EXHIBIT 10.16
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF ACQUISITION FOR
HOMELIFE U.S. PARTNERSHIP BY AND BETWEEN
HOMELIFE, INC. AND HOMELIFE SECURITIES, INC.
DATED APRIL 15, 1996
AGREEMENT AND PLAN
OF ACQUISITION
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF ACQUISITION by and between HomeLife Securities, Inc., a
Canadian corporation (here-in-after sometimes referred to as "Seller") and
HomeLife, Inc., a Nevada corporation (here-in-after sometimes referred to as
"Buyer").
WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of Seller and Buyer deem it advisable for the
mutual benefit of Seller and Buyer and their respective shareholders that the
assets of Seller be acquired by Buyer (the "Acquisition"), and have approved
this Agreement and Plan of Acquisition (the Agreement");
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, agreements.,
representations and warranties contained herein, and for the purpose of setting
forth certain terms and conditions of the Acquisition, and the method of
carrying the same into effect, Seller and Buyer agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
ACQUISITION AND ORGANIZATION
SECTION 1.0 AGREEMENT TO BUY AND SELL. Seller agrees to sell to Buyer for ten
thousand (10,000) shares of Buyer's one hundred dollar ($100.) fixed interest 6%
non-cumulative, non-voting convertible preferred shares, convertible into one
million (1,000,000) shares of Buyers common stock (the "Stock"), all Sellers
interest in and to HomeLife U. S, Partnership, (here-in-after sometimes referred
to as "HLP").
SECTION 1.1 THE ACQUISITION. As of April 15, 1996 (the "Closing Date"),
subject to the terms and conditions hereof, Seller shall transfer, to Buyer, one
hundred percent (100%) ownership of HLP.
SECTION 1.3 EFFECT OF ACQUISITION. The parties agree to the following provisions
with respect to the Acquisitions contemplated herein:
(a) Corporate Organization. The separate corporate existences of Buyer
and Seller shall continue following the Acquisition, Each Constituent
Corporation shall continue to be responsible for its respective liabilities and
obligations.
(b) Closing Date. Said Acquisition shall be consummated and the
closing of this Agreement shall occur immediately upon the signing of this
Agreement by the parties (the "Closing Date"). The Closing shall take place at
the corporate offices of Buyer.
ARTICLE 2
THE ACQUISITION
SECTION 2.1 ISSUANCE OF SHARES IN THE ACQUISITION. At the Closing, Buyer shall
Issue to Seller ten thousand (10,000) shares of Buyer's one hundred dollar
($100.) fixed interest 6% non-cumulative, convertible preferred shares,
convertible into one million (1,000,000) shares of Buyers common stock in
exchange for all of the Seller's interest in and, to HomeLife U.S. Partnership,
a California partnership.
SECTION 2.2 FURTHER TRANSFER OF STOCK. The shares to be issued by Buyer under
2.1 (a) above shall be issued as investment shares and transfer of such shares
shall be restricted as required by State and Federal Securities law.
SECTION 2.3 TRANSFER OF PARTNERSHIP. Seller shall deliver to buyer at the time
of signing of this Agreement properly endorsed partnership document(s)
transferring the ownership of HLP to buyer. Buyer upon receipt of said
document(s) shall instruct it's stock transfer agent and registrar to issue to
seller ten thousand (10,000) shares of Buyers one hundred dollar ($100.) fixed
interest 6% non-cumulative, non-voting, convertible preferred shares,
convertible into one million (1,000,000) shares of Buyers common stock.
ARTICLE 3
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
SECTION 3.0 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING ACQUISITION. Unless and until this
Agreement has been terminated in accordance with its terms, neither Buyer or
Seller will solicit or encourage, directly or indirectly, any inquiries or
proposals, to acquire any shares of the capital stock or any significant portion
of the total assets of Buyer.
