaser’s Authorized Representative, (ii) any instructions to be given or actions to be taken hereunder may be given or taken by Purchaser’s Authorized Representative on behalf of Purchaser, and (iii) as between Seller, Purchaser and the Indemnification Escrow Agent, all actions taken or consented to by Purchaser’s Authorized Representative hereunder shall be final, irrevocable and binding upon Purchaser.

 

E-3

 

 

Exhibit E

 

9. NOTICES

 

All notices, Consents, waivers and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given to a party when (a) delivered to the appropriate address by hand or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service (costs prepaid); (b) sent by email (with confirmation by the transmitting equipment); or (c) received by the addressee, if sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, in each case to the following addresses and facsimile numbers and marked to the attention of the person (by name or title) designated below (or to such other address, facsimile number or person as a party may designate by notice to the other parties):

 

If to Seller:

 

Bachman-Bernard Chevrolet-Buick-GMC-Cadillac, Inc.

Attn: Myron Bernard

215 Brobeck Road

Limestone, TN 37681

E-Mail address: myron@bachmanbernard.com

 

with a copy to:

 

Burr & Forman, LLP

Attention: James M. McCarten

171 17th Street, NW, Suite 1100

Atlanta, Georgia 30363

Telephone: 404-532-7236

Email: jim.mccarten@burr.com

 

If to Purchaser:

 

LMP Automotive Holdings, Inc.

Attn: Sam Tawfik

601 North State Road 7

Plantation, Florida 33317

E-Mail address: sam@lmpmotors.com

 

with a copy to:

 

Bass Sox Mercer

Attn: Robert A. Bass

2822 Remington Green Circle

Tallahassee, Florida 32308

E-Mail address: bassra@dealerlawyer.com

 

E-4

 

 

Exhibit E

 

Indemnification Escrow Agent:

 

First American Title Insurance Company

Attn:

 

E-Mail address:

 

10. INDEMNIFICATION ESCROW AGENT AS COUNSEL

 

The parties acknowledge that the Indemnification Escrow Agent acts as counsel on behalf of Purchaser. The parties acknowledge that the Indemnification Escrow Agent has accepted appointment as escrow agent under this Agreement only at the specific request of Purchaser and Seller. Further, Seller acknowledges that it is represented by independent counsel. Seller hereby waives any and all real or perceived conflicts of interest between Purchaser and the Indemnification Escrow Agent resulting from the existing representation of Purchaser so long as the Indemnification Escrow Agent acts in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Indemnification Escrow Agent’s service hereunder shall not affect the Indemnification Escrow Agent’s ability to represent Purchaser in connection with any matters arising from or in connection with the Purchase Agreement, with the exception of any matters which may involve this Agreement, so long as the Indemnification Escrow Agent has resigned from its position as escrow agent.

 

11. JURISDICTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS

 

Any Proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement may be brought in the courts of the State of Tennessee, Greene County, or, if it has or can acquire jurisdiction, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, and each of the parties irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such Proceeding and waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to venue or to convenience of forum, agrees that all claims in respect of the Proceeding shall be heard and determined only in any such court and agrees not to bring any Proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any other court. Process in any Proceeding referred to in the preceding sentence may be served on any party anywhere in the world.

 

12. EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT

 

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original copy of this Agreement and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement. The exchange of copies of this Agreement and of signature pages by facsimile transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Agreement as to the parties and may be used in lieu of the original Agreement for all purposes. Signatures of the parties transmitted by facsimile shall be deemed to be their original signatures for any purposes whatsoever.

 

13. SECTION HEADINGS, CONSTRUCTION

 

The headings of sections in this Agreement are provided for convenience only and will not affect its construction or interpretation.

 

E-5

 

 

Exhibit E

 

14. WAIVER

 

The rights and remedies of the parties to this Agreement are cumulative and not alternative. Neither the failure nor any delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, power or privilege, and no single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege will preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, (a) no claim or right arising out of this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement can be discharged by one party, in whole or in part, by a waiver or renunciation of the claim or right unless in writing signed by the other party; (b) no waiver that may be given by a party will be applicable except in the specific instance for which it is given; and (c) no notice to or demand on one party will be deemed to be a waiver of any obligation of such party or of the right of the party giving such notice or demand to take further action without notice or demand as provided in this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement.

 

15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND MODIFICATION

 

This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements among the parties with respect to its subject matter and constitutes (along with the documents referred to in this Agreement) a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of the agreement between the parties with respect to its subject matter. This Agreement may not be amended except by a written agreement executed by Purchaser, Seller and the Indemnification Escrow Agent.

 

16. GOVERNING LAW

 

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee without regard to conflicts of law principles that would require the application of any other Law.

 

[signatures on following page]

 

E-6

 

 

Exhibit E

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Indemnification Escrow Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

  SELLER:
   
  BACHMAN-BERNARD CHEVROLET-
  BUICK-GMC-CADILLAC, INC.,
  a Tennessee corporation
   
  By:
    Myron Bernard, Vice President/Secretary
   
  PURCHASER:
   
  LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC.
  a Delaware corporation
   
  By:
    Sam Tawfik, CEO
   
  INDEMNIFICATION ESCROW AGENT:
   
  FIRST AMERICAN TITLE INSURANCE
  COMPANY
   
  By:                       
  Name:
  Title:

 

E-7

 

 

EXHIBIT F

 

PPP ESCROW AGREEMENT

(see attached)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit F

 

PPP ESCROW AGREEMENT

 

THIS PPP ESCROW AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), dated as of _____________ _____, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), is by and among BACHMAN-BERNARD CHEVROLET-BUICK-GMC-CADILLAC, INC., a Tennessee corporation (“Seller”), LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Purchaser”), and _____________________ (“PPP Escrow Agent”).

 

This Agreement is executed and delivered pursuant to that certain Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Seller, Purchaser, and others, dated August ____, 2020 (the “Purchase Agreement”), relating to Seller’s Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC motor vehicle dealership operations (the “Dealership”) located at 3365 East Andrew Johnson Highway, Greenville, Tennessee 37745.

 

Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Purchase Agreement.

 

Under Section 7.13 of the Purchase Agreement, the parties agreed to withhold the PPP Escrow Amount from the Purchase Price paid at Closing for the purpose of assuring Purchaser that the PPP Loan will be fully paid and satisfied.

 

AGREEMENT

 

The parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Establishment of Escrow

 

(a) Purchaser is depositing with PPP Escrow Agent the sum of $________________in immediately available funds (the “PPP Withheld Amount”) (as reduced by any disbursements, the “Escrow Fund”). Wiring instructions for PPP Escrow Agent are attached hereto as Exhibit A. PPP Escrow Agent acknowledges receipt of the Escrow Fund. Seller acknowledges and agrees that the establishment of the Escrow Fund does not limit its obligations and liabilities under the Asset Purchase Agreement.

 

(b) PPP Escrow Agent hereby agrees to act as escrow agent and to hold, safeguard and disburse the Escrow Fund pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof.

 

2. Claims to be Paid. The Escrow Fund shall be held by PPP Escrow Agent for the purpose of, and to be applied to, payment of the following: Any and all amounts claimed by the PPP Lender, the SBA, or any applicable governmental authority(ies) (collectively, the “Lenders”) to be owed by Seller in connection with the PPP Loan or any other claim, lien or assessment issued in connection therewith.

 

3. Distribution. PPP Escrow Agent shall distribute the Escrow Fund as follows:

 

(a) At such time as Seller delivers to PPP Escrow Agent a copy of a Determination by the Lenders regarding Seller’s liability to the Lenders as it relates to the PPP Loan, which shall include applicable penalties and interest, then, at Seller’s direction, PPP Escrow Agent shall pay to the Lenders from the Escrow Fund the balance of such liability determined to be due such Lenders. “Determination” shall mean a written notice from the Lenders stating that (i) the entire PPP Loan has been forgiven, (ii) a portion of the PPP Loan has been forgiven and that the Seller owes a sum certain to the Lenders, or (iii) no portion of the PPP Loan has been forgiven and that the Seller owes a sum certain to the Lenders.

 

F-1

 

 

Exhibit F

 

(a) At the time PPP Escrow Agent receives confirmation from the Lenders that all of Sellers’ liabilities to the Lenders, as it relates to the PPP Loan, have been satisfied, and Seller and Purchaser accept such confirmation, PPP Escrow Agent shall promptly pay the balance of the Escrow Fund to Seller.

 

(b) PPP Escrow Agent may also make such partial payments from the Escrow Fund as Seller and Purchaser may jointly authorize and direct from time to time due to partial releases of Seller’s obligations under the subject matter of this Agreement.

