Exhibit 10.1
Joint Venture Agreement
This AGREEMENT is made on this date November 12, 2015
duly signed and totally binding on all parties mentioned hereunder.
as “ First Party”
FBEC Worldwide, Inc.
1621 Central Ave.
Cheyenne, WY 82001
And as “Second Party”
CBD Globe Distributors Ltd.
86-90 Paul Street
London EC2A 4NE
Hereinafter also referred to collectively as the “Parties” and individually as the “Party”.
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WHEREAS:
The Parties identified herein, for the purpose of consolidating power/footprint in the cannabis and hemp industry through this Joint Venture Agreement (“Agreement”) by and between the Parties identified herein through the formation of a Florida limited liability company (the “LLC”); and
The Parties agree that this Agreement shall also be binding on affiliates and related companies in the widest meaning of this definition. This agreement is a partnership in any transaction between either buyers, sellers, distributors or other service providers that either of the parties has introduced. The Parties agree to do nothing to circumvent or avoid their obligations under this Agreement or to avoid their obligations to the other Party; and
The Parties wish to enter into an Agreement to define their respective roles and responsibilities and thus successfully satisfy the objectives of these transactions; and
To perform certain functions, and thereby binding all the Parties to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
IT IS NOW, THEREFORE, AGREED by the undersigned parties to this Agreement that the various promises, covenants, warranties and undertakings set forth herein shall constitute good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which the Parties acknowledge by signing below. The Parties hereto agree to work together in good faith, using their best efforts and resources as set forth below:
1. | THE PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT |
This Agreement is drawn for the express purpose of forming the LLC, which shall be owned as follows: 50.1% by the First Party and 49.9% by the Second Party. The LLC shall create a strategic alliance between the brands currently held by the Parties, respectively in an effort to lend support in a multitude of areas and consolidate businesses in the cannabis and hemp industry. The First Party will take on the role of online digital marketer in a wide variety of online spaces as well as provide fulfilment support for the distribution of all brands at the First Party’s expense. To the extent set forth in this Agreement, each of the Parties shall own an undivided fractional part in the LLC. The LLC shall not engage in any other business or activity without the written consent of the Parties. In addition to this Agreement, the purpose and operations of the LLC will be detailed in the applicable operating agreement of the LLC (the “Operating Agreement”). Jason Spatafora and Patrick Folkes shall be the managing members of the LLC (the “Managing Members”)
2. | TERM OF AGREEMENT |
This Agreement shall become effective upon execution and shall continue to be in effect for a period of 365 days or one (1) year, or until the obligations of each of the parties are fulfilled as set forth herein, including any roll-overs, extensions, additions, renewals or revisits to this Agreement, or until discharge or termination as set forth elsewhere herein. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Parties, their Principals, Heirs, Successors, Assigns, Subsidiaries, Attorneys, Agents or any other party deriving or claiming to derive benefit here from, or becomes involved with it, or it's subject matter in any way. The Agreement may be terminated by either Party in writing with thirty (30) days notice, as long as all financial obligations generated herein are completed to their fruition. All terms in the Confidentiality, Non-Circumvention and Non-Disclosure Agreement Section of this agreement shall survive any termination noted herein.
3. | DUTIES OF THE PARTIES |
The transactions intended by the Parties hereto, and the duties of the various parties with respect to such transactions, are described as follows:
3.1 Duties of the First Party, through the operations of LLC, in connection with má products, an ultra-high grade certified CBD hemp oil product which comes with a flavor cartridge, vapor pen, and 1ml of ma CBD oil:
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● Handle all digital and social media marketing; attempt to increase sales online and via wholesale channels utilising SEO activities and Google Adword commitment.
● Connect fulfillment centre to website and coordinate sales GUI for wholesale ordering by sales team members.
● Data collection on retailers, distributors and wholesalers.
● Identify, list and provide all free or discounted banner groups available.
● Implement logistical and distribution manager to handle fulfilment needs by using inventory management software.
● Create a tracking platform using available technology to maintain accurate records of purchase orders, accounts receivable and all other expenditures related to day to day business of má products.
● Create marketing strategies to extend the footprint of all brands associated with the LLC by both traditional marketing means, celebrity endorsement and product placement with prior approval of strategy and marketing aims in unison with the Second Party as brand owners.
● Seek funding commitments for both promotions and conventions.
● Provide its scientific advisory team to propose ideas to the Second Party, test and create new products that the Second Party could deem unique and worth pursuing by unanimous consent of the Managing Members.
● Seek approval from the Second Party in connection with the marketing of any other competing product or proposition, without such approval the First Party would be prohibited from any further activity in this respect.
● Liaise with the Second Party on all proposed product pricing issues, discounts, promotions, campaigns, PR, social media, advertising and all other marketing issues with the objective of streamlining má brand and marketing campaigns worldwide.
