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EXHIBIT 2.2
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the "AGREEMENT") is made and entered into
as of the 16th day of March, 2000, by and among The BigHub.com, Inc., a Florida
corporation ("BIGHUB"), the parties listed on Exhibit A hereto (the "COMMON
SHAREHOLDERS"), the parties listed on Exhibit B hereto (the "PREFERRED
SHAREHOLDERS," and together with the Common Shareholders the "SELLERS"), and
Next Generation Media Corporation, a Nevada corporation (the "COMPANY").
RECITALS
The Common Shareholders desire to sell to BigHub and BigHub desires to
purchase from the Common Shareholders the number of shares of the Company's
common stock, par value $.01 per share ("COMPANY COMMON STOCK"), set forth
opposite each Common Shareholder's name on Exhibit A hereto.
The Preferred Shareholders desire to sell to BigHub and BigHub desires to
purchase from the Preferred Shareholders (i) the number of shares of the
Company's Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.001 per share
("COMPANY PREFERRED STOCK") as set forth opposite each Preferred Shareholder's
name on Exhibit A hereto; (ii) the number of shares of the Company Common Stock
held by the Preferred Shareholders which has been issued to the Preferred
Shareholders in payment of dividends on the Company Preferred Stock ("DIVIDEND
STOCK," and together with the Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock,
the "SHARES") as set forth opposite each Preferred Shareholder's name on Exhibit
A hereto; and (iii) the number of Company warrants with an exercise price of
$0.16, which were issued in connection with the issuance of the Company
Preferred Stock held by the Preferred Shareholders (the "WARRANTS") as set forth
opposite each Preferred Shareholder's name on Exhibit A hereto.
Joel Sens ("SENS") and Gerard R. Bernier ("BERNIER"), two of the Common
Shareholders, desire to sell to BigHub and BigHub desires to purchase from Sens
and Bernier, the number of Company Common Stock purchase options, exercise price
$.50 (the "COMPANY OPTIONS") set forth opposite each of Sens' and Bernier's name
on Exhibit C hereto.
BigHub shall grant to Sellers registration rights with respect to shares
of BigHub common stock to be issued as consideration for the Shares, Warrants
and Company Options purchased by BigHub from the Sellers pursuant to a
Registration Rights Agreement entered into on the same day hereof (the
"REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT").
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NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties to this Agreement
hereby agree as follows:
STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT
1. Sale and Purchase.
a. Securities to be Transferred. On the Closing Date, as
defined in Section 9, Sellers shall sell and transfer the Shares to
BigHub and BigHub shall purchase the Shares from Sellers.
b. Purchase Price for Company Common Stock. At the Closing, as
defined in Section 9, BigHub shall deliver to the Common Shareholders, as
the purchase price of the Company Common Stock, consideration of 819,164
shares of BigHub common stock, par value $0.001 per share ("BIGHUB COMMON
STOCK").
c. Purchase Price for Company Preferred Stock, Dividend Shares
and Warrants. At the Closing, BigHub shall deliver to the Preferred
Shareholders, as the purchase price of the Company Preferred Stock and
Warrants, consideration of 227,273 shares of BigHub Common Stock. In
addition, BigHub will deliver to the Preferred Shareholders, as the
purchase price of the Dividend Stock, consideration of 32,500 shares of
BigHub Common Stock.
d. Purchase Price of the Sens/Bernier Options. At the closing,
BigHub shall deliver to Sens and Bernier, as the purchase price for the
Company Options, common stock purchase options for 300,000 shares of
BigHub Common Stock at an exercise price of equal to the fair market
value of BigHub Common Stock on the date of Closing or $5.00, whichever
is less.
e. Instruments of Conveyance and Transfer. At the Closing,
Sellers shall deliver to BigHub a certificate or certificates
representing the Shares, or agreement or agreements representing the
Company Options and Warrants, registered in Sellers' names, together with
duly executed stock powers endorsed to BigHub with signatures guaranteed
by a national bank or trust company or such other assignments or
instruments of conveyance and transfer, in form and substance
satisfactory to BigHub and its counsel, as shall be effective to vest in
BigHub all of Sellers' right, title and interest in and to all of the
Shares, free and clear of any agreements, restrictions, liens, adverse
claims or encumbrances whatsoever.
2. Representations and Warranties by Sellers. Each Seller, on its own
behalf and as pertains only to such Seller and such Seller's respective
interests being transferred hereunder, represents and warrants to BigHub that:
a. Seller is, and at the Closing will be, the sole record and
beneficial owner of the Shares, Company Options and/or Warrants, as the
case may be, set forth opposite such Seller's name on Exhibit A, Exhibit
B or Exhibit C hereto, as applicable; at the Closing, other than BigHub,
no person will have a right to acquire or direct the disposition, or hold
a proxy or other right to vote or direct the vote, of such Shares,
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Company Options and/or Warrants; and Seller has, and at the Closing will
have, good title to such Shares, Company Options and Warrants, free and
clear of any agreements, restrictions, liens, adverse claims or
encumbrances whatsoever. Other than this Agreement and the Company's
redemption right with respect to the Company Preferred Stock there are,
and at the Closing there will be, no option, warrant, right, call, proxy,
agreement, commitment or understanding of any nature whatsoever, fixed or
contingent, that directly or indirectly (i) calls for the sale, pledge or
other transfer or disposition of any of such Shares, Company Options and
Warrants, any interest therein or any rights with respect thereto, or
relates to the voting, disposition, exercise, conversion or control of
such Shares, Company Options and Warrants, or (ii) obligates Seller to
grant, offer or enter into any of the foregoing.
b. The sale by Seller of such Shares, Company Options and
Warrants and the delivery of the certificates representing such Shares,
Company Options and Warrants to BigHub against receipt of payment
therefor pursuant hereto will transfer to BigHub indefeasible title to
such Shares, Company Options and Warrants, free and clear of all
agreements, trusts, liens, adverse claims and encumbrances whatsoever.
c. Seller has the full right, power, authority and legal
capacity to enter into this Agreement.
d. Seller does not require any consent, approval,
authorization or order of any court or governmental agency or body in
order to consummate the transaction contemplated herein
e. Neither the sale of the Shares, Company Options and Warrants
being sold by the Seller nor the fulfillment of the terms hereof by
Seller will conflict with, result in a breach or violation of, or
constitute a default under any law or agreement or instrument to which
Seller is a party or bound, or any judgment, order or decree applicable
to Seller of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency,
governmental body or arbitrator having the jurisdiction over the Seller.
f. No rights of first refusal exist with respect to any of the
Shares, Warrants or Company Options or the issue and sale thereof, other
than those which have been waived or satisfied.
g. This Agreement is a legal, valid and binding obligation of
the Seller enforceable against the Seller in accordance with its terms
h. The Seller is familiar with the business and financial
condition, properties, operations and prospects of the Company, and, at a
reasonable time prior to the Closing, has been afforded the opportunity
to ask questions of and receive satisfactory answers from the Company's
officers and directors, or other persons acting on the Company's behalf,
concerning the business and financial condition, properties, operations
and prospects of the Company and has asked such questions as he desires
to ask and all such questions have been answered to the full satisfaction
of the Seller.
