EXHIBIT 10.18
ASSET PURCHASE
AGREEMENT
providing for the purchase of
certain assets of
ELECTRIC MOTORSPORTS,
LLC,
an Ohio limited liability
company,
and
Robert Gruenwald
(“Sellers”)
by
BALQON
CORPORATION,
a California corporation
(“Buyer”)
ASSET PURCHASE
AGREEMENT
THIS
ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of September 9, 2008
(this “Agreement” ), is made between (i) BALQON
CORPORATION, INC., a California corporation (
“Buyer” ), on the one hand, and (ii) ELECTRIC
MOTORSPORTS, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company
(“EMS”), and Robert Gruenwald, an individual and sole
member of EMS (“Gruenwald” and, together with EMS,
“Sellers” and each, a “Seller”). with
reference to the following facts.
RECITALS
A. Sellers are engaged in the business of manufacturing and
selling, electric vehicle components including motor controllers,
chargers, converters, and motors worldwide (the
“Business” ).
B. Gruenwald owns all of the issued and
outstanding membership interests of EMS.
C. EMS and Gruenwald have designed an electronic
controller for Balqon (the “Controller”).
D. Buyer desires to purchase from
Sellers, and Sellers desire to sell to Buyer, substantially all of
the assets of EMS and all of Gruenwald’s right, title and
interest in any and all intellectual property relating to the
Business on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
this Agreement.
AGREEMENT
The
parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1.
PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS
1.1 Agreement to Purchase and Sell Assets.
On the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, Buyer
shall purchase and acquire from Sellers, and Sellers shall sell,
convey, assign, transfer, and deliver to Buyer, (i) all of the
assets and property of EMS, including but not limited to all of
Intellectual Property Rights held by EMS as of the Closing (as
defined in Section 2.1 below), except for the assets, if any,
specifically described on the attached Exhibit 1.1 (the
“Excluded Assets” ), and (ii) all of
Gruenwald’s right, title and interest in all of any
Intellectual Property Rights relating in any way whatsoever to the
Business. As used herein, “ Intellectual Property
Rights ” shall mean all (i) patents, patent applications,
patent disclosures and inventions, (ii) trademarks, service marks,
trade dress, trade names, logos and corporate names and
registrations and applications for registration thereof together
with all of the goodwill associated therewith, (iii) copyrights
(registered and unregistered) and copyrightable works and
registrations and applications for registration thereof, (iv)
software, data, data bases and documentation thereof, (v) trade
secrets and other confidential information (including, without
limitation, ideas, formulas, compositions, inventions (whether
patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice),
know-how, manufacturing and production processes and techniques,
research and development information, drawings, specifications,
designs, plans, proposals, technical data, financial and marketing
plans, supplier lists and information [and customer lists and
information], (vi) other intellectual property rights and (vii)
copies and tangible embodiments thereof (in whatever form or
medium). The assets and property to be purchased by Buyer
(collectively, the “Purchased Assets” ) shall
include, without limitation, the following:
(a)
Intellectual Property. All of the right, title, benefit, and
interest in and to (i) all Intellectual Property Rights of EMS
(including, without limitation, any right to use any trade name
such as “ELECTRIC MOTORSPORTS” and all derivations
thereof), and other intellectual property rights, presently owned,
possessed, or used by EMS, and (ii) all right, title, benefit and
interest in and to all Intellectual Property Rights owned,
possessed or used by Gruenwald in connection with the operation of
the Business. Such Intellectual Property Rights of EMS and
Gruenwald purchased hereby include but are not limited to, those
listed on Exhibit 1.1(c) . Collectively, the Intellectual
Property Rights of EMS and Gruenwald purchased by Buyer hereunder
shall be referred to as the “Intellectual
Property”.
(b)
Records. All records, customer and supplier lists, product
information, product drawings, production documentation, material
specifications, equipment lists, formulae, specifications,
drawings, plans, reports, data, notes, correspondence, contracts,
labels, catalogues, website, software, brochures, art work,
photographs, advertising materials, marketing and production
literature, files, and other records and documents concerning the
Business in the possession or control of either of the Sellers,
including but not limited to any books of account, ledgers, and
other financial records, but excluding the company records and
minute books of EMS (collectively, the records to be delivered
hereunder are hereinafter referred to as the “Business
Information” ).
(c)
Permits and Licenses. To the extent transferable and subject
to obtaining any necessary third-party consents, all permits,
licenses, franchises, and approvals relating to or maintained as
part of the Business.
