EXHIBIT 10(B)(26)
MARKETING AGREEMENT
THIS MARKETING AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is entered into and effective on this
15th day of November, 2002, by and between American National Insurance Company,
hereinafter referred to as "American National," an insurance company organized
under the laws of the state of Texas, and Legacy Marketing Group, hereinafter
referred to as "LMG," a California corporation, with reference to the following
facts:
WHEREAS, LMG and American National will enter into a certain Administrative
Services Agreement, hereinafter referred to as the "Administrative Services
Agreement," pursuant to which certain insurance business is to be administered
by LMG.
WHEREAS, the objective of this Agreement is to provide an arrangement to sell
certain policies ("Policies") of American National as specified in APPENDIX A of
this Agreement. The term "Policies," as used throughout this Agreement, shall be
deemed to encompass all policies, certificates and contracts issued by LMG on
behalf of American National. Furthermore, the term "Policyholder," as used
throughout this Agreement, shall be deemed to encompass all contract owners,
including policyholders and certificateholders.
WHEREAS, American National desires that LMG to recruit, provide product training
and appoint Wholesalers and Producers in the sale of certain Policies issued by
American National as specified in APPENDIX A. Wholesalers and Producers are
those duly licensed insurance agents contracted with LMG to sell American
National products.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and mutual promises
hereinafter contained and other good and valuable consideration, LMG and
American National hereto do agree as follows:
1. APPOINTMENT OF LMG AND SCOPE OF AUTHORITY
1.1 American National hereby authorizes LMG to recruit and provide product
training to Wholesalers, (who in turn recruit and provide product training to
Producers in their downline) and appoint Wholesalers and Producers in the
solicitation of the Policies in the geographic territory specified in APPENDIX A
(the "Territory").
1.2 It is understood and agreed that LMG is an independent contractor and
nothing herein shall be construed to create the relationship of employer or
employee between American National and LMG or between American National and any
officer, employee, agent or other associated person of LMG. Neither LMG nor any
Wholesaler or Producer has authority to incur any liability on behalf of or to
bind American National in any way or change its rights, duties or obligations,
except as may be set forth in this Agreement or in the Administrative Services
Agreement between American National and LMG.
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1.3 All Wholesalers and Producers who have been recruited and are appointed to
sell the Policies referenced in APPENDIX A by LMG shall be identified by
American National as Wholesalers and Producers of LMG as to such Policies. Any
and all contracts entered into by and between such Wholesalers and Producers
with respect to the Policies shall be coded through LMG and deemed agents of LMG
for such policies. American National may terminate American National's
appointment of any Wholesalers and Producers with prior written notice to LMG,
but may not otherwise terminate, recode, or otherwise disturb the relationship
between LMG and Wholesalers and Producers without the prior written consent of
LMG.
1.4 Any General Agents and Agents for American National who want to sell LMG
products will need to be contracted with LMG to sell such products. Contracts
will include the American National hierarchy. This will apply to the American
National Agency Divisions and to any producer relationships gained through
future American National acquisitions. On any sale of LMG products by American
National General Agents and Agents, LMG will pay American National the highest
agent hierarchy level commission.
1.5 LMG and American National both agree not to solicit business not subject to
this Agreement through the other party's agency force without prior written
approval of the other party.
1.6 Standard Life and Accident ("Standard") Producers who desire to sell ANICO
products which are proprietary of LMG and LMG Producers who desire to sell
Standard products shall adhere to the following procedures:
(a) Standard Producers can market the ANICO annuities and life insurance
products that are proprietary to LMG.
(b) LMG Producers can market the Standard product line.
(c) If a Producer is contracted with LMG, he or she may also contract with
Standard directly.
(d) If an American National shelf product is sold, the structure which
first appointed the agent with American National will receive the
commission on the case.
(e) Standard Producers may contract with LMG, through one of LMG's
Wholesalers, to market LMG's proprietary products through LMG's life
insurance carrier relationships including, but not limited to American
National.
1.7 Producers who are contracted with American National prior to contracting
with LMG shall adhere to the following procedures:
(a) If the Producer is a career/ordinary/multiple lines marketing Producer
with American National, then this Producer is considered to be
"captive." If these Producers wish to sell any products available
through LMG, they need to work back through their Regional Director at
American National. It is up to the
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Regional Director as to whether or not they will allow the Producer to
work directly with an LMG Wholesaler. In the event that the Producer
wishes to sell a product of LMG's from time to time they may want to
consider using a Single Case Agreement for these infrequent sales.
(b) If the Producer is contracted through the * they are free to contract
directly with LMG through one of LMG's Wholesalers. These Producers
can sell LMG products without a release from the *.
