EXHIBIT 2.1.4
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION is made and entered into this 1st
day of July, 1997 by and among FIRSTAMERICA AUTOMOTIVE, INC., a Delaware
corporation ("FirstAmerica"), Cziska Price, Inc. dba Stevens Creek Nissan, a
California corporation ("Company"), each of those persons listed as a
shareholder of the Company on Schedule 1.1 attached hereto and incorporated
herein by this reference (collectively the "Shareholders"), and FAA Stevens
Creek, Inc. a California corporation ("Subsidiary").
R E C I T A L S:
A. The Company is an authorized Nissan dealership franchisee located at 4855
Stevens Creek Boulevard, Santa Clara, California.
B. The parties hereto desire to provide for the merger of the Company and the
Subsidiary and that such merger result in the Subsidiary acquiring all of the
business of the Company, and thereafter owned and operated as a wholly owned
subsidiary of FirstAmerica.
C. The parties desire to complete such merger as a tax deferred
reorganization within the meaning of Sections 368(a)(1)(A) and 368(a)(2)(D) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
Now, therefore, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Merger.
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1.1. Intent. The Shareholders, all of whom are listed on Schedule
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1.1 attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, currently hold
all of the outstanding capital stock of the Company. FirstAmerica currently
holds all of the outstanding capital stock of the Subsidiary. It is the intent
of the parties that FirstAmerica indirectly acquire all of the business of the
Company through a merger of the Company into the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary
shall thereafter be owned and operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of
FirstAmerica. Immediately upon completion of such merger, it is intended that
each of the following shall have occurred:
1.1.1. The Company and the Subsidiary shall have been merged
together, as one corporation with the Subsidiary as the surviving corporation;
1.1.2. FirstAmerica shall hold all of the outstanding stock of
Subsidiary;
1.1.3. The Subsidiary shall hold all of the assets, and be
responsible for all of the liabilities, held or attributable to both the Company
and the Subsidiary immediately prior to the Closing, and
1.1.4. The Shareholders shall no longer hold shares of the
Company, but shall hold shares of FirstAmerica ("FirstAmerica Stock").
1.2. Tax Intent. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this
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Agreement to the contrary, it is the intent of all of the parties hereto that
the transaction provided for herein qualify as a tax deferred reorganization
within the meaning of sections of 368(a)(1)(A) and 368(a)(2)(D) of the Code. All
of the provisions of this Agreement shall be interpreted in a manner which is
consistent with the intent expressed in the immediately preceding sentence.
Further, each of the parties hereto shall undertake all
actions as may be necessary or appropriate to qualify the transactions provided
for herein as a tax deferred reorganization within the meaning of the sections
of the Code referenced immediately above. Each corporation which is a party to
this Agreement hereby adopts this Agreement as a plan of reorganization, and
each party to this Agreement shall report the transaction provided for herein,
for all tax reporting purposes, in a manner which is consistent with the intent
set forth in this section.
1.3. Corporate Merger. Effective as of the Closing Date, the Company
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shall be merged into and with the Subsidiary in accordance with the applicable
statutes of the State of California. Upon completion of such merger, the
Subsidiary shall be the surviving corporation, and shall be fully vested with
and possess all the rights, privileges, immunities, and franchises, of a public
as well as a private nature, and all property, real, personal and mixed, and all
debts due on whatever account, including subscriptions to shares, and all choses
in action, and all and every other interest of or belonging to or due to both
Subsidiary and the Company prior to the merger of such corporations. The
Subsidiary shall, as the surviving corporation, be responsible and liable for
all the liabilities and obligations of both Subsidiary and the Company and any
claim existing, or action or proceeding pending, by or against either the
Company or Subsidiary, may be prosecuted as if the merger had not taken place.
Neither the rights of creditors nor liens upon the property of either the
Subsidiary or the Company shall be impaired by the merger. Concurrently with
the Closing hereunder, the parties hereto shall cause to be executed,
acknowledged and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of California an
Agreement of Merger in the form attached hereto as Schedule 1.3 and incorporated
herein by this reference. Such Agreement of Merger shall provide for the merger
of Subsidiary and the Company in accordance with the provisions of this
Agreement, and for the change of the name of Subsidiary to FAA Serramonte, Inc.