SECTION 3.1 REASONABLE EFFORTS. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof,
each of the parties hereto agree to use any and all reasonable efforts to take,
or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things
necessary to satisfy the other conditions of Closing set forth herein.
SECTION 3.2 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY BUYER PENDING ACQUISITION OF ASSETS. Buyer
covenants and agrees that, prior to the Closing Date, unless Seller shall
otherwise agree in writing and except as contemplated by this Agreement;
(a) the business of Buyer shall be conducted only in the ordinary and usual
course and consistent with past practices, and shall not purchase or sell (or
enter into any agreement to purchase or sell) any properties or assets or make
any other changes in the operations of Buyer taken as a whole;
(b) Buyer shall not (i) amend its Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws,
(ii) change the number of authorized or outstanding shares of its capital stock
(except as set forth Section 2. 1 (a) hereof), or (iii) declare, set aside or
pay any dividend or other distribution or payment in cash, stock or property in
respect of the shares;
(c) Buyer shall not issue or pledge any shares of, or rights of any kind to
acquire any shares of, the capital stock of Buyer, (ii) incur any indebtedness
other than in the ordinary course of business, (iii) acquire directly or
indirectly by redemption or otherwise any shares of the capital stock of Buyer
of any class or (iv) enter into or modify any contract, agreement, commitment or
arrangement with respect to any of the foregoing;
(d) Buyer shall use its best efforts to preserve intact the business
organization of Buyer, to keep available the services of their current officers
and key employees, and to preserve the good will of those having business
relationships with them;
(e) Buyer will not (i) increase the compensation payable or to become
payable by it to any of its officers or directors, (ii) make any payment or
provision with respect to any bonus, profit sharing, stock option, stock
purchase, employee stock ownership, pension, retirement, deferred compensation,
employment or other payment plan, agreement or arrangement for the benefit of
their employees, (iii) grant any stock options or stock appreciation rights or
permit the exercise of such rights is subject to the discretion of Buyer,
(iv) make any change in the compensation to be received by any officer of Buyer,
or adopt, or amend to increase compensation or benefits payable under, any
collective bargaining, bonus, profit sharing, compensation, stock option,
pension, retirement, deferred compensation, employment, termination, severance
or other plan, agreement trust, fund or arrangement for the benefit of
employees, (v) enter into any agreement with respect to termination or severance
pay, or any employment agreement or other contract or arrangement with any
officer or director or employee of Buyer with respect to the performance of
personal services that is not terminable without liability by it in thirty days'
notice or less, (vi) increase benefits payable under its current severance or
termination pay agreements or policies or (vii) make any loan or advance to, or
enter into any written contract, lease or commitment with, any officer or
director of Buyer;
(f) Buyer shall not assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise become
responsible for the obligations of any other individual, firm or corporation
or make any loans or advances to any individual, firm or corporation;
(g) Buyer shall not make any investment of a capital nature either by
purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital, property transfers or
otherwise, or by the purchase of any property or assets or any other individual,
firm or corporation;
(h) Buyer shall not reduce its cash or short term investments or their
equivalent, other than to meet cash needs arising in the ordinary course of
business, consistent with past practices, or in performing its obligations under
this Agreement; and
(i) Buyer shall not enter into an agreement to do any of the things
described in clauses above.
SECTION 3.3 ACCESS AND INFORMATION. Buyer and Seller shall provide each to the
other: (a) Buyer shall afford to Seller and its accountants, counsel and other
representatives fall access, during normal business hours throughout the period
prior to the Closing Date, to all of the properties, books, contracts,
commitments and records (including but not limited to tax returns) of Buyer and,
during such period, Buyer shall furnish promptly to Seller (i) a copy of each
report, schedule and other document filed or received by it pursuant to the
requirements of federal or state securities laws, and (ii) all other information
concerning the business, properties and personnel of Buyer that may reasonably
be requested. In the event of the termination of this Agreement Buyer will, and
will cause its representative to, deliver to Seller all documents, work papers
and other material, and all copies thereof, obtained by it or on its behalf from
Seller as a result of this Agreement or in connection herewith, whether so
obtained before or after the execution hereof and will hold in confidence all
confidential information, and will not use any such confidential information,
until such time as such information is otherwise publicly available or as it is
advised by counsel that any such information or document is required by law to
be disclosed. If this Agreement is terminated, Buyer will promptly deliver to
Seller all documents so obtained by it.