(c) If the agent is contracted through * the agent must receive a release
from * in order to work directly with an LMG Wholesaler. Producers who
are contracted through * can sell LMG products. These Producers must
follow the same transfer policy that LMG asks its own Wholesalers and
Producers to abide by.
2. RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF AMERICAN NATIONAL
2.1 American National agrees to compensate LMG as follows:
(a) The amount of policy commission shall be as specified in APPENDIX B
and shown as Premium Commission and Fund Commission(s) One and Two.
(b) Premium Commission will be paid to LMG by American National within
five (5) business days of the application of the premium. The Premium
Commission will be part of the weekly commission process and will be
paid by American National to LMG, by authorizing LMG to write a check
to itself against the American National Disbursement account for the
total weekly commission amount.
(c) Fund Commission One is based on month end Cash Value and shall be paid
to LMG by American National within five (5) business days of receipt
of LMG's report via wire transfer to an LMG bank account.
(d) Fund Commission Two will be paid to LMG by American National monthly
on the date on which the premium was effective beginning in the
thirteenth month thereafter. Fund Commission Two will be part of the
weekly commission process and will be paid by American National to
LMG, by authorizing LMG to write a check to itself against the
American National Disbursement account for the total weekly commission
amount.
(e) The marketing allowance of * of commission on first year annuity
premium, single premium whole life premium and first year scheduled
life premium will be paid within five (5) business days of the date
that a premium was applied to a policy by American National via wire
transfer to an LMG bank account.
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2.2 American National reserves the right to withdraw its Policies from any state
or other jurisdiction, with 90 days written notice to LMG, unless mandated by
any law, regulation, regulatory agency or court of law to do so immediately.
Furthermore, such notice will not be required in the event that American
National provides LMG with written documentation that failure to withdraw such
Policy will cause significant adverse financial impact to American National. LMG
and American National may mutually agree in writing to withdraw any Policy
without the required notice.
2.3 LMG agrees that the compensation payable pursuant to Section 2.1 shall be
accepted by it as full compensation from American National for its marketing
services hereunder.
2.4 Section 2.1 of this Agreement and APPENDIX B will provide for the
compensation payable to LMG from American National. APPENDIX B will be amended
by written agreement of LMG and American National to conform with each new
product specification as they are developed and finalized.
2.5 The commissions specified in APPENDIX B shall be modified whenever necessary
to conform to the legal requirements of any state.
2.6 American National shall be responsible for ensuring that its products listed
in APPENDIX A in its present form, or as amended, comply with all applicable
state, federal and local laws and regulations.
2.7 American National shall have sole responsibility for filing advertising
materials and policy forms pertaining to the business underwritten by American
National, in those states that so require, prior to approving their use by LMG.
*
2.8 American National shall immediately, within five (5) business days, provide
LMG with written notice of any change of authority of persons authorized and
enumerated in APPENDIX E to provide LMG with instructions or directions relating
to services to be performed by LMG under this Agreement.
2.9 *
2.10 In the event of termination under Section 3.2(b) or 3.2(c), American
National guarantees the commission payment due to Wholesalers and Producers (via
payment to LMG) to which they may become entitled after the effective date of
termination to the extent that American National has not previously remitted
such commissions to LMG.
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2.11 Subject to American National's approval in writing in advance, American
National shall be responsible for researching, obtaining, and the registration
of any service marks issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for use with
the products developed by LMG and American National, and any costs associated
therewith. American National grants to LMG a gratuitous license for the use of
such marks on LMG and American National proprietary products. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, LMG may register and own its own marks that may be used on
products underwritten by American National. Further, LMG grants to American
National a gratuitous license for the use of its marks on LMG and American
National proprietary products.
3. TERM, TERMINATION AND MODIFICATION OR AMENDMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT
3.1 Subject to termination as hereinafter provided, this Agreement shall remain
in force and effect for a period of five (5) years, the term of this Agreement.
This Agreement shall be renewed for successive terms of one (1) year unless
terminated by either party as provided herein.
3.2 The termination of this Agreement is governed by the following provisions:
(a) American National or LMG may terminate this Agreement or any renewal
thereof, without cause, upon twelve (12) months prior written notice
to the other signed by authorized personnel, as provided in APPENDIX
E.
(b) This Agreement may be terminated by mutual agreement of LMG or
American National at any time. Such termination shall be signed by
authorized personnel of both parties, as shown in APPENDIX E.