 

4. Duties of PPP Escrow Agent

 

(a) PPP Escrow Agent shall not be under any duty to give the Escrow Fund held by it hereunder any greater degree of care than it gives its own similar property and shall not be required to invest any funds held hereunder except as directed in this Agreement. Uninvested funds held hereunder shall not earn or accrue interest.

 

(b) PPP Escrow Agent shall not be liable, except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct and, except with respect to claims based upon such gross negligence or willful misconduct that are successfully asserted against PPP Escrow Agent, the other parties hereto shall jointly and severally indemnify and hold harmless PPP Escrow Agent (and any successor PPP Escrow Agent) from and against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, actions, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, arising out of and in connection with this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, PPP Escrow Agent shall in no event be liable in connection with its investment or reinvestment of any cash held by it hereunder in good faith, in accordance with the terms hereof, including, without limitation, any liability for any delays (not resulting from its gross negligence or willful misconduct) in the investment or reinvestment of the Escrow Fund, or any loss of interest incident to any such delays. This Section 4(b) shall survive notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement or the resignation of PPP Escrow Agent.

 

(c) PPP Escrow Agent shall be entitled to rely upon any order, judgment, certification, demand, notice, instrument, or other writing delivered to it hereunder without being required to determine the authenticity or the correctness of any fact stated therein or the propriety or validity of the service thereof. PPP Escrow Agent may act in reliance upon any instrument or signature believed by it to be genuine and may assume that the person purporting to give receipt or advice or make any statement or execute any document in connection with the provisions hereof has been duly authorized to do so. PPP Escrow Agent may conclusively presume that the undersigned representative of any party hereto which is an entity other than a natural person has full power and authority to instruct PPP Escrow Agent on behalf of that party unless written notice to the contrary is delivered to PPP Escrow Agent.

 

(d) PPP Escrow Agent may act pursuant to the advice of counsel with respect to any matter relating to this Agreement and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith in accordance with such advice.

 

(e) PPP Escrow Agent does not have any interest in the Escrow Fund deposited hereunder but is serving as escrow holder only and having only possession thereof.

 

(f) PPP Escrow Agent makes no representation as to the validity, value, genuineness, or the collectability of any security or other document or instrument held by or delivered to it.

 

(g) PPP Escrow Agent (and any successor PPP Escrow Agent) may at any time resign as such by delivering the Escrow Fund to any successor PPP Escrow Agent jointly designated by the other parties hereto in writing, or to any court of competent jurisdiction, whereupon PPP Escrow Agent shall be discharged of and from any and all future obligations arising in connection with this Agreement. The resignation of PPP Escrow Agent will take effect on the earlier of (a) the appointment of a successor (including a court of competent jurisdiction) or (b) the day which is 30 days after the date of delivery of its written notice of resignation to the other parties hereto. If at that time PPP Escrow Agent has not received a designation of a successor PPP Escrow Agent, PPP Escrow Agent’s sole responsibility after that time shall be to retain and safeguard the Escrow Fund until receipt of a designation of successor PPP Escrow Agent or a joint written disposition instruction by the other parties hereto or a final binding decision of an arbitration panel, as provided herein. Purchaser and Seller shall have the right to replace PPP Escrow Agent at any time by joint written notice to PPP Escrow Agent and joint written designation of a successor PPP Escrow Agent. In such event, PPP Escrow Agent shall promptly resign, and the preceding provisions of this Section 4(g) pertinent to PPP Escrow Agent’s resignation shall become applicable.

 

F-2

 

 

Exhibit F

 

(h) In the event of any disagreement between the other parties hereto resulting in adverse claims or demands being made in connection with the Escrow Fund or in the event that PPP Escrow Agent is in doubt as to what action it should take hereunder, PPP Escrow Agent shall be entitled to retain the Escrow Fund until PPP Escrow Agent shall have received (i) a final binding decision of an arbitration panel, as provided herein, or (ii) a written agreement executed by the other parties hereto directing delivery of the Escrow Fund, in which event PPP Escrow Agent shall disburse the Escrow Fund in accordance with such order or agreement. Any arbitration decision shall be accompanied by a legal opinion by counsel for the presenting party satisfactory to PPP Escrow Agent to the effect that the decision is final and binding. PPP Escrow Agent shall act on such decision and legal opinion without further question.

 

(i) No printed or other matter in any language (including, without limitation, prospectuses, notices, reports and promotional material) that mentions PPP Escrow Agent’s name or the rights, powers, or duties of PPP Escrow Agent shall be issued by the other parties hereto or on such parties’ behalf unless PPP Escrow Agent shall first have given its specific written consent thereto.

 

(j) The other parties hereto authorize PPP Escrow Agent, for any securities held hereunder, to use the services of any United States central securities depository it reasonably deems appropriate, including, without limitation, the Depositary Trust Company and the Federal Reserve Book Entry system.

 

5. Limited Responsibility. This Agreement expressly sets forth all the duties of PPP Escrow Agent with respect to any and all matters pertinent hereto. No implied duties or obligations shall be read into this Agreement against PPP Escrow Agent. PPP Escrow Agent shall not be bound by the provisions of any agreement among the other parties hereto except this Agreement.

 

6. Notices. All notices, consents, waivers and other communications under this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when (a) delivered to the appropriate address by hand or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service (costs prepaid); (b) sent by email (with confirmation by the transmitting equipment); or (c) received by the addressee, if sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, in each case to the following addresses and facsimile numbers and marked to the attention of the person (by name or title) designated below (or to such other address, facsimile number or person as a party may designate by notice to the other parties):

 

If to Seller:

 

Bachman-Bernard Chevrolet-Buick-GMC-Cadillac, Inc.

Attn: Myron Bernard

215 Brobeck Road

 

Limestone, Tennessee 37681

Facsimile:

 

F-3

 

 

Exhibit F

 

with a copy to:

 

Burr & Forman, LLP

Attention: James M. McCarten

171 17th Street, NW, Suite 1100

Atlanta, Georgia 30363

Facsimile: _404-817-3244

 

If to Purchaser:

 

LMP Automotive Holdings, Inc.

Attn: Sam Tawfik

601 North State Road 7

Plantation, Florida 33317

Facsimile: 954-756-8122

 

with a copy to:

 

Bass Sox Mercer

Attn: Robert A. Bass, Esq.

2822 Remington Green Circle

Tallahassee, Florida 32308

Facsimile: 850-942-4869

 

If to PPP Escrow Agent:

 

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

 

7. Jurisdiction. Any Proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement may be brought in the courts of the State of Tennessee, Greene County, or, if it has or can acquire jurisdiction, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, and each of the parties irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such Proceeding and waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to venue or to convenience of forum, agrees that all claims in respect of the Proceeding shall be heard and determined only in any such court and agrees not to bring any Proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any other court. Process in any Proceeding referred to in the preceding sentence may be served on any party anywhere in the world.

 

8. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement.

 

9. Section Headings. The headings of sections in this Agreement are provided for convenience only and will not affect its construction or interpretation.

 

F-4

 

 

Exhibit F

 

10. Waiver. The rights and remedies of the parties to this Agreement are cumulative and not alternative. Neither the failure nor any delay by any party in exercising any right, power, or privilege under this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, power, or privilege, and no single or partial exercise of any such right, power, or privilege will preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power, or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, (a) no claim or right arising out of this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement can be discharged by one party, in whole or in part, by a waiver or renunciation of the claim or right unless in writing signed by the other party; (b) no waiver that may be given by a party will be applicable except in the specific instance for which it is given; and (c) no notice to or demand on one party will be deemed to be a waiver of any obligation of such party or of the right of the party giving such notice or demand to take further action without notice or demand as provided in this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement.

 

11. Exclusive Agreement and Modification. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements among the parties with respect to its subject matter and constitutes (along with the documents referred to in this Agreement) a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of the agreement between the parties with respect to its subject matter. This Agreement may not be amended except by a written agreement executed by Purchaser, Seller, and PPP Escrow Agent.

 

12. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee without regard to conflicts of law principles.

 

[signature page follows]

 

F-5

 

 

Exhibit F

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Escrow Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

WITNESSES:   SELLER:
     
    BACHMAN-BERNARD CHEVROLET-
    BUICK-GMC-CADILLAC, INC.,
    a Tennessee corporation
     
  By:  
Print Name:            Myron Bernard, Vice President/Secretary
     
    PURCHASER:
     
    LMP AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, INC.
    a Delaware corporation
     
  By:  
Print Name:       Sam Tawfik, CEO
     
    PPP ESCROW AGENT:
     
    [**]
     
  By:  
Print Name:       [**]

 

 

F-6

 

Exhibit 10.5

 

REAL ESTATE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

THIS REAL ESTATE PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of August 28, 2020 (the “Effective Date”) by and between PHILIP M. BACHMAN, JR., an individual (“Bachman”) and MYRON BERNARD, an individual, (“Bernard,” together with Bachman, collectively the “Seller”), and 601 NSR, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and or its assigns (“Purchaser”, and together with Seller, each a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”).

