-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: keymaster@town.hall.org Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFkwCgYEVQgBAQICAgADSwAwSAJBALeWW4xDV4i7+b6+UyPn5RtObb1cJ7VkACDq pKb9/DClgTKIm08lCfoilvi9Wl4SODbR1+1waHhiGmeZO8OdgLUCAwEAAQ== MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, JjPW4i2QZ1YXF7AmfDKCv2z1mHKCBHjm/QWaT58L8UuPp2oJaF+aHPmdbXdO8Id3 4tm/YkqI9xAUJ1e7qzL0Ww== 0000718082-95-000013.txt : 19950727 0000718082-95-000013.hdr.sgml : 19950727 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000718082-95-000013 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19950725 ITEM INFORMATION: Other events FILED AS OF DATE: 19950726 SROS: NASD FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BIG O TIRES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000718082 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: WHOLESALE-MOTOR VEHICLES & MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS & SUPPLIES [5010] IRS NUMBER: 870392481 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NV FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-12964 FILM NUMBER: 95555912 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 11755 E PEAKVIEW AVE CITY: ENGLEWOOD STATE: CO ZIP: 80111 BUSINESS PHONE: 3037902800 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 11755 E PEAKVIEW AVENUE CITY: ENGLEWOOD STATE: CO ZIP: 80111 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: TIRES INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19870101 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: VENTURE CONSOLIDATED INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19841021 8-K 1 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) July 25, 1995 (July 24, 1995) BIG O TIRES, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Nevada 1-8833 87-0392481 (State or other juris- (Commission (I.R.S. Employer diction of incorporation) File No.) Identification No.) 11755 East Peakview Avenue, Englewood, Colorado 80111 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number including area code: (303) 790-2800 7 Total Pages Item 5. Other Events. On July 24, 1995, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger ("Merger Agreement") with BOTI Holdings, Inc. and BOTI Acquisition Corp. The Merger Agreement provides that BOTI Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiary, BOTI Acquisition Corp., will acquire the Company in a merger in which the Company's shareholders will receive a cash price of $16.50 per share. The merger is subject to the approval of the Company's stockholders. Among other conditions, the consummation of the merger also is subject to the receipt of fairness opinions, the acquiring corporation obtaining satisfactory financing, the participation in the acquiring corporation of the holders of 80% of the Company's shares of Common Stock held by the Company's ESOP, and the participation in the acquiring corporation of the Company's franchisees owning at least 85% of the Company's franchised tire stores. On July 24, 1995, prior to executing the Merger Agreement, the Company also amended the Rights Agreement dated August 26, 1994 between the Company and Interwest Co., Inc., to specifically exclude from the definition of an "Acquiring Person", BOTI Holdings, Inc., BOTI Acquisition Corp., an entity to be formed directly or indirectly by persons who are currently franchisees of the Company, any other person who may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the Company's Common Stock because of the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement and any group consisting of two or more of the foregoing, so long as such persons are not the beneficial owners of any capital stock of the Company other than (a) pursuant to the Merger Agreement, (b) Common Stock owned or subject to stock options held by such persons prior to the date of the Merger Agreement,(c) Common Stock acquired by any of such persons from any other of such persons, (d) Common Stock or other securities acquired by such persons in transactions or types of transactions that are approved in advance by the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and (e) Common Stock other than as described above not exceeding 1% of the shares of Common Stock then outstanding; and any other person that beneficially owns Common Stock as of July 24, 1995 but does not thereafter become the beneficial owner of any additional Common Stock not exceeding 1% of the shares of Common Stock then outstanding. The Rights Agreement was filed as Exhibit 1 to the Company's Form 8-A dated September 2, 1994. Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (10.1) Agreement and Plan of Merger dated July 24, 1995, between BOTI Holdings, Inc., a Nevada corporation, BOTI Acquisition Corp., a Nevada corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of BOTI Holdings, Inc., and Big O Tires, Inc. (10.2) Amendment to Rights Agreement dated as of July 24, 1995, is between Big O Tires, Inc., a Nevada corporation, and Interwest Co., Inc., a Utah corporation, as the Rights Agent. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized: Date: July 25, 1995 BIG O TIRES, INC. By: /s/ Philip J. Teigen General Counsel and Secretary EX-10 2 EXHIBIT 10.2 TO FORM 8-K DATED JULY 25, 1995 Execution Version AMENDMENT TO RIGHTS AGREEMENT THIS AMENDMENT, dated as of July 24, 1995, is between BIG O TIRES, INC., a Nevada corporation (the "Company"), and INTERWEST CO., INC., a Utah corporation (the "Rights Agent"). Recitals A. The Company and the Rights Agent are parties to a Rights Agreement dated as of August 26, 1994 (the "Rights Agreement"). B. Pursuant to Section 26 of the Rights Agreement, the Company and the Rights Agent desire to amend the Rights Agreement as set forth below. Accordingly, the parties agree that Section 1(a) of the Rights Agreement is amended to read in its entirety as follows: "(a) 'Acquiring Person' means that any Person that, together with all Affiliates and Associates of such Person, is the Beneficial Owner of 15% or more of the shares of Common Stock then outstanding, but shall not include the following: (i) the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company, any employee benefit plan of the Company or of any Subsidiary of the Company, or any Person or entity organized, appointed or established by the Company for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan; or (ii) any Person who would otherwise become an Acquiring Person solely as a result of a reduction in the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding due to the repurchase of shares of Common Stock by the Company, unless and until such Person shall purchase or otherwise become the Beneficial Owner of additional shares of Common Stock constituting 1% or more of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock other than pursuant to a Qualifying Offer; or (iii) BOTI Holdings, Inc., a Nevada corporation, BOTI Acquisition Corp., a Nevada corporation, an entity to be formed directly or indirectly by Persons who are currently franchisees of the Company, any other Person who may be deemed to be the Beneficial Owner of Common Stock because of the execution and delivery of the Agreement and Plan of Merger of even date herewith between BOTI Holdings, Inc., BOTI Acquisition Corp. and the Company (the "Merger Agreement") and any Group (as defined under the Exchange Act) consisting of two or more of the foregoing, so long as such Persons are not the Beneficial Owners of any Capital Stock of the Company other than (A) pursuant to the Merger Agreement, (B) Common Stock owned or subject to stock options held by such Persons prior to the date of the Merger Agreement, (C) Common Stock acquired by any of such Persons from any other of such Persons, (D) Common Stock or other securities acquired by such Persons in transactions or types of transactions that are approved in advance by the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and (E) Common Stock other than as described above in this clause (iii) not exceeding 1% of the shares of Common Stock then outstanding; and (iv) any other Person that Beneficially Owns Common Stock as of the date of this amendment but does not thereafter become the Beneficial Owner of any additional Common Stock not exceeding 1% of the shares of Common Stock then outstanding." EXECUTED as of the date set forth above. Attest: BIG O TIRES, INC. /s/ Susan D. Hendee By: /s/ Horst K. Mehlfeldt Name: Susan D. Hendee Name: Horst K. Mehlfeldt Title: Assistant Secretary Title: Vice-Chairman Attest: INTERWEST CO., INC. /s/ Shirrell W. Hughes By: /s/ Kurtis D. Hughes Name: Name: Title: Title: V.P. EX-10 3 EXHIBIT 10.1 TO FORM 8-K DATED JULY 25, 1995 AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER by and among BOTI ACQUISITION CORP., BOTI HOLDINGS, INC. and BIG O TIRES, INC. Dated as of July 24, 1995 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ARTICLE I - THE MERGER 1.1 The Merger 1 1.2 Effects of the Merger 1 1.3 Consummation of the Merger 2 1.4 Articles; Bylaws; Directors and Officers; Name 2 1.5 Conversion of Shares 2 1.6 Stock Options 3 1.7 Exchange of Certificates 4 1.8 Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action 5 ARTICLE II - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND THE PURCHASER 2.1 Organization and Qualification 5 2.2 Capitalization 5 2.3 Authorization; Binding Agreement 5 2.4 Compliance 6 2.5 Brokers and Finders 6 2.6 Representations and Warranties of the Company 6 2.7 Proxy Statement, Schedule 13E-3 6 ARTICLE III - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY 3.1 Organization and Qualification 7 3.2 Capitalization 7 3.3 Authorization; Binding Agreement 8 3.4 Compliance 8 3.5 Commission Filings 9 3.6 Changes 9 3.7 Fairness Opinion and Approval by Board of Directors and Investment Committee 10 3.8 Brokers and Finders 10 3.9 Litigation 11 3.10 Material Agreements 11 3.11 Servicemarks, Trade Names 11 3.12 Taxes 11 3.13 Employee Benefit Plans 12 Page ARTICLE IV - CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER 13 ARTICLE V - ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS 5.1 Preparation of Proxy Statement 15 5.2 Meeting of Stockholders of the Company 16 5.3 Cancellation of Stock Options 16 5.4 Fees and Expenses 17 5.5 Further Assurances 19 5.6 No Solicitation 19 5.7 Notification of Certain Matters 19 5.8 Access to Information 20 5.9 Directors' Indemnification 20 ARTICLE VI - CONDITIONS 6.1 Conditions to Obligation of Each Party to Effect the Merger 21 6.2 Additional Conditions to the Obligation of the Purchaser to Effect the Merger 21 ARTICLE VII - TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER 7.1 Termination 22 7.2 Effect of Termination 24 7.3 Amendment 24 7.4 Waiver 24 ARTICLE VIII - GENERAL PROVISIONS 8.1 Public Statements 24 8.2 Notices 24 8.3 Interpretation 26 8.4 Representations and Warranties 26 8.5 Headings 26 8.6 Successors and Assigns 26 8.7 Counterparts 26 8.8 Forum 26 8.9 Miscellaneous 26 8.10 Actual Knowledge 27 ANNEX A - INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (the "Agreement"), dated as of July 24, 1995, is between BOTI Holdings, Inc., a Nevada corporation ("Parent"), BOTI Acquisition Corp., a Nevada corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (the "Purchaser"), and BIG O Tires, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the "Company"). RECITALS A. The respective Boards of Directors of the Purchaser, Parent and the Company have approved the acquisition of the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. B. A special committee appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company and consisting of the four directors who are not employed by the Company and will not have an interest in the Purchaser (the "Investment Committee") has recommended that the Board of Directors of the Company approve the merger of the Purchaser into the Company, in accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State of Nevada (the "Corporation Law"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein (the "Merger"), and has determined that the Merger is in the best interests of and, subject to the receipt of the Fairness Opinion (as defined in Section 6.1(f)), fair to the public stockholders of the Company; C. The respective Boards of Directors of the Purchaser, Parent and the Company have duly approved the Merger, and the Board of Directors of the Company has resolved to recommend the Merger to the Company's stockholders. AGREEMENT In consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained and for other good and valuable consideration the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, Parent, the Purchaser and the Company hereby agree as follows: ARTICLE I THE MERGER 1.1 The Merger. At the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.3 hereof), in accordance with this Agreement and the Corporation Law, the Purchaser shall be merged with and into the Company, the separate existence of the Purchaser (except as may be continued by operation of law) shall cease, and the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation (the "Surviving Corporation"). The Company and the Purchaser are sometimes referred to herein as the "Constituent Corporations." 1.2 Effects of the Merger. The Merger shall have the effects set forth in the Corporation Law. As of the Effective Time, the Company shall be a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent. 1.3 Consummation of the Merger. As soon as is practicable after the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VI hereof, the parties hereto will cause the Merger to be consummated by filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada a certificate of merger in such form as required by, and executed in accordance with, the relevant provisions of the Corporation Law and take all such further actions as may be required by law to make the Merger effective. The Merger shall occur immediately upon the filing of the certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada (the date and time of such filing being referred to herein as the "Effective Time"). The closing of the Merger shall take place at the offices of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, 1801 California Street, Suite 4200, Denver, Colorado 80202, or at such other place as the parties may mutually agree. 1.4 Articles; Bylaws; Directors and Officers; Name. At the Effective Time, (a) the Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation shall be the Articles of Incorporation of the Purchaser, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, until thereafter amended as provided by law; (b) the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation shall be the Bylaws of the Purchaser, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, until thereafter amended as provided by law; (c) the directors of the Purchaser immediately prior to the Effective Time will be the initial directors of the Surviving Corporation, until their successors are elected; (d) the officers of the Purchaser will be the initial officers of the Surviving Corporation, in each case, until their successors are elected and qualified; and (e) the name of the Surviving Corporation shall be the corporate name of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time. 1.5 Conversion of Shares. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the Purchaser, the Company, the Surviving Corporation or the holder of any of the following securities: (a) Each share of the Company's Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share (the "Shares"), which is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than (i) Dissenting Shares (as defined below in Section 1.5(e)), (ii) Shares held by, or which are under contract to be acquired by, any shareholder of Parent or of the Purchaser, (iii) Shares held by, or which are under contract to be acquired by, Parent, the Purchaser, the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company, Parent or the Purchaser and (iv) shares held by the ESOP (as defined below) for the benefit of any shareholder who has elected to have such shares converted into shares of Parent) shall be canceled and extinguished and be converted into and become a right to receive a cash payment of $16.50 per Share, without interest (which payment shall include $0.01 per share for the redemption of the Rights as described in Section 6.2(e)). Such cash payment shall hereinafter be referred to as the "Merger Consideration." (b) Each Share which is issued immediately prior to the Effective Time and owned by the Company or by any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be canceled, and no payment shall be made with respect thereto. (c) Each Share which is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and owned by or which is under contract to be acquired by the parties listed in clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv) in the parenthetical contained in subsection (a) of this Section 1.5, shall be canceled and retired, and no payment shall be made with respect thereto. (d) Each share of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Purchaser issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and become one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share, of the Surviving Corporation. (e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if appraisal rights are available to holders of the Shares pursuant to Sections 78.471-482 of the Corporation Law, each outstanding Share, the holder of which has demanded and perfected his rights for appraisal of such Shares in accordance with all of the requirements of the Corporation Law and has not effectively withdrawn or lost his right to such appraisal (the "Dissenting Shares"), shall not be converted into the Merger Consideration, but shall be canceled and the holders of any Dissenting Shares shall be entitled only to such rights as are granted by the Corporation Law. 1.6 Stock Options. The Company shall use all reasonable efforts to cancel and settle immediately prior to the Effective Time, by cash payment to the holders thereof, all the outstanding options to purchase Shares or stock appreciation rights (collectively, the "Options") which have been granted under any stock option, stock appreciation or compensation plan or arrangement of the Company (collectively, the "Plans") to all current or former employees of the Company who are not Directors of the Company unless the holder thereof and Parent or the Purchaser have agreed to (i) convert such Options into options to purchase the stock of Parent, the Purchaser or the Surviving Corporation ("Exchange Options") or (ii) exchange such Options (to the extent such Options are options to purchase Shares or stock appreciation rights granted prior to February 1, 1995) for shares of the stock of Parent, the Purchaser or the Surviving Corporation, in any of which case the Company shall cancel such converted or exchanged Options without payment. Immediately prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall cancel and settle, by cash payment to the holders thereof, all Options granted under Plans to Directors of the Company other than Messrs. Steven P. Cloward and John B. Adams. In canceling an Option by cash payment, the Company shall make, immediately prior to the Effective Time and as full settlement for such Options, a cash payment to the holder of each such canceled Option, in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Merger Consideration over the per Share exercise price of such Option, multiplied by the number of Shares for which such Option was granted, regardless of whether such Option is then exercisable, less all deductions required by any Plan (the "Option Settlement Amount"); provided, however, that if the terms of any Plan or an Option allow such Option to be canceled for an amount less than the Option Settlement Amount, then the Company shall cancel such Option for a cash payment of such lesser amount. Except for Options that the Company may grant on January 1, 1996 pursuant to the Big O Tires, Inc. Director and Employee Stock Option Plan, the Company shall not grant, pursuant to the Plans or otherwise, any options to purchase Shares as of and following the date hereof. 