1.4. Conversion of Shares. Concurrently with the Closing, all the
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shares of the Company issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Closing
shall as a result of the merger provided for above, and without further action
on the part of any Shareholder, automatically be exchanged for and converted
into fully paid and non-assessable shares of FirstAmerica Stock, and the right
to receive cash from FirstAmerica, if any, as set forth below. The number of
shares of the Company held by each Shareholder is set forth on Schedule 1.4
attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. In addition, the
number of shares of FirstAmerica Stock together with the amount of cash, if any,
to be distributed to each Shareholder upon the Closing is set forth on Schedule
1.4. The Shareholders shall deliver to FirstAmerica at the Closing, certificates
representing all the shares of the Company held by each Shareholder, duly
endorsed in blank by the Shareholders or accompanied by blank stock powers, with
signatures guaranteed by a national bank, and with all necessary transfer tax
and revenue stamps, at the Shareholders' expense, affixed and cancelled. The
Shareholders agree to cure any deficiencies with respect to the endorsement of
the certificates or other documents of conveyance with respect to the shares of
the Company's stock or with respect to the powers accompanying any Company's
stock. FirstAmerica shall deliver to the Shareholders at the Closing
certificates representing shares of FirstAmerica Stock duly executed for the
number of shares of FirstAmerica Stock acquired by each Shareholder as set forth
on Schedule 1.4.
1.5. Transfer Restrictions; Legends. The shares of FirstAmerica's
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Common Stock to be issued pursuant to Section 1.4 shall not have been registered
and shall be characterized as "Restricted Securities" under the federal
securities laws, and under such laws such shares may be resold without
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, only in certain
limited circumstances. Each certificate evidencing shares of FirstAmerica's
Common Stock to be issued pursuant to Section 1.4 shall bear the following
legend:
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN
ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
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AMENDED. SUCH SHARES MAY NOT BE SOLD OR OTHERWISE
TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION UNLESS
AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REQUIREMENT OR REGISTRATION IS
AVAILABLE AS DEMONSTRATED BY AN OPINION OF LEGAL
COUNSEL REASONABLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMPANY.
1.6. Cash. In addition to the FirstAmerica stock, and subject to the
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provisions of Section 2 below, each Shareholder shall receive upon Closing cash
consideration, if any, in the amount set forth opposite such Shareholder's name
on Schedule 1.4 attached. The payment of such cash will be made by wire
transfer, certified or cashier's check, or other form as may be reasonably
acceptable to each Shareholder. That portion of any cash, for each Shareholder,
which is not subject to the reserve provisions of Section 2 below, shall be
payable in full in cash upon the Closing. Any cash remaining in the reserve
upon the expiration of the time period set forth in Section 2 below shall
promptly be paid to the Shareholders.
2. Reserve. A portion of the cash consideration otherwise payable to
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each Shareholder as set forth on Schedule 1.4 attached shall be retained by
FirstAmerica as a reserve for a period of nine (9) months immediately following
the Closing. Upon expiration of such nine (9) month period, any amounts
withheld as a reserve, which have not been expended in satisfaction of
obligations provided in this Section 2, shall be paid to the Shareholders in
accordance with Section 1.5 above. Amounts withheld as a reserve pursuant to
this Section 2 may be expended by FirstAmerica to pay (i) amounts payable by the
Subsidiary in satisfaction of causes of action which identify the Subsidiary as
a defendant, and which arise from events relating to the Company which occur
prior to the Closing, (ii) chargebacks incurred by the Subsidiary subsequent to
the Closing, for vehicles sold or leased by the Company prior to the Closing,
and (iii) the internal cost to the Subsidiary of warranty repairs performed by
the Subsidiary for the benefit of its customers with respect to vehicles sold or
leased by the Company prior to the Closing the cost of which is not otherwise
reimbursable to the Subsidiary, but only to the extent that any amount described
in subparagraphs (i), (ii) or (iii) above exceeds amounts reserved therefore on
the financial statements attached hereto as Schedule 4.6, or the Schedule of
Liabilities attached as Schedule 4.7. The aggregate amounts of any payments
which are expended from the reserve provided for in this Section 2 (up to the
total amount of such reserve) shall constitute a reduction in the cash price
otherwise payable to the Shareholders pursuant to the provisions of Section 1.5
above, and shall thereafter not be payable to the Shareholders.
3. Lease. Concurrently with the Closing, the Subsidiary shall enter into
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an amendment and restatement of the leases for that certain real property
commonly known as 4795, 4855, 4875, and 4885 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara,
CA, and 525 Sunol St., San Jose, CA at which the Company operates its business
immediately prior to the Closing, which leases shall be in the form attached
hereto as Schedule 3 and incorporated herein by this reference.
4. Representations and Warranties of Company and Shareholders. Each of
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the Shareholders and the Company hereby jointly and severally represents and
warrants to FirstAmerica as follows:
4.1. Organization. The Company is a corporation duly organized,
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validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of
incorporation, and is duly authorized, qualified, and licensed under all
applicable laws, regulations, ordinances and orders of public authorities to
carry on its business in the places and in the manner as now conducted, except
(i) as set forth in Schedule 4.1 attached hereto and incorporated herein by this
reference; or (ii) where the failure to do so does not have a material adverse
effect on the business, operations, properties, assets, or condition of the
Company, taken as a whole.
