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ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

Asset Purchase Agreement

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT | Document Parties: BON TON STORES INC | BELK, INC You are currently viewing:
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BON TON STORES INC | BELK, INC

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Title: ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
Governing Law: Delaware     Date: 10/31/2006
Industry: Retail (Department and Discount)    

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT, Parties: bon ton stores inc , belk  inc
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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                     BETWEEN

                                   BELK, INC.

                                        AND

                            THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

                          DATED AS OF OCTOBER 25, 2006

<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                          <C>
ARTICLE I         DEFINITIONS.............................................      1
   Section 1.1    Definitions.............................................      1
   Section 1.2    Interpretation..........................................     11

ARTICLE II        PURCHASE AND SALE.......................................     12
   Section 2.1    Purchase and Sale of Assets.............................     12
   Section 2.2    Unassignable Contracts..................................     16
   Section 2.3    Assumption of Liabilities...............................     17
   Section 2.4    Leased Department Agreements and Equipment Lease
                 Agreements..............................................     20

ARTICLE III       PURCHASE PRICE..........................................     21
   Section 3.1    Purchase Price..........................................     21
   Section 3.2    Allocation of Purchase Price; Transfer Tax Valuation....     23

ARTICLE IV        CLOSING.................................................     23
   Section 4.1    Closing Date............................................     23
   Section 4.2    Payment on the Closing Date.............................     24
   Section 4.3    Buyer's Additional Closing Date Deliveries..............     24
   Section 4.4    Seller's Closing Date Deliveries........................     24

ARTICLE V         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER................     25
   Section 5.1    Organization of Seller; Power and Authority of Seller...     26
   Section 5.2    Authority of Seller; Conflicts..........................     26
   Section 5.3    Financial Statements....................................     27
   Section 5.4    Operations Since Financial Statements Date..............     27
   Section 5.5    Taxes...................................................     29
   Section 5.6    Governmental Permits....................................     29
   Section 5.7    Real Property...........................................     29
   Section 5.8    Personal Property Leases................................     30
   Section 5.9    Intellectual Property...................................     30
   Section 5.10   Title to Property.......................................     32
   Section 5.11   No Violation, Litigation or Regulatory Action...........     32
   Section 5.12   [Intentionally Blank]...................................     33
   Section 5.13   Status of Contracts.....................................     33
   Section 5.14   ERISA...................................................     33
   Section 5.15   Environmental Compliance................................     34
   Section 5.16   Employee Relations and Agreements.......................     35
   Section 5.17   Sufficiency of Assets...................................     36
   Section 5.18   No Brokers..............................................     37
   Section 5.19   No Investigation by Buyer...............................     37

ARTICLE VI        REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER.................     37
   Section 6.1    Organization of Buyer...................................     37
</TABLE>


                                         i

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                          <C>
   Section 6.2    Authority of Buyer; Conflicts...........................     37
   Section 6.3    No Violation, Litigation or Regulatory Action...........     38
   Section 6.4    Financing...............................................     38
   Section 6.5    No Brokers..............................................     38

ARTICLE VII       ACTION PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE........................     39
   Section 7.1    Access to Information...................................     39
   Section 7.2    Notifications...........................................     39
   Section 7.3    Consents of Third Parties; Governmental Approvals.......      40
   Section 7.4    Operations Prior to the Closing Date....................     41
   Section 7.5    Ancillary Agreements....................................     43
   Section 7.6    Private Brands..........................................     43
   Section 7.7    Remittance of Cash Receipts.............................     44
   Section 7.8    Software Issues.........................................     44
   Section 7.9    No Solicitation.........................................     45

ARTICLE VIII      ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS...................................     46
   Section 8.1    Use of Names............................................     46
   Section 8.2    Tax Matters.............................................     47
   Section 8.3    Employees and Employee Benefits.........................     49
   Section 8.4    Insurance; Risk of Loss.................................     53
   Section 8.5    Consents................................................     53
   Section 8.6    Fees and Expenses.......................................     54
   Section 8.7    Gift Cards, Etc; Return Policies........................     54
   Section 8.8    HIPAA Confidentiality...................................     56
   Section 8.9    Mortgages and Other Encumbrances........................      56
   Section 8.10   Lease Proration.........................................     57
   Section 8.11   Certain Litigation......................................     57

ARTICLE IX        CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF BUYER............     59
   Section 9.1    No Order................................................     59
   Section 9.2    Representations and Warranties..........................     59
   Section 9.3    Performance of Obligations..............................     59
   Section 9.4    Consents, Estoppels and Releases........................     60
   Section 9.5    Closing Certificate.....................................     60
   Section 9.6    Store Material Adverse Effect...........................     60
   Section 9.7    Partridge Creek Amendment...............................     60

ARTICLE X         CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER...........     60
   Section 10.1   No Order................................................     60
   Section 10.2   Representations and Warranties..........................     60
   Section 10.3   Performance of Obligations..............................     61
   Section 10.4   Closing Certificate.....................................     61
   Section 10.5   Partridge Creek Amendment...............................     61

ARTICLE XI        INDEMNIFICATION.........................................     61
   Section 11.1   Indemnification by Seller...............................     61
</TABLE>


                                       ii

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                           <C>
   Section 11.2   Indemnification by Buyer................................     62
   Section 11.3   Notice of Claims........................................     64
   Section 11.4   Determination of Amount.................................     64
   Section 11.5   Third Person Claims.....................................     64
   Section 11.6   Limitations.............................................     66
   Section 11.7   Mitigation..............................................     66

ARTICLE XII       TERMINATION.............................................     67
   Section 12.1   Termination.............................................     67
   Section 12.2   Notice of Termination...................................     68
   Section 12.3   Effect of Termination...................................     68

ARTICLE XIII      MISCELLANEOUS...........................................     68
   Section 13.1   Survival of Representations and Warranties..............     68
   Section 13.2   Governing Law...........................................     68
   Section 13.3   No Public Announcement..................................     68
   Section 13.4   Notices.................................................     68
   Section 13.5   Successors and Assigns..................................     69
   Section 13.6   Access to Records after Closing.........................     69
   Section 13.7   Entire Agreement; Amendments............................     70
   Section 13.8   Interpretation..........................................     70
   Section 13.9   Waivers.................................................     71
   Section 13.10 Partial Invalidity......................................     71
   Section 13.11 Execution in Counterparts...............................     71
   Section 13.12 Further Assurances......................................     71
   Section 13.13 Disclaimer of Warranties................................     72
   Section 13.14 Specific Performance....................................     72
   Section 13.15 Waiver of Jury Trial....................................     72
</TABLE>


                                       iii

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBITS

A    Assignment and Assumption Agreement (Real Estate)
B    Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement
C    Seller Registered IP
D    Form of Warranty Deed
E    Contracts
F    Register Cash by Store
G    Store Employees
H    Owned Real Estate
I    Leased Real Estate
J    Intellectual Property Assets
K    Customer Information
L    Software
M    Excluded Contracts
N    Leased Department Agreements
O    Equipment Agreements
P    Form of Section 1445 Affidavit
Q    Transition Services Agreement
R    IP License Agreement
S    Private Brands Agreement
T    Retained Names and Marks
U    Inventory Valuation
V    Estoppel Letters


                                       iv

<PAGE>

                                    SCHEDULES

1.1(b)        Permitted Encumbrances
1.1(c)        Title Policies and Commitments
5.2           No Conflicts
5.3           Specified Store Financial Statements
5.4           Operations Since Financial Statements Date
5.6           Government Permits
5.7(a)(i)     Leased Real Estate
5.7(a)(ii)    Owned Real Estate
5.7(b)        Zoning and Condemnation Matters
5.7(c)         Real Estate Defaults
5.8           Personal Property Leases
5.9(a)        Registered Intellectual Property
5.9(b)        Software
5.9(c)        Intellectual Property Included in Assets
5.9(d)        Registrations of Registered Intellectual Property and Software
5.9(e)        Infringement of Intellectual Property
5.9(f)        Challenge to Registered Intellectual Property
5.11          Litigation
5.13          Status of Contracts
5.14(a)       Seller Plans
5.14(b)       Welfare and Benefit Plans
5.14(c)       Determination Letters for Qualified Plans
5.15          Environmental Compliance
5.16(a)       Store Employees
5.16(b)       Employee Compensation
5.16(c)       Employee Relations
5.16(d)       Unions
5.16(e)       Employment Agreements
5.17          Excluded Assets
7.1           Access Contracts
7.4           Material Changes
7.4(b)(xvi)   Private Brand Orders
7.8           Software
8.7           Gift Programs
9.4(a)        Estoppel Certificates
9.4(b)        Encumbrances


                                        v

<PAGE>

                             ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

          ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of October 25, 2006 (this
"Agreement"), by and between Belk, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Seller"), and
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation ("Buyer").

                             PRELIMINARY STATEMENT:

          WHEREAS, Seller is engaged in the business of owning and operating
retail department stores; and

          WHEREAS, pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 1,
2006 (the "Stock Purchase Agreement"), between Seller and Saks Incorporated, a
Tennessee corporation ("Saks"), Seller purchased from Saks, and Saks sold to
Seller, all of the capital stock of the Saks subsidiaries Parisian Stores, Inc.,
an Alabama corporation, Parisian Wholesalers, Inc., an Alabama corporation, and
Parisian Alabama, Inc., a Delaware corporation (each, a "Company" and,
collectively, the "Companies") (the "Saks Transaction"); and

          WHEREAS, the assets of the Companies acquired by Seller in the Saks
Transaction included the assets used in the operation of the following five
Parisian department stores (the "Stores"): Fairfield Commons, Beavercreek, Ohio;
Circle Center, Indianapolis, Indiana; Meadowbrook Mall, Rochester Hills,
Michigan; Laurel Park Place, Livonia, Michigan; and Partridge Creek Fashion
Park, Clinton Township, Michigan; and

          WHEREAS, immediately following the consummation of the Saks
Transaction, the Companies were merged with and into Seller, with Seller as the
surviving corporation; and

          WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell to Buyer, and Buyer desires to
purchase from Seller, certain assets used in the operation of the Stores, all on
the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements hereinafter set forth, it is hereby agreed between Seller and Buyer
as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I
                                   DEFINITIONS

     Section 1.1 Definitions. In this Agreement, the following terms have the
meanings specified or referred to in this Section 1.1.