1.7 Exchange of Certificates. (a) From and after the Effective Time, a bank or trust company to be designated by the Purchaser and approved by the Investment Committee (the "Exchange Agent") shall act as exchange agent in effecting the exchange of the Merger Consideration for certificates representing Shares entitled to payment pursuant to Section 1.5 (the "Certificates"). As part of the closing of the Merger, the Purchaser shall deposit with the Exchange Agent an amount necessary to enable the Exchange Agent to exchange the Merger Consideration for all outstanding shares to be converted into Merger Consideration. (b) Promptly after the Effective Time, the Exchange Agent shall mail to each record holder of Shares a letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall pass, only upon proper delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent) and instructions for use in surrendering Certificates and receiving the Merger Consideration therefor. Upon the surrender of each Certificate, together with such letter of transmittal duly executed and completed in accordance with the instructions thereto, the holder of such Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor an amount equal to the Merger Consideration multiplied by the number of Shares represented by such Certificate, and such Certificate shall be canceled. Until so surrendered and exchanged, each such Certificate shall represent solely the right to receive an amount equal to the Merger Consideration multiplied by the number of Shares represented by such Certificate. No interest shall be paid or accrued on the Merger Consideration upon the surrender of the Certificates. If any Merger Consideration is to be paid to a person other than the person in which the Certificate surrendered in exchange therefor is registered, it shall be a condition to such exchange that the person requesting such exchange shall pay to the Exchange Agent any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the payment of such Merger Consideration to a person other than that of the registered holder of the Certificate surrendered, or such person shall establish to the satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such tax has been paid or is not applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Exchange Agent nor any party hereto shall be liable to a holder of Shares for any Merger Consideration delivered to a public official pursuant to applicable abandoned property, escheat and similar laws. (c) Promptly following the date which is 180 days after the Effective Time, the Exchange Agent's duties shall terminate. Thereafter, each holder of a Certificate may surrender Certificates to the Surviving Corporation and (subject to applicable abandoned property, escheat and similar laws) receive in exchange therefor an amount equal to the Merger Consideration multiplied by the number of Shares represented by such Certificate, without any interest thereon, but shall have no greater rights against the Surviving Corporation than may be accorded to general unsecured creditors of the Surviving Corporation. (d) After the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on the stock transfer books of the Surviving Corporation of any Shares. If, after the Effective Time, Certificates are presented to the Surviving Corporation or the Exchange Agent, they shall be canceled and exchanged for the applicable Merger Consideration, as provided in this Article I. 1.8 Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action. The Purchaser and the Company shall each take all such reasonable and lawful action as may be necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the Merger as promptly as possible. If, at any time after the Effective Time, any such further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement and to vest the Surviving Corporation with full right, title and possession to all assets, property, rights, privileges, powers, and franchises of either of the Constituent Corporations, the officers and directors of such corporations are fully authorized in the name of their corporation or otherwise to take, and shall take, all such lawful and necessary action. ARTICLE II REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND THE PURCHASER In order to induce the Company to enter into this Agreement, each of Parent and the Purchaser represent and warrant to the Company as follows: 2.1 Organization and Qualification. Each of Parent and the Purchaser is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Nevada and has the requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each of Parent and the Purchaser is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to do business, and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction where the character of its properties, owned or leased, or the nature of its activities makes such qualification necessary, except for failures to be so qualified or in good standing which would not, in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on Parent or the Purchaser. Each of Parent and the Purchaser has delivered to the Company complete and correct copies of their respective Certificates of Incorporation and Bylaws, as in effect on the date hereof. 2.2 Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of Parent on the Effective Date will consist of 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Parent Common Stock"). The authorized capital stock of the Purchaser consists of 1,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Purchaser Common Stock"). As of the date hereof, one share of Purchaser Common Stock is validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights. The one issued and outstanding share of Purchaser Common Stock is owned by Parent. 2.3 Authorization; Binding Agreement. Each of Parent and the Purchaser has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its respective obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent and the Purchaser and the consummation by Parent and the Purchaser of transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by their respective Boards of Directors and stockholders, and no other corporate proceeding on the part of Parent or the Purchaser is necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Parent and the Purchaser and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Parent and the Purchaser, enforceable against each of them in accordance with its terms. 2.4 Compliance. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent or the Purchaser nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby nor compliance by Parent or the Purchaser with any of the provisions hereof will (i) violate, conflict with, or result in a breach of any provision of, or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the termination of, or accelerate the performance required by, or result in a right of termination or acceleration under, or result in the creation of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon any of the properties or assets of Parent or the Purchaser under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of (x) the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Parent or the Purchaser, or (y) any material note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which Parent or the Purchaser is a party, or to which it, or any of its properties or assets, may be subject, or (ii) subject to compliance with the statutes and regulations referred to in the last sentence of this paragraph, violate any judgment, ruling, order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to Parent or the Purchaser or any of their respective properties or assets except in the case of each of clauses (i) and (ii) above, for such violations, conflicts, breaches, defaults, terminations, accelerations or creations of liens, security interests, charges or encumbrances, which, in the aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, business or operations of Parent or the Purchaser and their subsidiaries taken as a whole, or which are cured, waived or terminated prior to the Effective Time. Other than in connection with or in compliance with the provisions of the Corporation Law, the Exchange Act, the "takeover" or "blue sky" laws of various states, the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and the rules and regulations thereunder (the "Hart-Scott-Rodino Act"), no notice to, filing with, or authorization, consent or approval of, any domestic or foreign public body or authority is necessary for the consummation by Parent or the Purchaser of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 2.5 Brokers and Finders. Neither Parent nor the Purchaser has engaged any broker, finder or investment banker which engagement would require the payment of any brokerage, finders or other fees or commissions by Parent or the Purchaser in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or in connection with any transaction involving the Company, except for the engagement of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP ("KPMG"), pursuant to the letter agreements dated October 18 and 19, 1994 and May 11, 1995, complete and accurate copies of which have been furnished to the Investment Committee. 2.6 Representations and Warranties of the Company. As of the date of this Agreement, neither Parent nor the Purchaser has any actual knowledge of any representation or warranty of the Company contained in this Agreement not being true and correct in any material respect, and has no reason to believe that they will not continue to be true and correct in all material respects until the closing. 2.7 Proxy Statement, Schedule 13E-3. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by Purchaser or any of its representatives or affiliates for inclusion, or included or incorporated by reference in (a) the Proxy Statement or any amendment or supplement thereto, or (b) any Schedule 13E-3 or any amendment or supplement thereto, or (c) any other documents to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") or any other regulatory agency in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, will, insofar as such schedule and documents relate to the Purchaser, its affiliates, agents and representatives at the respective time such documents are filed, and at the time of the meeting of the Company's shareholders to vote upon this Agreement or at the time of mailing of the Proxy Statement to the Company's shareholders, be false or misleading with respect to any material fact, or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, at the time and in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not false or misleading or necessary to correct any statement in any earlier communication with respect to the solicitation of any proxy for the Company shareholders' meeting. The Schedule 13E-3 and any related documents, if required in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder, will comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of law insofar as such schedule and documents relate to Purchaser, its affiliates and agents and representatives. ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY In order to induce Parent and the Purchaser to enter into this Agreement, the Company represents and warrants to Parent and the Purchaser as set forth below. Under no circumstances will Parent or the Purchaser have any claim against the Company for any inaccuracy or incompleteness of any of the following representations and warranties (except for the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.7 and any inaccuracy which is within the actual knowledge of any of the members of the Investment Committee, the Chairman of the Board of the Company or the Vice Chairman of the Board of the Company at the time of execution of this Agreement), which are given for the sole purpose of defining the scope of Section 6.2(b) of this Agreement. 3.1 Organization and Qualification. Each of the Company and its subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and has the requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. Each of the Company and its subsidiaries is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to do business, and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction where the character of its properties owned or leased or the nature of its activities makes such qualification necessary, except for failures to be so qualified or in good standing which would not, in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company and such subsidiaries taken as a whole. 3.2 Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share. As of June 30, 1995, (i) 3,348,936 Shares, were validly issued and outstanding, fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights; (ii) 165 Shares were to be issued as a result of the exercise of an Option prior to June 30, 1995, (iii) 31,261 Shares were held in the treasuries of the Company and its subsidiaries; (iv) 216,308 Shares were reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding Options heretofore granted under the Plans; and (v) an additional number of Shares were to be reserved for issuance under Options which may be granted on January 1, 1996, under the Big O Tires, Inc. Director and Employee Stock Option Plan. Since June 30, 1995, the Company has not issued (i) any shares of Common Stock, except pursuant to the exercise of Options, or (ii) any Options. Set forth on the Disclosure Certificate is a list of all holders of Options (including stock appreciation rights), the number of options and rights held by each individual and the Plan under which such options or rights existed as of June 30, 1995. All issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the subsidiaries of the Company are owned by the Company or a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company free and clear of all liens, charges, encumbrances, claims and options of any nature. Except as contemplated by clauses (i) through (iii) above, and except for rights outstanding pursuant to the Rights Agreement dated as of August 26, 1994, between the Company and Interwest Co., Inc. as Rights Agent (the "Rights"), and except as set forth in a certificate of the Company of even date herewith (the "Disclosure Certificate"), there are no, and at the Effective Time there will be no, other Shares or other equity securities of the Company outstanding, and no other outstanding options, warrants, rights to subscribe to (including any preemptive rights), calls or commitments of any character whatsoever to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or may be bound, requiring the issuance or sale of Shares or other equity securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or securities or rights convertible into or exchangeable for such shares or other equity securities, and except as set forth on the Disclosure Certificate, there are no contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is or may become bound (x) to issue, sell or transfer additional Shares or other equity securities or options, warrants or rights to purchase or acquire any additional Shares or other equity securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable for such shares or other equity securities or (y) which restricts the transfer of or otherwise encumbers any Shares, other than restrictions pursuant to securities laws and restrictions in regard to 37,698 restricted Shares issued pursuant to the Company's Long Term Incentive Plan. 3.3 Authorization; Binding Agreement. The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and, subject to shareholder approval, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company, and except for the approval of the Merger by the Company's stockholders in accordance with the Corporation Law, no other corporate proceeding on the part of the Company is necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms. 3.4 Compliance. Except as set forth in the Disclosure Certificate, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby nor compliance by the Company with any of the provisions hereof will (i) violate, conflict with, or result in a breach of any provisions of, or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the termination of, or accelerate the performance required by, or result in a right of termination or acceleration under, or result in the creation of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon any of the properties or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of (x) their respective charters or bylaws or (y) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which the Company or any such subsidiary is a party or to which they or any of their respective properties or assets may be subject, or (ii) subject to compliance with the statutes and regulations referred to in the last sentence of this paragraph, violate any judgment, ruling, order, writ, injunction, decree, statute or law, rule or regulation applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets except in the case of each of clauses (i) and (ii) above, for such violations, conflicts, breaches, defaults, terminations, accelerations or creations of liens, security interests, charges or encumbrances, which, in the aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, business or operations of the Company or any such subsidiary taken as a whole. Other than in connection with or in compliance with the provisions of the Corporation Law, the Exchange Act, the "takeover" or "blue sky" laws of the various states, and the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, no notice to, filing with, or authorization, consent or approval of, any domestic or foreign public body or authority is necessary for the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 3.5 Commission Filings. The Company has made available to the Purchaser the Company's (i) Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 1993 and December 31, 1994, as filed with the Commission, (ii) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the first calendar quarter of 1995, (iii) proxy statements relating to all of the Company's meetings of stockholders (whether annual or special) since January 1, 1994, (iv) all other reports or registration statements filed by the Company with the Commission since January 1, 1995, and (v) all amendments and supplements to the foregoing (collectively, the "SEC Filings"). As of their respective dates, the SEC Filings (including all exhibits and schedules thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein) did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by reference in the SEC Filings, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto), and fairly present the consolidated assets, liabilities and financial position of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and the consolidated results of their operations and changes in financial position for the periods then ended. The audited consolidated financial statements in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1994 are hereinafter referred to as the "Current Financial Statements." 