4.2. Authorization. The Shareholders and the Company have the full
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legal right, power
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and authority to enter into this Agreement, and the merger provided for in this
Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, and each other
document, agreement and instrument contemplated hereby and the consummation of
the transactions provided for in this Agreement have been duly authorized by the
Company by all necessary corporate action. The Agreement, and each other
agreement, document or instrument contemplated hereby has been duly executed and
delivered by the Shareholders and the Company. No approvals or consents of any
person or entity are necessary in connection with the power and authority of the
Shareholders and the Company to perform their respective obligations pursuant to
this Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding
obligations of the Shareholders and the Company enforceable against the
Shareholders and the Company in accordance with its terms, subject only to laws
relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar provisions affecting
creditors' rights.
4.3. Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and Minute Books. True,
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complete and correct copies of the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the
Company, each as amended to date, have been furnished to FirstAmerica. The
stock records and minute books of the Company, all of which have been made
available to FirstAmerica, contain true and complete minutes and records of all
meetings, proceedings and other actions of the stockholders and directors of the
Company from the date of organization.
4.4. Authorized Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of the
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Company consists solely of that number and classes or series of shares as is set
forth on Schedule 4.4 attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
The number of issued and outstanding shares of each class or series of stock of
the Company are set forth on Schedule 4.4 attached. All the issued and
outstanding shares of the Company are owned by the Shareholders as set forth on
Schedule 1.4, and are validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-
assessable, free and clear of all liens, security interests, pledges, charges,
voting trusts, equities, restrictions, encumbrances and claims of every kind.
All of the outstanding shares of the Company were offered, issued, sold and
delivered by the Company in compliance with all applicable state and federal
laws concerning the issuance of securities. None of the shares of the Company
which are outstanding were issued in violation of any preemptive rights held by
any past or present shareholder of the Company. The Company does not have any
outstanding options, warrants, rights or other securities, plans, contracts or
agreements which give the holder thereof or any other person the right to
purchase any shares of the Company's capital stock or which are convertible into
or exercisable for any shares of such capital stock or under which any such
option, warrant, or right or security may be issued in the future. The Company
does not have any obligation, whether contingent or otherwise, to purchase,
redeem, or otherwise acquire any of its equity securities or interests therein
or pay a dividend or make any distribution with respect thereto.
4.5. Subsidiaries. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.5 attached
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hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, the Company does not own,
whether of record or beneficially or control, directly or indirectly, any
capital stock, securities convertible into capital stock, or any other equity
interest in any corporation, association, or business entity, and is not a party
either directly or indirectly to any joint venture, partnership, limited
liability company, or any other entity.
4.6. Financial Statements. Attached hereto as Schedule 4.6 and
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incorporated herein by this reference are copies of the financial statements of
the Company, including statements of income, cash flow, and retained earnings
for each of the most recent three fiscal years of the Company and for the period
ending sixty (60) days prior to the date of this Agreement. Also attached as a
part of Schedule 4.6 is a copy of the most recent dealer financial statement for
the Company which dealer financial statement will be updated as of the Closing.
Such financial statements, including the dealer financial statement, have been
and will be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
applied on a consistent basis and present fairly the financial position of the
Company as of the dates and for the periods indicated. At the Closing Date, the
Company shall have a net worth of not less than $1,690,000.
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4.7. Liabilities. Attached hereto as Schedule 4.7 and incorporated
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herein by this reference, is an accurate list, as of the Closing, of all
material liabilities and obligations of the Company which are not reflected on
the most recent dealer financial statement as of the date of this Agreement.
Schedule 4.7 shall be updated as of the Closing to reflect all such material
liabilities and obligations of the Company not reflected on the dealer financial
statement prepared concurrently with the Closing. Such Schedule includes any
and all liabilities and obligations, whether accrued, absolute, secured or
unsecured, contingent or otherwise. Company has previously provided to
FirstAmerica Company's reasonable estimate of the maximum amount of potential
exposure for any debt or liability which is not fixed or is contested.
4.8. Receivables. Set forth on Schedule 4.8 attached hereto and
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incorporated herein by this reference is an accurate list as of the date of this
Agreement of the accounts and notes receivable of the Company, including
receivables from and advances to employees and shareholders. Such Schedule
includes an aging of all accounts and notes receivable. Such Schedule shall be
updated as of the Closing.
4.9. Permits and Intangibles. Attached hereto as Schedule 4.9 and
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incorporated herein by this reference, is an accurate list and summary
description of all permits, licenses, franchises, certificates, trademarks,
tradenames, service marks, patents, and other similar items owned by the
Company. All such items are valid and in full force and effect. There is no
default, or the occurrence of any event, which with the passage of time, the
giving of notice or both will constitute a default, of any such items. None of
such items infringe upon the rights of any other person.