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i. All documents, records and books pertaining to the business
and financial condition, properties, operations and prospects of the
Company which the Seller has requested have been made available to the
Seller.
j. The Seller understands that, unless the Seller notifies
BigHub in writing to the contrary before the Closing, all the
representations and warranties of the Seller contained in this Agreement
will be deemed to have been reaffirmed and confirmed as of the Closing,
taking into account all information received by the Seller.
3. Representations and Warranties by Company. Company represents and
warrants to BigHub that:
a. Organization, Qualification, Etc. The Company is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has the corporate power
and authority to own its properties and assets and to carry on its
business as it is now being conducted and is duly qualified to do
business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the
ownership of its properties or the conduct of its business requires such
qualification except that, only as of the date hereof and not as of the
Closing, the Company is not presently qualified to do business in
Virginia. The copies of the Company's charter and by-laws which have been
made available to BigHub are complete and correct and in full force and
effect on the date hereof. Each of the Company's subsidiaries is a
corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, has the corporate, limited
partnership or limited liability company power and authority to own its
properties and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, and
is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in each
jurisdiction in which the ownership of its property or the conduct of its
business requires such qualification. All the outstanding shares of
capital stock of, or other ownership interests in, the Company's
subsidiaries are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and are
owned by the Company, directly or indirectly, free and clear of all
mortgages, liens, loans and encumbrances other than the security interest
of Banc First, an Oklahoma banking corporation. There are no existing
options, rights of first refusal, preemptive rights, calls or commitments
of any character relating to the issued or unissued capital stock or
other securities of, or other ownership interests in, any subsidiary of
the Company other than the right of first refusal with respect to the
capital stock of the Company's subsidiary, Independent News, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("INI"), granted to Unico, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.
b. Capital Stock. The authorized capital stock of the Company
consists of 50,000,000 shares of the Company Common Stock, par value $.01
per share; 1,000,000 shares of the Company's preferred stock, par value
$.001 per share, of which 500,000 shares have been designated as Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock and 500,000 shares have been designated
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the "SERIES B CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED
STOCK"). As of the date hereof, 4,516,818 shares of the Company Common
Stock, 250,000 shares of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, and
65,000 shares of
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Series B Convertible Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding. All the
outstanding shares of the Company Common Stock, the Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock and the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock have been
validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable. As of the date
hereof, there were no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants,
rights or other arrangements or commitments obligating the Company to
issue any shares of its stock other than options, warrants and other
rights to receive or acquire an aggregate of 1,995,167 shares of the
Company Common Stock pursuant to various option and warrant agreements.
c. Validity of Shares. The Shares are duly authorized and
validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable; no preemptive
rights or, to the Company's knowledge, rights of first refusal of
stockholders exist with respect to any of the Shares or the issue and
sale thereof, other than those which have been waived or satisfied. In
addition, the shares of Company Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
the Warrants and Company Options have been duly authorized and upon
issuance in accordance with the terms of such Warrants or Company
Options, shall be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
d. Corporate Authority Relative to this Agreement; No
Violation. The Company has the corporate power and authority to enter
into this Agreement and to carry out its obligations hereunder. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by
the Board of Directors of the Company and no other corporate proceedings
on the part of the Company are necessary to authorize this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated hereby. No authorization, consent or
approval of, or filing with, any governmental body or authority is
necessary for the consummation by the Company of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. The Company is not subject to or
obligated under any charter, bylaw or contract provision or any
governmental license, franchise or permit, or subject to any order or
decree, which would be breached or violated by its executing or, subject
to the approval of its stockholders, carrying out this Agreement.
e. Reports and Financial Statements. The Company has delivered
to BigHub its audited financial statements for the year ended December
31, 1998 and its unaudited financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 1999 (collectively, the "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS"). The
Financial Statements, together with the notes thereto, are complete and
correct in all material respects, have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis,
and present fairly the financial condition and position of the Company as
of the dates and for the periods indicated, subject to normal recurring
year-end audit adjustments (which are not expected to be material) and
except that the unaudited financial statements do not contain all
footnotes required under generally accepted accounting principles.
f. No Undisclosed Liabilities. As of the date hereof, neither
the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has any liabilities or
obligations of any nature, whether or not accrued, contingent or
otherwise, of a type required by GAAP to be reflected on a
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consolidated balance sheet, except liabilities or obligations reflected
in any of the Financial Statements.
g. No Violation of Law. The businesses of the Company and its
subsidiaries are not being conducted in violation of any law, ordinance
or regulation of any governmental body or authority, except where such
conduct has no material adverse effect on the businesses of the Company
and its subsidiaries. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the Company
and its subsidiaries have all permits, licenses and governmental
authorizations material to ownership or occupancy of their respective
properties and assets and the carrying on of their respective businesses.
h. Environmental Laws and Regulations. The Company and each of
its subsidiaries is in material compliance with all applicable federal,
state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to pollution or
protection of human health or the environment (including, without
limitation, ambient air, surface water, ground water, land surface or
subsurface strata) (collectively, "ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS"). Neither the
Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received written notice of, or,
to the knowledge of the Company, is the subject of, any actions, causes
of action, claims, investigations, demands or notices by any person
alleging liability under or non-compliance with any Environmental Law or
that the Company or any subsidiary is a potentially responsible party at
any Superfund site or state equivalent site ("ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS").
i. Change of Control Payments. The consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not, solely as a result
of such consummation, (i) entitle any employees of the Company or any of
the subsidiaries to severance pay, (ii) accelerate the time of payment or
vesting or trigger any payment or funding (through a grantor trust or
otherwise) of compensation or benefits under, increase the amount payable
or trigger any other material obligation pursuant to, any of the benefit
plans or (iii) result in any breach or violation of, or a default under,
any of the benefit plans.
j. Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Other than as
disclosed in the Financial Statements or previously disclosed in writing
to BigHub, since December 31, 1999 to the date hereof, the businesses of
the Company and its subsidiaries have been conducted in all material
respects in the ordinary course. Since December 31, 1999 to the date
hereof, no dividends or distributions have been declared or paid on or
made with respect to the shares of capital stock or other equity
interests of the Company or its subsidiaries nor have any such shares
been repurchased or redeemed, other than dividends or distributions paid
to the Company or a wholly-owned subsidiary and the dividends paid to the
holders of the Company Preferred Stock in the form of 95,588 shares of
Company Common Stock.