3.6 Changes. Except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or as disclosed in the Disclosure Certificate or in the SEC Filings, since December 31, 1994 none of the following has occurred: (a) any material adverse change, or any development which has had, or would be likely to have, a material adverse change, in the condition (financial or other), business or prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; (b) a change in accounting methods, principles or practices by the Company materially affecting its assets, liabilities or business; (c) damage, destruction or loss materially adversely affecting the condition (financial or other), business or prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; (d) any declaration, setting aside for payment or payment of dividends or distributions in respect of any capital stock of the Company or any redemption, purchase or other acquisition of any of its securities; (e) entering into by the Company or any of its subsidiaries any material transactions except as expressly permitted by this Agreement; (f) agreement by the Company to do any of the things described in the preceding clauses (a) through (e) other than as expressly provided for herein. 3.7 Fairness Opinion and Approval by Board of Directors and Investment Committee. The Board of Directors of the Company and the Investment Committee thereof have by resolution duly adopted (unanimously, in the case of the Investment Committee), at meetings duly called and held, each (i) approved and adopted this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated herein on the material terms and conditions set forth herein (or, in the case of the Investment Committee, has recommended that the Board of Directors of the Company do so), (ii) determined that the Merger Consideration is in the best interests of and, subject to the receipt of the Fairness Opinion, fair to the Company's disinterested stockholders and (iii) recommended that the Company's stockholders approve and adopt this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein. The Board of Directors of the Company has received an oral report from PaineWebber Incorporated (the "Financial Advisor"), as financial advisor to the Investment Committee, that it has no reason to believe, based upon information reviewed by it as of the date of this Agreement and subject to the assumptions and limitations summarized orally and to be described in writing by the Financial Advisor in the Fairness Opinion (as defined in Section 6.1(f)), that the Merger Consideration is not fair to the disinterested stockholders of the Company from a financial point of view, and the Board of Directors is unaware of any reason why such oral report is not correct and will not be confirmed in writing in the Fairness Opinion. 3.8 Brokers and Finders. Except as set forth in the Disclosure Certificate, neither the Company nor any subsidiary has engaged any broker, finder or investment banker which engagement would require the payment of any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or in connection with any transaction involving the Company based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company, except for the fees payable to the Financial Advisor pursuant to a letter agreement dated as of July 12, 1994, January 20, 1995, June 9, 1995, June 16, 1995 and June 29, 1995, copies of which have been delivered to the Purchaser (collectively, the "Engagement Letter"). Except as provided in this Agreement and the payment to the Financial Advisor pursuant to such letter agreement, no claim, whether matured or contingent, against the Company exists for payment of any expenses or "topping," "break-up" or "bust-up" fees or similar payments or compensation as a result of the transactions contemplated hereby. 3.9 Litigation. Except as set forth in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 or in the Disclosure Certificate, there are no actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or any of its subsidiaries, nor is the Company or any of its subsidiaries subject to any order, judgment or decree, except for individual matters in which the only relief sought is damages from the Company and its subsidiaries which, in the aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or other), business or prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole. 3.10 Material Agreements. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is currently in default under any material agreement of the Company or any of its subsidiaries except for such defaults which have not been waived and as, in the aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or other), business or prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole. 3.11 Servicemarks, Trade Names. The Company or its subsidiaries own, or are licensed to use, all servicemarks, trade names and copyrights, know-how and processes used in the conduct of their respective businesses as currently conducted which are material to the condition of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole. 3.12 Taxes. (a) Except as set forth in the Disclosure Certificate, the Company and each of its subsidiaries have, since December 31, 1990 (i) timely filed all tax returns, schedules and declarations (including withholding and information returns) required to be filed on or before the date of this Agreement by any jurisdictions to which they are or have been subject, all of which tax returns, schedules and declarations are complete, accurate and correct, (ii) paid in full all taxes required to be paid in respect of the periods covered by such returns and any interest and penalties with respect thereto and made any deposits of tax required by such taxing authorities, (iii) fully accrued on the Company's March 31, 1995 balance sheet heretofore delivered to the Purchaser all taxes for any period through that date that are not yet due, the information in the March 31, 1995 statement of income, including the footnotes thereto, with respect to taxes being accurate and correct and (iv) made payments of the taxes required to be deducted and withheld from the wages paid to their respective employees. (b) Except as set forth in the Disclosure Certificate, since December 31, 1990, neither the Company nor any subsidiary has been delinquent in the payment of any tax, assessment or governmental charge or has requested any extension of time within which to file any tax returns that have not been filed, and no deficiencies for any tax, assessment or governmental charge have been claimed, proposed or assessed. Except as disclosed in the Disclosure Certificate, neither the Company nor any subsidiary has agreed to any currently effective extension of time for the assessment or payment of any taxes payable by it. (c) Except as set forth in the Disclosure Certificate, there are no pending or, to the best of the Company's knowledge, threatened tax audits, investigations or claims for or relating to any liability in respect of taxes, and there are no matters under discussion with any governmental authorities with respect to taxes that, in the reasonable judgment of the Company, are likely to result in a further tax liability. (d) The Disclosure Certificate sets forth, since December 31, 1990 (i) those tax years for which the tax returns of the Company and the subsidiaries have been reviewed or audited by applicable federal, state, local and foreign taxing authorities, (ii) those tax years for which such tax returns have received clearances or other indications of approval from applicable federal, state, local and foreign taxing authorities and (iii) those tax years which remain subject to review or audit by applicable federal, state, local or foreign taxing authorities. Except as set forth in the Disclosure Certificate, since December 31, 1990, to the best knowledge of the Company, no issue or issues have been raised in connection with any prior or pending review or audit of such federal, state, local or foreign tax returns that have not been resolved or which the Company reasonably believes may be expected to be raised in the future by such taxing authorities in connection with the audit or review of the tax returns of the Company or any subsidiary. (e) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has made an election under Section 341(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). 3.13 Employee Benefit Plans. (a) The Disclosure Certificate lists each (i) employee pension benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), covered by Part 2 of Title I of ERISA and excluding multiemployer plans within the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA ("Pension Plan") in which employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries participate, (ii) employee welfare benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA ("Welfare Plan") in which employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries participate and (iii) each other profit sharing, group insurance, bonus, deferred compensation, stock option, severance pay, insurance, pension or retirement plan or written agreement relating to employment or fringe benefits for employees, officers or directors of the Company or any subsidiary (together with the Pension Plans and Welfare Plans, the "Employee Benefit Plans"). There is no multiemployer plan within the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA ("Multiemployer Plan") to which the Company or any current ERISA Affiliate (as defined in Section 3.13(i) below) currently has an obligation to contribute. The Company has provided Purchaser with access to true and complete copies of all such Employee Benefit Plans, including amendments thereto. Except as disclosed in the Disclosure Certificate, with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan listed in the Disclosure Certificate, no individual shall accrue or receive additional benefits, service or accelerated rights to payment of benefits (other than additional accruals under the normal formula in effect prior to and without regard to the transactions contemplated hereby) as a direct result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. (b) There are no qualified defined benefit plans (as defined in Section 414(j) of the Code) or Multiemployer Plans in which employees of the Company or any subsidiary have participated since January 1, 1982. (c) None of the Employee Benefit Plans so listed in the Disclosure Certificate has participated in, engaged in or been a party to any prohibited transaction as defined in ERISA or the Code, and, to the best knowledge of the Company, no officer, director or employee of the Company or any subsidiary has committed a material breach of any of the responsibilities or obligations imposed upon fiduciaries by Title I of ERISA. (d) Except as set forth in the Disclosure Certificate, there are no claims, pending or overtly threatened, involving any Employee Benefit Plan listed in the Disclosure Certificate by a current or former employee (or beneficiary thereof) of the Company or a current or former ERISA Affiliate, nor is there any reasonable basis to anticipate any claims involving any such plans which would likely be successfully maintained against the Company or its subsidiaries. (e) There are no violations of any material reporting and disclosure requirements with respect to any Pension, Employee Benefit and Welfare Plans listed in the Disclosure Certificate and no such plans have violated applicable law, including but not limited to ERISA and the Code. (f) The Company has delivered or made available to the Purchaser a copy of the most recently filed IRS Form 5500 and accountant's opinion, if applicable, for each Pension Plan and Welfare Plan disclosed in the Disclosure Certificate. All information provided by the Company or any subsidiary to any actuary in connection with the preparation of such actuarial valuation report was true, correct and complete in all material respects. (g) The Company has delivered or made available to the Purchaser a copy of (i) in the case of each Pension Plan described in the Disclosure Certificate intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code, the most recent Internal Revenue Service letter as to the qualification of such Plan under Section 401(a) of the Code and (ii) in the case of each Welfare Plan described in the Disclosure Certificate, the most recent Internal Revenue Service letter as to the qualification of such Plan under Section 501(c)(9) of the Code, if applicable. (h) For purposes of this Section 3.13, "ERISA Affiliate" shall mean any company which, as of the relevant measuring date under ERISA, is a member of a controlled group of corporations or trades or businesses (as defined in Sections 414(b) and (c) of the Code) of which the Company or any subsidiary is a member. ARTICLE IV CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER Under no circumstances will the Purchaser or Parent have any claim against the Company for any breach of the covenants set forth below in this Article IV, unless the action alleged to breach, or to have resulted in a breach, of such covenant (i) was approved by the Company's Board of Directors or the Investment Committee and no attempt was made at a later date by the body approving such action to prevent its occurrence, or (ii) was known of by a member of the Investment Committee, the Chairman of the Board of the Company or the Vice Chairman of the Board of the Company and no attempt was made by the Investment Committee to prevent its occurrence. The Company covenants and agrees that, prior to the Effective Time, unless Purchaser shall otherwise agree in writing, or except as disclosed in the Disclosure Certificate as of the date hereof or as otherwise expressly contemplated by this Agreement; neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries shall take any action except in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices, and the Company shall use its best efforts to maintain and preserve its business organization, assets, prospects, employees and advantageous business relationships. Even if the action proposed to be taken would not violate the provisions of the preceding sentence, but would involve possible expenditures, contingent liabilities or the acquisition or disposition of assets exceeding $100,000, any member of a committee consisting of Messrs. John B. Adams, Steven P. Cloward, Horst K. Mehlfeldt and John E. Siipola (the "Management Committee") shall have the right to object in writing to the taking of such action prior to the time the Company is legally bound to the taking thereof. Any notice of objection shall be delivered to all members of the Management Committee and the contemplated action shall not be taken unless the members of the Management Committee unanimously approve the taking of such action or, failing such approval, the Parent and the Company approve in writing the taking of such action. If the action proposed to be taken would violate the provisions of the first sentence of this paragraph and would involve expenditures or the acquisition or disposition of assets exceeding $100,000 in value, the Management Committee shall be given advance written notice of all such actions. If any members of the Management Committee objects in writing within five (5) days after written notice of such action is given to any such noticed action, such action shall only be taken if the members of the Management Committee unanimously approve the taking of such action or, failing such approval, the Parent and the Company approve in writing the taking of such action. (a) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries shall, directly or indirectly, do any of the following: (i) incur any expenses in contemplation of a reorganization or restructuring of the Company; (ii) amend its Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or similar organizational documents; (iii) split, combine or reclassify any shares of its capital stock or declare, set aside or pay any dividend or make any distribution, payable in cash, stock, property or otherwise with respect to its capital stock; (iv) transfer the stock of any subsidiary to any other subsidiary or any assets or liabilities to any new subsidiary or, except in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice, to any existing subsidiary; (v) adopt a plan of liquidation or resolutions providing for the liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation or other reorganization of the Company except the Merger; (vi) amend, modify, change or replace the Engagement Letter; or (vii) authorize or propose any of the foregoing, or enter into any contract, agreement, commitment or arrangement to do any of the