condition, or results of operations of the Company that has not been set forth in this
Agreement or the Sellers Schedules.
No Seller or any Related Person of Sellers or of the Company has, or since the first day of
the next to last completed fiscal year of the Company has had, any interest in any property
(whether real, personal, or mixed and whether tangible or intangible), used in or pertaining to the
Companys businesses. No Seller or any Related Person of Sellers or of the Company is, or since
the first day of the next to last completed fiscal year of the Company has owned (of record or as a
beneficial owner) an equity interest or any other financial or profit interest in, a Person that
has (i) had business dealings or a material financial interest in any transaction with the Company
other than business dealings or transactions conducted in the Ordinary Course of Business with the
Company at substantially prevailing market prices and on substantially prevailing market terms, or
(ii) engaged in competition with the Company with respect to any line of the products or services
of the Company (a Competing Business) in any market presently served by the Company. Except as
set forth in Schedule 3.25, no Seller or any Related Person of Sellers
or of the Company is a party to any Contract with, or has any claim or right against, the Company.
Sellers and their agents have incurred no obligation or liability, contingent or otherwise,
for brokerage or finders fees or agents commissions or other similar payment in connection with
this Agreement.
Agreement, Buyer will acquire good, valid and marketable title thereto, free and clear of all
Encumbrances.
The Sellers, the Company and their respective affiliates do not have assets in Canada that
exceed $50,000,000 (CAD), or gross revenues from sales in, from or into Canada, that exceed
$50,000,000 (CAD), all as determined in accordance with Part IX of the Competition Act (Canada) and
the Notifiable Transactions Regulations thereunder.
(a) Each Seller is an accredited investor as defined in (i) Rule 501(a) under the Securities
Act and (ii) National Instrument 45-106Prospectus and Registration Exemptions.
(b) Each Seller is authorized to purchase and is purchasing the Stock
Consideration and will be purchasing the Earn-Out Stock, if applicable, for his own account as
principal, for investment purposes only, and not with a present view to, or for, resale,
distribution or fractionalization thereof, in whole or in part, within the meaning of the
Securities Act and applicable Canadian securities laws. Each Seller understands that its
acquisition of the Stock Consideration and the Earn-Out Stock, if applicable, has not been
registered under the Securities Act or qualified for distribution under any applicable Canadian
securities laws, or registered or qualified under any U.S. state securities law, in reliance on
specific exemptions therefrom, which exemptions may depend upon, among other things, the bona fide
nature of each Sellers investment intent as expressed herein. Each Seller shall not, directly or
indirectly, offer, sell, pledge, transfer or otherwise dispose of (or solicit any offers to buy,
purchase or otherwise acquire or take a pledge of) any of the Stock Consideration or the Earn-Out
Stock, except in compliance with the terms of this Agreement and the registration requirements of
the Securities Act and applicable Canadian securities laws, or an exemption thereunder.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Stock Consideration nor the Earn-Out Stock may be sold
in the U.S. or Canada for a period of one year following the First Closing, or in the case of the
2007 Earn-Out Stock, the Second Closing and in the case of the 2008 Earn-Out Stock, the Third
Closing, and then only in compliance with such registration requirements or exemption therefrom.
(c) Each Seller has had an opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers from Buyer
or a person acting on behalf of Buyer concerning the terms and conditions of the sale of the Stock
Consideration and the Earn-Out Stock and the business, properties and financial condition of Buyer
and has received and considered all information it deems relevant to make an informed investment
decision.
and each of these covenants and obligations (considered individually), must have been duly
performed and complied with in all material respects.
(a) an opinion of Messrs. Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, LLP, dated the Closing Date, in
substantially the form of Exhibit 7.4(a); and
(b) such other documents as Buyer may reasonably request for the purpose of (i) evidencing the
accuracy of any of Sellers representations and warranties, (ii) evidencing the performance by the
Sellers of, or the compliance by the Sellers with, any covenant or obligation required to be
performed or complied with by the Sellers, (iii) evidencing the satisfaction of any condition
referred to in this Section 7, or (iv) otherwise facilitating the consummation or performance of
any of the Contemplated Transactions.
Since the date of this Agreement, there must not have been commenced or Threatened against
Buyer, or against any Person affiliated with Buyer, any Proceeding (a) involving any challenge to,
or seeking damages or other relief in connection with, any of the Contemplated Transactions, or (b)
that may have the effect of preventing, delaying, making illegal, or otherwise interfering with any
of the Contemplated Transactions.
There must not have been made or Threatened by any Person any claim asserting that such Person
(a) is the holder or the beneficial owner of, or has the right to acquire or to obtain beneficial
ownership of, any stock of, or any other voting, equity, or ownership interest in, the Company, or
(b) is entitled to all or any portion of the Purchase Price payable for the Shares.
Requirement or Order, or (b) any Legal Requirement or Order that has been published,
introduced, or otherwise proposed by or before any Governmental Body.
There shall have been no material changes since the date of the Interim Balance Sheet in the
business, operations, prospects, condition (financial or otherwise), assets, or liabilities of the
Company (regardless of whether or not such events or changes are consistent with the
representations and warranties given by Sellers herein), except changes contemplated by this
Agreement.
The nominees of A. Buterbaugh, M. Buterbaugh, Whent and the Sellers as officers and directors
of the Company, OL, Alamar and Mar, and the Sellers shall have tendered their resignations as such
and such resigning officers and directors shall have received a release substantially in the form
attached as Exhibit 2.4(b)(vi) from Buyer, the Company, OL, Mar and Alamar, as applicable.
Buyer shall have received the favorable opinion of its financial advisor, Feltl and Company,
as to the fairness of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to Buyer, from a financial
point of view.
If required by the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market, Buyers shareholders shall have approved
the Contemplated Transactions.
The Shareholders Agreement, dated July 30, 2003, among Whent, 1281140 Ontario Limited (a
predecessor of OL), A. Buterbaugh, Alamar Holdings, Inc. and the Company, shall be terminated
effective as of the Closing and all parties thereto shall have exchanged mutual comprehensive
releases of all claims thereunder.
Sellers obligation to sell the Shares and to take the other actions required to be taken by
Sellers at the Closing is subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the
following conditions (any of which may be waived by Sellers, in whole or in part):
have been accurate in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and must be
accurate in all material respects as of the Closing Date as if made on the Closing Date.
(a) All of the covenants and obligations that Buyer is required to perform or to comply with
pursuant to this Agreement at or prior to the Closing (considered collectively), and each of these
covenants and obligations (considered individually), must have been performed and complied with in
all material respects.
(b) Buyer must have delivered each of the documents required to be delivered by Buyer pursuant
to Section 2.4 and must have made the cash payments required to be made by Buyer pursuant to
Section 2.4(b)(i) and Section 2.4(b)(iii) and shall have delivered the Stock Consideration required
under Section 2.4(b)(ii).
Buyer must have caused to be delivered to Sellers such other documents as Sellers may
reasonably request for the purpose of (i) enabling their counsel to provide the opinion referred to
in Section 7.4(a), (ii) evidencing the accuracy of any representation or warranty of Buyer, (iii)
evidencing the performance by Buyer of, or the compliance by Buyer with, any covenant or obligation
required to be performed or complied with by Buyer, (iv) evidencing the satisfaction of any
condition referred to in this Section 8, or (v) otherwise facilitating the consummation of any of
the Contemplated Transactions.
There must not be in effect any Legal Requirement or any injunction or other Order that (a)
prohibits the sale of the Shares by Sellers to Buyer, and (b) has been adopted or issued, or has
otherwise become effective, since the date of this Agreement.
This Agreement may, by notice given prior to or at the Closing, be terminated:
(a) by either Buyer or Sellers if a material Breach of any provision of this Agreement has
been committed by the other party and such Breach has not been waived;
10.9 Procedure for IndemnificationThird-Party Claims
(a) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under Section 10.2, 10.4, or (to the extent
provided in the last sentence of Section 10.3) Section 10.3 of notice of the commencement of any
Proceeding against it, such indemnified party will, if a claim is to be made against an
indemnifying party under such Section, give notice to the indemnifying party of the commencement of
such claim, but the failure to notify the indemnifying party will not relieve the indemnifying
party of any liability that it may have to any indemnified party, except to the extent that the
indemnifying party demonstrates that the defense of such action is prejudiced by the indemnifying
partys failure to give such notice.
(b) If any Proceeding referred to in Section 10.9(a) is brought against an indemnified party
and it gives notice to the indemnifying party of the commencement of such Proceeding, the
indemnifying party will, unless the claim involves Taxes, be entitled to participate in such
Proceeding and, to the extent that it wishes (unless (i) the indemnified party is also a party to
such Proceeding and the indemnified party determines in good faith that joint representation would
be inappropriate, or (ii) the indemnifying party fails to provide reasonable assurance to the
indemnified party of its financial capacity to defend such Proceeding and provide indemnification
with respect to such Proceeding), to assume the defense of such Proceeding with counsel
satisfactory to the indemnified party and, after notice from the indemnifying party to the
indemnified party of its election to assume the defense of such Proceeding, the indemnifying party
will not, as long as it diligently conducts such defense, be liable to the indemnified party under
this Section 10 for any fees of other counsel or any other expenses with respect to the defense of
such Proceeding, in each case subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the
defense of such Proceeding, other than reasonable costs of investigation. If the indemnifying
party assumes the defense of a Proceeding, (i) it will be conclusively established for purposes of
this Agreement that the claims made in that Proceeding are within the scope of and subject to
indemnification; (ii) no compromise or settlement of such claims may be effected by the
indemnifying party without the indemnified partys consent unless (A) there is no finding or
admission of any violation of Legal Requirements or any violation of the rights of any Person and
no effect on any other claims that may be made against the indemnified party, and (B) the sole
relief provided is monetary damages that are paid in full by the indemnifying party; and (iii) the
indemnified party will have no liability with respect to any compromise or settlement of such
claims effected without its consent. If notice is given to an indemnifying party of the
commencement of any Proceeding and the indemnifying party does not, within ten days after the
indemnified partys notice is given, give notice to the indemnified party of its election to assume
the defense of such Proceeding, the indemnifying party will be bound by any determination made in
such Proceeding or any compromise or settlement effected by the indemnified party.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an indemnified party determines in good faith that there
is a reasonable probability that a Proceeding may adversely affect it or its affiliates other than
as a result of monetary damages for which it would be entitled to indemnification under this
Agreement, the indemnified party may, by notice to the indemnifying party, assume the exclusive
right to defend, compromise, or settle such Proceeding, but the indemnifying party will not be
bound by any determination of a Proceeding so defended or any
45
compromise or settlement effected without its consent (which may not be unreasonably
withheld).
(d) Sellers hereby consent to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any court in which a
Proceeding is brought against any Indemnified Person for purposes of any claim that an Indemnified
Person may have under this Agreement with respect to such Proceeding or the matters alleged
therein, and agree that process may be served on Sellers with respect to such a claim anywhere in
the world.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Buyer hereby covenants and
agrees, which covenant and agreement shall survive Closing and shall not merge on Closing, that the
Sellers shall have the exclusive right to negotiate, litigate and settle any matter disclosed in
Schedule 3.15 and may at their cost engage and employ any counsel the
Sellers deem appropriate to assist with any such matter; provided, that no compromise or settlement
of such matters may be effected by Sellers without the Buyers consent, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld. Buyer hereby covenants and agrees that it will make available to Sellers
upon reasonable request all books, records and documents of the Company or in Buyers possession or
control relating to any such matter and will also allow Sellers to have access to the staff members
of the Company in connection with prosecuting or defending any such matter.
10.10 Procedure for IndemnificationOther Claims
A claim for indemnification for any matter not involving a third-party claim may be asserted
by notice to the party from whom indemnification is sought.
10.11 GST Gross-Up.
Where an amount is payable in respect of a Claim and the Excise Tax Act (Canada) provides that
GST is deemed to have been collected by the Payee thereof, the amount so payable, as determined
without reference to this paragraph (the Indemnification Amount), shall be increased such that
the net amount retained by the Payee after remittance of the GST applicable to the Indemnification
Amount in accordance with the Excise Tax Act (Canada) is equal to the Indemnification Amount.
11. GENERAL PROVISIONS
11.1 Obligation to File Tax Returns
Sellers shall cause to be prepared and filed at their expense all Tax Returns with the
appropriate federal, state, local and foreign Governmental Bodies relating to the Company, OL,
Alamar and Mar for periods ending on or prior to the Closing Date, including but not limited to Tax
Returns required to be prepared and filed as a consequence of the direct or indirect change of
control of all or any of the Company, OL, Alamar and Mar and shall pay all Taxes due with respect
to such Tax Returns, to the extent that such liability for Tax is not covered by reserves
established by the Company, OL, Mar or Alamar, as applicable; provided, that Sellers shall prepare
such Tax Returns in a manner most favorable to the Company, OL, Alamar and Mar in
46
accordance with applicable Legal Requirements; and provided, further, that Sellers shall
provide such Tax Returns to Buyer for review a reasonable time prior to filing.
11.2 Expenses
Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, each party to this Agreement will
bear its respective expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, execution, and
performance of this Agreement and the Contemplated Transactions, including all fees and expenses of
agents, representatives, counsel, and accountants. Sellers will cause the Company not to incur any
out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Agreement. In the event of termination of this
Agreement, the obligation of each party to pay its own expenses will be subject to any rights of
such party arising from a breach of this Agreement by another party.
11.3 Public Announcements
Any public announcement or similar publicity with respect to this Agreement or the
Contemplated Transactions will be issued, if at all, at such time and in such manner as Buyer and
Sellers shall mutually determine. Unless consented to by Buyer in advance or required by Legal
Requirements, prior to the Closing Sellers shall, and shall cause the Company to, keep this
Agreement strictly confidential and may not make any disclosure of this Agreement to any Person.
Sellers and Buyer will consult with each other concerning the means by which the Companys
employees, customers, and suppliers and others having dealings with the Company will be informed of
the Contemplated Transactions, and Buyer will have the right to be present for any such
communication.
11.4 Confidentiality
Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, Buyer and Sellers will maintain in
confidence, and will cause the directors, officers, employees, agents, and advisors of Buyer and
the Company to maintain in confidence, any written information stamped confidential when
originally furnished by another party or the Company in connection with this Agreement or the
Contemplated Transactions, unless (a) such information is already known to such party or to others
not bound by a duty of confidentiality or such information becomes publicly available through no
fault of such party, (b) the use of such information is necessary or appropriate in making any
filing or obtaining any consent or approval required for the consummation of the Contemplated
Transactions, or (c) the furnishing or use of such information is required by or necessary or
appropriate in connection with legal proceedings.
If the Contemplated Transactions are not consummated, each party will return or destroy as
much of such written information as the other party may reasonably request. Whether or not the
Closing takes place, Sellers waive, and will upon Buyers request cause the Company to waive, any
cause of action, right, or claim arising out of the access of Buyer or its representatives to any
trade secrets or other confidential information of the Company except for the intentional
competitive misuse by Buyer of such trade secrets or confidential information.
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11.5 Notices
All notices, consents, waivers, and other communications under this Agreement must be in
writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when (a) delivered by hand (with written
confirmation of receipt), (b) sent by telecopier (with written confirmation of receipt), provided
that a copy is mailed by registered mail, return receipt requested, or (c) when received by the
addressee, if sent by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service (receipt requested), in
each case to the appropriate addresses and telecopier numbers set forth below (or to such other
addresses and telecopier numbers as a party may designate by notice to the other parties):
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Sellers:
Robert Whent
300 Russell Woods Drive
Tecumseh, Ontario N8N 4K5 CANADA
and
Alan and Marlene Buterbaugh
143 Pointe West Drive
Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 3P2 CANADA
with a copy to:
Jeffrey M. Slopen
Principal
Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, LLP
443 Ouellette Avenue, Suite 300
Windsor, Ontario N9A 6R4 CANADA
Buyer:
Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc.
Baker Technology Plaza, Suite 475
5929 Baker Road
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Attention: John A. Witham
Facsimile No.: (952) 974-7887
with a copy to:
Briggs and Morgan, P.A.
2200 IDS Center
80 South Eighth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Attention: Avron L. Gordon
Facsimile No.: (612) 977-8650
11.6 Jurisdiction; Service of Process
Any action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any right arising
out of, this Agreement may be brought against any of the parties in the courts of the State of
Minnesota, County of Hennepin, or, if it has or can acquire jurisdiction, in the United States
District Court for the District of Minnesota, and each of the parties consents to the jurisdiction
of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts) in any such action or proceeding and
waives any objection to venue laid therein. Process in any action or proceeding referred to in the
preceding sentence may be served on any party anywhere in the world. Buyer and each of the Sellers
hereby irrevocably agree that a final judgment of any of the courts
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specified above in any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or to any of the other
documents referred to herein or therein shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other
jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.
11.7 Further Assurances
The parties agree (a) to furnish upon request to each other such further information, (b) to
execute and deliver to each other such other documents, and (c) to do such other acts and things,
all as the other party may reasonably request for the purpose of carrying out the intent of this
Agreement and the documents referred to in this Agreement.
11.8 Waiver
The rights and remedies of the parties to this Agreement are cumulative and not alternative.
Neither the failure nor any delay by any party in exercising any right, power, or privilege under
this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such
right, power, or privilege, and no single or partial exercise of any such right, power, or
privilege will preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power, or privilege or the
exercise of any other right, power, or privilege. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable
law, (a) no claim or right arising out of this Agreement or the documents referred to in this
Agreement can be discharged by one party, in whole or in part, by a waiver or renunciation of the
claim or right unless in writing signed by the other party; (b) no waiver that may be given by a
party will be applicable except in the specific instance for which it is given; and (c) no notice
to or demand on one party will be deemed to be a waiver of any obligation of such party or of the
right of the party giving such notice or demand to take further action without notice or demand as
provided in this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement.
11.9 Entire Agreement and Modification
This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements between the parties with respect to its subject
matter (including the Letter of Intent between Buyer and Sellers dated June 28, 2007, which is
hereby agreed to be terminated on Closing) and constitutes (along with the documents referred to in
this Agreement) a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of the agreement between the
parties with respect to its subject matter. This Agreement may not be amended except by a written
agreement executed by the party to be charged with the amendment.
11.10 Schedules
(a) The
disclosures in the Schedules, and those in any Supplement thereto, must relate
only to the representations and warranties in the Section of the Agreement to which they expressly
relate and not to any other representation or warranty in this Agreement.
(b) In
the event of any inconsistency between the statements in the body of
this Agreement and those in the Schedules (other than an
exception expressly set forth as such in the Schedules with
respect to a specifically identified representation or warranty), the
statements in the body of this Agreement will control.
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11.11 Assignments, Successors, and No Third-Party Rights
Neither party may assign any of its rights under this Agreement without the prior consent of
the other parties, except that Buyer may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to any
Subsidiary of Buyer. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will apply to, be binding
in all respects upon, and inure to the benefit of the successors and permitted assigns of the
parties. Nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement will be construed to give any Person
other than the parties to this Agreement any legal or equitable right, remedy, or claim under or
with respect to this Agreement or any provision of this Agreement. This Agreement and all of its
provisions and conditions are for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties to this Agreement
and their successors and assigns.
11.12 Severability
If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent
jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect. Any
provision of this Agreement held invalid or unenforceable only in part or degree will remain in
full force and effect to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable.