(b) Seller shall afford to Buyer and its accountants, counsel and other
representatives full access, during normal business hours throughout the period
prior to the Closing Date, to all of the books and records, (including but not
limited to tax returns) pertaining to the company being Acquired by Buyer,
during such period, Seller shall furnish promptly to Buyer (i) a copy of each
report, schedule and other document filed or received by it pursuant to the
requirements of federal or sate securities laws, and requested by Buyer. In the
event of the termination of this Agreement, Seller will, and will cause its
representative to, deliver to Buyer an documents, work, papers and other
material, and all copies thereof obtained by it or on its behalf from Buyer as a
result of this Agreement or in connection herewith, whether so obtained before
or after the execution hereof, and will hold in confidence all confidential
information, and will not use any such confidential information, until such time
as such information is otherwise publicly available or as it is advised by
counsel that any such information or document is required by law to be
disclosed. If this Agreement is terminated, Seller will deliver to Buyer all
documents so obtained by it.
SECTION 3.4 NOTICE OF ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS. Buyer shall promptly notify
Seller, and, Seller shall, promptly notify Buyer of any claims) actions,
proceedings or investigations commenced on to the best of its knowledge,
threatened, involving or affecting Buyer or Seller or any of their property or
assets, or, to the best of its knowledge, against any employee, consultant,
director, officer or shareholder, in his, her or its capacity as suck of Buyer
or Seller which, if pending on the date hereof, would have been required to have
been disclosed in writing pursuant to Section 4.2(d) hereof or which relates to
the consummation of the Acquisition or the transactions contemplated hereby.
SECTION 3.5 NOTIFICATION OF OTHER CERTAIN MATTERS. Buyer shall give prompt
notice to Seller and Seller shall give prompt notice to Buyer, of any notice of,
or other communication relating to, a default or event which, with notice or
lapse of time, or both, would become a default, received by Buyer or Seller
subsequent to the date of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date, under
any agreement, indenture or instrument material to the financial condition,
properties, business or results of operations of Buyer or Seller taken as a
whole to which Buyer or Seller is a party or is subject;
ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS OF BUYER
Buyer, represents and warrants to, and agrees with Seller as follows:
SECTI0N 4.0 ORGANIZATION AND GOOD STANDING. Buyer is a duly incorporated and
validly existing corporation in good standing under the laws of Nevada, with all
requisite power and authority (corporate and other) to own its properties and
conduct its business.
SECTION 4.1 AUTHORIZATION: BINDING AGREEMENT. Buyer has the requisite corporate
power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to carry out the
transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly
authorized, executed and delivered by Buyer and constitutes a valid and binding
agreement of Buyer in accordance with its terms.
SECTION 4.2 CAPITALIZATION. The authorized capital stock of Buyer consists of
five million (5,000,000) shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share; One
hundred thousand (100,000) shares of preferred stock no par value, which may be
issued by the board of directors as one (1) or more classes. Prior to the
issuance of the stock authorized by this Agreement there were as of March 31,
1996 Three million thirty seven thousand one hundred ninety (3,037,190) common
shares authorized to be issued. There were no preferred shares Issued. As of the
date here of only one million thirty seven thousand nine (1,037,959) common
shares have actually been issued by the Buyer's transfer agent and registrar due
to a delay by buyer. All of the authorized to be and outstanding shares of the
capital stock of Buyer are fully paid and nonassessable. Buyer is not aware of
any voting trust, agreements or similar understanding. Buyer does not have any
options, subscriptions or other rights, Agreements or commitments, which either:
(a) obligates Buyer to issue, sell or transfer any shares of the capital stock
of Buyer or (b) restricts the issuance of or otherwise relates to the shares of
its common stock.