● Coordinate the payment to the Second Party of its profit distribution, pursuant to the Operating Agreement, within 10 business days of each month end.
3.2 Duties of the Second Party, through the operations of the LLC:
● Share any future distribution pipeline opportunities with the First Party for the purpose of extending the má brand exposure in the cannabis and hemp space.
● Design a website, and create a new eCommerce platforms.
● Manage of all internet properties.
● Direct all revenue and product flow related to the má brand in the United States through the LLC and assist the First Party in its preparation of periodic financial reports as to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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4. | PROFITS, COSTS & DISTRIBUTION OF PROFITS |
The Parties in this Agreement agree to act in joint efforts in completion of the formation of the LLC and the undertaking of the purpose of this Agreement and the LL. The Parties shall share the Net Profit realized by the LLC, if any, within 10 business days of each month end, in accordance with the terms of the Operating Agreement. “Net Profit” as used herein, shall mean, for each month, an amount equal to the Licensor's taxable income, if any, for such month, determined in accordance with section 703(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time (for this purpose, all items of income, gain, loss or deduction required to be stated separately pursuant to section 703(a)(1) of the Code shall be included in taxable income, as applicable). All Net Profit is to be disbursed as follows:
50% (Fifty percent) of all Net Profits to First Party
50% (Fifty percent) of all Net Profits to Second Party.
5. | BANKING and BANKING COORDINATES |
Banking information for the Parties to this Agreement will be provided and shall provide the coordinates necessary for wire transfers of Net Profit.
6. | GENERAL PROVISIONS |
6.1. | Confidentiality, Non-Circumvention, Non-Disclosure and Non-Solicitation Agreement. |
All Parties agree that all information received from any other Party shall be used for the collective good of the transaction between the Parties and is not to be used in any way to:
6.1.1. | circumvent, eliminate, reduce or in any way diminish the role of the another Party; |
6.1.2. | capitalize on, leverage, or in any way benefit individually and separately over the another Party from or by the use of said information outside of the spirit and purpose of this joint venture between the Parties; |
6.1.3. | compete directly or indirectly with another Party. The intent is that recipient by receiving confidential information including investor names, customer lists, etc. from the disclosing Party will not use this information to compete with or circumvent the disclosing Party; |
6.1.4. | disclose any current, past and future transaction to any third party; |
6.1.5. | disclose any and all internal discussion, disputes or conversations to any third unrelated party; |
6.1.6. | solicit nor accept any business from sources, nor their affiliates, that are made available by the other Party to this Agreement, at any time or in any manner, for a period beginning on the date hereof and ending one (1) year from the termination of this Agreement, without the express written permission of the Party who made the source available; and |
6.1.7. | solicit for employment and employees of the other Party for a period beginning on the date hereof and ending one (1) year from the termination of this Agreement, without the express written permission of the Party who employs such employee. |
6.2. | Exclusivity. This relationship between the Parties is exclusive, which means that each Party is under an obligation to submit opportunities related to the má brand to the LLC. |
6.3. | Obligations of the Parties. The Parties agree to work together to accomplish the objectives of the transaction by performing timely, professionally and ethically and the Parties agree to carry out their responsibilities as set forth in this Agreement. Each Party is responsible for meeting its committed cost share and tax liabilities throughout the term of this Agreement. No Party is responsible for the costs or tax liabilities of any other Party. It is understood, timing is a key factor in this market place where the parties are operating, therefore, each party shall act as time is of the essence on each transaction. |
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6.4. | Indemnity. Each Party shall defend, indemnify, and hold the other Party and their directors, officers, employees, and representatives harmless from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages, and costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, resulting from, arising out of, or in any way connected with: |
6.4.1. | Any breach by them of any warranty, representation, or agreement contained in this Agreement, |
6.4.2. | The performance of the Party’s duties and obligations under this Agreement. |
6.5. | Liability. Each Party acknowledges that it shall be responsible for any loss, cost, damage, claim, or other charge that arises out of or is caused by the actions of that Party or its employees or agents. No Party shall be liable for any loss, cost, damage, claim, or other charge that arises out of or is caused by the actions of any other Party or its employees or agents. The Parties agree that consequential or punitive damages may be applicable or awarded with respect to any dispute that may arise between or among the Parties in connection with this Agreement. |
6.6. | Termination. The Agreement may be terminated by either Party in writing. Written notice must be provided and a confirmation of receipt sought and shall take effect 30 business days following confirmation of receipt of notice. In addition, the Parties agree that; |
6.7.1. All website URL’s in connection with the má brand shall revert and remain under the sole ownership and control of the Second Party; |
6.7.2. All social media and developed content shall revert and remain under the sole ownership and control of the Second Party;
6.7.3. All fulfilment centre activities, installed sales software and relationships in connection with the má brand and the sale of má products will revert to the sole control of the Second Party;
6.7.4. All sales leads and customer information generated from all marketing, social media and any other type of promotional activities will continue to be made available to the Second Party by the First Party.