foregoing. (b) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries shall, directly or indirectly: (i) issue, sell, pledge, encumber or dispose of, or authorize, propose or agree to the issuance, sale, pledge, encumbrance or disposition of, any shares of, or any options, warrants or rights of any kind to acquire any shares of, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for any shares of, its capital stock or any other equity securities, or any other securities in respect of, in lieu of, or in substitution for Shares outstanding on the date hereof except for Shares issuable upon exercise of Options outstanding on the date hereof and which by their terms are or become exercisable at or prior to the Effective Time; (ii) acquire (by merger, consolidation or acquisition of stock or assets) any corporation, partnership or other business organization or division thereof or make any material investment either by purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital, property transfer or purchase of any material amount of property or assets, in any other individual or entity; (iii) other than indebtedness incurred from borrowings made pursuant to existing lending arrangements and other than as set forth in the Disclosure Schedule, incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or issue any debt securities or assume, guarantee, endorse (other than to a Company account) or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for, the obligations of any other individual or entity, or make any loans or advances, except for advances to dealers and guarantees of leases made in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice; (iv) release or relinquish any material contract right; (v) settle or compromise any pending or threatened suit, action or claim by or against the Company involving a payment by the Company exceeding $100,000; or (vi) authorize or propose any of the foregoing, or enter into or modify any contract, agreement, commitment or arrangement to do any of the foregoing. (c) Each of the Company and its subsidiaries shall use its best efforts to keep in place its current insurance policies, including but not limited to director and officer liability insurance, which are material (either individually or in the aggregate); and notwithstanding such efforts, if any such policy is canceled, the Company shall use its best efforts to replace such policy or policies. (d) Except in accordance with the provisions of this Article IV, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries shall enter into any agreement or otherwise agree to do (i) any of the things described in clauses (a) through (d) or (ii) anything, which to the Company's best knowledge at the time of such action, would make any representation or warranty of the Company in this Agreement untrue or incorrect in any material respect as of the date hereof and as of the Effective Time, as if made on such date. ARTICLE V ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS 5.1 Preparation of Proxy Statement. As promptly as practicable after receipt by the Company from the Purchaser of one or more commitments that in the aggregate commit to provide to the Purchaser financing that the Investment Committee in its good faith judgment determines will permit the Purchaser to pay the Merger Consideration and otherwise have the financial resources available in a timely manner to complete the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Company will prepare and file a preliminary proxy statement with the Commission and will use its best efforts to respond to any comments of the Commission and, to cause the final proxy statement (the "Proxy Statement") to be mailed to the Company's stockholders at the earliest practicable time. The Company will notify the Purchaser and the Investment Committee promptly of the receipt of any comments from the Commission or its staff and of any request by the Commission or its staff for amendments or supplements to the Proxy Statement or for additional information and will supply the Purchaser and the Investment Committee with copies of all correspondence between the Company or any of its representatives, on the one hand, and the Commission or its staff, on the other hand, with respect to the Proxy Statement or the Merger. If at any time prior to the Effective Time there shall occur any event that should be set forth in an amendment of, or a supplement to, the Proxy Statement, the Company will promptly prepare and mail to its stockholders such an amendment or supplement. The Company will not distribute or file the Proxy Statement, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, to which the Purchaser reasonably objects; provided that the Company shall have the right to distribute or file any amendments or supplements required in the written opinion of counsel to the Investment Committee to be made by applicable law. The Company and Purchaser shall prepare and file with the Commission a Schedule 13E-3 which shall be filed together with the Proxy Statement. The Company and Purchaser will take all reasonable action required so that the Proxy Statement, the Schedule 13E-3, and all amendments and supplements thereto will comply as to form in all material respects with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. None of the Schedule 13E-3, the Proxy Statement, nor any amendments thereof or supplements thereto, will, on the date the Proxy Statement is first mailed to stockholders of the Company, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. 5.2 Meeting of Stockholders of the Company. After receipt by the Company from the Purchaser of one or more commitments that in the aggregate commit to provide to the Purchaser financing that the Investment Committee in its good faith judgment determines will permit the Purchaser to pay the Merger Consideration and otherwise have the financial resources available in a timely manner to complete the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Company shall promptly take all action necessary, in accordance with the Corporation Law and its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, to convene a special meeting of the stockholders of the Company (the "Special Meeting") as promptly as practicable to consider and vote upon the Merger pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Neither the Company nor the Board of Directors shall take any action which would make any approval of the Merger necessary, other than the approval of the holders of Shares representing a majority of the outstanding Shares. The Proxy Statement shall contain, at all times up to and including the date of the Special Meeting, the recommendation of the Board of Directors of the Company and the unanimous recommendation of the Investment Committee that the stockholders of the Company vote to adopt and approve the Merger, subject to the right of the Investment Committee and the Board of Directors to withdraw such recommendations if, by a majority vote, the Investment Committee in the exercise of its fiduciary duties makes a good faith judgment, based as to the legal issues involved on the written advice of legal counsel, that failure to withdraw such recommendation would constitute a breach of its fiduciary duty. Subject to such right of the Investment Committee to withdraw its recommendation of the Merger in accordance with the exercise of its fiduciary duties, the Company and the Board of Directors shall use their best efforts to obtain the necessary approvals of the stockholders of the Company and shall take all other action necessary or, in the reasonable judgment of the Purchaser, helpful to secure the vote or consent of stockholders of the Company. 5.3 Cancellation of Stock Options. The Company and its subsidiaries shall cancel, settle, convert or exchange all outstanding Options issued pursuant to the Plans or otherwise to the extent required by Section 1.6 hereof, and shall comply with all requirements regarding income tax withholding in connection therewith; provided however, that the failure of the Company to cancel, settle, convert or exchange any Option if the requirements of Section 1.6 are met, shall not be deemed to be a breach of this Agreement by the Company. In addition to the foregoing, the Company shall cause the Plans to be terminated on or prior to the Effective Time, and shall establish to the reasonable satisfaction of the Purchaser that no person or entity (whether or not a participant in any Plans) has or will have any right to acquire any interest in the Company, the Surviving Corporation or the Purchaser as a result of the exercise of options or other rights on or after the Effective Time. 5.4 Fees and Expenses. (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this Section 5.4, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses. (b) If (i) this Agreement is terminated for any reason, (ii) prior to such termination (x) any Person (as defined below) (A) makes a written proposal to engage in any transaction described in clauses (u), (v) or (w) of clause (iii) of this Section 5.4(b) (an "Acquisition Proposal") to the Company or any authorized director, officer or agent or (B) publicly announces an Acquisition Proposal, or (y) the Company or any authorized director, officer or agent of the Company participates in discussions or negotiations with, or provides confidential information to, any Person concerning an Acquisition Proposal, either in compliance with, or in violation of, Section 5.6, and (iii) within one year from the date of this Agreement (u) any corporation, partnership, person, entity or "group" (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), including the Company or any of its subsidiaries but excluding Parent, the Purchaser or any of their affiliates and excluding any group of which Parent, the Purchaser or any of their affiliates is a member (a "Person"), shall have acquired all or a substantial portion of the assets of the Company or consummated a merger or consolidation with, or other acquisition of, the Company, (v) any Person shall have acquired beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of 35% or more of the Shares then outstanding, or (w) a "change in control" of the Company involving a Person within the meaning of Item 1 of Form 8-K under the Exchange Act shall have occurred, the Company shall promptly, but in no event later than five business days after consummation of any transaction referred to in clauses (u), (v) or (w) above, pay to Purchaser (by transfer of same-day funds to an account designated by Purchaser for such purpose) an amount equal to (i) $1,000,000, less (ii) any funds paid by the Company to the Purchaser pursuant to Section 5.4(d); provided such amount shall be payable by the Company with respect to any such transaction referred to in clauses (u), (v) and (w) above only if (a) the transaction provides for the Company or the holders of any Shares being purchased in such transaction to receive consideration per Share having an indicated value in excess of $16.50 per Share, or (b) the amount of consideration received in such transaction is not readily determinable on a per Share basis and the Investment Committee or another committee of one or more disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the Company fails to make a good faith determination that such transaction is less favorable to the stockholders of the Company from a financial point of view than the Merger (in the case of either (a) or (b), a "Higher Offer"). (c) Prior to the execution of this Agreement, the Company agreed to advance up to $175,000 to the organizers of Purchaser to cover their expenses related to the formation of Purchaser, the formulation of a proposal to acquire the Shares and the preparation and negotiation of this Agreement. The Company further agrees that it shall within five business days after receipt of each notice of the incurrence thereof by the Purchaser to the Company, advance to the Purchaser all Reimbursable Expenses (as defined in Section 5.4(d)); provided that the Company shall not be obligated to pay under this Section 5.4(c) in excess of an aggregate amount of $750,000 (including the $175,000 referred to above, but excluding all funds advanced or reimbursed with respect to Financing Fees (as defined in Section 5.4(d)), which expenses shall not be subject to such limit, but shall not exceed $217,000); provided further, that the Company shall not be obligated to pay under this Section 5.4(c) in excess of an aggregate of $500,000 (including any amounts advanced or reimbursed under this Section 5.4(c), but excluding all funds advanced or reimbursed with respect to Financing Fees which expenses shall not be subject to such limit, but shall not exceed $217,000) unless 85% of the stores owned by the franchised dealers of the Company who directly or indirectly are shareholders of Purchaser and whose franchise agreements expire prior to July 1, 1999 shall have extended the term of their franchise agreements at least through the earlier of (x) July 1, 2002, or (y) the date three years after such franchise agreement would have expired; provided that such franchised dealers shall not be required to pay any fees in connection with such extension. Any franchised dealer of the Company who directly or indirectly is a shareholder of Purchaser and whose franchise agreement expires on or after July 1, 1999, shall have the right to extend such agreement for up to three additional years without the payment of any fee in connection with such extension. (d) If this Agreement is terminated or the Merger is not consummated for any reason, the Company will, within five business days after notice by the Purchaser to the Company, reimburse the Purchaser for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable commitment fees, reasonable termination fees, reasonable attorney fees and expenses incurred by potential lenders which the Purchaser is obligated to reimburse, and other fees and expenses incurred in connection with arranging financing for the Merger (collectively, "Financing Fees"), legal fees and expenses, appraisal fees, fees and expenses of financial advisors and fees and expenses of accountants) incurred by the Purchaser, Parent, or on their behalf in connection with the preparation or negotiation of this Agreement or of the transactions contemplated hereby or otherwise incurred in contemplation of this Agreement, the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement which have not otherwise been reimbursed by the Company ("Reimbursable Expenses"); provided that (i) the Company shall not be obligated to pay under this Section 5.4(d) in excess of an aggregate of $750,000 (including any amounts advanced or reimbursed under Section 5.4(c), but excluding all funds advanced or reimbursed with respect to Financing Fees which expenses shall not be subject to such limit but shall not exceed $217,000), (ii) except for the reimbursement or advance of expenses related to Financing Fees, the Company shall not be obligated to pay any additional amounts under this Section 5.4(d) if Purchaser has been paid the amount provided in Section 5.4(b) above, (iii) the Company shall have the right to review all expense receipts (other than receipts which contain privileged or confidential information) and (iv) the Company shall not be obligated to pay under this Section 5.4(d) in excess of an aggregate of $500,000 (including any amounts advanced or reimbursed under Section 5.4(c), but excluding all funds advanced or reimbursed with respect to Financing Fees which expenses shall not be subject to such limit, but shall not exceed $217,000) unless the franchised dealers of the Company who directly or indirectly are shareholders of Purchaser and whose franchise agreements expire prior to July 1, 1999 shall have extended the term of their franchise agreements at least through the earlier of (x) July 1, 2002, or (y) the date three years after such franchise agreement would have expired; provided that such franchised dealers shall not be required to pay any fees in connection with such extension. 5.5 Further Assurances. Subject to the terms and conditions herein provided, including those contained in Section 5.6, each of the parties hereto agrees to use all reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective as promptly as practicable the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and to cooperate with each other in connection with the foregoing, including, but not limited to, using reasonable efforts (a) to obtain all necessary waivers, consents and approvals from other parties to material loan agreements, leases and other contracts, (b) to obtain all necessary consents, approvals and authorizations as are required to be obtained under any federal, state or foreign law or regulations, (c) to defend all lawsuits or other legal proceedings challenging this Agreement, or the transactions contemplated hereby, (d) to lift or rescind any injunction or restraining order or other order adversely affecting the ability of the parties to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, (e) to effect all necessary filings, including, but not limited to, filings with the Commission, under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and under the rules or regulations of any other governmental authorities, (f) to fulfill all conditions to this Agreement and to any agreements related to the financing contemplated by Section 6.2(c), and (g) to keep the other parties reasonably apprised of the status of all such efforts. 5.6 No Solicitation. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries shall, and the Company shall use its best efforts to cause its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents not to, directly or indirectly, solicit, initiate or participate in discussions or negotiations with, or provide any information to, any corporation, partnership, person or other entity or group (other than the Purchaser or an affiliate or an associate of the Purchaser) concerning, or enter into any agreement providing for, any merger, sale of all or substantially all assets, sale of shares of capital stock or similar transactions involving the Company or any subsidiary or division of the Company, provided that the Investment Committee on behalf of the Company may furnish or cause to be furnished information and may participate in such discussions or negotiations and enter into such agreement if it believes in good faith, after consultation with its Financial Adviser and the receipt of written advice of counsel as to the legal considerations involved, that the failure to provide such information or participate in such discussions or negotiations or enter into such agreement would be likely to involve the members of the Investment Committee in a breach of their fiduciary duties. The Investment Committee on behalf of the Company will promptly communicate to the Purchaser the terms of any proposal received or the fact that the Company has received inquiry with respect to, or has participated in discussions or negotiations in respect of, any such transaction of which a member of the Investment Committee is aware. 