4.10. Assets. Attached hereto as Schedule 4.10 is an accurate list,
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as of the date of this Agreement, of all personal property (other than
inventory) having a cost in excess of $10,000, owned or leased by the Company,
together with true complete and correct copies of any and all leases for any
property leased by the Company. Except as otherwise set forth on Schedule 4.10,
all of such property is in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and
tear excepted. The leases referenced in Schedule 4.10 have been duly
authorized, executed and delivered, and constitute the legal, binding and valid
obligations of the Company, and, to the knowledge of the Shareholders, no other
party to any such leases is in default of any provision thereof, and such leases
constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the other parties
thereto. All of the assets used by the Company in the operation of the business
are either owned by the Company or leased by the Company. Schedule 4.10 shall
be updated as of the Closing.
4.11. Material Contracts. Set forth on Schedule 4.11 attached hereto
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and incorporated herein by this reference, is an accurate and complete list, as
of the date of this Agreement, of all material contracts, commitments and
similar agreements to which the Company is a party, or by which any of its
assets or properties are bound. The Company has delivered true and accurate
copies of each such contract to FirstAmerica. Except as otherwise set forth on
Schedule 4.11, the Company has complied with all material commitments and
obligations pertaining to it, and is not in material default, and has received
no notice of default with respect to, and no event has occurred which, with the
passage of time, the giving of notice or both would constitute a material
default with respect to, any contracts set forth on Schedule 4.11.
4.12. Unions. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.12 attached hereto
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and incorporated herein by this reference, the Company is not a party to any
arrangement with any union, and no employees of the Company are represented by
any labor union or covered by any collective bargaining agreement, nor, to the
knowledge of the Shareholders, is any effort to establish such representation in
progress. There is no pending or, to the knowledge of the Shareholders,
threatened labor dispute involving the Company or any of its employees.
4.13. Insurance. Set forth on Schedule 4.13 attached hereto and
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incorporated herein by this reference, is an accurate list as of the date of
this Agreement, of all insurance policies of the Company, including an accurate
list of all insurance losses, including workers' compensation claims, of the
Company
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for the past three policy years.
4.14. Employee Plans. Set forth on Schedule 4.14 attached hereto and
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incorporated herein by this reference, is a complete and accurate list of all
employee benefit plans including without limitation, all pension, profit
sharing, deferred compensation, bonus, and multi-employer plans and other plans
currently maintained or sponsored by the Company, or to which the Company
contributes or has an obligation to contribute in the future. The Company and,
to the knowledge of the Shareholders, each of the plans referenced on Schedule
4.14 attached is in substantial compliance with all applicable provisions of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"). No plan
has incurred an accumulated funding deficiency, as defined for purposes of the
Internal Revenue Code and ERISA, and the Company does not have any direct or
indirect obligation or liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or
to the Internal Revenue Service for any excise tax or penalty. Neither the
Company nor any ERISA Affiliate (i.e., each business which is treated together
with the Company as a single employer under Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA or
Internal Revenue Code Section 414(b), (c), (m), (n) or (o)) has incurred or
expects to insure any withdrawal liability to any multiemployer plan. Copies of
all of the plans listed on Schedule 4.14, together with current determination
letters and the filings with the Internal Revenue Service for the last two
fiscal years of the plans, are attached to Schedule 4.14.
4.15. Litigation: Conformity with the Law. Except as set forth on
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Schedule 4.15 attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, there
are no claims, actions, suits or proceedings, pending or, to the knowledge of
the Shareholders, threatened, against or affecting the Company or any of its
properties at law or in equity, or before or by any federal, state, municipal,
or any other governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency, or
instrumentality, having jurisdiction with respect to the Company, and no notice
of any claim, action, suit, or proceeding, whether pending or threatened has
been received. The Company has conducted its business in substantial compliance
with all federal, state and local statutes, ordinances, permits, licenses,
orders, variances, rules and regulations. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.15,
the Company is not subject to any order of any Court, or federal, state,
municipal, governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency, or
instrumentality.
4.16. Taxes. The Company has filed and will file all requisite
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federal, state, local and all other tax returns for all fiscal periods ended on
or before the Closing Date, except for any such tax returns not yet due. There
are no examinations in progress, or claims against the Company for federal or
other taxes, including penalties or interest, for any period or periods prior to
the Closing, except as otherwise set forth on Schedule 4.16 attached hereto.
Amounts reflected on the financial statements of the Company as of the Closing
as reserves for taxes not yet payable are sufficient for the payment of all
taxes, including penalties and interest, for all periods prior to the Closing.
4.17. Environmental Matters. None of the Company's assets has ever
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been used by the Company or, to the best of the Company's knowledge, by previous
owners or operators, in the disposal of, or to produce, store, handle, treat,
release, or transport, any hazardous waste or hazardous substance other than in
accordance with applicable law; none of the Company's assets has ever been
designated or identified in any manner pursuant to any environmental protection
statute as a hazardous waste or hazardous substance disposal site, or a
candidate for closure pursuant to any environmental protection statute; no lien
arising under any environmental protection statute has attached to any revenues
or to any of the Company's property; the Company does not have any contingent
liability in connection with the release of any hazardous substances into the
environment, including third-party releases onto property that the Company owns
or operates; and the Company has not received a summons, citation, notice, or
directive from the Environmental Protection Agency or any other federal or state
governmental agency concerning any action or omission by the Company relating to
the release or disposal of hazardous waste or hazardous substances. Except as
set forth on Schedule 4.17 attached hereto and incorporated herein by this
reference, the Company has not at any time owned or leased any real estate
having underground storage tanks.
