Exhibit 10.2
TIMBERLAND PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
VIRGINIA TIMBERLANDS
This
Timberland Purchase and Sale Agreement (“Agreement”) is
entered into by and between GLAWSON INVESTMENTS CORP., a Georgia
corporation (“Purchaser Parent”), GIC INVESTMENTS LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company owned by Purchaser Parent
(“Purchaser”) and GLATFELTER PULP WOOD COMPANY, a
Maryland corporation (“Seller”), dated and effective as
of August 8 2007.
Now, Therefore ,
subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and
in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements of the
parties herein contained, the receipt and adequacy of which hereby
are acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
Article 1
Definitions
1.1 Terms . As
used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
following meanings:
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(a) |
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[Intentionally Omitted] |
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(b) |
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Agreement .
“Agreement” means this Timberland Purchase and Sale
Agreement dated as of August ___, 2007. |
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(c) |
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Assignment and
Assumption Agreement For Land-Related Agreements and Permits
. “Assignment and Assumption Agreement for Land-Related
Agreements and Permits” means the instrument to assign and
assume the Land-Related Agreements and the Permits. The form of
such Assignment and Assumption Agreement for Land-Related
Agreements and Permits is attached as Exhibit G . |
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(d) |
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Bank .
“Bank” means a U.S. or state chartered bank or other
financial institution acceptable to Seller in its sole
discretion. |
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(e) |
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Business Day .
“Business Day” means a day of the year other than a
Saturday or Sunday or day on which banks are required or authorized
to close in New York, New York. |
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(f) |
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Cash Assets .
“Cash Assets” means the assets identified on
Exhibit N , if any. |
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(g) |
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Closing & Closing
Date . “Closing” and “Closing Date”
mean the date on which the Purchase Price is paid, the Deed(s) are
conveyed to Timber LLC for recording, and the Timber LLC Interests
are conveyed to Purchaser. |
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(h) |
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Code .
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended. |
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(i) |
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Deed and Deed(s).
“Deed and Deed(s)” mean limited warranty deed(s) to
Timber LLC, each of which shall warrant title only against the
lawful claims arising by, through, or under Seller. The Deed shall
be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit D
. |
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(j) |
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Dollars .
“Dollars” or the symbol “$” means lawful
money of the United States of America denominated in United States
dollars. |
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(k) |
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Earnest Money
Deposit . “Earnest Money Deposit” has the
meaning specified in Article 3.2. |
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(l) |
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Environmental Defect
Parcels . “Environmental Defect Parcels” has the
meaning specified in Article 3.4. |
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(m) |
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Environmental Law
. “Environmental Law” means any applicable federal or
state law, rule, or regulation pertaining to pollution or
protection of the environment, human health, or actual or
threatened releases, discharges, or emissions into the
environment. |
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(n) |
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Escrow Officer .
“Escrow Officer” means the following, who shall serve
as escrow agent for the purchase and sale of the Timber LLC
Interests and transfer of the Timberland Property: |
Page 2
Chicago Title
Insurance Company
4170 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Ste 460
Atlanta, GA 30319
Attn: Chris Valentine
Tel: 404-303-6300
Fax — 404-303-6307
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(o) |
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Governmental
Authority . “Governmental Authority” means the
government of the United States of America or any other state or
other political subdivision thereof or any branch, department,
agency, instrumentality, court, tribunal, or regulatory authority
that constitutes a part, or exercises any sovereign power of, any
of the foregoing. |
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(p) |
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Hazardous
Substances . “Hazardous Substances” means any
substance or material defined or designated as a “Hazardous
Substance” under any Environmental Law. |
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(q) |
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HSR Notifications
. “HSR Notifications” has the meaning specified in
Article 5.1. |
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(r) |
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Installment Note
. “Installment Note(s)” has the meaning specified in
Article 3. Such Installment Note(s) shall be substantially in
the form set forth in Exhibit K with such modifications
as may be mutually agreed by the parties. |
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(s) |
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Installment Note
Purchase Price . “Installment Note Purchase
Price” means the portion of the Purchase Price payable by
Purchaser to Seller in consideration for the Installment Note
Timberlands. |
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(t) |
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Installment Note
Timberlands . “Installment Note Timberlands”
means the Timberland Property. |
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(u) |
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Land-Related
Agreements . “Land-Related Agreements” means all
leases, easements, rights-of-way, road rights, permits, licenses,
contracts, agreements, and other commitments (except collective
bargaining agreements) primarily incident or appurtenant to
Seller’s ownership of the Timberland Property listed or
described in Exhibit E . |
Page 3
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(v) |
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Letters of Credit
. “Letters of Credit” has the meaning specified in
Article 3. The Letters of Credit shall be in such form and
substance as may be mutually agreed by the parties and otherwise
consistent with the Timber Note Indicative Terms. |
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(w) |
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Notice of Default
. “Notice of Default” has the meaning specified in
Article 8.3. |
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(x) |
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Permits .
“Permits” means the governmental permits, if any,
listed or described in Exhibit F . |
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(y) |
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Permitted
Exceptions . “Permitted Exceptions” has the
meaning specified in Article 3.4. |
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(z) |
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Person .
“Person” means an individual, partnership, limited
partnership, corporation (including a business trust), limited
liability company, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated
association, joint venture or other entity, or a government or any
political subdivision or agency thereof. |
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(aa) |
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Pledge Agreement
. “Pledge Agreement” has the meaning specified in
Article 3. The Pledge Agreement shall be in such form and
substance as may be mutually agreed by the parties and otherwise
consistent with the Timber Note Indicative Terms. |
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(bb) |
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Protected Species
. “Protected Species” means any species of fish or
wildlife listed as either threatened or endangered under
Section 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended,
16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq. |
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(cc) |
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Purchase Price .
“Purchase Price” has the meaning specified in
Article 3. |
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(dd) |
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Purchaser .
“Purchaser” has the meaning specified in the
Preamble. |
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(ee) |
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Purchaser Parent
. “Purchaser Parent” has the meaning specified in the
Preamble. |
Page 4
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(ff) |
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Purchasing
Parties . “Purchasing Parties” means, prior to
the Closing, Purchaser Parent and Purchaser and, immediately prior
to, on and after the Closing, Purchaser Parent, Purchaser and
Timber LLC. |
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(gg) |
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Reimbursement
Agreement . “Reimbursement Agreement” has the
meaning specified in Article 3. The Reimbursement Agreement
shall be in such form and substance as may be mutually agreed by
the parties and otherwise consistent with the Timber Note
Indicative Terms. |
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(hh) |
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Seller .
“Seller” means Glatfelter Pulpwood Company and/or its
assigns. |
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(ii) |
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Seller’s
Certificate of Non-Foreign Status . “Seller’s
Certificate of Non-Foreign Status” means Seller’s
Internal Revenue Code § 1445 Certificate. The form for
Seller’s Certificate of Non-Foreign Status is set forth in
Exhibit H . |
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(jj) |
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Seller’s
Knowledge . “Seller’s Knowledge” means
present actual knowledge, without any duty of investigation or
inquiry, of any of the following employees of Seller: Thomas V.
Bosley and James B. Kuykendall. |
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(kk) |
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Seller’s
Non-Financial Management Records . “Seller’s
Non-financial Management Records” means Seller’s
management records concerning the Timberland Property listed on
Exhibit B-2 and specifically excluding any records that
are proprietary and confidential to Seller. |
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(ll) |
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Standard Timberland
Title Exceptions . “Standard Timberland Title
Exceptions” means the general exceptions to title set forth
in Exhibit C . |
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(mm) |
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Subsidiary .
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any
other Person of which (i) a majority of the outstanding share
capital, voting securities or other equity interests are owned,
directly or indirectly, by such Person or (ii) such Person is
entitled, directly or indirectly, to appoint a majority of the
board of directors or managers or comparable supervisory body of
the other Person. |
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(nn) |
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Timber LLC .
“Timber LLC” means up to two (2) Delaware limited
liability companies to be formed by Seller prior to the Closing,
pursuant to organizational documents reasonably satisfactory to
Seller and Purchasing Parties, for the purposes described in
Article 2.4, and any successor to such entity. |
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(oo) |
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Timber LLC Assets
. “Timber LLC Assets” has the meaning specified in
Article 2.4. |
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(pp) |
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Timber LLC
Interests . “Timber LLC Interests” means all of
the membership interests outstanding as of the Closing Date in
Timber LLC. |
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(qq) |
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Timber Note Indicative
Terms . “Timber Note Indicative Terms” means the
terms of the Installment Notes as set forth in
Exhibit M . |
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(rr) |
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Timberland
Property . “Timberland Property” means certain
unimproved timberland listed on Exhibit A , together
with timber (standing and downed), reproduction, any improvements
thereon. |
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(ss) |
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Title Defects .