 

RECITALS:

 

WHEREAS, Seller is the owner of the real property, buildings and site improvements (collectively the “Improvements”) located at 3365 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy, Greenville, Tennessee 37745, being more particularly described as the two parcels in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference (the “Premises”); and

 

WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell, and Purchaser desires to purchase, the Property (hereinafter defined).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements of the parties as hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties intending to be legally bound hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Purchase and Sale; Integral Transaction; Deposit. Subject to and on the terms and conditions set forth herein, Seller hereby agrees to sell to Purchaser, and Purchaser agrees to purchase from Seller, the Premises together with all (a) benefits, privileges, fixtures, easements, hereditaments and other rights appurtenant to the Premises or any part thereof, including without limitation Seller’s right, title and interest, if any, in and to any streets, alleys, ways, sewer rights, utility capacity or rights thereto, development rights, impact fee credits, air rights, water rights, water courses and water bodies adjacent to the Premises and mineral rights; (b) all of Seller’s right, title and interest in and to any and all of the Improvements; and (c) all of Seller’s right, title and interest in and to all surveys, reports, plans, specifications, drawings, engineering information and data, guaranties (to the extent assignable), warranties (to the extent assignable), licenses and permits (to the extent assignable) relating to the Premises and in the possession and control of Seller (the Premises and all other property and/or rights enumerated in Sections 1(a), 1(b) and 1(c) are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Property”).

 

This Agreement represents one facet of a two-part transaction. The other facet consists of a separate asset purchase agreement of even date herewith (the “APA”), by and between Bachman-Bernard Chevrolet-Buick-GMC-Cadillac, Inc., a Tennessee corporation (the “Asset Seller”), and LMP Automotive Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Asset Purchaser”), for purchase and sale of the Bachman Bernard Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac dealership operations (the “Dealership Operations”). This Agreement shall terminate automatically upon termination or expiration of the APA for any reason. No separate deposit under this Agreement is required of Purchaser; rather, Purchaser has delivered to the Escrow Agent (as defined in the APA) the Deposit (as defined in the APA) to be held and disbursed in accordance with the terms of the APA; accordingly, the Deposit provisions of the APA are part of this Agreement, and Seller and Purchaser acknowledge and agree that the Deposit shall be deemed sufficient consideration for this Agreement. The respective obligations of Seller and Purchaser to close the transaction hereunder are conditioned upon the closing of the transactions contemplated under the APA. In addition, this Agreement and the APA are hereby cross-defaulted such that a pre-closing default by a Party under one shall constitute a default by that same Party, or its affiliate, under the other agreement. If this Agreement and/or the APA is terminated and cancelled, this Agreement and the APA shall become void, and there shall be no further liability or obligation of any Party to either this Agreement or the APA, except as to matters that are expressly stated to survive termination.

 

 

 

2. Purchase Price; Appraisal Fair Market Value. The purchase price for the Property (the “Purchase Price”) shall be Five Million Four Hundred Thousand and 000/100 Dollars ($5,400,000.00).

 

3. Payment; Closing. Payment for the Property purchased as described herein shall be made at the closing of the purchase and sale of the Property described herein (the “Closing”) by wire transfer of immediately available funds, PLUS or MINUS any adjustments for prorations and other payments and withholdings to be paid or otherwise borne by Seller or Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement. At Closing, Seller will deliver to Purchaser possession of the Property, subject to the Permitted Exceptions (as hereinafter defined), and shall deliver all available keys, and alarm codes, if any, to the Property. The Closing will occur on the “Closing Date” under, and as defined in the APA; and this Agreement shall terminate automatically upon termination or expiration of the APA for any reason.

 

4. Deed. At Closing, Seller will transfer title to the Property to Purchaser by special warranty deed in form reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser (the “Deed”) free and clear of any and all liens and encumbrances (except for Permitted Exceptions, as hereinafter defined, if any). If the legal description of the Property set forth on the Survey (defined below) is different from the legal description set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, Seller shall also execute, at Closing, a quit claim deed conveying the Property to Purchaser utilizing the legal description reflected in the Survey provided that such Survey is certified to the Seller.

 

5. Documents to be Delivered by Seller. Within 3 days following the Effective Date, Seller shall deliver to Purchaser copies of the following, to the extent in Seller’s or Seller’s representatives’ possession or control:

 

(a) Copies of all existing and proposed easements, covenants, restrictions, agreements, plans, designs, blueprints, utility capacity letters, contracts, service agreements and other documents that affect the Property available to Seller.

 

(b) Copies of all leases of all or any portion of the Property, and any amendments thereto. Copies of any and all options, rights of first refusal or other interests affecting the Property.

 

(c) A copy of Seller’s owners/lenders title insurance policy and the most recent survey of the Property.

 

(d) Copies of all environmental studies or impact reports relating to the Property, including, but not limited to Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments previously conducted, any asbestos studies, and any environmental approvals, conditions, orders or declarations issued by any governmental authority relating thereto. Any written reports or information regarding underground storage tanks presently located on the Property or which may at any time have been located on the Property, as well as any written reports or other information relating to the disposition of any pollutants from any source whatsoever in, on or under the Property.

 

(e) Details and contact information for all contractors and subcontractors that have provided goods or services on or to the Property in the past year and copies of any and all warranties, agreements or proposals provided or assigned by such contractors or subcontractors.

 

(f) Copies of all reports, maintenance records, programs or warranties, if any, as to the roof, plumbing, HVAC, furnaces, boilers, and electrical systems.

 

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The above documents shall be delivered to Purchaser along with a signed certificate (the “Document Set Certificate”) from the Seller that the due diligence documents so delivered are complete to the extent in Seller’s or Seller’s representatives’ possession or control.

 

6. Inspections.

 

6.1 Environmental and Building Inspections. Purchaser shall have 60 days from receipt of the Document Set Certificate (the “Inspection Period”) in which to conduct, inspect and evaluate any and all tests, studies, and surveys of, in Purchaser’s sole discretion, all aspects of the Property, including, without limitation, the condition of the Improvements, the soil conditions, environmental conditions (including a Phase I environmental site assessment), property condition assessments, structural testing, and to confirm the zoning and status of entitlements applicable to the Property. Purchaser shall use good faith efforts to avoid any unreasonable interference with the business and operations of Seller’s current business at the Property; and Purchaser, at its sole expense, shall indemnify Seller for any and all loss, cost and expense incurred by Seller as a result of Purchaser’s inspections, and further promptly repair any damage caused by said inspections at Purchaser’s sole cost and expense. Seller will make its appropriate officers, employees and representatives available to Purchaser at all reasonable times for the purpose of assisting Purchaser in such investigations or examinations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Purchaser may not perform any test of the Property of an intrusive or disruptive nature (including, without limitation, soil borings), without the prior written consent of Seller, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, except that Seller shall be entitled to review and approve any investigation planned and any samples taken. If Purchaser is required or advised by its consultants or its lender to do environmental testing in addition to Phase I environmental testing such that a Phase II environmental site assessment is recommended, Seller will reasonably cooperate with Purchaser to extend the Inspection Period to the extent reasonably necessary to allow Purchaser sufficient time to conduct Phase II testing, not to exceed an additional 15 days. If Purchaser is not satisfied with its inspections of the Property, Purchaser may terminate this Agreement (without premium or penalty) by sending written notice to Seller on or before the expiration of the Inspection Period, as may be extended in accordance with the terms hereof. All site inspections shall be coordinated in advance with Myron Bernard, whose email address of myron@bachmanbernard.com and whose cell phone number is 423-823-4141.