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4.18. Shareholder Qualification. Each Shareholder is an "accredited
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investor" for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the
regulations promulgated thereunder. In addition, each Shareholder, by reason of
such Shareholder's business or financial experience or the business or financial
experience of such Shareholder's professional advisors who are not affiliated
with or compensated by FirstAmerica or FirstAmerica's affiliates, has the
capacity to protect such Shareholder's interests in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereunder.
4.19. Representations and Warranties on Closing Date. The
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representations and warranties of the Shareholders contained in this Agreement
shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date
with the same force and effect as though such representations and warranties had
been made on and as of the Closing Date.
5. Representations and Warranties of FirstAmerica and Subsidiary.
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FirstAmerica and Subsidiary jointly and severally represent and warrant as
follows:
5.1. Organization. FirstAmerica and Subsidiary are corporations
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duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of their
respective States of incorporation and are duly authorized, qualified and
licensed under all applicable laws, regulations, ordinances, and orders of
public authorities to carry on their respective businesses in the places and in
the manner as now conducted except in States where the failure to be so
authorized, qualified or licensed would not have a material adverse effect on
their respective businesses.
5.2. FirstAmerica Stock. The FirstAmerica Stock to be delivered to
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the Shareholders at the Closing hereunder, when delivered in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement, will constitute valid and legally issued shares of
FirstAmerica's capital stock, fully paid and nonassessable, and, with the
exception of restrictions upon resale, will be legally equivalent in all
respects to the majority of the capital stock of FirstAmerica issued and
outstanding as of the Closing Date.
5.3. Authorization. The representatives of FirstAmerica and
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Subsidiary executing this Agreement have the corporate authority to enter into
and bind FirstAmerica and Subsidiary by the terms of this Agreement.
FirstAmerica and Subsidiary have the full legal right, power and authority to
enter into this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and
each other agreement, document or instrument contemplated hereby, and the
consummation of the transaction provided for in this Agreement have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action on behalf of both FirstAmerica and
Subsidiary. This Agreement, and each other Agreement, document or instrument
contemplated hereby, has been duly executed and delivered by FirstAmerica and
Subsidiary. No approvals or consents of any person or entity are necessary in
connection with the power and authority of FirstAmerica and Subsidiary to
perform their respective obligations pursuant to this Agreement. This Agreement
constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of FirstAmerica and
Subsidiary enforceable against FirstAmerica and Subsidiary in accordance with
its terms, subject only to laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or other
similar provisions affecting creditors' rights.
5.4. Representations and Warranties on Closing Date. The
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representations and warranties of FirstAmerica and Subsidiary contained in this
Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the
Closing Date with the same force and effect as though such representations and
warranties had been made on and as of the Closing Date.
6. Conditions to FirstAmerica's and Subsidiary's Obligations to Close.
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The obligations of FirstAmerica and Subsidiary under this Agreement are, at the
option of FirstAmerica and Subsidiary subject to the conditions set forth below.
FirstAmerica and Subsidiary shall have the right to waive in writing all or
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part of any one or more of the following conditions without, however, releasing
Shareholders and the Company from any liability for any loss or damage sustained
by FirstAmerica or Subsidiary by reason of the breach by Shareholders and the
Company of any covenant, obligation or agreement contained herein, or by reason
of any misrepresentation made by Shareholders and the Company and upon such
waiver may proceed with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
6.1. Agreements and Conditions. On or before the Closing Date,
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Shareholders and Company shall have complied with and duly performed in all
material respects all agreements and conditions on their part to be complied
with and performed pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement on or before
the Closing Date.
6.2. Representations and Warranties. The representations and
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warranties of Shareholders contained in this Agreement, or otherwise made in
writing in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, shall be true
and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same
force and effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on
and as of the Closing Date.
6.3. No Legal Proceedings. No action or proceeding shall have been
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instituted or threatened to restrain or prohibit the merger of Subsidiary and
the Company or which might result in any material adverse change in the
business, prospects or financial or other condition of the assets of the
Company.
6.4. Consents. Subsidiary and Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A.
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(collectively "Franchisor") shall have entered into a customary dealer sales and
service agreement designating Subsidiary as the duly authorized dealer for the
sales and service of the Franchisor's vehicles at the location or locations at
which the Company operates its dealership immediately prior to the Closing, free
of any material condition which in the opinion of FirstAmerica would be adverse
to Subsidiary. All permits and licenses necessary to enable Subsidiary to
conduct the dealership and service facilities at the location of the Company's
dealership immediately prior to the Closing shall have been obtained. All other
requisite consents and approvals shall have been obtained.