“Title Defects” has the meaning specified in Article
3.4. |
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(tt) |
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Title Defect
Parcels . “Title Defect Parcels” has the meaning
specified in Article 3.4. |
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(uu) |
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Title Insurer .
“Title Insurer” means Chicago Title Insurance
Company. |
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(vv) |
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Title Policy .
“Title Policy” has the meaning specified in
Article 4.3. |
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(ww) |
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Transaction
Documents . “Transaction Documents” means this
Agreement, the Installment Notes, the Letters of Credit and any
exhibits or schedules thereto or other documents referred to
therein. |
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(xx) |
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Treasury
Regulations . “Treasury Regulations” means the
treasury regulations (including temporary regulations) promulgated
by the United States Department of Treasury with respect to the
Code. |
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(yy) |
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Value Table .
“Value Table” means the table attached as Exhibit
J . |
1.2 Accounting
Terms . All accounting terms not specifically defined in
this Agreement shall be construed, and all accounting procedures
shall be performed, in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles applicable in the United States as of the
date of this Agreement, consistently applied.
Article 2
Purchased Property And
Assumed Liabilities
2.1 Property To Be
Purchased And Sold . Seller hereby agrees to sell to
Purchaser and Purchaser hereby agrees to purchase from Seller, on
the Closing Date, for the Purchase Price, and upon the terms and
subject to the conditions hereinafter stated, the Timber LLC
Interests. On or before Closing, Seller shall assign, transfer or
convey to Timber LLC the following:
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(a) |
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Timberland
Property . All of the Timberland Property. |
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(b) |
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Land-Related
Agreements . To the extent assignable without consent of
third parties, to the extent assignable with consents where such
consents are reasonably obtainable at no cost to Seller, and to the
extent of Seller’s assignable interest therein where such
consents are not reasonably obtainable at no cost to Seller and
where such agreements without consent are acceptable to Purchasing
Parties, without liability to Seller for such failure to obtain
consents, all of Seller’s right, title, and interest in and
to the Land-Related Agreements, all of which are listed on
Exhibit E ; provided, however, that except for the
Replanting Obligations (as hereinafter defined), Purchasing Parties
shall have the right to review and approve during the Inspection
Period all Land-Related Agreements as being the type of agreements
that typically are assigned to and assumed by a purchaser in a
large timberland transaction and that the Land-Related Agreements,
taken as a whole, are commercially fair and reasonable and do not
impose an undue burden on either the Timberland Property or
Purchaser. |
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(c) |
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Permits . To the
extent assignable without liability to Seller, all of
Seller’s right, title, and interest in and to the Permits
listed on Exhibit F . |
Page 7
2.2 Assumed
Liabilities . Seller shall cause Timber LLC to assume
immediately prior to the Closing and pay when due, to the extent
not paid or discharged prior to the Closing, only those liabilities
and obligations of Seller arising from and after the Closing Date
pursuant to the following:
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(a) |
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Timberland
Property . Any obligation pertaining to the Timberland
Property as specifically identified in this Agreement including the
Exhibits excepting, however, any obligations under any Land Related
Agreements that are not assumed by Timber LLC. |
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(b) |
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Land-Related
Agreements . All outstanding obligations under the
Land-Related Agreements assigned to Timber LLC and specifically
identified in the Assignment and Assumption Agreement, including,
without limitation, all of Seller’s obligations under
Virginia law to replant harvested acres and all of Seller’s
Virginia Department of Forestry Alternative Management Plans
(collectively, the “Replanting Obligations”). Timber
LLC shall execute such forms as prescribed by the Virginia
Department of Forestry to assume all of Seller’s Replanting
Obligations, including, without limitation, Form 74B. |
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(c) |
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Permits . All
obligations under the Permits assigned to Timber LLC. |
Neither
Purchaser nor Purchaser Parent shall be liable for the obligations
assumed by Timber LLC.
2.3 Excluded
Liabilities . None of the Purchasing Parties shall assume or
be liable for obligations under Land-Related Agreements and Permits
not assumed by Timber LLC.
2.4 Deeds . On
or before Closing, Seller shall cause to be deeded to Timber LLC
all of the Timberland Property, and shall assign to Timber LLC, as
provided above, the Land-Related Agreements and Permits
(collectively, the “Timber LLC Assets”). The parties
shall cooperate in good faith with the Title Company to mutually
agree on appropriate legal descriptions for each tract at least ten
(10) days in advance of Closing. No later than ten
(10) days prior to the Closing Date, Purchaser Parent shall
specify whether Seller is to form two Timber LLCs, and in the event
it does so, it shall also designate to Seller which of the Timber
LLC Assets are to be conveyed to each such Timber LLC.
Page 8
Article 3
Purchase Price And
Terms
3.1 Purchase
Price . The total purchase price shall be $43,135,000.00
(the “Purchase Price”); provided, however, that the
Purchase Price may be adjusted pursuant to Article 3.4.
3.2 Earnest Money
Deposit . Upon execution of this agreement, Purchaser shall
deposit into escrow with the Escrow Officer the sum of
$1,000,000.00 which amount shall be held by the Escrow Officer, in
escrow in an insured, interest-bearing account. The parties
understand and agree that upon expiration of Purchaser’s
Inspection Period (hereinafter defined in Article 5.5)
Purchaser shall deposit into escrow with the Escrow Office the
additional sum of $1,000,000.00, provided this Agreement is not
terminated by the Purchaser upon expiration of the
Purchaser’s Inspection Period. All principal and interest in
such account is herein referred to as the “Earnest Money
Deposit.” At the Closing, the Earnest Money Deposit shall be
returned to Purchaser.
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(a) |
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Purchaser Fails To
Close. Except as provided in clause (c) below, if
Purchaser fails to close this transaction on or before the Closing
Date, other than because of a default by Seller, then Escrow
Officer shall have the Earnest Money Deposit paid over to Seller,
the same being agreed upon as liquidated damages for the failure of
Purchaser to consummate the transaction contemplated hereunder.
Seller agrees to accept and take the Earnest Money Deposit as its
total damages and relief and as Seller’s sole and exclusive
remedy hereunder, the parties hereby agreeing and acknowledging
that: (a) Seller would suffer damages by reason of a failure
of this transaction to close; (b) the exact amount of such
damages would be difficult to ascertain and to prove with
certainty; (c) the Earnest Money Deposit constitutes a fair
and reasonable estimate of the actual damages Seller would suffer;
and (d) the parties (and/or their representatives) have
negotiated and attempted, in good faith, to estimate the amount of
such damages and to compensate Seller therefore as set forth
herein. |
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(b) |
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Seller Fails To
Close. Should Closing not occur due to the default of
Seller, which default remains uncured after five (5) days
notice from Purchaser, Purchaser’s remedies shall be limited
to, at Purchaser’s sole election, to the following:
(i) liquidated damages being the return of the Earnest Money
Deposit and the payment by Seller to Purchaser of a cancellation
fee of $250,000.00, and termination of this Agreement; or (ii) |
Page 9
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specific performance. Should Purchaser elect to accept the
return of the Earnest Money Deposit and payment by Seller to
Purchaser of a cancellation fee of $250,000.00 the parties agree
that this sum is liquidated damages for the failure of Seller to
consummate the transaction contemplated hereunder. If Purchaser
waives its right to seek specific performance, Purchaser shall
accept liquidated damages and agrees to accept the sum as its total
damages and relief and as Purchaser’s sole and exclusive
remedy hereunder, the parties hereby agreeing and acknowledging
that: (a) Purchaser would suffer damages by reason of a
failure of this transaction to close; (b) the exact amount of
such damages would be difficult to ascertain and to prove with
certainty; (c) the return of the Earnest Money Deposit and the
payment of the cancellation fee of $250,000.00 constitutes a fair
and reasonable estimate of the actual damages Purchaser would
suffer; and (d) the parties (and/or their representatives)
have negotiated and attempted, in good faith, to estimate the
amount of such damages and to compensate Purchaser therefore as set
forth herein. |
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(c) |
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Letter of Credit
Failure . In the event that Purchaser complies with its
obligations under Article 14.4 but is unable to satisfy the
closing condition in Article 8.2(e) and Seller elects not to
consummate the transaction contemplated herein as a result of such
condition failure, then Escrow Officer shall have the Earnest Money
Deposit paid over to Purchaser, and neither Purchaser, Purchaser
Parent or any Purchaser Assignee shall have any further liability
to Seller for such condition failure. |
3.3 Payment
Terms . The Purchase Price shall be payable as provided in
this Article 3.3 on the Closing Date.