          "ACCOUNTS" shall have the meaning specified in the Program Agreement.

          "AFFILIATE" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person who
directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is
controlled by or is under common control with such Person. As used herein,
"control" means the power to direct the management or affairs of a Person, and
"ownership" means the beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the equity
securities of the Person.

<PAGE>

          "AGREEMENT" has the meaning specified in the first paragraph of this
Agreement.

          "ALLOCATION SCHEDULE" has the meaning specified in Section 3.2(a).

          "ARBITRATOR" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(b).

          "ASSET ACQUISITION PROPOSAL" means any proposal or offer with respect
to any purchase, directly or indirectly, of all or any significant portion of
the Assets, whether by merger, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise (other
than any transaction with Buyer or its Affiliates).

          "ASSETS" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a).

          "ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT (REAL ESTATE)" means the
Assignment and Assumption Agreement (Real Estate) in substantially the form of
Exhibit A, with such modifications thereto as may be necessary to conform to the
requirements of the applicable Leasehold Interest or Real Estate Agreement (but
which in any event shall expressly disclaim any representation or warranty by
Seller or its Affiliates (other than representations and warranties made in this
Agreement) as provided in Exhibit A), with separate instruments for each parcel
of Real Estate.

          "ASSUMED LIABILITIES" has the meaning specified in Section 2.3(a).

          "BILL OF SALE, ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT" means the Bill of
Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit
B.

          "BOOKS AND RECORDS" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a)(xiii).

          "BUSINESS" means the Parisian Business as conducted at the Stores.

          "BUSINESS AGREEMENTS" has the meaning specified in Section 5.13.

          "BUYER" has the meaning specified in the first paragraph of this
Agreement.

          "BUYER ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS" means all agreements, instruments and
documents being or to be executed and delivered by Buyer under this Agreement or
in connection herewith.

          "BUYER GROUP MEMBER" means (a) Buyer and its Affiliates, (b)
directors, officers and employees of Buyer and its Affiliates and (c) the
successors and assigns of the foregoing.

          "BUYER'S DC PLAN" has the meaning specified in Section 8.3(j).

          "BUYER'S PLANS" has the meaning specified in Section 8.3(c)(ii).

          "BUYER POS DATE" means the date on which all point-of-sale systems in
the Stores shall have been converted to the Buyer's systems, which is expected
to occur in February 2007.

          "CHANGE IN LAW" means the adoption, promulgation, modification or
reinterpretation of any law, rule, regulation, ordinance or order or any other
Requirement of Law of any Governmental Body that occurs subsequent to the date
of this Agreement.

          "CLAIM NOTICE" has the meaning specified in Section 11.3.


                                       2

<PAGE>

          "CLOSING" means the closing of the transfer of the Assets from Seller
and its Affiliates to Buyer or its permitted assignee.

          "CLOSING DATE" has the meaning specified in Section 4.1.

          "CLUB LIBBY LU AGREEMENT" means the Club Libby Lu Licensed Departments
Agreement dated October 2, 2006 between Saks and Seller as in effect on the date
hereof.

          "COBRA" has the meaning specified in Section 8.3(h).

          "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

          "COMPANIES" has the meaning specified in the recitals.

          "CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION" has the meaning specified in Section
8.13(a).

          "CONTRACTS" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a)(vii).

          "COURT ORDER" means any judgment, order, award or decree of any
foreign, federal, state, local or other court, agency or tribunal and any award
in any arbitration proceeding.

          "CREDIT CARD AGREEMENT" has the meaning specified in Section 7.5(d).

          "CUSTOMER INFORMATION" has the meaning specified in Section
2.1(a)(xii).

          "CUT-OFF DATE" has the meaning specified in Section 4.1.

          "DISCLOSING PARTY" has the meaning specified in Section 8.13(a).

          "EFFECTIVE TIME" has the meaning specified in Section 4.1.

          "EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT" means any employment contract, termination or
severance agreement, change of control agreement or any other agreement
respecting the terms and conditions of employment or payment of compensation in
respect to any current or former officer or employee of the Stores.

          "ENCUMBRANCE" means any lien, charge, claim, restriction, security
interest, encumbrance, mortgage, pledge, easement, conditional sale or other
title retention agreement, title exception, defect in title or other restriction
of a similar kind.

          "ENVIRONMENTAL LAW" means all Requirements of Law relating to
protection of surface or ground water, drinking water supply, soil, surface or
subsurface strata or medium, ambient air, pollution control, health, chemical
use, safety or sanitation or the handling, storage or disposal of Hazardous
Materials.

          "ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS" means all permits, licenses or authorizations
required pursuant to any Environmental Law.

          "EQUIPMENT" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a)(iii).

          "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.

          "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

          "EXCLUDED ASSETS" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(b).


                                       3

<PAGE>

          "EXCLUDED CONTRACTS" means all agreements, arrangements and
understandings relating to the Excluded Liabilities.

          "EXCLUDED LIABILITIES" has the meaning specified in Section 2.3(b).

          "EXPENSES" means any and all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
incurred in connection with defending or asserting any claim, action, suit or
proceeding hereunder (including court filing fees, court costs, arbitration fees
or costs, costs of investigation, witness fees and reasonable fees and
disbursements of legal counsel, expert witnesses, accountants and other
professionals).

          "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DATE" means January 28, 2006.

          "FLSA" means the United States Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended,
and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

          "FMLA" means the Family and Medical Leave Act, 29 U.S.C. Sections
2601-54.

          "GE MONEY BANK" means GE Money Bank, a federal savings bank.

          "GOVERNMENTAL BODY" means any foreign, federal, state, local or other
governmental authority or any court, administrative or regulatory agency,
department, instrumentality, body or commission.

          "GOVERNMENTAL PERMITS" has the meaning specified in Section 5.6.

          "GRANT DEEDS" means the warranty deeds in the form attached to Exhibit
D.

          "HAZARDOUS MATERIALS" means any waste, pollutant, contaminant,
hazardous substance, toxic, ignitable, reactive or corrosive substance,
hazardous waste, hazardous chemicals, petroleum or petroleum-derived substance
or waste or any constituent of any such substance or waste, the use, handling or
disposal of which is in any way governed by or subject to any applicable
Requirement of Law.

          "HIPAA" has the meaning specified in Section 8.8.

          "HSBC" has the meaning specified in Section 7.10.

          "INDEMNIFIED PARTY" has the meaning specified in Section 11.3.

          "INDEMNITOR" has the meaning specified in Section 11.3.

          "INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" means any or all of the following and all
rights, arising out of or associated therewith: (i) all United States,
international and foreign patents and applications therefor and all reissues,
divisions, renewals, extensions, provisionals, continuations and
continuations-in-part thereof; (ii) all inventions (whether patentable or not),
improvements, technical data, Trade Secrets, and all documentation relating to
any of the foregoing throughout the world; (iii) all copyrights, copyright
registrations and applications therefor, and all other rights corresponding
thereto throughout the world; (iv) all industrial designs and any registrations
and applications therefor throughout the world; (v) all internet uniform
resource locators, domain names, trade names, logos, slogans, designs, common
law trademarks and service marks, trademark and service mark registrations and
applications therefor throughout the world; (vi) all databases and data
collections and all rights therein throughout the world; and (vii) any similar
or equivalent rights to any of the foregoing anywhere in the world.


                                        4

<PAGE>

          "INVENTORY" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a)(v).

          "INVENTORY ADJUSTMENT" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(b).

          "INVENTORY SCHEDULE" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(b).

           "IP LICENSE AGREEMENT" has the meaning specified in Section 7.5(b).

          "KNOWLEDGE OF BUYER" means, as to a particular matter, the current
actual knowledge of the executive officers of Buyer (as the term "executive
officer" is defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act).

          "KNOWLEDGE OF SELLER" means, as to a particular matter, the current
actual knowledge of the executive officers of Seller (as the term "executive
officer" is defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act). As to representations
and warranties of Seller herein related to the Stores, the Assets, Saks and
Affiliates of Saks, the Parisian Business and the Business given as of the date
of the closing of the Saks Transaction or as of any date prior to the closing of
the Saks Transaction, the "Knowledge of Seller" is limited to information
obtained by or made available to Seller in connection with the Stock Purchase
Agreement (including the disclosure schedules of Seller related thereto and all
matters disclosed in or readily discernible from the materials, documents and
reports made available to Seller in the virtual data room maintained by Saks and
on the Chicago Title Insurance Company website).

          "LABOR LAWS" means all Requirements of Law concerning labor relations,
unions and collective bargaining, conditions of employment, employment
discrimination and harassment, wages, hours or occupational safety and health,
including ERISA, the United States Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986,
the United States National Labor Relations Act, the United States Civil Rights
Acts of 1866 and 1964, the United States Equal Pay Act, the United States Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, the United States Americans with Disabilities
Act, the United States Family Medical Leave Act, the United States Worker
Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the United States Occupational
Safety and Health Act, the United States Davis Bacon Act, the United States
Walsh-Healy Act, the United States Service Contract Act, United States Executive
Order 11246, the United States Fair Labor Standards Act and the United States
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as each such act is amended, and all rules and
regulations promulgated under such acts.

          "LEASE AGREEMENTS" has the meaning specified in Section 5.7(c).

          "LEASED REAL ESTATE" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a)(ii).

          "LEASEHOLD INTERESTS" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a)(ii).

          "LOSSES" means any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, costs,
settlement payments, awards, judgments, fines, penalties, damages, expenses,
deficiencies or other charges.

