16.1.1. “Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly Controlling or Controlled by, or under common Control with, such specified Person; provided, however, that it is agreed that AB does not Control Grupo Modelo SA de CV (“Modelo”) or Modelo’s Affiliates.
16.1.2. A “Change of Control” shall have occurred with respect to a corporation for purposes of this Agreement upon completion or consummation of any of the following by or with respect to such corporation:
(a) the shareholders or Board of Directors of such corporation approve a definitive agreement to:
(i) merge or consolidate with any other Person or in which all the Voting Interests of such corporation outstanding immediately prior thereto represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into Voting Interests of the surviving corporation) less than 50% of the Voting Interests of such corporation or the surviving entity immediately after such merger or consolidation; or
(ii) the sale or disposition by such corporation (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of all or substantially all of such corporation’s assets;
(b) a plan of liquidation or dissolution of such corporation is submitted to and approved by the shareholders of such corporation;
(c) the sale or disposition by such corporation (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of, (i) in the case of AB or its Parent, their alcohol malt beverage business, or (ii) in the case of Hansen or its Parent, their energy drink business;
(d) any Person or group of Persons, other than (i) the Parent of such corporation as of the date of this Agreement, or (ii) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of such corporation, becomes the beneficial owner directly or indirectly (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Act) of more than 50% of the Voting Interests of such corporation, as a result of a tender offer or exchange offer, open market purchases, privately negotiated purchases or otherwise;
(e) in any share exchange, extraordinary dividend, acquisition, disposition or recapitalization (or series of related transactions of such nature) (other than a merger or consolidation), the holders of Voting Interests of such corporation immediately prior thereto continue to own directly or indirectly (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Act) less than 50% of the Voting Interests of such corporation (or successor entity) immediately thereafter; or
(f) any group of Persons acting in concert in Control of such corporation changes such that a different Person or group of Persons acting in concert Control such corporation.
In addition, a Change of Control of Hansen or Hansen’s Parent shall be deemed to have occurred if any Global Brewer, together with its Affiliates, becomes the beneficial owner directly or indirectly (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Act) of more than 20% of the Voting Interests of Hansen or Hansen’s Parent.
16.1.3. “Control” (including the correlative terms “Controlled by” and “Controlling”) when used with respect to any specified Person, means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of Voting Interests, by contract or otherwise. Without limitation (a) any Person that, directly or indirectly, owns or controls, or has the right to own or control (through the exercise of any outstanding option, warrant or right, through the conversion of a security or otherwise, whether or not then exercisable or convertible) 25% or more of the outstanding Voting Interests of another Person or an aggregate of 25% or more of the outstanding Voting Interests of a Person, its direct or indirect Parents or the direct or indirect Subsidiaries of such Person shall be deemed to control such Person for purposes of this term; and (b) any Person, that through any combination of interests, holdings or arrangements, has, or upon the exercise of any outstanding option, warrant or right, through the conversion of a security or otherwise, whether or not then exercisable or convertible, would have, the ability to elect 25% or more of the members of the governing board of any other Person shall be deemed to control such Person for purposes of this term.
16.1.4. “Global Brewer” means any Person that, together with its Affiliates, has produced and sold alcohol malt beverage products exceeding 15,000,000 Barrels in the calendar year immediately preceding the date on which the provision of this Agreement using this term is to be applied. A “Barrel” shall be equal to 31 U.S. gallons.
16.1.5. “Governmental Entity” means any (a) nation, state, county, city, town, village, district, or other jurisdiction of any nature; (b) federal, state, local, municipal, foreign, or other government; (c) governmental or quasi-governmental authority of any nature (including any governmental agency, branch, department, official, or entity and any court or other tribunal); or (d) body exercising, or entitled to exercise, any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, police, regulatory, or taxing authority or power of any nature.
16.1.6. “Parent” means (i) with respect to any corporation, limited liability company, association or similar organization or entity, any Person (whether directly, through one or more of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries) owning more than 50% of the issued and outstanding Voting Interests of such corporation, limited liability company, association or similar organization or entity and (ii) with respect to any partnership, any Person (whether directly or through one of its direct or indirect Affiliates) owning more than 50% of the issued and outstanding general and/or limited partnership interests.