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(a) |
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Cash Assets . The
portion of the Purchase Price allocable to the Cash Assets, if any,
shall be payable in cash in immediately available funds, and
Purchaser Parent shall wire transfer the funds consistent with
Seller’s wire transfer instructions. |
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(b) |
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Installment Note
Timberlands . The Installment Note Purchase Price shall be
paid by issuance of one or more installment notes in an aggregate
principal amount equal to the Installment Note Purchase Price and
in substantially the form set out in Exhibit K with
such modifications as may be mutually agreed by the parties (each
an “Installment Note”). Each Installment Note shall be
issued in the denomination(s) requested by Seller |
Page 10
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at least five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing Date.
At Closing, Purchaser shall deliver to Seller, for the purpose of
supporting Purchaser’s obligations under the Installment
Notes, separate irrevocable standby letters of credit in amounts
sufficient to support the aggregate principal amount of all
Installment Notes (and related interest component) in such form and
substance as may be mutually agreed by the parties and otherwise
consistent with the Timber Note Indicative Terms (the
“Letters of Credit”), issued by the Bank for the
account of Purchaser pursuant to a reimbursement agreement in such
form and substance as may be mutually agreed by the parties and
otherwise consistent with the Timber Note Indicative Terms (the
“Reimbursement Agreement”). Purchaser’s
obligations under the Reimbursement Agreement will be secured
pursuant to a pledge agreement in such form and substance as may be
mutually agreed by the parties and otherwise consistent with the
Timber Note Indicative Terms (the “Pledge Agreement”).
The Letters of Credit, Reimbursement Agreement, and Pledge
Agreement are collectively referred to as the “LC
Documents.” Each Letter of Credit will have an initial stated
amount equal to the principal amount of the corresponding
Installment Note plus a corresponding interest component as
described in the Letter of Credit. Each Installment Note shall be
dated as of the Closing Date and shall mature on the twentieth
anniversary of the Closing Date. The expiration date of each Letter
of Credit shall be the date that is 15 days after the maturity
date of the corresponding Installment Note. |
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(c) |
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Cooperation Regarding
Transaction Structure . Purchaser Parent and Purchaser shall
cooperate with Seller to structure the transaction in a tax
efficient and cost-effective manner, so long as the same does not
cause Purchaser or Purchaser Parent to incur any additional
liability whatsoever or incur material expense, other than as
contemplated in the Timber Note Indicative Terms. Seller agrees to
reasonably cooperate with Purchaser to structure the transaction to
be reasonably acceptable to Purchaser, so long as such structure is
consistent with the Timber Note Indicative Terms. Purchaser will be
solely responsible for all costs associated with the Installment
Note transaction reflected in the Timber Note Indicative Terms
(including, without limitation, the costs associated with the
Letters of Credit). |
3.4 Adjustments To
Purchase Price . The Purchase Price may be adjusted under
the following circumstances:
Page 11
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(a) |
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Title . Seller
shall provide to Purchaser Parent copies of all vesting deeds and
surveys of the Property in its possession and prior year’s
tax receipts from all taxing authorities for each tract identified
therein. Purchaser Parent shall have until expiration of the
Inspection Period to obtain a title insurance commitment and to
notify Seller, in writing, of Purchaser Parent’s disapproval
of any exceptions shown in the Title Commitment other than the
Standard Timberland Title Exceptions, or other objections known to
and discovered by Purchaser Parent at that time. The Standard
Timberland Title Exceptions and those exceptions that are not
objected to and the Title Defects that are accepted by Purchaser
Parent shall be deemed to be the “Permitted
Exceptions.” If Purchaser Parent notifies Seller within ten
(10) days after the expiration of the Inspection Period that
it disapproves of any exceptions listed on the Title Commitment or
otherwise discovered by Purchaser Parent, Seller shall have ten
(10) days after receiving the disapproval notice to remove the
exceptions, provide Purchaser Parent with reasonable assurances of
the manner in which the exceptions will be removed before the
Closing or deliver notice it does not intend to cure some or any of
them. If Seller does not remove the material exceptions or provide
Purchaser Parent with such assurances that are acceptable to
Purchaser Parent, such disapproved title exceptions shall be deemed
title defects (“Title Defects”), in which case,
Purchaser Parent shall have the option, in its sole discretion,
within 10 days of Seller’s response to: (i) take
the Timberland Property subject to the Title Defects; or
(ii) reject the portions of the Timberland Property affected
by such Title Defects (the “Title Defect Parcels”);
provided, however, that the creation, configuration, and size of
any Title Defect Parcel shall be in economically and commercially
viable size and location and shall be in compliance with all
applicable land use and development standards and shall be
determined by Seller in its reasonable business judgment after
consulting with Purchaser Parent but in no event to exceed eighty
(80) additional acres beyond the acreage affected by the Title
Defect. In the event any subdivision or record plan or other
mechanism to legally subdivide and retain title to the Title Defect
Parcel is required (the “Subdivision Approval”) the
same shall be undertaken at Purchaser Parent’s sole cost and
expense on or before the Closing Date, with Seller agreeing to
reasonably cooperate in processing the same. If the Subdivision
Approval is not obtained by the Closing Date, the entire Tract(s)
containing the Title Defect Parcel shall be excluded from the
Timberland Property. Purchaser Parent may exclude only four
(4) Title Defect Parcels in the aggregate. Seller shall
provide Purchaser an adjustment to the Purchase Price at Closing
for the average price per acre shown on the Value Table for the
number of acres deleted by Seller as a result of the Title Defect.
In such circumstance, the Purchase Price shall be decreased by the
aggregate value |
Page 12
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of all Title Defect Parcels determined according to the Value
Table. For purposes of this Article, a parcel acquired by Seller by
quitclaim deed shall not be deemed a Title Defect Parcel based
solely on the fact that title was acquired by quitclaim deed;
provided, however, that the Title Commitment does not indicate an
exception to the title or Purchaser Parent does not otherwise
identify an objection to title other than the fact that the tract
was transferred by quitclaim deed. |
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(b) |
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Access . For the
purposes of this Agreement, any parcel of the Timberland Property
that lacks insurable access to and from a public road shall be
viewed as lacking access. As of Closing, the parcels lacking
insurable access may be treated as Title Defect Parcels at
Purchaser Parent’s election, in which event said parcels
lacking insurable access may be deleted from the Property and an
adjustment to the Purchase Price shall be made for the average
price per acre shown on the Value Table for the number of acres
within said tract or tracts lacking insurable access. |
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(c) |
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Environmental Assessment
& Protected Species Review . To the extent in
Seller’s possession, Seller shall provide Purchaser Parent
with information collected as a result of its internal informal
environmental site assessment, if any, within ten (10) days of
the execution of this Agreement. No later than thirty (30) days
after the expiration of the Inspection Period, Purchaser Parent may
obtain a Phase I environmental assessment of the Timberland
Property based on industry standards, as well as an assessment of
any Protected Species currently inhabiting or affecting the
Timberland Property (collectively, the “Assessments”).