(f)
Manufacturer Warranties. To the extent transferable, all of
the product and service warranties of manufacturers with respect to
products purchased, sold, distributed, or serviced with respect to
the Business on or before the Closing Date (the
“Manufacturers Warranties” ).
(g)
Intangible Property Rights. All of the choses in action,
claims, causes, or rights of action and intangible property rights
held by either of the Sellers arising from or concerning the
Business, including but not limited to rights arising under any
manufacturer’s warranties and, to the extent transferable,
restrictive covenants, confidentiality obligations, and similar
obligations of all present and former members, managers, officers,
and employees of either of the Sellers relating to or concerning
the Business.
Sellers shall transfer the Purchased Assets to
Buyer free and clear of all claims, liens, mortgages, pledges,
security interests, encumbrances, charges, obligations,
assignments, leases, and any other restrictions of any kind
(“ Encumbrances ”), except for restrictions
solely arising from and relating to the Assumed Liabilities
(defined below)
1.2 Purchase Price. As
consideration for the Purchased Assets and the other covenants
(including the covenants not to compete) of Sellers in this
Agreement (the “Purchase Price” ), Buyer shall
pay to Sellers the sum of Three hundred and fifty thousand
($350,000) (the “Cash Purchase Price” ), of
which $250,000 shall be paid at the Closing (defined below), and
$100,000 (“Holdback”) subject to any adjustments as
provided herein, paid in form of promissory note to be delivered at
the Closing and payable within six months following the date of the
Closing (the “Closing Date”) with interest on the
unpaid principal balance from the Closing Date, until paid, at the
Prime Rate published by the Wall Street Journal .
1.3 Assumed Liabilities. At the
Closing, in addition to Buyer’s obligations under Section 1.2
above, Buyer shall assume and agree to pay, perform, and discharge,
when due, only the following liabilities and obligations of Seller
(collectively, the “Assumed Liabilities”
):
(a) Contract
Liabilities. The liabilities and obligations of EMS arising
after the Closing Date with respect to the contracts, agreements,
and commitments specifically listed on the attached Exhibit
1.3(a) (the “Assumed Contracts”
).
(b) Warranty
Liabilities. The liabilities and obligations arising after the
Closing Date with respect to any claim under warranty issued by EMS
for product sold by EMS before the Closing Date, up to an aggregate
maximum of Twenty five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00), net of any
costs recovered or recouped by Buyer in connection with warranty
matters. Warranty liability in excess of Twenty five Thousand
Dollars ($25,000.00) shall be the sole responsibility of and paid
by the Sellers.
Except for the Assumed Liabilities, Buyer shall
not assume or be obligated to pay, perform, or discharge any
liability, obligation, debt, charge, or expense of either of the
Sellers of any kind, description, or character, whether accrued,
absolute, contingent, or otherwise, or whether or not disclosed to
Buyer in this Agreement, the Disclosure Schedule (defined below),
or otherwise (collectively, the “Excluded
Liabilities” ). Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
in this Agreement, except for the Assumed Liabilities, Buyer shall
not assume or be obligated to pay, perform, or discharge any
liability, obligation, debt, charge, or expense of either of the
Sellers even if imposed upon Buyer as a successor to EMS, with
respect to any action, suit, proceeding, or claim arising out of or
relating to any event occurring, or with respect to any cause of
action arising, before or after the Closing Date, whether or not
asserted before or after the Closing Date, including but not
limited to any liability, obligation, debt, charge, or expense
related to taxes, environmental matters, agreements with sales
representatives, employee benefits, obligations or policies,
judgments, product warranty claims, product liability claims, and
contractual claims. Buyer shall likewise not
assume or be obligated to pay, perform, or discharge any liability,
obligation, debt, charge, or expense of Gruenwald.
1.4
Limited License. Notwithstanding the transfer of the
Intellectual Property noted herein, Buyer grants to Sellers a
limited license to use the Intellectual Property, for a period not
to exceed six (6) months after the Closing Date and subject to the
revocation of such license for any reason in the sole discretion of
the Buyer, for the limited purpose of completing all orders and
contracts entered into prior to the Closing Date and listed on
Exhibit 1.4.
1.5 Allocation of
Purchase Price. The Purchase Price and the Assumed Liabilities
(to the extent the assumption thereof would be considered an amount
realized for tax purposes) shall be allocated among the Purchased
Assets and Seller’s other covenants set forth in this
Agreement, as set forth on attached Exhibit 1.5 (which Exhibit 1.5
shall be mutually agreed upon prior to Closing). The allocation set
forth on Exhibit 1.5 shall be conclusive and binding on Buyer, EMS,
and Gruenwald for all purposes, including, but not limited to,
reporting and disclosure requirements under the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and any
other state, local, or foreign tax authority.