16.1.7. “Person/s” means any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, corporation, or other entity or any Governmental Entity.
16.1.8. “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other organization or entity of which more than 50% of the issued and outstanding Voting Interests or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests, is at the time owned by such Person (whether directly, through one or more of such Person’s direct or indirect Subsidiaries). For the avoidance of doubt, neither Modelo nor any of its Subsidiaries is a Subsidiary of AB.
16.1.9. “Voting Interest” means equity interests in any entity of any class or classes (however designated) having ordinary voting power for the election of members of the governing body of such entity.
16.2. Notice of Change of Control. As soon as is reasonably practical after the occurrence of a Change of Control of a party to this Agreement or its Parent, but in no event later than sixty (60) days thereafter, the party subject to the Change of Control or whose Parent is subject to a Change of Control (the “Subject Party”) shall deliver written notice to the other party (the “Other Party”) that (a) states that a Change of Control has occurred with respect to itself or its Parent; (b) states the date that the Change of Control was consummated, if known; and (c) identifies the Person/s who acquired Control (the “Change of Control Notice”).
16.3. Termination on Change of Control. Within sixty (60) days of the Other Party’s receipt of a Change of Control Notice, (a) the Other Party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the Subject Party, without paying, or incurring any liability or obligation to pay, any termination fee, penalty, damages, or other compensation or (b) the Subject Party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the Other Party.
| 17. | Termination by Hansen. |
17.1. Hansen may terminate this Agreement within sixty (60) days after written notice to AB, without paying or incurring any liability or obligation to pay any termination fee, penalty, damages, or other compensation, if less than fifty percent (50%) of the AB Distributors offered by Hansen pursuant to the terms of Section 2 and not rejected by Hansen pursuant to the terms of Section 2.6 have signed and delivered an On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s to Hansen within fourteen (14) months after the Effective Date.
17.2.1. Subject to the terms of Section 17.2.2 below, upon written notice to AB, Hansen may terminate this Agreement within sixty (60) days after Hansen has actual knowledge of either of the following occurrences: (a) AB distributes anywhere in the Competitive Territory, through one or more AB Distributors, a Competitive Product that was acquired by AB or an AB Affiliate from another Person after the Effective Date, or (b) AB distributes anywhere in the Competitive Territory, through one or more AB Distributors, a Competitive Product of an AB Affiliate. Hansen’s right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 17.2 shall be independent of and in addition to any other rights or remedies of Hansen under this Agreement, including, without limitation, Sections 12.1 and 15.1 above, and the construction and interpretation of Section 12.1 shall not restrict, limit or otherwise affect the construction and interpretation of this Section 17.2.
17.2.2. Hansen shall not be entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to the terms of this Section 17.2 if the Competitive Product being distributed by AB, through one or more AB Distributors, was internally developed before or after the Effective Date by AB or an Existing Affiliate.
17.3.
17.3.1. Without limiting any of its other rights under this Section 17, Hansen shall have the right at any time after the Effective Date and prior to or on the third anniversary of the Effective Date, upon written notice to AB, to terminate this Agreement without cause or for no reason; provided, however, that such termination is expressly conditioned on Hansen concurrently:
(i) terminating, without cause, the Amended and Restated Monster Beverages Off-Premise Distribution Coordination Agreement effective as of May 8, 2006 (as amended from time to time, the “Monster Beverages Coordination Agreement”); and
(ii) sending written notice of termination without cause to, except as provided in the next sentence, each of the then existing AB/Hansen Distributors pursuant to the terms of the applicable On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s and the Distribution Agreement/s (as defined in, and attached as Exhibit A, to the Monster Beverages Distribution Coordination Agreement) between Hansen and each of those existing AB/Hansen Distributors. In order to satisfy the foregoing condition, Hansen does not have to send written notices of termination without cause to any AB/Hansen Distributors who at that time are in the process of being terminated by Hansen for cause pursuant to the terms of their applicable On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s and/or the Distribution Agreement/s (as defined in, and attached as Exhibit A, to the Monster Beverages Distribution Coordination Agreement) with Hansen.