k. Litigation. There is no action, suit, proceeding or
investigation pending or currently threatened against the Company that
questions the validity of this Agreement or the right of the Company to
enter into this Agreement, or to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby, or that might result, either individually or in the aggregate, in
any material adverse effect in the assets, condition, affairs or
prospects of the Company,
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financially or otherwise, or any change in the current equity ownership
of the Company, nor is the Company aware that there is any basis for any
of the foregoing.
l. Tax Matters. Except for federal and Virginia tax returns for
the Company and federal and New Jersey tax returns for INI, each for the
year 1998 and for each of which no tax liability exists and no penalty
will be assessed, the Company has filed all requisite federal, state,
local and foreign tax returns. All such returns are accurate in all
material respects. The Company has paid all taxes pursuant to such
returns, pursuant to any assessments received by it, or which it is
obligated to withhold from amounts owing to any employee, creditor or
third party. The income tax returns of the Company have never been
audited by local, state or federal authorities. The Company has not
waived any statute of limitations with respect to taxes or agreed to any
extension of time with respect to any tax assessment or deficiency. No
deficiency assessment with respect to or proposed adjustment of the
Company's federal, state, county or local taxes is pending or, to the
Company's knowledge, threatened. There is no tax lien, whether imposed by
any federal, state, county or local taxing authority, outstanding against
the assets, properties or business of the Company, except for taxes not
yet due and payable.
m. Insurance. The Company is insured by insurers of recognized
financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such
amounts as management of the Company believes to be prudent and customary
in the business in which the Company is engaged. The Company has not been
refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for and the Company has
no reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing
insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar
coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its
business at a cost that would not materially and adversely affect the
condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings, business or
operations of the Company.
n. Title. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the Company
owns its property and assets free and clear of all mortgages, liens,
loans and encumbrances, except such encumbrances and liens that arise in
the ordinary course of business and do not materially impair the
Company's ownership or use of such property or assets. With respect to
the property and assets it leases, the Company is in compliance with such
leases.
o. Intellectual Property. The Company owns, is licensed or
otherwise possesses legally enforceable rights to use, all patents,
trademarks, trade names, service marks, copyrights and mask works, all
applications for and registrations of such patents, trademarks, trade
names, service marks, copyrights and mask works, and all processes,
formulae, methods, schematics, technology, know-how, computer software
programs or applications, and tangible or intangible proprietary
information or material that are necessary to conduct the business of the
Company as currently conducted or planned to be conducted ("INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY"). The Company is not and will not be as a result of the
execution and delivery of this Agreement or the performance of its
obligations hereunder in breach of any license, sublicense or other
agreement relating to the Intellectual Property or any license,
sublicense or other agreement pursuant to which the
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Company is authorized to use any third party patents, trademarks or
copyrights. All patents, registered trademarks, service marks and
copyrights held by the Company are valid and enforceable. The Company (i)
has not been sued in any suit, action or proceeding which involves a
claim of infringement of any patent, trademark, service mark or copyright
or the violation of any trade secret or other proprietary right of any
third party; or (ii) has any knowledge that the manufacturing,
importation, marketing, licensing, sale, offer for sale, or use of any of
its products infringes any patent, trademark, service mark, copyright,
trade secret or other proprietary right of any third party.
p. Internal Accounting Controls. The Company maintains a system
of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable
assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with
management's general or specific authorizations, (ii) transactions are
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain
asset accountability, (iii) access to assets is permitted only in
accordance with management's general or specific authorization and (iv)
the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing
assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with
respect to any differences.
4. Representations and Warranties by BigHub. BigHub hereby represents
and warrants to Seller that:
a. Investment Representations.
i. BigHub is acquiring the Shares for investment
purposes only and not with a view to distribution or resale.
ii. BigHub has such knowledge and experience in
financial and business matters that it is capable of evaluating
the merits and risks of an investment in the Company.
iii. BigHub has the ability to bear the economic risks
of BigHub's prospective investment, and is able, without
materially impairing its financial condition, to hold the Shares
for an indefinite period of time and to suffer complete loss on
its investment.
iv. BigHub is an "accredited investor" as such term is
defined in Rule 501 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
b. Organization, Qualification, Etc. BigHub is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
its jurisdiction of organization and has the corporate power and
authority to own its properties and assets and to carry on its business
as it is now being conducted and is duly qualified to do business and is
in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the ownership of its
properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification,
except for jurisdictions in which such failure to be so qualified or to
be in good standing would not in the aggregate have a material adverse
effect on BigHub. The copies of BigHub's
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Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and By-laws which have been made
available to the Sellers are complete and correct and in full force and
effect on the date hereof.
c. Capital Stock. The authorized capital stock of BigHub
consists of 50,000,000 shares of BigHub Common Stock, and 25,000,000
shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share ("BIGHUB PREFERRED
STOCK"). The shares of BigHub Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this
Agreement will, when issued, be validly issued fully paid and
non-assessable. As of the date hereof, 18,605,976 shares of BigHub Common
Stock and no shares of BigHub Preferred Stock were issued and
outstanding. All the outstanding shares of BigHub Common Stock have been
validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable. As of the date
hereof, there were no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants,
rights or other arrangements or commitments obligating BigHub to issue
any shares of its capital stock other than options and other rights to
receive or acquire an aggregate of 1,252,500 shares of BigHub Common
Stock.
d. Corporate Authority Relative to this Agreement. BigHub has
the corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to
carry out its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
have been duly and validly authorized by the Board of Directors of BigHub
and no other corporate or stockholder proceedings on the part of BigHub
are necessary to authorize this Agreement, the issuance of the BigHub
Common Stock and the other transactions contemplated hereby. No
authorization, consent or approval of, or filing with, any governmental
body or authority is necessary for the consummation by BigHub of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. This Agreement is a legal,
valid and binding obligation of BigHub, enforceable against BigHub in
accordance with its terms.
5. Indemnification of Buyer by Sellers. Each Seller, on its own
behalf and as pertains only to such Seller's representations and warranties made
hereunder and not jointly or severally with any other Seller, agrees to
indemnify, defend and hold harmless BigHub and its respective officers,
directors, employees, attorneys, stockholders, controlling persons and
affiliates (collectively, the "BIGHUB INDEMNITEES"), from, and will pay to the
BigHub Indemnitees the amount of any damages arising from the breach or
inaccuracy of any representation or warranty made by such Seller in this
Agreement or any other certificate or document delivered by or on behalf of such
Seller pursuant to this Agreement as a condition to Closing.