ARTICLE 2. CLOSING
2.1 Place and Date of Closing. The purchase and
sale contemplated by this Agreement (the
“Closing” ) shall take place, on or before
September 1, 2008, or at any other place, time, and date mutually
agreed upon by Buyer and Sellers. The Closing shall be deemed to be
effective upon the close of business on the Closing
Date.
2.2 Deliveries at Closing.
(a)
Buyer’s Deliveries. At the Closing, Buyer shall
execute and/or deliver, or cause to be executed and/or delivered:
(i) Two hundred and fifty thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) in
immediately available funds; (ii) Promissory Note attached hereto
as Exhibit 1.2; (vi) the Employment Agreement (as defined in
Section 5.9 below); and (vii) any and all other agreements,
certificates, instruments, and other documents required of Buyer
under this Agreement.
(b)
Seller’s and the Shareholders’ Deliveries. At
the Closing, EMA and Gruenwald, as the case may be, shall execute
and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered: (i) bills of
sale, endorsements, assignments, and other instruments of
conveyance, reasonably acceptable to Buyer, that shall be
sufficient to transfer title to the Purchased Assets to Buyer; (ii)
the Employment Agreement executed by Bob Gruenwald; (iv) certified
copies of resolutions of the members of EMS or similar
documentation reasonably acceptable to Buyer, authorizing the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
(v) a good standing certificate for Seller from the State of Ohio,
as of a date no more than thirty (30) days before the Closing Date;
(vi) copies of all documents evidencing other necessary action and
governmental approvals, if any, with respect to this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement that Buyer
reasonably requests; (vii) documents necessary for Seller to
abandon use of the name “ELECTRIC MOTOR SPORTS of
Ohio”; (viii) all records and other documents included in the
Purchased Assets; and (ix) any and all other agreements,
certificates, instruments, and other documents required of Seller
under this Agreement.
(c)
Further Actions. Buyer and each of the Sellers shall take
all further actions and execute and deliver any additional
agreements, certificates, instruments, and other documents on or
after the Closing as Buyer shall deem reasonably necessary to
effectuate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
ARTICLE 3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
SELLERS
EMS and Gruenwald, jointly and
severally, represent and warrant to Buyer as follows:
3.1 Disclosure
Schedule. Attached to this Agreement are numbered schedules
(collectively, the “Disclosure Schedule” )
corresponding to the sections and subsections of this Article. Each
individual schedule in the Disclosure Schedule contains exceptions
to the specifically identified section and subsection contained in
this Article and sets forth each exception in reasonable detail,
with attached documentation as necessary to reasonably explain the
exception. Any exception to the representations and warranties
contained in a section or subsection of this Article is described
in a separate schedule of the Disclosure Schedule that specifically
identifies the applicable section or subsection of this Article.
The Disclosure Schedule is complete and accurate in all respects.
Sellers have provided Buyer with true and complete copies of all
documents referenced in the Disclosure Schedule. Sellers are
responsible for including all schedules of the Disclosure
Schedule.
3.2 Seller’s
Organization and Good Standing. EMS is a limited liability
company duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing
under the laws of the State of Ohio. Except as set forth on
Schedule 3.2 of the Disclosure Schedule, neither the
character of the properties owned, leased, or used by Seller, nor
the nature of the business transacted by Seller on or before the
Closing Date, require the licensing or qualification of Seller in
any other jurisdiction. Gruenwald owns one hundred percent (100%)
of the issued and outstanding membership interests of EMS, free and
clear of any and all liens, claims, encumbrances, or rights of
third parties whatsoever. EMS has no membership interests, economic
interests or other securities other than those owned by Gruenwald,
and there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, rights,
warrants, calls, or other agreements or commitments obligating EMS
or Gruenwald to sell or issue any membership or other equity
interests or other securities of EMS or any securities convertible
into any membership or other equity interests of EMS, nor are there
any voting trusts or any other agreements or understandings with
respect to the voting of such membership or other equity interests
of EMS or securities of EMS held by Gruenwald or anyone
else.
3.3 Enforceability. EMS
and Gruenwald, respectively, have full capacity, power, and
authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and this Agreement is
binding upon EMS and Gruenwald and is enforceable against EMS and
Gruenwald in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement.