17.3.2. Without limiting any of its other rights under this Section 17, Hansen shall have the right at any time after the third anniversary of the Effective Date, upon written notice to AB, to terminate this Agreement without cause or for no reason. Promptly after delivery of such termination notice, Hansen shall either:
(a) Give written notice of termination without cause to, except as provided in the next sentence, each of the then existing AB/Hansen Distributors pursuant to the terms of the applicable On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s between Hansen and each of those existing AB/Hansen Distributors. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, Hansen does not have to send written notices of termination without cause to any AB/Hansen Distributors who at that time are in the process of being terminated by Hansen for cause pursuant to the terms of their applicable On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s with Hansen; or
(b) To the extent Hansen does not give written notice of termination without cause to all then existing AB/Hansen Distributor/s of the applicable On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s (other than those who at the time are in the process of being terminated for cause) then the Monster Beverages Coordination Agreement (if then subsisting between Hansen and AB) shall be deemed to include all sales of Products by AB Distributors to On-Premise Accounts in the AB Territory under the respective On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s that remain in effect, for the purpose only of computing Net Sales (as defined in Section 6.1 of the Monster Beverages Coordination Agreement) for the limited purpose of computing the Commission defined in, and payable under, Section 6.1 of the Monster Beverages Coordination Agreement. By way of example, such amendment will result in sales of Products by Hansen to the AB/Hansen Distributors that are sold by such AB/Hansen Distributors to On-Premise Accounts being subject to the Commission and the AB Commission specified in the Monster Beverages Coordination Agreement. Hansen shall notify each of then-existing AB/Hansen Distributors, in writing, promptly after such termination,
and Hansen shall use its best efforts to amend each of the applicable On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s to define the term “Coordination Agreement” in the On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s as meaning the Monster Beverages Coordination Agreement; provided, that such efforts shall not obligate Hansen to expend funds or extend other economic incentives to any AB/Hansen Distributor to convince them to so amend its On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s.
18. Termination by AB. AB shall have the right, at any time, upon written notice to Hansen, to terminate this Agreement without cause or for no reason.
19. Automatic Termination. If neither party has previously chosen to terminate this Agreement pursuant to its terms and all On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s with the AB/Hansen Distributors have been terminated for any reason and/or expired pursuant to their terms, either party may terminate this Agreement by notifying the other party, in writing, of such termination effective no earlier than ten (10) business days after the date of such notice.
20. Obligations on Termination. The expiration or termination of this Agreement will not terminate any On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s that is effective at the time of such expiration or termination. During the period between a notice of termination and the effective date of termination, each party shall continue to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Sections 10, 11.1, 21.1, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 of this Agreement shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.
21.1. “Aggregate Termination Fee” means the aggregate of the Fees and the percentage set forth on Exhibit C with respect to Section 9.3 of the AB Commissions due to AB for the 12-month period ending on the last day of the last calendar month preceding the effective date of termination of this Agreement, for Products sold by Hansen under the On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s to AB/Hansen Distributors who are AB/Hansen Distributors as of the effective date of such termination but calculated only with respect to those of the Products that are sold by such AB/Hansen Distributors to On-Premise Accounts within the AB Territory. Each termination fee specified in this Section 21 will be due and payable no later than thirty (30) days after the effective date of the applicable termination and such obligation shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.
21.2. If Hansen terminates this Agreement pursuant to the terms of Section 15.1 above, AB shall, without prejudice to Hansen’s rights and remedies available under this Agreement, equity and/or applicable law, pay Hansen an amount equal to the Aggregate Termination Fee multiplied by two.
21.3. If AB terminates this Agreement pursuant to the terms of Section 15.1 above, Hansen shall, without prejudice to AB’s rights and remedies available under this Agreement, equity and/or applicable law, pay AB an amount equal to the Aggregate Termination Fee multiplied by two.
21.4. If Hansen terminates this Agreement pursuant to the terms of Section 17.2 above, AB shall pay Hansen the Aggregate Termination Fee.