11.13 Section Headings, Construction
The headings of Sections in this Agreement are provided for convenience only and will not
affect its construction or interpretation. All references to Section or Sections refer to the
corresponding Section or Sections of this Agreement. All words used in this Agreement will be
construed to be of such gender or number as the circumstances require. Unless otherwise expressly
provided, the word including does not limit the preceding words or terms.
11.14 Time of Essence
With regard to all dates and time periods set forth or referred to in this Agreement, time is
of the essence.
11.15 Governing Law
This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota without regard to
conflicts of laws principles.
11.16 Counterparts
This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be
an original copy of this Agreement and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to
constitute one and the same agreement.
11.17 Specific Performance
In addition to any other remedies which Buyer may have at law or in equity, each Seller hereby
acknowledges that the Shares and the Company are unique, and that the harm to
51
Buyer resulting from breaches by any Seller of his or her obligations cannot be adequately
compensated by damages. Accordingly, each Seller agrees that Buyer shall have the right to have
all obligations, undertakings, agreements, covenants and other provisions of this Agreement
specifically performed by the Sellers and that Buyer shall have the right to obtain an order or
decree of such specific performance in any of the courts of the United States of America or of any
state or other political subdivision thereof.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date
first written above.
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WIRELESS RONIN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. |
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By:
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/s/ Jeffery C. Mack
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Name: Jeffrey C. Mack |
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Title: CEO |
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/s/ Robert Whent |
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Robert Whent |
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/s/ Alan Buterbaugh |
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Alan Buterbaugh |
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/s/ Marlene Buterbaugh |
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Marlene Buterbaugh |
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DEFINITIONS:
Adjustment Amountas defined in Section 2.5.
Applicable Contractany Contract (a) under which the Company has or may acquire any rights,
(b) under which the Company has or may become subject to any obligation or liability, or (c) by
which the Company or any of the assets owned or used by it is or may become bound.
Balance Sheetas defined in Section 3.4.
Best Effortsthe efforts that a prudent Person desirous of achieving a result would use in
similar circumstances to ensure that such result is achieved as expeditiously as possible.
Breacha Breach of a representation, warranty, covenant, obligation, or other provision
of this Agreement or any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement will be deemed to have
occurred if there is or has been (a) any inaccuracy in or breach of, or any failure to perform or
comply with, such representation, warranty, covenant, obligation, or other provision, or (b) any
claim (by any Person) or other occurrence or circumstance that is or was inconsistent with such
representation, warranty, covenant, obligation, or other provision, and the term Breach means any
such inaccuracy, breach, failure, claim, occurrence, or circumstance.
Buyeras defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.
Canadian GAAPgenerally accepted accounting principles from time to time in effect in
Canada, consistently applied.
Closing means the purchase and sale of the Shares, the delivery of the consideration
therefor and the consummation of the transactions set out herein.
Closing Datethe date and time as of which the First Closing actually takes place.
Companyas defined in the Recitals of this Agreement.
Competing Businessas defined in Section 3.25.
Consentany approval, consent, ratification, waiver, or other authorization (including any
Governmental Authorization).
Contemplated Transactionsall of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
including:
(a) the sale of the Shares by Sellers to Buyer;
(b) the execution, delivery, and performance of the Employment Agreements, the Noncompetition
Agreements, the Sellers Releases, the Releases of resigning officers and directors and the Escrow
Agreement;
(c) the performance by Buyer and Sellers of their respective covenants and obligations under
this Agreement; and
(d) Buyers acquisition and ownership of the Shares and exercise of control over the Company.
Contractany agreement, contract, obligation, promise, or undertaking (whether written or
oral and whether express or implied) that is legally binding.
Copyrightsas defined in Section 3.22(a)(iii).
Damagesas defined in Section 10.2.
Domain Namesas defined in Section 3.22(a)(v).
Earn-Out Cashthe 2007 Earn-Out Cash and the 2008 Earn-Out Cash, collectively.
Earn-Out Stockthe 2007 Earn-Out Stock and the 2008 Earn-Out Stock, collectively.
Employee Plan all plans with respect to the Companys employees or former employees to
which the Company is a party to or bound by or to which the Company has an obligation to contribute
relating to retirement savings, pensions, bonuses, profit sharing, deferred compensation, incentive
compensation, life or accident insurance, hospitalization, health, medical or dental treatment or
expenses, disability, employment insurance benefits, employee loans, vacation pay, severance or
termination pay or other benefit plan.
Employment
Agreementsas defined in Section 2.4(a)(iii).
Encumbranceany charge, claim, community property interest, condition, equitable interest,
lien, option, pledge, security interest, right of first refusal, or restriction of any kind,
including any restriction on use, voting, transfer, receipt of income, or exercise of any other
attribute of ownership.
Environmentsoil, land surface or subsurface strata, surface waters (including navigable
waters, ocean waters, streams, ponds, drainage basins, and wetlands), groundwaters, drinking water
supply, stream sediments, ambient air (including indoor air), plant and animal life, and any other
environmental medium or natural resource.
2
Environmental, Health, and Safety Liabilitiesany cost, damages, expense, liability,
obligation, or other responsibility arising from or under Environmental Law or Occupational Safety
and Health Law and consisting of or relating to:
(a) any environmental, health, or safety matters or conditions (including on-site or off-site
contamination, occupational safety and health, and regulation of chemical substances or products);
(b) fines, penalties, judgments, awards, settlements, legal or administrative proceedings,
damages, losses, claims, demands and response, investigative, remedial, or inspection costs and
expenses arising under Environmental Law or Occupational Safety and Health Law;
(c) financial responsibility under Environmental Law or Occupational Safety and Health Law for
cleanup costs or corrective action, including any investigation, cleanup, removal, containment, or
other remediation or response actions (Cleanup) required by applicable Environmental Law or
Occupational Safety and Health Law (whether or not such Cleanup has been required or requested by
any Governmental Body or any other Person) and for any natural resource damages; or
(d) any other compliance, corrective, investigative, or remedial measures required under
Environmental Law or Occupational Safety and Health Law.
Environmental Lawany Legal Requirement that requires or relates to:
(a) advising appropriate authorities, employees, and the public of intended or actual releases
of pollutants or hazardous substances or materials, violations of discharge limits, or other
prohibitions and of the commencements of activities, such as resource extraction or construction,
that could have significant impact on the Environment;
(b) preventing or reducing to acceptable levels the release of pollutants or hazardous
substances or materials into the Environment;
(c) reducing the quantities, preventing the release, or minimizing the hazardous
characteristics of wastes that are generated;
(d) assuring that products are designed, formulated, packaged, and used so that they do not
present unreasonable risks to human health or the Environment when used or disposed of;
(e) protecting resources, species, or ecological amenities;
(f) reducing to acceptable levels the risks inherent in the transportation of hazardous
substances, pollutants, oil, or other potentially harmful substances;
(g) cleaning up pollutants that have been released, preventing the threat of release, or
paying the costs of such cleanup or prevention; or
3
(h) making responsible parties pay private parties, or groups of them, for damages done to
their health or the Environment, or permitting self-appointed representatives of the public
interest to recover for injuries done to public assets.
Escrow
Agreementas defined in Section 2.4.
Exchange Actthe Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or any successor law, and regulations and
rules issued pursuant to that Act or any successor law.
Facilitiesany real property, leaseholds, or other interests currently or formerly owned or
operated by the Company and any buildings, plants, structures, or equipment (including motor
vehicles, tank cars, and rolling stock) currently or formerly owned or operated by the Company.
First Closingas defined in Section 2.3.
Governmental Authorizationany approval, consent, license, permit, waiver, or other
authorization issued, granted, given, or otherwise made available by or under the authority of any
Governmental Body or pursuant to any Legal Requirement.
Governmental
Bodyany:
(a) nation, province, state, county, city, town, village, district, or other jurisdiction of
any nature;
(b) federal, provincial, state, local, territorial, municipal, foreign, or other government;
(c) governmental or quasi-governmental authority of any nature (including any governmental
agency, branch, department, official, or entity and any court or other tribunal);
(d) multi-national organization or body; or
(e) body exercising, or entitled to exercise, any administrative, executive, judicial,
legislative, police, regulatory, or taxing authority or power of any nature.
Hazardous Activitythe distribution, generation, handling, importing, management,
manufacturing, processing, production, refinement, Release, storage, transfer, transportation,
treatment, or use (including any withdrawal or other use of groundwater) of Hazardous Materials in,
on, under, about, or from the Facilities or any part thereof into the Environment, and any other
act, business, operation, or thing that increases the danger, or risk of danger, or poses an
unreasonable risk of harm to persons or property on or off the Facilities, or that may affect the
value of the Facilities or the Company.
Hazardous Materialsany waste or other substance that is listed, defined, designated, or
classified as, or otherwise determined to be, hazardous, radioactive, or toxic or a pollutant or a
contaminant under or pursuant to any Environmental Law, including any
4
admixture or solution thereof, and specifically including petroleum and all derivatives
thereof or synthetic substitutes therefor and asbestos or asbestos-containing materials.
Indemnified
Personsas defined in Section 10.2.
Intellectual
Property Assetsas defined in Section 3.22.
Interim
Balance Sheetas defined in Section 3.4.
Knowledgean individual will be deemed to have Knowledge of a particular fact or other
matter if:
(a) such individual is actually aware of such fact or other matter; or
(b) a prudent individual could be expected to discover or otherwise become aware of such fact
or other matter in the course of conducting a reasonably comprehensive investigation concerning the
existence of such fact or other matter.
A Person (other than an individual) will be deemed to have Knowledge of a particular fact or
other matter if any individual who is serving, or who has at any time served, as a director,
officer, partner, executor, or trustee of such Person (or in any similar capacity) has, or at any
time had, Knowledge of such fact or other matter.
Legal Requirementany federal, state, provincial, local, municipal, foreign, international,
multinational, or other administrative order, constitution, law, ordinance, principle of common
law, regulation, statute, or treaty.
Markshas the meaning set out in Section 3.22(a)(i).
Noncompetition
Agreementsas defined in Section 2.4(a)(iv).
Occupational Safety and Health Lawany Legal Requirement designed to provide safe and
healthful working conditions and to reduce occupational safety and health hazards, and any program,
whether governmental or private (including those promulgated or sponsored by industry associations
and insurance companies), designed to provide safe and healthful working conditions.
Orderany award, decision, injunction, judgment, order, ruling, subpoena, or verdict
entered, issued, made, or rendered by any court, administrative agency, or other Governmental Body
or by any arbitrator.
Ordinary Course of Businessan action taken by a Person will be deemed to have been taken
in the Ordinary Course of Business only if:
(a) such action is consistent with the past practices of such Person and is taken in the
ordinary course of the normal day-to-day operations of such Person;
5
(b) such action is not required to be authorized by the board of directors of such Person (or
by any Person or group of Persons exercising similar authority) and is not required to be
specifically authorized by the parent company (if any) of such Person; and
(c) such action is similar in nature and magnitude to actions customarily taken, without any
authorization by the board of directors (or by any Person or group of Persons exercising similar
authority), in the ordinary course of the normal day-to-day operations of other Persons that are in
the same line of business as such Person.
Organizational
Documents(a) the articles or certificate of incorporation and the bylaws of
a corporation; (b) the partnership agreement and any statement of partnership of a general
partnership; (c) the limited partnership agreement and the certificate of limited partnership of a
limited partnership; (d) any charter or similar document adopted or filed in connection with the
creation, formation, or organization of a Person; and (e) any amendment to any of the foregoing.
Personany individual, corporation (including any non-profit corporation), general or
limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, estate, trust, association,
organization, labor union, or other entity or Governmental Body.
Proceedingany action, arbitration, audit, hearing, investigation, litigation, or suit
(whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative, or informal) commenced, brought,
conducted, or heard by or before, or otherwise involving, any Governmental Body or arbitrator.
Proprietary Rights Agreementhas the meaning set out in Section 3.20(b).
Prospectusthe Final Prospectus of the Buyer dated June 13, 2007, as supplemented by
Prospectus Supplement No 1 dated June 19, 2007.
Related Person
with respect to a particular individual:
(a) each other member of such individuals Family;
(b) any Person that is directly or indirectly controlled by such individual or one or more
members of such individuals Family;
(c) any Person in which such individual or members of such individuals Family hold
(individually or in the aggregate) a Material Interest; and
(d) any Person with respect to which such individual or one or more members of such
individuals Family serves as a director, officer, partner, executor, or trustee (or in a similar
capacity).
With respect to a specified Person other than an individual:
(a) any Person that directly or indirectly controls, is directly or indirectly controlled by,
or is directly or indirectly under common control with such specified Person;
6
(b) any Person that holds a Material Interest in such specified Person;
(c) each Person that serves as a director, officer, partner, executor, or trustee of such
specified Person (or in a similar capacity);
(d) any Person in which such specified Person holds a Material Interest;
(e) any Person with respect to which such specified Person serves as a general partner or a
trustee (or in a similar capacity); and
(f) any Related Person of any individual described in clause (b) or (c).
For purposes of this definition, (a) the Family of an individual includes (i) the
individual, (ii) the individuals spouse, (iii) any other natural person who is related to the
individual or the individuals spouse within the second degree, and (iv) any other natural person
who resides with such individual, and (b) Material Interest means direct or indirect beneficial
ownership of voting securities or other voting interests representing at least 51% of the
outstanding voting power of a Person or equity securities or other equity interests representing at
least 51% of the outstanding equity securities or equity interests in a Person.
Releaseany spilling, leaking, emitting, discharging, depositing, escaping, leaching,
dumping, or other releasing into the Environment, whether intentional or unintentional.
Representativewith respect to a particular Person, any director, officer, employee, agent,
consultant, advisor, or other representative of such Person, including legal counsel, accountants,
and financial advisors.
Rights in Mask Worksas defined in Section 3.22(a)(iv).
Schedulesthe
Schedules delivered by Seller to Buyer concurrently with the
execution and delivery of this Agreement.
Second Closingas defined in Section 2.7.
Securities Actthe Securities Act of 1933 or any successor law, and regulations and rules
issued pursuant to that Act or any successor law.
Sellersas defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.
Sellers
Releasesas defined in Section 2.4.
Sharesas defined in the Recitals of this Agreement.
Stock Considerationas defined in Section 2.2(iii).
Subsidiarywith respect to any Person (the Owner), any corporation or other Person of
which securities or other interests having the power to elect a majority of that corporations or
other Persons board of directors or similar governing body, or otherwise having the power to
direct the business and policies of that corporation or other Person (other than securities or
other interests having such power only upon the happening of a contingency that has
7
not occurred) are held by the Owner or one or more of its Subsidiaries; when used without
reference to a particular Person, Subsidiary means a Subsidiary of the Company.
Taxany tax (including any income tax, capital gains tax, value-added tax, sales tax, goods
and services tax, property tax, capital tax, excise tax, withholding tax, payroll and employee
withholding tax, health tax, gift tax, or estate tax), levy, assessment, tariff, duty (including
any customs duty), employment insurance and Canada Pension Plan premiums, workers compensation
payments, deficiency, or other fee, and any related charge or amount (including any fine, penalty,
interest, or addition to tax), imposed, assessed, or collected by or under the authority of any
Governmental Body or payable pursuant to any tax-sharing agreement or any other Contract relating
to the sharing or payment of any such tax, levy, assessment, tariff, duty, deficiency, or fee.
Tax Returnany return (including any information return), report, statement, schedule,
notice, form, or other document or information filed with or submitted to, or required to be filed
with or submitted to, any Governmental Body in connection with the determination, assessment,
collection, or payment of any Tax or in connection with the administration, implementation, or
enforcement of or compliance with any Legal Requirement relating to any Tax.
Third Closing as defined in Section 2.7.
Threat of Releasea substantial likelihood of a Release that may require action in order to
prevent or mitigate damage to the Environment that may result from such Release.
Threateneda claim, Proceeding, dispute, action, or other matter will be deemed to have
been Threatened if any demand or statement has been made (orally or in writing) or any notice has
been given (orally or in writing), or if any other event has occurred or any other circumstances
exist, that would lead a prudent Person to conclude that such a claim, Proceeding, dispute, action,
or other matter is likely to be asserted, commenced, taken, or otherwise pursued in the future.
U.S.the United States and its territories and possessions.
U.S. GAAPgenerally accepted accounting principles from time to time in effect in the
United States, consistently applied.
Working Capitalthe difference between current assets and current liabilities, each to be
determined in a manner consistent with the calculations of current assets and current liabilities
set forth in Companys most recent audited financial statements.
8
Exhibit 2.4(a)(ii)
Release
This Release is being executed and delivered in accordance with Section 2.4(a)(ii) of the
Stock Purchase Agreement (the Agreement), dated August ___, 2007, between Wireless Ronin
Technologies, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (Buyer), Robert Whent (Whent), Alan Buterbaugh (A.
Buterbaugh) and Marlene Buterbaugh (M. Buterbaugh). Capitalized terms used in this Release
without definition have the respective meanings given to them in the Agreement.
Each Seller acknowledges that execution and delivery of this Release is a condition to Buyers
obligation to purchase the beneficial ownership of the outstanding shares of the Company pursuant
to the Agreement and that Buyer is relying on this Release in consummating such purchase.
Each Seller, for good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which is
hereby acknowledged and intending to be legally bound, in order to induce Buyer to purchase the
beneficial ownership of the outstanding shares of the Company pursuant to the Agreement, hereby
agrees as follows:
Each Seller, on behalf of himself and each of his Related Persons, hereby releases and forever
discharges the Buyer, the Company, OL, Alamar and Mar, and each of their respective individual,
joint or mutual, past, present and future Representatives, affiliates, stockholders, controlling
persons, Subsidiaries, successors and assigns (individually, a Releasee and collectively,
Releasees) from any and all claims, demands, Proceedings, causes of action, Orders, obligations,
contracts, agreements, debts and liabilities whatsoever, whether known or unknown, suspected or
unsuspected, both at law and in equity, which each of the Sellers or any of their respective
Related Persons now has, have ever had or may hereafter have against the respective Releasees
arising contemporaneously with or prior to the Closing or on account of or arising out of any
matter, cause or event occurring contemporaneously with or prior to the Closing, specifically
excluding any rights to indemnification or reimbursement from the Company, OL, Alamar or Mar
pursuant to their respective Organizational Documents in connection with actions taken or omitted
to be taken in their capacities as officers and directors thereof contemporaneously with or prior
to the Closing Date, other than arising out of the obligations of Sellers under the Agreement or
any agreement or document delivered pursuant thereto; provided, however, that nothing
contained herein shall operate to release any obligations of Buyer arising under the Agreement or
any agreement or document delivered pursuant thereto.
Each Seller hereby irrevocably covenants to refrain from, directly or indirectly, asserting
any claim or demand, or commencing, instituting or causing to be commenced, any proceeding of any
kind against any Releasee, based upon any matter purported to be released hereby.
Without in any way limiting any of the rights and remedies otherwise available to any
Releasee, each Seller, jointly and severally, shall indemnify and hold harmless each Releasee from
and against all loss, liability, claim, damage (including incidental and consequential
damages) or expense (including costs of investigation and defense and reasonable attorneys
fees) whether or not involving third party claims, arising directly or indirectly from or in
connection with (i) the assertion by or on behalf of any Seller or his or her Related Persons of
any claim or other matter purported to be released pursuant to this Release and (ii) the assertion
by any third party of any claim or demand against any Releasee which claim or demand arises
directly or indirectly from, or in connection with, any assertion by or on behalf of any Seller or
his or her Related Persons against such third party of any claims or other matters purported to be
released pursuant to this Release.