6.5. No Material Adverse Change. No material adverse change in the
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results of operations or financial conditions of the Company shall have
occurred, and the Company shall not have suffered any material loss or damage to
its properties or assets, whether or not covered by insurance.
6.6. Lease. The Lease in form attached hereto as Schedule 3 shall
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have been executed by all of the parties thereto and delivered to Subsidiary.
6.7. Floor Plan Financing. Subsidiary shall have obtained appropriate
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floor plan financing, as reasonably acceptable to FirstAmerica as necessary for
the operation of the automobile franchise which is operated by the Company
immediately prior to the Closing.
6.8. Certificate of Merger. The Agreement of Merger attached as
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Schedule 1.3 evidencing the merger of the Company and Subsidiary shall,
concurrently with the Closing, be executed and acknowledged by Subsidiary and
the Company and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of California.
7. Conditions to Company's and Shareholders' Obligations to Close. The
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obligations of the Shareholders and the Company under this Agreement are, at the
option of the Shareholders, subject to the conditions set forth below. The
Shareholders shall have the right to waive in writing all or part of any one or
more of the following conditions without, however, releasing FirstAmerica or
Subsidiary from any liability
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for any loss or damage sustained by Shareholders by reason of the breach by
FirstAmerica or Subsidiary of any covenant, obligation or agreement contained
herein, or by reason of any misrepresentation made by FirstAmerica or Subsidiary
and upon such waiver may proceed with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
7.1. Agreements and Conditions. On or before the Closing Date,
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FirstAmerica and Subsidiary shall have complied with and duly performed in all
material respects all of the agreements and conditions on their part required to
be complied with or performed pursuant to this Agreement on or before the
Closing Date.
7.2. Representations and Warranties of FirstAmerica and Subsidiary.
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The representations and warranties of FirstAmerica and Subsidiary contained in
this Agreement, or otherwise made in writing in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby, shall be true and correct in all material respects on and
as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as though such
representations and warranties had been made on and as of the Closing Date.
7.3. No Legal Proceedings. No action or proceeding shall have been
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instituted or threatened to restrain or prohibit the merger between Subsidiary
and the Company.
7.4. Consents. Subsidiary and Franchisor shall have entered into a
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customary dealer sales and service Agreement designating Subsidiary as the duly
authorized dealer for the sales and service of the Franchisor's automobiles at
the location or locations at which the Company operates its dealership
immediately prior to the Closing, free of any material condition which is
adverse to Subsidiary. All permits and licenses necessary to enable Subsidiary
to conduct the automobile dealership and service facilities at the location at
the Company's dealership immediately prior to the Closing shall have been
obtained. All other requisite consents and approvals shall have been obtained.
7.5. Certificate of Merger. The Agreement of Merger attached as
---------------------
Schedule 1.3 evidencing the merger of the Company and Subsidiary shall,
concurrently with the Closing, be executed and acknowledged by Subsidiary and
the Company, and filed with the Secretary of State for the State of California.
8. Deliveries by Shareholders. The Shareholders shall, upon the Closing,
--------------------------
deliver to FirstAmerica the following:
8.1. A stock certificate or certificates evidencing all of the
outstanding capital stock of the Company in accordance with the provisions of
Section 1.4 hereof;
8.2. The certificate of merger in the form attached hereto as Schedule
1.3, duly executed by the Company;
8.3. Copy of resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the
Company and by the Shareholders authorizing the execution and delivery by the
Company of this Agreement, the adoption of this Agreement as a plan of
reorganization and the consummation by the Company of the transactions
contemplated herein;
8.4. Certificate of Secretary for the Company certifying that the
resolutions referenced immediately above have been duly adopted by both the
Board of Directors of the Company and the Shareholders; and
8.5. Certificate of Incumbency for the President of the Company;
9
9. Deliveries by FirstAmerica and Subsidiary. FirstAmerica and
-----------------------------------------
Subsidiary shall, upon Closing, deliver to the Shareholders the following:
9.1. Stock certificate or certificates representing the shares of
FirstAmerica Stock issuable to the Shareholders hereunder;
9.2. Cashiers or Certified Checks payable to those Shareholders, and
in the amounts, as set forth on Schedule 1.4 attached or other evidence of
payment of such amounts in accordance with Section 1.5 hereof;
9.3. The lease for the premises to be occupied by Subsidiary upon the
Closing in the form attached hereto as Schedule 3, duly executed by the landlord
thereof and the Subsidiary;
9.4. Copy of resolutions adopted by the Boards of Directors of both
FirstAmerica and Subsidiary, and of First America as the sole shareholder of
Subsidiary authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the
adoption of this Agreement as a plan of reorganization, and the consummation of
the transaction contemplated herein;
9.5. Certificate of Secretary certifying that the resolutions
referenced immediately above have been duly adopted by the Boards of Directors
of FirstAmerica and Subsidiary, respectively and by the shareholder of
Subsidiary; and
9.6. Certificate of Incumbency for the President of FirstAmerica and
of Subsidiary.