Seller shall reasonably cooperate with Purchaser Parent and
Purchaser Parent’s environmental consultant in Purchaser
Parent’s Phase I environmental assessment of the Timberland
Property. In the event such reviews reveal: (i) the existence
of any waste disposal site, landfill, dump site, hazardous waste or
hazardous substance or spillage of any petroleum, crude oil or any
fraction thereof, or any other facts or circumstances that are
reasonably believed by Purchaser Parent’s environmental
consultant to create or have the potential to create a material
environmental risk or are or may be in material violation of
Environmental Law, or (ii) material Protected Species issues
or facts or circumstances that Purchaser Parent’s
environmental consultant reasonably believes are or may be in
violation of the Endangered Species Act or other federal, state or
local law, rule or regulation protecting Protected Species,
Purchaser Parent shall have the option, in its sole discretion,
within thirty (30) days after expiration of the Inspection
Period to take or reject the affected portions of the Timberland
Property (the “Environmental Defect Parcels”);
provided, however, that the creation, |
Page 13
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configuration and size of any Environmental Defect Parcel shall
be in economically and commercially viable size and location, and
shall be in compliance with all applicable land use and development
standards and shall be determined by Seller in its reasonable
business judgment after consulting with Purchaser Parent but in no
event to exceed eighty (80) additional acres beyond the
acreage affected by the Environmental Defect. Any Subdivision
Approval shall be undertaken at Purchaser Parent’s sole cost
and expense on or before the Closing Date, with Seller agreeing to
reasonably cooperate in processing the same. If the Subdivision
Approval is not obtained by the Closing Date, the entire Tract(s)
containing the Environmental Defect Parcel shall be excluded from
the Timberland Property. Purchaser Parent may exclude only four
(4) Environmental Defect Parcels in the aggregate. Seller
shall provide Purchaser an adjustment to the Purchase Price at
Closing for the average price per acre shown on the Value Table for
the number of acres affected by the Environmental Defect and the
additional acres added by Seller. In such circumstance, the
Purchase Price shall be decreased by the aggregate value of the
Environmental Defect Parcels including the acres added determined
according to the Value Table. |
| |
(d) |
|
Scheduled Timber
Harvest . Prior to Closing, Seller shall harvest timber in
accordance with the cutting schedules to be provided by the Seller
to the Purchaser Parent upon execution of this Agreement. All
harvesting shall be completed by the Closing Date, and on or before
said date, Seller shall provide to Purchaser Parent a notice of
timber harvest with the supporting data, by tract number confirming
the volume of timber harvested after May 31, 2007. At
Seller’s election, the Purchase Price shall be adjusted
downward based on the volume of timber harvested since May 31,
2007, and based upon the Value Table, or Seller shall pay Purchaser
Parent at Closing for such timber based on the value of timber
harvested and based upon the Value Table. |
| |
| |
(e) |
|
Casualty Loss;
Condemnation; Unauthorized Harvest . The parties acknowledge
that losses of timber may occur prior to the Closing as a result
of, but not limited to: (i) theft, fire, flood, storm, war,
insurrection, natural disaster, disease, insects, or any other
casualty or (ii) condemnation. In the event of any such loss
prior to Closing as determined by the Value Table in excess of
$100,000, there shall be an adjustment to the Purchase Price based
upon the Value Table. Further, in the event of any such loss prior
to Closing is in excess of ten percent (10%) of the Purchase Price,
Purchaser Parent, or Seller at its election, may terminate this
Agreement in which event the Earnest Money Deposit |
Page 14
| |
|
|
shall be refunded to Purchaser and no party shall have any
further liability hereunder except such as by its terms expressly
survives termination (the “Surviving
Obligations”). |
| |
(f) |
|
Acreage
Verification . Purchaser Parent may verify the information
provided by Seller or other information furnished to or discovered
by Purchaser Parent with regard to the acreage of the Timberland
Property. In the event Purchaser Parent decides to perform such
verification studies, such verification studies shall be completed
no later than the expiration of the Inspection Period. Following
such verification, subject to dispute by Seller, Purchaser Parent
shall make available to Seller a copy of all verification study
reports, data, and related materials that show an acreage variation
that is more than 50 acres below the acreage contained in the
Property, as represented by Seller, of 25,916.18 acres (as the same
may have been reduced). If Seller retains a Title Defect Parcel or
an Environmental Defect Parcel, the Purchase Price shall be
adjusted for said acreage discrepancy based on the Value
Table. |
3.5 Process
Applicable To Adjustments . In the event of adjustments
pursuant to Article 3.4, the following provisions also shall
apply.
| |
(a) |
|
Surveys . If a
survey is required to identify the legal description of any Title
Defect Parcel or Environmental Defect Parcel, it shall be paid for
one-half by Seller and one-half by Purchaser Parent and performed
by a mutually acceptable registered land surveyor. |
| |
| |
(b) |
|
Reservation Of Access
Easements . If any of the portions of the Timberland
Property retained by Seller pursuant to this Article do not have
practical and legal access and require access across a portion of
the Timberland Property, then at Closing Seller shall be entitled
to reserve unto itself a non-exclusive road easement or easements
for ingress and egress and utilities for the development and use of
any retained parcels not more than sixty (60) feet in width
(or any such width required for a public road up to eighty
(80) feet, if reasonably necessary in Seller’s opinion)
over the Timberland Property, such easement to be in the standard
form used by Seller for such easements at a location approved by
Purchaser Parent identifying all roads by appropriate legal
description and attaching a map or plat with the location of the
road cross-hatched. The easement shall in all events provide
(i) that all merchantable timber that requires harvesting in
order to construct, repair, or improve any road to make use |
Page 15
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|
|
of such easement shall be cut and decked by the roadside for
Purchaser Parent’s disposition after written notice to
Purchaser Parent at least sixty (60) days in advance,
(ii) that Purchaser Parent has the absolute right to relocate
the easement to another location selected by Purchaser Parent that
does not have a material adverse effect on Seller; provided,
however, that Purchaser Parent shall construct a road at least in
the same condition as the existing road, if any, on the easement
reserved by Seller and that the parties shall execute and file of
record a Relocation of Easement in a form requested by Purchaser
Parent and approved by Seller identifying the existing easement to
be terminated and the new easement to be created shall be
identified in the same manner as in the original easement. |
| |
| |
(c) |
|
Dispute Resolution
Regarding Adjustments . Disagreements regarding the
adjustments, if any, to the Purchase Price and acreage as provided
for herein shall be resolved prior to Closing by arbitration by a
consultant agreed upon by the parties; provided, however, that such
consultant shall use the Value Table for purposes of monetary
calculation, in resolving any dispute and determining the
appropriate adjustment to the Purchase Price. If the parties cannot
agree upon a consultant, then each party shall appoint a consultant
within five (5) days of receipt of written demand by the other
and the two consultants shall appoint a third consultant within
five (5) days of their appointment who shall act as the
“consultant” for the purposes of this Article. If a
party fails to appoint a consultant or the two parties fail to
agree upon a consultant, then one may be appointed by a judge of a
court having jurisdiction over the parties and the subject
matter. |
Article 4
Title
4.1 Conveyance Of
Title To Timberland Property . On or before Closing, Seller
shall convey marketable fee simple title to the Timberland Property
by one or more Deed(s) to Timber LLC, each of which shall warrant
title against the lawful claims arising by through or under Seller
(collectively, the “Timberland LLC Deeds”). The Deed(s)
and the conveyance of the Timberland Property to Timber LLC shall
be subject to the Permitted Exceptions. Seller and Purchaser Parent
shall agree on the allocation of the value of any tracts conveyed
by county and shall complete any affidavits necessary for
determining taxes or fees for filing the Deeds to Timber LLC or any
mortgages desired by Purchaser Parent.
Page 16
4.2 Conveyance of
Timber LLC Interests . At Closing, Seller shall convey good
and marketable title to the Timber LLC Interests to Purchaser by
way of the Assignment and Assumption Agreement in the form of
Exhibit O attached hereto (the “Assignment of LLC
Interests”).
4.3 Title
Insurance . Purchaser Parent, at its option, may elect to
obtain an ALTA standard coverage owner’s and/or
lender’s title insurance policy (the “Title
Policy”) issued by the Title Insurer dated as of the Closing
Date in the amount of the Purchase Price and showing title to the
Timberland Property vested in the name of Timber LLC. As a
condition to Purchasing Parties’ obligation to close the
transactions contemplated hereunder, at Closing, the Title Policy
shall be subject to no special exceptions other than the Permitted
Exceptions. The premium for the Title Policy shall be paid by
Purchaser Parent with no obligation to cure. Seller shall
reasonably cooperate with Purchaser Parent and the Title Insurer in
investigating any Title Defect and Environmental Defect parcels.
Seller shall execute and deliver any reasonable affidavits
typically requested by title companies from sellers of timberland
and deliver the same to the Title Insurer on or before Closing,
provided the same do not expose Seller to any material increased
liability.
4.4 Restrictions On
Conveyancing . Except as set forth in Article 5.3,
Seller shall not convey, contract, or otherwise agree to convey any
right, title, or interest in and to the Timberland Property to any
person or entity from and after the execution of this Agreement,
except for hunting and/or recreational licenses that will be
cancelled on or before Closing, without the prior written consent
of Purchaser Parent, which may be withheld by Purchaser Parent in
its sole discretion.
Article 5
Action Prior to
Closing
5.1 Hart-Scott-Rodino
Filings . If required, Seller and Purchaser Parent shall
each as soon as possible, but in no event later than 45 days
prior to the Closing Date, file the notifications required to be
filed by them with respect to the transaction contemplated by this
Agreement under the provisions of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Anti-trust
Improvements Act of 1976, Public Law No. 94-435, and any rules
and regulations thereunder (“HSR Notifications”).
Seller and Purchaser Parent shall cooperate with each other in
responding to any governmental inquiry or request for further
information with respect to such notifications, but neither party
shall be required to defend any action that asserts the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement constitute a violation
of law. Seller and Purchaser Parent shall each pay one-half (1/2)
of the Hart-Scott-Rodino filing fee and shall each bear their own
expenses (including attorneys’ fees) in making the
Page 17
required
filings. Seller agrees to cooperate with Purchaser Parent in order
to determine the applicability of any exemptions to filing the HSR
Notifications, including but not limited to exemptions for
non-productive property.
5.2 Management Of
Timberland Property Lease Prior To Closing . Prior to
Closing, Seller shall operate the Timberland Property consistent
with past practices except that Seller shall not knowingly take any
action or inaction that would violate any term, condition, or
provision of this Agreement. The parties acknowledge that Seller
shall continue to harvest timber on the Property and shall keep
accurate records indicating the volumes of timber harvested prior
to Closing. The parties further acknowledge that the Purchaser
shall receive a credit against the Purchase Price at Closing based
on the volume of the timber harvested and the value of the timber
harvested using the values shown on the Value Table.