21.5. If AB terminates this Agreement pursuant to terms of Section 18 above, AB shall pay Hansen the Aggregate Termination Fee multiplied by two.
21.6. If Hansen terminates this Agreement pursuant to the terms of Section 16.3.(b) above, Hansen shall pay AB the Aggregate Termination Fee.
21.7. If Hansen terminates this Agreement pursuant to the terms of Section 17.3.above, Hansen shall pay AB the Aggregate Termination Fee multiplied by two.
21.8. If Hansen terminates a On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s with an AB/Hansen Distributor without cause, Hansen will pay AB a termination fee (in each case, a “DA Termination Fee”) equal to the aggregate of the Fees and the percentage of the AB Commissions set forth on Exhibit C with respect to Section 9.3 of this Agreement due AB in respect of the terminated On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s during the 12-month period ending on the last day of the last calendar month preceding termination multiplied by two.
21.9. If AB terminates this Agreement pursuant to the terms of Section 16.3(b) above, AB shall pay Hansen the Aggregate Termination Fee.
21.10. If Hansen only terminates a portion of the territory specified in a particular On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s between Hansen and an AB/Hansen Distributor, without cause, Hansen shall pay AB a partial termination fee (in each case, a “Partial DA Termination Fee”) equal to the DA Termination Fee that would be owed if the applicable On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s were fully terminated on the date the partial termination occurs, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Wholesale Sales Amount for Products sold by Hansen to such AB/Hansen Distributor under such On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s in the terminated portion of the applicable territory during the twelve (12) months immediately preceding such termination, and the denominator of which is the Wholesale Sales Amount for Products sold by Hansen to such AB/Hansen Distributor under such On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s in the entire applicable territory during the twelve (12) months immediately preceding such termination but in both instances calculated only with respect to those of the Products that are sold by such AB/Hansen Distributors to On-Premise Accounts within the portion of the applicable territory being terminated and the entire territory specified in the applicable On-Premise Distribution Agreement/s, as the case may be.
22. Limitation of Damages; Limitation of Liability. EXCEPT FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM INTENTIONAL TORTIOUS MISCONDUCT, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF GOODWILL, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY, OR ANY OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS) SUFFERED BY SUCH PARTY RELATED TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, AND/OR THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE OR SELL THE PRODUCTS, AND/OR FROM ANY OTHER CAUSE WHATSOEVER, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THE PARTIES’ RESPECTIVE TOTAL LIABILITY FOR MONEY DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT EXCEED THE APPLICABLE
TERMINATION FEE PAYABLE PURSUANT TO SECTION 21 ABOVE. THESE LIMITATIONS WILL APPLY REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER UNDER CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE AND STRICT LIABILITY), OR ANY OTHER THEORY WHATSOEVER.
EACH AND EVERY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT WHICH PROVIDES FOR A LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OR WARRANTIES, DISCLAIMER, OR EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES, IS EXPRESSLY INTENDED TO BE SEVERABLE AND INDEPENDENT FROM ANY OTHER PROVISION, SINCE THOSE PROVISIONS REPRESENT SEPARATE ELEMENTS OF RISK ALLOCATION BETWEEN THE PARTIES, AND SHALL BE SEPARATELY ENFORCED. NEITHER PARTY MAKES ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE) EXCEPT THOSE SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT.
| 23. | Books and Records; Examinations. |
23.1. For a period of at least two years following the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, Hansen shall maintain such books and records (collectively, “Hansen Records”) as are necessary to substantiate that no payments have been made, directly or indirectly, by or on behalf of Hansen to or for the benefit of any AB employee or agent who may reasonably be expected to influence AB’s decision to enter into this Agreement or the amount to be paid by AB pursuant hereto. (As used herein, “payments” shall include money, property, services and all other forms of consideration.) All Hansen Records shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as consistently applied by Hansen. AB and/or its representative shall have the right at any time during normal business hours, upon seven (7) days written notice, to examine the Hansen Records, but not more than once per year. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.