3.4 No Conflict with Other
Instruments or Proceedings. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement will not (a) result in the breach of any of the
terms or conditions of, or constitute a default under, the articles
of organization or operating agreement or any charter document,
contract, agreement, lease, commitment, indenture, mortgage,
pledge, note, bond, license, or other instrument or obligation to
which EMS or Gruenwald is now a party or by which EMS or Gruenwald
or any of the properties or assets of EMS or Gruenwald may be bound
or affected; (b) violate any law, rule, or regulation of any
administrative agency or governmental body or any order, writ,
injunction, or decree of any court, administrative agency, or
governmental body; (c) result in the imposition of any lien or
encumbrance on any of the Purchased Assets; (d) give rise to any
right of first refusal or similar right to any third party with
respect to any interest in any of the Purchased Assets; All
consents, approvals, or authorizations of, or declarations,
filings, or registrations with, any third parties or governmental
or regulatory authorities required under any document or instrument
listed in clause (a) in the immediately preceding sentence in
connection with the execution, delivery, and performance of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement have been obtained or made.
3.5 Compliance with Laws
and Other Regulations. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.5,
neither of the Sellers are subject to, nor have either of the
Sellers been threatened with, any fine, penalty, liability, or
disability as the result of a failure to comply with any
requirement of federal, state, local, or foreign law, rule, or
regulation (including those relating to the environment, employment
of labor, or occupational health and safety) or any requirement of
any governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over either of
the Sellers, the conduct of the Business, the use of assets of EMS
or properties or any premises occupied by EMS. EMS is in compliance
in all material respects with all of those laws, rules,
regulations, and other requirements. There are no outstanding work
orders relating to the Purchased Assets from or required by any
police or fire department, sanitation, health, or factory
authorities or from any federal, state, local, or foreign authority
or any matters under discussion with any of those departments or
authorities relating to work orders.
3.6 Financial
Statements. Seller’s financial statements as of and for
the years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, and the
internal financial statements for the six (6) months ended June 30,
2008 (the “ Financial Statements ”), have
previously been provided to Buyer and are attached as Schedule
3.6 of the Disclosure Schedule. The Financial Statements,
including the notes to the Financial Statements, if any, are true,
correct, and complete in all material respects, are in accordance
with books and records of EMS, accurately and fairly reflect
EMS’s transactions, assets, and liabilities, and present
fairly the financial position and condition of EMS as of the
respective dates indicated and the results of operations and
changes in cash flows for the respective periods then ended, except
as otherwise indicated on Schedule 3.6 of the Disclosure
Schedule. In this Agreement, the balance sheet of
EMS as of June 30th, 2008, is referred to as the “Balance
Sheet,” and June 30th, 2008, is referred to as the
“Balance Sheet Date.”
3.7 Absence of Undisclosed
Liabilities. Except for liabilities expressly reserved on the
Balance Sheet or disclosed on Schedule 3.7 , EMS does not
have any debts, liabilities, or obligations of any nature, whether
accrued, absolute, contingent, or otherwise, and whether due or to
become due, including, guarantees, liabilities, or obligations on
account of taxes, other governmental charges, duties, penalties,
interest, or fines, and, there is no basis for the assertion
against EMS of any debt, liability, or obligation.
3.8 Absence of Certain
Changes or Events. From January 1, 2008, up to and including
the present date (the “Interim Period” ), EMS
has conducted the Business in the ordinary and usual course and has
maintained the records and books of account relating to the
Business in a manner that fairly and accurately reflects the
transactions, assets, and liabilities of EMS, except as set forth
in Schedule 3.8 and, during the Interim Period, there has been no
material adverse change in the condition of the Business, financial
or otherwise, or in any of the Purchased Assets except as disclosed
on Schedule 3.8. In particular, and without limiting the foregoing,
during the Interim Period, Seller has not with respect to the
Business: (a) subjected any of the Purchased Assets to any claim,
lien, mortgage, security interest, encumbrance, charge, or other
restriction; (b) sold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of any of
the Purchased Assets except in the ordinary and usual course of
business; (c) disposed of or permitted a lapse of any license,
permit, patent, trademark, trade name, or copyright; (d) disposed
of, licensed or disclosed to any person any trade secret, formula,
process, or know-how; (e) purchased or placed a purchase order for
inventory, supplies, or any other items, or entered into any other
agreement or transaction other than in the ordinary and usual
course of business; (f) suffered any material loss of or damage to
physical property or other assets, whether or not covered by
insurance; (g) paid or incurred any obligation to make any
distributions with respect to any membership interests of EMS; or
(h) violated any federal, state, local, or foreign law, statute,
ordinance, regulation, or order.