6. Indemnification of Buyer by Company. Company agrees to indemnify,
defend and hold harmless the BigHub Indemnitees from, and will pay to the BigHub
Indemnitees the amount of damages arising from the breach or inaccuracy of any
representation or warranty made by Company in this Agreement or any other
certificate or document delivered by or on behalf of Company pursuant to this
Agreement as a condition to Closing; provided, however, that Company shall not
be responsible for damages indemnifiable under this Section 6 unless and until
such damages in the aggregate exceed an amount equal to $100,000 (the "Basket
Amount"). In the event that the aggregate of such damages exceeds the Basket
Amount, Company shall indemnify the BigHub Indemnitees for all such damages,
including the Basket Amount.
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7. Covenants of Company.
a. At the time of Closing, the Company hereby covenants to convert
the 250,000 shares of Company Preferred Stock acquired by BigHub from the
Preferred Shareholders hereunder into 668,449 shares of Company Common Stock.
b. Except as may be consented to by BigHub, which consent shall not
be unreasonably withheld, following the Closing, the Company:
(i) shall, and shall cause each of its subsidiaries to, conduct
its operations according to their ordinary and usual course of business;
(ii) shall notify BigHub of any emergency or other change in the
normal course of its or its subsidiaries' respective businesses or in the
operation of its or its subsidiaries' respective properties and of any
complaints, investigations or hearings (or communications indicating that
the same may be contemplated) of any governmental body or authority;
(iii) shall not authorize or pay any dividends on or make any
distribution with respect to its outstanding shares of stock other than
the payment of dividends, in the form of 95,588 shares of Company Common
Stock, to the holders of the Company Preferred Stock;
(iv) shall not, and shall not permit any of its subsidiaries to,
authorize, propose or announce an intention to authorize or propose, or
enter into an agreement with respect to, (x) any merger, consolidation or
business combination, (y) any acquisition of assets or securities or any
disposition of assets or securities not in the ordinary course of
business, or (z) any release or relinquishment of any material contract
rights;
(v) shall not, and shall not permit any of its subsidiaries to,
except in the ordinary course of business in connection with employee
incentive and benefit plans, programs or arrangements in existence on the
date hereof, or as contemplated herein, purchase, exchange, convert or
redeem any shares of its stock; and
(vi) shall not, and shall not permit any of its subsidiaries to
enter into any material agreement with aggregate consideration of
$100,000 per year.
c. The Company shall, as soon as practicable, upon the earlier of and
with the proceeds from (i) a successful capital raising transaction contemplated
by Section 8 hereof or (ii) the sale of INI, cause the redemption of the Series
B Convertible Preferred Stock.
d. The Company shall take all necessary action to cause Frank Denny
and Chet Howard to be appointed to the Board of Directors of the Company as of
the Closing Date and to serve until the next annual election of directors of the
Company. In
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connection with such election, the Company shall take all necessary
action to include Frank Denny and Chet Howard as nominees for the Board
of Directors of the Company recommended by such Board of Directors of
Company for election by Company's stockholders to such Board of
Directors.
8. Covenants of BigHub. BigHub agrees to use its best efforts to
assist the Company in a debt and/or equity offering in which the Company will
seek to raise up to $2,000,000. The offering will take place within six months
of closing and neither BigHub nor the Company will have any liability or
obligation relating to the success or instigation of any such offering.
9. Closing; Conditions to Closing. The closing of the sale to and
purchase by BigHub of the Shares, Warrants and Company Options (the "CLOSING")
shall occur at such place and time agreed to by the parties hereto (the "CLOSING
DATE"); provided, however, if the Closing does not occur by March 31, 2000, this
Agreement shall terminate without penalty to BigHub or Sellers unless such
failure to close results from a breach of this Agreement by BigHub or Sellers.
The obligation of BigHub to purchase the Shares, Warrants, and Company Options,
and the obligation of the Sellers to sell the Shares, Warrants, and Company
Options, shall be subject to the following conditions:
a. Each of the representations and warranties made by Sellers
in this Agreement being true and correct in all material respects at and
as of the time of Closing.
b. Sellers having performed in all material respects each and
every covenant and agreement contained in this Agreement required to be
performed by it by the time of Closing;
c. Each Seller having furnished to BigHub an investment letter
in a form which is acceptable to BigHub in its sole discretion;
d. BigHub's funding of a loan in the principal amount of
$500,000 pursuant to a promissory note from Company in substantially the
form set forth on Exhibit D hereto;
e. All necessary consents and/or agreements having been
obtained by the Company allowing the Company Options and Warrants to be
transferred to BigHub, including any consent which may be necessary from
the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock;
f. BigHub having issued to Sens and Bernier options to purchase
200,000 shares each of BigHub Common Stock at an exercise price of $5.50
per share and vesting 1/3 at Closing, 1/3 on the first anniversary of
Closing and 1/3 on the second anniversary of Closing; and
g. The execution of a licensing agreement in substantially the
form set forth on Exhibit E hereto between BigHub and Company.
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10. Restrictive Legend. Each certificate representing (i) the shares
of BigHub Common Stock to be issued hereunder, or (ii) any other securities
issued in respect of such shares upon any stock split, stock dividend,
recapitalization, merger consolidation or similar event, shall be stamped or
otherwise imprinted with a legend in the following form (in addition to any
legend required under applicable state securities laws):
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN
REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED. SUCH
SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED OR
HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
AS TO THE SECURITIES UNDER SAID ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL
SATISFACTORY TO THE CORPORATION THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT
REQUIRED. COPIES OF THE AGREEMENT COVERING THE PURCHASE OF THESE
SHARES MAY BE OBTAINED AT NO COST BY WRITTEN REQUEST MADE BY THE
HOLDER OF RECORD OF THIS CERTIFICATE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE
CORPORATION AT THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES OF THE CORPORATION.
Sellers consent to BigHub making a notation on its records and giving
instructions to any transfer agent of the BigHub Common Stock in order to
implement the restrictions on transfer established in this Section 10.
11. Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without
rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this
Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or
provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. If any provision of this
Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, such provision shall be
interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.
12. Applicable Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED IN ALL RESPECTS,
INCLUDING VALIDITY, INTERPRETATION AND EFFECT, BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS
REGARDLESS OF THE LAWS THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE GOVERN UNDER APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES
OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS THEREOF.
13. Expenses. Whether or not the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement are consummated, each of the parties hereto shall pay its respective
fees and expenses incurred in connection herewith.