23.2. For a period of at least two years following the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, AB shall maintain such books and records (collectively, “AB Records”) as are necessary to substantiate that no payments have been made, directly or indirectly, by or on behalf of AB to or for the benefit of any Hansen employee or agent who may reasonably be expected to influence Hansen’s decision to enter into this Agreement or the amount to be paid by Hansen pursuant hereto. (As used herein, “payments” shall include money, property, services and all other forms of consideration.) All AB Records shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as consistently applied by AB. Hansen and/or its representative shall have the right at any time during normal business hours, upon seven (7) days written notice, to examine the AB Records, but not more than once per year. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.
23.3. Hansen shall keep complete and true books and other records containing data in sufficient detail necessary to determine the Fee, the AB Commission, the Gross Margin for each of the Products, the Cost of Sales for each of the Products, the Wholesale Sales Amount for each of the Products, any Aggregate Termination Fee, any DA Termination Fee, and any Partial DA Termination Fee, as well as all components of each of these items.
23.4. No more than once per calendar year, AB shall have the right, at its own expense, to have the books and records kept by Hansen (and all related work papers and other information and documents) examined by a nationally recognized public accounting firm appointed by AB (in each case, an “Accounting Firm”) to (a) verify the calculations of the Fee, the AB Commission, the Gross Margin for each of the Products, the Cost of Sales for the Products, the Wholesale Sales Amount for the Products, any Aggregate Termination Fee, any DA Termination Fee, any Partial DA Termination Fee, and/or any component of any of the foregoing, and (b) and to verify the resulting payments required under this Agreement. Prior to conducting any such examination, the Accounting Firm shall have agreed to hold in confidence and not disclose to anyone, other than the parties or unless required by applicable law, all information reviewed by or disclosed to the Accounting Firm during such examination.
23.5. AB shall keep complete and true books and other records containing data in sufficient detail necessary to determine the Annual Marketing Plan Costs incurred by AB in connection with the implementation of the Annual Marketing Plan in accordance with Section 6.2 above.
23.6. No more than once per calendar year, Hansen shall have the right, at its own expense, to have the books and records kept by AB (and all related work papers and other information and documents) examined by an Accounting Firm (a) to verify the Annual Marketing Plan Costs incurred by AB in accordance with Section 6.2 above and (b) to verify the resulting reimbursement due AB from Hansen under this Agreement. Prior to conducting any such examination, the Accounting Firm shall have agreed to hold in confidence and not disclose to anyone, other than the parties or unless required by applicable law, all information reviewed by or disclosed to the Accounting Firm during such examination.
24.1. Subject to the terms of Section 6.4, any controversy, claim or dispute of whatever nature arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or the breach, termination, performance or enforceability hereof or out of the relationship created by this Agreement (a “Dispute”) shall be finally resolved by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in effect on the date of this Agreement. The parties understand and agree that they each have the right to apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction or other equitable relief to preserve the status quo or prevent irreparable harm. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties hereto, the arbitral panel shall consist of three (3) arbitrators, each of whom shall be a retired judge from a State other than California or Missouri and shall be appointed by the AAA in accordance with Section 24.2 below. The place of arbitration shall be Dallas, Texas. Judgment upon the award may be entered, and application for judicial confirmation or enforcement of the award may be made, in any competent court having jurisdiction thereof. Other than as required or permitted by an applicable governmental entity, each party will continue to perform its obligations under this Agreement pending final resolution of any such Dispute. The parties knowingly and voluntarily waive their rights to have any Dispute tried and adjudicated by a judge or a jury.
24.2. Immediately after the filing of the submission or the answering statement or the expiration of the time within which the answering statement is filed, the AAA shall send simultaneously to each party to the dispute an identical list of ten (10) (unless the AAA decides that
a larger number is appropriate) names of retired judges from the National Roster from States other than California or Missouri. The parties shall attempt to agree on the three arbitrators from the submitted list and advise the AAA of their agreement. If the parties are unable to agree upon the three arbitrators, each party to the dispute shall have 15 days from the transmittal date in which to strike no more than three (3) names objected to, number the remaining names in order of preference, and return the list to the AAA. If a party does not return the list within the time specified, all persons named therein shall be deemed acceptable. From among the persons who have been approved on both lists, and in accordance with the designated order of mutual preference, the AAA shall invite the acceptance of the three arbitrators to serve. If the parties fail to agree on any of the persons named, or if acceptable arbitrators are unable to act, or if for any other reason the appointment cannot be made from the submitted lists, the AAA shall have the power to make the appointment from among other retired judges on the National Roster from States other than California or Missouri without the submission of additional lists.