          "MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" means any change or effect that, when taken
together with all other changes or effects, has or is reasonably likely to have
a material adverse effect on the assets, results of operations or financial
condition of the operation of the Stores, taken as a whole, other than any
change or effect resulting from or relating to (a) economic conditions, (b)
global financial or capital markets, (c) the retail department store industry,
(d) the public disclosure of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
(e) the consummation of the


                                       5

<PAGE>

transactions contemplated by this Agreement or compliance with the terms of this
Agreement, (f) any Excluded Asset, Excluded Liability or other asset or property
of Seller or its Affiliates that is not being transferred pursuant to this
Agreement, (g) any Change In Law or (h) acts of terrorism or war (whether or not
declared); provided, however, that in the case of each of clauses (a), (b), (c),
(g) and (h), only to the extent that the material adverse effect on the Stores
is not materially disproportionate to the adverse effect on the retail
department store industry generally and the Parisian Business generally.

          "MICHIGAN STORES" means the Stores located in Meadowbrook Mall,
Rochester Hills, Michigan; Laurel Park Place, Livonia, Michigan; and Partridge
Creek Fashion Park, Clinton Township, Michigan.

          "MTO" means the 800 toll free number maintained by Seller for the sale
of Parisian merchandise in Parisian catalogs.

          "OWNED REAL ESTATE" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a)(i).

          "OUTSTANDING GIFT CARDS" has the meaning specified in Section 8.7(a).

          "PARISIAN AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" has the meaning specified in
Section 5.3.

          "PARISIAN BUSINESS" means the business of owning and operating retail
department stores under the nameplate Parisian.

          "PARISIAN STORES" has the meaning specified in Section 5.3.

          "PARTRIDGE CREEK AMENDMENT" means an amendment to the Supplemental
Agreement dated July 2006 by and between Partridge Creek Fashion Park LLC and
Parisian Stores, Inc. in a form reasonably acceptable to Seller and Buyer.

          "PARTRIDGE CREEK CONTRIBUTIONS" means any funds required to be paid
(whether prior to, on or after the date of this Agreement) by Partridge Creek
Fashion Park LLC, Partridge Creek Land LLC or Partridge Creek LLC, or any of
their respective affiliates, successors or assigns, toward the costs that have
or may in the future be incurred for constructing, fixturing and equipping the
Store at The Mall at Partridge Creek, pursuant to Article 5 of that certain
Supplemental Agreement, by and between Partridge Creek Fashion Park LLC and
Parisian Stores, Inc., dated July 2006.

          "PENSION PLAN" means any pension plan, as defined in Section 3(2) of
ERISA, applied without regard to the exceptions from coverage contained in
Sections 4(b)(4) or 4(b)(5) thereof.

          "PERMITTED ENCUMBRANCES" means (a) liens for Taxes and other
governmental charges and assessments that are not yet due and payable or that
are being contested in good faith in accordance with applicable Requirements of
Law; (b) liens of landlords and liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics and
materialmen and other like liens arising in the ordinary course of business for
sums not yet due and payable; (c) Encumbrances identified in Schedule 1.1(b);
(d) source code escrow agreements for Software owned by Seller or any of its
Affiliates only to the extent listed in Exhibit E; (e) Encumbrances evidenced by
any security agreement, financing statement, purchase money agreement,
conditional sales contract, capital lease or operating lease,


                                       6

<PAGE>

or by any license, coexistence agreement, undertaking, declaration, limitation
of use or consent to use, in each case that is described in Exhibit E; and (f)
other Encumbrances or imperfections on property that are not material in amount
or do not materially adversely affect the value, title, possession or existing
use of the property affected by such Encumbrance or imperfection.

          "PERMITTED REAL PROPERTY EXCEPTIONS" means, collectively, (a) liens,
charges, encumbrances and exceptions for Taxes and other governmental charges
and assessments (including special assessments) that are not yet due and
payable; (b) all Real Estate Agreements; (c) all matters and exceptions set
forth in the title insurance policies or commitments set forth in Schedule
1.1(c); (d) liens, charges, encumbrances or title exceptions or imperfections
with respect to the Owned Real Estate created by or resulting from the acts or
omissions of Buyer or any of its Affiliates, employees, officers, directors,
agents, representatives, contractors, invitees or licensees; (e) liens, charges,
encumbrances and/or title exceptions or imperfections created by any of the
documents to be executed in connection with the Closing or this Agreement
(including any reservations, easements, restrictions, covenants and other
matters set forth in the Grant Deeds) whether prior to, at or after the Closing;
(f) all matters that may be shown by a current, accurate survey or physical
inspection of the Owned Real Estate that is available to Buyer on or prior to
the date of this Agreement; (g) Requirements of Law, including building and
zoning laws, ordinances and regulations now or hereafter in effect relating to
the Owned Real Estate; (h) any and all service contracts and agreements
affecting the Owned Real Estate as of the date hereof, and any and all service
contracts and agreements entered into after the date of this Agreement in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, in each case, to the extent in
effect as of the Closing and made available to Buyer on or prior to the date of
this Agreement; (i) violations of laws, regulations, ordinances, orders or
requirements, if any, arising out of any Change in Law; (j) any Permitted
Encumbrance to the extent applicable or relating to, or otherwise affecting, the
Real Estate; and (k) easements, rights of way, restrictions, covenants or other
similar matters that are not material in amount or do not materially adversely
affect the value, title or existing use (or, with respect to the Partridge Creek
Fashion Park Store, proposed use) of the Real Estate affected by such easement,
right of way, restriction, covenant or other matter.

          "PERSON" means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited
liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint
venture, an unincorporated organization or a Governmental Body, or any
department, agency or political subdivision thereof.

          "PRIVATE BRAND MERCHANDISE" means merchandise sold at the Stores
bearing the private label brands of Saks and other brands owned by third parties
licensed to Saks.

          "PROGRAM AGREEMENT" means that certain Credit Card Program Agreement
dated as of November 21, 2005 and as amended on each of January 18, 2006 and
September 29, 2006, by and among Belk, Inc., Belk Stores of Virginia LLC,
Belk-Simpson Company, Greenville, South Carolina, Belk Department Stores LP,
Belk Accounts Receivable LLC and GE Money Bank.

          "PURCHASE ORDERS" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a)(vi).

          "PURCHASE PRICE" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(a).


                                       7

<PAGE>

          "REAL ESTATE" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a)(ii).

          "REAL ESTATE AGREEMENTS" has the meaning specified in Section
2.1(a)(ix).

          "RECEIVING PARTY" has the meaning specified in Section 8.13(a).

          "REGISTER CASH" means the "register" cash for each store of the
Business in the amount set forth on Exhibit F or vaults of the stores of the
Business, in the aggregate amounts as set forth in Exhibit F.

          "REGISTERED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" means all United States,
international and foreign: (i) patents and patent applications (including
provisional applications); (ii) registered trademarks and service marks,
applications to register trademarks and service marks, intent-to-use
applications or other registrations or applications related to trademarks and
service marks; (iii) registered copyrights and applications for copyright
registration; (iv) domain name registrations; and (v) any other Intellectual
Property that is the subject of an application, certificate, filing,
registration or other document issued, filed with or recorded with any federal,
state, local or foreign Governmental Body or other public body.

          "REQUIRED CONSENTS" has the meaning specified in Section 8.5.

          "REQUIREMENTS OF LAW" means any foreign, federal, state and local
laws, statutes, regulations, rules, codes or ordinances enacted, adopted, issued
or promulgated by any Governmental Body.

          "RETAINED NAMES AND MARKS" has the meaning specified in Section
8.1(a).

          "SAKS" has the meaning specified in the recitals.

          "SAKS GIFT PROGRAMS" has the meaning specified in Section 2.3(b)(vi).

          "SAKS PLAN" means any Pension Plan or Welfare Plan that is sponsored
by Saks in which any Store Employees are participating or under which any
current or former employees of the Stores have accrued any benefits while
employed by the Saks to which they remain entitled or with respect to which Saks
has any liability.

          "SAKS PRIVATE BRANDS AGREEMENT" means the Private Brands Agreement
dated October 2, 2006 between Saks and Seller.

          "SAKS RETURN POLICIES" has the meaning specified in Section
2.3(b)(vii).

          "SAKS SEVERANCE PAY PLAN" means the Saks Incorporated Amended and
Restated 2000 Change in Control and Material Transaction Severance Plan.

          "SAKS SOFTWARE LICENSE" means the License Agreement dated October 2,
2006, between Seller and Saks.

          "SAKS TRANSACTION" has the meaning specified in the recitals.

          "SAKS TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT" means the Transition Services
Agreement dated October 2, 2006 between Saks and Seller.

          "SEC" means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                       8

<PAGE>

          "SELLER" has the meaning specified in the first paragraph of this
Agreement.

          "SELLER ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS" means all agreements, instruments and
documents being or to be executed and delivered by Seller under this Agreement
or in connection herewith.

          "SELLER DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE" means the disclosure schedule delivered
by Seller to Buyer concurrently with the execution of this Agreement.

          "SELLER GIFT PROGRAMS" has the meaning specified in Section
2.3(b)(vi).

          "SELLER GROUP MEMBER" means (a) Seller and its Affiliates, (b)
directors, officers and employees of Seller and its Affiliates and (c) the
successors and assigns of the foregoing.

          "SELLER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" means any Intellectual Property that is
owned by Seller or any of its Affiliates and used primarily or exclusively in
connection with the Stores, including the Seller Software.

          "SELLER PLAN" means any Pension Plan or Welfare Plan that is sponsored
by Seller or any of its Affiliates in which any employees of the Stores are
participating or under which any current or former employees of the Stores have
accrued any benefits while employed by Seller or any of its Affiliates to which
they remain entitled or with respect to which Seller or any of its Affiliates
has any liability.

          "SELLER REBRANDING DATE" means the date on which all of the Parisian
Stores (other than the Stores) and any other Parisian department stores not
operated by Seller and its Affiliates shall have been rebranded by Seller as
Belk stores, which is expected to occur in September 2007.

          "SELLER REGISTERED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" means all of the Registered
Intellectual Property owned by or filed in the name of Seller or any of its
Affiliates and used primarily or exclusively in connection with the Stores, and
which is identified in Exhibit C.

          "SELLER RETURN POLICIES" has the meaning specified in Section
2.3(b)(vii).