If any provision of this Release is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent
jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Release will remain in full force and effect. Any
provision of this Release held invalid or unenforceable only in part or degree will remain in full
force and effect to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable.
This Release may not be changed except in a writing signed by the person(s) against whose
interest such change shall operate. This Release shall be governed by and construed under the laws
of the state of Minnesota without regard to principles of conflicts of law.
All words used in this Release will be construed to be of such gender or number as the
circumstances require.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned have executed and delivered this Release as of
this ___ day of August, 2007.
2
Exhibit 2.4(a)(iii)
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (Agreement) is made and entered into effective August
___, 2007, by and between McGill Digital Solutions Inc., a corporation duly organized and existing
under the laws of Ontario, Canada, with a place of business at 4510 Rhodes Drive, Suite 800,
Windsor, ON, Canada N8W 5C2 (hereinafter referred to as the Company), and Robert Whent, a
resident of the province of Ontario, Canada (hereinafter referred to as Executive).
BACKGROUND OF AGREEMENT
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The Company desires to employ Executive as its President and Executive desires to accept such employment. |
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The Company is a subsidiary of Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc. (WRT). |
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This Agreement provides, among other things, for base compensation for Executive, a term of employment and severance
payments in the event Executive is terminated without Cause or by reason of a Change of Control of the Company. |
In consideration of the foregoing, the Company and Executive agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
EMPLOYMENT
Section 1.1 Subject to the terms of Articles 3 and 6, the Company agrees to employ
Executive as its President pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and Executive agrees to
such employment. Executives primary place of employment shall be the offices located at
4510 Rhodes Drive, Suite 800, Windsor, ON, Canada N8W 5C2.
Section 1.2 Executive shall generally have the authority, responsibilities, and such
duties as are customarily performed by a President of a similar size company. Consistent
with the foregoing, the Company may from time to time assign to Executive such other duties
relating to operations and management of the Company as it determines are consistent with
Executives experience and senior management level.
Section 1.3 Executive shall carry out his duties in a professional and diligent manner
and conduct himself respectfully in his interaction with others. Executive shall report to
Jeffrey Mack, Chief Executive Officer of WRT and be subject to direction by such officer of
WRT or such other officer as the Board of the Company or WRT shall specify, and shall
generally be subject to direction and advice of such Board.
ARTICLE 2
BEST EFFORTS OF EXECUTIVE
Section 2.1 Executive shall use his best efforts and abilities in the performance of his
duties, services and responsibilities for the Company.
Section 2.2 During the term of his employment, Executive shall devote substantially all
of his business time and attention to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries and
affiliates and shall not engage in any substantial activity inconsistent with the foregoing,
whether or not such activity shall be engaged in for pecuniary gain, unless approved by the
Board, which approval shall be given if such activities do not violate, or substantially
interfere with his performance of his duties, services and responsibilities under this
Agreement.
ARTICLE 3
TERM AND NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT
Section 3.1 Executives employment hereunder shall be for an initial term commencing
August , 2007 and ending on August ___, 2008.
Section 3.2 The term of Executives employment shall automatically be extended for
successive one (1) year periods commencing on August ___, 2008 unless the Company or
Executive elects not to extend employment, by giving written notice to the other not less
than thirty (30) days prior to the end of the initial term or any extension period. Neither
the Company nor Executive shall be obligated to extend the term of Executives employment.
ALL PARTIES: NOTE AUTOMATIC RENEWAL
Section 3.3 The terms and conditions of this Agreement may be amended from time to time
with the consent of the Company and Executive. All such amendments shall be effective when
memorialized by a written agreement between the Company and Executive, following approval by
the Companys Board or the WRT Compensation Committee (the Committee).
ARTICLE 4
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Section 4.1 During the initial term of employment hereunder, Executive shall be paid a
base annual salary of Two Hundred and Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($225,000.00) per year
(Base Salary), payable in accordance with the Companys established pay periods, reduced by
all deductions and withholdings required by law and as otherwise specified by Executive. The
Company agrees to review Executives performance and compensation annually. Executives Base
Salary may be increased (but not decreased) in the sole discretion of the Board. Base Salary
shall not be reduced after any such increase except in connection with Company compensation
reductions applied to all other senior executives of the Company. In the event Executives
employment shall for
2
any reason terminate during the Term, Executives final monthly Base Salary payment
shall be made on a pro-rated basis as of the last day of the month in which such employment
terminated.
Section 4.2 During the term of employment, in addition to payments of Base Salary set
forth above, Executive may be eligible to participate in any performance-based cash bonus or
equity award plan, based upon achievement of individual and/or Company goals established by
the Board or WRT Compensation Committee. Executives eligibility for such bonus plans and
the extent of Executives participation in those bonus plans shall be within the discretion
of the Companys Board or WRTs Compensation Committee.
Section 4.3 During the term of employment, Executive may be entitled to participate in
employee benefit plans, policies, programs and arrangements, as the same may be provided and
amended from time to time in the discretion of the Companys Board or the WRT Compensation
Committee.
Section 4.4 The Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable business and travel
expenses incurred by Executive in carrying out Executives duties, services, and
responsibilities under this Agreement. Executive shall comply with generally applicable
policies, practices and procedures of the Company with respect to reimbursement for, and
submission of expense reports, receipts or similar documentation of, such expenses.
VACATION AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Section 4.5 Vacation and leaves of absence shall be taken in accordance with the
Companys policies for executive-level employees. Such policies shall be subject to change
from time to time. As of the date of this Agreement and for the 12-month period commencing
on the date of this Agreement, Executive shall annually be entitled to twenty-two (22)
business days of paid time off (PTO), in addition to the Companys normal paid holidays;
provided, however, that the Company will allow the Executive to take statutory holidays
prescribed for Ontario instead of holidays observed by other U.S. based executive managers.
The Company furnished Executive with a copy of its PTO policy prior to the execution of this
Agreement.
ARTICLE 5
TERMINATION
Section 5.1 The Company may terminate Executives employment upon written notice
thereof. In the event of a termination of Executive without Cause, including a termination
by Executive for Good Reason or a decision by the Company not to renew the employment of the
Executive as per Section 3.02 hereof, Executive shall be entitled to receive: (i) the
Severance Payment provided in Section 6.01 and (ii) the bonus described in Section 6.03.
Section 5.2 Executives employment will terminate as of the date of the death or
Disability of the Executive. In the event of such termination, there shall be payable to
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Executive or Executives estate Base Salary earned through the date of death together
with a pro-rata portion of any bonus due Executive pursuant to any bonus plan or arrangement
established or mutually agreed-upon prior to termination, to the extent earned or performed
based upon the requirements or criteria of such plan or arrangement, as the Board shall in
good faith determine. Such pro-rated bonus shall be payable at the time and in the manner
payable to other executives of the Company who participate in such plan or arrangement. For
purposes of this Agreement Disability shall mean a determination by the Board of the
Company of the inability of Executive to perform substantially all of his duties and
responsibilities under this Agreement due to illness, injury, accident or condition of either
a physical or psychological nature, and such inability continues for an aggregate of ninety
(90) days during any period of three hundred and sixty-five (365) consecutive calendar days,
subject to applicable human rights laws. Such determination shall be made in good faith by
the Board, the decision of which shall be conclusive and binding.
Section 5.3 Any other provision of this Agreement notwithstanding, the Company may
terminate Executives employment upon written notice specifying a termination date based on
any of the following events that constitute Cause:
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5.3.1 |
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Any conviction, guilty plea or no contest plea by Executive to an indictable
offence or a summary conviction offence which involves gross moral turpitude, or any
public or private conduct or behavior by Executive that has or can reasonably be
expected to have a detrimental effect on the Company and the image of its management; |
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5.3.2 |
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Any act of material misconduct, insubordination, willful or gross negligence,
or breach of duty with respect to the Company, including, but not limited to,
embezzlement, fraud, dishonesty, nonpayment of an obligation owed to the Company, or
willful breach of fiduciary duty to the Company which results in a material loss,
damage, or injury to the Company; |
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5.3.3 |
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Any willful material breach of any material provision of this Agreement or of
the Companys announced or written rules, codes or polices; provided, however, that
such breach shall not constitute Cause if Executive cures or remedies such breach
within thirty (30) days after written notice to Executive, without material harm or
loss to the Company, unless such breach is part of a pattern of chronic breaches of the
same, which may be evidenced by reports or warning letters given by the Company to
Executive, in which case such breach is not deemed curable. |
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5.3.4 |
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Any unauthorized disclosure of any Company trade secret or confidential
information, conduct constituting unfair competition with respect to the Company,
including or inducing a party to breach a contract with the Company; or |
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5.3.5 |
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A willful violation of U.S. federal or state or Canadian national or
provincial securities laws. |
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Section 5.4 Executive may terminate his employment upon sixty (60) days prior written
notice to the Company for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, Good Reason means
any of the following actions taken by the Company without Cause:
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5.4.1 |
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the Company or any of its subsidiaries materially reduces Executives Base
Salary or base rate of annual compensation, or otherwise materially changes benefits
provided to Executive under compensation and benefit plans, arrangements, policies and
procedures to be as a whole materially less favorable to Executive, other than
reductions in Base Salary permitted under Section 4.01; |
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5.4.2 |
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the Executive is demoted from his then current office with the Company without
his express written consent; |
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5.4.3 |
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without Executives express written consent, the Company or any of its
subsidiaries requires Executive to change the location of Executives job or office, to
a location more than fifty (50) miles from the location of Executives job or office
immediately prior to such required change; |
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5.4.4 |
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a successor company fails or refuses to assume the Companys obligations under
this Agreement; or |
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5.4.5 |
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the Company or any successor company breaches any of the material provisions
of this Agreement. |
If Executive intends to terminate this Agreement for Good Reason, Executive must give not less than
sixty (60) days written notice to the Company of the facts or events giving rise to Good Reason,
and must give such notice within ninety (90) days following the facts or event alleged to give rise
to Good Reason.
Section 5.5 After the initial term described in Section 3.01 hereof, the Executive may
terminate his employment for any reason upon sixty (60) days prior written notice to the
Company.
Section 5.6 During the term of his employment and for 24 months after the date of
Executives termination of employment, (i) Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, make
or publish any disparaging statements (whether written or oral) regarding the Company or any
of its affiliated companies or businesses, or the affiliates, directors, officers, agents,
principal shareholders or customers of any of them and (ii) neither the Company or any of its
directors, or officers shall directly or indirectly, make or publish any disparaging
statements (whether written or oral) regarding Executive. Information which the Company or
Executive is required to make or disclose regarding the other to comply with laws or
regulations, or makes in a pleading on the advice of litigation counsel, shall not constitute
a disparaging statement.
Section 5.7 Upon any termination of Executives employment with the Company, Executive
shall be deemed to have resigned from all other positions he then holds as an officer,
employee or director or other independent contactor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries
or affiliates, if any, unless otherwise agreed by the Company and Executive.
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ARTICLE 6
SEVERANCE PAYMENTS
Section 6.1 The Company, its successors or assigns, will pay Executive as severance pay
(the Severance Payment) amount equal to twelve (12) months of the Executives monthly Base
Salary for full-time employment at the time of Executives termination if (i) there has been
a Change of Control of WRT (as defined in Section 6.02), and (ii) Executive is an active and
full-time employee of the Company at the time of the Change of Control, and (iii) within
twelve (12) months following the date of the Change of Control, Executives employment is
involuntarily terminated for any reason (including Good Reason (as definition Section 5.04)),
other than for Cause or death or disability. If Executives employment is terminated by the
Company without Cause, or by Executive for Good Reason, other than in connection with a
Change of Control, the Severance Payment shall be limited and equal to twelve (12) months of
Executives Base Salary. Nothing in this Section 6.01 shall limit the authority of the
Committee or Board to terminate Executives employment in accordance with Section 5.03.
Payment of the Severance Payment pursuant to Section 6.01, less customary withholdings, shall
be made in one lump sum within thirty (30) days of the Executives termination or resignation
or, at the Companys election. No Severance shall be payable if Executives employment is
terminated due to death or Disability.
Section 6.2 For the purposes of this Agreement, Change of Control shall mean any one
of the following:
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6.2.1 |
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an acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of
Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either: (1) the then outstanding Stock; or (2) the
combined voting power of WRTs outstanding voting securities immediately after the
merger or acquisition entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;
provided, however, that the following acquisition shall not constitute a Change of
Control: (i) any acquisition directly from WRT; (ii) any acquisition by WRT; (iii) any
acquisition by the trustee or other fiduciary of any employee benefit plan or trust
sponsored by WRT; or (iv) any acquisition by any corporation with respect to which,
following such acquisition, more than 50% of the Stock or combined voting power of
Stock and other voting securities of WRT is beneficially owned by substantially all of
the individuals and entities who were beneficial owners of Stock and other voting
securities of WRT immediately prior to the acquisition in substantially similar
proportions immediately before and after such acquisition; or |
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6.2.2 |
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individuals who, as of the date of this Agreement, constitute the Board (the
Incumbent Board), cease to constitute a majority of the Board. Individuals nominated
or whose nominations are approved by the Incumbent Board and subsequently elected shall
be deemed for this purpose to be members of the Incumbent Board; or |
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approval by the shareholders of WRT of a reorganization, merger,
consolidation, liquidation, dissolution, sale or statutory exchange of Stock which
changes the beneficial ownership of Stock and other voting securities so that after the
corporate change the immediately previous owners of 50% of Stock and other voting
securities do not own 50% of WRTs Stock and other voting securities either legally or
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the sale, transfer or other disposition of all substantially all of WRTs
assets; or |
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a merger of WRT with another entity after which the pre-merger shareholders of
WRT own less than 50% of the stock of the surviving corporation. |
A Change of Control shall not be deemed to occur with respect to Executive if the
acquisition of a 50% or greater interest in WRT is by a group that includes the Executive, nor
shall it be deemed to occur if at least 50% of the Stock and other voting securities owned before
the occurrence are beneficially owned subsequent to the occurrence by a group that includes the
Executive.
Section 6.3 In addition to the Severance Payment, the Company, upon a Change of Control,
will pay Executive a bonus (Severance Bonus) in a lump sum within thirty (30) days
following a termination of employment pursuant to 6.01, an amount equal to two (2) times
Executives bonus earned for the prior fiscal year or, upon a termination of Executives
employment without cause other than in connection with a Change of Control, a Severance Bonus
equal to one and one-half (1.5) times Executives bonus earned for the prior fiscal year.
The Severance Bonus payable pursuant to this Section 6.03 shall not, however, exceed
Executives target bonus as set forth in any bonus plan or arrangement in which Executive
participates at the time of termination of his employment. The Severance Payment or
Severance Bonus shall be reduced by the amount of cash severance benefits to which Executive
may be entitled pursuant to any other cash severance plan, agreement, policy or program of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries; provided, however, that if the amount of cash
severance benefits payable under such other severance plan, agreement, policy or program is
greater than the amount payable pursuant to this Agreement, Executive will be entitled to
receive the amounts payable under such other plan, agreement, policy or program which exceeds
the Severance Payment or Severance Bonus payable pursuant to this Section. Without limiting
other payments which would not constitute cash severance-type benefits hereunder, any cash
settlement of stock options, accelerated vesting of stock options and retirement, pension and
other similar benefits shall not constitute cash severance-benefits for purposes of this
Section 6.03.
Section 6.4 The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement all
U.S. federal, state, city, Canadian national, provincial or municipal or other taxes required
by applicable law to be withheld by the Company.
Section 6.5 The provisions of this Article 6 will be deemed to survive the termination
of this Agreement for the purposes of satisfying the obligations of the Company and Executive
hereunder.
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ARTICLE 7
NONDISCLOSURE AND INVENTIONS
Section 7.1 Except as permitted or directed by the Company or as may be required in the
proper discharge of Executives employment hereunder, Executive shall not, during his
employment or at any time thereafter, divulge, furnish or make accessible to anyone or use in
any way any Confidential Information of the Company. Confidential Information means any
information or compilation of information that the Executive learns or develops during the
course of his/her employment that is not generally known by persons outside the Company
(whether or not conceived, originated, discovered, or developed in whole or in part by
Executive). Confidential Information includes but is not limited to, the following types of
information and other information of a similar nature (whether or not reduced to writing),
all of which Executive agrees constitutes the valuable trade secrets of the Company:
research, designs, development, know how, computer programs and processes, marketing plans
and techniques, existing and contemplated products and services, customer and product names
and related information, prices sales, inventory, personnel, computer programs and related
documentation, technical and strategic plans, and finances. Confidential Information also
includes any information of the foregoing nature that the Company treats as proprietary or
designates as Confidential Information, whether or not owned or developed by the Company.
Confidential Information does not include information that (a) is or becomes generally
available to the public through no fault of Executive, (b) was known to Executive prior to
its disclosure by the Company, as demonstrated by files in existence at the time of the
disclosure, (c) becomes known to Executive, without restriction, from a source other than the
Company, without breach of this Agreement by Executive and otherwise not in violation of the
Companys rights, or (d) is explicitly approved for release by written authorization of the
Company.
Section 7.2 Executive acknowledges that all inventions, innovations, improvements,
developments, methods, designs, trade secrets, analyses, drawings, reports and all similar
related information (whether or not patentable) which relate to the Companys or any of its
subsidiaries actual or anticipated business, research and development or existing products
or services and which are conceived, developed or made by Executive while employed by the
Company or any of its subsidiaries (Work Product) and all moral rights relating thereto
belong to the Company or such subsidiary. Executive shall promptly disclose such Work
Product to the Board of Directors of the Company and, at the Companys expense, perform all
actions reasonably requested by the Board (whether during or after employment by the Company)
to establish and confirm such ownership (including, without limitation, assignments,
consents, powers of attorney and other instruments). For purposes of this Agreement, any
Work Product or other discoveries relating to the business of the Company or any subsidiaries
on which Executive files or claims a copyright or files a patent application, within one year
after termination of employment with the Company, shall be presumed to cover and be Work
Product conceived or developed by Executive in whole or in part during the term of his
employment with the Company, subject to proof to the contrary by good faith, written and
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duly corroborated records establishing that such Work Product was conceived and made
following termination of employment.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company advises Executive, and Executive understands and
agrees, that the foregoing does not apply to inventions or other discoveries for which no
equipment, supplies, facility or trade secret information of the Company was used and that was
developed entirely on Executives own time, and (a) that does not relate (i) directly to the
Companys business, or (ii) to the Companys actual or demonstrably anticipated business research
or development, or (b) that does not result from any work performed by Executive for the Company.
Section 7.3 In the event of a breach or threatened breach by Executive of the provisions
of this Article 7, the Company shall be entitled to an injunction restraining Executive from
directly or indirectly disclosing, disseminating, lecturing upon, publishing or using such
confidential, trade secret or proprietary information (whether in whole or in part) and
restraining Executive from rendering any services or participating with any person, firm,
corporation, association or other entity to whom such knowledge or information (whether in
whole or in part) has been disclosed, without the posting of a bond or other security.
Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other
equitable or legal remedies available to it for such breach or threatened breach, including
the recovery of damages from Executive.
Section 7.4 Executive agrees that all notes, data, reference materials, documents,
business plans, business and financial records, computer programs, and other materials that
in any way incorporate, embody, or reflect any of the Confidential Information, whether
prepared by Executive or others, are the exclusive property of the Company, and Executive
agrees to forthwith deliver to the Company all such materials, including all copies or
memorializations thereof, in Executives possession or control, whenever requested to do so
by the Company, and in any event, upon termination of Executives employment with the
Company.
Section 7.5 The Executive understands and agrees that any violation of this Article 7
while employed by the Company may result in immediate disciplinary action by the Company,
including termination of employment for Cause.
Section 7.6 The provisions of this Article 7 shall survive termination of this Agreement
indefinitely.
ARTICLE 8
NON-COMPETITION, NON-INTERFERENCE AND NON-SOLICITATION
Section 8.1 In further consideration of the compensation to be paid to Executive
hereunder, including amounts payable to Executive as a Severance Payment, Executive
acknowledges that in the course of his employment with the Company he will become familiar
with the Companys trade secrets and other Confidential Information concerning the Company
and that his services will be of a special, unique and
9
extraordinary value to the Company, and therefore, Executive agrees that, during the
period of his employment, and for a period of one year following the end of Executives
employment term specified in Section 3.01 or any extension thereof, he shall not directly or
indirectly own any interest in, manage, control, participate in, consult with, render
services for, or in any manner engage in any business competing with the business of the
Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates, as defined below and as such businesses exist or are
in the process during the period of his employment on the date of termination or the
expiration of the period his employment, within any geographical area within Canada or the
United States in which the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates engage or have defined
plans communicated to Executive to engage in such businesses. Nothing herein shall prevent
Executive from being a passive owner of not more than one percent of the outstanding stock of
any class of a corporation which is publicly traded in the United States, so long as
Executive has no participation in the business of such corporation. For the purposes of this
Agreement, business or business of the Company means, with respect to and including the
Company and its subsidiaries or affiliates, the design, development, marketing and sale of
interactive, e-learning and digital signage products and solutions.
Section 8.2 Executive agrees that during the term of his employment and for a period of
one (1) year after the termination of Executives employment he will not directly or
indirectly (i) in any way interfere or attempt to interfere with the Companys relationships
with any of its current or potential customers, vendors, investors, business partners, or
(ii) employ or attempt to employ any of the Companys employees on behalf of any other
entity, whether or not such entity competes with the Company.
Section 8.3 Executive agrees that breach by him of the provisions of this Article 8 will
cause the Company irreparable harm that is not fully remedied by monetary damages. In the
event of a breach or threatened breach by Executive of the provisions of this Article 8, the
Company shall be entitled to an injunction restraining Executive from directly or indirectly
competing or recruiting as prohibited herein, without posting a bond or other security.
Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other
equitable or legal remedies available to it for such breach or threatened breach, including
the recovery of damages from Executive.
Section 8.4 The Executive understands and agrees that any violation of this Article 8
while employed by the Company may result in immediate disciplinary action by the Company,
including termination of employment for Cause.
Section 8.5 The obligations contained in this Article 8 shall survive the termination of
this Agreement as described in this Article 8.
ARTICLE 9
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 9.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed
according to the laws of the Province of Ontario without regard to conflicts of
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law provisions. The Company and Executive agree that if any action is brought pursuant
to this Agreement that is not otherwise resolved by arbitration pursuant to Section 9.06,
such dispute shall be resolved only in the Superior Court of Justice Ontario, Southwest
Region in a court located in the City of Windsor, Ontario and each party hereto
unconditionally (a) submits for itself in any proceeding relating to this Agreement, or for
recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the Superior Court of
Justice Ontario, Southwest Region and agrees that all claims in respect to any such
proceeding shall be heard and determined in the Superior Court of Justice Ontario, Southwest
Region; (b) consents that any such proceeding may and shall be brought in such courts and
waives any objection that it may now or thereafter have to the venue or jurisdiction of any
such proceeding in any such court or that such proceeding was brought in an inconvenient
court and agrees not to plead or claim the same; waives all right to trial by jury in any
proceeding (whether based on contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of or relating to this
Agreement, or its performance under or the enforcement of this Agreement; (d) agrees that
service of process in any such proceeding may be effected by mailing a copy of such process
by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid,
to such party at its address as provided in Section 9.08; and (e) agrees that nothing in this
Agreement shall affect the right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted
by the laws of the Province of Ontario.
Section 9.2 Successors. This Agreement is personal to Executive and Executive
may not assign or transfer any part of his rights or duties hereunder, or any compensation
due to him hereunder, to any other person or entity. This Agreement may be assigned by the
Company. The Company shall require any successor or assignee, whether direct or indirect, by
purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of all or substantially all the business or
assets of the Company, expressly and unconditionally to assume and agree to perform the
Companys obligations under this Agreement, in the same manner and to the same extent that
the Company would be required to perform if no such succession or assignment had taken place.
In such event, the term Company, as used in this Agreement, shall mean the Company as
defined above and any successor or assignee to the business or assets which by reason hereof
becomes bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
Section 9.3 Waiver. The waiver by the Company of the breach or nonperformance
of any provision of this Agreement by Executive will not operate or be construed as a waiver
of any future breach or nonperformance under any such provision or any other provision of
this Agreement or any similar agreement with any other Executive.
Section 9.4 Entire Agreement; Modification. This Agreement supersedes, revokes
and replaces any and all prior oral or written understandings, if any, between the parties
relating to the subject matter of this Agreement; provided, however, that the Noncompetition
Agreement entered into between Executive and WRT of even date shall, to the extent it relates
to any of the subject matter of this Agreement, be deemed to be an independent obligation of
Executive and be enforceable in accordance with its terms. The parties agree that this
Agreement: (a) is the entire understanding and agreement between the parties; and (b) is the
complete and exclusive statement of the terms and conditions thereof, and there are no other
written or oral agreements in regard to the subject matter of
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this Agreement. Except for modifications described in Section 3.01 and Section 4.01,
this Agreement shall not be changed or modified except by a written document signed by the
parties hereto.
Section 9.5 Severability and Blue Penciling. To the extent that any provision
of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable as written, the validity
and enforceability of the remainder of such provision and of this Agreement shall be
unaffected. If any particular provision of this Agreement shall be adjudicated to be invalid
or unenforceable, the Company and Executive specifically authorize the tribunal making such
determination to edit the invalid or unenforceable provision to allow this Agreement, and the
provisions thereof, to be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law or
public policy.
Section 9.6 Arbitration. Any dispute, claim or controversy arising under this
Agreement shall, at the request of any party hereto be resolved by binding arbitration in
Ontario, Canada and if possible conducted in Windsor, Ontario by a single arbitrator selected
by the Company and Executive, with arbitration governed by the Arbitration Act, 1991
(Ontario); provided, however, that a dispute, claim or controversy shall be subject to
adjudication by a court in any proceeding against the Company or Executive involving third
parties (in addition to the Company or Executive). Such arbitrator shall be a disinterested
person who is either an attorney, retired judge or labor relations arbitrator. In the event
the Company and Executive are unable to agree upon such arbitrator, the arbitrator shall,
upon petition by either the Company or Executive, be designated by a judge of the Superior
Court of Justice of Ontario, Southwest Region. The arbitrator shall have the authority to
make awards of damages as would any court in Ontario having jurisdiction over a dispute
between employer and Executive, except that the arbitrator may not make an award of exemplary
damages or consequential damages. In addition, the Company and Executive agree that all
other matters arising out of Executives employment relationship with the Company shall be
arbitrable, unless otherwise restricted by law.
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In any arbitration proceeding, each party shall pay the fees and expenses of
its or his own legal counsel. |
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9.6.2 |
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The arbitrator, in his or her discretion, shall award legal fees and expenses
and costs of the arbitration, including the arbitrators fee, to a party who
substantially prevails in its claims in such proceeding. |
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9.6.3 |
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Notwithstanding this Section 9.06, in the event of alleged noncompliance or
violation, as the case may be, of Sections 7 or 8 of this Agreement, the Company may
alternatively apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for a temporary restraining
order, injunctive and/or such other legal and equitable remedies as may be appropriate. |
Section 9.7 Legal Fees. If any contest or dispute shall arise between the
Company and Executive regarding any provision of this Agreement, and such dispute results in
court proceedings or arbitration, a party that prevails with respect to a claim brought and
pursued in connection with such dispute, shall be entitled to recover its legal
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fees and expenses reasonably incurred in connection with such dispute. Such
reimbursement shall be made as soon as practicable following the resolution of the dispute
(whether or not appealed) to the extent a party receives documented evidence of such fees and
expenses.
Section 9.8 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other
communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly
given when personally delivered or may send by certified mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, addressed to Executive at his residence address appearing on the records of
the Company and to the Company at its then current executive offices to the attention of the
Board. All notices and communications shall be deemed to have been received on the date of
delivery thereof or on the third business day after the mailing thereof, except that notice
of change of address shall be effective only upon actual receipt. No objection to the method
of delivery may be made if the written notice or other communication is actually received.
Section 9.9 Survival. The provisions of this Article 9 shall survive the
termination of this Agreement, indefinitely.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the following parties have executed the above instrument the day and year
first above written.
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WIRELESS RONIN TECHNOLOGY, INC. |
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By |
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Jeffrey C. Mack |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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EXECUTIVE |
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By |
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Robert Whent |
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EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (Agreement) is made and entered into effective August
___, 2007, by and between McGill Digital Solutions Inc., a corporation duly organized and existing
under the laws of Ontario, Canada, with a place of business at 4510 Rhodes Drive, Suite 800,
Windsor, ON, Canada N8W 5C2 (hereinafter referred to as the Company), and Alan Buterbaugh, a
resident of the province of Ontario, Canada (hereinafter referred to as Executive).
BACKGROUND OF AGREEMENT
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The Company desires to employ Executive as its Senior Vice-President of Sales and Business Development Operations, and
Executive desires to accept such employment. |
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The Company is a subsidiary of Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc. (WRT). |
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This Agreement provides, among other things, for base compensation for Executive, a term of employment and severance
payments in the event Executive is terminated without Cause or by reason of a Change of Control of the Company. |
In consideration of the foregoing, the Company and Executive agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
EMPLOYMENT
Section 1.1 Subject to the terms of Articles 3 and 6, the Company agrees to employ
Executive as its Senior Vice-President, Sales and Business Development pursuant to the terms
of this Agreement, and Executive agrees to such employment. Executives title shall be
Senior Vice-President, Sales and Business Development. Executives primary place of
employment shall be the offices located at 4510 Rhodes Drive, Suite 800, Windsor, ON, Canada
N8W 5C2.
Section 1.2 Executive shall generally have the authority, responsibilities, and such
duties as are customarily performed by a Vice-President of a similar size company,
specifically including, without limitation, the duties and responsibilities which Executive
has generally carried out for the Company in the twelve months preceding the date of this
Agreement. Consistent with the foregoing, the Company may from time to time assign to
Executive such other duties relating to operations and management of the Company as it
determines are consistent with Executives experience and management level.
Section 1.3 Executive shall carry out his duties in a professional and diligent manner
and conduct himself respectfully in his interaction with others. Executive shall report to
Scott Koller of WRT and be subject to direction by such officers of the Company as the Board
of the Company or WRT shall specify, and shall generally be subject to direction and advice
of such Board.
ARTICLE 2
BEST EFFORTS OF EXECUTIVE
Section 2.1 Executive shall use his best efforts and abilities in the performance of his
duties, services and responsibilities for the Company.
Section 2.2 During the term of his employment, Executive shall devote substantially all
of his business time and attention to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries and
affiliates and shall not engage in any substantial activity inconsistent with the foregoing,
whether or not such activity shall be engaged in for pecuniary gain, unless approved by the
Board, which approval shall be given if such activities do not violate, or substantially
interfere with his performance of his duties, services and responsibilities under this
Agreement.
ARTICLE 3
TERM AND NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT
Section 3.1 Executives employment hereunder shall be for an initial term commencing
August , 2007 and ending on August ___, 2008.
Section 3.2 The term of Executives employment shall automatically be extended for
successive one (1) year periods commencing on August ___, 2008 unless the Company or
Executive elects not to extend employment, by giving written notice to the other not less
than thirty (30) days prior to the end of the initial term or any extension period. Neither
the Company nor Executive shall be obligated to extend the term of Executives employment.
ALL PARTIES: NOTE AUTOMATIC RENEWAL
Section 3.3 The terms and conditions of this Agreement may be amended from time to time
with the consent of the Company and Executive. All such amendments shall be effective when
memorialized by a written agreement between the Company and Executive, following approval by
the Companys Board or the WRT Compensation Committee (the Committee).
ARTICLE 4
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Section 4.1 During the initial term of employment hereunder, Executive shall be paid a
base annual salary of Two Hundred and Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($225,000.00) per year
(Base Salary), payable in accordance with the Companys established pay periods, reduced by
all deductions and withholdings required by law and as otherwise specified by Executive. The
Company agrees to review Executives performance and compensation annually. Executives Base
Salary may be increased (but not decreased) in the sole discretion of the Board. Base Salary
shall not be reduced after any such increase except in connection with Company compensation
reductions applied to all other senior executives of the Company. In the event Executives
employment shall for
2
any reason terminate during the Term, Executives final monthly Base Salary payment
shall be made on a pro-rated basis as of the last day of the month in which such employment
terminated.
Section 4.2 During the term of employment, in addition to payments of Base Salary set
forth above, Executive may be eligible to participate in any performance-based cash bonus or
equity award plan, based upon achievement of individual and/or Company goals established by
the Board or WRT Compensation Committee. Executives eligibility for such bonus plans and
the extent of Executives participation in those bonus plans shall be within the discretion
of the Companys Board or WRTs Compensation Committee.
Section 4.3 During the term of employment, Executive may be entitled to participate in
employee benefit plans, policies, programs and arrangements, as the same may be provided and
amended from time to time in the discretion of the Companys Board or the WRT Compensation
Committee.
Section 4.4 The Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable business and travel
expenses incurred by Executive in carrying out Executives duties, services, and
responsibilities under this Agreement. Executive shall comply with generally applicable
policies, practices and procedures of the Company with respect to reimbursement for, and
submission of expense reports, receipts or similar documentation of, such expenses.
VACATION AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Section 4.5 Vacation and leaves of absence shall be taken in accordance with the
Companys policies for executive-level employees. Such policies shall be subject to change
from time to time. As of the date of this Agreement and for the 12-month period commencing
on the date of this Agreement, Executive shall annually be entitled to twenty-two (22)
business days of paid time off (PTO), in addition to the Companys normal paid holidays;
provided, however, that the Company will allow the Executive to take statutory holidays
prescribed for Ontario instead of holidays observed by other U.S. based executive managers.
The Company furnished Executive with a copy of its PTO policy prior to the execution of this
Agreement.
ARTICLE 5
TERMINATION
Section 5.1 The Company may terminate Executives employment upon written notice
thereof. In the event of a termination of Executive without Cause, including a termination
by Executive for Good Reason or a decision by the Company not to renew the employment of the
Executive as per Section 3.02 hereof, Executive shall be entitled to receive: (i) the
Severance Payment provided in Section 6.01 and (ii) the bonus described in Section 6.03.
Section 5.2 Executives employment will terminate as of the date of the death or
Disability of the Executive. In the event of such termination, there shall be payable to
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Executive or Executives estate Base Salary earned through the date of death together
with a pro-rata portion of any bonus due Executive pursuant to any bonus plan or arrangement
established or mutually agreed-upon prior to termination, to the extent earned or performed
based upon the requirements or criteria of such plan or arrangement, as the Board shall in
good faith determine. Such pro-rated bonus shall be payable at the time and in the manner
payable to other executives of the Company who participate in such plan or arrangement. For
purposes of this Agreement Disability shall mean a determination by the Board of the
Company of the inability of Executive to perform substantially all of his duties and
responsibilities under this Agreement due to illness, injury, accident or condition of either
a physical or psychological nature, and such inability continues for an aggregate of ninety
(90) days during any period of three hundred and sixty-five (365) consecutive calendar days,
subject to applicable human rights laws. Such determination shall be made in good faith by
the Board, the decision of which shall be conclusive and binding.
Section 5.3 Any other provision of this Agreement notwithstanding, the Company may
terminate Executives employment upon written notice specifying a termination date based on
any of the following events that constitute Cause:
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Any conviction, guilty plea or no contest plea by Executive to an indictable
offence or a summary conviction offence which involves gross moral turpitude, or any
public or private conduct or behavior by Executive that has or can reasonably be
expected to have a detrimental effect on the Company and the image of its management; |
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Any act of material misconduct, insubordination, willful or gross negligence,
or breach of duty with respect to the Company, including, but not limited to,
embezzlement, fraud, dishonesty, nonpayment of an obligation owed to the Company, or
willful breach of fiduciary duty to the Company which results in a material loss,
damage, or injury to the Company; |
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Any willful material breach of any material provision of this Agreement or of
the Companys announced or written rules, codes or polices; provided, however, that
such breach shall not constitute Cause if Executive cures or remedies such breach
within thirty (30) days after written notice to Executive, without material harm or
loss to the Company, unless such breach is part of a pattern of chronic breaches of the
same, which may be evidenced by reports or warning letters given by the Company to
Executive, in which case such breach is not deemed curable. |
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Any unauthorized disclosure of any Company trade secret or confidential
information, conduct constituting unfair competition with respect to the Company,
including or inducing a party to breach a contract with the Company; or |
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A willful violation of U.S. federal or state or Canadian national or
provincial securities laws. |
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Section 5.4 Executive may terminate his employment upon sixty (60) days prior written
notice to the Company for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, Good Reason means
any of the following actions taken by the Company without Cause:
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the Company or any of its subsidiaries materially reduces Executives Base
Salary or base rate of annual compensation, or otherwise materially changes benefits
provided to Executive under compensation and benefit plans, arrangements, policies and
procedures to be as a whole materially less favorable to Executive, other than
reductions in Base Salary permitted under Section 4.01; |
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the Executive is demoted from his then current office with the Company without
his express written consent; |
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without Executives express written consent, the Company or any of its
subsidiaries requires Executive to change the location of Executives job or office, to
a location more than fifty (50) miles from the location of Executives job or office
immediately prior to such required change; |
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a successor company fails or refuses to assume the Companys obligations under
this Agreement; or |
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the Company or any successor company breaches any of the material provisions
of this Agreement. |
If Executive intends to terminate this Agreement for Good Reason, Executive must give not less than
sixty (60) days written notice to the Company of the facts or events giving rise to Good Reason,
and must give such notice within ninety (90) days following the facts or event alleged to give rise
to Good Reason.
Section 5.5 After the initial term described in Section 3.01 hereof, the Executive may
terminate his employment for any reason upon sixty (60) days prior written notice to the
Company.
Section 5.6 During the term of his employment and for 24 months after the date of
Executives termination of employment, (i) Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, make
or publish any disparaging statements (whether written or oral) regarding the Company or any
of its affiliated companies or businesses, or the affiliates, directors, officers, agents,
principal shareholders or customers of any of them and (ii) neither the Company or any of its
directors, or officers shall directly or indirectly, make or publish any disparaging
statements (whether written or oral) regarding Executive. Information which the Company or
Executive is required to make or disclose regarding the other to comply with laws or
regulations, or makes in a pleading on the advice of litigation counsel, shall not constitute
a disparaging statement.