 

6.2 Title Examination.

 

(a) Purchaser shall order and obtain a title insurance commitment (the “Commitment”) from a national title insurance company of its selection (“Title Insurer”), insuring fee-simple marketable title to the Property. Purchaser shall have until the expiration of the Inspection Period to examine the Commitment and all instruments listed as exceptions and as requirements therein. If title is found unacceptable to Purchaser, Purchaser shall, on or before expiration of the Inspection Period, provide Notice(s) to Seller specifying its title and/or survey objections (the “Title Notice”), and any exceptions set forth in the Commitment or Survey to which Purchaser does not object pursuant to a Title Notice shall be deemed a permitted exception (the “Permitted Exceptions”). Seller will have 10 days from receipt of Purchaser’s Title Notice(s), (the “Seller’s Response Period”) to either (i) notify Purchaser that it will cure any of such title objections and the steps it will take to do so, or (ii) notify Purchaser that it elects not to cure any of such objections. If Seller fails to respond within Seller’s Response Period, then Seller is deemed to have elected not to seek to remove, correct, and/or satisfy any objections. If Seller’s response indicates that Seller will not seek to remove, correct, and/or satisfy certain objections set forth in Purchaser’ Title Notice, or if Seller fails to notify Purchaser of Seller’s response within Seller’s Response Period, then Purchaser may either (i) waive certain objections set forth in Purchaser’s Title Notice and proceed with Closing or (ii) terminate this Agreement by sending written notice thereof to Seller not later than 5 business days after the later of Purchaser’s receipt of Seller’s response if any, or expiration of Seller’s Response Period if Seller failed to provide a timely response. If Purchaser fails to so terminate this Agreement, Purchaser is deemed to have waived any of those certain objections set forth in a Title Notice that Seller has elected not to cure, and to have accepted those title conditions as Permitted Exceptions. If there remain at Closing any objections that Purchaser included in Purchaser’s Title Notice(s) for which Seller affirmatively agreed to seek to remove, correct, and/or satisfy, then Purchaser may elect to: (i) waive such objections and proceed with the Closing and accept the Property subject to such exceptions without reduction of the Purchase Price, and all such exceptions so waived or otherwise accepted by Purchaser shall hereinafter constitute “Permitted Exceptions”, or (ii) terminate this Agreement, thereby releasing Purchaser and Seller from all further obligations under this Agreement (except those that expressly survive), upon which the APA shall also terminate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller shall cure or cause any monetary liens against the Property to be satisfied and removed at or prior to Closing and to remove any lis pendens against the Property.

 

Page 3 of 17

 

 

(b) If any subsequent update of the Commitment reveals any additional exceptions not permitted by this Agreement, Seller shall have 10 days in which to remove such additional exceptions, subject to the limitations set forth above. If Seller elects not to remove or is unable to remove such additional exceptions, Purchaser shall have the same rights and remedies as provided above, except that the Closing shall not be extended more than 10 days to permit Seller to cure any such additional exceptions.

 

(c) Seller and Purchaser each agree to provide reasonable affidavits and documentation to enable the Title Company to delete all Schedule B-I requirements (provided however in no event shall Seller be required to deliver any affidavits to delete the survey-related requirements), the “gap” exception, and the construction lien and parties in possession exceptions from the Commitment at Closing. Seller and Purchaser each shall be responsible for satisfying those Schedule B-I requirements applicable to each of them.

 

6.3 Survey. Purchaser may, at its expense, obtain a survey of the Property (the “Survey”) during the Inspection Period. If the Survey discloses an encroachment on the Property or that improvements located on the Property encroach on setback lines, easements, lands of others, or violate any restrictions or applicable governmental regulations which are unacceptable to Purchaser, which will impair the marketability of the Property, or constitute a survey exception on the owner’s title insurance policy, then upon Notice to Seller, tendered on or before expiration of the Inspection Period, the same shall constitute a Title Notice and shall be governed by the terms of Section 6.2 hereof.

 

7. Representations, Warranties and Covenants.

 

7.1 Representations, Warranties and Covenants by Seller. Seller hereby represents, warrants and covenants as of the date hereof and as of the Closing that:

 

(a) No other agreement concerning or restricting the sale of the Property is in effect and no person or entity, other than Purchaser, has any right or option to acquire all or any portion of the Property. There are no leases or other occupancy agreements affecting the Property and there are no licenses or related agreements affecting the Property which will be binding on the Purchaser after Closing.

 

(b) To Seller’s knowledge, the Property described herein is the only Premises and Improvements used by Asset Seller in the Dealership Operations.

 

(c) The person executing this Agreement has full power and authority to do so and to perform every act and to execute and deliver every document and instrument necessary or appropriate to consummate the transaction provided for herein. To Seller’s knowledge, the transactions contemplated in this Agreement are not prohibited by any law, regulation, agreement, instrument, restriction, order or judgment including, without limitation, any site control agreement, option or right of first refusal.

 

Page 4 of 17

 

 

(d) Seller is not a “foreign person” under, and as defined in, Section 1445(f)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended from time to time.

 

(e) This Agreement constitutes the valid obligation of Seller, is legally binding, and to Seller’s knowledge, is enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws and equitable principles affecting creditors’ rights generally and the discretion of the courts in granting equitable remedies. Provided, there are no attachments, executions, assignments for the benefit of creditors, receiverships, conservatorships or voluntary or involuntary proceedings in bankruptcy or pursuant to any other debtor relief laws contemplated or filed by Seller or pending against Seller or the Property

 

(f) The execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement and any other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents executed and delivered by Seller pursuant hereto (the “Seller Delivered Agreements”), and the consummation by Seller of the transaction provided for herein, will not, to Seller’s knowledge, constitute (with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both) a violation of, be in conflict with, result in the acceleration of or entitle any Party to accelerate (whether after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both), or constitute a default under (i) any material agreement, commitment or understanding to which Seller is subject or by which Seller is bound, or (ii) any applicable law.

 

(g) Seller has received no written notice that the continued ownership, operation, use and occupancy of the Property violates in a material manner any zoning, building, health, flood control, fire or other law, ordinance, order or regulation or any restrictive covenant. To Seller’s knowledge, there are no open and/or pending violations of any federal, state, county or municipal law, ordinance, order, regulation or requirement, affecting any portion of the Property, and no written notice of any such violation has been issued by any governmental authority. All necessary certificates of occupancy, licenses, permits, authorizations and approvals by all governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the Property have been paid for, issued and to Seller’s knowledge remain in full force and effect for the Property.

 

(h) There are no condemnation or annexation or similar proceedings affecting the Property or any portion thereof, including any pending action or action threatened in writing that would result in (i) the termination or material impairment of access to or from the Property, or (ii) the termination or material impairment of access from the Property to existing sewer or other utility facilities servicing, adjoining or situated on the Property. Seller has not received any written notice, nor has any knowledge, that any such proceeding is contemplated.

 

(i) Seller has received no written notice of actual or threatened special assessments or reassessments of the Property, and the Property is not burdened by any obligation for contribution of money or property to or participation in any road development or completion project or to bear any share of the cost of any road or other offsite improvement. Seller has not made and has no knowledge of any written commitments to or agreements with any governmental or quasi-governmental authority, utility company, school board, church or other religious body, any property owner’s association, or any other organization, group or individual relating to the Property, which have not been fulfilled or satisfied prior to the Effective Date hereof, and which would impose an obligation upon Purchaser, as owner of the Property, to construct, install or maintain any improvements of a public or private nature on or off the Property after Closing.

 

(j) There are no actions, suits, claims, proceedings or causes of action which are pending or, to Seller’s knowledge, have been threatened or asserted in writing against, or are affecting, Seller or the Property or any part thereof in any court or before any arbitrator, board or governmental or administrative agency or other person or entity which might have an adverse effect on the Property or any portion thereof or on Purchaser’s ability to use the Property for a full service franchised dealership facility.

 

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(k) Seller has no knowledge: (i) of the presence of any Hazardous Materials (defined below), including, but not limited to, transformers or equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”), on the Property, (ii) of any spills, releases, discharges, or disposal of Hazardous Materials that have occurred or are presently occurring on or onto the Property, or (iii) of any failure to comply in any material respect with any applicable local, state or federal environmental laws, regulation, ordinance, or administrative or judicial order relating to the generation, recycling, reuse, sale, storage, handling, transport, and disposal of any Hazardous Materials with respect to the Property. Seller has no knowledge of any above ground tanks on the Property that are not in compliance with all Environmental Laws, and Seller has no knowledge of any underground storage tanks (herein referred to as “USTs”), at the Property. Seller has not removed or abandoned any USTs at the Property and Seller has no knowledge of the abandonment or removal of USTs at the Property. Seller has no knowledge of any friable or damaged asbestos at the Property; nor has Seller removed (or required or requested the removal of) any PCBs or damaged or friable asbestos from the Property. Seller has no knowledge of the previous existence of any PCBs or damaged or friable asbestos at the Property. To Seller’s knowledge, no property adjacent to or in the vicinity of the Property has a Hazardous Condition in, on or under such property. For purposes hereof, “Hazardous Conditions” refers to the presence on, in or about any such property (including ground water) of Hazardous Materials, the concentration, condition, quantity, location or other characteristics of which fail to comply in any material respect with applicable Environmental Laws. Further, (i) Seller has not received any written notice from any governmental authority alleging a violation of any Environmental Laws that are applicable to the Property, (ii) Seller has complied in all material respects with all Environmental Laws that are applicable to the Property, and has obtained and has been in compliance in all material respects with all required governmental environmental permits with respect to the Property, and (iii) no unauthorized storage, treatment, discharge or disposal of Hazardous Materials on the Property has been made by Seller or its employees or agents, except in compliance in all material respects with applicable Environmental Laws. “Environmental Laws” means any federal, state or local statute, ordinance, rule or regulation relating to the existence, cleanup, removal and/or remedy of contamination on property, the protection of the environment from spilled, emitted, discharged, discarded, deposited or emplaced Hazardous Materials, the generation, use, transport, storage, handling, disposal, removal or recovery of Hazardous Materials, and the exposure to hazardous, toxic, or other substances determined by law to be harmful, including, without limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 as amended (“CERCLA”), The Toxic Substances Control Act, The Clean Air Act, and the Resource, Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976; and the term “Hazardous Materials” means any “hazardous substance,” as defined by §101(14) of CERCLA.