14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
and supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and
oral, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
12
13
15. Amendments. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except
by a written instrument signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.
16. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to
the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.
17. Notices. Any notice or other communication required or permitted
hereunder shall be in writing and either delivered personally, by facsimile
transmission or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid and return
receipt requested) and shall be deemed given when received (or, if mailed, five
business days after the date of mailing) at the following addresses or FACSIMILE
transmission numbers (or at such other address or facsimile transmission number
for a party as shall be specified by like notice):
a. If to BigHub: The BigHub.com, Inc.
Attn: Frank Denny
2939 Mossrock, Suite 100
San Antonio, TX 78230
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer &
Feld, L.L.P., 1500 Bank of America Plaza, 300 Convent Street, San Antonio, TX
78205, Attention: Alan Schoenbaum (facsimile transmission number: 210-224-2035).
b. If to a Seller: at the address set forth opposite such
Seller's name on Exhibit A or Exhibit B hereto, as applicable.
c. If to the Company: Next Generation Media Corp.
Attn: President
8380 Alban Road
Springfield, Virginia
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to Williams & Connolly LLP, 725
12th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20005, Attention: Jonathan Graham (facsimile
transmission number : 202-434-5094).
18. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which
when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which shall
constitute one and the same agreement.
19. Termination. Upon the failure of Sellers to obtain all releases of
liens on their Shares prior to the Closing, this Agreement shall immediately
become void and there shall be no further obligation hereunder on the part of
any party hereto.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
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14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed by themselves or their duly authorized representatives, on the date
first written above.
THE BIGHUB.COM, INC.
By:
----------------------------------------
Chet Howard, Chief Financial Officer
NEXT GENERATION MEDIA CORPORATION
By:
----------------------------------------
Gerard R. Bernier, President
SELLERS:
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:
-------------------------------------------
GERARD R. BERNIER
-------------------------------------------
JOEL SENS
-------------------------------------------
JOHN BANAS
PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS:
-------------------------------------------
COMER M. ALDEN
-------------------------------------------
BEVERLY ARNOLD
14
15
-------------------------------------------
DAN E. BUTT
-------------------------------------------
M. A. DIZDAR
-------------------------------------------
A. BAKER DUNCAN
-------------------------------------------
SALLY W. DUNCAN
-------------------------------------------
LUELLA HARDIE
-------------------------------------------
JANE JACOBS
-------------------------------------------
JOHNNIE JEAN LOVETT
-------------------------------------------
THOMAS LOVETT
-------------------------------------------
MARY MALONE
-------------------------------------------
ELEANOR MORRISON
-------------------------------------------
RICHARD OLDFATHER
-------------------------------------------
15
16
DEBORAH QUEBE
-------------------------------------------
JORDAN REESE III
-------------------------------------------
EDDIE W. SPALTON
-------------------------------------------
TRES HOMBRES
By:
----------------------------------------
Name/Title:
--------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
FRED GRINSTEAD
CLIFTON-NEMEC INVESTMENT FUND, L.P.
By:
----------------------------------------
Name/Title:
--------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
BARBARA T. GRINNAN
RHOJCOAMT PARTNERSHIP, LTD.
By:
----------------------------------------
Name/Title:
--------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
PHILIP M. STEVENSON, JR.
CITCAM STOCK
16
17
By:
----------------------------------------
Name/Title:
--------------------------------
HARLON MORSE FENTRESS TRUST
By:
----------------------------------------
Name/Title:
--------------------------------
DUNCAN-SMITH INVESTMENTS, INC.
By:
----------------------------------------
Name/Title:
--------------------------------
RENAISSANCE CAPITAL PARTNERS I
BY: RENAISSANCE CAPITAL GROUP
By:
----------------------------------------
Name/Title:
--------------------------------
17
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EXHIBIT A
TO STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF SHARES OF
COMPANY COMMON STOCK
NAME ADDRESS TO BE SOLD TO BIGHUB
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gerard R. Bernier [This column intentionally left blank] 1,088,581
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joel Sens 910,725
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Banas 410,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 2,409,306
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19
EXHIBIT B
TO STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF
SHARES OF NUMBER OF SHARES OF
COMPANY SHARES OF BIGHUB TO
PREFERRED NUMBER OF DIVIDEND BE ISSUED
STOCK TO WARRANTS STOCK TO TO
BE SOLD TO TO BE SOLD BE SOLD TO PREFERRED
NAME ADDRESS BIGHUB TO BIGHUB BIGHUB SHAREHOLDER
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comer Alden [This column intentionally 1,054 703 404 1,093
left blank]
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beverly Arnold 2,635 1,757 1,007 2,727
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan E. Butt 2,635 1,757 1,007 2,727
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
M. A. Dizdar 2,635 1,757 1,007 2,727
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. Baker
Duncan 2,635 1,757 1,007 2,727
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sally W.
Duncan 2,635 1,757 1,007 2,727
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luella Hardie 2,635 1,757 1,007 2,727
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jane Jacobs 2,635 1,757 1,007 2,727
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Johnnie Jean 2,635 1,757 1,007 2,727
Lovett
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas P. 2,635 1,757 1,007 2,727
Lovett
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mary Malone 2,635 1,757 1,007 2,727
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eleanor
Morrison 2,635 1,757 1,007 2,727
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard
Oldfather 2,635 1,757 1,007 2,727
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deborah Quebe 2,635 1,757 1,007 2,727
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jordon Reese,
III 2,635 1,757 1,007 2,727
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eddie Spalten 5,270 3,513 2,015 5,509
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tres Hombres 2,635 1,757 1,007 2,727
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fred Grinstead 2,635 1,757 1,007 2,727
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clifton-Nemec
Investment
Fund, L.P. 2,721 1,814 1,041 2,813
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barbara T.
Grinnan 2,721 1,814 1,041 2,833
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rhojcoamt
Partnership 2,721 1,814 1,041 2,833
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Philip
Stevenson 2,721 1,814 1,041 2,833
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Citcam Stock
Co. 5,442 3,628 2,082 5,700
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harlon Morse
Fentress Trust 16,325 10,883 6,243 16,993
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Duncan-Smith 13,769 9,179 5,266 14,316
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19
20
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF
SHARES OF NUMBER OF SHARES OF
COMPANY SHARES OF BIGHUB TO
PREFERRED NUMBER OF DIVIDEND BE ISSUED
STOCK TO WARRANTS STOCK TO TO
BE SOLD TO TO BE SOLD BE SOLD TO PREFERRED
NAME ADDRESS BIGHUB TO BIGHUB BIGHUB SHAREHOLDER
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Co.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Renaissance 155,096 103,398 59,302 161,218
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 250,000 166,672 95,588 259,773
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20
21
EXHIBIT C
TO STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
COMPANY OPTION HOLDERS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF COMPANY OPTIONS TO BE SOLD TO
NAME BIGHUB
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gerard R. Bernier 150,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joel Sens 150,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 300,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22
EXHIBIT D
TO STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
FORM OF PROMISSORY NOTE
PROMISSORY NOTE
DATE: March 16, 2000
MAKER: Next Generation Media Corporation
MAKER'S MAILING ADDRESS: 8380 Alban Road
Springfield, Virginia [ZIP]
PAYEE: The BigHub.com, Inc.