(c) If either American National or LMG shall materially breach this
Agreement or be materially in default in the performance of any of its
duties and obligations hereunder (the defaulting party), the other
party shall give written notice thereof, as signed by authorized
personnel, as provided in APPENDIX E, to the defaulting party. If such
default or breach is not cured within ninety (90) days after such
written notice is given, then the party giving such written notice may
terminate this Agreement with thirty (30) days notice of such
termination to the defaulting party.
(d) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, American National or
LMG may terminate this Agreement or any renewal thereof, with cause,
immediately by written notice, as signed by authorized personnel, as
provided in APPENDIX E, to the other. Cause is defined as fraudulent,
criminal, unethical activity or blatant disregard for the terms and
conditions of this Agreement.
(e) Termination of this Agreement as a result of default or breach by
American National shall not constitute a waiver of any rights of LMG
in reference to services performed prior to such termination.
Termination of this Agreement as a
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result of default or breach by LMG shall not constitute a waiver by
American National of any rights under this Agreement.
(f) Termination of this Agreement does not affect in any way the
Administrative Services Agreement.
3.3 This Agreement may be modified or amended at any time by mutual agreement of
the parties, provided such modification is in writing, signed by authorized
personnel as provided in APPENDIX E of this Agreement.
3.4 Neither party may assign or delegate all or any part of its rights and/or
duties under this Agreement without the written consent of the other party
signed by authorized personnel as shown in APPENDIX E.
4. RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF LMG
4.1 At all times during the term of this Agreement, LMG (or the licensed
individual who is acting on behalf of LMG in such states that do not permit the
licensing of corporations) and all Wholesalers and Producers shall be properly
licensed with each state or other jurisdiction and properly appointed with
American National in each state or other jurisdiction within the Territory
before engaging in any activity which under the laws of such state or other
jurisdiction makes such licensing necessary. Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, all such Wholesalers and Producers shall at all times bear the
cost of maintaining all required licenses by any such state.
4.2 LMG will itself and will communicate to each Wholesaler and Producer to use
only forms, applications, advertising (as such term is generally defined by the
regulation of the state or other jurisdiction in which Policies referenced in
APPENDIX A are solicited), office procedures, guides and rules furnished,
authorized or promulgated by American National and in each state or other
jurisdiction where any Wholesalers and Producers solicit Policies. No written
advertising or sales materials of any kind or recruiting material referencing
the Policies of American National shall be authorized by LMG until after it has
been approved in writing by American National. LMG will provide such materials
with sufficient lead-time to allow appropriate review by American National.
American National will then use commercially reasonable efforts to provide a
timely response within five (5) business days. No oral presentation of any kind
shall be authorized by LMG which does not conform to applicable statutes and
regulations or which does not accurately reflect the terms and conditions of the
Policies being sold. All recruiting practices of LMG's Wholesalers shall comply
with all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations of the appropriate
authorities. American National shall be responsible for the maintenance of the
advertising files and logs, as mandated by applicable state statutes and
regulations.
4.3 LMG shall report and remit to American National or to its designated
servicing organization, all first-year or other premiums collected by LMG or its
Wholesalers or Producers, as specified in the Administrative Services Agreement.
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4.4 LMG is responsible for the payment to American National of all monies which
LMG, or its Wholesalers and Producers collect on behalf of American National.
However, until American National receives all monies due, the same shall be a
debt payable by LMG upon demand for which American National may at its option
offset with commissions otherwise due until such liability is satisfied. Any
indebtedness to American National or its affiliates or subsidiaries shall be a
first lien against monies otherwise due under this Agreement.
4.5 LMG, in performance of its marketing obligations and duties, will not itself
and will use its best efforts to prevent Wholesalers and Producers, appointed
hereunder, in the performance of their obligations and duties hereunder, from
doing any of the following:
(a) Enter into any agreement or incur any obligation on behalf of American
National, except with its written permission:
1. bind American National in its dealings with any Wholesaler and
Producer or LMG employee, or
2. commit American National to
(i) pay any money to any such Wholesaler, Producer or employee,
or
(ii) a date that a payment will be made.
(b) Assign any compensation, other than commissions payable to Wholesalers
or Producers, payable under it without the prior written consent of
American National.
(c) Solicit applications for American National in any manner prohibited by
or inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement or the rules and
regulations as mutually agreed by LMG and American National, now or
hereafter in force.
(d) With respect to any Policy,
1. make any alterations, modifications or endorsements or otherwise
alter American National's obligations as stated in the Policy;
2. charge special rates or extend the time for paying premiums;
3. waive forfeitures;
4. deliver or allow the delivery of any policy or contract unless:
(i) the health of the person or persons proposed for
insurance is in accordance with American National's
requirements, and
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(ii) the first policy premium or payment amount required by
American National rules and practices is paid in full;
5. approve evidence of insurability or bind or commit American
National on any risk in any manner;
6. collect or receive any life insurance premiums after the initial
premium, except as may be required in the Administrative Services
Agreement;
7. adjust or settle any claim;
8. retain any issued American National policy not delivered within
thirty (30) days of issue.