 

(l) Seller has not released or modified any warranties of builders, contractors, manufacturers or other trade persons with respect to the Property that have been given to Seller.

 

To Seller’s knowledge, all information given to Purchaser by or on behalf of Seller and pertaining to the Property or the operations thereon is true and correct in all material respects, and accurately depicts, in all material respects, the matters set forth therein. The representations and warranties of Seller set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing and delivery and recordation of the Deed for a period of 18 months. Other than such representations and warranties and in particular as related to the condition and maintenance of the Property, the Property is being sold “AS-IS.”

 

7.2 Representations and Warranties by Purchaser.

 

(a) Purchaser is a Delaware limited liability company, duly formed, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the state of its formation. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Purchaser has been duly authorized by its member and the person executing this Agreement on behalf of Purchaser has full power and authority to do so and to perform every act and to execute and deliver every document and instrument necessary or appropriate to consummate the transaction provided for herein.

 

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(b) This Agreement constitutes the valid obligation of Purchaser, is legally binding, and is enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws and equitable principles affecting creditors’ rights generally and the discretion of the courts in granting equitable remedies.

 

(c) The execution and delivery by Purchaser of this Agreement and any other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents executed and delivered by any of them pursuant hereto, and the consummation by Purchaser of the transaction provided for herein, will not constitute (with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both) a violation of, be in conflict with, result in the acceleration of or entitle any Party to accelerate (whether after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both), or constitute a default under (i) any term or provision of the formation documents of Purchaser, as may be amended (ii) any material agreement, commitment or understanding to which Purchaser is subject or by which they are bound, or (iii) any applicable law.

 

The representations and warranties of Purchaser set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing and delivery and recordation of the Deed for a period of 18 months.

 

7.3. Covenants of Seller.

 

(a) From and after the Effective Date, assuming this Agreement remains in full force and effect, Seller shall not: (i) make any material changes on or about the Property other than as contemplated by this Agreement; (ii) except as set forth herein, create or incur or permit to exist any mortgage, lien, pledge or other encumbrance in any way affecting the Property that will not be paid at Closing; (iii) commit any waste or nuisance on the Property; or (iv) convey any interest (fee or leasehold) in the Property.

 

(b) Seller shall maintain and keep in place all insurance coverage affecting the Premises and the Improvements through and including the Closing Date.

 

(c) Upon the written request of Purchaser, Seller shall request and use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain an estoppel certificate from any relevant property owner’s association, or the like, reflecting that Seller is in good standing, with no pending or open violations of the association’s rules, regulations, or governing documents, and describing the amount and due date of all outstanding and upcoming dues, fees, fines, or amounts of any kind, assessed in connection with the Property

 

8. Conditions Precedent to Purchaser’s Obligations. The obligations of Purchaser hereunder are subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions:

 

(a) Seller’s representations and warranties contained in this Agreement shall be true and accurate, in all material respects as if made as of Closing, and Seller shall have fulfilled its delivery requirements set forth herein.

 

(b) Seller shall have delivered or caused to be delivered the items set forth in Sections 5 and 10.

 

(c) Seller shall have paid any and all taxes, franchise fees and any other tax charge(s) which is/are currently due and payable in relation to the Property.

 

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(d) The transactions contemplated under the APA shall have closed, it being contemplated that such closing shall occur simultaneously with the Closing hereunder.

 

In the event any of the foregoing conditions precedent to Closing are not satisfied, in Purchaser’s reasonable opinion, on or prior to Closing, then Purchaser shall have the right to waive such conditions and proceed to Closing or terminate this Agreement.

 

9. Conditions Precedent to Seller’s Obligations. The obligations of Seller hereunder are subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions:

 

(a) At Closing, the representations and warranties set forth herein by Purchaser shall be true and correct in all material respects as if made as of Closing and Purchaser shall have fulfilled its delivery requirements set forth herein.

 

(b) Purchaser shall have delivered or cause to be delivered the items set forth in Section 10 below.

 

(c) Each of the obligations of Purchaser required by this Agreement to be performed by it at or prior to the Closing shall have been duly performed and complied with in all material respects as of the Closing.

 

(d) The transactions contemplated under the APA shall have closed, it being contemplated that such closing shall occur simultaneously with the Closing hereunder.

 

In the event any of the foregoing conditions precedent to Closing are not satisfied, in Seller’s reasonable opinion, on or prior to Closing, then Seller shall have the right to waive such conditions and proceed to Closing or terminate this Agreement.

 

10. Closing Documents.

 

10.1 Deliveries by Seller at Closing. On or prior to the Closing, Seller shall execute (as applicable) and deliver to Purchaser, the following:

 

(a) The Deed conveying fee simple title to the Property, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, except the Permitted Exceptions. A quit claim deed as provided for in Section 4 hereof, as applicable;

 

(b) A bill of sale conveying the Improvements and all Property rights to be conveyed hereunder, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, except the Permitted Exceptions;

 

(c) Assignment of any and all warranties (if any and to the extent assignable), plans, specifications, drawings, and engineering information and data provided or assigned by any contractors and subcontractors, architects and engineers that have provided goods or services on or to the Property;

 

(d) An owner’s affidavit in a form acceptable to Seller and Title Insurer affirming that there are no outstanding possessory rights, liens or rights to claim liens against the Property;

 

(e) An Affidavit from Seller required pursuant to Section 1445 of the Code and corresponding laws of the State of Tennessee, as applicable;

 

(f) An IRS Form 1099;

 

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(g) A termination of any and all leases affecting the Property;

 

(h) Tax certificates required by or contemplated under applicable law;

 

(i) Written assurances (the “Lienholder Assurances”), reasonably satisfactory to Title Insurer, executed by the holders of all liens encumbering the Property (the “Real Property Lienholders”), setting forth the payment (the “Release Payment”) required to be made to each such Real Property Lienholder to obtain a release of all encumbrances affecting the Property, which amount may include other loans from Real Property Lienholder to Seller which are not secured by encumbrances on the Property, and containing each such Real Property Lienholder’s commitment to promptly execute and deliver to Purchaser a complete release of all such encumbrances upon receipt of the Release Payment;

 

(j) A certificate dated the Closing Date and executed by an authorized representative of Seller stating that the representations and warranties of Seller in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as those such representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date, and that the covenants and agreements to be performed or complied with by Seller prior to the Closing have been performed and complied with in all material respects;

 

(k) Settlement statement prepared in accordance with the allocations contained in Section 14 hereof (the “Settlement Statement”);

 

(l) Such other closing documents as may be customary in the jurisdiction in which the Property is located, including, without limitation, corporate certificates and resolutions and affidavits reasonably required by the Title Insurer; and

 

(m) Certificate of Good Standing for Seller issued within 30 days prior to the Closing Date.

 

10.2 Deliveries by Purchaser at Closing.

 

(a) The Purchase Price as set forth in Section 2 hereof, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, subject to prorations, adjustments and credits as described in this Agreement;

 

(b) Execute and deliver or obtain for delivery any instruments reasonably necessary to close this transaction, including, without limitation, corporate certificates and resolutions and affidavits reasonably required by the Title Insurer;

 

(c) Certificate of Good Standing for Purchaser issued within 30 days prior to the Closing Date; and

 

(d) The Settlement Statement.