2939 Mossrock, Suite 100
San Antonio, TX 78230
PLACE FOR PAYMENT: The BigHub.com, Inc.
2939 Mossrock, Suite 100
San Antonio, TX 78230
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT: FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($500,000)
ANNUAL INTEREST RATE ON
UNPAID PRINCIPAL UNTIL
MATURITY DATE: Nine and Three-Quarters Percent (9.75%) per annum.
ANNUAL INTEREST RATE ON
MATURED, UNPAID AMOUNTS: Ten and Three-Quarters Percent (10.75%) per annum.
TERMS OF PAYMENT
(PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST): Principal and interest is payable in one
installment on or before the first anniversary of
the date hereof; provided, however, that the
entire principal balance and any accrued interest
shall be payable immediately upon completion by
Maker of an equity or debt financing whereby Maker
receives gross proceeds from such financing equal
to or greater than One Million Five Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000).
For value received, Maker promises to pay to the order of Payee at the
place for payment and according to the terms of payment (in funds available for
immediate use) the principal amount plus interest at the rates stated above. All
unpaid amounts shall be due and payable by the final scheduled payment date.
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Maker shall have the right at any time to prepay, prior to maturity, all
or any part of the unpaid principal balance of this Promissory Note without
penalty and interest shall immediately cease on any amount so prepaid.
Prepayments shall be credited first to the payment of accrued interest and then
to the reduction of the last maturing principal payments of this Promissory
Note.
Payee may, at its sole option, cause this Promissory Note to convert (in
whole or in part) automatically on or before the Maturity Date into that number
of shares of Maker's common stock, par value $.01 per share ("Maker Common
Stock"), equal to: the amount designated by Payee to be converted (not to be in
excess of the remaining outstanding principal and accrued interest as of the
date of conversion), divided by Two Dollars ($2.00). Payee shall have the right
to convert the Promissory Note into Maker Common Stock notwithstanding Maker's
notice of prepayment pursuant to the preceding paragraph.
Upon the surrender hereof accompanied by Payee's written request for
conversion substantially in the form of Exhibit "A" attached hereto at Maker's
Mailing Address (or any other place Maker may designate in writing), Maker
shall, within ten (10) days from the date of conversion, deliver to Payee one or
more certificates representing the number of shares of Maker Common Stock into
which this Promissory Note has been converted and a new Promissory Note, in the
form hereof for the balance of the amount not converted. Maker shall also
furnish certified copies of corporate authorizations and charter documents
which, in the reasonable opinion of Payee's counsel, evidences the authority of
the Maker to issue such shares of Maker Common Stock upon the conversion of this
Promissory Note. In the event of a conversion of the entire Promissory Note,
Maker shall also remit to Payee a check representing any fractional share of
Maker Common Stock. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made
immediately prior to the close of business on the date on which Maker shall have
received a valid request to convert.
If Maker defaults in the payment of this Promissory Note, and the
default continues after Payee gives Maker notice of the default and the time
within which it must be cured, as may be required by law or by written
agreement, then Payee may declare the unpaid principal balance and earned
interest on this Promissory Note immediately due. Maker and each surety,
endorser and guarantor waive all demands for payment, presentations for payment,
notices of intention to accelerate maturity, notices of acceleration of
maturity, protests and notices of protest, to the extent permitted by law. For
purposes of this Promissory Note, Maker shall be deemed to have received notice
of a default upon the earlier of (i) actual receipt or (ii) five (5) days after
said notice has been sent by certified mail, return receipt requested (postage
prepaid).
If this Promissory Note given to an attorney for collection or
enforcement, or if suit is brought for collection, or if it is collected through
bankruptcy or other judicial proceeding, then Maker shall pay Payee all costs of
collection or enforcement, including reasonable attorney's fees and court costs,
in addition to other amounts due. Reasonable attorney's fees shall be 10% of all
amounts due unless either party pleads otherwise.
Neither a delay on the part of Payee in the exercise of any power or
right under this Promissory Note, nor a single or partial exercise of any such
power or right, shall operate as a
23
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waiver thereof. Enforcement by Payee of any of its rights hereunder shall not
constitute an election by it of remedies so as to preclude the exercise of any
other remedy available to it.
Regardless of any provision contained herein concerning the debt
evidenced by this Promissory Note, interest on such debt shall not exceed the
maximum amount of nonusurious interest that may be contracted for, taken,
reserved, charged or received under law; any interest in excess of that maximum
amount shall be credited on the principal of the debt or, if that has been paid,
refunded. On any acceleration or required or permitted prepayment, any such
excess shall be canceled automatically as of the acceleration or prepayment or,
if already paid, credited on the principal of the debt or, if the principal of
the debt has been paid, refunded. In determining whether or not the interest
paid or payable, under any specific contingency, exceeds the maximum amount of
nonusurious interest, Maker and Payee shall, to the maximum extent permitted
under applicable law, (a) characterize any nonprincipal payment as an expense,
fee or premium rather than as interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and
the effects thereof, and (c) spread the total amount of interest throughout the
entire contemplated term hereof.
This Promissory Note is delivered and is intended to be paid and
performed in the State of Texas without regard to any otherwise applicable
principles of conflicts of laws, and the laws of such state shall govern the
construction, validity, enforcement, and interpretation hereof.
Maker represents and warrants that it is not subject to any bankruptcy
court, and has not filed any bankruptcy petition which has not been discharged
or dismissed.
Maker is responsible for all obligations represented by this Promissory
Note.
When the context requires, the terms Maker and Payee, and other singular
nouns and pronouns include the plural.
MAKER: NEXT GENERATION MEDIA CORPORATION
By:
-----------------------------------------
Gerard R. Bernier, President
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EXHIBIT A
TO PROMISSORY NOTE
[FORM OF CONVERSION NOTICE]
TO NEXT GENERATION MEDIA CORPORATION:
The undersigned owner of this Promissory Note hereby irrevocably
exercises the option to convert this Promissory Note, or portion hereof below
designated, into shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of NEXT
GENERATION MEDIA CORPORATION issuable and deliverable upon the conversion and
any Promissory Note representing any unconverted amount hereof, be issued and
delivered to The BigHub.com, Inc. If shares are to be issued in the name of a
person other than the undersigned, the undersigned will pay all transfer taxes
payable with respect thereto.