24.3. The arbitration shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflicts-of-law rules, and by the arbitration law of the Federal Arbitration Act (Title 9, U.S. Code). The arbitrators shall base the award on the applicable law and judicial precedent that would apply, and the arbitrators shall have no authority to render an award that is inconsistent therewith. The award shall be in writing and include the findings of fact and conclusions of law upon which is it based if so requested by either party. Except as may be awarded to the prevailing party, each party shall bear the expense of its own attorneys, experts, and out of pocket costs as well as fifty percent (50%) of the expense of administration and arbitrators’ fees.
24.4. Except as otherwise required by law, the parties and the arbitrators shall keep confidential and not disclose to third parties any information or documents obtained in connection with the arbitration process, including the resolution of the Dispute.
24.5. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, EACH PARTY WAIVES THE RIGHT IN ANY ARBITRATION OR JUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO RECEIVE CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES. THE ARBITRATORS SHALL NOT HAVE THE POWER TO AWARD CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES.
25. Attorney’s Fees. In the event any litigation, arbitration, mediation, or other proceeding (“Proceeding”) is initiated by any party against any other party to enforce, interpret or otherwise obtain judicial or quasi-judicial relief in connection with this Agreement, the prevailing party in such Proceeding shall be entitled to recover from the unsuccessful party reasonable attorneys fees and costs directly related to (1) such Proceeding (whether or not such Proceeding proceeds to judgment), and (2) any post-judgment or post-award proceeding including, without limitation, one to enforce any judgment or award resulting from any such Proceeding.
26.1. Hansen hereby grants to AB, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the non-exclusive, non-transferable right during the term of this Agreement to use the Hansen Marks (as defined below) solely in connection with marketing, promotion, merchandising and sales of Products to On-Premise Accounts only throughout the AB Territory, in accordance with this Agreement. “Hansen Marks” means the trademarks, trade names, brand names, and logos
(whether or not registered), copyright material and other intellectual property owned by Hansen and used by it on the Products and/or in connection with the production, labeling, packaging, marketing, sale, advertising, and promotion of the Products. AB acknowledges and agrees that all Hansen Marks shall be and remain the exclusive property of Hansen. No right, title or interest of any kind in or to the Hansen Marks is transferred by this Agreement to AB, except a non-exclusive license to use the Hansen Marks, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. AB agrees that it will not attempt to register the Hansen Marks, or any marks confusingly similar thereto, in any form or language anywhere in the world. AB further agrees that during the term of this Agreement it will not contest the validity of the Hansen Marks or the ownership thereof by Hansen, or take any action that would in any way impair or tend to impair any portion of the rights of Hansen in and to the Hansen Marks. AB’s use of the Hansen Marks will inure for the benefit of Hansen.
| 26.2. | Infringement of Hansen’s Marks. |
26.2.1. If during the term of this Agreement a third party institutes against Hansen or AB any claim or proceeding that alleges that the use of any Hansen Mark in connection with the marketing, promotion, merchandising and/or sales of the Products under this Agreement infringes the intellectual property rights held by such third party (in each case, an “Infringement Claim”), then Hansen shall subject to the terms of Section 26.2.2 below, in its sole discretion, and at its sole expense, contest, settle, and/or assume direction and control of the defense or settlement of, such action, including all necessary appeals thereunder. AB shall use all reasonable efforts to assist and cooperate with Hansen in such action, subject to Hansen reimbursing AB for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by AB in connection with such assistance and cooperation. If, as a result of any such action, a judgment is entered by a court of competent jurisdiction, or settlement is entered by Hansen, such that any Hansen Mark cannot be used in connection with the marketing, promotion, merchandising and/or sales of the Products under this Agreement without infringing upon the intellectual property rights of such third party, then Hansen and AB promptly shall cease using such affected Hansen Mark in connection with the marketing, promotion, merchandising and/or sale of the Products under this Agreement. Neither party shall incur any liability or obligation to the other party arising from any such cessation of the use of the affected Hansen Mark.