 

Page 9 of 17

 

 

11. Condemnation. If prior to the Closing all or any part of the Property shall have been taken, or Purchaser or Seller receives notice that all or any part of the Property may be taken, in the exercise of the power of eminent domain, Purchaser may, upon written notice to Seller given within 10 days after Purchaser receives written notice of such taking or contemplated taking, terminate this Agreement and, in such event, Seller and Purchaser shall have no further rights or obligations hereunder to the other. Otherwise, if prior to the Closing Date any part of the Property shall have been taken, or Purchaser or Seller receives notice that all or any part of the Property may be taken, in the exercise of the power of eminent domain by any governmental or private authority, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and at Closing, Seller shall assign, transfer and set over to Purchaser all of the right, title and interest of Seller in and to any awards that have been or that may thereafter be made for such taking. In the event Seller has received payment of any such awards prior to Closing, such amounts shall be credited against the Purchase Price, to the extent not used for restoring or repairing the improvements. If restoration or repairs are conducted, then Seller will expeditiously and timely undertake to restore the Property to a condition reasonably acceptable to Purchaser, and Purchaser will have the right to reasonably approve all plans, specifications, time periods and the contractor performing any such work.

 

12. Casualty. If, prior to the Closing, all or any part of the Property shall have been damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty rendering 20% or more not usable for at least 75 days, Purchaser may, upon written notice to Seller given within 10 days after Purchaser receives written notice of such casualty, or within 10 days after discovering said casualty, terminate this Agreement and, in such event, Purchaser and Seller shall have no further rights or obligations hereunder to the other. If Purchaser does not elect to terminate this Agreement as aforesaid, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and at Closing, Seller shall assign, transfer and set over to Purchaser all of the right, title and interest of Seller in and to any proceeds that have been or that may thereafter be made for such casualty. In the event Seller has received payment of any such proceeds prior to Closing, such amounts shall be credited against the Purchase Price, to the extent not used for restoring or repairing the improvements. If restoration or repairs are conducted, then Seller will expeditiously and timely undertake to restore the Property to a condition reasonably acceptable to Purchaser, and Purchaser will have the right to reasonably approve all plans, specifications, time periods and the contractor performing any such work.

 

13. Commission. Seller and Purchaser warrant and represent to each other that, except for as attached in Schedule 13 hereto (who shall be paid at Closing by Seller at Seller’s sole expense pursuant to a separate agreement,) Seller and Purchaser have not entered into any agreement or arrangement and have not received services from any broker or broker’s employees or independent contractors and there are no broker’s commissions or fees payable in connection with this Agreement or the purchase and sale of the Property by reason of their respective dealings, negotiations or communications. The warranties and representations made in this section shall survive termination, expiration or Closing of this Agreement.

 

14. Costs. Except as provided below, the costs and expenses of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be allocated as is customary in commercial transactions in the county and state where the property is situated. Ad valorem and any other applicable taxes for the year in which the Closing occurs shall be prorated as of the Closing Date; provided, however, rollback taxes or special assessments, if any, shall be the sole obligation of Seller without proration, and due and payable at Closing.

 

(a) At the Closing, Seller shall pay the cost of:

 

(i) any unpaid taxes, assessments or similar charges due and payable as of the Closing Date;

 

(ii) any applicable deed transfer tax and/or excise tax with respect to this transaction, including without limitation documentary stamp taxes or fees applicable to recording the Deed;

 

(iii) any expenses incurred by Seller in obtaining a release of mortgages or encumbrances affecting title, and all of Seller’s attorneys’ fees;

 

(iv) any costs associated with a Phase II environmental site assessment, if deemed necessary and appropriate by the Phase I environmental site assessment; and any costs associated with curing, to Purchaser’s satisfaction, all recognized environmental concerns discovered as part of the environmental assessments, should Seller elect to cure same; and

 

Page 10 of 17

 

 

(v) one-half of the closing/escrow/disbursement agent’s fees.

 

(b) At the Closing, Purchaser shall pay the cost of:

 

(i) recording the Deed;

 

(ii) owner’s policy premium, endorsement, and title search and exam fees;

 

(iii) lender’s title policy premiums and fees, endorsements, title search and exam fees and other related title costs;

 

(iv) all loan fees charged by Purchaser’s lender and Purchaser’s attorneys’ fees;

 

(v) all expenses incurred by Purchaser in the investigation of the suitability of the Property, including but not limited to engineering fees, surveyor fees, consulting fees, feasibility studies and environmental fees (provided, however, if a Phase I environmental site assessment obtained by Purchaser recommends that a Phase II environmental site assessment be obtained, Seller shall pay for the Phase II environmental site assessment), architectural fees, appraisal fees, and other consultants’ fees; and

 

(vi) one-half of the closing/escrow/disbursement agent’s fees.

 

15. Indemnification.

 

(a) Seller agrees, from and after the Closing, to indemnify Purchaser, its successors and assigns and their respective owners, managers, partners, officers, directors, employees and agents (collectively, the “Purchaser Parties”) harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, penalties, loss, cost or expense any of them may incur, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incident to, resulting from any way arising out of (i) the material breach of any warranty or representation made herein, or (ii) the ownership or operation of the Property on or prior to Closing, including but not limited to any and all claims, liabilities, damages, penalties, loss or expense incurred, resulting from, or in any way arising out of any injury to persons or damage to property happening or occurring in, on or about the Property in connection with the operation of the Property on or prior to the Closing. This Section 15 shall survive the Closing for a period of 18 months.

 

(b) Purchaser hereby agrees, from and after the Closing, to indemnify Seller and hold Seller harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, penalties, loss, cost or expense incurred by Seller, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incident to, resulting from, or any way arising out of (i) the material breach of any warranty or representation made herein, (ii) the investigation (prior to Closing), or (ii) ownership or operation of the Property after the Closing, including but not limited to any and all claims, liabilities, damages, penalties, loss or expense incurred, resulting from, or in any way arising out of any injury to persons or damage to property happening or occurring in, on or about the Property in connection with the operation of the Property, after the Closing. This Section 15 shall survive the Closing for a period of 18 months.

 

(c) As used in this Section 15, the term “Indemnitor” refers to the Party from whom indemnification is sought and the “Indemnified Party” refers to the Party seeking indemnification.

 

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(d) If any claim that is covered by this Section 15 is made against an Indemnified Party, the Indemnified Party shall give prompt written notice of such claim (the “Indemnity Notice”) to the Indemnitor within the survival period as set forth in this Agreement. Failure to give or delay in giving the Indemnity Notice shall not relieve the Indemnitor of its obligation to indemnify unless, and to the extent that, the Indemnitor is materially prejudiced by the failure or delay.

 

(e) Upon receipt by the Indemnitor of the Indemnity Notice, the Indemnitor shall have the responsibility of defending the claim, and all expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred in connection therewith shall be paid by the Indemnitor and shall notify the Indemnified Party of its intention to defend within 10 days of receipt of notice. The Indemnified Party shall have the right to be represented by counsel at its own expense in any defense. If the Indemnitor defends the claim, the Indemnitor shall have the exclusive right to settle any such matter, either before or after the initiation of litigation, at such time and upon such terms as it deems fair and reasonable, provided that the Indemnitor, except with the consent of the Indemnified Party, shall not consent to entry of judgment or enter into any settlement that involves injunctive relief against the Indemnified Party or does not include an unconditional release by the claimant to the Indemnified Party from all liability in respect to such matter. If a claim under this Section is not defended by the Indemnitor and the claim is determined favorably to the Indemnified Party, the Indemnified Party shall give notice to the Indemnitor of the amount of the expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred with respect to such claim, and the Indemnitor shall remit such amount to the Indemnified Party promptly. If such claim is finally determined adversely to the Indemnified Party or if the Indemnified Party compromises the claim, the Indemnified Party shall give notice to the Indemnitor of the amount of such claim as finally determined or compromised (including the amount of the Indemnified Party’s costs and interest with respect thereto and attorneys’ fees, if applicable), and the Indemnitor shall remit such amount to the Indemnified Party promptly. References herein to costs and attorneys’ fees shall also include all costs and attorneys’ fees incurred in appeals.

 

(f) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in no event will either Party be liable for any indirect, special, consequential or punitive damages, or any damages for business interruption or lost profits arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, even if any Party hereto has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

 

(g) A Party entitled to indemnification hereunder shall take, and cause its Affiliates to take, all reasonable steps to mitigate any loss upon becoming aware of any event or circumstance that would be reasonably expected to, or does, give rise thereto, including incurring costs only to the minimum extent necessary to remedy the breach that gives rise to such loss.