(e) Initiate any civil or criminal action or proceeding, whether or not
brought in the name of American National, which may in any way involve
or affect American National, its affiliates, their business,
operations, or any Policy issued by American National, as referenced
in APPENDIX A. Nothing herein shall be construed to limit LMG's right
to initiate any action or proceeding against American National to
enforce any right of LMG.
(f) Use or authorize the use of any written, oral or visual communication,
circular, advertisement or other publication:
1. bearing American National's name, as advertising matter or
otherwise, except with the prior written approval of
American National; or
2. referring to any insurance company tending to bring it into
disrepute.
(g) Knowingly or willfully violate the insurance laws or the regulations
of the Insurance Department of any State or any other jurisdiction in
which LMG represents American National.
(h) Knowingly or willfully misapply funds of American National or any
other person or entity.
(i) Perpetrate any fraud against American National or any other person or
entity or embezzle funds of American National.
4.6 LMG shall provide American National ninety (90) days prior written request
if LMG desires to increase its fees or charges to American National or to change
the manner of payment or to change any other provision of this Agreement.
American National must respond in writing to such request within sixty (60) days
of receipt. If LMG and American National do not agree to
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such changed fees, then no such change shall take place. In such an event, LMG's
only remedy is to withdraw this increase and/or terminate this Agreement
pursuant to 3.2(a).
4.7 LMG may rely on instructions of any person indicated on American National's
"Schedule of Authorized Personnel," attached hereto as APPENDIX E. Each of such
persons is authorized to give instructions under this section with respect to
any matter arising in connection with this Agreement.
4.8 LMG shall cause each new Wholesaler and Producer to enter into Wholesaler or
Producer Agreements in the form shown in APPENDIX C. LMG will provide American
National with copies of the Wholesaler or Producer Agreement whenever it is
changed. Subject to American National's approval of the appointment process and
agent contracting criteria, for those Wholesalers and Producers who satisfy the
agent contracting criteria as mutually agreed to by LMG and American National,
LMG shall file appointments of such Wholesalers and Producers in the appropriate
states' insurance departments and other jurisdictions. However, if any
appointment process or contracting criteria is determined to be contrary to any
pertinent statute or regulation, American National may modify the contracting
process or criteria to be in compliance with such statute or regulation. LMG
will report monthly to American National a list of current appointments, adding
new appointments and terminations from the list each month. Consideration for
such appointments and terminations is provided for in the Administrative
Services Agreement.
4.9 LMG shall produce sales of combined life and annuity annualized premium in
excess of *. In the event that the aforementioned production requirements are
not attained by LMG, American National may terminate this Agreement with twelve
(12) months written notice to LMG, signed by authorized personnel, as provided
in APPENDIX E.
4.10 In the event that any state insurance department withdraws or cancels LMG's
insurance license (or the license of the individual who is acting on behalf of
LMG in such states that do not permit the licensing of corporations), or right
to sell or conduct its business, LMG will stop marketing activity under this
Agreement in that state and notify American National. American National may
terminate the authority of LMG with regard to such affected Policies which
termination of authority shall be effective on the same date as the
effectiveness of the action of such state insurance department.
4.11 LMG will possess and maintain at all times errors and omissions coverage or
other appropriate liability insurance in the states in which LMG does business.
Such coverage shall be in a minimum amount * per occurrence * aggregate in a
form acceptable to American National and underwritten by a company rated by A.M.
Best as A- or better. In addition, each Wholesaler and Producer that is covered
by LMG's group plan who is appointed or renewed after April 1, 2003, shall also
possess and maintain at all times errors and omissions coverage with a minimum
liability * per occurrence * aggregate. Commencing on April 1, 2003, current
Producers or Wholesalers who have errors and omission coverage outside of LMG's
group plan will be required to have a minimum liability of *
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per occurrence * aggregate upon policy renewal, and in no event later than
January 1, 2004. Such coverage shall be in a form acceptable to American
National and underwritten by a company rated by A.M. Best as A- or better.
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RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF BOTH PARTIES
5.1 It is acknowledged by both American National and LMG that certain of
American National's obligations hereunder are to be performed by LMG, pursuant
to the Administrative Services Agreement between American National and LMG. This
does not relieve American National of any of its duties and obligations unless
the specific service is provided for in the Administrative Services Agreement,
including any subsequent amendments, whereby LMG has explicitly acknowledged the
responsibility of such service.