SECTION 4.3 LITIGATION. As of the date hereof there are no claims actions,
proceedings, or investigations pending or, to the best knowledge of Buyer,
threatened against Buyer or to the best of Buyer's knowledge, pending or
threatened against any subsidiary company, partnership, employee, consultant,
director, officer or shareholder, in his or its capacity as suck before any
court or governmental or regulatory authority or body which, if decided
adversely, could materially and adversely affect the financial condition,
business, prospects or operations of Buyer or it's subsidiaries or
partnership(s). As of the date hereof, neither Buyer nor any of its property is
subject to any order, judgement, injunction or decree, which materially and
adversely affects the financial condition, business, prospects or operations of
Buyer.
SECTION 4.4 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORT . Buyer has provided Seller with
true and complete copies of financial statements prepared by an independent
Certified Public Accountant in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles applied on a consistent basis (except as otherwise noted in such
statements) and present fairly the financial position, results of operations and
changes in financial position of holdings being acquired.
SECTION 4.4 ABSENCE OF BREACH. The execution, delivery and performance by Buyer
of this Agreement, and the performance by Buyer of its obligations hereunder, do
not (i) conflict with or result in a breach of any of the provisions of its
articles of incorporation or by-laws:
(a) Buyer shall have performed in all material respects their agreements
contained in this Agreement required to be performed on or prior to the Closing
Date including those specified in Section 4.4 herein;
(b) Buyer's representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement
shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date
as if made on and as of such date, except as contemplated or permitted by this
Agreement;
(c) Seller shall have delivered to Buyer copies of resolutions duly adopted
by its Board of Directors approving the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, such resolutions being certified by the Secretary;
(d) No action or preceding before any court or governmental or regulatory
authority or body, United States, federal or state or foreign, shall have been
instituted (and be pending) or threatened by any governmental authority, which
seeks to prevent or delay the consummation of the Acquisition or which
challenges any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement;
(e) No order issued by any United States federal or state or foreign
governmental or regulatory authority or body of by any court of competent
jurisdiction nor any statute, rule, regulation or executive order promulgated or
enacted by any United States federal or state or foreign governmental authority
which prevents the consummation of the Acquisition shall be in effect.
ARTICLE 5
REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS OF SELLER
Seller, represents and warrants to, and agrees with Buyer as follows:
SECTION 5.0 ORGANIZATION AND GOOD STANDING . Seller is a duly incorporated and
validly existing corporation in good standing under the laws of Canada, with all
requisite power and authority (corporate.. and other) to own its properties and
conduct its businesses.
SECTION 5.1 AUTHORIZATION: BINDING AGREEMENT. Seller has the requisite power
and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, This Agreement has been
duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered by Seller and constitutes a
valid and binding agreement of Seller in accordance with its terms.
SECTION 5.2 ABSENCE OF BREACH . The execution, delivery and performance by
Seller of this Agreement, and the performance by Seller of its obligations
hereunder, do not (i) conflict with or result in a breach of any of the
provisions of its articles of incorporation or by-laws, (ii) subject to
obtaining the governmental and other consents referred to in Section 5.4 hereof,
contravene any law, rule or regulation of any province or of Canada or any
political subdivision thereof or therein, or any order, writ, judgement,
injunction, decree, determination or award currently in effect, which, singly or
in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on Seller, (iii) conflict
in any respect with or result shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to
the Closing Date of the following conditions any one or more of which may effect
the partnership HLP being sold to Buyer.