5.3 Agreements And
Commitments . After the date of this Agreement, Seller shall
not, without Purchaser Parent’s written consent, which may be
withheld in Purchaser Parent’s sole discretion, enter into
any new agreements, leases, contracts, or commitments relating to
the Timberland Property, nor make any changes in any of the
existing Land-Related Agreements, other than: (a) commitments
relating to repairs, maintenance, and/or security necessary to
preserve the Timberland Property; (b) hunting and/or
recreational licenses that are cancelled on before Closing,
(c) renewals or extensions of any of the Land-Related
Agreements in the ordinary course of business; provided, however,
that such renewals or extensions or new agreements, leases,
contracts, or commitments shall be made in the ordinary course of
business and have terms of one (1) year or less and otherwise
contain the same terms. Seller shall not create, assume, or permit
the creation of any lien or encumbrance, other than the lien for
current taxes, upon any of the Timberland Property. Prior to
Closing, Seller shall fulfill its obligations under Land-Related
Agreements and Permits and shall enforce all of its material rights
under Land-Related Agreements and Permits.
5.4 Inspection
. Purchaser Parent will have until the Closing to inspect the
Property on reasonable advance notice to Seller, among other
things, to verify timber volumes located thereon and verify
compliance with applicable laws, ordinances and regulations. Prior
to providing access to the Timberland Property, Purchaser Parent
shall deliver to Seller proof of comprehensive general liability
insurance satisfactory in form and content to Seller in its
reasonable discretion, and Purchaser Parent shall maintain such
insurance through Closing. Purchaser Parent and its agents,
representatives, employees, engineers, contractors and assigns will
have the right to enter upon the Timberland Property to inspect,
examine, survey and make test borings, soil bearing tests, timber
cruises, and other engineering tests or surveys which it may deem
necessary or advisable. Purchaser Parent hereby agrees to indemnify
and hold Seller harmless from
Page 18
any and
all cost and expense resulting from any claims or damages caused by
or relating to such inspections, examinations and tests.
5.5 Inspection
Period . Purchaser Parent shall have the right, subject to
the terms herein, for a period of sixty (60) days after the
date of this Agreement, to enter upon, inspect, and investigate the
Timberland Property, cruise the timber and to verify timber
volumes, and to evaluate and verify the accuracy all data and
information provided by Seller to Purchaser Parent in connection
with the Timberland Property. Purchaser Parent shall have the right
at any time during the Inspection Period to notify Seller and
Escrow Officer that it has elected to terminate this Agreement and
receive a return of the Earnest Money, plus any interest earned
thereon. Upon receipt of such notice the Escrow Officer shall
return the Earnest Money, plus any interest earned thereon, to
Purchaser and neither party shall have any further rights or
obligations hereunder, except for those obligations which by their
terms shall survive such termination. If Purchaser Parent does not
elect to terminate this Agreement prior to expiration of the
Inspection Period as provided herein, this Agreement shall remain
in full force and effect.
Article 6
Closing
6.1 Closing
Date . The transfer of the Timberland Property and the
purchase and sale of the Timber LLC Interests shall close on or
before sixty (60) days following the expiration of the
Inspection Period, but in no event later than December 14,
2007, at a time selected by Purchaser Parent upon reasonable notice
to the Seller at the offices of Purchaser Parent’s Counsel,
Martin Snow, LLP, 240 Third Street, Macon, Georgia, or at such
other location as may be mutually agreeable to Seller and Purchaser
Parent. Seller may participate in Closing by way of delivering
documents in escrow.
6.2 Closing
Documents . On or before the Business Day immediately prior
to the Closing, the parties shall do the following:
| |
(a) |
|
Seller Deposits .
Seller shall deposit into Escrow the following documents (each
fully executed and, as to the Deeds, acknowledged): (i) the
Deeds to Timber LLC, (ii) the Assignment of LLC Interests; and
(iii) such other documents as Seller is required to deliver to
Purchaser hereunder. |
Page 19
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(b) |
|
Purchaser
Deposits . Purchaser shall deposit into Escrow any such
fully executed documents as Purchaser is required to deliver to
Seller hereunder. In addition, Purchaser shall furnish written
confirmation of intention to deposit [the cash portion of the
Purchase Price, less the Earnest Money Deposit,] 1 into Escrow,
with the actual deposit to be made by wire funds before 12:00 noon
(eastern time) on the Closing Date. |
6.3 Seller’s
Obligations . Seller shall deliver to Purchaser or Timber
LLC, as applicable, the following:
| |
(a) |
|
Board
Resolution(s) . Certified copies of resolutions duly adopted
by the Seller’s Board of Directors, authorizing the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including, if
applicable, the Installment Note transaction), and the execution
and delivery of this Agreement. |
| |
| |
(b) |
|
Executed Assignment Of
LLC Interests . An executed assignment of LLC
Interests. |
| |
| |
(c) |
|
Seller’s
Certificate Of Non-Foreign Status . An executed
Seller’s Certificate of non-Foreign Status. |
| |
| |
(d) |
|
Assignment And
Assumption Agreement For Land-Related Agreements And Permits
. An executed Assignment and Assumption Agreement for Land Related
Agreements and Permits together with consents, if any, covering
Seller’s rights under the Land-Related Agreements and Permits
being assigned to Timber LLC on the Closing Date; provided,
however, that, if a specific form is required for transfer or
assignment, such form shall be used. |
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| |
(e) |
|
Security Deposits
. All security deposits held by Seller under the Land-Related
Agreements, if any, shall be delivered to Timber LLC. |
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| |
(f) |
|
Prorations . All
prorated amounts due and owing to Purchaser pursuant to this
Agreement. |
|
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| 1 |
|
LC and Timber Notes should be delivered in escrow the day
before. |
Page 20
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(g) |
|
Affidavits . All
reasonable or customary affidavits requested by the Title Insurer
as provided in Article 4.2. |
| |
| |
(h) |
|
Certificates Of Good
Standing . Certificates of good standing of Seller in the
States of Maryland and Virginia, and Timber LLC in the State of
Delaware. |
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| |
(i) |
|
Incumbency
Certificate . An incumbency certificate from Seller. |
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| |
(j) |
|
Timber Supply .
The executed Stumpage Supply Agreement, in form and content
substantially as provided in Exhibit P . |
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| |
(k) |
|
Deeds . The
Timber LLC Deeds. |
6.4 Purchaser’s
Obligations . Purchaser shall deliver or make available to
Seller the following:
| |
(a) |
|
Unanimous Consent Of
Members(s). Certified copies of a unanimous consent duly
adopted by Purchaser’s Members authorizing the purchase of
the assets covered by this Agreement, and the execution and
delivery of this Agreement. |
| |
| |
(b) |
|
Purchase Price, Closing
Costs, and Prorations . Purchaser shall pay and deliver to
Seller and/or to such party or parties as Seller shall direct the
Purchase Price, including the Installment Notes and closing costs
and prorated amounts due and owing Seller pursuant to this
Agreement. |
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| |
(c) |
|
Certificates Of Good
Standing . Certificates of good standing of Purchaser in the
states of its organization and Georgia (as applicable). |
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| |
(d) |
|
Incumbency
Certificate . An incumbency certificate from Purchaser. |
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| |
(e) |
|
Affidavits . All
reasonable or customary affidavits requested by the Title
Insurer. |
Page 21
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(f) |
|
Timber Supply.
The executed Stumpage Supply Agreement, in form and content
substantially as provided in Exhibit P . |
6.5 Closing
Statement . No less than forty-eight (48) hours prior
to the scheduled Closing, the parties shall have agreed on a
Closing Statement pertaining to the transaction that addresses
prorations, closing costs, and similar matters.
6.6 Escrow
Officer . The Escrow Officer shall do the following:
(a) record the Deed(s) and any mortgages or other instruments
pertaining to Purchaser’s financing of the transaction, all
appropriate affidavits concerning filing the same and all fees,
taxes, and costs associated with the filings; (b) deliver to
Purchaser any documents that Seller is to deliver and Purchaser is
to receive hereunder through Escrow; (c) deliver to Seller any
documents that Purchaser is to deliver and Seller is to receive
hereunder through Escrow; and (d) disburse to Seller, by wire
transfer to an account designated by Seller in writing, the portion
of the Purchase Price to be paid in cash less the amount of any net
credit to Purchaser resulting from the prorations required
hereunder and any costs that Seller is required to pay hereunder.
The Escrow Officer’s performance of the foregoing actions
shall be deemed to occur simultaneously.