          "SELLER SOFTWARE" means all Software owned by Seller or any of its
Affiliates and used primarily or exclusively in connection with the Stores.

          "SELLER'S DC PLAN" has the meaning specified in Section 8.3(j).

          "SOFTWARE" means computer software programs and related documentation
and materials, whether in source code, object code or human readable form;
provided, however, that Software does not include software that is available
generally through retail stores, distribution networks or is otherwise subject
to "shrink-wrap" license or "click-through" agreements including any software
installed in the ordinary course of business as a standard part of hardware,
equipment or fixtures owned or operated by Seller or any of its Affiliates;
provided further, however, that in each such case the use by Buyer and its
Affiliates of such otherwise excluded software (other than Microsoft software
for which Seller shall not have any responsibility) does not require
expenditures, individually or in the aggregate, of $5,000 or more in any fiscal
year of Buyer.


                                        9

<PAGE>

          "SPECIFIED STORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" has the meaning specified in
Section 5.3.

          "STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT" has the meaning specified in the recitals.

          "STORE ACCOUNTS" has the meaning specified in Section 7.10.

          "STORE ACCOUNTS SALE" has the meaning specified in Section 7.10.

          "STORE ACCOUNTS SALE DATE" has the meaning specified in Section 7.10.

          "STORE EMPLOYEE" means each individual initially shown in Exhibit G to
this Agreement at location number 125 (Laurel Park), 151 (Rochester Hills), 126
(Beavercreek) and 137 (Circle Center), as an active employee on June 15, 2006,
as such schedule is updated to reflect employees at each such location as of the
Cut-Off Date and each individual shown as on a leave of absence under FMLA,
including the date that the twelve week FMLA leave period expires, with respect
to each such location on a list to be provided by Seller to Buyer at the Closing
in accordance with Section 8.3(a).

          "STORE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" has the meaning specified in Section 5.3.

          "STORE MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" means any change or effect that, when
taken together with all other changes or effects, has or is reasonably likely to
have a material adverse effect on the assets, results of operations or financial
condition of the operation of any of the Stores, individually, other than any
change or effect resulting from or relating to (a) economic conditions, (b)
global financial or capital markets, (c) the retail department store industry,
(d) the public disclosure of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
(e) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
compliance with the terms of this Agreement, (f) any Excluded Asset, Excluded
Liability or other asset or property of Seller or its Affiliates that is not
being transferred pursuant to this Agreement, (g) any Change In Law or (h) acts
of terrorism or war (whether or not declared); provided, however, that in the
case of each of clauses (a), (b), (c), (g) and (h), only to the extent that the
material adverse effect on the Stores is not materially disproportionate to the
adverse effect on the retail department store industry generally and the
Parisian Business generally.

          "STORES" has the meaning specified in the recitals.

          "STRADDLE PERIOD" means any taxable year or period beginning before
and ending after the Cut-Off Date.

          "TAX" (and, with correlative meaning, "TAXES") means any federal,
state, local or foreign income, gross receipts, property, sales, use, license,
excise, franchise, employment, payroll, withholding, alternative or add-on
minimum, ad valorem, value added, transfer or excise tax, or any other tax,
custom, duty, governmental fee or other like assessment or charge of any kind
whatsoever, together with any interest or penalty, imposed by any Governmental
Body.

          "TAX RETURN" means any return, report or similar statement required to
be filed with respect to any Tax (including any attached schedules), including
any information return, claim for refund, amended return or declaration of
estimated Tax.


                                       10

<PAGE>

          "TRADE SECRETS" means confidential ideas, trade secrets, know-how,
concepts, methods, processes, formulae, reports, data, customer lists, mailing
lists, business plans and other proprietary information that provides the owner
with a competitive advantage.

          "TRANSFERRED EMPLOYEES" has the meaning specified in Section 8.3(a).

          "TRANSFER TAXES" has the meaning specified in Section 8.2(a)(iv).

          "TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT" has the meaning specified in Section
7.5(a).

          "UNASSIGNED CONTRACT" has the meaning specified in Section 2.2(a).

           "WARN" means the United States Worker Adjustment and Retraining
Notification Act.

          "WARRANTIES" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a)(iv).

          "WELFARE PLAN" means any welfare plan, as defined in Section 3(1) of
ERISA, applied without regard to the exceptions from coverage contained in
Sections 4(b)(4) or 4(b)(5) thereof.

     Section 1.2 Interpretation. In this Agreement (including the exhibits and
schedules to this Agreement):

          (a) words denoting the singular include the plural and vice versa, and
words denoting any gender include all genders;

          (b) "including" means "including without limitation;"

          (c) "business day" means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a
day that is a statutory holiday under the laws of the United States or the State
of New York;

          (d) when calculating the period of time within which or following
which any act is to be done or step taken, the date that is the reference day in
calculating such period shall be excluded and, if the last day of such period is
not a business day, the period shall end on the next day that is a business day;

          (e) all dollar amounts are expressed in United States dollars, and all
amounts payable hereunder shall be paid in United States dollars;

          (f) money shall be tendered by wire transfer of immediately available
federal funds to the account designated in writing by the party that is to
receive such money;

          (g) references herein to articles, sections, exhibits and schedules
mean the articles and sections of, and the exhibits and schedules attached to,
this Agreement; and

          (h) the words "hereof," "hereby," "herein," "hereunder" and similar
terms in this Agreement refer to this Agreement as a whole and not only to a
particular section in which such words appear.


                                       11

<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE II
                                PURCHASE AND SALE

     Section 2.1 Purchase and Sale of Assets.

          (a) Generally. On the terms and subject to the conditions of this
Agreement, Seller agrees to, and to cause its Affiliates to, assign, sell,
transfer, convey and deliver to Buyer, and Buyer agrees to purchase from Seller
and its Affiliates, all of Seller's and its Affiliates' right, title and
interest as of the Effective Time in the following property and assets
(collectively, the "Assets"):

               (i) the real property listed on Exhibit H, together with the
     buildings, structures, installations, fixtures, trade fixtures and other
     improvements situated thereon and all easements, rights of way and other
     rights, interests and appurtenances of Seller and its Affiliates therein or
     thereunto pertaining (collectively, "Owned Real Estate");

               (ii) the leasehold and subleasehold interests of Seller and its
     Affiliates in all real property listed on Exhibit I (collectively, "Leased
     Real Estate" and, together with the Owned Real Estate, the "Real Estate"),
     together with all interests of Seller and its Affiliates in the leases,
     subleases, licenses, occupancy agreements, and other documents or
     agreements related thereto and any and all interests of Seller and its
     Affiliates in the buildings, structures, installations, fixtures, trade
     fixtures and other improvements situated thereon and all easements, rights
     of way and other rights, interests and appurtenances of Seller and its
     Affiliates therein or thereunto pertaining (collectively with the Leased
     Real Estate, the "Leasehold Interests");

               (iii) the machinery, equipment, furniture, tools, computer
     hardware and network infrastructure and spare parts related to the
     operation of the Stores and located on the Real Estate as of the Effective
     Time (exclusive of Inventory (which is defined in, and subject to, Section
     2.1(a)(v)) (collectively, "Equipment")) and all motor vehicles primarily or
     exclusively for use by Store Employees to the extent primarily or
     exclusively related to the operation of the Stores;

               (iv) all warranties or guarantees by any manufacturer, supplier
     or other vendor to the extent primarily or exclusively related to any of
     the Assets ("Warranties");

               (v) the inventory, packaging materials and supplies, in each case
     to the extent primarily or exclusively related to the operation of the
     Stores and located on the Real Estate as of the Effective Time, and
     inventory, packaging materials and supplies on order or in transit as of
     the Effective Time, in each case to the extent primarily or exclusively
     related to the operation of the Stores (collectively, the "Inventory");

               (vi) all purchase orders that were assumed by Seller in the Saks
     Transaction or issued by Seller or any of its Affiliates in the ordinary
     course to the extent primarily or exclusively related to the operation of
     the Stores ("Purchase Orders");


                                        12

<PAGE>

               (vii) all contracts, guarantees, leases, licenses (including
     those relating to concessions or licensed departments), Software licenses,
     commitments and other agreements, in each case to the extent listed on
     Exhibit E and solely related to the operation of the Stores (exclusive of
     Leasehold Interests and Real Estate Agreements, which are subject to
     Section 2.1(a)(ii) and Section 2.1(a)(ix), respectively, exclusive of the
     equipment lease agreements which are subject to Section 2.1(a)(viii), and
     exclusive of the Excluded Contracts, which are Excluded Assets)
     ("Contracts");

               (viii) all equipment lease agreements identified on Exhibit O to
     the extent assumed by Buyer pursuant to Section 2.4(b);

               (ix) all reciprocal easement and operating agreements, agreements
     supplemental thereto, easements, Seller's and each of its Affiliate's
     interests as landlord under any leases or subleases, purchase and
     lease-termination options, rights of first refusal or first offer,
     subordination, non-disturbance and attornment agreements, and other
     agreements that run with the land and in each case are appurtenant to the
     Real Estate and other agreements (other than Leasehold Interests) that
     relate solely to the occupancy or operation of the Real Estate
     (collectively, "Real Estate Agreements");

               (x) the Intellectual Property identified on Exhibit J;

               (xi) the Governmental Permits to the extent solely related to the
     operation of the Stores;

               (xii) the information described on Exhibit K ("Customer
     Information"); provided, that if Buyer requests that Seller provide any
     Customer Information in any format that differs from the format in which
     Seller or any of its Affiliates maintains such Customer Information, at the
     Closing, Buyer shall pay Seller for any out-of-pocket costs of Seller or
     any Affiliate of Seller associated with producing such Customer Information
     in such format. Buyer understands and agrees that neither Seller nor any of
     its Affiliates will produce any information that would violate any
     contractual obligation, violate any Requirement of Law or cause Seller or
     any of its Affiliates to become a "consumer reporting agency" as defined in
     the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. Seller agrees to, and to cause its
     Affiliates to, retain information regarding customers of the Stores in
     accordance with its existing retention policies and procedures;