 

16. Default.

 

(a) If Purchaser shall default hereunder and fails to remedy such default within 10 days after receiving written notice from Seller thereof (or such longer period of time as may be reasonably necessary given the specific nature of the default, so long as Purchaser promptly commences cure thereof and diligently pursues completion), Seller’s sole remedy is to terminate this Agreement and cause Asset Seller to seek any available remedies under the APA.

 

(b) In the event Seller fails to comply with or perform any of the conditions to be complied with or any of the obligations to be performed by Seller under the terms and provisions of this Agreement and Seller fails to remedy such default within 10 days after written notice from Purchaser, Purchaser shall be entitled to exercise an action in equity against Seller for the specific performance by Seller of the terms and provisions of this Agreement provided that Purchaser commences such action for specific performance within sixty (60) days of the occurrence of such default.

 

Page 12 of 17

 

 

(c) This section shall survive Closing, termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

17. Notices. All notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing and shall be (a) sent by registered or certified mail, First Class postage attached, (b) sent by hand or overnight delivery, or (c) sent by electronic mail, in each case addressed to the respective Parties at the addresses set forth below, or to such other address and to the attention of such other Persons as a Party hereto may specify from time to time by Notice to the other Parties. Each Notice shall be deemed given and be effective only upon actual receipt (or refusal of receipt), except that electronic mail notices will be deemed duly given and effective upon the date of mailing, provided that a copy of said notice is confirmed within 2 days thereafter by delivery (or refusal) by any of the delivery methods described in (a) or (b). Either Party may, by notice in writing, direct that future notices or demands be sent to different addresses, and notices on behalf of either Party may be given by the attorneys representing such Party. The Parties and their respective counsel may waive, by way of email correspondence, any notice requirements provided for herein. To the extent there are multiple Purchaser or Seller parties, a notice to one purchaser or seller is effective as to all of the purchaser or sellers, respectively.

 

If to Seller, to:

 

c/o Myron Bernard (as Property Owner)

215 Brobeck Road, Limestone, TN 37681

Email: myron@bachmanbernard.com

 

With a copy to:

 

Burr & Forman LLP

171 Seventeenth Street NW, Suite 1100

Atlanta, Georgia 30363

Attention: James M. McCarten

Telephone: 404-532-7236

Email: jim.mccarten@burr.com

 

If to Purchaser to:

 

LMP Automotive

Attention: Mr. Sam Tawfik

601 North State Road 7

Plantation, Florida 33317

Email: sam@lmpmotors.com

 

With a copy to:

 

Bass Sox Mercer

Attention: Gregory A. May, Esq.

2822 Remington Green Circle

Tallahassee, Florida 32308

Email: gmay@dealerlawyer.com

 

The refusal by any party to accept delivery shall not negate the effectiveness of notice otherwise properly given.

 

Page 13 of 17

 

 

18. Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the sale and purchase of the Property, and may not be modified orally or in any manner other than by an agreement in writing signed by the Parties. Escrow Agent will not be required to join in the execution of any amendments unless its rights or obligations under this Agreement are affected. It is expressly understood and agreed that without Seller’s consent, Purchaser may assign or otherwise transfer all of Purchaser’s rights, obligations and benefits hereunder to any entity owned or controlled in whole or in part by Purchaser’s equity owner(s); provided, however, that Purchaser shall deliver written notice to Seller of such assignment not less than 5 days prior to Closing.

 

19. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns.

 

20. No Waiver. The waiver by any Party of a breach of any covenant, agreement or undertaking contained herein shall be made only by an instrument in writing signed by the Party giving such waiver, and no such waiver shall operate or be construed as a waiver of any prior or subsequent breach of the same covenant, agreement or undertaking. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the exercise of any remedy provided by law or otherwise, and the provisions of this Agreement for any remedy, shall not exclude any other remedy.

 

21. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining part of such provision, and the validity, legality and enforceability of the other provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby.

 

22. Time of Essence; Computation of Time. Time is of the essence with respect to all dates and time periods set forth or referred to in this Agreement and each of its provisions. Whenever this Agreement requires that something be done within a period of days, such period shall: (a) not include the day from which such period commences; (b) include the day upon which such period expires; (c) expire at 6:00 p.m. (Eastern) on the date by which such thing is to be done; or (d) be extended to the next succeeding business day if the final day of such period falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or bank holiday in the state where such thing is to be done.

 

23. 1031 Exchange. In the event Purchaser or Seller desires to effect a tax-deferred exchange in connection with the conveyance of the Property, Seller and Purchaser each agrees to cooperate in effecting such exchange; provided, however, that neither Party shall be responsible for any additional costs associated with an exchange by the other Party, and provided further that neither Party shall assume any additional liability or be responsible for any costs with respect to such tax-deferred exchange nor shall it cause a delay in closing. Seller and Purchaser shall execute such additional documents as shall be reasonably required to give effect to this provision.

 

24. Applicable Law and Venue. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS AND JUDICIAL DECISIONS OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF. ANY LITIGATION, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE INSTITUTED IN ANY STATE COURT IN THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, GREENE COUNTY. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION WHICH IT MIGHT HAVE NOW OR HEREAFTER TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH LITIGATION, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, SUBMITS TO THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY SUCH COURT AND, WAIVES ANY CLAIM OR DEFENSE OF INCONVENIENT FORUM. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS BY REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, AT THE ADDRESS SPECIFIED HEREIN AND EXPRESSLY WAIVES THE BENEFIT OF ANY CONTRARY PROVISION OF LAW.

 

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25. Joint Preparation. The preparation of this Agreement has been a joint effort of the parties and the resulting documents shall not, solely as a matter of judicial construction, be construed more severely against one of the parties than the other.

 

26. JURY WAIVER. IN ANY CIVIL ACTION, COUNTERCLAIM, OR PROCEEDING, WHETHER AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, WHICH ARISES OUT OF, CONCERNS, OR RELATES TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY AND ALL TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE RELATIONSHIP CREATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE, TRIAL SHALL BE TO A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION AND NOT TO A JURY. THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY. ANY PARTY MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE OTHER PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT OF THE WAIVER OF ITS RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. NEITHER PARTY HAS MADE OR RELIED UPON ANY ORAL REPRESENTATIONS TO OR BY ANY OTHER PARTY REGARDING THE ENFORCEABILITY OF THIS PROVISION. EACH PARTY HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS THE EFFECT OF THIS JURY WAIVER PROVISION.

 

27. Confidentiality. Prior to the Closing or in the event this Agreement is terminated for any reason, Purchaser and Seller will maintain in confidence, the terms of this Agreement and any information not previously disclosed to the public, furnished by Seller to Purchaser or by Purchaser to Seller in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, or disclosed by any inspection of the Property, and shall not disclose such information except: (i) to their respective attorneys, accountants, brokers, consultants, key employees and financial advisors having a need to know such information; (ii) to the extent necessary or appropriate in making any filing or obtaining any waiver, consent or approval required for the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby; or (iii) as required by law or in a legal proceeding involving this Agreement upon prior notice to the other Party. If this Agreement is terminated for any reason prior to Closing, each Party shall return or destroy as much of such written information as the other Party may reasonably request. The confidentiality provisions set forth herein shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason. Each Party shall take reasonable precautions to ensure that all of its employees, agents and other representatives comply with these covenants.

 

28. Attorneys’ Fees. In connection with any dispute arising under, from, or as a result of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the prevailing Party or Parties will be entitled to recover all costs or expenses incurred (including those incurred in any appeals from any litigation and enforcement of judgments), including reasonable attorneys’ fees, paralegals and legal assistants. This provision will survive the Closing or any termination of this Agreement.

 

29. Recording. Neither Purchaser nor Seller will record this Agreement or a memorandum of this Agreement, except as done in connection with an action to enforce the terms hereof, and any violation of this Section will be a default under this Agreement.

 

30. Further Assurances. Purchaser and Seller each agree from time to time to execute and deliver such further and other transfers, assignments, and documents and to do all matters and things that are legally required or reasonably necessary to effectuate the intentions of this Agreement. This provision will survive the Closing.

 

Page 15 of 17

 

 

31. Gender and Case. Wherever in this Agreement the singular number is used, the same will include the plural, and the masculine gender will include the feminine and neuter genders, and vice versa, as the context will require.

 

32. Captions. The captions of this Contract are for convenience only and are not to be construed as defining or limiting in any way the scope or intent of the provisions of this Contract.

 

33. Counterparts; Effective Date; Electronic Mail Copies. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall be deemed to be a single instrument and shall be effective as of the date when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Parties. An electronic mail copy or pdf version of this Agreement and any signatures on any counterpart hereof shall be considered for all purposes as originals.

 

(Signatures on following page)

 

Page 16 of 17

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Real Estate Purchase Agreement on the dates shown below.