5.7 Notification of Certain Matters. The Company shall give prompt notice to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser shall give prompt notice to the Company, of (a) the occurrence, or failure to occur, of any event which occurrence or failure would be likely to cause any representation or warranty contained in this Agreement to be untrue or inaccurate in any material respect at any time from the date hereof to the Effective Time, (b) any material failure of the Company or the Purchaser or any of their respective affiliates, as the case may be, or of any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents, to comply with or satisfy any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it under this Agreement, (c) any material claims, actions, proceedings or investigations commenced or, to the best of its knowledge, threatened, involving or affecting the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their properties or assets, or, to the best of its knowledge, against any employee, consultant, director, officer or stockholder of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, in his, her or its capacity as such and (d) any material adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise), business or prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or the occurrence of an event known to the Company which, so far as reasonably can be foreseen at the time of its occurrence, would result in any such change; provided, however, that no such notification shall affect the representations or warranties of the parties or the conditions to the obligations to the parties hereunder. 5.8 Access to Information. From the date hereof to the Effective Time, the Company shall, and shall cause its subsidiaries, officers, directors, employees and agents to, afford the officers, employees and agents of the Purchaser and its affiliates and the banks, other financial institutions and investment bankers arranging or providing the financing contemplated by Section 6.2(c) complete access at all reasonable times to its officers, employees, agents, properties, books, records and contracts, and shall furnish the Purchaser and its affiliates and the banks, other financial institutions and investment bankers arranging or providing the financing all financial, operating and other data and information as the Purchaser or its affiliates and the banks, other financial institutions and investment bankers arranging or providing the financing, through their respective officers, employees or agents, may reasonably request. Subject to the requirements of law, the Purchaser and its affiliates shall, and shall use reasonable efforts to cause their officers, employees and agents, and the banks, other financial institutions and investment bankers who obtain such information, to hold in confidence and not use all such nonpublic information until such time as such information is otherwise publicly available other than through a breach of this Section 5.8, and, if this Agreement is terminated, the Purchaser and its affiliates will, and will use reasonable efforts to cause their officers, employees and agents, and the banks, other financial institutions and investment bankers who obtain such information, to deliver to the Company all documents, work papers and other material (including copies, extracts and summaries thereof) obtained by or on behalf of any of them directly or indirectly from the Company as a result of this Agreement or in connection herewith, whether so obtained before or after the execution hereof. No investigation pursuant to this Section 5.8 shall affect any representations or warranties of the parties herein or the conditions to the obligations of the parties hereto. 5.9 Directors' Indemnification. The Parent and the Surviving Corporation will enter into Indemnification Agreements, substantially in the form set forth in Annex A hereto (with such changes to which the Company and the Purchaser may agree) with each present director of the Company as of the Effective Time. It is understood and agreed that the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law and regardless of whether the Merger becomes effective, indemnify and hold harmless, each present and former director and officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, including, without limitation, each member of the Investment Committee. ARTICLE VI CONDITIONS 6.1 Conditions to Obligation of Each Party to Effect the Merger. The respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger shall be subject to the fulfillment or waiver at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions: (a) Stockholder Approval. The Merger pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall have been approved and adopted by the requisite vote of the stockholders of the Company; (b) Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. Any waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the consummation of the Merger under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act shall have expired or been terminated; (c) No Injunction. No preliminary or permanent injunction or other order, decree or ruling issued by a court of competent jurisdiction or by a governmental, regulatory or administrative agency or commission nor any statute, rule, regulation or executive order promulgated or enacted by any governmental authority shall be in effect, which would make the acquisition or holding by the Purchaser of the Shares illegal or would make illegal or otherwise prevent the consummation of the Merger; (d) Consents. The Company and the Purchaser shall have obtained such licenses, permits, consents, approvals, authorizations, qualifications and orders of governmental authorities and parties to contracts with the Purchaser and the Company and its subsidiaries as are necessary for consummation of the Merger, excluding licenses, permits, consents, approvals, authorizations, qualifications or orders, the failure to obtain which, in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Purchaser or the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; (e) New Laws. There shall have been no law, statute, rule or regulation, domestic or foreign, enacted or promulgated which would make consummation of the Merger illegal; (f) Delivery of Fairness Opinion. The Company shall have received from PaineWebber Incorporated a written opinion addressed to the Company for inclusion in the Proxy Statement that the Merger Consideration is fair, from a financial point of view, to the disinterested stockholders of the Company (the "Fairness Opinion"); (g) Delivery of ESOP Fairness Opinion. The ESOP (as defined below) shall have received an opinion from its financial advisor that the consideration to be received by participants in the ESOP who elect to convert their shares held by the ESOP into shares of Parent is fair, from a financial point of view, to such participants. 6.2 Additional Conditions to the Obligation of the Purchaser to Effect the Merger. The obligation of the Purchaser to effect the Merger is also subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of the following additional conditions, unless waived by the Purchaser: (a) Performance of Obligations of the Company. The Company shall have performed in all material respects all obligations and agreements required to be performed by it under this Agreement prior to the Effective Time; (b) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Company set forth in this Agreement which are qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct, and any such representations and warranties not so qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects, at and as of the Effective Time as if made at and as of such time, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement; (c) Financing. The Purchaser shall have obtained financing necessary to pay the aggregate Merger Consideration and to replace certain of the existing indebtedness of the Company in the aggregate amount of $77 million on terms acceptable to Purchaser in its sole discretion; (d) Cancellation of Stock Options. The Company shall have canceled and settled Options to the extent required by Sections 1.6 and 5.3; (e) Redemption of Rights. The Company shall have taken all necessary actions to cause the Rights to be extinguished or redeemed effective at the Effective Date; (f) Compliance with the Nevada Business Combination Statute. The Purchaser shall be satisfied in its sole discretion that the Board of Directors of the Company shall have taken all actions required under the Nevada General Corporation Law to render the restrictions on combinations with interested stockholders of Section 78.438 of such Law inapplicable to the Merger; (g) ESOP Participation. The holders of at least 80% of the shares held by the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Program (the "ESOP") shall have elected to "roll over" their existing ESOP accounts into investments in the securities of Parent; and (h) Dealer Participation. Dealers owning at least 85% of the Company's franchised tire stores as of the date of this Agreement shall have elected to participate in the acquisition. ARTICLE VII TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER 7.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether prior to or after approval of the Merger by the stockholders of the Company: (a) By mutual written consent of the Boards of Directors of the Purchaser and the Company (which, in the case of the Company, shall include the approval of the Investment Committee); (b) By the Company or the Purchaser if (i) the Effective Time shall not have occurred on or before February 28, 1996, or (ii) any of the conditions set forth in Section 6.1 hereof shall not be met at the Effective Time; provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 7.1(b) shall not be available to any party whose failure to fulfill any obligation under this Agreement has been the cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Effective Time to occur on or before such date; (c) By the Company or the Purchaser if (i) any Person shall have made a bona fide proposal which the Investment Committee believes, in good faith after consultation with the Financial Advisor, is for a Higher Offer, (ii) the Purchaser does not make, within five business days of the Purchaser's receiving notice of such third party proposal, an offer which is at least as favorable to the Company's stockholders as such third party proposal, and (iii) the Investment Committee withdraws its recommendation of the Merger or changes its recommendation in a manner adverse to the Purchaser; (d) By the Company: (i) If the Purchaser fails to perform in any material respect any of its obligations under this Agreement; (ii) If the representations and warranties of the Purchaser set forth in this Agreement are not true and correct in any material respect at any time prior to the Effective Time; or (iii) On August 15, 1995, if the Purchaser has failed to deliver to the Company prior to August 15, 1995, one or more commitments that in the aggregate commit to provide to the Purchaser financing that the Investment Committee in its good faith judgment determines will permit the Purchaser to pay the Merger Consideration and otherwise have the financial resources available in a timely manner to complete the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. (e) By the Purchaser: (i) If there occurs, or the Company enters into or publicly announces its intention to enter into an agreement with any Person to cause to occur, a transaction of the type described in clauses (u), (v) or (w) of Section 5.4(b)(iii) hereof, but which would not qualify as a Higher Offer, or any Person shall have commenced or publicly announced an intention to commence a tender or exchange offer for the Company's Shares; (ii) If any of the conditions set forth in Section 6.2 hereof shall not be satisfied on the Effective Time; or (iii) On August 15, 1995, if the Purchaser has failed to deliver to the Company prior to August 15, 1995, one or more commitments that in the aggregate commit to provide to the Purchaser financing that the Purchaser in its good faith judgment determines will permit the Purchaser to pay the Merger Consideration and otherwise have the financial resources available in a timely manner to complete the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. (f) By the Company or Purchaser on September 1, 1995, if prior to September 1, 1995, the Purchaser has not satisfied the condition set forth in Section 6.2(h) and Purchaser has not waived, in writing, such condition. 7.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 7.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and there shall be no liability or obligation on the part of the Company or Purchaser or its affiliates except (i) as set forth in Sections 5.4 and 5.8, and (ii) that a party shall be liable for willful defaults of its obligations hereunder. 7.3 Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended except by action of the Boards of Directors of each of the parties hereto (which, in the case of the Company, shall include the approval of the Investment Committee) set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto; provided, however, that after approval of the Merger by the stockholders of the Company, no amendment may be made without the further approval of the stockholders of the Company which would alter or change any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement if any of the alterations or changes, alone or in the aggregate, would materially adversely affect the stockholders of the Company. 7.4 Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after the stockholder approval, any party hereto, by action taken by its Board of Directors (which, in the case of the Company, shall include the approval of the Investment Committee), may (i) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of any other party hereto or (ii) subject to the provision contained in Section 7.3, waive compliance with any of the agreements of any other party or with any conditions to its own obligations. Any agreement on the part of a party hereto to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such party by a duly authorized officer. ARTICLE VIII GENERAL PROVISIONS 8.1 Public Statements. The parties agree to consult with each other and their respective counsel prior to issuing any public announcement or statement with respect to this Agreement or the Merger. 8.2 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or sent by cable, telegram, telecopy or telex to the parties at the following addresses or at such other addresses as shall be specified by the parties by like notice: (a) If to Parent or the Purchaser: BOTI Acquisition Corp. 11755 East Peakview Avenue Englewood, Colorado 80111 Attn: Steven P. Cloward Fax #: (303) 790-6064 with copies to: Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher 1801 California Street, Suite 4100 Denver, Colorado 80202 Attn: Richard M. Russo, Esq. Fax #: (303) 296-5310 and: Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean 1111 Broadway, 24th Floor Oakland, California 94607 Attn: Richard P. Waxman, Esq. Fax #: (510) 834-1928 (b) If to the Company: Big O Tires, Inc. 11755 East Peakview Avenue Englewood, Colorado 80111 Attn: Horst Mehlfeldt Fax #: (303) 790-0225 with a copy to: Holme Roberts & Owen 1700 Lincoln Suite 4100 Denver, Colorado 80203 Attn: W. Dean Salter, Esq. Fax #: (303) 866-0200 and Hopper and Kanouff, P.C. 1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 200 Denver, Colorado 80202 Attn: Thomas S. Smith, Esq. Fax #: (303) 892-0457 8.3 Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement to subsidiaries of the Purchaser or the Company, the word "subsidiaries" means any corporation more than 50 percent of whose outstanding voting securities, or any partnership, joint venture or other entity more than 50 percent of whose total equity interest, is directly or indirectly owned by the Purchaser or the Company, as the case may be. As used in the Agreement, the masculine, feminine and neuter genders and the plural and singular numbers shall be deemed to include the others in all cases where they would so apply. "Includes" and "including" are not limiting, and "or" is not exclusive. 8.4 Representations and Warranties. The respective representations and warranties of the Company and the Purchaser contained herein shall expire with, and be terminated and extinguished upon, consummation of the Merger, and thereafter neither the Company nor the Purchaser nor any officer, director or employee thereof shall be under any liability whatsoever with respect to any such representation or warranty. This Section 8.4 shall have no effect upon any other obligation of the parties hereto, whether to be performed before or after the consummation of the Merger. 8.5 Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. 8.6 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the respective successors and assigns of the parties hereto. 8.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. 8.8 Forum. The sole forum for resolving disputes arising under or relating in any way to this Agreement are the District Court for the City and County of Denver, Colorado, or the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, and all related appellate courts, and the parties hereby consent to the jurisdiction of such courts. 8.9 Miscellaneous. This Agreement (including the Annexes and instruments referred to herein): (i) constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all other prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof; (ii) except for Section 5.9 hereof, is not intended to confer upon any person other than a party hereto any rights or remedies hereunder; (iii) shall not be assigned, except by the Purchaser or Parent to a directly or indirectly wholly owned subsidiary of the Purchaser or Parent which, in a written instrument shall agree to assume all of such party's obligations hereunder and be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement; and (iv) shall be governed in all respects, including validity, interpretation and effect, by the internal laws of the State of Nevada, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws thereof. 