               (xiii) all sales records, accounting records, purchase records,
     supplier lists, advertising and promotional records, real estate and
     engineering data, blueprints and other property records, in each case to
     the extent solely related to the operation of the Stores; personnel,
     benefits, payroll, medical and other records of all Transferred Employees,
     to the extent permitted by Requirements of Law; and all other material
     books and records to the extent solely related to the operation of the
     Stores, exclusive of Excluded Customer Information (collectively, "Books
     and Records"); provided that Seller and its Affiliates shall have the right
     to keep and use a copy of all Books and Records where necessary to comply
     with any Requirements of Law or necessary for use in connection with the
     business of Seller or any of its Affiliates, including the preparation


                                        13

<PAGE>

     of Tax Returns, the administration of Seller Plans, the preparation of the
     financial statements of Seller or any of its Affiliates, or in connection
     with investigations or litigation; and provided, further, that Seller shall
     have the right to make such Books and Records available to Saks as required
     by the Stock Purchase Agreement. If any Books and Records contain
     information not related to the Stores, Seller may, before delivering such
     Books and Records to Buyer, redact all information and data therefrom that
     relate to businesses of Seller or any of its Affiliates or the businesses
     of Saks and its Affiliates other than the operation of the Stores;

               (xiv) Register Cash (and cash, check and bank draft receipts on
     or after the Cut-Off Date);

               (xv) all rights of Seller or any Company under any refunds,
     deposits (other than customer deposits), claims, causes of action, rights
     of set off and rights of recoupment, in each case to the extent solely
     related to the operation of the Stores (except to the extent that any
     claims, causes of action or rights of set off are specifically related to
     any Excluded Liability);

                (xvi) the Company Software (including intellectual property
     rights related thereto) and all databases and compilations, including any
     and all data and collections of data, whether machine readable or otherwise
     listed on Exhibit L, and all telephone numbers, domain names and URL
     addresses, in each case to the extent solely related to the operation of
     the Stores or the Assets, including those listed on Exhibit L;

               (xvii) all goodwill of the Business to the extent solely related
     to the operation of the Stores;

               (xviii) the Private Brand Merchandise to the extent located at
     the Stores or on order for the Stores at the Effective Time; provided that
     with respect to On Order Products (as such term is defined in the Private
     Brands Agreement), Seller shall not have any liability for any failure or
     refusal of a vendor of any such On Order Product to deliver such On Order
     Product to Buyer; and

               (xix) all other assets (other than Excluded Assets) of the nature
     of the assets reflected above to the extent solely related to the operation
     of the Stores.

          (b) Excluded Assets. Seller and its Affiliates are not selling, and
Buyer is not purchasing, any property or assets not described in Section 2.1(a)
(the "Excluded Assets"). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
following property and assets of Seller and its Affiliates constitute Excluded
Assets, notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided in Section 2.1(a):

               (i) cash (except as provided in Section 2.1(a)(xiv), and
     receivables from third-party credit card or debit card sales transactions
     before the Cut-Off Date (regardless of when posted); proceeds from checks
      and bank drafts accepted before the Cut-Off Date (regardless of when
     cleared); payments (including by check or bank draft,


                                       14

<PAGE>

     regardless of when cleared) on Accounts or related receivables received by
     Seller or any of its Affiliates before the Cut-Off Date; customer deposits;
     amounts in bank accounts and certificates of deposit, together with all
     other cash equivalents, securities (whether or not marketable) and
     investments;

               (ii) all Employment Agreements;

               (iii) all unpaid accounts, notes and other miscellaneous account
     receivables in favor of Seller or any of its Affiliates with respect to the
     Stores, together with all collateral security therefor;

               (iv) all rights of Seller or any of its Affiliates under any
     letters of credit, guaranties, performance or surety bonds or cash
     collateral posted by Seller or any of its Affiliates or Saks or any of its
     Affiliates and to any refunds (or credits) of Taxes to which Seller is
     entitled under Section 8.2 or otherwise with respect to Excluded Assets;

               (v) all Excluded Contracts, including: Seller's or any of its
     Affiliate's rights under the contracts, guarantees, licenses, personal
     property leases, commitments and other agreements, warranties and purchase
     orders listed on Exhibit M; Seller's or any of its Affiliate's rights under
     the contracts, guarantees, licenses, personal property leases, commitments
     and other agreements, warranties and purchase orders that relate both to
     the business conducted at the Stores and any other business of Seller or
     any of its Affiliates conducted at any other location;

                (vi) Seller's or any of its Affiliate's rights under any policies
     of insurance purchased by Seller or any of its Affiliates or Saks or any of
     its Affiliates, or any benefits, proceeds or premium refunds payable or
     paid thereunder or with respect thereto (except as provided in Section
     8.4);

               (vii) the corporate charter, qualifications to conduct business
     as a foreign corporation, arrangements with registered agents relating to
     foreign qualifications, taxpayer and other identification numbers, Tax
     Returns and other Tax records, seals, minute books, stock transfer books
     and similar documents of Seller or any of its Affiliates or Saks or any of
     its Affiliates;

               (viii) the rights of Seller or any of its Affiliates under this
     Agreement or any other agreement between Seller or any of its Affiliates
     and Buyer or any of its Affiliates entered into prior to, on or after the
     date of this Agreement;

               (ix) all websites, website content and web images and all
     computer software related thereto (including intellectual property rights
     related thereto) and all books and records related thereto, in each such
     case to the extent not solely related to the business conducted at the
     Stores;


                                       15
<PAGE>

               (x) the Governmental Permits that are not transferable without
     the consent of a Governmental Body and with respect to which the required
     consent is not obtained;

               (xi) any trademark or service mark that uses in whole or in part
     any of the items set forth on Exhibit T or any derivative or diminutive
     form of expansion thereof, whether or not stylized, and any trade dress
     that is used by Seller or any of its Affiliates in any business including
     the Parisian Business;

               (xii) all assets (whether or not located on the Real Estate)
     solely used in connection with the provision of services in respect of
      accounting, legal, human resource, payroll, treasury, insurance,
     transportation, tax or other general and administrative services supplied
     by Seller or any of its Affiliates or Saks or any of its Affiliates unless
     such services relate solely to the operation of the Stores;

               (xiii) all information regarding customers of the Stores other
     than the Customer Information;

               (xiv) the inventory, trade fixtures and other property of
     concessionaires, business partners, licensees, lessors or lessees of Seller
     or any of its Affiliates that are not owned by Seller or any of its
     Affiliates;

               (xv) all equity interests of the subsidiaries of Seller;

               (xvi) prepaid expenses (including prepaid advertising expenses);

               (xvii) any other assets relating to the operation of the Stores
     that prior to the closing of the Saks Transaction were owned by Saks or one
     of its Affiliates but as to which neither Seller nor any of its Affiliates
     has any rights following the Saks Transaction;

               (xviii) any agreements, arrangements or understandings relating
     to the Business between Saks or its Affiliates and Seller and its
     Affiliates, including the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Saks Private Brands
     Agreement, the Saks Transition Services Agreement, the Club Libby Lu
     Agreement and the Saks Software License; and

               (xix) the Accounts and Seller's rights under the Program
     Agreement.

     Section 2.2 Unassignable Contracts.

          (a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary stated in this Agreement,
if (i) any Contract, Warranty or Purchase Order is not capable of being sold,
assigned, transferred or conveyed in the absence of the approval, consent or
waiver of any other Person without conflicting with, violating, constituting a
default under or breaching such Contract, Warranty or Purchase Order, and (ii)
all necessary approvals, consents and waivers of all parties to such Contract,
Warranty or Purchase Order have not been obtained at or prior to the Closing,
then the performance obligations of Seller and its Affiliates under each such
Contract, Warranty or


                                       16

<PAGE>

Purchase Order (each, an "Unassigned Contract") shall be deemed to be subleased
or subcontracted to Buyer (to the maximum extent permitted by Requirements of
Law or any applicable agreement) until such Unassigned Contract has been
assigned or novated. All claims, rights and benefits of Seller or any of its
Affiliates arising under such Unassigned Contract or resulting therefrom after
the Cut-Off Date (but not such Unassigned Contract itself) shall (to the maximum
extent permitted by Requirements of Law or any applicable agreement) be included
in the Assets transferred to Buyer hereunder (and any such payments or other
benefits received by Seller or any of its Affiliates therefrom after the Cut-Off
Date shall immediately be transferred by Seller or any such Affiliate to Buyer).
Following the Closing, Seller shall, and Seller shall cause its Affiliates to,
and Buyer shall, use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the necessary
approvals, consents and waivers (provided that neither Buyer nor Seller or any
of their respective Affiliates shall be required to make any payments or offer
or grant any accommodation (financial or otherwise) to any third party to obtain
any approval, consent or waiver), and shall promptly execute all documents
necessary to complete the transfer of such Unassigned Contract to Buyer if such
approvals, consents and waivers are obtained. Buyer shall not have any
obligation to indemnify Seller or any of its Affiliates pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement, and shall have no obligations whatsoever, with respect to any
Unassigned Contract for which Buyer cannot receive all the benefits of such
Unassigned Contract; provided that to the extent that Buyer receives any benefit
under an Unassigned Contract prior to the transfer of such Unassigned Contract
to Buyer, Buyer shall be responsible for any obligation under such Unassigned
Contract that arises in respect of such benefit received by Buyer.

          (b) Following the Effective Time, (i) Seller shall, and Seller shall
cause its Affiliates to, use commercially reasonable efforts to take actions
that are necessary to allow Buyer to exercise any right of Seller arising from
any Unassigned Contract (including the right to elect to terminate such
Unassigned Contract in accordance with the terms thereof) and (ii) neither
Seller nor any of its Affiliates shall take any action under any Unassigned
Contract that would reasonably be expected to limit, restrict or terminate the
benefits to Buyer of such Unassigned Contract unless, in good faith and after
prior written notice to Buyer, Seller or any of its Affiliates is (A) ordered
orally or in writing to do so by a Governmental Body of competent jurisdiction,
or (B) otherwise required to do so by Requirements of Law; provided, however,
that if any such order is appealable, Seller shall, or Seller shall cause its
Affiliates to, at Buyer's cost and expense, take such actions as are reasonably
requested by Buyer to file and pursue such appeal and to obtain a stay of such
order; provided further that Seller and its Affiliates shall not be required to
make any payments or offer or grant any accommodation (financial or otherwise)
to any third party with respect to clause (i) or (ii) of this Section 2.2(b)
except to the extent Buyer agrees to reimburse Seller for any such payment made
by Seller at the request of Buyer; provided further that if Saks is a party to
any Unassigned Contract, Seller shall not have any liability to Buyer for any
action required to be taken by Seller with respect to such Unassigned Contract
pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement.