 

SELLER:  
   
By:

/s/ Philip M. Bachman, Jr.,

Martha M. Bachman, POA

 
  Philip M. Bachman, Jr., an individual., by  
  Martha M. Bachman Under Power of Attorney  
  dated August 22, 2012  
   
Date: 08/28/2020  
   
By: /s/ Myron Bernard  
  Myron Bernard, an individual  
   
Date: 08/28/202  
   
PURCHASER:  
   
601 NSR, LLC, a Delaware limited  
liability company  
   
By: /s/ Sam Tawfik  
  Sam Tawfik  
     
Title: CEO  
   
Date: 08/28/2020

 

Page 17 of 17

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Main Parcel:

 

SITUATE in the 13th Civil District of Greene County, Tennessee, and being more particularly described as follows:

 

BEGINNING at a T-bar in the northerly right-of-way line of U.S. Highway 11E, also known as the Robert Smith Parkway, corner to Ray and Charlotte Jones on which is currently located the Char Ray Inn; thence with the line of Jones, North 21 deg. 30 min. 40 sec. West a distance of 690.07 feet to a T-bar, corner to Fred and Barbara Serral; thence with the line of Serral, South 52 deg. 29 min. 20 sec. West a distance of 474.59 feet to an iron pin, corner to 11-E Building Supply; thence with the line of 11-E Building Supply, South 22 deg. 32 min. 10 sec. East a distance of 519.20 feet to a T-bar in the right-of-way line of Highway 11E; thence with the right-of-way of said highway with a curve to the right having a radius of 2461.83 feet, a chord bearing of North 73 deg. 37 min. 15 sec. East and an arc distance of 448.72 feet to the point of BEGINNING, as shown by map or plat dated April 19, 1989, by Morris J. Turpin, Registered Land Surveyor, Tennessee No. 1119.

 

BEING the same property conveyed to Max Lawson and wife, Barbara Lawson, from Fred A. Serral and wife, Barbara Serral, by deed dated July 1, 1977, of record in Deed Book 339, page 299, in the Register’s Office for Greene County, Tennessee, to which reference is here made.

 

Front Lot Parcel:

 

SITUATE in the 13th Civil District of Greene County, Tennessee, and being more particularly described as follows:

 

BEGINNING on an iron pin in the North right-of-way line of West Andrew Johnson Highway, said point located 130 feet North of the centerline of said highway, and running thence with a curve of the right-of-way line of West Andrew Johnson Highway, South 73 deg. 42 min. 27 sec. West, radius of 2421.83 feet, arc distance of 441.45 feet to an iron pin; thence North 26 deg. 51 min. 37 sec. West 40 feet to an iron pin corner to Bachman & Bernard; thence with a curve along the line of Bachman & Bernard North 73 deg. 37 min. 15 sec. East, radius of 2461.83 feet, arc distance of 448.72 feet to a T-bar; thence South 16 deg. 23 min. 47 sec. East 40 feet to the point of BEGINNING, containing 0.41 acre, more or less, according to survey of Tony R Bowman, Tennessee License No. 2282, dated April 4, 2013.

 

BEING the same property conveyed to Myron N. Bernard, by deed of Max Lawson and wife, Barbara Lawson dated May 2, 2013, of record in Deed Book 525A, page 2167, Register’s Office for Greene County, Tennessee.

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 13

 

As part of the overall transactions of Seller and the Asset Seller as including that under the APA, Seller is obligated for certain brokerage commissions to the Tim Lamb Group, L.L.C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

A CLOSE UP OF A SIGN

DESCRIPTION AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED

 

LMP Automotive Holdings, Inc. Announces the Acquisition of 9 Southeast Dealerships Including 10 New Vehicle Franchises

 

September 1, 2020

 

· Expands LMP’s e-commerce, sales, subscription and fufillment footprint in the Southeast market as we roll-out our hybrid e-commerce home delivery, site-to-store, and ship-from-store delivery strategies for our customers
· Expected to add approximately $320 million in annual revenue in 2021 and combined with the Southeast Toyota dealership acquisition previously announced on July 17, 2020, $435 million in annual revenue in 2021
· Expected to be accretive to 2021 earnings by $5.3 million or $.53 per share in 2021 inclusive of synergies, combined with the Southeast Toyota dealership previously announced on July 17, 2020, $9.3 million or $.92 per share in 2021
· The acquisitions are expected to close on or before December 31, 2020 funded through a combination of LMP’s balance sheet and financing

PLANTATION, FL / GLOBE NEWSWIRE /September 1, 2020/ LMP Automotive Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LMPX) (the "Company" or “LMP”), an e-commerce and facilities-based platform for consumers who desire to buy, sell, subscribe for or finance pre-owned and new automobiles, today announced the acquisition of 9 Southeast Dealerships Including 10 New Vehicle Franchises.

 

Richard Aldahan, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer stated,

 

"We are thankful to both the LMP and our counter party employees and professionals who have worked tirelessly over the last few months on this transaction. The talent in

both organizations and the resilience of our business model will put us in a

position to become a stronger and more diversified company. I am pleased to

welcome all our new future colleagues and look forward to working and growing together as we roll-out our hybrid e-commerce home delivery, site-to-store, and ship-from-store delivery strategies."

 

Aldahan concluded,

 

“The operating assets to be acquired include an 85% interest in 5 new vehicle franchises and 3 pre-owned centers, all of which are located in the attractive West Virginia market, as well as a 100% interest in 4 new vehicle franchises in the Tennessee market: 1 Subaru,1 Hyundai, 1 KIA, 2 Chevrolet, 2 GMC, 1 Cadillac, and 2 Buick. These clustered locations combined with our current operations and previously contracted acquisition provide for reconditioning, service, logistical and fulfillment efficiencies which are important cost saving components in e-commerce, sales and distribution. With these and our previously announced acquisition, including our current operations, we expect to have approximately 2,000 vehicles exposed and available online on our platform to our customers”

 

 

 

Sam Tawfik, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer stated,

“We are excited to expand our fulfillment footprint in this Eastern United States region which is in line with our hybrid e-commerce and dealership clustering strategy. We are looking forward to enabling our subscription and e-commerce technology over these dealer platforms in order to further expand our online fulfillment presence and add to their historical success.”

 

Mr. Tawfik also added,

 

“As we have mentioned previously, we are seeing a robust acquisitions market and have a pipeline of prespective acquisitions that we are in active negotiations with. We intend to continue to build our pipeline of prospective dealership acquisitions and intend on accelerating our acquisition strategy moving forward. LMP plans on adding 30 to 40 dealerships in 2021 that could contribute $5 to $7 per share in additional net income, expand our e-commerce fulfillment presence, provide efficiencies as well as increase our inventory exposed in our lmpmotors.com online store.”  

 

About LMP Automotive Holdings, Inc. – “Buy, Subscribe, Sell and Repeat.”

LMP Automotive Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LMPX) describes its business model as “Buy, Subscribe, Sell and Repeat.” This means that we “Buy” pre-owned automobiles primarily through auctions or directly from other automobile dealers, and new automobiles from manufacturers and manufacturer distributors at fleet rates. We “Subscribe” to our customers by allowing them to enter into our subscription plan for automobiles in which customers have use of an automobile. Our subscription plans offer the flexibility to upgrade your vehicle to a more premium model or downgrade for a lesser cost model when you like. We “Sell” our inventory, including automobiles previously included in our subscription programs, to customers as well, and then we “Repeat” the whole process.

 

 

Media Contact:

John Mattio

President and Founder

Lamnia International

(203) 885-1058

jmattio@lamniacom.com

 

For more information visit: https://lmpmotors.com/.

 

 

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended. Such statements include, but are not limited to, any statements relating to our expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar matters that are not historical facts. These statements may be preceded by, followed by or include the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “likely,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “projection,” “seek,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “should,” “would,” will,” the negatives thereof and other words and terms of similar meanings. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect our business, operating results, financial condition and stock value. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated include: our dependence upon external sources for the financing of our operations; our ability to effectively executive our business plan; our ability to maintain and grow our reputation and to achieve and maintain the market acceptance of our services and platform; our ability to manage the growth of our operations over time; our ability to maintain adequate protection of our intellectual property and to avoid violation of the intellectual property rights of others; our ability to maintain relationships with existing customers and automobile suppliers, and develop relationships; and our ability to compete and succeed in a highly competitive and evolving industry; as well as other risks described in our SEC filings. There is no assurance that any forward-looking statements will materialize. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect expectations only as of this date. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

 

SOURCE: LMP Automotive Holdings, Inc.