10. Closing. The consummation of the transactions provided for in this
--------
Agreement ("Closing") shall occur at the offices of Kay & Merkle, 100 The
Embarcadero, Penthouse, San Francisco, California 94105 or at such other
location as the parties may agree in writing, on March 31, 1997 at 10:00 a.m.,
or at such other date and time (the "Closing Date") as the parties hereto may
mutually agree in writing.
11. Additional Covenants.
---------------------
11.1. Access. Commencing on the date of this Agreement and
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continuing through the Closing Date, the Company and each of the Shareholders
shall allow the officers and authorized representatives of FirstAmerica
reasonable access during normal business hours to the business locations,
properties and books and records of the Company, and shall further provide to
FirstAmerica all such additional information as FirstAmerica may request with
respect to the Company.
11.2. Conduct of Business. Commencing on the date hereof and
-------------------
continuing through the Closing Date, the Company shall continue to manage,
operate and maintain all of its business and activities in substantially the
same manner as prior to the date hereof, and shall not introduce any new or
novel method of management, operation or accounting. Further, the Company shall
maintain its respective properties and facilities in as good a working condition
as exist as of the date hereof, ordinary wear and tear and loss by casualty
excepted. The Company shall use its best efforts to maintain and preserve its
business organization intact and to retain its present working relationship with
employees, suppliers and customers.
11.3. Accounting Method. Subsidiary acknowledges that the Company
-----------------
currently uses the last-in first-out method of inventory accounting. Subsidiary
shall adopt and utilize the same method of accounting as utilized by the
Company, including the last-in first-out method of inventory accounting.
10
12. Notices. All notices, requests or demands to a party hereunder shall
--------
be in writing and shall be given or served upon the other party by personal
service, by certified return receipt requested or registered mail, postage
prepaid, or by Federal Express or other nationally recognized commercial
courier, charges prepaid, addressed as set forth below. Any such notice,
demand, request or other communication shall be deemed to have been received
upon the earlier of personal delivery thereof, three (3) business days after
having been mailed as provided above, or one (1) business day after delivery
through a commercial courier, as the case may be. Notices may be given by
facsimile and shall be effective upon the transmission of such facsimile notice
provided that the facsimile notice is transmitted on a business day and a copy
of the facsimile notice together with evidence of its successful transmission
indicating the date and time of transmission is sent on the day of transmission
by recognized overnight carrier for delivery on the immediately succeeding
business day. Each party shall be entitled to modify its address by notice
given in accordance with this Section.
To FirstAmerica: 100 The Embarcadero, Penthouse
San Francisco, CA 94105
Attn: W. Bruce Bercovich
Fax No.: (415) 512-9277
To Subsidiary: 100 The Embarcadero, Penthouse
San Francisco, CA 94105
Attn: W. Bruce Bercovich
Fax No.: (415) 512-9277
With Copy To: Kay & Merkle
100 The Embarcadero, Penthouse
San Francisco, CA 94105
Attn: W. Bruce Bercovich
Fax No.: (415) 512-9277
To Shareholders: 1500 Collins Avenue
Colma, CA 94014
Attn: Thomas A. Price
Fax No.: (415) 756-3945
To Company: 1500 Collins Avenue
Colma, CA 94014
Attn: Thomas A. Price
Fax No.: (415) 756-3945
13. Indemnification.
---------------
13.1. Indemnification by Shareholders. Each Shareholder jointly and
--------------------------------
severally agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless FirstAmerica, Subsidiary
and the Company and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents,
affiliates, successors, assigns, representatives and attorneys from and against
any and all claims, actions, proceedings, demands, assessments, damages, costs,
liabilities and obligations of any nature whatsoever including, without
limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees arising out of or relating to: (i) any
breach of any representation or warranty made by a Shareholder herein or on any
Schedule or any other document attached hereto or delivered in connection
herewith; (ii) any nonfulfillment with any agreement or covenant required to be
performed by any Shareholder pursuant to this Agreement; or (iii) any liability
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Act of 1934, as
amended,
11
or any other federal or state law or regulation arising out of any untrue
statement of a material fact relating to the Company or the Shareholders, and
which is provided by the Company or the Shareholders.
13.2. Indemnification by FirstAmerica. FirstAmerica hereby agrees
--------------------------------
to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Shareholders and their respective
directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates, successors, assigns,
representatives and attorneys, from and against any and all claims, actions,
proceedings, demands, assessments, damages, costs, liabilities and obligations
of any nature whatsoever, including without limitation, reasonable attorneys'
fees arising out of or relating to (i) any breach of any representation or
warranty made by FirstAmerica herein, or on any Schedule or any other document
attached hereto or delivered in connection herewith; (ii) any nonfulfillment of
any agreement or covenant required to be performed by FirstAmerica or Subsidiary
pursuant to this agreement; or (iii) any liability under the Securities Act of
1933 as amended, the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, or any other federal or
state law or regulation arising out of any untrue statement of a material fact
relating to FirstAmerica or Subsidiary and which is provided by FirstAmerica or
Subsidiary.