26.2.2. Hansen agrees to indemnify, protect and defend AB, AB’s Parent, and AB’s Affiliates, and its and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents (the “AB Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all injuries, claims, liabilities, losses, expenses, damages, actions, and judgments of whatsoever type or nature, including, without limitation, reasonable third party attorneys' fees and expenses, court costs, and other third party legal expenses (“Liabilities”) incurred by any AB Indemnified Party solely in connection with any Infringement Claim; provided that Hansen’s indemnification obligations under this Section 26.2.2 shall not apply to any Liabilities incurred by any AB Indemnified Party as a result of such AB Indemnified Party’s use of any Hansen Marks not approved or authorized by Hansen.
26.3. Termination. Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, AB shall cease and desist from any use of the Hansen Marks and any names, marks, logos or symbols confusingly similar thereto.
| 27. | Miscellaneous Provisions. |
27.1. No Employment Relationship. Notwithstanding any language in this Agreement to the contrary, the parties intend that their relationship will be only as set forth in this Agreement. Neither party nor any employee, agent, officer, or independent contractor of or retained by either party shall be considered an agent or employee of the other party for any purpose or entitled to any of the benefits that the other party provides for any of the other party’s employees. Furthermore, each party acknowledges that it shall be responsible for all federal, state and local taxes for it and its employees and reports relative to fees under this Agreement and each party will indemnify and hold the other party harmless from any failure to file necessary reports or pay such taxes.
27.2. Integration. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and is intended by the parties to be a final expression of their understanding and a complete and exclusive statement of the terms and conditions of the agreement. This Agreement supersedes any and all agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties concerning the subject contained herein and contains all of the covenants, agreements, understandings, representations, conditions, and warranties mutually agreed to between the parties. This Agreement may be modified or rescinded only by a writing signed by the parties hereto or their duly authorized agents.
27.3. Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be exclusively governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to any conflict-of-law rules requiring the application of the substantive laws of any other jurisdiction.
27.4. Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns. This Agreement shall not be assignable by either party without the prior written consent of the other party; provided, however, that in the event of the Change of Control of a party to this Agreement (the “Change of Control Party”) or its Parent in which the other party to this Agreement chooses not to exercise its termination rights under Section 16.3 above and this Agreement is assumed by the surviving entity or successor to the Change of Control Party, or by the acquirer of substantially all of the Change of Control Party’s assets as a matter of law, the Change of Control Party shall be entitled to assign all of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to such Person without the other party’s consent so long as such successor, surviving entity or acquirer agrees in writing to unconditionally assume all of the Change of Control Party’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.
27.5. Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in one (1) or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of which together shall be one (1) and the same document. Signatures received by facsimile shall be deemed to be original signatures.
27.6. Partial Invalidity. Each provision of this Agreement will be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law. If any provision of this Agreement or the application of the provision to any person or circumstance will, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of the provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, will not be affected by
such invalidity or unenforceability, unless the provision or its application is essential to this Agreement.
27.7. Titles and Subtitles. The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
27.8. Drafting Ambiguities. Each party to this Agreement and their legal counsel have reviewed and revised this Agreement. The rule of construction that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement or any amendments or exhibits to this Agreement.