Section 5.7 Upon any termination of Executives employment with the Company, Executive
shall be deemed to have resigned from all other positions he then holds as an officer,
employee or director or other independent contactor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries
or affiliates, if any, unless otherwise agreed by the Company and Executive.
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ARTICLE 6
SEVERANCE PAYMENTS
Section 6.1 The Company, its successors or assigns, will pay Executive as severance pay
(the Severance Payment) amount equal to twelve (12) months of the Executives monthly Base
Salary for full-time employment at the time of Executives termination if (i) there has been
a Change of Control of WRT (as defined in Section 6.02), and (ii) Executive is an active and
full-time employee of the Company at the time of the Change of Control, and (iii) within
twelve (12) months following the date of the Change of Control, Executives employment is
involuntarily terminated for any reason (including Good Reason (as definition Section 5.04)),
other than for Cause or death or disability. If Executives employment is terminated by the
Company without Cause, or by Executive for Good Reason, other than in connection with a
Change of Control, the Severance Payment shall be limited and equal to twelve (12) months of
Executives Base Salary. Nothing in this Section 6.01 shall limit the authority of the
Committee or Board to terminate Executives employment in accordance with Section 5.03.
Payment of the Severance Payment pursuant to Section 6.01, less customary withholdings, shall
be made in one lump sum within thirty (30) days of the Executives termination or resignation
or, at the Companys election. No Severance shall be payable if Executives employment is
terminated due to death or Disability.
Section 6.2 For the purposes of this Agreement, Change of Control shall mean any one
of the following:
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an acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of
Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either: (1) the then outstanding Stock; or (2) the
combined voting power of WRTs outstanding voting securities immediately after the
merger or acquisition entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;
provided, however, that the following acquisition shall not constitute a Change of
Control: (i) any acquisition directly from WRT; (ii) any acquisition by WRT; (iii) any
acquisition by the trustee or other fiduciary of any employee benefit plan or trust
sponsored by WRT; or (iv) any acquisition by any corporation with respect to which,
following such acquisition, more than 50% of the Stock or combined voting power of
Stock and other voting securities of WRT is beneficially owned by substantially all of
the individuals and entities who were beneficial owners of Stock and other voting
securities of WRT immediately prior to the acquisition in substantially similar
proportions immediately before and after such acquisition; or |
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individuals who, as of the date of this Agreement, constitute the Board (the
Incumbent Board), cease to constitute a majority of the Board. Individuals nominated
or whose nominations are approved by the Incumbent Board and subsequently elected shall
be deemed for this purpose to be members of the Incumbent Board; or |
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approval by the shareholders of WRT of a reorganization, merger,
consolidation, liquidation, dissolution, sale or statutory exchange of Stock which
changes the beneficial ownership of Stock and other voting securities so that after the
corporate change the immediately previous owners of 50% of Stock and other voting
securities do not own 50% of WRTs Stock and other voting securities either legally or
beneficially; or |
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the sale, transfer or other disposition of all substantially all of WRTs
assets; or |
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a merger of WRT with another entity after which the pre-merger shareholders of
WRT own less than 50% of the stock of the surviving corporation. |
A Change of Control shall not be deemed to occur with respect to Executive if the
acquisition of a 50% or greater interest in WRT is by a group that includes the Executive, nor
shall it be deemed to occur if at least 50% of the Stock and other voting securities owned before
the occurrence are beneficially owned subsequent to the occurrence by a group that includes the
Executive.
Section 6.3 In addition to the Severance Payment, the Company, upon a Change of Control,
will pay Executive a bonus (Severance Bonus) in a lump sum within thirty (30) days
following a termination of employment pursuant to 6.01, an amount equal to two (2) times
Executives bonus earned for the prior fiscal year or, upon a termination of Executives
employment without cause other than in connection with a Change of Control, a Severance Bonus
equal to one and one-half (1.5) times Executives bonus earned for the prior fiscal year.
The Severance Bonus payable pursuant to this Section 6.03 shall not, however, exceed
Executives target bonus as set forth in any bonus plan or arrangement in which Executive
participates at the time of termination of his employment. The Severance Payment or
Severance Bonus shall be reduced by the amount of cash severance benefits to which Executive
may be entitled pursuant to any other cash severance plan, agreement, policy or program of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries; provided, however, that if the amount of cash
severance benefits payable under such other severance plan, agreement, policy or program is
greater than the amount payable pursuant to this Agreement, Executive will be entitled to
receive the amounts payable under such other plan, agreement, policy or program which exceeds
the Severance Payment or Severance Bonus payable pursuant to this Section. Without limiting
other payments which would not constitute cash severance-type benefits hereunder, any cash
settlement of stock options, accelerated vesting of stock options and retirement, pension and
other similar benefits shall not constitute cash severance-benefits for purposes of this
Section 6.03.
Section 6.4 The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement all
U.S. federal, state, city, Canadian national, provincial or municipal or other taxes required
by applicable law to be withheld by the Company.
Section 6.5 The provisions of this Article 6 will be deemed to survive the termination
of this Agreement for the purposes of satisfying the obligations of the Company and Executive
hereunder.
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ARTICLE 7
NONDISCLOSURE AND INVENTIONS
Section 7.1 Except as permitted or directed by the Company or as may be required in the
proper discharge of Executives employment hereunder, Executive shall not, during his
employment or at any time thereafter, divulge, furnish or make accessible to anyone or use in
any way any Confidential Information of the Company. Confidential Information means any
information or compilation of information that the Executive learns or develops during the
course of his/her employment that is not generally known by persons outside the Company
(whether or not conceived, originated, discovered, or developed in whole or in part by
Executive). Confidential Information includes but is not limited to, the following types of
information and other information of a similar nature (whether or not reduced to writing),
all of which Executive agrees constitutes the valuable trade secrets of the Company:
research, designs, development, know how, computer programs and processes, marketing plans
and techniques, existing and contemplated products and services, customer and product names
and related information, prices sales, inventory, personnel, computer programs and related
documentation, technical and strategic plans, and finances. Confidential Information also
includes any information of the foregoing nature that the Company treats as proprietary or
designates as Confidential Information, whether or not owned or developed by the Company.
Confidential Information does not include information that (a) is or becomes generally
available to the public through no fault of Executive, (b) was known to Executive prior to
its disclosure by the Company, as demonstrated by files in existence at the time of the
disclosure, (c) becomes known to Executive, without restriction, from a source other than the
Company, without breach of this Agreement by Executive and otherwise not in violation of the
Companys rights, or (d) is explicitly approved for release by written authorization of the
Company.
Section 7.2 Executive acknowledges that all inventions, innovations, improvements,
developments, methods, designs, trade secrets, analyses, drawings, reports and all similar
related information (whether or not patentable) which relate to the Companys or any of its
subsidiaries actual or anticipated business, research and development or existing products
or services and which are conceived, developed or made by Executive while employed by the
Company or any of its subsidiaries (Work Product) and all moral rights relating thereto
belong to the Company or such subsidiary. Executive shall promptly disclose such Work
Product to the Board of Directors of the Company and, at the Companys expense, perform all
actions reasonably requested by the Board (whether during or after employment by the Company)
to establish and confirm such ownership (including, without limitation, assignments,
consents, powers of attorney and other instruments). For purposes of this Agreement, any
Work Product or other discoveries relating to the business of the Company or any subsidiaries
on which Executive files or claims a copyright or files a patent application, within one year
after termination of employment with the Company, shall be presumed to cover and be Work
Product conceived or developed by Executive in whole or in part during the term of his
employment with the Company, subject to proof to the contrary by good faith, written and
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duly corroborated records establishing that such Work Product was conceived and made
following termination of employment.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company advises Executive, and Executive understands and
agrees, that the foregoing does not apply to inventions or other discoveries for which no
equipment, supplies, facility or trade secret information of the Company was used and that was
developed entirely on Executives own time, and (a) that does not relate (i) directly to the
Companys business, or (ii) to the Companys actual or demonstrably anticipated business research
or development, or (b) that does not result from any work performed by Executive for the Company.
Section 7.3 In the event of a breach or threatened breach by Executive of the provisions
of this Article 7, the Company shall be entitled to an injunction restraining Executive from
directly or indirectly disclosing, disseminating, lecturing upon, publishing or using such
confidential, trade secret or proprietary information (whether in whole or in part) and
restraining Executive from rendering any services or participating with any person, firm,
corporation, association or other entity to whom such knowledge or information (whether in
whole or in part) has been disclosed, without the posting of a bond or other security.
Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other
equitable or legal remedies available to it for such breach or threatened breach, including
the recovery of damages from Executive.
Section 7.4 Executive agrees that all notes, data, reference materials, documents,
business plans, business and financial records, computer programs, and other materials that
in any way incorporate, embody, or reflect any of the Confidential Information, whether
prepared by Executive or others, are the exclusive property of the Company, and Executive
agrees to forthwith deliver to the Company all such materials, including all copies or
memorializations thereof, in Executives possession or control, whenever requested to do so
by the Company, and in any event, upon termination of Executives employment with the
Company.
Section 7.5 The Executive understands and agrees that any violation of this Article 7
while employed by the Company may result in immediate disciplinary action by the Company,
including termination of employment for Cause.
Section 7.6 The provisions of this Article 7 shall survive termination of this Agreement
indefinitely.
ARTICLE 8
NON-COMPETITION, NON-INTERFERENCE AND NON-SOLICITATION
Section 8.1 In further consideration of the compensation to be paid to Executive
hereunder, including amounts payable to Executive as a Severance Payment, Executive
acknowledges that in the course of his employment with the Company he will become familiar
with the Companys trade secrets and other Confidential Information concerning the Company
and that his services will be of a special, unique and
9
extraordinary value to the Company, and therefore, Executive agrees that, during the
period of his employment, and for a period of one year following the end of Executives
employment term specified in Section 3.01 or any extension thereof, he shall not directly or
indirectly own any interest in, manage, control, participate in, consult with, render
services for, or in any manner engage in any business competing with the business of the
Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates, as defined below and as such businesses exist or are
in the process during the period of his employment on the date of termination or the
expiration of the period his employment, within any geographical area within Canada or the
United States in which the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates engage or have defined
plans communicated to Executive to engage in such businesses. Nothing herein shall prevent
Executive from being a passive owner of not more than one percent of the outstanding stock of
any class of a corporation which is publicly traded in the United States, so long as
Executive has no participation in the business of such corporation. For the purposes of this
Agreement, business or business of the Company means, with respect to and including the
Company and its subsidiaries or affiliates, the design, development, marketing and sale of
interactive, e-learning and digital signage products and solutions.
Section 8.2 Executive agrees that during the term of his employment and for a period of
one (1) year after the termination of Executives employment he will not directly or
indirectly (i) in any way interfere or attempt to interfere with the Companys relationships
with any of its current or potential customers, vendors, investors, business partners, or
(ii) employ or attempt to employ any of the Companys employees on behalf of any other
entity, whether or not such entity competes with the Company.
Section 8.3 Executive agrees that breach by him of the provisions of this Article 8 will
cause the Company irreparable harm that is not fully remedied by monetary damages. In the
event of a breach or threatened breach by Executive of the provisions of this Article 8, the
Company shall be entitled to an injunction restraining Executive from directly or indirectly
competing or recruiting as prohibited herein, without posting a bond or other security.
Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other
equitable or legal remedies available to it for such breach or threatened breach, including
the recovery of damages from Executive.
Section 8.4 The Executive understands and agrees that any violation of this Article 8
while employed by the Company may result in immediate disciplinary action by the Company,
including termination of employment for Cause.
Section 8.5 The obligations contained in this Article 8 shall survive the termination of
this Agreement as described in this Article 8.
ARTICLE 9
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 9.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed
according to the laws of the Province of Ontario without regard to conflicts of
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law provisions. The Company and Executive agree that if any action is brought pursuant
to this Agreement that is not otherwise resolved by arbitration pursuant to Section 9.06,
such dispute shall be resolved only in the Superior Court of Justice Ontario, Southwest
Region in a court located in the City of Windsor, Ontario and each party hereto
unconditionally (a) submits for itself in any proceeding relating to this Agreement, or for
recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the Superior Court of
Justice Ontario, Southwest Region and agrees that all claims in respect to any such
proceeding shall be heard and determined in the Superior Court of Justice Ontario, Southwest
Region; (b) consents that any such proceeding may and shall be brought in such courts and
waives any objection that it may now or thereafter have to the venue or jurisdiction of any
such proceeding in any such court or that such proceeding was brought in an inconvenient
court and agrees not to plead or claim the same; waives all right to trial by jury in any
proceeding (whether based on contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of or relating to this
Agreement, or its performance under or the enforcement of this Agreement; (d) agrees that
service of process in any such proceeding may be effected by mailing a copy of such process
by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid,
to such party at its address as provided in Section 9.08; and (e) agrees that nothing in this
Agreement shall affect the right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted
by the laws of the Province of Ontario.
Section 9.2 Successors. This Agreement is personal to Executive and Executive
may not assign or transfer any part of his rights or duties hereunder, or any compensation
due to him hereunder, to any other person or entity. This Agreement may be assigned by the
Company. The Company shall require any successor or assignee, whether direct or indirect, by
purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of all or substantially all the business or
assets of the Company, expressly and unconditionally to assume and agree to perform the
Companys obligations under this Agreement, in the same manner and to the same extent that
the Company would be required to perform if no such succession or assignment had taken place.
In such event, the term Company, as used in this Agreement, shall mean the Company as
defined above and any successor or assignee to the business or assets which by reason hereof
becomes bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
Section 9.3 Waiver. The waiver by the Company of the breach or nonperformance
of any provision of this Agreement by Executive will not operate or be construed as a waiver
of any future breach or nonperformance under any such provision or any other provision of
this Agreement or any similar agreement with any other Executive.
Section 9.4 Entire Agreement; Modification. This Agreement supersedes, revokes
and replaces any and all prior oral or written understandings, if any, between the parties
relating to the subject matter of this Agreement; provided, however, that the Noncompetition
Agreement entered into between Executive and WRT of even date shall, to the extent it relates
to any of the subject matter of this Agreement, be deemed to be an independent obligation of
Executive and be enforceable in accordance with its terms. The parties agree that this
Agreement: (a) is the entire understanding and agreement between the parties; and (b) is the
complete and exclusive statement of the terms and conditions thereof, and there are no other
written or oral agreements in regard to the subject matter of
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this Agreement. Except for modifications described in Section 3.01 and Section 4.01,
this Agreement shall not be changed or modified except by a written document signed by the
parties hereto.
Section 9.5 Severability and Blue Penciling. To the extent that any provision
of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable as written, the validity
and enforceability of the remainder of such provision and of this Agreement shall be
unaffected. If any particular provision of this Agreement shall be adjudicated to be invalid
or unenforceable, the Company and Executive specifically authorize the tribunal making such
determination to edit the invalid or unenforceable provision to allow this Agreement, and the
provisions thereof, to be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law or
public policy.
Section 9.6 Arbitration. Any dispute, claim or controversy arising under this
Agreement shall, at the request of any party hereto be resolved by binding arbitration in
Ontario, Canada and if possible conducted in Windsor, Ontario by a single arbitrator selected
by the Company and Executive, with arbitration governed by the Arbitration Act, 1991
(Ontario); provided, however, that a dispute, claim or controversy shall be subject to
adjudication by a court in any proceeding against the Company or Executive involving third
parties (in addition to the Company or Executive). Such arbitrator shall be a disinterested
person who is either an attorney, retired judge or labor relations arbitrator. In the event
the Company and Executive are unable to agree upon such arbitrator, the arbitrator shall,
upon petition by either the Company or Executive, be designated by a judge of the Superior
Court of Justice of Ontario, Southwest Region. The arbitrator shall have the authority to
make awards of damages as would any court in Ontario having jurisdiction over a dispute
between employer and Executive, except that the arbitrator may not make an award of exemplary
damages or consequential damages. In addition, the Company and Executive agree that all
other matters arising out of Executives employment relationship with the Company shall be
arbitrable, unless otherwise restricted by law.
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9.6.1 |
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In any arbitration proceeding, each party shall pay the fees and expenses of
its or his own legal counsel. |
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9.6.2 |
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The arbitrator, in his or her discretion, shall award legal fees and expenses
and costs of the arbitration, including the arbitrators fee, to a party who
substantially prevails in its claims in such proceeding. |
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Notwithstanding this Section 9.06, in the event of alleged noncompliance or
violation, as the case may be, of Sections 7 or 8 of this Agreement, the Company may
alternatively apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for a temporary restraining
order, injunctive and/or such other legal and equitable remedies as may be appropriate. |
Section 9.7 Legal Fees. If any contest or dispute shall arise between the
Company and Executive regarding any provision of this Agreement, and such dispute results in
court proceedings or arbitration, a party that prevails with respect to a claim brought and
pursued in connection with such dispute, shall be entitled to recover its legal
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fees and expenses reasonably incurred in connection with such dispute. Such
reimbursement shall be made as soon as practicable following the resolution of the dispute
(whether or not appealed) to the extent a party receives documented evidence of such fees and
expenses.
Section 9.8 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other
communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly
given when personally delivered or may send by certified mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, addressed to Executive at his residence address appearing on the records of
the Company and to the Company at its then current executive offices to the attention of the
Board. All notices and communications shall be deemed to have been received on the date of
delivery thereof or on the third business day after the mailing thereof, except that notice
of change of address shall be effective only upon actual receipt. No objection to the method
of delivery may be made if the written notice or other communication is actually received.
Section 9.9 Survival. The provisions of this Article 9 shall survive the
termination of this Agreement, indefinitely.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the following parties have executed the above instrument the day and year
first above written.
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WIRELESS RONIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
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By |
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Jeffrey C. Mack |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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EXECUTIVE
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By |
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Alan Buterbaugh |
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Exhibit 2.4(a)(iv)
NONCOMPETITION AGREEMENT
This Noncompetition Agreement (this Agreement) is made as of July ___, 2007, by and between
Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (Buyer), and Robert Whent, of the
Province of Ontario (Seller).
RECITALS
Concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Buyer is purchasing from
Seller, Robert Whent (A) and Alan Buterbaugh and Marlene Buterbaugh (together B) the beneficial
interest in all of the outstanding shares (the Shares) of McGill Digital Solutions, Inc. (the
Company) pursuant to the terms and conditions of a Stock Purchase Agreement (the Stock Purchase
Agreement) made as of July ___, 2007. Section 2.4(a)(iv) of the Stock Purchase Agreement requires
that noncompetition agreements be executed and delivered by each of Seller and Alan Buterbaugh as a
condition to the purchase of the beneficial interest in the Shares by Buyer.
AGREEMENT
The parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS
Capitalized terms not expressly defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to
them in the Stock Purchase Agreement.
2. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS BY SELLER
Seller acknowledges that (a) Seller has occupied a position of trust and confidence with the
Company prior to the date hereof and has become familiar with the following, any and all of which
constitute confidential information of the Company (collectively, the Confidential Information):
(i) any and all trade secrets concerning the business and affairs of the Company, product
specifications, data, know-how, formulae, compositions, processes, designs, sketches, photographs,
graphs, drawings, samples, inventions and ideas, past, current and planned research and
development, current and planned manufacturing and distribution methods and processes, customer
lists, current and anticipated customer requirements, price lists, market studies, business plans,
computer software and programs (including object code and source code), computer software and
database technologies, systems, structures and architectures (and related processes, formulae,
compositions, improvements, devices, know-how, inventions, discoveries, concepts, ideas, designs,
methods and information of the Company and any other information, however documented, of the
Company that is a trade secret within the meaning of any applicable Legal Requirement; (ii) any and
all information concerning the business and affairs of the Company (which includes historical
financial statements, financial projections and budgets, historical and projected sales, capital
spending budgets and plans, the names and backgrounds of key personnel, personnel training and
techniques and materials), however documented; and
(iii) any and all notes, analysis, compilations, studies, summaries, and other material
prepared by or for the Company containing or based, in whole or in part, on any information
included in the foregoing, (b) the business of the Company is international in scope, (c) its
products and services are marketed throughout the World; (d) the Company competes with other
businesses that are or could be located in any part of the World; (e) Buyer has required that
Seller make the covenants set forth in Sections 3 and 4 of this Agreement as a condition to the
Buyers purchase of the Shares beneficially owned by Seller, A and B; (f) the provisions of
Sections 3 and 4 of this Agreement are reasonable and necessary to protect and preserve the
Companys business, and (g) the Company would be irreparably damaged if Seller were to breach the
covenants set forth in Sections 3 and 4 of this Agreement.
3. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Seller acknowledges and agrees that all Confidential Information known or obtained by Seller,
whether before or after the date hereof, is the property of the Company. Therefore, Seller agrees
that Seller will not, at any time, disclose to any unauthorized Persons or use for his own account
or for the benefit of any third party any Confidential Information, whether Seller has such
information in Sellers memory or embodied in writing or other physical form, without Buyers
written consent, unless and to the extent that the Confidential Information is or becomes generally
known to and available for use by the public other than as a result of Sellers fault or the fault
of any other Person bound by a duty of confidentiality to Buyer or the Company. Seller agrees to
deliver to Buyer at the time of execution of this Agreement, and at any other time Buyer may
request, all documents, memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, and other documentation, models,
components, devices, or computer software, whether embodied in a disk or in other form (and all
copies of all of the foregoing), relating to the businesses, operations, or affairs of the Company
and any other Confidential Information that Seller may then possess or have under Sellers control.
4. NONCOMPETITION
As an inducement for Buyer to enter into the Stock Purchase Agreement and as additional
consideration for the purchase price to be paid to Seller under the Stock Purchase Agreement Seller
agrees that:
(a) For a period of three years after the Closing:
(i) Seller will not, directly or indirectly, engage or invest in, own, manage, operate,
finance, control, or participate in the ownership, management, operation, financing, or control of,
be employed by, associated with, or in any manner connected with, lend Sellers name or any similar
name to, lend Sellers credit to, or render services or advice to, any business whose business,
products or activities compete in whole or in part with the business of the Company, anywhere
within any geographical area within Canada or the United States in which the Company or its
subsidiaries or affiliates engage, have engaged, or have plans to engage which have been
communicated to the Seller to engage in, such business; provided, however, that Seller may purchase
or otherwise acquire up to (but not more than) one percent of any class of securities of any
enterprise (but without otherwise participating in the activities of such enterprise) if such
securities are listed on any United States national or regional securities
2
exchange or have been registered under Section 12(g) of the United States Securities Exchange
Act of 1934. Seller agrees that this covenant is reasonable with respect to its duration,
geographical area, and scope. For the purposes hereof, business or business of the Company
means, with respect to and including the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliates, the design,
development, marketing and sale of interactive, e-learning and digital signage products and
solutions, and any other products and services which the Seller has actual knowledge or had
material involvement in development or marketing.
(ii) Seller will not, directly or indirectly, either for himself or any other Person, (A)
induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Company who is or was the employee of the Company
as of the date of this Agreement or anytime during the foregoing three years (the Employee), to
leave the employ of the Company, (B) in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company
and any employee of the Company, (C) employ, or otherwise engage as an employee, independent
contractor, or otherwise, any employee of the Company, or (D) induce or attempt to induce any
customer, supplier, licensee, or business relation of the Company to cease doing business with the
Company, or in any way interfere with the relationship between any customer, supplier, licensee, or
business relation of the Company.
(iii) Seller will not, directly or indirectly, either for himself or any other Person, solicit
the business of any Person known to Seller to be a customer of the Company, whether or not Seller
had personal contact with such Person;
(b) In the event of a breach by Seller of any covenant set forth in Subsection 4(a) of this
Agreement, the term of such covenant will be extended by the period of the duration of such breach;
(c) Seller will not, for the longer of three (3) years following the date of this Agreement or
two (2) years after the termination of his employment with the Company, disparage Buyer or the
Company, the products or services of either of them, or any of their shareholders, directors,
officers, employees, or agents; and
(d) Seller will, for a period of three (3) years after the Closing, and for a period of one
(1) year following the termination of his employment with the Company, advise Buyer of the identity
of any employer of Seller within ten days after accepting any employment. Buyer or the Company may
serve notice upon each such employer that Seller is bound by this Agreement and furnish each such
employer with a copy of this Agreement or relevant portions thereof.
The obligations of Seller under this Agreement shall be in addition to any obligations of
Seller under any employment agreement with the Company now or hereafter entered into with Seller.
5. REMEDIES
If Seller breaches the covenants set forth in Sections 3 or 4 of this Agreement, Buyer and the
Company will be entitled to the following remedies:
(a) Damages from Seller;
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(b) To offset against any and all amounts owing to Seller under the Stock Purchase Agreement
any and all amounts which Buyer or the Company claims under Subsection 5(a) of this Agreement;
provided that Buyer causes any amounts claimed as an offset to be placed in an interest-bearing
escrow account pending any resolution of a dispute between Seller, the Company or Buyer under this
Agreement;
(c) In addition to its right to damages and any other rights it may have, to obtain injunctive
or other equitable relief to restrain any breach or threatened breach or otherwise to specifically
enforce the provisions of Sections 3 and 4 of this Agreement, it being agreed that money damages
alone would be inadequate to compensate the Buyer and the Company and would be an inadequate remedy
for such breach; and
(d) The rights and remedies of the parties to this Agreement are cumulative and not
alternative.
6. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS
This Agreement will be binding upon Buyer, the Company and Seller and will inure to the
benefit of Buyer and the Company and their affiliates, successors and assigns and Seller and
Sellers assigns, heirs and legal representatives.
7. WAIVER
The rights and remedies of the parties to this Agreement are cumulative and not alternative.
Neither the failure nor any delay by any party in exercising any right, power, or privilege under
this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, power, or privilege, and no single or
partial exercise of any such right, power, or privilege will preclude any other or further exercise
of such right, power, or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege. To
the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, (a) no claim or right arising out of this Agreement
can be discharged by one party, in whole or in part, by a waiver or renunciation of the claim or
right unless in writing signed by the other party; (b) no waiver that may be given by a party will
be applicable except in the specific instance for which it is given; and (c) no notice to or demand
on one party will be deemed to be a waiver of any obligation of such party or of the right of the
party giving such notice or demand to take further action without notice or demand as provided in
this Agreement.
8. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of
Canada applicable therein without regard to conflicts of laws principles.
9. JURISDICTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS
Any action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any right arising
out of, this Agreement may be brought against any of the parties in the courts of the Province of
Ontario, and each of the parties consents to the jurisdiction of such courts (and of the
appropriate appellate courts) in any such action or proceeding and waives any objection to venue
laid therein. Process in any action or proceeding referred to in the preceding sentence may be
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served on any party anywhere in the world. Buyer and each of the Sellers hereby irrevocably
agree that a final judgment of any of the courts specified above in any action or proceeding
relating to this Agreement or to any of the other documents referred to herein or therein shall be
conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other
manner provided by law.
10. SEVERABILITY
Whenever possible each provision and term of this Agreement will be interpreted in a manner to
be effective and valid but if any provision or term of this Agreement is held to be prohibited by
or invalid, then such provision or term will be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition
or invalidity, without invalidating or affecting in any manner whatsoever the remainder of such
provision or term or the remaining provisions or terms of this Agreement. If any of the covenants
set forth in Section 4 of this Agreement are held to be unreasonable, arbitrary, or against public
policy, such covenants will be considered divisible with respect to scope, time, and geographic
area, and in such lesser scope, time and geographic area, will be effective, binding and
enforceable against Seller.
11. COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be
an original copy of this Agreement and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to
constitute one and the same agreement.
12. SECTION HEADINGS, CONSTRUCTION
The headings of Sections in this Agreement are provided for convenience only and will not
affect its construction or interpretation. All references to Section or Sections refer to the
corresponding Section or Sections of this Agreement unless otherwise specified. All words used in
this Agreement will be construed to be of such gender or number as the circumstances require.
Unless otherwise expressly provided, the word including does not limit the preceding words or
terms.
13. NOTICES
All notices, consents, waivers, and other communications under this Agreement must be in
writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when (a) delivered by hand (with written
confirmation of receipt), (b) sent by facsimile (with written confirmation of receipt), provided
that a copy is mailed by registered mail, return receipt requested, or (c) when received by the
addressee, if sent by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service (receipt requested), in
each case to the appropriate addresses and facsimile numbers set forth below (or to such other
addresses and facsimile numbers as a party may designate by notice to the other parties):
Seller:
Robert Whent
300 Russell Woods Drive
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Tecumseh, Ontario N8N 4K5 CANADA
and
Alan and Marlene Buterbaugh
143 Pointe West Drive
Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 3P2 CANADA
with a copy to:
Jeffrey M. Slopen
Principal
Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.
443 Ouellette Avenue, Suite 300
Windsor, Ontario N9A 6R4 CANADA
Buyer:
Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc.
Baker Technology Plaza, Suite 475
5929 Baker Road
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Attention: John A. Witham
Facsimile No.: (952) 974-7887
with a copy to:
Briggs and Morgan, P.A.
2200 IDS Center
80 South Eighth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Attention: Avron L. Gordon
Facsimile No.: (612) 977-8650
14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement, the Employment Agreement with Seller and the Stock Purchase Agreement
constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this
Agreement and supersede all prior written and oral agreements and understandings between Buyer and
Seller with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may not be amended
except by a written agreement executed by the party to be charged with the amendment.
[remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature blocks to follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date
first above written.
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Exhibit 2.4(b)(vi)
Release to Resigning Officers and Directors
WHEREAS pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated with effect as of July 31st,
2007 (the Purchase Agreement), Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc. (the Buyer) has agreed to
purchase all of the issued and outstanding securities of: (i) 1710647 Ontario Limited (OL) owned
by Robert Whent (Whent); (ii) Alamar Holdings Inc. (Alamar) owned by Alan Buterbaugh (Alan);
and (iii) Mar Capital Inc. (Mar) owned by Marlene Buterbaugh (Marlene) (the Transaction)
thereby acquiring control of McGill Digital Solutions Inc. (McGill);
AND WHEREAS as a condition precedent to the completion of the Transaction, Alan, Whent and
Marlene are required to resign their positions as officers, directors and employees of McGill,
Alamar, Mar and OL, as applicable as of the date hereof;
AND WHEREAS as a condition precedent to the completion of the Transaction, McGill, OL, Alamar,
Mar and the Buyer (each hereinafter a Releasor) are required to execute and deliver this release
in favour of Whent, Alan and Marlene as resigning officers, directors and employees.
Each Releasor, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is
hereby acknowledged, save and except as hereinafter provided in the Notwithstanding paragraph
below, hereby releases, remises and forever discharges each of Whent, Alan and Marlene, and their
respective heirs, executors, personal representatives, estate trustees and assigns (each a
Releasee) of and from any and all actions, causes of action, claims, suits, liabilities, debts,
covenants, contracts, accounts, duties and demands of any and every kind and nature whatsoever, at
law or in equity (hereinafter called the Claims) which a Releasor had, now has or may hereinafter
have against a Releasee by reason of any cause, matter or thing whatsoever related to or arising in
respect of a Releasees service or position as an officer, director or employee, as the case may
be, of any one of McGill, OL, Alamar or Mar prior to the date hereof.
This Release shall be binding upon the Releasors and their respective successors and assigns
and shall enure to the benefit of the Releasee and his heirs, successors and assigns.
The Releasors each further covenant and agree not to join, assist and/or act in concert in any
manner whatsoever with any person, firm or corporation in the making of any Claim or demand or in
the bringing of any proceeding or action in any manner whatsoever against a Releasee arising out of
or in relation to matters hereinbefore remised, released and/or discharged.
Each Releasor hereby agrees not to make any Claim or demand or commence any action against any
third party who might claim contribution, indemnity or other relief over or against a Releasee in
relation to the matters hereinbefore remised, released and/or discharged from or to be indemnified
by you.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, this release shall not remise, release or discharge a Releasee
from or in respect of any Claims arising out of the obligations of a Releasee pursuant to the terms
of the Purchase Agreement or any agreement or document delivered pursuant thereto.
AND EACH RELEASOR FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES having had adequate opportunity to read and consider
this full and final release and to obtain independent legal or other advice in regard to it as
considered advisable and understands that it contains a full and final release of all claims that
it has or may have against a Releasee relating to the matters addressed herein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF each Releasor has duly executed this Release as of the 31st day
of July, 2007.
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2
Exhibit 2.4(c)
ESCROW AGREEMENT
THIS ESCROW AGREEMENT, dated as of August ___, 2007 (Escrow Agreement), is by and between
Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (Depositor), Robert Whent, an
individual resident in Ontario, Canada, Alan Buterbaugh, an individual resident in Ontario, Canada,
and Marlene Buterbaugh, an individual resident in Ontario, Canada (collectively, the Recipients),
and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, as Escrow Agent hereunder
(Escrow Agent).
BACKGROUND
A. Depositor and Recipients have entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the Underlying
Agreement), dated as of August ___, 2007, pursuant to which Buyers will purchase all of the issued
and outstanding shares of certain corporations. The Underlying Agreement provides that Depositor
shall deposit the Escrow Funds (defined below) in a segregated escrow account to be held by Escrow
Agent to satisfy Sellers indemnification obligations under Section 10 of the Underlying Agreement.
B. Escrow Agent has agreed to accept, hold, and disburse the funds deposited with it and the
earnings thereon in accordance with the terms of this Escrow Agreement.
C. Pursuant to the Underlying Agreement, Depositor and Recipients have appointed the
Representatives (as defined below) to represent them for all purposes in connection with the funds
to be deposited with Escrow Agent and this Escrow Agreement.
D. In order to establish the escrow of funds and to effect the provisions of the Underlying
Agreement, the parties hereto have entered into this Escrow Agreement.
NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are
hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, for themselves, their successors and assigns, hereby agree
as follows:
1. Definitions. The following terms shall have the following meanings when used
herein:
Depositor Representative shall mean the person(s) so designated on Schedule C hereto or any other
person designated in a writing signed by Depositor and delivered to Escrow Agent and the
Recipients Representative in accordance with the notice provisions of this Escrow Agreement, to
act as its representative under this Escrow Agreement.
Escrow Funds shall mean the funds deposited with Escrow Agent pursuant to Section 3 of this
Agreement, together with any interest and other income thereon.
1
Escrow Period shall mean the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on ,
2008 [180 days from Closing], unless earlier terminated by the provisions of the Escrow Agreement.
Joint Written Direction shall mean a written direction executed by the Representatives and
directing Escrow Agent.
Recipients Representative shall mean the person(s) so designated on Schedule C hereto or any
other person designated in a writing signed by Recipients and delivered to Escrow Agent and the
Depositor Representative in accordance with the notice provisions of this Escrow Agreement, to act
as their representative under this Escrow Agreement.
Representatives shall mean the Depositor Representative and the Recipients Representative.
2. Appointment of and Acceptance by Escrow Agent. Depositor and Recipients hereby
appoint Escrow Agent to serve as escrow agent hereunder. Escrow Agent hereby accepts such
appointment and, upon receipt by wire transfer of the Escrow Funds in accordance with Section 3
below, agrees to hold, invest and disburse the Escrow Funds in accordance with this Escrow
Agreement.
3. Deposit of Escrow Funds. Simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this
Escrow Agreement, Depositor will transfer the Escrow Funds in the amount of $300,000 (CAD), by wire
transfer to an account designated by Escrow Agent.
4. Disbursements of Escrow Funds. From time to time during the Escrow Period,
Depositor may give notice (a Notice) to Recipients and Escrow Agent by way of a sworn affidavit
specifying in reasonable detail, including reasonable supporting documentation, the nature and
dollar amount of any claim (a Claim) it may have under Section 10 of the Underlying Agreement;
Depositor may make more than one claim with respect to any underlying state of facts. If
Recipients give notice to Depositor and Escrow Agent disputing any Claim (a Counter Notice)
within 30 days following receipt by Escrow Agent of the Notice regarding such Claim, such Claim
shall be resolved as provided below. If no Counter Notice is received by Escrow Agent within such
30-day period, then the dollar amount of damages claimed by Depositor as set forth in its Notice
shall be deemed established for purposes of this Escrow Agreement and the Underlying Agreement and,
at the end of such 30-day period, Escrow Agent shall pay to Depositor the dollar amount claimed in
the Notice from (and only to the extent of) the Escrow Fund. Escrow Agent shall not inquire into
or consider whether a Claim complies with the requirements of the Underlying Agreement.
If a Counter Notice is given with respect to a Claim, Escrow Agent shall make payment with respect
thereto only in accordance with (i) joint written instructions of Depositor and the Recipients or
(ii) a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction. Any court order shall be
accompanied by a legal opinion by counsel for the presenting party satisfactory to Escrow Agent to
the effect that the order is final and non-appealable. Escrow Agent shall act on such court order
and legal opinion without further question.
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Upon the expiration of the Escrow Period, Escrow Agent shall distribute, as promptly as
practicable, any remaining Escrow Funds to Recipients (50% to Robert Whent, 30% to Alan Buterbaugh
and 20% to Marlene Buterbaugh), without any further instruction or direction from the
Representatives. All disbursements of funds from the Escrow Funds shall be subject to the fees and
claims of Escrow Agent and the Indemnified Parties (as defined below) pursuant to Section 10 and
Section 11 below.
5. Suspension of Performance; Disbursement Into Court. If, at any time, (i) there
shall exist any dispute between Depositor, Recipients or the Representatives with respect to the
holding or disposition of all or any portion of the Escrow Funds or any other obligations of Escrow
Agent hereunder, (ii) Escrow Agent is unable to determine, to Escrow Agents sole satisfaction, the
proper disposition of all or any portion of the Escrow Funds or Escrow Agents proper actions with
respect to its obligations hereunder, or (iii) the Representatives have not within 30 days of the
furnishing by Escrow Agent of a notice of resignation pursuant to Section 7 hereof, appointed a
successor Escrow Agent to act hereunder, then Escrow Agent may, in its sole discretion, take either
or both of the following actions:
a. suspend the performance of any of its obligations (including without limitation any
disbursement obligations) under this Escrow Agreement until such dispute or uncertainty
shall be resolved to the sole satisfaction of Escrow Agent or until a successor Escrow Agent
shall have been appointed (as the case may be).
b. petition (by means of an interpleader action or any other appropriate method) any
court of competent jurisdiction in any venue convenient to Escrow Agent, for instructions
with respect to such dispute or uncertainty, and to the extent required or permitted by law,
pay into such court, for holding and disposition in accordance with the instructions of such
court, all Escrow Funds, after deduction and payment to Escrow Agent of all fees and
expenses (including court costs and attorneys fees) payable to, incurred by, or expected to
be incurred by Escrow Agent in connection with the performance of its duties and the
exercise of its rights hereunder.