Dated: ________________________ THE BIGHUB.COM, INC.
By:
----------------------------------
Name:
Title:
Amount to be Converted: $_____________________
Fill in for registration of the shares of common stock and Promissory Note if to
be issued otherwise than to the registered holder.
- ----------------------------------
Name
- ----------------------------------
Social Security or other Taxpayer
Identification Number
- ----------------------------------
- ----------------------------------
- ----------------------------------
Please print name and address
(including zip code number)
25
26
EXHIBIT E
TO STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
FORM OF LICENSING AGREEMENT
LICENSING AND STRATEGIC ALLIANCE AGREEMENT
This Licensing and Strategic Alliance agreement ("Agreement") is made this 16th
day of March, 2000, between The BigHub.com, a Florida corporation located at
3388 Via Lido, Newport Beach, California, 92663 ("BigHub") and Next Generation
Media Corp., a Nevada corporation located at 8380 Alban Road, Springfield,
Virginia, 22150 ("NexGen").
1. Recitals
A. NexGen has significant expertise in the business of direct-mail marketing
in the local and national marketplace, and intends to expand its business to the
developing market on the Internet.
B. BigHub has significant experience in the development of commercial websites
on the Internet, and in providing secure e-commerce functions to its clients.
BigHub intends to expand its business through increased advertising in
non-electronic mediums.
C. NexGen and BigHub wish to enter into a strategic alliance whereby BigHub
will establish a commercial presence on the Internet for NexGen, and NexGen will
assist BigHub in advertising its e-commerce capabilities in NexGen advertising
mediums.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants set forth
herein, the parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
TERM
The term of this agreement shall commence as of the date of this Agreement, and
shall continue for a period of three (3) year. Thereafter, this agreement shall
automatically extend for successive one (1) year periods, unless otherwise
cancelled in writing, sixty (60) days prior to the anniversary date of this
agreement or any one-year extension thereof.
ARTICLE II
DUTIES OF BIGHUB
HOSTING AND MAINTENANCE. BigHub shall host and maintain the NexGen website, and
shall post yellow page listings, coupons, and webpages provided by NexGen in
formats established by
26
27
NexGen and BigHub. BigHub shall coordinate with NexGen to develop a process for
updating and changing coupons and webpages.
INTERNET STRATEGIC PLANNING. BigHub shall share with NexGen its Internet
development strategies to enhance the mutual development of both NexGen and
BigHub.
MARKETING. BigHub shall identify and pursue national marketing opportunities for
the mutual benefit of both NexGen and BigHub.
ARTICLE III
DUTIES OF NEXGEN
LOCAL MARKETING EXPERTISE. NexGen shall share with BigHub its knowledge of
marketing and advertising techniques to be applied to local communities.
MARKETING. NexGen shall provide marketing support to BigHub in the following
manner:
a) NexGen shall promote BigHub on the exterior of NexGen cooperative
Coupon mailing envelopes;
b) Where appropriate, NexGen will promote BigHub within its other
product lines;
c) NexGen will identify and utilize media trades (including radio,
cable television, and search engines) that will provide additional
promotional opportunities for BigHub;
d) NexGen shall place advertisements in Independent News and certain
affiliated free community newspapers.
ADVERTISING SERVICES. NexGen will make available to BigHub its designs, printing
and advertising services on a project-by-project cost-plus basis.
ARTICLE IV
MUTUAL DUTIES
NexGen and BigHub shall, for their mutual benefit, make all reasonable efforts
to identify and utilize cross-selling opportunities for all product lines made
available on the Internet and other Internet activities.
ARTICLE V
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
TRADEMARK, SERVICE MARK, AND OTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. NexGen agrees and
acknowledges that it acquires no right, title or interest in any copyright,
trademark, service mark, trade name, or patent (collectively, "Intellectual
Property Rights") of BigHub by virtue of this
28
Agreement and that all uses of BigHub's Intellectual Property Rights pursuant to
this Agreement shall remain solely with BigHub.
SOFTWARE LICENSING. BigHub shall grant to NexGen a nonexclusive,
nontransferable, worldwide, paid-up, royalty-free license for its internal use,
including the right to copy or reproduce such software for use in as many sites
and locations as desired by NexGen for any and all business purposes, of all
software owned or developed by BigHub used in connection with or related to
NexGen.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT. Any software developed by BigHub (alone or jointly with
NexGen) for the exclusive use of NexGen and/or the commercial website, shall be
the exclusive property of NexGen, and BigHub shall be deemed a "work for hire"
with respect to all such software it develops for NexGen. NexGen shall grant
non-exclusive, non-transferable, worldwide, royalty-free license to BigHub to
use any such software to the extent necessary to operate the website and
facilitate links and transactions between NexGen and BigHub.
ARTICLE VI
TERMINATION
MUTUAL CONSENT TO TERMINATE. This agreement may be terminated at any time upon
the mutual consent of both parties.
TERMINATION - NOTICE REQUIRED. If either party is in breach or default of a
material provision of this Agreement and such material breach or default is not
cured within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof from the
non-defaulting party under this Agreement, or reasonable action to cure has not
been diligently initiated and pursued if a cure cannot be effected within thirty
(30) days, then this Agreement may be terminated at the election of the
non-defaulting party.
TERMINATION - NOTICE NOT REQUIRED. Unless otherwise prohibited by law, this
Agreement may be terminated at the option of either party with no requirement of
notice, if any of the following occurs:
a) Either party becomes insolvent, or voluntary or involuntary
proceedings are instituted against either party under any federal,
state, or other bankruptcy or insolvency law, or a receiver is
appointed for either party;
b) Either party's business is placed under attachment, garnishment or
other restrictive process involving a significant portion of the
business of either party; or
c) Either party ceases to function as a going concern or ceases to
conduct its business operations.
REMEDIES NOT EXCLUSIVE: SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. The provisions of this Article
shall be deemed in addition to and not in substitution of any and all other
rights or remedies which the parties may have against each other, including, but
not limited to, the initiation of any proceeding in the nature of specific
performance, injunction or any other equitable remedy, it being specifically
acknowledged by each party that damages at law may be an inadequate remedy.
29
ARTICLE VII
CONSIDERATION
In consideration for this Agreement NexGen will issue to BigHub 250,000 shares
of NexGen restricted common stock. Any future consideration will be based on the
benefit and expenses realized by the parties in fulfillment of their obligations
under this Agreement.