8.10 Actual Knowledge. As used herein the term "actual knowledge" shall mean the knowledge of the individual at the time of making a statement without any requirement that an investigation be made prior to making such statement. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, the Purchaser and the Company have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their duly authorized respective officers. PARENT: BOTI HOLDINGS, INC. By: /s/ John B. Adams John B. Adams Its: Treasurer PURCHASER: BOTI ACQUISITION CORP. By: /s/ John B. Adams John B. Adams Its: Treasurer COMPANY: BIG O TIRES, INC. By: /s/ Horst K. Mehlfeldt Horst K. Mehlfeldt Its: Vice Chairman By: Its: EA950370.031/37+ DISCLOSURE CERTIFICATE to Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among BOTI Acquisition Corp., BOTI Holdings, Inc. and Big O Tires, Inc. As of June 30, 1995 Section 3.2 - Options and Rights Attached is the information required by Section 3.2 of the Agreement and Plan of Merger. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") and Stock Appreciation Rights ("SARs") Name of Holder # of SARs # of SERP/SARs Grant Value or Base Price John B. Adams 203 $15.25 Steven P. Cloward 502 $15.25 Steven P. Cloward 100,000 $13.875 Horst K. Mehlfeldt 100,000 $13.875 John E. Siipola 100,000 $13.875 Section 3.4 - Compliance i. The First National Bank of Chicago Revolving Credit Agreement. The Revolving Credit Agreement between the Company, and certain of its subsidiaries, and The First National Bank of Chicago ("First Chicago"), contains a covenant restricting the Company, or its subsidiary companies, from being able to merge or consolidate with or into any other person except that the Company and its subsidiaries may merge with each other. A violation of this covenant constitutes an event of default under the revolving credit agreement unless First Chicago consents to such a transaction. Also, a change in control of the Company (20% change) constitutes an event of default under the revolving credit agreement unless First Chicago waives the default. ii. Senior Secured Notes. The Indenture, Mortgage, Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Financing Statement (fixture filing) between the Company, certain of its subsidiaries, and the Bank of Cherry Creek, N.A., as indenture trustee, and Kenneth Buckius, as individual trustee, dated as of April 27, 1994, as amended on January 30, 1995, for the benefit of the holders of the Company's 8.71% Senior Secured Notes due 2004, restricts the Company and its subsidiaries from entering into any transaction or merger or consolidation with any other corporation, except that: (i) The Company may merge with one or more of its subsidiaries (provided the Company is the surviving corporation); and (ii) Any subsidiary may sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of its assets to the Company or any other subsidiary; and (iii) The Company may merge or consolidate with any other corporation or sell all or substantially all of its assets provided that: 1) The continuing or surviving entity expressly assumes the punctual payment of the notes and observance of all of the covenants of the notes; 2) The surviving entity shall be incorporated in the United States; 3) An Event of Default with regard to the surviving entity shall not have occurred immediately after the merger and be continuing on the Notes; and 4) The surviving entity can incur at least $1 of additional Debt. (iv) A violation of this covenant constitutes a default under the indenture unless the trustees and note holders consent to such a transaction. iii. Various Store/Office Leases in Chandler, Arizona; Glendale, Arizona; Corona, California; Porterville, California; Vacaville, California; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Renton, Washington, and Seattle, Washington. These leases covering the Company's regional offices or store sites contain provisions that a change in control of lessee shall constitute an assignment requiring lessor's consent. iv. Loan with AT&T. The Trust Deed, Grant of Easement and Security Agreement (including fixture filing and assignment of rents) given to AT&T Commercial Finance Corporation to secure payment and performance of various loans for equipment and real estate, contains a provision which states: "If Grantor or any guarantor of the obligations secured hereby (hereinafter called "Guarantor") is a corporation, the sale, pledge or assignment by the shareholders of Grantor or Guarantor of any shares of stock of Grantor or Guarantor without the prior written consent of noteholder or the transfer of more than 20% of the value of Grantor's or Guarantor's assets not in the ordinary course of Grantor's or Guarantor's business, the merger or consolidation of Grantor or Guarantor with another company or entity, [constitutes a default]." Without the prior written consent of noteholder, the Merger would constitute a default. In its loan commitment to the Company, AT&T Commercial Finance Corporation indicates that the commitment is being issued in reliance on the present management and financial condition of Borrower and Guarantor. If there is any material change in either the management or financial conditions, lender may, at its option, void the commitment and the Company believes that this may occur. v. The loan agreement and guarantee with Key Bank of Wyoming, covering the Big O Tire, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan contains the following provision stating: "Ownership. Make or permit any material change in the composition, executive management or form of business activity of the borrower or guarantor, or the ownership of the Stock, except as allowed or required by the ESOP." This is a negative covenant that will require the consent and/or waiver of Key Bank of Wyoming. vi. Equitable Insurance of Iowa and Republic Western. Equitable Insurance of Iowa, holder of approximately $5MM in Senior Secured Notes and Republic Western Insurance Company, holder of approximately $3MM in Senior Secured Notes will be unable to hold notes of the Company after the Merger because the Merger will cause the Company's investment rating to drop below what is required by regulation. As a result, the Company will be required to call the Notes pursuant to their terms. Verbal notice has been given to Equitable Insurance of Iowa. Section 3.6 - Changes (i) Business Prospects (a) AT&T Commercial Finance Corporation has agreed to fund certain existing real estate projects, but as a result of the contemplated Merger intends to retract any commitment in excess of such projects. (b) Because the Merger will cause the Company's investment rating to drop, and because of regulatory concerns, the Company will be forced to call approximately $8MM of Senior Secured Notes held by Equitable Insurance of Iowa and Republic Western Insurance Company. (c) U.S. Bancorp had given a loan commitment to assist in the financing of the Las Vegas Equipment Lease. Upon learning of the Merger, U.S. Bancorp has withdrawn its commitment. (d) The Company has consolidated three of its warehouses into one warehouse located in the area surrounding Las Vegas, Nevada. (e) The Company has changed its management structure, renaming the positions of Chairman of the Board, Vice-Chairman of the Board and President as a committee of three individuals, known as the Office of the Chief Executive. (f) The Company plans to report a charge against earnings of approximately $250,000 during the quarter ended June 30, 1995, as a result of final expenses incurred in connection with the Company's warehouse consolidation project. (g) A franchisee of the Company has settled a proceeding with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair, the publicity of which might negatively impact the Company's sales in California and elsewhere. (h) The Company has become aware that Small Business Administration financing for current or prospective franchisees of the Company could be delayed or curtailed which could adversely effect franchisee store openings and real estate development of stores by the Company. (i) From December 31, 1994, through June 30, 1995, the Company and/or its franchisees closed five stores and opened eleven stores. (j) The Company is aware that a majority of its tire suppliers have announced price increases of approximately 3% to take effect in July, 1995. (k) The Company periodically records reserves for losses associated with leases in which the Company is a tenant or guarantor. (l) The Company anticipates recording a reserve of approximately $100,000 associated with the value of two Company-owned retail stores in Lexington, Kentucky in the quarter ended June 30, 1995. (b) Accounting The Company has changed the method in which it reports the profits, losses, income and expenses from its real estate holdings. This change will result in the reporting of real estate transactions as additional transactions and cost of sales as opposed to the present reporting of the net gain or loss as a component of selling and administrative expense. (c) Loss American General Financial, Inc., a provider of the Big Card, alleges fraud in connection with credit applications generated by one California franchisee through two retail tire store outlets. American General claims approximately $300,000 in damages due from the Company pursuant to the Company's obligations under repurchase agreements. (See Section 3.8 - Potential Litigation) The Company has reserved for a liability of approximately $60,000 that will be expensed for the quarter ended June 30, 1995, such liability having been incurred in connection with an environmental matter in Huntington Beach, California. (d) Transactions (1) Under the Company's Incentive Management Purchase Contract program, management of Company-owned retail stores are entitled to a percentage of profits, and then are eligible to buy the store by paying to the Company 25% of the net worth of the store, and giving a promissory note for the remainder of the purchase price. The manager of the Orem, Utah store entered into this program between December 31, 1994, and June 30, 1995. (2) An agreement in principle has been negotiated with the co- joint venturer in the Big O/CSB Joint Venture (relating to 8 stores in California) for the purchase of the Company's joint venture interest prior to the Effective Time. (See Section 4 - Assets to be Sold) (3) The co-joint venturer in the Big O/[Jackson] Joint Venture has purchased the Company's joint venture interest as of December 31, 1994 and closed on the transaction on May 20, 1995. (See Section 4 - Assets to be Sold) (4) The Company's real estate transactions connected to business development are ongoing. As of June 30, 1995, the Company had 4 sites under construction, 13 sites under contract to acquire the real estate and 8 real estate sites for which the Company is negotiating the acquisition. The Company will continue this activity. (5) The Company has entered into a sublease of its warehouse in Ontario, California with Bridgestone/Firestone for the remaining term of the Company's original lease. (6) The Company has entered into a contract for the sale of its warehouse in Vacaville, California to Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. for a purchase price of $2,343,000. (See Section 4 - Assets to be Sold) (7) The Company sold two retail tire store properties in Ogden, Utah in June, 1995. (8) The Company will continue to attempt to sell Company owned stores prior to the Effective Time. (9) The Company will continue to pursue the sale/lease back of its warehouse in Las Vegas, Nevada, the sale/lease back of its warehouse in Boise, Idaho and the sale of the vacant land in Boise, Idaho, all on terms deemed acceptable by the Board of Directors of the Company, in its sole discretion. (10) The Company sold its 51% interest in a company owning a franchised store in American Fork, Utah, during the second quarter ended June 30, 1995. (11) The Company may chose to sell its joint venture interest in the Big O/Herb Hawley joint venture prior to the exercise of its three (3) year put option. (e) Other Agreements (1) The Company is seeking a buyer for two Company-owned stores in Lexington, Kentucky. A buyer has been identified, but no contract has been signed. (See Section 4 - Assets to be Sold) (2) The Company might (together with others) retain George K. Baum & Company to provide the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan with a fairness opinion regarding the Merger, which will be executed and delivered before the Effective Time, together with an Indemnification Agreement between the Company and George K. Baum & Company regarding the same. (3) The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized amendments to the agreements with John E. Siipola, Horst K. Mehlfeldt and Steven P. Cloward as described in Section 3.13 hereof. Section 3.8 - Brokers and Finders The Company might (together with others) retain George K. Baum & Company to provide the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan with a fairness opinion regarding the Merger, which will be executed and delivered before the Effective Time, together with an Indemnification Agreement between the Company and George K. Baum & Company regarding the same. Section 3.9 - Litigation (1) See attached log of current pending litigation and known claims. BIG O TIRES, INC. LITIGATION DOCKET June 30, 1995 Anderson, Barbara Lee et al vs. Big O Tires, Inc. et al; Case No. 94C08989; Municipal Court of California, County of Sacramento. Plaintiff seeks judgment for general damages, medical expenses, lost earnings, damages to vehicle, pre-judgment interest, costs of suit incurred and other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper. Plaintiff claims breach of implied warranty, negligence and strict liability. Plaintiff alleges that brakework done by a Big O Tires store in North Highlands was not of good quality and/or parts used were not the type or quality required. Plaintiff's brakes failed and caused an accident, in which Plaintiff suffered injuries and damages. Big O has forwarded the complaint to TransAmerica Insurance with the request that it retain counsel on Big O's behalf. (Big O is Defendant and is covered by insurance.) Big O Tires, Inc. v. Apollo Tire, Inc., C.T. Bar Enterprises, Inc. and Henry J. Heeber III; Case No. LC010476; Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Big O seeks damages of past rent and costs from all three above-named Defendants. Apollo Tire, Inc. subleased from C.T. Bar Enterprises, Inc. and Henry J. Heeber, III in October, 1984. C.T. Bar Enterprises, Inc. and Henry J. Heeber, III had subleased from Security/Cal, Inc., which was a predecessor in interest to Big O Tires, Inc. Apollo continued with the landlord after Big O's lease expired and Apollo was evicted on January, 1992 for delinquent rent. Apollo has now filed bankruptcy under Chapter 11. Landlord states that it has a bid of $9,000 to clean up pollution on the property which is the result of oil draining into a clarifier. Landlord states the $9,000 bid is only to test and clean up what is visible, will be getting additional bids and will be contacting the appropriate parties for reimbursement. This case has been dropped by Big O and consideration whether to refile is continuing. (Big O is Plaintiff) Big O Tires / Big 10 Tires; Trademark Dispute - Big O Tires, Inc. has filed an opposition to Big 10 Tires' application for a national trademark registration. This case originated when Big O Tires considered opening several retail stores in the Atlanta, Georgia area, an area where Big 10 Tires is strong. Big 10 objected to the opening of these stores on the basis that there would be a likelihood of confusion because of similar names and logos. Prior to Big 10's objection, their trademark registration had lapsed. Upon discovering this, Big 10 attempted to apply for a national trademark registration, which Big O is opposing on the grounds of likelihood of confusion. Big 10 now argues that there is no likelihood of confusion. Counsel in this matter is Sheridan, Ross & McIntosh. Discovery in this case has been ongoing. The proceedings in this case were suspended pending settlement negotiations which had been reinstated. However, Big O has submitted a proposed settlement agreement to Big 10 and has received no comment in return. Big 10 did not accept Big O's first settlement proposal. (Big O is Plaintiff) Big O Tires, Inc. v. Fresh Tire, Incorporated, a California corporation; Robert Michael Freshly, an individual; Patricia Edwards, an individual; and Does 1 through 20, inclusive; Case No. 662364; Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles. Big O is seeking a collection of accounts receivables and to foreclose on its security interest in connection with Defendant's operation of a Big O Tires retail store. Defendant has cross-complained against Plaintiff, alleging that Plaintiff caused Defendant to participate in illegal activity by requiring that Defendant participate in an advertising trust, and that when Defendant ceased to pay the advertising trust because he knew its activities were illegal, his retail store was not included in advertising thereby causing him to go out of business. Defendant recently amended its cross-complaint claiming damages for exposure to toxic substances due to leaking hydraulic lifts. Trial occurred in August, 1994 and Big O obtained a judgment for $52,691.75, interest and attorneys' fees and costs, yet to be determined, but estimated to be $50,000. Big O received directed verdict on cross claims. Defendeant and Cross Claimant has now filed notices of appeal. (Big O is Plaintiff and Cross Defendant. Some of the cross-claims against Big O may be covered by insurance.) Bostic, Richard Jr. v. Big O Tire HRC # 07-94-0825; EEOC #24H940268; Lexington-Fayette Urban County Human Rights Commission. Mr. Bostic has alleged that he was terminated from his sales position on July 17, 1994 in violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act due to his age of 51 years old. Bud Brandon, manager of the Lexington, Kentucky store located at 1116 Winchester Road, stated that Mr. Bostic was terminated due to the elimination of his position. (Big O is Defendant and is not covered by insurance.) Brown, Eileen v. Big O Tires, Inc., a Nevada corporation, Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Co., a Delaware corporation, and Does I through X, Inclusive Case No. A318654; District Court, Clark County, Nevada. Plaintiff seeks judgment for general and consequential damages, pain and