Escrow Agent shall have no liability to Depositor, Recipients, their respective owners,
shareholders or members or any other person with respect to any such suspension of performance or
disbursement into court, specifically including any liability or claimed liability that may arise,
or be alleged to have arisen, out of or as a result of any delay in the disbursement of the Escrow
Funds or any delay in or with respect to any other action required or requested of Escrow Agent.
6. Investment of Funds. The Escrow Agent is herein directed and instructed to
initially invest and reinvest the Escrow Funds in the investment indicated on Schedule B hereto.
The Depositor and Recipients may provide instructions changing the investment of the Escrow Funds
by the furnishing of a Joint Written Direction to the Escrow Agent; provided, however, that no
investment or reinvestment may be made except in the following: [TO BE REVISED BY ESCROW AGENT]
(a) direct obligations of the United States of America or obligations the principal of and the
interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by the United State of
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America; (b) U.S. dollar denominated deposit accounts and certificates of deposits issued by
any bank, bank and trust company, or national banking association (including Escrow Agent and its
affiliates), which such deposits are either (i) insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or a similar governmental agency, or (ii) with domestic commercial banks which have a
rating on their short- term certificates of deposit on the date of purchase of A-1 or A-l+ by
S&P and P-1 by Moodys and maturing no more than 360 days after the date of purchase (ratings on
holding companies are not considered as the rating of the bank); (c) repurchase agreements with any
bank, trust company, or national banking association (including Escrow Agent and its affiliates);
or (d) institutional money market funds, including funds managed by Escrow Agent or any of its
affiliates.
Each of the foregoing investments shall be made in the name of Escrow Agent. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained herein, Escrow Agent may, without notice to the Representatives,
sell or liquidate any of the foregoing investments at any time if the proceeds thereof are required
for any disbursement of Escrow Funds permitted or required hereunder. All investment earnings
shall become part of the Escrow Funds and investment losses shall be charged against the Escrow
Funds. Escrow Agent shall not be liable or responsible for loss in the value of any investment
made pursuant to this Escrow Agreement, or for any loss, cost or penalty resulting from any sale or
liquidation of the Escrow Funds. With respect to any Escrow Funds received by Escrow Agent after
twelve oclock, p.m., Central Standard Time, Escrow Agent shall not be required to invest such
funds or to effect any investment instruction until the next day upon which banks in St. Paul,
Minnesota are open for business.
7. Resignation of Escrow Agent. Escrow Agent may resign and be discharged from the
performance of its duties hereunder at any time by giving ten (10) days prior written notice to the
Depositor and Recipients specifying a date when such resignation shall take effect. Upon any such
notice of resignation, the Representatives jointly shall appoint a successor Escrow Agent hereunder
prior to the effective date of such resignation. The retiring Escrow Agent shall transmit all
records pertaining to the Escrow Funds and shall pay all Escrow Funds to the successor Escrow
Agent, after making copies of such records as the retiring Escrow Agent deems advisable and after
deduction and payment to the retiring Escrow Agent of all fees and expenses (including court costs
and attorneys fees) payable to, incurred by, or expected to be incurred by the retiring Escrow
Agent in connection with the performance of its duties and the exercise of its rights hereunder.
After any retiring Escrow Agents resignation, the provisions of this Escrow Agreement shall inure
to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Escrow Agent under
this Escrow Agreement. Any corporation or association into which the Escrow Agent may be merged or
converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation or association to which all or
substantially all of the escrow business of the Escrow Agents corporate trust line of business may
be transferred, shall be the Escrow Agent under this Escrow Agreement without further act.
8. Liability of Escrow Agent. The Escrow Agent undertakes to perform only such duties
as are expressly set forth herein and no duties shall be implied. The Escrow Agent shall have no
liability under and no duty to inquire as to the provisions of any agreement other than this Escrow
Agreement, including without limitation any other agreement between any or all of
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the parties hereto or any other persons even though reference thereto may be made herein. The
Escrow Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith except to the
extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines that the Escrow Agents gross negligence
or willful misconduct was the primary cause of any loss to the Depositor or Recipients. Escrow
Agents sole responsibility shall be for the safekeeping and disbursement of the Escrow Funds in
accordance with the terms of this Escrow Agreement. Escrow Agent shall have no implied duties or
obligations and shall not be charged with knowledge or notice of any fact or circumstance not
specifically set forth herein. Escrow Agent may rely upon any notice, instruction, request or
other instrument, not only as to its due execution, validity and effectiveness, but also as to the
truth and accuracy of any information contained therein, which Escrow Agent shall believe to be
genuine and to have been signed or presented by the person or parties purporting to sign the same.
In no event shall Escrow Agent be liable for incidental, indirect, special, consequential or
punitive damages (including, but not limited to lost profits), even if the Escrow Agent has been
advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action. Escrow
Agent shall not be obligated to take any legal action or commence any proceeding in connection with
the Escrow Funds, any account in which Escrow Funds are deposited, this Escrow Agreement or the
Underlying Agreement, or to appear in, prosecute or defend any such legal action or proceeding.
Escrow Agent may consult legal counsel selected by it in the event of any dispute or question as to
the construction of any of the provisions hereof or of any other agreement or of its duties
hereunder, or relating to any dispute involving any party hereto, and shall incur no liability and
shall be fully indemnified from any liability whatsoever in acting in accordance with the opinion
or instruction of such counsel. Depositor and Recipients, jointly and severally, shall promptly
pay, upon demand, the reasonable fees and expenses of any such counsel.
The Escrow Agent is authorized, in its sole discretion, to comply with final orders issued or
process entered by any court with respect to the Escrow Funds, without determination by the Escrow
Agent of such courts jurisdiction in the matter. If any portion of the Escrow Funds is at any
time attached, garnished or levied upon under any court order, or in case the payment, assignment,
transfer, conveyance or delivery of any such property shall be stayed or enjoined by any court
order, or in case any order, judgment or decree shall be made or entered by any court affecting
such property or any part thereof, then and in any such event, the Escrow Agent is authorized, in
its sole discretion, to rely upon and comply with any such order, writ, judgment or decree which it
is advised by legal counsel selected by it is binding upon it without the need for appeal or other
action; and if the Escrow Agent complies with any such order, writ, judgment or decree, it shall
not be liable to any of the parties hereto or to any other person or entity by reason of such
compliance even though such order, writ, judgment or decree may be subsequently reversed, modified,
annulled, set aside or vacated.
9. Indemnification of Escrow Agent. From and at all times after the date of this
Escrow Agreement, Depositor and Recipients, jointly and severally, shall, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Escrow Agent and each director, officer,
employee, attorney, agent and affiliate of Escrow Agent (collectively, the Indemnified Parties)
against any and all actions, claims (whether or not valid), losses, damages, liabilities, costs and
expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever (including without limitation reasonable attorneys
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fees, costs and expenses) incurred by or asserted against any of the Indemnified Parties,
whether direct, indirect or consequential, as a result of or arising from or in any way relating to
any claim, demand, suit, action or proceeding (including any inquiry or investigation) by any
person, including without limitation Depositor or Recipients, whether threatened or initiated,
asserting a claim for any legal or equitable remedy against any person under any statute or
regulation, including, but not limited to, any federal or state securities laws, or under any
common law or equitable cause or otherwise, arising from or in connection with the negotiation,
preparation, execution, performance or failure of performance of this Escrow Agreement or any
transactions contemplated herein, whether or not any such Indemnified Party is a party to any such
action, proceeding, suit or the target of any such inquiry or investigation; provided, however,
that no Indemnified Party shall have the right to be indemnified hereunder for any liability
finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, subject to no further appeal, to have
resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Party. Each
Indemnified Party shall, in its sole discretion, have the right to select and employ separate
counsel with respect to any action or claim brought or asserted against it, and the reasonable fees
of such counsel shall be paid upon demand by the Depositor and Recipients jointly and severally.
The obligations of Depositor and Recipients under this Section 9 shall survive any termination of
this Escrow Agreement and the resignation or removal of Escrow Agent.
The parties agree that neither the payment by Depositor or Recipients of any claim by Escrow Agent
for indemnification hereunder nor the disbursement of any amounts to Escrow Agent from the Escrow
Funds in respect of a claim by Escrow Agent for indemnification shall impair, limit, modify, or
affect, as between Depositor and Recipients, the respective rights and obligations of Depositor, on
the one hand, and Recipients, on the other hand, under the Underlying Agreement.
10. Fees and Expenses of Escrow Agent. Depositor shall compensate Escrow Agent for
its services hereunder in accordance with Schedule A attached hereto. All of the compensation and
reimbursement obligations set forth in this Section 10 shall be payable by Depositor upon demand by
Escrow Agent. The obligations of Depositor under this Section 10 shall survive any termination of
this Escrow Agreement and the resignation or removal of Escrow Agent. Escrow Agent is authorized
to, and may, disburse to itself from the Escrow Funds, from time to time, the amount of any
compensation and reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses due and payable hereunder (including any
amount to which Escrow Agent or any Indemnified Party is entitled to seek indemnification pursuant
to Section 9 hereof). Escrow Agent shall notify the Representatives of any disbursement from the
Escrow Funds to itself or any Indemnified Party in respect of any compensation or reimbursement
hereunder and shall furnish to the Representatives copies of all related invoices and other
statements. Recipients, Depositor and the Representatives hereby grant to Escrow Agent and the
Indemnified Parties a security interest in and lien upon the Escrow Funds to secure all obligations
with respect to the right to offset the amount of any compensation or reimbursement due any of them
hereunder (including any claim for indemnification pursuant to Section 9 hereof) against the Escrow
Funds. If for any reason funds in the Escrow Funds are insufficient to cover such compensation and
reimbursement, Depositor and Recipients shall promptly pay such amounts to Escrow Agent or any
Indemnified Party upon receipt of an itemized invoice.
6
11. Representations and Warranties. Each of Depositor and Recipients respectively
makes the following representations and warranties to Escrow Agent:
(i) With respect to the Depositor, it is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing, and in good standing under the laws of the state of its incorporation or
organization, and has full power and authority to execute and deliver this Escrow Agreement
and to perform its obligations hereunder.
(ii) This Escrow Agreement has been duly approved by all necessary action, including
any necessary shareholder or membership approval, has been executed by its duly authorized
officers, and constitutes its valid and binding agreement enforceable in accordance with its
terms, if applicable.
(iii) The execution, delivery, and performance of this Escrow Agreement is in
accordance with the Underlying Agreement and will not violate, conflict with, or cause a
default under its articles of incorporation, articles of organization, bylaws, management
agreement or other organizational document, as applicable, any applicable law or regulation,
any court order or administrative ruling or decree to which it is a party or any of its
property is subject, or any agreement, contract, indenture, or other binding arrangement,
including without limitation the Underlying Agreement, to which it is a party or any of its
property is subject.
(iv) The applicable persons designated on Schedule C hereto have been duly appointed to
act as its representatives hereunder and have full power and authority to execute and
deliver any Joint Written Direction, to amend, modify or waive any provision of this Escrow
Agreement and to take any and all other actions as the Representatives under this Escrow
Agreement, all without further consent or direction from, or notice to, it or any other
party.
(v) No party other than the parties hereto has, or shall have, any lien, claim or
security interest in the Escrow Funds or any part thereof. No financing statement under the
Uniform Commercial Code is on file in any jurisdiction claiming a security interest in or
describing (whether specifically or generally) the Escrow Funds or any part thereof.
(vi) All of its representations and warranties contained herein are true and complete
as of the date hereof and will be true and complete at the time of any disbursement of the
Escrow Funds.
12. Identifying Information. To help the government fight the funding of terrorism
and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify,
and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. For a non-individual
person such as a business entity, a charity, a Trust, or other legal entity, the Escrow Agent
requires documentation to verify its formation and existence as a legal entity. The Escrow Agent
may ask to see financial statements, licenses, identification and authorization documents from
individuals claiming authority to represent the entity or other relevant documentation. Depositor
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and Recipients acknowledge that a portion of the identifying information set forth herein is
being requested by the Escrow Agent in connection with the USA Patriot Act, Pub.L.107-56 (the
Act), and Depositor and Recipients agree to provide any additional information requested by the
Escrow Agent in connection with the Act or any similar legislation or regulation to which Escrow
Agent is subject, in a timely manner.
13. Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue. In the event that any party hereto commences a
lawsuit or other proceeding relating to or arising from this Escrow Agreement, the parties hereto
agree that the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota shall have the sole and
exclusive jurisdiction over any such proceeding. If such court lacks federal subject matter
jurisdiction, the parties agree that the courts of the State of Minnesota, County of Hennepin shall
have sole and exclusive jurisdiction. Any of these courts shall be proper venue for any such
lawsuit or judicial proceeding and the parties hereto waive any objection to such venue. The
parties hereto consent to and agree to submit to the jurisdiction of any of the courts specified
herein and agree to accept service of process to vest personal jurisdiction over them in any of
these courts.
14. Notice. All notices, approvals, consents, requests, and other communications
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when the writing is delivered
if given or delivered by hand, overnight delivery service or facsimile transmitter (with confirmed
receipt) to the address or facsimile number set forth in this section 14, or to such other address
as each party may designate for itself by like notice, and shall be deemed to have been given on
the date deposited in the mail, if mailed, by first-class, registered or certified mail, postage
prepaid, addressed as set forth herein, or to such other address as each party may designate for
itself by like notice.
If to Depositor at:
Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc.
Baker Technology Plaza, Suite 475
5929 Baker Road
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Attn: John A. Witham
Facsimile No.: (952) 974-7887
with a copy to:
Briggs and Morgan, P.A.
2200 IDS Center
80 South Eighth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Attn: Avron L. Gordon
Facsimile No.: (612) 977-8650
If to Recipients at:
Robert Whent
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300 Russell Woods Drive
Tecumseh, Ontario N8N 4K5 Canada |
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and |
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Alan and Marlene Buterbaugh |
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143 Pointe West Drive |
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Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 3P2 Canada |
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with a copy to: |
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Jeffrey M. Slopen |
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Principal |
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Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, LLP |
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443 Oullette Avenue, Suite 300 |
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Windsor, Ontario N9A 6R4 Canada |
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If to the Escrow Agent at:
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U.S. Bank National Association, as Escrow Agent |
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ATTN: Corporate Trust Administration |
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60 Livingston Avenue, Mail Code EP-MN-WS3C |
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St. Paul, MN 55107-2292 |
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Facsimile: 651-495-8096 |
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Telephone: 651-495-3922 |
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E-mail: georgette.kleinbaum@usbank.com |
15. Amendment or Waiver. This Escrow Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or
terminated only by a writing signed by the Representatives and Escrow Agent. No delay or omission
by any party in exercising any right with respect hereto shall operate as a waiver. A waiver on
any one occasion shall not be construed as a bar to, or waiver of, any right or remedy on any
future occasion.
16. Severability. To the extent any provision of this Escrow Agreement is prohibited
by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such
prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining
provisions of this Escrow Agreement.
17. Governing Law. This Escrow Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in
accordance with the internal laws of the State of Minnesota without giving effect to the conflict
of laws principles thereof.
18. Entire Agreement. This Escrow Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between
the parties relating to the holding, investment and disbursement of the Escrow Funds and sets forth
in their entirety the obligations and duties of Escrow Agent with respect to the Escrow Funds.
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19. Binding Effect. All of the terms of this Escrow Agreement, as amended from time
to time, shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the respective
successors and assigns of Depositor, Recipients and Escrow Agent.
20. Execution in Counterparts. This Escrow Agreement and any Joint Written Direction
may be executed in two or more counterparts, which when so executed shall constitute one and the
same agreement or direction.
21. Termination. Upon the first to occur of the termination of the Escrow Period, the
disbursement of all amounts in the Escrow Funds or the disbursement of all amounts in the Escrow
Funds into court pursuant to Section 5 or Section 8 hereof, this Escrow Agreement shall terminate
and Escrow Agent shall have no further obligation or liability whatsoever with respect to this
Escrow Agreement or the Escrow Funds.
22. Dealings. The Escrow Agent and any stockholder, director, officer or employee of
the Escrow Agent may buy, sell, and deal in any of the securities of the Depositor or Recipients
and become pecuniarily interested in any transaction in which the Depositor or Recipients may be
interested, and contract and lend money to the Depositor or Recipients and otherwise act as fully
and freely as though it were not Escrow Agent under this Agreement. Nothing herein shall preclude
the Escrow Agent from acting in any other capacity for the Depositor or Recipients or for any other
entity.
23. Security Advice Waiver. The Representatives acknowledge that to the extent
regulations of the Comptroller of the Currency or other applicable regulatory entity grant the
Representatives the right to receive brokerage confirmations for certain security transactions as
they occur, the Representatives specifically waive receipt of such confirmations to the extent
permitted by law. The Escrow Agent will furnish the Representatives periodic cash transaction
statements that include detail for all investment transactions made by the Escrow Agent.
24. Tax Reporting. Escrow Agent shall have no responsibility for the tax consequences
of this Escrow Agreement and hereby advises each party to consult with independent counsel
concerning any tax ramifications. Any interest or income on the Escrow Funds shall be reported on
a cash basis and shall be deemed to be for the account of Recipients, unless determined otherwise
in accordance with the terms of this Escrow Agreement.
[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank; signature page follows.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Escrow Agreement to be executed under
seal as of the date first above written.
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DEPOSITOR |
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By: |
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ATTEST: |
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Secretary |
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RECIPIENTS |
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Robert Whent |
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Alan Buterbaugh |
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Marlene Buterbaugh |
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U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as Escrow Agent |
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By: |
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SCHEDULE A
Schedule of Fees for Services as Escrow Agent
The acceptance fee includes the administrative review of documents, initial set-up of the account,
and other reasonably required services up to and including the closing. This is a flat one-time
fee, payable at closing.
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II. Annual Administration Fee:
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Annual administration fee for performance of the routine duties of the escrow agent associated with
the management of the account. Administration fees are payable in advance.
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III. Out-of-Pocket Expenses:
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At Cost |
Reimbursement of expenses associated with the performance of our duties, including but not limited
to fees and expenses of legal counsel, accountants and other agents, tax preparation, reporting and
filing, publications, and filing fees.
IV. Extraordinary Expenses:
Extraordinary services are duties or responsibilities of an unusual nature, including termination,
but not provided for in the governing documents or otherwise set forth in this schedule. A
reasonable charge will be assessed based on the nature of the service and the responsibility
involved. At our option, these charges will be billed at a flat fee or our hourly rate then in
effect.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PROCEDURES FOR OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law
requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each
person who opens an account.
For a non-individual person such as a business entity, a charity, a Trust or other legal entity we
will ask for documentation to verify its formation and existence as a legal entity. We may also ask
to see financial statements, licenses, identification and authorization documents from individuals
claiming authority to represent the entity or other relevant documentation.