     Section 2.3 Assumption of Liabilities.

          (a) Assumed Liabilities. In partial consideration for the sale,
assignment, transfer and delivery of the Assets, Buyer shall assume, and hereby
agrees to pay, perform and observe fully and timely, effective as of the
Effective Time, (i) all liabilities and obligations of


                                       17

<PAGE>

Seller and its Affiliates arising after the Effective Time under or in respect
of the Real Estate, Real Estate Agreements, Leasehold Interests, Equipment,
Inventory, Contracts, Warranties and Purchase Orders, (ii) all liabilities and
obligations arising after the Effective Time with respect to Transferred
Employees, and (iii) all liabilities and obligations with respect to Taxes for
which Buyer is liable under Section 8.2 (collectively, the liabilities and
obligations so assumed being referred to as the "Assumed Liabilities"). To the
extent that Seller or any of its Affiliates pays any Assumed Liability following
the Cut-Off Date in the ordinary course of business, Buyer shall reimburse
Seller for any amount so paid immediately upon demand and upon receipt of
reasonable documentation in support of such demand; provided that if any such
payment is not made in the ordinary course, Buyer shall reimburse Seller for
such amount when such payment would have been made if such payment had been made
in the ordinary course. To the extent that Buyer pays any Excluded Liability
from and after the Cut-Off Date in the ordinary course of business, Seller shall
reimburse Buyer for any amount so paid immediately upon demand and receipt of
reasonable documentation supporting such demand; provided that if any such
payment is not made in the ordinary course, Seller shall reimburse Buyer for
such amount when such payment would have been made if such payment had been made
in the ordinary course.

          (b) Liabilities Not Assumed by Buyer. Anything in this Agreement to
the contrary notwithstanding, Seller shall be responsible for all of its
liabilities and obligations not hereby expressly assumed by Buyer and Buyer
shall not assume, or in any way be liable or responsible for, any liabilities or
obligations of Seller except as specifically provided in Section 2.3(a)
(collectively, the liabilities and obligations that are not assumed being
referred to as the "Excluded Liabilities"). Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, Buyer shall not assume the following:

               (i) all liabilities and obligations of Seller or Saks or any of
     their Affiliates arising on or prior to the Effective Time under or in
     respect of the Real Estate, Real Estate Agreements, Leasehold Interests,
     Equipment, Inventory, Contracts, Warranties and Purchase Orders, including
     all liabilities and obligations due to a breach of any of the foregoing on
     or prior to the Effective Time;

               (ii) all unpaid accounts payable of Seller or Saks or any of
     their Affiliates and all accrued expenses of Seller or Saks or any of their
     Affiliates;

               (iii) except as expressly assumed by Buyer pursuant to Section
     8.3, all liabilities and obligations with respect to Store Employees,
     Seller Plans, Saks Plans or other employee benefit policies and practices
     of Seller, Saks or any of their Affiliates, including liabilities and
     obligations under the Saks' Severance Pay Plan, retention bonuses called
     for under the retention arrangements described in Schedule 5.16(e) of the
     Seller Disclosure Schedule or otherwise, any entitlements under COBRA with
     respect to termination of employment of any Store Employee by Seller, Saks
     or any of their respective Affiliates and compensation and benefits under
     any state workers' compensation or similar law payable following the
     Effective Time to or with respect to any Transferred Employee, or to any
     former employee of the Stores, who in either case was employed at the
     Stores on any date, on or prior to the Effective Time, that the claim arose
     or the incident on which the claim is based occurred;


                                       18

<PAGE>

               (iv) all payment obligations relating to compensation and
     commissions that have been earned but have not been paid as of the
     Effective Time to Transferred Employees;

               (v) all liabilities and obligations arising from litigation,
     arbitration, administrative or other proceedings to the extent related to
     the Assets or the Stores or the operation of the Parisian Business
     generally on or prior to the Closing Date (other than the obligations of
     Buyer pursuant to Section 8.11), including, without limitation, any
     customer liability claims, and all performance obligations under any
     product recall or any non-financial settlement obligation to the extent
     related to the operation of the Stores on or prior to the Closing Date;

               (vi) all liabilities and obligations arising from all gift
     certificate, gift card, merchandise voucher, coupon, refund or other
     loyalty, frequent shopper or similar program of Saks (collectively, the
     "Saks Gift Programs") or Seller (collectively, the "Seller Gift Programs")
     reward redemptions submitted by customers of the Stores for gift
     certificates, gift cards, merchandise vouchers, coupons, refunds or other
     loyalty, frequent shopper or similar program rewards purchased, issued or
     earned in connection with the Stores on or prior to the Cut-Off Date except
     to the extent assumed by Buyer pursuant to Section 8.7;

               (vii) all liabilities and obligations arising from all return
     policies of Saks (the "Saks Return Policies") or Seller (the "Seller Return
     Policies") for merchandise purchased in the Stores on or prior to the
     Cut-Off Date except to the extent assumed by Buyer pursuant to Section 8.7;

               (viii) any claims (including product-liability and infringement
     claims) relating to goods sold or services provided at the Stores on or
     prior to the Cut-Off Date (other than the obligations of Buyer pursuant to
     Section 8.11);

               (ix) any claims asserted by Store Employees or by dependents of
     such Store Employees, for acts or omissions occurring on or prior to the
     Cut-Off Date (other than claims of Transferred Employees expressly assumed
     by Buyer pursuant to Section 8.3);

               (x) all liabilities and obligations relating to the ownership or
     condition of the Assets (including environmental conditions) on or prior to
     the Cut-Off Date;

               (xi) all liabilities and obligations with respect to Taxes for
     which Seller is liable under Section 8.2;

               (xii) any liability or obligation for money borrowed (it being
     understood that the liabilities and obligations under any capital lease set
     forth in Exhibit E is an Assumed Liability);


                                       19

<PAGE>

               (xiii) any liability or obligation for costs and expenses (other
     than Transfer Taxes as set forth in Section 8.2 and as set forth in Section
     8.6 or as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement) in connection
     with the negotiation and execution of this Agreement or the consummation of
     the transactions contemplated hereby;

               (xiv) any liability or obligation of Seller under this Agreement
     or under any other agreement between Seller or any of its Affiliates, on
     the one hand, and Buyer or any of its Affiliates, on the other hand,
     entered into on or after the date of this Agreement in accordance with the
     terms hereof;

               (xv) any liability or obligation to the extent related to the
     Excluded Assets (except as provided in Section 2.2 or 2.4) or any other
     assets not transferred to and not purchased by Buyer; and

               (xvi) any liability or obligation relating to, resulting from or
     arising out of any former operations or properties of Saks or any of its
     Affiliates or of Seller or any of its Affiliates that have been
     discontinued or disposed of prior to the Cut-Off Date.

          Seller shall, or shall cause its Affiliates to, pay, perform and fully
observe all Excluded Liabilities.

     Section 2.4 Leased Department Agreements and Equipment Lease Agreements.

          (a) Exhibit N sets forth each leased department agreement relating to
the Stores. Buyer agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to enter into
new leased department agreements with the parties identified in Exhibit N that
relate exclusively to the Stores. If such new leased department agreements are
not in effect as of the Effective Time, Buyer agrees that, to the maximum extent
permitted by Requirements of Law or any applicable leased department agreement,
the performance obligations of Seller and its Affiliates thereunder after the
Cut-Off Date shall be deemed to be subleased or subcontracted to Buyer until
such new leased department agreement is in effect. In consideration thereof,
Buyer shall receive all claims, benefits and rights under each such leased
department agreement to the extent related to the Stores. Each party agrees to
use commercially reasonable efforts to effect the foregoing (provided that
neither Buyer nor Seller or any of their respective Affiliates shall be required
to make any payments or offer or grant any accommodation (financial or
otherwise)). Buyer shall not have any obligation to indemnify Seller or any of
its Affiliates pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall have no
obligations whatsoever, with respect to any leased department agreements for
which Buyer cannot receive all the benefits of such leased department
agreements; provided that to the extent that Buyer receives any claim, benefit
or right under any such leased department agreement prior to the execution of a
new leased department agreement with the parties identified in Exhibit N that
relates exclusively to the Stores, Buyer shall be responsible for any obligation
under any such leased department agreement that arises in respect of such claim,
benefit or right received by Buyer. In respect of the Club Libby Lu Agreement,
Seller agrees that so long as the Club Libby Lu departments are operated in the
Stores, Buyer will receive the benefits of the Club Libby Lu Agreement as to the
Stores and Buyer agrees that Buyer will be responsible for the obligations of
Seller under the Club Libby Lu Agreement in


                                       20

<PAGE>

respect of the Stores. In the event that Buyer elects to terminate the Club
Libby Lu department in any Store, Buyer shall give written notice to Seller.
Upon receipt of such notice, Seller shall promptly exercise such rights as are
available to Seller under the Club Libby Lu Agreement to terminate the Club
Libby Lu Agreement as to such Store or Stores as may be designated in Buyer's
termination notice. Buyer shall remain liable for all of its obligations under
the Club Libby Lu Agreement until the effective termination date of the Club
Libby Lu Agreement as to any such Store or Stores. Following termination of the
Club Libby Lu Agreement as to any Store or Stores or in its entirety, as
applicable, Buyer shall remain liable for any accrued but unpaid obligation of
Buyer as of the effective termination date of the Club Libby Lu Agreement in
respect of such Store or Stores and shall be responsible for and shall indemnify
Seller against any costs or expenses incurred by Seller in respect of the
cessation of operation of the Club Libby Lu department in such Store or Stores
and the removal of any equipment, fixtures or other improvements from such Store
or Stores to the extent required by the Club Libby Lu Agreement.