13.3. Claim. For purposes of this section, the following terms
------
shall have the definitions as set forth below:
13.3.1. "Indemnified Party" shall be defined as the party
entitled to indemnification under the provisions of Section 13.1 or 13.2;
13.3.2. "Indemnifying Party" shall be defined as the party
obligated to provide indemnification pursuant to the provisions of Section 13.1
or 13.2;
13.3.3. "Third Person" shall be defined as any person asserting
a claim against any party to this Agreement, which claim is subject to an
indemnification obligation set forth in this Section 13.3;
In the event that an Indemnified Party shall receive notice, or otherwise
have knowledge of any claim, or the commencement of any action or proceeding by
a Third Person, the Indemnified Party shall promptly give written notice thereof
to the Indemnifying Party. The provision of such written notice shall be a
condition precedent to the obligation of Indemnifying Party to provide any
indemnification under the provisions of this Section 13.3. The Indemnifying
Party shall have the right to defend, negotiate and settle any claim by a Third
Person hereunder at the expense and with counsel selected by the Indemnifying
Party which is reasonably acceptable to Indemnified Party, as long as it
diligently pursues such settlement, negotiation or defense in good faith. The
Indemnified Party shall have the right to participate with counsel of its choice
and at its expense, in any settlement, negotiation or defense, provided, however
that the Indemnifying Party's counsel shall at all times be lead counsel and
shall determine all defense and settlement strategies, actions, and the like.
The Indemnified Party shall cooperate on a reasonable basis with the
Indemnifying Party and shall provide to the Indemnifying Party all books,
records and other information reasonably requested by the Indemnifying Party.
14. Termination. If the Closing Date shall not have occurred on or prior
-----------
to April 30, 1997 as such date may be from time to time extended upon the mutual
consent of the parties, any party that is not in default in the performance of
its obligations under this Agreement may, thereafter terminate this Agreement by
giving written notice to the other parties hereto.
15. Miscellaneous.
-------------
15.1. Amendment. This Agreement shall not be changed, modified or
---------
amended except by a writing signed by the party to be charged.
12
15.2. Governing Law. This Agreement and its validity, construction
-------------
and performance shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of
California without giving effect to principles of conflict of laws.
15.3. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the
------------
application of any provision hereof to any person or circumstance is held
invalid, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision
to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected unless the provision
held invalid shall substantially impair the benefits of the remaining portions
of this Agreement.
15.4. Benefit of Parties. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
------------------
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors,
heirs, legal representatives and assigns.
15.5. Time. Time is of the essence with respect to this Agreement.
----
15.6. Headings. The headings in the paragraphs of this Agreement
--------
are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part
hereof.
15.7. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in
------------
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
15.8. Further Assurances. Each of the parties hereto agrees to
------------------
perform such other acts, and to execute, acknowledge and deliver, prior to, at
or subsequent to Closing, such other instruments, documents and other materials
as any other may reasonably request and as shall be necessary in order to effect
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
15.9. Schedules. The parties acknowledge and agree that the
----------
schedules provided for herein shall be attached to the Agreement effective as of
the Closing Date.
13
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed on the day and year first above written.
FIRSTAMERICA: COMPANY:
FirstAmerica Automotive, Inc. Cziska Price, Inc.
a Delaware corporation a California corporation
By: /s/ Thomas A. Price By: /s/ Thomas A. Price
______________________________ _____________________________
Thomas A. Price, President Thomas A. Price, President
SUBSIDIARY: SHAREHOLDERS:
FAA Stevens Creek, Inc. Price Trust u/t/d 10/5/84
a California corporation
By: /s/ Thomas A. Price By: /s/ Thomas A. Price
___________________________ _______________________
Thomas A. Price, President Thomas A. Price, Trustee
/s/ Fred Cziska
____________________________
Fred Cziska
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LIST OF SCHEDULES
Schedule 1.1 Shareholders
Schedule 1.3 Certificate of Merger
Schedule 1.4 Shares
Schedule 3 Schedule of Leases
Schedule 4.1 Exceptions to Due Organization
Schedule 4.4 Capitalization
Schedule 4.5 Subsidiaries
Schedule 4.6 Financial Statements
Schedule 4.7 Liabilities
Schedule 4.8 Receivables
Schedule 4.9 Permits and Licenses
Schedule 4.10 Personal Property
Schedule 4.11 Material Contracts
Schedule 4.12 Unions
Schedule 4.13 Insurance
Schedule 4.14 Benefit Plans
15