5.2 Each party agrees that it will not knowingly or willingly, directly or
indirectly, at any time during the term of this Agreement or within two (2)
years thereafter, induce or attempt to induce any policy holder or contract
holder of the other party to terminate, reduce coverage, or replace any policy,
as referenced in APPENDIX A or otherwise disturb the relationship between the
other party and any of its policy holders.
5.3 Each party agrees that it will use commercially reasonable efforts to
prevent any Wholesaler and Producer, directly or indirectly, at any time during
the term of this Agreement or within two (2) years thereafter, from inducing or
attempting to induce any insurance client of the other party to terminate or
reduce coverage or replace any policy of insurance placed through the efforts of
the other party or otherwise disturb the relationship between the other party
and any of its insurance clients.
5.4 LMG and American National agree to inform the other of any changes to its
legal structure, and of any changes in its officers or partners. Changes in
officers or partners may be satisfied by making such information available on
the parties' website. LMG and American National agree to inform the other of any
material changes or transfers of its stock or partnership interests. Material
changes shall be defined as a 20% or greater change in ownership.
5.5 Commission debit balances on American National products sold through LMG
will be handled according to the following guidelines:
(a) *
(b) *
(c) *
(d) *
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(e) *
(f) *
(g) *
(h) *
6. PROPRIETARY, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND PRIVACY OF INFORMATION
6.1 Proprietary and Confidentiality. Each party acknowledges that certain
information received from the other may be proprietary and/or confidential
(referred to herein as "Confidential Information") in nature. All such
Confidential Information shall be used by each party solely for purposes of
soliciting insurance pursuant to this Agreement. Except as required by law or to
inform the appropriate party or its officers, directors, employees, agents,
affiliates or contractors (collectively referred to herein as "Affiliates"), for
the purpose of compliance with or negotiation of or performance under this
Agreement, neither party shall disclose the contents of this Agreement to third
parties (other than Affiliates) without the other's written approval, which
shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
6.2 Privacy. To protect Confidential Information each party shall: (i) keep all
Confidential Information in strict confidence; (ii) prevent disclosure of
Confidential Information to third parties (except for Affiliates with a
need-to-know); (iii) promptly notify the other of any loss or unauthorized use
or disclosure of or access to Confidential Information; and (iv) promptly notify
the other upon receipt of a request or demand pursuant to law to disclose
Confidential Information, so that the appropriate party may seek a protective
order or similar remedy. For the purpose of this Agreement, the term
"Confidential Information" shall not include information that is: (a) in or
becomes part of the public domain other than pursuant to a breach of this
Agreement; (b) independently developed; (c) rightfully obtained from a third
party without an obligation of confidentiality; (d) known prior to date of this
Agreement without obligation of confidentiality; or (e) required to be disclosed
by legal or regulatory authority.
6.3 Non-Public Personal Information. All capitalized terms used in this Section
6 and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings throughout this Agreement
set forth in the Federal "Privacy of Consumer Financial Information" Regulation
(12 CFR Part 40), as amended from
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time to time (the "Privacy Regulation"), issued pursuant to Section 504 of the
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (15 U.S.C. 6801 et seq.). The parties acknowledge that
the Privacy Regulation governs disclosures of Nonpublic Personal Information
about Consumers and Customers, and that Nonpublic Personal Information is
included in the definition of "Confidential Information" in this Agreement. Each
party hereby agrees that as the party receiving or maintaining Nonpublic
Personal Information (the "Receiving Party") it shall:
(a) comply with the terms and provisions of the Privacy Regulation,
including, without limitation, the provisions regarding the sharing,
collection, access and use of Nonpublic Personal Information, the
provisions regarding notice and opt-out requirements, and the
provisions regarding the limitations on the sharing of account number
information for marketing purposes;
(b) not disclose or use any Nonpublic Personal Information that it obtains
from the other party (the "Disclosing Party") except to carry out the
purposes for which the Disclosing Party provided such Nonpublic
Personal Information;
(c) not make any changes to its security measures that would increase the
risk of unauthorized access, use or disclosure of Nonpublic Personal
Information;
(d) not disclose any Nonpublic Personal Information provided by the
Disclosing Party to any other entity, without the prior written
consent of the Disclosing Party;
(e) at any time, upon the Disclosing Party's request, return to the
Disclosing Party all of the Disclosing Party's Nonpublic Personal
Information. Neither party shall be under any obligation to take any
action, which, within such party's reasonable judgment, would
constitute a violation of the Privacy Regulation or its internal
privacy policies;
(f) safeguard Nonpublic Personal Information by maintaining security and
procedural standards that comply with state and federal regulations to
protect against unauthorized access, use or disclosure (or threatened
access, use or disclosure) of the Disclosing Party's Nonpublic
Personal Information.