          (b) Exhibit O sets forth equipment lease agreements relating to the
Stores. The parties agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the
necessary approvals, consents and waivers to assign to Buyer that portion of the
equipment lease agreements (and any applicable schedules thereto) that relate
exclusively to the Stores; provided, however, that neither Buyer nor Seller or
any of their respective Affiliates shall be required to make any payments or
offer or grant any accommodation (financial or otherwise) to any third party to
obtain any approval, consent or waiver. If, prior to the Closing, all necessary
approvals, consents and waivers are not obtained with respect to any equipment
lease agreement, then (to the maximum extent permitted by Requirements of Law or
any applicable equipment lease agreement) to the extent related to the Stores,
the performance obligations of Seller and its Affiliates thereunder after the
Cut-Off Date shall be deemed to be subleased or subcontracted to Buyer until
such equipment lease agreement is assigned or novated. In consideration thereof,
Buyer shall receive the claims, rights and benefits of Seller or any of its
Affiliates arising under such equipment lease agreement or resulting therefrom
after the Cut-Off Date (but not such equipment lease agreement itself). Buyer
shall not have any obligation to indemnify Seller or any of its Affiliates
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall have no obligations
whatsoever, with respect to any equipment lease agreement for which Buyer cannot
receive all the benefits of such equipment lease agreement; provided that to the
extent that Buyer receives any claim, benefit or right under any such equipment
lease agreement prior to the assignment of that portion of such equipment lease
agreement (and any applicable schedules thereto) that relates exclusively to the
Stores, Buyer shall be responsible for any obligation under any such equipment
lease agreement that arises in respect of such claim, benefit or right received
by Buyer.

                                   ARTICLE III
                                  PURCHASE PRICE

     Section 3.1 Purchase Price.

          (a) The purchase price for the Assets shall be equal to (x) Twenty Two
Million Dollars ($22,000,000.00) (y) less the amount of any Partridge Creek
Contribution received by or credited to Seller or Saks or any of their
respective Affiliates prior to the Cut-Off Date, and (z) plus or minus any
Inventory Adjustment (the "Purchase Price"). The parties agree


                                       21

<PAGE>

that the Twenty Two Million Dollars ($22,000,000.00) included in the Purchase
Price pursuant to clause (x) of the preceding sentence has already been adjusted
to reflect a credit to Seller pursuant to the Partridge Creek Amendment of Three
Million Dollars ($3,000,000) against the Partridge Creek Contribution in the
aggregate amount of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) and that no further
adjustment shall be made to the Purchase Price with respect to such credit
pursuant to clause (y) of the preceding sentence. The Purchase Price may be
further adjusted pursuant to paragraph (c) below. The Purchase Price shall be
paid by Buyer pursuant to Section 4.2.

          (b) Not later than two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing, Seller
shall deliver to Buyer a schedule (the "Inventory Schedule") that contains the
value of the inventory of the Business as of the date of the closing of the Saks
Transaction, using the inventory data used by Saks to determine the value of the
inventory of the Parisian Business for purposes of the calculation of "Final
Working Capital" under the Stock Purchase Agreement. The value of the inventory
as of the Cut-Off Date shall be determined by Seller in accordance with the
principles set forth in Exhibit U. If Buyer has not given Seller written notice
of its objection to the value of the inventory shown in the Inventory Schedule,
which specifies the basis of Buyer's objection, within ten (10) Business Days
after the Closing, then the value of the inventory shown in the Inventory
Schedule shall be final and binding between the parties. If Buyer timely gives
Seller a written notice of objection and the parties cannot resolve such
objection within ten (10) Business Days of Seller's receipt of Buyer's notice of
objection, then the issues in dispute shall be submitted for resolution to an
independent certified public accounting firm agreed to by Buyer and Seller that
does not have a relationship with Buyer or Seller (the "Arbitrator"). If issues
in dispute are submitted to the Arbitrator for resolution: (i) the only issues
for resolution by the Arbitrator shall be whether the specific objection or
objections stated by the Buyer in its notice of objection to Seller should
result in a change in the value of the inventory from the value shown on the
Inventory Schedule; (ii) each party shall furnish to the Arbitrator such
documents and information relating to the disputed issues as the Arbitrator may
request and are available to that party and shall be afforded the opportunity to
present to the Arbitrator any material relating to the determination and to
discuss the determination with the Arbitrator; (iii) the determination by the
Arbitrator, as set forth in a written notice delivered to both parties by the
Arbitrator, shall be binding and conclusive on the parties; and (iv) the fees of
the Arbitrator for such determination shall be borne 50% by Buyer and 50% by
Seller. If the value of the inventory is finally determined to differ from that
value used in calculating the Inventory Adjustment, then promptly after such
final determination, but in no event more than two (2) Business Days thereafter,
Seller shall pay to Buyer the amount, if any, by which the inventory value used
in the Inventory Adjustment as of the Closing exceeds the final inventory value
determination, or Buyer shall pay to Seller the amount, if any, by which the
final inventory value determination exceeds the inventory value used in the
Inventory Adjustment as of the Closing, in each case plus interest from the
Closing to the date of payment at the prime rate as reported on the Closing Date
by the Wall Street Journal. The amount of any adjustment to the Purchase Price
in accordance with this Section 3.1(b) is referred to herein as the "Inventory
Adjustment".

          (c) In the event that Buyer elects not to purchase one or more of the
Stores in accordance with the provisions of Section 9.6, then the Purchase Price
shall be reduced by Five


                                       22

<PAGE>

Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) for each Store that is not acquired by Buyer
plus or minus the Inventory Adjustment in respect of such Store; provided,
however, that such adjustment shall be Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) plus
the amount specified in clause (y) of Section 3.1(a) with respect to the Store
located at Partridge Creek Fashion Park, Clinton Township, Michigan.

     Section 3.2 Allocation of Purchase Price; Transfer Tax Valuation.

          (a) During the 60 days following the Closing Date, Seller and Buyer
shall use reasonable commercial efforts to draft a schedule (the "Allocation
Schedule") allocating the Purchase Price (increased to take into account the
Assumed Liabilities) among the Assets. The Allocation Schedule shall be prepared
in accordance with Section 1060 of the Code and the regulations thereunder.
Seller and Buyer each agrees that promptly upon agreement, if any, upon such
Allocation Schedule it shall return an executed copy thereof to the other party.
If Seller and Buyer agree upon the Allocation Schedule, then Seller and Buyer
each agrees to file Internal Revenue Service Form 8594, and all federal, state,
local and foreign Tax Returns, in accordance with the Allocation Schedule.
Seller and Buyer each agrees to provide the other promptly with any other
information required to complete Form 8594.

          (b) Prior to or promptly following the Closing Date, Seller and Buyer
shall jointly agree on the valuation of the Real Estate, Real Estate Agreements
and other Assets to the extent that valuations are needed for purposes of
determining the amount of Transfer Taxes. If a party disagrees with respect to a
proposed valuation, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to resolve the
issue. If they cannot resolve the issue prior to or promptly following the
Closing Date, it shall be resolved by an accounting or appraisal firm chosen by
and mutually acceptable to both parties after Closing. If payment of a Transfer
Tax is due prior to any such resolution, payment shall be made in accordance
with Section 8.2(a)(iv) based on Buyer's reasonable valuation and, upon
resolution, the party responsible for filing the Tax Return with respect to such
Tax shall make such corrective filings with the appropriate Governmental Body.
Any additional Transfer Tax payable in connection with such corrective filings,
and any refund of any Transfer Tax resulting from such corrective filings, shall
be allocated to Buyer and Seller under Section 8.2(a)(iv).

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                     CLOSING

     Section 4.1 Closing Date. The Closing shall be held at the offices of King
& Spalding LLP, 1180 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, at 10:00 a.m.,
New York time, on October 30, 2006 (or, if the conditions set forth in Articles
IX and X have not been satisfied or waived (other than those conditions that are
intended to be satisfied at the Closing, by the appropriate party by such date,
subject to the provisions of Article XII, at 10:00 a.m., New York time, on the
first Monday that is a business day to occur following the date on which all of
the conditions to Closing set forth in Articles IX and X shall have been so
satisfied or waived (other than those conditions that are intended to be
satisfied at the Closing), or at such other place, time and day as shall be
agreed upon by Buyer and Seller. The date on which the Closing is actually held
is referred to herein as the "Closing Date," although the transfer of Assets and
the assumption of


                                       23

<PAGE>

the Assumed Liabilities shall be effective as of 12:01 a.m., New York time (the
"Effective Time") on the Sunday immediately preceding the Closing Date (the
"Cut-Off Date").

     Section 4.2 Payment on the Closing Date. Subject to fulfillment or waiver
(where permissible) of the conditions set forth in Articles IX and X, at the
Closing Buyer shall pay Seller an amount equal to the Purchase Price by wire
transfer of immediately available funds to the bank account or accounts
specified by Seller at least three business days prior to Closing.

      Section 4.3 Buyer's Additional Closing Date Deliveries. Subject to
fulfillment or waiver (where permissible) of the conditions set forth in
Articles IX and X, at the Closing Buyer shall deliver to Seller all of the
following:

          (a) certificate of the secretary or an assistant secretary of Buyer,
dated the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Seller,
as to (i) no amendments to the certificate of incorporation of Buyer since a
specified date; (ii) the bylaws of Buyer; (iii) the resolutions of the Board of
Directors of Buyer authorizing the execution and performance of this Agreement,
the Buyer Ancillary Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby; and (iv) incumbency and signatures of the officers of Buyer executing
this Agreement or any Buyer Ancillary Agreement;

          (b) the certificate contemplated by Section 10.4, duly executed by a
duly authorized officer of Buyer;

          (c) the IP License Agreement, the Transition Services Agreement and
the Private Brands Agreement, in each case duly executed on behalf of Buyer;

          (d) the Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement and the
Assignment and Assumption Agreement (Real Estate) for each Store that is
included in the Leased Real Estate (which shall be modified to conform to the
particular requirements of the jurisdictions in which the Real Estate is
located), in each case duly executed on behalf of Buyer; and

          (e) any real estate transfer Tax declarations required to be executed
or filed in connection with the transfer of the Real Estate.