6.7. | Survival. All terms in the Confidentiality, Non-Circumvention and Non-Disclosure Agreement Section of this agreement shall survive any termination noted herein. |
6.8. | Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the Laws the State of New York. |
6.9. | Disputes. In the event of disputes, the Parties agree to use their reasonable best effort to settle all disputes amicably. However, when an impasse is reached and a dispute cannot be otherwise settled, then, all disputes arising in connection with the present contract shall be settled under the rules of international conciliation and arbitration at the International Arbitration Center in London. |
6.10. | Language: English version it would be the only accepted as legitime text between the parties even if it contains grammatical mistakes. |
6.11. | Best Effort. The Parties will use their best effort in completing the transaction. Each transaction has it’s inherit risk. |
6.12. | Headings. Article and section headings contained in this Agreement are included for convenience only and form no part of the Agreement among the Parties. |
6.13. | Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is declared invalid by any court or government agency, all other provisions shall remain in full force and effect. |
6.14. | Use of Names. No Party shall use in any correspondence, advertising, promotional, or sales literature the name of any other Party without prior signed written consent of the other Party. |
6.15. | Waivers. Waiver by any Party of any breach or failure to comply with any provision of this Agreement by another Party shall not be construed as, or constitute, a continuing waiver of such provision or a waiver of any other breach of or failure to comply with any other provision of this Agreement. |
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6.16. | Relationships, Taxation and Money Laundering. It is understood and agreed by the Parties that this Agreement in and of itself does not create an employer-employee relationship, a partnership for tax purposes or for any other reason. The Parties confirm that they will observe the laws of their respective jurisdictions. Each Party will be fully responsible for their own taxation and declare that they will not use these said funds for any illicit or illegal activities covering any existing law associated with money laundering or evasion associated with international laws governing the transfer of monies for the avoidance of debt. No Party of this Agreement shall be liable for any taxation payments required by any and all governing authorities for any other participating Party. |
6.17. | Expenses of LLC. All losses and disbursements in acquiring, holding and protecting the business interest of the LLC and the Net Profits shall, during the term of this Agreement, be paid by the equally by the Parties. The Parties will review and agree on all costs and expenditures that are allocated to the Net Profit calculation. Furthermore, revenues may be drawn upon to finance further stock inventory with 24 hours’ notice by the Second Party for approval by the First Party, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld. |
6.18. | Restricted Stock Issuance. The First Party shall issue the Second Party a minimum of 6,000,000 shares of its common stock, $.001 par value per shares (the “Shares”). The Shares shall be issued in tranches monthly or quarterly, as to be reasonably agreed to by the Parties. |
6.19. | Halt. In the event that the trading of First Party’s common stock on the open market is halted, this Agreement shall terminate upon written notice from the Second Party. The LLC will still manage all day to day business until a reasonable contingency plan is carried out. The First Party will bear all costs and expenses following termination in this event. |
6.20. | Board of Directors. The Second Party shall have the right to appoint one director to the Board of Directors of the First Party, thereby giving the Board two members. This right will cease upon termination of this Agreement. |
7. | OTHER PROVISIONS |
7.1. | Any notices required hereof shall be in writing and delivered by Courier, Certified Mail or by telefax, email fax to the other part's address provided elsewhere herein. The Parties acknowledge and agree that such copies are legally acceptable and considered original documents. |
7.2. | Changes or deletion of any part of this Agreement shall have no effect unless agreed in writing by all Parties hereto. |
7.3. | The Parties hereto accept liability for taxes, imposts, levies, duties, charges and any other Institutional costs applicable to the execution of their part in this Agreement. |
7.4. | All statements, undertakings and representations are made without omission of any material fact, with personal, corporate and legal responsibility, under Penalty of Perjury. |
7.5. | Each signatory to this Agreement confirms and declares that he is empowered, legally qualified and authorised to execute and deliver this Agreement and to be bound by its Terms and Conditions. |
7.6. | This Agreement commences and becomes valid when authorised Parties have affixed their signatures to this page and have initialled all other pages thereof. This Agreement shall remain valid without respect to invalidity, failure or the inability to enforce any part hereof. |
7.7. | All electronic transmissions (ie facsimile, email, etc) of this Agreement, or any other associated document(s) to this transaction shall be considered as legal, binding and enforceable instruments, treated as original copy. |
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THIS JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT
is now, therefore, executed this November 12, 2015
for and on behalf of
Mr. Jason Spatafora __/s/ Jason Spatafora____________________________
FBEC Worldwide, Inc.
Mr. Patrick Folkes__/s/ Patrick Folkes_______________________________
CBD Globe Distributors Ltd
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