6.4 Service Provider Agreements. Each party agrees that when Nonpublic Personal
Information is provided to a nonaffiliated third party ("a Service Provider")
who performs services for or functions on behalf of the party, including
marketing of the party's own products or services, or marketing of financial
products or services pursuant to Joint Agreements between the party and other
Financial Institutions, such party shall disclose to its Consumers and/or
Customers that (a) it will be providing such Nonpublic Personal Information to
the Service Provider and (b) it has entered a contractual agreement with the
Service Provider that requires the Service Provider to maintain the
confidentiality of such Nonpublic Personal Information pursuant to the Privacy
Regulation.
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6.5 Other Privacy Regulations. Each party agrees that compliance with the
Privacy Regulation does not relieve either party of any of its duties and
obligations to comply with other applicable privacy laws, statutes, ordinances
or regulations of the appropriate authorities.
6.6 Remedies. The Receiving Party agrees that (a) any unauthorized access, use
or disclosure (or threatened unauthorized access, use or disclosure) of the
Disclosing Party's Nonpublic Personal Information or other Confidential
Information, (b) other violation of the Privacy Regulation, or (c) violation of
other applicable privacy regulations, may cause immediate and irreparable harm
to the Disclosing Party for which money damages may not constitute an adequate
remedy. In that event, each party agrees that injunctive relief may be warranted
in addition to any other remedies the Disclosing Party may have. In addition,
the Receiving Party agrees promptly to advise the Disclosing Party in writing of
any unauthorized misappropriation, disclosure or use by any person of
Confidential Information (including, without limitation, Nonpublic Personal
Information) which may come to its attention and to take all steps at its own
expense reasonably requested by the Disclosing Party to limit, stop or otherwise
remedy such misappropriation, disclosure or use.
7. VESTING OF RENEWAL COMMISSIONS
7.1 LMG, its successors, executors, assigns, or administrators is vested as to
the first year and renewal commissions and, as provided in APPENDIX B, shall
continue to receive renewal commissions on premiums on Policies received by
American National.
8. BONUS ARRANGEMENT
8.1 As long as this Agreement remains in effect, an annuity bonus arrangement,
calculated as specified in APPENDIX D, will be payable by American National to
LMG, if earned.
8.2 As long as this Agreement remains in effect, a life bonus arrangement,
calculated as specified in APPENDIX D, will be payable by American National to
LMG, if earned.
9. NON-COMPETE PROVISION
9.1 *
9.2 *
9.3 LMG and American National will jointly develop proprietary products as
mutually agreed upon. Neither LMG nor American National are obligated to pursue
the development of such products.
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10. GENERAL PROVISIONS
10.1 The parties agree that this Agreement is an honorable undertaking, and
agree to cooperate each with the other in carrying out its provisions.
10.2 Each party will cause its employees and Wholesalers and Producers to, upon
receipt of any summons or other notice of suit or regulatory authority inquiry
wherein the other party is named in any manner, forward any and all such
documents within twenty-four (24) hours to the attention of the other party by
facsimile, overnight mail, or overnight courier.
10.3 The waiver of any breach of any term, covenant or condition of this
Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or
any other term, covenant, or condition. No term, covenant or condition of this
Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived unless such waiver is in writing
signed by the party charged therewith.
10.4 For any notice under this Agreement, notice shall be sufficient and
effective five (5) business days after deposit in the U.S. Mail, postage
prepaid, registered or certified, return receipt requested, or upon receipt if
delivered personally or by a nationally recognized overnight carrier. Such
notice shall be directed as follows:
To LMG: Legacy Marketing Group
Lynda Regan, Chief Executive Officer
Preston Pitts, President
2090 Marina Avenue
Petaluma, California 94954
With copy to: Stokes Lazarus Carmichael LLP
80 Peachtree Park Drive, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
To American National: American National Insurance Company
Richard Ferdinandtsen, President and Chief
Operating Officer
Kelly Wainscott, Vice President,
Independent Marketing
David Behrens, Executive Vice President,
Independent Marketing
One Moody Plaza
Galveston, Texas 77550-7999
With copy to: Frederick E. Black, Greer, Herz and Adams LLP
One Moody Plaza, 18th Floor
Galveston, Texas 77550-7999
10.5 If any clause, paragraph, term or provision of this Agreement shall be
found to be void or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such
finding shall have no effect upon any other clause, paragraph, term, or
provision of this Agreement, and same shall be given full force and effect.