     Section 4.4 Seller's Closing Date Deliveries. Subject to fulfillment or
waiver (where permissible) of the conditions set forth in Articles IX and X, at
the Closing Seller shall deliver to Buyer all of the following:

          (a) certificate of the secretary or an assistant secretary of Seller,
dated the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer,
as to (i) no amendments to the amended and restated charter of Seller since a
specified date; (ii) the amended and restated bylaws of Seller; (iii) the
resolutions of the Board of Directors of Seller authorizing the execution and
performance of this Agreement, the Seller Ancillary Agreements and the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby; and (iv) incumbency and signatures
of the officers of Seller executing this Agreement or any Seller Ancillary
Agreement;


                                       24

<PAGE>

          (b) certificate of an executive officer of Seller, dated the Closing
Date, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Buyer, as to the amount of
the Partridge Creek Contributions received by or credited to Saks or Seller or
any of their Affiliates prior to the Cut-Off Date;

          (c) the certificate contemplated by Section 9.5, duly executed by a
duly authorized officer of Seller;

          (d) the IP License Agreement, the Transition Services Agreement and
the Private Brands Agreement, in each case duly executed on behalf of Seller;

           (e) the Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement, Grant Deeds
(with respect to the Owned Real Estate and which shall be modified to conform to
the particular requirements of the jurisdictions in which the Owned Real Estate
is located) and the Assignment and Assumption Agreement (Real Estate) for each
Store that is included in the Leased Real Estate (which shall be modified to
conform to the particular requirements of the jurisdictions in which the Real
Estate is located), in each case duly executed on behalf of Seller or one or
more of its Affiliates;

          (f) any other assignments and endorsements, without recourse or
representation (other than as set forth herein), that may be reasonably
necessary to transfer the Assets to Buyer in proper form and suitable for filing
with the appropriate Governmental Body;

          (g) any real estate transfer Tax declarations required to be executed
or filed in connection with the transfer of the Real Estate;

          (h) real estate estoppel letters in substantially the form of Exhibit
V from the landlords of the Leased Real Estate described therein;

          (i) such other certificates, documents and instruments as Buyer
reasonably requests related to the transactions contemplated hereby; and

          (j) an affidavit, substantially in the form of Exhibit P, made under
penalties of perjury and duly executed by Seller that provides Seller's United
States taxpayer identification number and states that Seller is not a foreign
person for purposes of Section 1445 of the Code.

                                    ARTICLE V
                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

          As an inducement to Buyer to enter into this Agreement and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, Seller represents and warrants
to Buyer as follows (it being understood that Seller makes no representation or
warranty regarding matters that do not arise out of or relate to the Parisian
Business or the Business, as the case may be (other than with respect to
Seller's organization, power and authority in Section 5.1 and 5.2 and other than
with respect to tax matters to the extent set forth in Section 5.5), and that to
the extent that any such representation or warranty made by Seller relates to
Saks or any of its Affiliates or the operation


                                       25

<PAGE>

of the Stores or the Parisian Business or the Business on or prior to October 2,
2006, such representation or warranty shall be deemed to be made on October 2,
2006:

     Section 5.1 Organization of Seller; Power and Authority of Seller. Seller
is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the State of Delaware. Seller is duly qualified to transact business and
is in good standing in each jurisdiction where the character of its properties
owned or held under lease or the nature of its activities makes such
qualifications necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good
standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect. Seller has the corporate power and authority to
own or lease and operate its assets and to carry on its business in the manner
that it was conducted immediately prior to the date of this Agreement.

     Section 5.2 Authority of Seller; Conflicts.

          (a) Seller has all requisite corporate power to enter into this
Agreement and the Seller Ancillary Agreements and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
and the Seller Ancillary Agreements by Seller and the consummation by Seller of
the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by
all necessary corporate action on the part of Seller (no stockholder approval
being required). This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Seller
and (assuming the valid authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement
by Buyer and the validity and binding effect of this Agreement on Buyer)
constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Seller enforceable against
Seller in accordance with its terms, and each of the Seller Ancillary
Agreements, upon execution and delivery by Seller will be (assuming the valid
authorization, execution and delivery by Buyer, where Buyer is a party, and any
other party or parties thereto) a legal, valid and binding obligation of Seller
enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject, in the case of this Agreement
and each of the Seller Ancillary Agreements, to bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general application relating to
or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles.

          (b) Except as set forth in Schedule 5.2, the execution and delivery of
this Agreement or any of the Seller Ancillary Agreements by Seller, the
consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby by Seller
or compliance with or fulfillment of the terms, conditions and provisions hereof
or thereof by Seller will not:

               (i) assuming the receipt of all necessary consents and approvals
     and the filing of all necessary documents as described in Section
     5.2(b)(ii), result in a breach of the terms, conditions or provisions of,
     or constitute a default, an event of default or an event creating rights of
     acceleration, termination or cancellation or a loss of rights under, or
     result in the creation or imposition of any Encumbrance upon any of the
     Assets, under (1) the charter, bylaws or similar organizational documents
     of Seller, (2) any Contract, Real Estate Agreement, Warranty, Purchase
     Order or other Business Agreement, (3) any Court Order to which Seller is a
     party or by which Seller or any Asset is bound or (4) any Requirements of
     Law affecting Seller or any Asset, other than, in the case of clauses (2),
     (3) and (4) above, any such breaches, defaults, rights, loss of rights or
     Encumbrances that


                                       26

<PAGE>

     would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have
     a Material Adverse Effect or would not prevent the consummation of any of
     the transactions contemplated hereby, or

               (ii) require the approval, consent, authorization or act of, or
     the making by Seller or any of its Affiliates of any declaration, filing or
     registration with, any Governmental Body, except (1) the filing with the
     SEC of such reports under the Exchange Act as may be required in connection
     with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, (2) such
     consents, approvals, filings and notices as may be required under any
     Requirements of Law with respect to environmental matters pertaining to any
     notification, disclosure or required approval triggered by the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement, (3) such filings as may be required in
     connection with the Taxes described in Section 8.2(a)(iv), and (4) such
     approvals, consents, authorizations, declarations, filings or registrations
     the failure of which to be obtained or made would not, individually or in
     the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or
     would not prevent the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated
     hereby.

          Except as provided in Section 5.2(b)(ii), no representation or
warranty is made as to whether any new approvals, consents, licenses, permits,
orders, authorizations, declarations, filings or registrations will be required
as a result of the sale of the Assets to Buyer in order for Buyer to continue to
own the Assets and operate the Stores following the Cut-Off Date in the manner
in which the Assets were owned and the Stores were operated on or before the
Cut-Off Date.

     Section 5.3 Financial Statements. Seller has reviewed the unaudited profit
and loss statements for the 2005 fiscal year for the Parisian stores acquired by
Seller in the Saks Transaction (the "Parisian Stores") that were prepared by
Saks and provided to Seller in connection with the Saks Transaction
(collectively, the "Store Financial Statements"). Seller has also reviewed the
audited statement of income for the Parisian Business for the 2005 fiscal year
that was prepared by Saks and provided to Seller in connection with the Saks
Transaction ("Parisian Audited Financial Statement"), which includes the results
of operations of the Parisian Stores for such fiscal year. Seller has tracked
the "store profit" as reflected in the Store Financial Statements for the 2005
fiscal year to the Parisian Audited Financial Statement and believes that the
"store profit" reflected in the Parisian Audited Financial Statements for the
2005 fiscal year are consistent in all material respects with the aggregate
store profit of the Parisian Stores as reflected in the Store Financial
Statements. Schedule 5.3 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule contains the
unaudited profit and loss statements for the 2003, 2004 and 2005 fiscal years
for the Circle Center, Meadowbrook Mall and Laurel Place Stores and the
unaudited profit and loss statement for the 2005 fiscal year for the Fairfield
Commons, Beavercreek Store (collectively, the "Specified Store Financial
Statements"). Seller has no Knowledge of any material inaccuracies in the
Specified Store Financial Statements.

     Section 5.4 Operations Since Financial Statements Date. Except as set forth
in Schedule 5.4 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, since the Financial
Statements Date, there has been no Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth
in Schedule 5.4 of the Seller Disclosure


                                       27

<PAGE>

Schedule, to the Knowledge of Seller, since the Financial Statements Date, the
Business has been conducted in the ordinary course substantially consistent with
past practice. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, to the
Knowledge of Seller, since the Financial Statements Date through the closing of
the Saks Transaction, neither Saks nor its Affiliates, and since the closing of
the Saks Transaction, neither Seller nor any of its Affiliates have:

          (a) made any material change in the Business or its operations,
except such changes as may be required to comply with any applicable
Requirements of Law;

          (b) purchased or otherwise acquired any assets or made any capital
expenditures, in each case that are material, individually or in the aggregate,
to the Business (other than (i) purchases of inventory in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice, (ii) capital expenditures in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or as contemplated by
the fiscal 2006 capital budget of the Parisian Business and (iii) capital
expenditures required under any Real Estate Agreement or Lease Agreement for
capital improvements that are not controlled exclusively by Saks or Seller or
their respective Affiliates);

          (c) granted to any Transferred Employee any material increase in
compensation or other benefit (excluding any retention agreements that do not
involve payments by Buyer to any such employee after the Closing) except as may
be required under existing agreements or in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice;

          (d) acquired by merging or consolidating with, or by purchasing a
substantial portion of the stock or assets of, any business or any corporation,
partnership, association or other business organization or division thereof;

          (e) sold or otherwise disposed of any assets of the Business
(including by transfer or other disposition of other portions of the Business)
that are material, either individually or in the aggregate, to the Parisian
Business prior to October 2, 2006 or to the Business thereafter (other than
sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice);

          (f) materially adversely modified, amended or terminated any Contract,
Real Estate Agreement, Warra


 
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