ARTICLE 6
CONDITIONS
SECTION 6.0 CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY'S OBLIGATION TO EFFECT THE ACQUISITION. -
The respective obligations of each party to effect the Acquisition shall be
subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of the following
conditions:
(a) this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby having been
approved and adopted at or prior to the Closing Date by the requisite vote of
the board of directors of each party;
(b) no preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any
federal or state court of competent jurisdiction in the United States or Canada
preventing the consummation of the Acquisition shall be in effect.
SECTION 6.1 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATION TO BUYER TO EFFECT ACQUISITION. The
obligations of Buyer to effect the Acquisition shall be subject to the
fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions any one
of which may be waived by Buyer:
(a) Seller shall have performed in all material respects their agreements
contained in this Agreement required to be performed on or prior to the Closing
Date including those specified in Section 6.5 herein;
(b) Seller's representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement
shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the, Closing
Date as if made on and as of such date, except as contemplated or permitted by
this Agreement;
(c) Seller shall have delivered a certificate of its President or its
Chairman of the Board to the effect set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this
Section 6.2;
(d) Seller shall have delivered to Buyer copies of resolutions duly adopted
by its Board of Directors approving the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, such resolutions being certified by the Secretary.
SECTION 6.3 CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATION OF SELLER TO EFFECT THE ACQUISITION.
The obligation of Seller to effect the Acquisition shall be subject to the
fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions, any one
or more of which may be waived by Seller:
(a) Seller shall have performed in all material respects on or prior to the
Closing Date;
(b) The representations and warranties of Buyer set forth in this
Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of
Closing Date as if made on and as of such date, except as contemplated or
permitted by this Agreement;
(c) Except to the extent such consent are not required at Closing Date,
Seller shall received the consents or exemptions, or made the filings, as the
case may be, which were referred to in Section 5.4;
(d) Buyer shall have delivered a certificate of its President to the effect
set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 6,3;
(e) Buyer shall have delivered to Seller copies of resolutions duly adopted
by the Board of Directors of the Company approving the execution and delivery of
this Agreement such resolutions being certified by the Secretary of the Company;
(f) No action or proceeding before any court or governmental or regulatory
authority or body, United States federal or state or foreign, shall have been
instituted (and be pending or threatened) by any government or governmental
authority, which seeks to prevent or delay the consummation of the Acquisition
or which challenges any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement;
(g) No order issued by the United States federal or state or foreign
governmental or regulatory authority or body, or by any court of competent
jurisdiction nor any statute, rule, regulation, or executive order promulgated
or enacted by any United States.
ARTICLE 7
TERMINATION
SECTION 7.0 BOARD ACTION. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by mutual
consent of the Boards of Directors of Seller and Buyer.
SECTION 7.1 CERTAIN DATES. In the event the Acquisition shall not have become
effective on or before April 15, 1996, this Agreement may be terminated by
either party upon written notice, whether before or after approval of the
Acquisition thereof by the boards of directors. This Agreement shall terminate
automatically if the Acquisition has not been consummated by April 15, 1996.
SECTION 7.2 EFFECT OF TERMINATION. In the event of the termination of this
Agreement, this Agreement shall thereafter become void and have no effect and no
party hereto shall have any liability to any other party hereto or its
shareholders or directors or officers in respect thereof except for the
obligations of the parties hereto in Section 8.1 hereof.
ARTICLE 8
GENERAL AGREEMENTS
SECTION 8.0 COOPERATION. Each of the parties hereto shall cooperate with the
other in every reasonable way in carrying out the transactions contemplated
herein, and in delivering all documents and instruments deemed reasonably
necessary or useful by counsel for any party hereto.
SECTION 8.1 COSTS. All costs and expenses incurred in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be the sole
responsibility of Buyer.
SECTION 8.2 SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. All representations and
warranties in this Agreement or in any instrument or certificate delivered
pursuant to this Agreement delivered on or prior to the Closing Date shall
survive the consummation of the Acquisition.