Page 15 of 28
10.6 Each party expressly represents and warrants that it has the authority to
enter into this Agreement and that it is not or will not be, by virtue of
entering into this Agreement or otherwise, in breach of any other agreement with
any other insurance company, association, firm, person or corporation. Each
party warrants that the other party will be free from interference or
disturbance in its use of all products, advertising, marketing techniques and
all information provided by the originating party.
10.7 This Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of American
National as well as upon LMG's successors and permissive assigns.
10.8 The persons signing this Agreement on behalf of American National and LMG
warrant, covenant and represent that they are authorized to execute this
Agreement on behalf of such corporations pursuant to their bylaws or a
resolution of their board of directors.
10.9 This Agreement, including APPENDICES A, B, C, D and E and the provisions
hereof, and the Administrative Services Agreement into constitute the entire
agreement of the parties. No modification hereof shall be binding upon American
National or LMG unless such amendment is in writing and signed by officers of
American National and LMG. The Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the
State of Texas. Any similar agreement signed prior to the execution dates below
is null and void and abrogated hereby. No change, waiver or discharge shall be
valid unless in writing, and signed by an authorized representative of the party
against whom such change, waiver or discharge is sought to be enforced. No delay
or omission by either party to exercise any right or power shall impair such
right or power or be construed as a waiver. A waiver by either of the parties of
any of the covenants to be performed by the other or any breach shall not be
construed to be a waiver of any succeeding breach or any other covenant.
10.10 *
10.11 In no event and under no circumstances shall either party under this
Agreement be liable to the other party under any provision of this Agreement for
lost profits or for exemplary, speculative, special, punitive or consequential
damages.
10.12 Each party shall be excused from performance for any reasonable period and
to the extent that the party is prevented from performing any services, in whole
or in part, as a result of delays caused by an act of God, war, civil
disturbance, court order, labor dispute, or other cause beyond that party's
reasonable control, including failures or fluctuations in electrical power,
heat, light, air conditioning or telecommunications equipment and such
non-performance shall not be a default or a ground for termination.
Page 16 of 28
10.13 Any claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or any
breach thereof, shall be finally determined and settled pursuant to binding
arbitration in Houston, Texas, by one arbitrator, to be agreed upon by the
parties. The arbitrator shall be an attorney licensed to practice law in the
state of Texas. Should the parties fail to agree on an arbitrator then each
party shall appoint one arbitrator who shall then agree to appoint a third
arbitrator. In such an event, the first two arbitrators will not be required to
participate and the final arbitrator may conduct the arbitration as a sole
arbitrator. Should one party fail to appoint an arbitrator as herein
contemplated then the choice of the other party shall be the sole arbitrator. If
the two arbitrators appointed by or on behalf of the parties as contemplated
herein fail to appoint a third arbitrator within ten (10) days after the date of
the appointment of the last arbitrator, then any person sitting as a District
Judge in Houston, Texas, upon application of either party, shall appoint an
arbitrator to fill such position with the same force and effect as though such
arbitrator had been appointed or herein contemplated.
The arbitration proceeding shall apply the laws of the state of Texas and be
conducted in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American
Arbitration Association. The cost of arbitration (exclusive of attending the
arbitration, and of the fees and expenses of legal counsel to such party, to be
borne by each party) shall be shared equally by American National and LMG unless
such arbitrator deems it just to allow one party to recover such costs from the
other. The arbitration award shall be final and conclusive and shall receive
recognition and judgment upon such award may be entered and enforced in any
court of competent jurisdiction.
10.14 LMG hereby indemnifies and holds harmless American National, its officers,
directors, employees and representatives from any and all claims, damages,
expenses, liabilities, losses, causes of action, costs and obligations, of
whatever kind or nature, whether joint and several or otherwise (including, but
not limited to, attorneys' fees and expenses and amounts paid in settlement of
any claims or liabilities) to any third party, arising out of LMG's fraudulent
or negligent act(s) or omission(s); LMG's failure to comply with the terms of
this Agreement; LMG's failure to comply with any law or regulation with respect
to its duties hereunder except that LMG shall not be required to indemnify or
hold harmless American National for any act or omission of LMG which was
directed orally or in writing by American National, or required by American
National under the Agreement.
American National hereby indemnifies and holds harmless LMG, its officers,
directors, employees and representatives from any and all claims, damages,
expenses, liabilities, losses, causes of action, costs and obligations, of
whatever kind or nature, whether joint and several or otherwise (including, but
not limited to, attorneys' fees and expenses and amounts paid in settlement of
any claims or liabilities) to any third party, arising out of American
National's fraudulent or negligent act(s) or omission(s); American National's
failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement; American National's failure
to comply with any law or regulation with respect to its duties hereunder; and
any actions or omissions of LMG which were directed orally or in writing by
American National, or required by American National under the Agreement.