Article 7
Closing Costs and
Prorations
7.1 Closing Costs And
Expenses . The costs and expenses shall be paid as specified
herein. Purchaser shall have the benefits and burdens of ownership
as of the Closing Date.
| |
(a) |
|
Seller . Seller
shall pay: |
| |
(i) |
|
any state or local transfer taxes, documentary stamp taxes, or
similar taxes charged on the consideration paid for each deed to
Timber LLC and the transfer of the Timber LLC Interests to
Purchaser. |
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| |
(ii) |
|
any harvest excise taxes, timber ad valorem taxes or liens
resulting from its operations prior to Closing; |
Page 22
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(iii) |
|
any income taxes relating to Seller’s operations on the
Timberland Property prior to the Closing; |
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| |
(iv) |
|
any compensating taxes and penalties that may be payable due to
the removal of the Timberland Property or any portion thereof from
“forest land” or “timberland” or similar
non-ad valorem tax classification or designation and arising solely
from Seller’s actions or any change of use prior to
Closing; |
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| |
(v) |
|
any amount due to Purchaser for prorations or other sums due
under this Agreement. |
| |
(b) |
|
Purchaser Parent
. Purchaser Parent shall pay at the Closing: |
| |
(i) |
|
the costs for title examination, title insurance commitment and
the title insurance premium; |
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| |
(ii) |
|
any costs for environmental review, Protected Species review,
and any other due diligence costs of Purchasing Parties; |
| |
| |
(iii) |
|
income taxes relating to the Timberland Property on or after
the Closing; |
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| |
(iv) |
|
the costs to record any instruments pertaining to Purchasing
Parties’ financing of the transaction; |
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| |
(v) |
|
any amount due to Seller for prorations or otherwise under this
Agreement, and |
| |
| |
(vi) |
|
any costs associated with Purchasing Parties’ financing
of this transaction. |
| |
(c) |
|
Shared Costs .
Seller and Purchaser Parent shall share, split equally, and
pay: |
Page 23
| |
(i) |
|
any escrow fee; |
| |
| |
(ii) |
|
the Hart-Scott-Rodino filing fee, if applicable; and |
| |
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(iii) |
|
the cost of any survey associated with any carve-out
acreage. |
7.2 Prorations
. Property taxes, land use income from Land-Related Agreements, and
similar matters customarily prorated in similar transactions shall
be prorated between the parties as of the Closing Date.
7.3 Real Property
Taxes And Assessments . Current year real property taxes and
assessments with respect to the Timberland Property, both general
and special, shall be prorated between Seller and Purchaser Parent
as of the Closing Date. The last officially certified rate and
valuation shall be used for such prorations. Seller shall be solely
responsible for all real property taxes and assessments applicable
to the Timberland Property payable in prior years. Seller shall be
solely responsible for any assessments, taxes, expenses, or
contract obligations pertaining to the Timberland Property and
Timber LLC arising, accruing, or incurred prior to Closing.
Purchaser Parent shall be responsible for all taxes and assessments
due and payable in respect of the Timberland Property and Timber
LLC after Closing.
7.4 Land-Related
Agreements. Seller shall be solely responsible for any
contract obligations pertaining to the Timberland Property arising,
accruing, or incurred prior to Closing and shall be entitled to all
payments accruing under the Land-Related Agreements for the period
prior to and including the Closing Date. Purchaser Parent shall be
solely responsible for any obligations under the Land-Related
Agreements assigned to Timber LLC by the Assignment and Assumption
Agreement arising, accruing, or incurred subsequent to Closing and
shall be entitled to all payments accruing under the Land-Related
Agreements for the period commencing on the Closing Date as well as
any security deposits, other deposits, or unearned pre-payments
pertaining to the Land-Related Agreements.
7.5 Change In Tax
Classification . Purchaser Parent shall be solely
responsible for the payment of any taxes which may accrue any time
after Closing by reason of any change in the use, zoning, land use
classification or other tax classification of the Timberland
Property; provided, however, that if any change in the tax
classification or designation applicable to the Timberland
Property, or any portion thereof changes prior to, at or after
Closing solely and directly due to any deliberate act of Seller
prior to Closing or due to the failure of Seller to reasonably
cooperate with Purchaser
Page 24
Parent
in Purchaser Parent’s preparation and submittal prior to
Closing of a timber management plan containing a notice of
continuance acceptable to the applicable governmental authority,
(which preparation and submittal Purchaser Parent agrees to
diligently pursue) then Seller shall be solely responsible for
payment of any compensating tax and related interest and penalties
resulting therefrom, and Seller shall indemnify Purchaser Parent
for such costs. Seller, at no cost or liability to Seller, agrees
to reasonably cooperate with Purchaser Parent in executing and
filing forms, affidavits, certificates or other documents necessary
to preserve the tax status of the Timberland Property, which
obligation shall survive Closing.
Article 8
Contingencies
8.1 Conditions
Precedent To Purchasing Parties’ Obligation To Close .
The Purchasing Parties’ obligations to consummate the
transactions contemplated herein are subject to the satisfaction of
each of the following conditions, and all other conditions
contained herein, any or all of which may be waived by Purchaser
Parent, in whole or in part, but only expressly and in writing.
Satisfaction of each condition shall be determined by Purchaser
Parent, in its sole discretion.
| |
(a) |
|
Representations and
Warranties . Seller’s representations and warranties
contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all
material respects as of the Closing Date as though made at the time
of Closing and there shall have been no breach in any material
respect by Seller in the performance of its agreements and
covenants contained herein and each of the agreements and covenants
of Seller contained in this Agreement to be performed at or prior
to the Closing shall have been duly performed. |
| |
| |
(b) |
|
Performance By
Seller . Seller shall have materially performed all
obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement,
and materially complied with all covenants for which compliance by
it is required under this Agreement, prior to the Closing,
including without limitation executing and delivering the
agreements and documents described in this Agreement. |
| |
| |
(c) |
|
Hart-Scott-Rodino
. All waiting periods pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act
applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall
have expired or been terminated or Seller and Purchaser Parent
shall have determined that applicable exemptions exist that exempt
HSR Filings for this transaction. |
Page 25
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(d) |
|
Litigation . No
statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, ruling of any
court or Governmental Authority, permanent injunction or other
order shall have become effective restraining, enjoining or
otherwise prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby. |
| |
| |
(e) |
|
Title To Timberland
Property . Seller shall have delivered the Deeds to Timber
LLC or to the Escrow Officer without title defects except as
approved by Purchaser Parent pursuant to Article 3.4 and
containing only Permitted Exceptions. |
| |
| |
(f) |
|
Termination For Material
Adverse Change . In the event cumulative adjustments to the
Purchase Price pursuant to Article 3.4 equal ten percent (10%)
or more of the Purchase Price, Purchaser Parent may terminate this
Agreement prior to the Closing by written notice to Seller. |
8.2 Conditions
Precedent To Seller’s Obligation To Close .
Seller’s obligation to consummate the transaction
contemplated herein is subject to the satisfaction of each of the
following conditions, and all other conditions contained herein,
any or all of which may be waived by Seller, in whole or in part,
but only expressly and in writing. Satisfaction of each condition
shall be determined by Seller, in its sole discretion.
| |
(a) |
|
Representations .
Purchasing Parties’ representations and warranties contained
in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material
respects as of the Closing Date as though made at the time of
Closing; and there shall have been no breach in any material
respect by Purchasing Parties in the performance of their
agreements or covenants contained herein, and each of the
agreements or covenants of Purchasing Parties contained in this
Agreement to be performed at or prior to the Closing shall have
been duly performed. |
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(b) |
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Hart-Scott-Rodino
. All waiting periods pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act
applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall
have expired or been terminated or Seller and Purchaser Parent
shall |
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have determined that applicable exemptions exist that exempt
HSR Filings for this transaction. |
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(c) |
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Litigation . No
statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, ruling of any
court or Governmental Authority, permanent injunction or other
order shall have become effective restraining, enjoining or
otherwise prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby. |
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(d) |
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Bankruptcy .