SECTION 8.3 NOTICES. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by messenger,
transmitted by fax or telegram or mailed by registered or certified mail,
postage prepaid, as follows:
(a) If to Seller, to: (b) If to Buyer, to:
Andrew Cimerman Robert L, Cashman
HomeLife Securities, Inc. HomeLife, Inc
1167 Caledonia Road 4100 Newport Place, Suite 730
Toronto, Ontario M6A 2XI Canada Newport Beach, California 92660
The date of any such notice shall be the date hand delivered or otherwise
transmitted or mailed.
SECTION 8.4 AMENDMENT. This Agreement (including the documents and instruments
referred to herein or therein) (a) constitutes the entire agreement and
supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral,
between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, (b) is not
intended to confer upon any other person any rights or remedies hereunder, and
(c) shall not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise. This Agreement may
be amended or modified in whole or in part to the extent permitted by California
law at any time, by an agreement in writing executed to do so by the Board of
Directors of Seller and Buyer.
SECTION 8.5 WAIVE. At any time prior to the Closing Date, the parties hereto
may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations, or other
acts of the other parties hereto, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the
representation and warranties contained herein or in any document delivered
pursuant hereto, and (c) waive compliance with any of the agreements or
conditions contained herein. Any agreement on the part of a party hereto to any
such extension or waiver shall be valid if set forth in an instrument in writing
or waiver signed on behalf of such party.
SECTION 8.6 BROKERS. Seller and Buyer represent and warrant that no broker,
finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finders or other fee
or commission in connection with this transaction.
SECTION 8.7 PUBLICITY . So long as this agreement is in effect, the parties
hereto shall not Issue or cause the publication of any press release or other
announcement with respect to this Agreement without the consent of the other
party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed where such
release or announcement is required by applicable law.
SECTION 8.8 HEADINGS The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference
purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of
this Agreement.
SECTION 8.9 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of and is enforceable by the respective successors and
assigns of the parties hereto.
SECTION 8.10 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of California.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Agreement by their duly
authorized officers as of the 1st day of April, 1996.
Buyer: HomeLife, Inc.
Attest:
/s/ ANDREW CIMERMAN
-----------------------------------
By: Andrew Cimerman, President
/s/ Robert L. Cashman
- -----------------------------------
Robert L. Cashman, Secretary Seller: HomeLife Securities, Inc.
Attest:
/s/ Andrew Cimerman
-----------------------------------
By: Andrew Cimerman, President
/s/ Gabrielle Jeans
- -----------------------------------
Gabrielle Jeans, Secretary
AMENDMENT I
This amendment attaches to and becomes part of an agreement dated April 1, 1996
between HomeLife Securities Inc. and HomeLife Inc.
SCHEDULE OF ASSETS PURCHASED AND AGREED VALUE
Cash $ 4,048
Accounts Receivable 320,377
Prepaid Expenses 8,160
Furniture & Equipment Net of
Accumulated Depreciation 19,696
Printed Advertising Materials
including Art Work
(64 Different Item at 5,000 each) 320,000
Inventory of Procedure Materials,Signs,
Supplies "Jerome The Gnome"
& "Crok'n Roll" Costumes 129,364
HomeLife Trademark
(Registered in all states and some
foreign countries) 250,000
Less: Liabilities
Accounts Payable 46,255
Accrued Expenses 3,390
Cimerman 2,000
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Total - $1,000,000
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Agreement by their duly
authorized officers as of the 1st day of April, 1996.
Buyer: HomeLife, Inc.
Attest:
/s/ Andrew Cimerman
-----------------------------------
By: Andrew Cimerman, President
/s/ Robert L. Cashman
- -----------------------------------
Robert L. Cashman, Secretary
Seller: HomeLife Securities, Inc.
Attest:
/s/ Andrew Cimerman
-----------------------------------
By: Andrew Cimerman, President
/s/ Gabrielle Jeans
- -----------------------------------
Gabrielle Jeans, Secretary