Without in any way limiting the above reciprocal indemnifications, the parties
hereto expressly agree that neither party shall be prohibited under this section
from seeking such indemnification on the
Page 17 of 28
basis that such party seeking indemnification is itself negligent. Provided,
however, that no party shall be liable for that portion of the claims, damages,
liabilities, losses or causes of action resulting from the negligence of the
other party, or resulting from the negligence of any third party, whether or not
such third party is named in the lawsuit.
In lawsuits brought against both parties by a third party, the parties agree
that each shall work together in a good faith effort to defend against and/or
settle such lawsuits brought by a third party. In lawsuits brought against one
but not both parties, to the extent practicable, all efforts will be made to
defend or settle the claim with such third party without bringing the other
party into the initial lawsuit. In any case, each party shall assert and protect
all mutual privileges of one another, including but not limited to the
attorney-client privilege, the joint defense privilege, and the attorney work
product privilege. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent
LMG or American National from seeking indemnification from the other party in a
separate arbitration or other proceeding without the constraints of the joint
defense privilege or joint attorney work product privilege.
The parties hereto expressly agree that, prior to the institution of any action
or the filing of any claim against one another under this section, the parties
will confer directly in good faith to resolve any disputes. For American
National, such discussions shall involve * or *, or their successors or
designees. For LMG, such discussions shall involve Lynda Regan, Chief Executive
Officer, or Preston Pitts, President, or their successors or designees.
10.15 SURVIVAL: Sections 4.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 7, 10.12, 10.13 and
10.14 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
{Remainder of this page intentionally left blank.}
Page 18 of 28
Any similar agreement signed prior to the execution dates below is null and void
and abrogated hereby.
IN WITNESS HEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement.
LEGACY MARKETING GROUP
By: /s/ R. Preston Pitts
Title: President
Witness: /s/ Lynn Laub
Date: November 15, 2002
AMERICAN NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY
By: /s Kelly M. Wainscott
Title: Vice President
Witness: /s/ Jynx Yucra
Date: November 15, 2002
Page 19 of 28
APPENDIX A
GEOGRAPHIC TERRITORY:
The District of Columbia and all states other than New York and Alabama.
Products
*
1. *
2. *
3. *
4. *
5. *
6. *
7. *
*
1. *
2. *
3. *
4. *
5. *
6. *
7. *
8. *
9. *
*
1. *
2. *
Riders
1. *
1. *
2. *
3. *
4. *
5. *
6. *
7. *
Page 20 of 28
8. *
2. *
1. *
2. *
3. *
Page 21 of 28
APPENDIX B
Legacy Marketing Group's Base Compensation Schedule
* Product Line
Compensation to LMG shall equal * of the following tables:
I. *
1. Premium and Trailer Commission
Premium Band #1: Premium *
* * * * *
*
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
*
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
*
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
- --------------------
1*
2*
3*
Page 22 of 28
Premium Band #2: Premium *
* * * * *
*
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
*
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
*
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
Premium Band #3: Premium *
* * * * *
*
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
*
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
*
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
2. * is a * annual trailer on the inforce cash value and is due monthly
starting at the end of the first month after the certificate effective
date.
Page 23 of 28
- -------------- ------------------ ---------------- ------------------ ---------------- -----------------
* * *
* *
- -------------- ------------------ ---------------- ------------------ ---------------- -----------------
* * * * * *
- -------------- ------------------ ---------------- ------------------ ---------------- -----------------
* * * * * *
- -------------- ------------------ ---------------- ------------------ ---------------- -----------------
*
* * * * *
- -------------- ------------------ ---------------- ------------------ ---------------- -----------------
* * * * * *
- -------------- ------------------ ---------------- ------------------ ---------------- -----------------
- --------------------------
1*
2*
3*
4*
Page 24 of 28
APPENDIX C
Legacy Marketing Group: Wholesaler and Producer Agreement(s) (To be inserted)
Page 25 of 28
APPENDIX D
BONUS AGREEMENT
*
Page 26 of 28
*
Page 27 of 28
APPENDIX E
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL
REPRESENTING AMERICAN NATIONAL
Name Title Function
* * *
* * *
* * *
* * *
* * *
* * *
REPRESENTING LMG
Name Title Function
Preston Pitts President Overall
Steve Taylor Chief Financial Officer Finance
Lynda Regan Chief Executive Officer Overall
Don Dady Vice President of Marketing
Marketing
Page 28 of 28