Seller shall not be obligated or under any duty to Close this
transaction in the event of the filing of any bankruptcy or
insolvency petition or action by or against Purchasing
Parties. |
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(e) |
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Letters Of Credit To
Seller . The Letters of Credit shall have been delivered to
Seller by the Banks in such maximum aggregate amounts per Bank as
are satisfactory to Seller and on terms and conditions that are
consistent with the Timber Note Indicative Terms and otherwise
satisfactory to Seller. |
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(f) |
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Purchaser and
Purchaser Parent
shall have entered into an amended and restated limited liability
company operating agreement in respect of Purchaser in form and
content satisfactory to Seller. |
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(g) |
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Purchaser shall
have entered into a paying agency agreement in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser Parent and Seller, with a
third party paying agent reasonably satisfactory to Seller and
Purchaser Parent pursuant to which the paying agent will make
payments of amounts due and payable under the Installment Notes,
hold and invest Purchaser’s excess cash and provide other
customary services. |
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(h) |
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Termination For Material
Adverse Change . In the event cumulative adjustments to the
Purchase Price pursuant to Article 3.4 equal ten percent (10%)
or more of the Purchase Price, Seller may terminate this Agreement
prior to the Closing by written notice to Purchaser. |
8.3 General
Provisions Regarding Contingencies And Default . If any of
the foregoing conditions are not satisfied or waived in writing by
Purchaser Parent or Seller, as applicable, on or before the time of
Closing, then this Agreement shall
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terminate and the parties shall be entitled to the remedies
provided in this Agreement. Upon the failure of either party to
perform a duty or obligation imposed upon it by this Agreement, the
non-defaulting party shall furnish written notice to the defaulting
party specifying the basis of the default (“Notice of
Default”). The defaulting party shall have five (5) days
after receiving the Notice of Default to cure the default before
the non-defaulting party may terminate the Agreement or seek any
other rights or remedies provided by this Agreement.
Article 9
Possession and
Condition
9.1 Possession Of The
Timberland Property . Timber LLC shall obtain possession of
the Timberland Property on or before Closing, subject to any
possessory rights of third parties referenced in this
Agreement.
9.2 Copies Of
Management Records . Seller shall deliver to Purchaser, at
Closing, the documents identified in Exhibit B-2 to the
extent the Seller has possession of any such documents.
9.3 Condition
. Purchaser Parent and Purchaser agree that they have inspected and
are thoroughly familiar with the Timberland Property and are
acquiring the Timberland Property in its “as is, where
is” condition subject to their due diligence rights and
remedies as set forth in this Agreement.
Article 10
Representations and
Warranties
10.1 Seller’s
Representations and Warranties . Seller covenants,
represents, and warrants as follows, which covenants,
representations, and warranties are and shall be on Closing true
and correct in all material respects:
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(a) |
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Incorporation .
Seller is duly incorporated, validly existing, and in good standing
under the laws of the State of Maryland and authorized to do
business in Virginia. |
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(b) |
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Authorization .
Seller has all the power and authority to execute, deliver, and
perform all of Seller’s obligations under this Agreement.
This |
Page 28
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Agreement is a valid obligation binding upon the Seller in
accordance with its terms. |
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(c) |
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No Adverse Results From
Sale . Neither execution nor delivery of this Agreement and
the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby will
constitute: (i) an event of default under any agreement to
which Seller is a party, or by which Seller is bound other than
such default as would not materially affect Seller’s ability
to consummate the transaction contemplated hereby; (ii) an
event which would result in the creation or imposition of any valid
lien, charge, or encumbrance on the Timberland Property; or
(iii) a breach or violation of any permit, license, order,
judgment, or decree by which Seller may be bound. |
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(d) |
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Non-Foreign Person
Certification . Seller is not a foreign person or entity, as
described in the Foreign Investments in Real Property Tax Act,
Internal Revenue Code § 1445. |
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(e) |
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No Restriction .
To Seller’s Knowledge, there is neither pending nor
threatened, any legal action, arbitration, or administrative
hearing before any Governmental Authority to which Seller is a
party and that could enjoin or restrict Seller’s right or
ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement. |
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(f) |
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No Uncorrected Notices
or Violation of Law . To Seller’s Knowledge, there are
no outstanding or uncorrected written notices from any Governmental
Authority having jurisdiction over the Timberland Property of
violations of federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations
applicable to Seller’s operations on the Timberland
Property. |
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(g) |
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Hazardous Substances
& Underground Storage Tanks . Except as disclosed on
Exhibit I , to Seller’s Knowledge, Seller has:
(i) not received any written notice from any governmental
agency suggesting that the Timberland Property is or may be
targeted for remediation of Hazardous Substances; (ii) no
knowledge of any such pending or threatened clean-up activity or of
any above-ground or under-ground storage tanks on the Timberland
Property; (iii) not released, discharged, or emitted and has
not knowingly permitted the release, discharge or emission of any
Hazardous Substances on, in, or under the Timberland Property in
violation of applicable Environmental Law. |
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(h) |
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Pesticides and
Herbicides . During Seller’s ownership of the
Timberland Property, Seller may have applied pesticides or
herbicides to some or all of the Timberland Property. To
Seller’s knowledge all such applications were done in
accordance with applicable Environmental Laws and in conformance
with the accepted industry standards relevant to the area in
question. |
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(i) |
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Protected Species
. Except as disclosed on Exhibit I , to Seller’s
Knowledge: (i) there are no Protected Species on the
Timberland Property; (ii) Seller has not received any written
notice of any threatened or contemplated actions against Seller or
the Timberland Property based upon the presence of any Protected
Species on the Timberland Property; or (iii) to Seller’s
knowledge, Seller is not in violation of applicable laws concerning
Protected Species. Seller makes no representation or warranty
regarding the effect of the presence of any Protected Species on
the use of the Timberland Property for forestry or other uses.
Purchaser shall be solely responsible for determining how and under
what conditions the Timberland Property can be used. |
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(j) |
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Timber Harvest .
Except as disclosed on Exhibit I , to Seller’s
Knowledge, there are no outstanding contracts or agreements
pursuant to which any party has the right to cut or remove timber
from the Timberland Property. Seller has no knowledge of a breach
of any outstanding or completed timber harvesting contract or
agreement that has resulted in material unrepaired damage to the
roads, soils or improvements on the Timberland Property. |
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(k) |
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Unrecorded
Documents . Except as disclosed on Exhibit I or
Exhibit C , to Seller’s Knowledge, there are no
unrecorded documents affecting the Timberland Property. |
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(l) |
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Contracts Pertaining To
The Timberland Property . Except as disclosed on
Exhibit C , to Seller’s Knowledge, there are no
current contracts, liens, agreements, easements, licenses,
encumbrances, leases, or tenancies affecting or pertaining to the
Timberland Property or any portion thereof. To Seller’s
Knowledge, there is no material breach or claim of material breach
of any current contract, agreement, license, lease, tenancy or
other instrument disclosed on Exhibit C has
occurred. |
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(m) |
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Boundary Disputes &
Adverse Possession . Except as disclosed on
Exhibit I , to Seller’s Knowledge, there are no
boundary disputes and no encroachments affecting any of the
Timberland Property or portion thereof; nor to Seller’s
knowledge is any person adversely possessing or using any of the
Timberland Property or any portion thereof. |
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(n) |
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Harvest Excise Tax;
Etc . To Seller’s Knowledge, all timber harvest excise
tax and all amounts owed to timber fellers, loggers and truckers
pertaining to Seller’s harvest and removal of timber from the
Timberland Property have been or will be fully paid as of the
Closing; and Seller will pay when due the timber ad valorem tax for
all timber harvested prior to Closing. |
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(o) |
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Management Or Service
Brokerage Agreements . To Seller’s Knowledge, there
are no management, service or brokerage agreements affecting the
Timberland Property to which Seller is a party or that will or may
create a liability for Purchaser, or a lien or charge upon the
Timberland Property. |
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(p) |
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No Untrue
Statement . None of the foregoing representations and
warranties contains any untrue statements of material fact or fails
to state any material fact necessary to make such representations
and warranties not misleading. |
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(q) |
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Condemnation .
Except as disclosed on Exhibit I , to Seller’s
Knowledge, there is no pending or threatened condemnation action
affecting any portion of the Timberland Property. |
10.2 Representations
and Warranties of Purchaser And Purchaser Parent . Each of
Purchaser Parent and Purchaser hereby make the following
representations and warranties (with respect to itself), each of
which is material and is being relied upon by Seller and is true as
of the date hereof and will be true as of Closing:
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(a) |
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Formation .
Purchaser Parent, Glawson Investment Corp., is duly organized,
validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State
of Georgia will be in good standing in Virginia by closing.
Purchaser is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the State of Delaware. |
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(b) |
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Authorization .
Each of Purchase Parent and Purchaser has all the power and
authority to execute, deliver, and perform all of their respective
obligations under this Agreement. This Agreement is a valid
obligation binding upon the Purchaser Parent and Purchaser in
accordance with its terms. |
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(c) |
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No Adverse Results From
Purchase. Neither execution nor delivery of this Agreement
and the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby will
constitute an event of default under any agreement to which
Purchaser Parent or Purchaser is a party, or by which Purchaser
Parent or Purchaser is bound other than such default as would not
materially affect Purchaser Parent’s or Purchaser’s
ability to consummate the transaction contemplated hereby. |
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(d) |
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No Restriction .