27.9. Notices. All notices or other communications required or permitted to be given to a party to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered, sent by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or sent by an overnight express courier service that provides written confirmation of delivery, to such party at the following respective address:
If to Hansen:
Hansen Beverage Company
| Attention: Chief Executive Officer |
| Solomon Ward Seidenwurm & Smith LLP |
| San Diego, California 92101 |
| Attention: Norman L. Smith, Esq. |
| Anheuser Busch, Incorporated |
| St. Louis, Missouri 63118 |
| Attention: Vice President, Business and Wholesaler Development |
| Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. |
| Attention: General Counsel |
Each such notice or other communication shall be deemed given, delivered and received upon its actual receipt, except that if it is sent by mail in accordance with this Section, then it shall be deemed given, delivered and received three (3) days after the date such notice or other communication is deposited with the U.S. Postal Service in accordance with this Section. Any party to this Agreement may give a notice of a change of its address to the other party to this Agreement.
27.10. Third-Party Beneficiaries. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended or shall be construed to give any Person, other than the parties to this Agreement and their successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of any agreement or any provision contained in this Agreement.
28.1. Neither party shall be liable for delays in delivery or failure to perform due directly or indirectly to causes beyond such party’s reasonable control (each, individually, a “Force Majeure Event”) including, without limitation: (1) acts of God, act (including failure to act) of any governmental authority (de jure or de facto), wars (declared or undeclared), governmental priorities, port congestion, riots, revolutions, strikes or other labor disputes, fires, floods, sabotage, nuclear incidents, earthquakes, storms, epidemics; or (2) inability to timely obtain either necessary and proper labor, materials, ingredients, components, facilities, production facilities, energy, fuel, transportation, governmental authorizations or instructions, material or information. The foregoing shall apply even though any Force Majeure Event occurs after such party’s performance of its obligations is delayed for other causes.
28.2. The party affected by a Force Majeure Event shall give written notice to the other party of the Force Majeure Event within a reasonable time after the occurrence thereof, stating therein the nature of the suspension of performance and reasons therefore. Such party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to resume performance as soon as reasonably possible. Upon restoration of the affected party’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder, the affected Party shall give written notice to the other party within a reasonable time.
29.1. Hansen records that as of September 30, 2006 it maintained the following types and amounts of insurance (“Current Insurance”):
A.) Commercial General Liability insurance with Product Liability coverage for the sale of products in an amount of $1,000,000 each occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate.
B.) Umbrella Liability insurance which provides excess coverage to the insurance outlined in A above in an amount of $20,000,000 each occurrence and $40,000,000 in the aggregate.
29.2. Hansen agrees that during the term of this Agreement it will use reasonable commercial efforts to maintain in effect policies of insurance with reasonably comparable terms and benefits to the Current Insurance provided, however, that Hansen is able to procure and maintain such insurance at comparable cost and premiums, and on terms and with benefits that are comparable to the Current Insurance. Notwithstanding the foregoing and in addition thereto, Hansen shall be entitled to alter the types and/or terms and/or reduce the benefits of the insurance
to such levels as Hansen reasonably determines are commercially reasonable or appropriate in the circumstances and which may include, without limitation, a drop in Hansen sales levels or a change in financial conditions but to no less Product Liability insurance coverage than $10,000,000 each occurrence and $20,000,000 in the aggregate (the “Reduced Minimum Insurance”), provided that the insurance premium/s payable by Hansen for the Reduced Minimum Insurance at any time (including without limitation any additional premium/s that may be necessary to provide all material terms and benefits, including without limitation the applicable deductible and excess requirements and coverage benefits that are provided under the Current Insurance), do not exceed 50% of the premium/s payable with respect to the Current Insurance multiplied by a fraction of the nominator of which is Hansen’s net income during the twelve (12) month period ended on the last day of the calendar month preceding the proposed insurance policy/ies effective date and the denominator is Hansen’s net income for the 2006 calendar year.
29.3. Hansen agrees to procure that the insurers of the policies of insurance maintained in accordance with this Section 29 shall issue to AB a certificate naming AB as an additional named insured thereunder, and Hansen shall, from time to time, provide AB with evidence of such insurance.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the Effective Date.
HANSEN BEVERAGE COMPANY, | ANHEUSER-BUSCH, INCORPORATED, |
a Delaware corporation | a Missouri Corporation |
By:__/s/Rodney Sacks_____________ | By:___/s/David A. Peacock_______ |
| Rodney Sacks | David A. Peacock |
| Chief Executive Officer | Vice President |