SCHEDULE B
AUTOMATIC MONEY MARKET INVESTMENT AUTHORIZATION
In the absence of further specific written direction to the contrary, U.S. Bank National
Association is hereby directed to invest and reinvest proceeds and other available moneys in the
following fund as permitted by the operative documents. Please mark one space with an X
for the investment vehicle selection, and sign below.
_X_ First American Treasury Obligations Fund (Reserve Class)
PLEASE REFER TO THE PROSPECTUS OF FIRST AMERICAN FUNDS, INC. WHICH YOU HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE HAS
PREVIOUSLY BEEN PROVIDED. NOTE THAT THE ABOVE FUNDS INVESTMENT ADVISOR, CUSTODIAN, DISTRIBUTOR
AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS AS DISCLOSED IN THE FUNDS PROSPECTUS ARE U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
AND AFFILIATES THEREOF. SHARES OF THE ABOVE FUNDS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR
GUARANTEED BY, ANY BANK INCLUDING U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, NOR ARE
THEY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER
AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUNDS INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISK, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
U.S. BANK DOES NOT HAVE A DUTY NOR WILL IT UNDERTAKE SUCH DUTY TO PROVIDE INVESTMENT ADVICE TO YOU
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, IF NEEDED, SHOULD BE OBTAINED FROM A TRUSTED FINANCIAL ADVISOR. U.S.
Bank National Association will not vote proxies for the First American Funds. Proxies will be
mailed to you for voting.
Fee Basis: Approval of investment of any of these First American mutual funds includes approval of
the funds fees and expenses as detailed in the enclosed prospectus, including advisory, custodial,
distribution and shareholder service expenses (which may be so-called 12b-1 shareholder service
fees), which fees and expenses are paid to U.S. Bank National Association or other affiliates of
U.S. Bank National Association.
SCHEDULE C
Representatives:
The following person(s) are hereby designated and appointed as Depositor Representative under
the Escrow Agreement (only one signature shall be required for any direction):
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The following person(s) are hereby designated and appointed as Recipients Representative under
the Escrow Agreement (only one signature shall be required for any direction):
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Exhibit 7.4(a)
Form of Opinion
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Founded in 1852
by Sidney Davy Miller
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michigan: Ann Arbor
Detroit Grand Rapids
Howell Kalamazoo
Lansing Monroe
Saginaw Troy
florida: Naples Pensacola
massachusetts: Cambridge |
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Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, llp
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new york: New York
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443 Ouellette Avenue, Suite 300, P.O. Box 1390
Windsor, Ontario, Canada N9A 6R4
TEL (519) 977-1555/(313) 962-1990
www.millercanfield.com
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canada:
Toronto Windsor
poland: Gdynia
Warsaw Wroclaw |
August , 2007
Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc.
Baker Technology Plaza, Suite 475
5929 Baker Road
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Attention:
John A. Witham
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Re: |
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Sale of shares in the capital stock of 1710647 Ontario Limited by Robert
Whent, sale of shares of Mar Capital by Marlene Buterbaugh, sale of shares of Alamar
Holdings Inc. by Alan Buterbaugh to Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc. (the Buyer)
and resulting acquisition of control of McGill Digital Solutions Inc. by the Buyer |
Dear Sirs:
We have acted as counsel to Robert Whent (Whent), Alan Buterbaugh (A. Buterbaugh), Marlene
Buterbaugh (M. Buterbaugh) (Whent, A. Buterbaugh and M. Buterbaugh together, the Sellers and
each a Seller), 1710647 Ontario Limited (OL), Mar Capital Inc. (Mar), Alamar Holdings Inc.
(Alamar) and McGill Digital Solutions Inc. (the Corporation) in connection with a Stock
Purchase Agreement dated as of August 1, 2007 and agreements referenced therein (together referred
herein as the Documents) and the transactions contemplated therein.
Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meaning attributed to them in the Stock Purchase
Agreement, unless otherwise set out herein. This opinion is provided pursuant to Section 7.4(a) of
the Stock Purchase Agreement.
We have participated in the preparation, execution and delivery of the Documents.
We have also examined:
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the constating documents and relevant corporate records of the Corporation; |
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a certificate of an officer of each of OL, Mar, Alamar and the Corporation,
copies of which have been delivered to you; |
-2-
MILLER, CANFIELD, PADDOCK and STONE, llp
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a certificate of status dated no earlier than August , 2007 in respect of
each of OL, Mar, Alamar and the Corporation issued by the Ministry of Government
Services for the Province of Ontario; and |
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such other documents that we have deemed relevant and necessary as the basis of
our opinions herein. |
For the purposes of the opinions expressed herein, we have assumed:
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the genuineness of all signatures; |
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the legal capacity of all individuals; |
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the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals; |
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the conformity to authentic originals of all documents submitted to us as
photostatic copies or as facsimiles; |
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that the Documents have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by and
constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of each party thereto other than the
Sellers; |
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that for the purposes of our opinion as to enforceability of any Document which
is stated to be subject to Minnesota law, that the laws of the State of Michigan are
identical in all respects to the laws of the Province of Ontario; |
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the truthfulness and accuracy of all certificates of corporate officers; and |
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all facts set forth in the official public records, indices, filing systems and
all certificates and documents supplied by public officials or otherwise conveyed to us
by public officials are accurate and complete. |
Whenever our opinion with respect to the existence or absence of facts or circumstances is
qualified by the expression to our knowledge or words to like effect, it is based solely on:
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the actual knowledge of the current partners and associates of
our firm learned during the course of representing the parties to whom we have
acted as counsel as set forth above; |
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a review of the officers certificates referred to above. |
We have undertaken no other investigation.
-3-
MILLER, CANFIELD, PADDOCK and STONE, llp
The opinions expressed herein are limited to the laws of the Province of Ontario and the
federal laws of Canada applicable therein.
Our opinions expressed herein are subject to the following qualifications:
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the enforceability of the Documents may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
reorganization and insolvency, winding-up, arrangement, moratorium, fraudulent
conveyance or transfer and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors
rights generally; |
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enforcement of the rights and remedies set out in the Documents may be limited
by general principles of equity regardless of whether such enforcement is considered in
a proceeding in equity or at law; |
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the enforceability of the Documents is subject to the discretion of a court of
competent jurisdiction to apply principles of equity or public policy as such term is
understood under the laws of the Province of Ontario; |
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a court in the Province of Ontario may exercise discretion in the granting of
equitable remedies such as specific performance and injunction; |
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any action on the Documents may be barred by the Limitations Act, 2002
(Ontario) after the applicable limitation period has expired and we express no opinion
as to whether a court may find any provision contained in the Purchase Agreement to be
unenforceable on the basis that any such provision is an attempt to vary or exclude a
limitation period under the Limitations Act, 2002 (Ontario); |
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the costs of, and incidental to, a proceeding to enforce the Documents are in
the discretion a court of competent jurisdiction and the court may determine by whom
and to what extent the cost shall be paid; |
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no opinion is expressed as to the enforceability of any provision of the
Documents which suggest that modifications, amendments or waivers that are not in
writing will not be effective; |
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the effectiveness of provisions which purport to relieve a person from
liability or duty otherwise owed may be limited by law, and the provisions requiring
indemnification or reimbursement may not be enforced by a court to the extent they
relate to the failure of such person to have performed such duty or liability; |
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a court in the Province of Ontario may decline to enforce rights of indemnity
and contribution under the Documents to the extent that they are found to be contrary |
-4-
MILLER, CANFIELD, PADDOCK and STONE, llp
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to public policy as such term is understood under the laws of the Province of Ontario; |
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provisions in the Documents which purport to sever from any Documents any
provision therein which is prohibited or unenforceable under applicable law without
affecting the enforceability or validity of the remainder of the such Documents would
be enforced only to the extent that the court determines such
prohibited or unenforceable provision could be severed without impairing the
interpretation and application of the remainder of the such Documents; |
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a court may decline to accept the factual and legal determination of a party
notwithstanding that a contract or instrument provides that the determinations of that
party shall be conclusive; |
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We express no opinion as to the enforceability of non-competition covenants
contained in the Documents by reason of the fact that such covenants are prima facie in
restrain of trade and therefore may be found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be
void on public policy grounds. |
Based and relying on and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
1. The Corporation is a corporation duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of
the Province of Ontario and has the corporate power and capacity to own or lease its properties and
assets and to carry on, as applicable its business as presently conducted.
2. Each of OL, Alamar and Mar is a corporation duly amalgamated or incorporated, as applicable
and validly existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario and OL, Alamar and Mar have the
corporate power and capacity to own their respective properties and assets, including the Shares.
3. Each Seller has taken all necessary actions, steps and proceedings to approve or authorize
the entering into, execution and delivery and the performance of his or her obligations under the
Documents to which he or she is a party and in particular to transfer the Shares to the Buyer,
subject to compliance with any restrictions on transfer of such Shares set out in the
Organizational Documents of each of OL, Alamar and Mar and the Shareholders Agreement applicable to
the Corporation.
4. Each Seller has good right, power and authority to enter into the Documents to which he or
she is a party and to perform his or her obligations under the Documents.
5. The execution, delivery and performance of the Documents by each Seller, as applicable, and
the completion of the transactions contemplated thereby will not constitute or result in a
violation or breach of or a default under:
-5-
MILLER, CANFIELD, PADDOCK and STONE, llp
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any term or provision of any of the Organizational Documents of the
Corporation, OL, Alamar or Mar or by-laws or resolutions of the board of directors (or
any committee thereto) or shareholders, as the case may be, of the Corporation, OL,
Alamar or Mar; |
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any applicable law, statute, ordinance, regulation or rule applicable in the
Province of Ontario or in Canada as applicable in the Province of Ontario; and |
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to the best of our knowledge, under any indenture, agreement or other legally
binding instrument to which any of the Sellers or the Corporation is a party or by
which any of them or any of their repective properties or assets may be bound. |
6. The authorized capital of the Corporation consists of an unlimited number of common shares,
an unlimited number of Class A shares of which one thousand seven hundred (1,700) have been
issued and are outstanding as fully paid and non-assessable shares, and at the date hereof, OL is
the registered and beneficial holder of eight hundred and fifty (850) common shares and Alamar is
the registered and beneficial holder of eight hundred and fifty (850) common shares.
7. The authorized capital of OL consists of an unlimited number of common shares of which one
thousand (1,000) common shares have been issued and are outstanding as fully paid and
non-assessable shares and at the date hereof, Whent is the registered and beneficial holder of one
thousand (1,000) common shares.
8. The authorized capital of Alamar consists of an unlimited number of common shares of which
one hundred (100) common shares have been issued and are outstanding as fully paid and
non-assessable shares, and at the date hereof, A. Buterbaugh is the registered and beneficial
holder of sixty (60) common shares and Mar is the registered and beneficial holder of forty (40)
common shares.
9. The authorized capital of Mar consists of an unlimited number of common shares, an
unlimited number of Class A special shares and one thousand (1,000) preferred shares of which
forty (40) common shares (and no more) have been issued and are outstanding as fully paid and
non-assessable shares, and at the date hereof, M. Buterbaugh is the registered and beneficial
holder of forty (40) common shares.
10. Assuming payment by the Buyer of the consideration for the Shares pursuant to the Stock
Purchase Agreement, and that the Buyer has no notice of any adverse claim in respect of the Shares,
and that the Buyer is acting in good faith, upon delivery to the Buyer by the Sellers of share
certificates representing the Shares duly endorsed for transfer to the Buyer or in blank by the
Sellers, the Buyer will acquire the Shares, free of any adverse claim.
-6-
MILLER, CANFIELD, PADDOCK and STONE, llp
11. In the event that any Document, which is stated to be subject to the laws of the State of
Minnesota, is sought to be enforced in any action or proceeding in the Province of Ontario in
accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota, the courts of Ontario would:
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recognize such choice of laws if it were not made with a view to avoid the
consequences of the laws of any other jurisdiction and that the choice is not otherwise
contrary to public policy as such term is understood under the laws of the Province of
Ontario; |
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we know of no reason that a court in the Province of Ontario would consider
such choice of law s to be contrary to public policy; and |
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if that choice of laws is valid, applied the laws of the State of Minnesota
upon appropriate evidence being adduced as to such laws, provided that it would not be
contrary to Ontario public policy for an Ontario court to hear an action or proceeding
to enforce such Document in Ontario. A court in the Province of Ontario has, however,
an inherent power to decline to hear such an action if it is not the proper forum to
hear such an action or if concurrent proceedings are brought elsewhere; |
12. The laws of the Province of Ontario permit an action to be brought in a court of competent
jurisdiction in Ontario on any final and conclusive judgment in personam against the Sellers, in
respect of a Document made by a court in the State of Minnesota having jurisdiction over the
Sellers, as recognized by the courts of the Province of Ontario which is not impeachable as void or
voidable under the internal laws of the State of Minnesota for a sum certain if:
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the court rendering such judgment has jurisdiction over the
Sellers, as recognized by the Province of Ontario; |
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such judgment were not obtained by fraud or in a manner
contrary to natural justice and the enforcement thereof would not be contrary
to Ontario public policy; |
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(iii) |
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the enforcement of such judgment does not constitute, directly
or indirectly, the enforcement of foreign penal, revenue or expropriation laws; |
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(iv) |
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the action to enforce the judgment is taken within the
applicable limitation periods; and |
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(v) |
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the judgment is not contrary to any order made under the
Foreign Extraterritorial Measures Act (Canada) or under the Competition Act
(Canada) in respect to judgments referred to therein. |
-7-
MILLER, CANFIELD, PADDOCK and STONE, llp
13. Each of the Documents to which each of the Sellers are a party, constitute a legal, valid
and binding obligation of each of the Sellers, enforceable against each of the Sellers in
accordance with its terms.
Except as expressly opined herein, we are not expressing any other opinions on any other
matters relating to the Purchase Agreement or otherwise.
The opinions expressed herein are provided solely for the benefit of the addressees in
connection with the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement and may not be used nor
relied on by the addressees for any another purpose or by any other person for any purpose
whatsoever, in each case without our prior written consent.
We shall have no continuing obligation to inform you of changes in law or in fact, subsequent
to the date hereof or of facts of which we become aware after the date hereof.
Yours very truly,
Schedule 4.2
Buyers Consents
1. Notification under the Investment Canada Act (to be filed by Buyer within 30 days following the Closing).
EXHIBIT 99
Wireless Ronin to Acquire McGill Digital Solutions
Acquisition to Expand Content Development Capabilities for Interactive Digital Signage Solutions
MINNEAPOLIS August 2, 2007 Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:RNIN), a Minneapolis-based
digital signage solutions provider, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to
acquire privately held McGill Digital Solutions, Inc. Based in Windsor, Ontario Canada, McGill is
a provider of custom interactive software solutions, used primarily for e-learning and digital
signage applications.
This is an exciting opportunity, said Jeffrey Mack, Wireless Ronins chairman, president and
chief executive officer. The ROI requirements that have been placed on digital signage programs
are very high in this competitive environment. The ability to incorporate training and other onsite
benefits will be one more way of leveraging our technology for our clients to increase the value
added by a RoninCast® digital signage network and differentiate our product offering.
First incorporated in 1987, McGill has a strong legacy within the automotive market. The company
has developed thousands of e-learning, e-performance support and e-marketing solutions to help
companies train, motivate, and sell. Working across the spectrum, McGill develops the competencies
and knowledge of the people who most influence product sales sales associates and their
customers. McGill also has a strong web development and marketing business that complements its
product offerings.
Under the terms of the agreement, Wireless Ronin will acquire McGill for a combination of cash and
securities. Wireless Ronin will make contingent milestone payments, based on future revenue
generation and other benchmarks. The acquisition is expected to be mildly accretive to earnings
within 12 months. No additional terms of the acquisition were disclosed at this time.
Mack continued, Like Wireless Ronin, McGills management and associates are building a solid track
record of delivering high-quality solutions and services and are establishing a respected and loyal
customer base. This acquisition is great news for our customers, partners and shareholders, as it
further augments our already robust product offering. As a result of this acquisition, we will
increase the size of our talented sales and professional services teams, gain entry into new
vertical markets, acquire state-of-the-art technology and add to a solid financial platform.
Robert Whent, McGills CEO and founder, commented, The integration of Wireless Ronin and McGill
will result in a comprehensive digital signage offering that the industry has yet to experience. We
are very excited about this combination and believe that it provides a significant benefit to our
customers and associates.
Alan Buterbaugh, McGills president and co-owner added, Coupling 20 years of retail interactive
marketing and training expertise with the strength of the RoninCast® software will give us an edge
over the competition. We believe the solutions we will be able to deliver as a single operation are
exactly what our clients need to win over todays highly informed consumers and close sales.
As part of the acquisition and merger of McGill with Wireless Ronin additional sales and marketing,
as well as product development capabilities will be acquired through McGills facility in Canada.
The transaction is expected to close within 30 days. Subject to the closing, the integration and
realization of operational efficiencies is expected to be completed by the end of 2007.
Mack concluded, By joining forces with McGill, we believe we are positioned better than ever to
deliver a comprehensive digital signage solution that drives efficiencies for our customers and
yields a strong return on their
investment in digital signage. With this acquisition, we believe that we have strengthened our
platform for future success.
Completion of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions.
Wireless Ronin plans to release financial results for its second quarter of 2007 before the opening
of regular market trading on Friday, August 10, 2007. The company will host a conference call at
9:00 a.m. CDT on August 10, 2007, to discuss these results.
About McGill Digital Solutions, Inc.
McGill Digital Solutions is an award-winning producer of interactive point-of-purchase applications
that funnel product education and sales closing information to both sales consultants and
consumers. Based in Windsor, Ontario Canada, McGill has created thousands of e-learning and
e-marketing solutions to help companies train, motivate, and sell. With a client base rooted in the
automotive industry, McGill delivers highly engaging and relevant interactive content on-line and
through kiosks, digital signage and mobile devices.
About Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc.
Wireless Ronin Technologies (www.wirelessronin.com) is the developer of RoninCast®, a complete
software solution designed to address the evolving digital signage marketplace. RoninCast® provides
clients with the ability to manage a digital signage network from one central location. The
software suite allows for customized distribution with network management, playlist creation and
scheduling, and database integration. An array of services is offered by Wireless Ronin to support
RoninCast® including consulting, creative development, project management, installation, and
training. The companys common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol
RNIN.
This release contains certain forward-looking statements of expected future developments, as
defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements in
this release refer to completion of the acquisition (and integration) of McGill Digital Solutions,
the benefits of such acquisition and other matters. These forward-looking statements reflect
managements expectations and are based on currently available data; however, actual results are
subject to future risks and uncertainties, which could materially affect actual performance. Risks
and uncertainties that could affect such performance include, but are not limited to, the
following: our estimates of future expenses, revenue and profitability; trends affecting our
financial condition and results of operations; our ability to obtain customer orders; the
availability and terms of additional capital; our ability to develop new products; our dependence
on key suppliers, manufacturers and strategic partners; industry trends and the competitive
environment; and the impact of losing one or more senior executives or failing to attract
additional key personnel. These and other risk factors are discussed in detail in the Companys
Current Report on Form 10-KSB filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, on March 28, 2007.