To Purchaser Parent’s knowledge, there is neither pending nor
threatened, any legal action, arbitration, or administrative
hearing before any Governmental Authority to which Purchaser Parent
or Purchaser is a party and that could enjoin or restrict Purchaser
Parent or Purchaser’s right or ability to perform its
obligations under this Agreement. |
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(e) |
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Insolvency . To
the best of Purchaser Parent’s knowledge, there are no
attachments, executions, assignments for the benefit of creditors,
or proceedings in bankruptcy or under any other debtor relief laws
contemplated by, pending, or threatened by or against Purchaser or
Purchaser Parent. |
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(f) |
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Installment Notes
. The Reimbursement Agreement, the Pledge Agreement and the
Installment Note will have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of Purchaser, and upon execution and
delivery this Agreement, the Reimbursement Agreement, the Pledge
Agreement and the Installment Note will constitute valid and
binding obligations of Purchaser enforceable against Purchaser in
accordance with their terms except as enforceability may be limited
by bankruptcy, insolvency, and other similar laws affecting claims
and rights generally or by general equitable principles. |
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(g) |
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Investment
Purpose . Purchaser represents and warrants that Purchaser
is acquiring the Timberland Property and the Timber LLC Interests
for its own account and not as nominee, agent or intermediary for
any other |
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Person. As of the date of this Agreement, none of the
Purchasing Parties has entered into any agreement to transfer or
otherwise dispose of any interest in the Timberland Property or any
agreement to transfer or otherwise dispose of any interest in
Timber LLC, to any other Person (including another Purchasing
Party) and Purchaser Parent has not entered into any agreement to
transfer or otherwise dispose of any interest in Purchaser to any
other Person (including another Purchasing Party), and none of the
Purchasing Parties shall enter into any such agreement prior to the
Closing. |
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(h) |
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Tax Matters .
Purchaser is treated as a “disregarded entity” of
Purchaser Parent for U.S. federal income tax purposes and all
applicable state and local income tax purposes in state and local
jurisdictions following the U.S. federal income tax treatment of
entities. |
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(i) |
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No Untrue
Statement . None of the foregoing representations and
warranties contains any untrue statements of material fact or fails
to state any material fact necessary to make such representations
and warranties not misleading. |
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(j) |
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ERISA. Purchaser represents and warrants it is not purchasing
any of the Timber LLC Interests with “plan assets” of
an Employee Benefit Plan subject to Title I of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (as amended from time to
time, the “Act,” and together with any regulation, rule
or judicial or administrative case, order, or pronouncement arising
under or connected with the Act, “ERISA”) or of a plan
subject to Section 4975 of the Code. Purchaser Parent shall
take all actions reasonably requested by Seller for the purpose of
ensuring, to Seller’s satisfaction, that the transactions
contemplated herein will comply with ERISA and not result in an
imposition of an excise tax under Section 4975 of the Code;
such actions shall include, without limitation, the making of such
further representations and warranties as Seller’s counsel
reasonably deems necessary to ensure that neither this Agreement
nor any of the transactions contemplated herein will violate ERISA
or result in an imposition of an excise tax under Section 4975
of the Code. In the event that this Agreement, or any transaction
or other action by Seller in connection herewith, shall be deemed
to violate ERISA or result in an imposition of an excise tax under
Section 4975 of the Code, Seller may immediately terminate
this Agreement, the Earnest Money shall be returned to Purchaser,
and no party shall have any further liability |
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hereunder except for such obligations as expressly survive
termination of this Agreement. |
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(k) |
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Patriot
Act/OFAC . |
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(i) |
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Compliance with International Trade Control Laws and OFAC
Regulations. Purchaser and Purchaser Parent represent and warrant
to Seller: |
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(a) |
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Neither Purchaser nor Purchaser Parent is now, and neither
Purchaser nor Purchaser Parent shall be at any time until Closing,
a Person with whom a United States citizen, entity organized under
the laws of the United States or its territories or entity having
its principal place of business within the United States or any of
its territories is prohibited from transacting business of the type
contemplated by this Agreement, whether such prohibition arises
under United States law, regulation, executive orders and lists
published by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of
the Treasury (“OFAC”) (including those executive orders
and lists published by OFAC with respect to Persons that have been
designated by executive order or by the sanction regulations of
OFAC as Persons with whom U.S. Persons may not transact business or
must limit their interactions to types approved by OFAC
[“Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons"]) or
otherwise. |
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(b) |
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Neither Purchaser nor any Person who owns a direct interest in
Purchaser is now nor shall be at any time until Closing a Person
with whom a U.S. Person, including a United States Financial
Institution as defined in 31 U.S.C. 5312, as periodically amended
(“Financial Institution”), is prohibited from
transacting business of the type contemplated by this Agreement,
whether such prohibition arises under United States law,
regulation, executive orders and lists published by the OFAC
(including those executive orders and lists published by OFAC with
respect to Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons) or
otherwise. |
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10.3
Mutual Representations &
Warranties
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(a) |
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Commissions .
Each of the Seller, Purchaser and Purchaser Parent hereby
represents and warrants that it has not discussed or had any
communications concerning the Timberland Property with any real
estate agent or broker pertaining to this transaction, and that to
the Seller’s, Purchaser’s and Purchaser Parent’s
knowledge, no commissions or broker’s fees are owed on this
transaction. Should any claim for a commission or finder’s
fee be asserted by any third party as a result of the act or
omission of either party, then the party alleged to have agreed to
pay such commission or fee shall be solely responsible therefore,
and shall indemnify, defend, and hold the other party harmless from
any and all loss, damage, liability, cost, or expense, including,
without limitation, attorneys’ fees, suffered or incurred by
it arising out of or relating to any claim for real estate
commission or fee made by any such real estate agent or
broker. |
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(b) |
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Instruments Of Further
Assurances . Seller, Purchaser and Purchaser Parent covenant
that, from time to time, whether before, at, or after the Closing
Date, each of them will execute and deliver such further
instruments of conveyance and transfer and take such other action
as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes and
intents of this Agreement. By way of example, but not limitation,
in the event Seller elects to cure any title defect, Seller shall
execute any corrective Deed(s) reasonably necessary to cure title
defects regardless of when the title defects may be discovered
without charging Purchaser or Purchaser Parent any fees or expenses
arising out of the corrective instruments. |
10.4 Disclaimer Of
Warranties; Limitation Of Liability .
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(a) |
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No Other Representations
And Warranties . Except for the representations and
warranties contained in this Agreement or as are contained in the
Deeds, Assignment of LLC Interests, Assignment and Assumption
Agreement for Land-Related Agreements and Permits, neither Seller
nor any of its agents, affiliates, officers, directors, employees,
agents, representatives, nor any other person, makes or shall be
deemed to make any representation or warranty to Purchasing
Parties, express or implied, at law or in equity, on behalf of
Seller, and Seller hereby disclaims any such representation or
warranty whether by Seller or any of its agents, affiliates,
officers, directors, employees, agents or |
Page 35
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representatives or any other person, notwithstanding the
delivery or disclosure to Purchasing Parties or any of their
respective officers, directors, employees, agents or
representatives or any other person of any documentation or other
information (including, without limitation, documentation and
information delivered to Purchasing Parties at Closing) by Seller
or any of its agents, affiliates, officers, directors, employees,
agents or representatives or any other person with respect to any
one or more of the foregoing. |
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(b) |
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“As Is, Where
Is” Purchase . Subject to Seller’s
representations and warranties set forth herein and the Deeds,
Assignment of LLC Interests, Assignment and Assumption Agreement
for Land-Related Agreements and Permits and Purchasing
Parties’ rights set forth in this Agreement, if any,
Purchasing Parties accept the Timberland Property “as
is” and “where is,” subject to the risks of all
defects and conditions. Purchaser Parent acknowledges that it has
had an opportunity to inspect the Timberland Property and will be
relying in part on such inspections. Purchaser and Purchaser
Parent, on behalf of itself, and Purchaser Parent, on behalf of
Timber LLC, understand and agree that, except as expressly set
forth herein, Seller has not made and makes no representations or
warranties of any kind with respect to the acreage, soil stability
or conditions, grades, or any other physical condition of the
Timberland Property or their fitness, suitability or acceptability
for any particular use or purpose whatsoever or with respect to any
permits or any environmental, building, land use, zoning or fire
laws or regulations or compliance therewith or with respect to the
existence of any Protected Species (or Protected Species habitat)
on or near the Timberland Property or compliance with any
regulations pertaining thereto or the availability or existence of
any access, water, sewer or utility rights; and that Seller shall
not be liable for any latent or patent defects therein. Seller
shall have no obligation to repair or make any improvements to the
condition of the Timberland Property prior to Closing. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, SELLER EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, AS WELL AS ANY
WARRANTY WHATSOEVER W |
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