3.9 Customers and
Suppliers. During the Interim Period, there has not been any
material adverse change in any business relationship EMS has with
any of the ten (10) largest customers of the Business or the ten
(10) largest suppliers of the Business nor could EMS or Gruenwald
reasonably anticipate an adverse change as a result of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Schedule 3.9 of
the Disclosure Schedule sets forth: (i) the names of the ten (10)
largest customers of the Business and the ten (10) largest
suppliers of the Business, along with aggregate amount of sales or
purchases with each such customer or supplier for the twelve (12)
months ending June 30, 2008; (ii) the aggregate dollar value of all
accepted and unfilled orders for the sale of products by EMS with
respect to the Business (including all agreements with respect to
presold inventory); and (iii) all contracts and commitments for the
purchase of products and supplies by EMS with respect to the
Business. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.9, there are no claims
against EMS or Gruenwald with respect to the Business, or notices
of any returns of merchandise, by reason of alleged overshipments,
defective merchandise, or otherwise.
3.10 Taxes. Schedule
3.10 of the Disclosure Schedule contains a list of states,
territories, and jurisdictions to which any Tax has been claimed to
be, or is, properly payable by EMS. For purposes of this Agreement,
“Tax” means (a) any net income, alternative or
add-on minimum tax, gross income, gross receipts, sales, use, ad
valorem, value added, transfer, franchise, profits, license,
withholding, payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp,
occupation, premium, property, environmental or windfall profits
tax, custom, duty or other tax, governmental fee or other like
assessment or charge of any kind whatsoever, together with any
interest or penalty, addition to tax or additional amount, imposed
by any governmental authority responsible for the imposition of any
tax (domestic or foreign), (b) liability of EMS for the payment of
any amounts of the type described in clause (a) as a result of EMS
being a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary
group or being a party to any agreement or arrangement whereby
liability of EMS for payment of those amounts was determined or
taken into account with reference to the liability of any other
person for any period, and (c) liability of EMS with respect to the
payment of any amounts of the type described in clauses (a) or (b)
as a result of any express or implied obligation to indemnify any
other person. Sellers have filed all federal, state, local, and
foreign Tax returns that Sellers have been or are required by law
to file and those returns are complete, accurate, and correct in
all respects. Sellers have paid all Taxes and assessments due and
payable by Sellers. Sellers have withheld and paid over all
federal, state, local, and foreign withholdings required by law.
All current and deferred Tax liabilities of EMS as of the Balance
Sheet Date have been set forth in the Balance Sheet. EMS has not
signed any extension with any taxing authority concerning any Tax
liability and no disputed Tax matters exist for any prior periods.
EMS has not received notice of the existence of any fact that would
constitute grounds for the assessment of any further Tax with
respect to any periods that have not been audited by the Internal
Revenue Service or any state, local, or foreign Tax authority, and
neither Seller has knowledge of the existence of any such
fact.
3.11 Intellectual
Property. Schedule 3.11 of the Disclosure Schedule
specifically describes all intellectual property owned or used by
EMS. Sellers own the entire right, title, and interest in and to
the Intellectual Property, including but not limited to the
Controller, free and clear of all claims, liens, licenses,
sublicenses, charges, or encumbrances. The Intellectual Property
constitutes all of the intellectual property used by EMS in the
Business and all of the intellectual property necessary for the
operation of the Business. To the knowledge of the Sellers, there
is no infringement or unlawful use by any person or entity of any
Intellectual Property. To the knowledge of Sellers, EMS has not
infringed or unlawfully used the patents, service marks, trade
names, trademarks, logos, copyrights, or other proprietary rights
of any other person or entity. EMS has proprietary rights in the
trade name, trademark, and service mark in that EMS has registered
the name “ELECTRIC MOTORSPORTS, LLC” with the Ohio
Secretary of State and has made no other action other than the
conduct of its business to protect such marks (and all variations
of that name), however, any rights accruing to EMS due to its
actions remain part of this agreement. None of the Intellectual
Property is subject to any pending nor, to the knowledge of either
Seller, any threatened claim or challenge, and, to the knowledge of
either Seller, there is no valid basis for asserting any claim or
challenge. EMS does not require any license or other proprietary
right to operate the Business or to man