ARTICLE VIII
CONFIDENTIALITY
Neither party may, at any time during the term of this Agreement or thereafter,
without the written consent of the other party, disclose to any person or
entity, other than an employee of the disclosing party, any confidential
information the party may obtain during the term of this Agreement relating to
the business, financial condition, results of operations, lists of existing and
potential customers, assets, liabilities, trade secrets, products, processes,
methods, techniques, formulas, projects, developments, research data, plans or
future prospects of the party, except when necessary (i) to respond to lawful
process or appropriate government inquiry; (ii) to comply with applicable law;
(iii) to establish a lawful claim or defense, or (iv) to obtain reasonably
necessary advice of counsel. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this
Article, confidential information shall not include any information known
generally to the public or persons engaged in the same business or business
similar to that conducted by the disclosing party (other than as a result of
unauthorized disclosure in violation of this Article). If any arbitrator
referred to in Section X of this Agreement finds a violation of this Article, he
shall have the power to issue an order enjoining any party from further
disclosures of confidential information, in addition to any award of
compensatory damages for a breach of this Article.
ARTICLE IX
INDEMNIFICTAION AND EXCUSE
INDEMNIFICATION. Except as otherwise provided herein, if there is a breach of
any covenant, representation or warranty by either party, said party (the
"Indemnifying Party") shall protect, defend, indemnify, and hold the other party
(the "Indemnified Party") and its directors, employees, officers, agents and
shareholders, harmless, from and against any and all claims, actions,
proceedings, damages, costs, expenses, and other losses and liabilities
(including without limitation attorney's and accountant's fees) directly or
indirectly incurred or suffered by the Indemnified Party as a result of, arising
out of, or in connection with said breach by the Indemnifying Party. This
provision shall remain in full force despite the termination of this Agreement.
30
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. Under no circumstances shall either party be liable to
the other under this Agreement for punitive damages.
EXCUSE/FORCE MAJEURE. No party shall have any obligation or responsibility to
another if the performance of an obligation is delayed or becomes impossible as
a result of any "Excusable Event" or force majeure, provided that the party
incurring delay notifies the other party of the cause and expected duration of
the delay. Such notice shall be provided as soon as practicable and no later
than five (5) business days of discovery of the Excusable Event or force majeure
condition. Thereupon, the time within which the party experiencing such
occurrence shall have to perform its obligations hereunder shall, to the extent
necessitated by such occurrence and for the duration of such occurrence, be
appropriately delayed. For purposes hereof, an "Excusable Event" shall consist
of any occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the party claiming the
Excusable Event including, but not limited to, acts of nature, acts of any
governmental authority, inability to procure materials or to manufacture or ship
ordered goods because of governmental priority orders or allocations or
restrictions upon the use of materials or manpower, strikes, labor disputes,
embargoes, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions and unusually
severe weather.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
NON-ASSIGNABILITY. This Agreement, or any part hereof, may not be assigned by
either party without the express written consent of the other party.
CONFIDENTIALITY. Each of the parties undertakes and agrees to maintain in
confidence, and to require its directors, officers, employees, and agents to
maintain confidence, and to refrain from disclosing to others, or to permit the
use or disclosure to others, of any and all information belonging or relating to
the Agreement, except to the extent that such a disclosure is otherwise required
by law or court order, or to the extent that such disclosure is agreed in
advance by the parties.
MODIFICATION. This Agreement contains all of the agreements between the parties
with respect to the subject matter hereof. Any modification or change in this
Agreement shall be in writing and signed by all parties.
SEVERABILITY. If any provision, sentence, phrase or word of this Agreement or
the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall be held invalid, the
remainder of this Agreement or the application of such provision, sentence,
phrase or word to persons or circumstances, other than those as to which it is
held invalid, shall not be affected thereby.
COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one of the same
instrument. In addition, this Agreement may contain more than one counterpart of
the same signature page and this Agreement may be executed by the affixing of
the signatures of each of the parties to one of such
31
counterpart signature pages; all of such signature pages shall be read as though
one, and they shall have the same force and effect as though all of the signers
had signed a single signature page.
NOTICES. Any notice to any party shall be timely furnished if sent by prepaid,
certified, or registered mail return receipt requested, or by courier service,
with return receipt requested, to the following representatives at the addresses
listed below or at such changed addresses as any party shall designate from time
to time by giving written notice to the other party in accordance herewith. Such
notice shall be deemed given four (4) days after its deposit in the United
States mail as evidenced by its postmark, or time-stamped receipt of delivery
from a courier service as evidence by a time-stamped receipt, as applicable. All
notices relative to the parties hereto will be forwarded to the contacts and
addresses below:
TO NEXGEN:
ATTN: Gerard Bernier
8380 Alban Road
Springfield, VA 22150
TO THE BIGHUB.COM:
ATTN: Chet Howard
3388 Via Lido
Newport Beach, CA 92663
INTERPRETATION AND GOVERNING LAW. When the context in which the words are used
in this Agreement indicates that such is the intent, words in the singular shall
include the plural and vice versa. This Agreement shall be governed and
construed with the laws of the State of Texas. The parties hereto consent to
jurisdiction and venue in the State of Texas.
ARBITRATION. If any dispute arises between the parties concerning the conduct of
business, either party may submit to the other written notice of intent to
arbitrate. The parties shall negotiate in good faith for a period of thirty (30)
days (the "Negotiation Period") following the issuance of such written notice to
resolve such dispute between themselves, giving due regard to the purposes and
intent of this Agreement. If the parties hereto are unable to agree to a
mutually satisfactory resolution of a dispute during the Negotiation Period, the
matter shall be submitted to legally binding arbitration in the State of Texas
in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.
HEADINGS. Paragraph headings contained herein are solely for the purpose of
aiding the speedy location of such matter and are not in any sense to be given
weight in the construction of this Agreement. Accordingly, in cases of any
question with respect to the construction of this Agreement, it is to be
construed as though the paragraph headings have been omitted.
32
AUTHORITY. The parties acknowledge that the persons who are signing this
Agreement on behalf of each party have the authority to sign this Agreement and
bind their respective parties to the terms hereof.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and no representations,
warranties, inducements or oral agreements have been made by either party except
as expressly set forth herein.
WAIVER. The observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived only by
writing signed by the party to be bound thereby. The waiver by a party of any
right, remedy, breach or default shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver of
any other right, remedy, breach or default. The failure of any party to enforce
any provision shall not be construed as or constitute a waiver of the right of
such party to enforce such provision.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereof execute this Agreement as the day and
year first written above.
THE BIGHUB.COM
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BY:
TITLE:
NEXT GENERATION MEDIA CORP.