suffering and for medical expenses due to an automobile accident allegedly caused by the tread separating from one of the tires on the automobile. Plaintiff claims the tread wrapped around the axle and caused the wheel of the vehicle to lock up, resulting in the vehicle rolling over several times. This lawsuit has been referred to Big O's insurance with the request that they retain counsel in defense of Big O. (Big O is Defendant and covered by insurance.) Carver, Robert vs. Uniroyal, Inc. et al incl. Big "O" Tire Store. Case No. N64081. Superior Court of California, County of San Diego. Plaintiff alleges that he sustained personal injuries as a direct result of an accident caused by a tire produced by Uniroyal, Inc. Big O has forwarded the complaint to TransAmerica Insurance with the request that it retain counsel on Big O's behalf. (Big O is Defendant and is covered by insurance.) Chenault, Minnie v. Big O Tires, Inc.; No. 93CI03401. Circuit Court of the County of Jefferson, Commonwealth of Kentucky. Plaintiff alleges that Big O's agents, servants and/or employees were negligent and/or grossly negligent in the use, maintenance, ownership, operation, occupation and control of its premises located and known as 3930 Can Run Road, Louisville, Kentucky, which is a franchised Big O Tire store. Although the complaint is sketchy, it appears that the franchisee should be named in this case rather than Big O. Big O has forwarded the complaint to TransAmerica Insurance with the request that it retain counsel on Big O's behalf. The franchisee involved has agreed to accept Big O's tender of defense. (Big O is Defendant and is covered by insurance.) Danford, Jeffrey and Jessica v. Big O Tires, Inc. Case No. 39D01-9405-CT-82; The Jefferson Superior Court, State of Indiana. Plaintiff purchased two tires from a franchised Big O retail tire store. Plaintiff alleges that the tires were not properly installed which caused one of the tires to fall off and subsequently cause an accident. Boehl, Stopher & Graves have agreed to tender our defense. (Big O is Defendant and is covered by insurance.) Davis, Debra Pltf. vs. The Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Company et. al. including Big O Tires, Inc., et. al. Defendants. Case No. A333429; District Court, Clark County, Nevada. Plaintiff alleges that a tire produced by Uniroyal Goodrich and sold to her by Big O Tires was defective. The tire blew out which caused Plaintiff to lose control of her vehicle resulting in severe injuries. Big O has forwarded the complaint to TransAmerica Insurance with the request that it retain counsel on Big O's behalf. (Big O is Defendant and is covered by insurance.) Insurance company has tendered this to Uniroyal for representation, defense and indemnify. Dishneau, Ruby E. and Garneau D. Dishneau, husband and wife, Plaintiffs vs. Big O Tires, Inc., a Nevada corporation; ABC Corporation I-X; XYZ Partnerships I-X; John and Jane Does I-X, husbands and wives, respectively, Defendants. Case No. CV 95-02493; Superior Court of the State of Arizona in and for the County of Maricopa. Claim shows that on or about March 1, 1993, Ruby Dishneau went to the Big O Tires store in Kingman, Arizona to purchase tires. She alleges that she entered the restroom and fell in a hole which was nine to ten inches deep. She is claiming she suffered damages including medical expenses, future medical expenses for indeterminate period of time, paine, suffering, annoyance, embarrassment, permanent and residual disabilities and a loss of consortium. Based upon the allegations of this claim, it would appear that Big O Tires, Inc. should not be a defendant in this case and therefore, a copy of the claim was sent to the franchisee, asking that they notify their insurance company of this claim. (Big O is Defendant and is covered by insurance.) Ford, Andoria v. Kumho U.S.A., Inc., D & C Tires, Inc., d/b/a Big O Tires, and Does 1 to 20; Case No. 519317; Municipal Court, County of Alameda - Oakland - Piedmont - Emeryville Judicial District. Complaint seeks unspecified damages for wage loss, hospital and medical expenses, property damages, loss of use of property, general damage and $10,000 in punitive and exemplary damages from Kumho U.S.A. D & C Tires, Inc. counsel stated that damage limit for municipal court is $25,000. Counsel has requested that Kumho tender a defense. (Big O is Defendant and covered by insurance.) Frader v. Big O Tires, Inc.; Case No. CV93-16114; Superior Court of the State of Arizona in and for the County of Maricopa. Plaintiffs' daughter was involved in an accident in a Ford Bronco allegedly caused by tread separation of a Big O branded tire which resulted in her death. Plaintiffs allege wrongful death due to the negligence of defendants. Case has been forwarded to Big O's insurer with the request that they assign counsel to provide defense. (Big O Defendant and covered by insurance.) Gallivan, Daniel T., Pltf. vs. Big O Tires, Inc., Def. Case No. CV95-00372 SC; Tempe Justice Court. Mr. Gallivan filed a Small Claims Complaint and is seeking to recover $898.97 because he alleges that while his car was in the shop for an oil change, damage was done to his vehicle. He claims that he has an invoice with a statement signed by the manager stating the damages they did. This complaint was sent to the attention of Chris Phillips, representative for the managing partner of Big O/C.S.B., requesting that he or someone on his behalf appear to defend this case. (Big O is Defendant and is covered by insurance.) Graham, Deborah and Robert v. Big O/CSB Joint Venture dba Big O Tire Stores, J.M.C., Inc., a California Corporation; Four Kyles, Inc., a California corporation; Someday, Inc., a California corporation; C.E.P. Developments, Inc., a California corporation; Big O Retail Enterprises, Inc., a business entity, form unknown; Big O Tires/C.S.B. Partnership, a business entity, form unknown, and Does 7-10, Inclusive; Case No. EC008223; Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Diego, El Cajon Judicial District. Plaintiff alleges that she broke her ankle after stepping in a floor drain in the restroom of a Big O Tires retail store. Complaint seeks damages due to negligence and premises liability. (Big O is Defendant and covered by insurance). Hart, Jack and Kentucky Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company, Plaintiffs vs. Bradley Turner and Big O Tires, Inc., Defendants; Case No. 95C-00136; Jessamine District Court, Civil Branch. On April 10, 1995, Big O was served through agent for service. Plaintiff alleges that on October 22, 1994, an employee of the Big O Retail store located in Nicholasville, Kentucky, negligently operated a motor vehicle and collided with a vehicle owned by Mr. Jack Hart, causing $557.62. It would appear that Plaintiff's claim is really against the franchisee that owns and operates that store. (Big O is Defendant and covered by insurance). Hightower, Deann and Mercedes Hightower, a minor by and through her Guardian ad Litem, Deann Hightower, Plaintiffs, vs. Big O Tire, Form Unknown, Ameri Tech, Form Unknown, and Does 1 through 100, inclusive, Defendants; Case No. BCV 01526, Superior Court of the State of California for the County of San Bernardino. Plaintiff alleges that she purchased a tire from one of our franchised dealers and it "explodes", causing personal injury and damages. Plaintiff seeks judgment for general damages according to proof, special damages according to proof, interest and prejudgment interest according to law, attorneys' fees and costs, exemplary damages in sums sufficient to punish Defendants and to set an example, civil penaltiespursuant to California Civil Code S1794 according to proof and further relief as the court shall deem just and proper. This case should be indemnified by the manufacturer of the tire. AIG Claims Services has taken over defense on behalf of their insured, Rancho Sierra Tires, Inc. (Big O is Defendant and covered by insurance.) Jeantete, Denise v. Todd Martinez, John Doe, an unknown and Big O Tires, Inc., a Nevada corporation; Case No. 93-168CV; Eight Judicial District Court, County of Taos, State of New Mexico. Plaintiff was involved in an accident that was allegedly caused by Defendant Martinez, an employee of a Big O Tire store. Defendant Martinez was not employed by Big O Tires, Inc., and it is, therefore, assumed that he was employed by a franchised Big O Tire location. This case has been forwarded to the insurance carrier with the request that counsel be assigned for defense. (Big O is Defendant and covered by insurance.) Kerr, John Timothy and Karla v. Kenny D. Raley and Jane Doe Raley; RBO, Inc.; Big O Tires, Inc.; Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Company; John Does I through V and XYZ Corporations I through V; Case No. 296134; Arizona Superior Court, Pima County. Plaintiffs were involved in a rollover accident shortly after having their Big O tires inspected at a Big O Tire store in Arizona. Plaintiffs allege that tread separated on one of the Big O branded tires causing the rollover accident. Big O has submitted this claim to its insurance carrier, TransAmerica Insurance, for handling. (Big O is defendant and covered by insurance.) Robert Kessler, Plaintiff, v. Toyota Motor Corporation; Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., a corporation; Hertz Rent-a-Car Sales, a corporation; Big O Tires, Inc.; Big O Tires #05-058; Does 1 - 100 inclusive, Superior Court of the State of California, for the County of Los Angeles, Case No. YC015086; Plaintiff claims general damages, according to proof, in excess of $50,000 and medical and related expenses, loss of earnings and earning capacity, and economic losses, all according to proof, reimbursement for cost of the suit and for prejudgment interest, due to the fact that on February 8, 1992 the Plaintiff, as a passenger in a Toyota pickup 4 X 4 suddenly and without warning veered across the roadway and up onto an embankment and rolled. This matter has been referred to Big O's insurer for representation. As soon as the manufacturer of the tires is determined, Big O will ask its insurer to refer this matter to the manufacturer for its protection and indemnification. It appears that there was not a tire failure. Instead, Plaintiff is claiming the size of the tires installed were not the correct size and, if this is the case, then the Big O franchisee's acts or omissions may be the focus of this case. The Big O franchisee has also been named in this lawsuit and has referred the summons and complaint to its insurer. (Big O is Defendant and is covered by insurance.) Larry Kelley, Pam Kelley, April Kelley, a Minor, and Jonathan Kelley, a Minor, by and through their Guardian ad Litem, Larry Kelley v. Sherry Vonne Washburn, Big O Tires, Marvin Moreece Benson, United Couriers and Does 3 to 10, Inclusive in the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin, Case No. 253848; Damages are being sought on the basis that defendants, and each of them, did so negligently and carelessly repair, inspect, remove, replace, and test the left front tire on defendant Washburn's automobile as to cause the wheel to become detached, removed, and separated from defendant's automobile, causing the automobile to obstruct the highway so that plaintiffs were unable to avoid a collision with defendant's automobile. Based on the circumstances claimed, it is clear that Big O Tires, Inc., should not be defendant in this case. It is assumed that they are really after one of Big O's franchisees in the Stockton, California area. This case has been forwarded to our insurance carrier with the request that they assign counsel for defense and that steps be taken to dismiss Big O Tires, Inc. from this case. (Big O is Defendant and is covered by insurance.) Lodermeier, Matt, an individual v. Big O Tires, Inc.; C.S.B. Partnership, a General Partnership, C.E.P. Development, Inc.; Chris Phillips, an individual; and DOES 1 through 200, inclusive. Case No. 733071. Plaintiff alleges fraud, deceit and misrepresentation under Civil Code Section 3294. Plaintiff claims that pursuant to an oral agreement between Plaintiff and all Defendants, Plaintiff was to move into a location at 345 W. Whittier Boulevard, La Habra, California as a new Big O franchisee but then claims that the Defendants never intended to abide by the terms of the oral agreement. (Big O is Defendant and not covered by insurance.) McGuire, Kate v. Anthony Benedetti, Don Benedetti, David Randall, General Motors Corporation, Napa Valley Glass Co., Inc., Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Company, Big O Tires, Inc. and Does 1 to 100, Inclusive; Case No. 64861, Superior Court of California, County of Napa. Plaintiff seeks compensatory damages for an accident involving a 1984 Chevrolet Blazer 4 x 4 with Big O branded tires. The complaint provides only the date and place of the accident but provides no other facts of the case. The case has been forwarded to our insurance carrier with the request that they assign counsel for defense. (Big O is Defendant and covered by insurance.) Mondragon, Jason, et al vs. Uniroyal, Inc., et al incl. Big "O" Tire, Inc. Case No. N64378; Superior Court of California, County of San Diego. Plaintiff alleges strict liability and negligence involving a tire apparently manufactured by Uniroyal-Goodrich which caused an accident resulting in personal injuries and wrongful death. The Plaintiff asks for judgment against the defendants. (Big O is Defendant and is covered by insurance.) Mustafa, Khalid J. v. Enrique L. Rodriguez; Barbara Lee Anderson; Big O Tires, Inc., a Nevada corporation; Big O Tires Store #42; Gene D. Misket, Individually d/b/a Big O Tires Store #42 and Does #1-20. Case No. 95AS02553; Sacramento County Superior Court. Plaintiff claims that brakes and the pertinent systems and assemblies were installed, assembled, tested and manufactured by the defendants and that the brake system failed and contributed substantially to an automobile accident. Big O Tires, Inc. would not have any legal responsibility for a claim of this nature; it would appear that the Plaintiff should look to the vendor/supplier of the Big O Tires Store #42. (Big O is Defendant and is covered by insurance.) Nevil, Jill Mock and Jamie v. Ford Motor Company and General Tire, Inc.; Case No. CV294-15, United States District Court, Southern District of Georgia. The Company is not a party to this lawsuit. The President, the National Director - Quality Assurance and the Company have been subpoenaed to produce documents on warranty claims experience with regard to products manufactured by General Tire, Inc. The Company is contesting the subpoenas as it is believed that this information is not relevant to this lawsuit and the effort and cost to produce such information would be prohibited. (Big O is not Defendant and will look to General Tire, Inc. to reimburse it for legal costs.) Newsome, Larry vs. Big O Tires, Inc., and Does 1 to 25; Case No. SCV 17524; Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Bernardino. Plaintiff is seeking damages for alleged negligence resulting in personal injuries. Plaintiff alleges that on May 11, 1994 at Big O Tire store in San Bernardino, California, he had lift kit, 4 wheels and 4 tires installed on 1990 Jeep Wrangler. Said installation was negligent and careless in that after installation the left rear wheel violently wobbled. Plaintiff returned vehicle to store on May 12th and again on May 13th for adjustment and repair and work again was negligent so as to cause the left rear wheel to fall off while being operated on a freeway, which incident caused Plaintiff severe personal injuries and damages. Big O has forwarded copy of complaint to insurance company and to owner of retail store, Jerry Rogers. Jerry Rogers' carrier has agreed to defend and indemnify Big O Tires, Inc. (Big O is Defendant and is covered by insurance.) Nguyen, Do, Plaintiff, v. Big O Tires, Inc., a Nevada corporation; Ohtsu Tire and Rubber Co., Ltd., a foreign corporation doing business in Arizona and Does I-XX, Defendant; Case No. CV 95042722, Superior Court of the State of Arizona in and for the County of Pinal. Plaintiff alleges that a tire produced by Ohtsu and sold to her by Big O Tires was defective and as a result caused a blow-out on June 17, 1993. Plaintiff claims that as a result, he sustained permanent personal injuries, suffering and inconvenience, medical expenses, loss of earnings and damage to property. The suit does not state which Big O Tires store this tire was purchased from. Ohtsu produced a few lines of tires for Big O Tires, Inc. between the years of 1988 and 1991. (Big O is Defendant and is covered by insurance.) Charles A. Phipps, an individual v. Big O Tires, Inc., a corporation; Greg Hatch, an individual, and Does 1 through 200, inclusive. Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Orange, Case No. 742157. On March 8, 1995, Big O received a summons and complaint for this lawsuit, whereby the Plaintiff, Phipps, is alleging fraud, deceit and misrepresentation, breach of contract, negligent infliction of emotion distress, intentional infliction of emotion distress and intentional interference with protected property rights on the part of Big O and Big O's employee, Mr. Hatch. Plaintiff apparently thought he was purchasing from our existing Big O Tires franchisee a Big O Tires store in La Habra, California and was precluded from doing so. Big O had mutually agreed with the existing franchisee to terminate the existing Big O Tires franchise agreement, and was not aware of the intentions of Plaintiff. Plaintiff is seeking damages of an unspecified amount. Big O intends to vigorously defend against this lawsuit on the basis that it is wholly without merit. (Big O is Defendant and may not be covered by insurance.) Ramos, Rito v. Salvador Joe Artola, Big O Tires; Case No. 92C01599; Municipal Court of California, Pamona Judicial District, County of Los Angeles, California. Plaintiff seeks $2,500 for injuries, property loss and compensation due to an automobile accident involving a Big O Tire truck and Big O Tire employee. Case has been forwarded to insurance carrier with a request to assign counsel and tender a defense. (Big O is Defendant and covered by insurance.) Roffoni, John A., Plaintiff vs. Big O Tire (Nevada Corporation); Case No. 066398; Northern Santa Barbara County Municipal Court, Santa Maria Division. Plaintiff is seeking $5,000 due to breach of contract and misrepresentation. A letter has been sent to the Plaintiff seeking information on this case. No details were given on the complaint. Schulz, Dana and Barbara v. Big O Tires, Inc., et al.; Case No. 92003231CV; Third Circuit Court for Salt Lake County, Utah, filed March 5, 1992. Plaintiff claims damages of $4,539 as follows: $2,839 to properly correct franchisee's improper engine repair and $1,700 for rental car expenses. All work was done by one of Big O's independent franchisees. Counsel for Big O has prepared and filed a motion to dismiss. (Big O is Defendant and covered by insurance.) Signet Partners v. Big O Tires, Inc. a/k/a Big "O" Tire Dealers, Inc. Case No. 95CV230, District Court, Arapahoe County, Colorado. The Company decided to terminate operations of a Big O Tires store in Littleton, Colorado, because of a declining neighborhood and major construction about to occur. The Company found a subtenant, but was not able to obtain the Landlord's consent to sublease the premises. After repeated unsuccessful efforts, to gain the Landlord's response, either to consent to the sublease or permit the Company to buy out the remaining lease term, the Company declared the lease terminated due to the default of the Landlord. Landlord has since lost the property through foreclosure and Signet Partners is the court-appointed receiver. Signet seeks $123,000 in rentals for the balance of the lease, and $184,562.77 in damages for violation of a continuous operation requirement in the lease. As to the former, the Company was relieved of these obligations due to the default of Landlord. As to the latter, it is clear from the language in the lease that this penalty provision is in lieu of percentage rent and the lease does not call for percentage rent. Sorkhabi, Sultana v. Mike Lenzi, Big O Tires, Does 1 - 25; Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa, Case No. C91- 04258. This is apparently the result of an accident which occurred on September 7, 1990 wherein the Defendant's vehicle (Mike Lenzi) allegedly ran into the back of the Plaintiff's vehicle, causing the Plaintiff to strike another vehicle. This case has been referred to Big O's insurer with a request to retain counsel. Big O was named in this suit even though Lenzi was an employee of an independent franchisee. Franchisee's insurance company is reviewing the indemnity agreement and then should agree to tender defense. (Big O is Defendant and covered by insurance.) Stewart, Pauline v. Big O Tire Corp; Case No. SCDS48198; Municipal Court of California, Small Claims Division, County of Contra Costa. Plaintiff claims that she is owed $5,000 for defective auto work. In researching this matter, it has been determined that Plaintiff had air shocks installed on her vehicle in 1990 at the Pittsburg, California Big O Tires franchised retail store. Seven months after the air shocks were installed, the battery in Plaintiff's vehicle failed and, allegedly, this was the first of many batteries to fail. Plaintiff claims that the failure of the batteries was due to the air shock fill mechanism operating at all times. The representative at the Big O Tires retail store disagrees and has evidence that this mechanism was installed in such a way that it is impossible that it would continue to run after the car is turned off. As required under the Franchise Agreement, the franchisee for the Big O Tires retail store has agreed to attend the hearing in this case and to defend Big O Tires, Inc. (Big O is defendant and covered by insurance.) Taylor, Melissa Jan v. Big O Tires, Inc.; Case No. CJ94 490-64; District Court, 7th Judicial District, Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma. Plaintiff seeks damages resulting from an accident which was allegedly caused by tread separation of the right front tire on Plaintiff's Toyota pickup truck. It is unclear whether or not the tire was Big O branded or where it was purchased, although it appears that the tire was purchased at a Big O retail store. (Big O is defendant and covered by insurance.) Thurman, Karen L. v. Big O Tires, Inc.; Case No. CR92-01; Civil Rights Division, Department of Regulatory Agencies, State of Colorado. This case arises from the termination of a former black employee of Big O for violation of company policies. Complainant filed with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, which was subsequently disqualified. She then filed with the Civil Rights Division. The case was heard by an Administrative Law Judge in May, 1992 and an initial decision was entered in favor of the Complainant. Big O has filed exceptions to the decision as it claims errors in many areas of law and facts. (Big O is Defendant and not covered by insurance.) Toney, Jerry vs. Kruse Concrete Construction, et al incl. Big O Tires; Case No. 539248; Sacramento Superior Court, California. Plaintiff alleges negligence resulting in personal injuries and asks for judgment against the defendants for general damages in excess of the minimum jurisdiction of the Sacramento Superior Court, medical expenses, loss of wages and earning capacity, prejudgment interest, costs of this suit and for such other and further relief as the court shall deem just. It appears that an employee of Kruse Concrete Construction was operating a six-wheel dump truck that was towing a compressor. The wheels of the truck or the compressor came off and struck the plaintiff's vehicle. Plaintiff alleges he was injured and suffered grievous and permanent injuries to his physical, mental, emotional and nervous systems. (Big O is Defendant and is covered by insurance.) Trans-Allied Audit Company for Super Cal Express; Trans-Allied Audit Company was retained to audit the freight bills of Super Cal Express and to collect freight undercharge claims resulting from the audit. The claim is in the amount of $33,086.33. The undercharges were due to the original freight bills being incorrectly rated. California Intrastate carriers are required to publish their rates in tariffs and carriers and shippers are prohibited from deviating from them. Tuttle, Lise v. Bountiful City Corporation, Big O Tires, Inc. and Jake's Glass Company; Civil Case No. 920700154; Second Judicial District Court for Davis County, Utah. Plaintiff stepped onto a manhole cover which apparently gave way, causing her to fall into the manhole. The manhole was located on the frontage of a Big O Tires Franchisee's store. The Franchisee has been requested to tender a defense on behalf of Big O Tires, Inc. (Big O is Defendant and covered by insurance.) Utah Department of Transportation vs. G & R Realty Company, Oltd.; Big O Tires, Inc.; Morris E. Anderson; First American Title Company; Civil Case No. 950902088CD; Third Judicial District Court in and for Salt Lake County, State of Utah. April 10, 1995 - as a sublessor for the property located in Sandy, Utah, now leased to a Big O Tires franchisee, Big O has been named in a condemnation suit by the Utah Department of Transportation which seeks to expand the street right-of- way, requiring the taking of a portion of the parking lot and the temporary blocking of access from the street. Since Big O is the sublessor, it really is not directly affected by this condemnation, but its franchisee may be procluded from continuing business at this location. Big O is the defendant and is not covered by insurance. Whitehead, Lisa vs. Farooq A. Khan and Big O Tires, Inc.; Small Claims Case No. 385334; North Orange County Municipal Court, Fullerton, California. Plaintiff claims that Farooq Khan, former owner of a Big O Tires store in La Habra, California, owes her $4,128.80 for wages, mileage, pre-determined unjustified separation compensation and charges from paychecks bouncing. Information on this case was sent to the attention of Greg Roquet, RVP for Southern California, and Mike Combe, Area Manager in Southern California and we are asking that one of them appear on behalf of Big O Tires, Inc. to advise the court that the Company had been erroneously named as a party to the Plaintiff's claim. (Big O is Defendant and not covered by insurance. However, Big O will look to former franchisee to indemnify and hold Big O harmless.) BIG O TIRES, INC. LITIGATION DOCKET - POTENTIAL LITIGATION June 30, 1995 Allen, D.; Mr. Allen took his Jaguar to a franchised Big O Tire store in Sacramento, California for work on the front end of the vehicle. He alleges that the Big O Tire store damaged his vehicle and it now rides 2" higher than before. A representative from Big O Tires, Inc. agreed to mediate between Mr. Allen and his attorney as well as the franchisee. However, two days before the mediation, the franchisee canceled the meeting and instructed Mr. Allen's attorney to speak with his attorney. Mr. Allen's attorney has informed Big O that it will name not only the franchisee but also Big O in a lawsuit due to the fact that "it is on the advertising and name recognition that her (sic) client relied when taking his car to this shop." Big O will forward this claim to its insurance carrier for handling. American General Finance, Inc. Claim; American General Finance, Inc. is seeking the Company's repurchase of fraudulent charges generated through two franchised Big O Tires Stores in Upland and San Bernardino, California. The claim is that the credit applications were fraudulent in that they contained the correct names, addresses, social security numbers and drivers licenses of third parties who had not applied for the Company's Big Card. All other information was apparently fraudulent and each of the persons involved had apparently not applied for the Big Card nor made the purchases under the Big Card. It would appear that the claim could exceed $300,000. The Company is investigating the circumstances and will determine its appropriate response in the near future. Big O Tires, Inc. v. Big O Detail Shop; Big O has been informed that an automotive detail shop is operating in Tucson, Arizona under the name "Big O Detail Shop." The detail shop had agreed to change its name from the trademarked "Big O" if Big O pays its costs to do so, including replacement of promotional materials. Big O has offered to pay up to $300 to purchase new signs for the detail shop, but otherwise has demanded that the detail shop change its name or face a trademark infringement suit. Big O Tires, Inc. v. Discount Tire Center; Discount Tire Center has underpaid rent on a lease for property in Burbank, California and has failed to respond to Big O's correspondence. Big O is seeking past rent. Big O Tires, Inc. v. Donsyl, Inc.; Donald A. Karlin; Sylvia Karlin; Pebbich, Inc.; Donald Terfansky; Walt Motak; Helmut Schrader; Sharon J. Schrader; and Does 1 - 100; Case No. 652409, Superior Court of California, County of Orange; Filed 3/14/91. The Complaint alleges Breach of Contract in the form of a lease on property located at 16091 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, California. The Complaint seeks damages in the amount of $101,794.73 plus future rental payments through the term of the lease and for taxes and insurance during said term as well as attorneys' fees and court costs. This was dropped at the request of Big O due to what it feels is mishandling by its counsel. Big O is reviewing whether or not to forward this case to new counsel for representation. Big O Tires, Inc. v. Intercare Benefit Systems; Big O utilized the services of Intercare to provide services in the form of soliciting health insurance programs and administering Big O's self- funded plan. Big O believes that Intercare was deceptive in its practices of retaining part of the fee paid to Intercare as a commission, of which Big O was not aware. Big O and Intercare have initiated negotiations for the reimbursement of the commission. Davis Advertising, Inc. v. Big O Tires Southeast Region for Louisville ADI Advertising Co-op and Big O Tires Southeast Region for Lexington ADI Advertising Co-op; The Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky advertising co-ops enlisted the services of Davis Advertising, Inc. for local advertising. The Compensation Agreements for each co-op were signed by Allen Jones, the Regional Vice President - Southeast Region of Big O Tires, Inc. and were for a period May, 1993 through October, 1993. In July, 1993, the Lexington co-op notified Davis Advertising that it no longer wished to use its services, this due to the fact that Davis Advertising was not living up to expectations. In December, 1993, Louisville co-op verbally notified Davis Advertising that it too no longer wished to use its services. Davis Advertising alleges that neither co-op provided proper notice under the Compensation Agreements and that it has suffered damages due to the cancellations. Edmund, Damarea and Sabrina; An attorney for the Edmunds contacted Big O's RSC in Vacaville, California notifying Big O that the Edmunds were involved in an accident the day after they have Big O tires installed on their vehicle by a franchised Big O Tires store. It is unclear what, exactly, caused the accident, but the attorney states that one of the Big O tires "exploded." Bill Becker from the Vacaville RSC contacted the attorney and was lead to believe that it may have been a service related issue rather than product. He has notified the attorney that the store is independently owned and operated and feels that the attorney will name the store instead of Big O Tires, Inc. if a suit is filed. Environmental Clean Up Claim; Big O is a subtenant on a lease of a former Trainer Tire store in Huntington Beach, California, which had been converted to a carpet store five or so years ago under a sublease from Big O. The carpet store's subtenant defaulted and went bankrupt and Big O re-subleased the carpet store to another carpet store company, which has now defaulted and Big O is proceeding with collection. On March 24, 1995, Big O received notice from its upstream sub-landlord that the in-ground hoists have been leaking all of this time, contaminating the soils below the building. The upstream sub-landlord claims it has incurred $55,825 and will incur additional sums yet to be determined. The upstream sub-landlord is seeking reimbursement from Big O for this clean-up effort. The Company is investigating the claim. (Big O may be insured and this will be reported to its insurance company.) Fahey, Patrick v. Big O Tires; Have little information except that Mr. Fahey was involved in the same accident as Eileen Brown, which is already the subject of litigation. We are currently seeking additional information as to whether or not this case has been filed and what relation Mr. Fahey has to the accident. (Big O would be defendant and would be covered by insurance.) Frias, Conrado Del Real v. Steven P. Cloward, d/b/a Big O Tires Case No. Unassigned; State of California Workers' Compensation Appeals Board. Complaint seeks reimbursement for injuries which allegedly occurred while Complainant was employed at a Big O Tires retail store in Glendora, California which was operated by a joint venture in which a wholly-owned subsidiary of Big O was a JV partner. Complaint questions whether or not the JV maintained worker's compensation insurance at the time of the incidents. Big O has retained counsel to answer and provide a defense in this case. It has now been determined that workers' compensation coverage applies and this case has now been accepted by the California State Fund. (Big O is Respondent and is covered by insurance.) Golden, Thomas S. (Tom Golden & Associated Automotive Consultants) Mr. Golden was an employee of Big O Tires, Inc. as a franchisee trainer. Mr. Golden sent a letter to Mr. Tony Stubbs stating he is upset that the shock absorber training video that is used for our franchisees and employees uses his "likeness" and he never gave his written permission to be shown in this video. Mr. Teigen replied with a letter to Mr. Golden stating that his job function while employed at Big O included the making of this video, which Mr. Golden did not object to being in, and therefore is now the property of Big O Tires, Inc. Griffiths, George, Sr.; Mr. Griffiths fell from a chair in the showroom of the franchised Big O Tire store located at 7140 East Golf Links Road, Tucson, Arizona, which is owned and operated by R.B.O., Inc. Mr. Griffiths is requesting that his medical bills (past and future) be paid for injuries allegedly received from the fall. Big O has provided information to its insurance carrier and has requested that the franchisee do the same. However, it appears that the franchisee may not have had insurance coverage at the time of the incident. Kelley, Mark; Mr. Kelley bought tires from our store in Granite Falls, NC on 8/27/94. Tires were mounted on 9/1/94. On 10/2/94, the right front tire blew out causing an accident. Accident caused $1200-$1400 worth of damage to his vehicle and an undetermined amount of personal injury. This information was sent to our insurance company. We may make offer a settlement if the insurance company does not accept this claim. Knopf, Michael and Norma, et al. vs. Big O Tires, Inc., et al.; Case No. CV94-07671/Dept 7; Second Judicial District Court, Washoe County, Nevada. This case is a shareholder class action case which also seeks to be designated as a class action of the Company's shareholders and seeks similar actions and remedies as that of a case listed below (see Zucker case below). The Company was able to consolidate both cases into one. Plaintiffs have now voluntarily dismissed case, without prejudice. LePore, Betty and Mary v. Big O Tires, Inc.; Counsel has contacted Big O on behalf of Betty and Mary LePore to advise of alleged injuries sustained as a result of an accident that occurred on April 23, 1991, involving Mr. Frank Bever. Big O contacted its insurance carrier, TransAmerica Insurance Group, who researched this matter and determined that the accident allegedly occurred due to failure of a Big O branded tire on Mr. Bever's car. TransAmerica sent the tire to Kumho U.S.A., Inc., the manufacturer of the tire, who determined that the alleged "blow out" was due to a cut in the tread allowing the tire to separate. Plaintiff's counsel has been notified that TransAmerica will not honor this claim as it is in their opinion that Big O is not legally responsible. An official complaint has not been filed at this time. Roberts, Toni A. v. Big O Tires, Inc.; A Big O employee driver failed to stop in time at a red light resulting in a rear-end collision with no apparent injuries. No police report filed due to Santa Ana Police Department rules regarding accidents with no injuries. Driver's report and claim filed with Big O's insurance carrier. Roundy, Cody v. Big O Tires, Inc. Mr. Roundy purchased oversized tires and wheel rims for his truck from the Big O Tires retail store in Orem, Utah owned and operated by Apex Tire, Inc. The wheel subsequently separated from the vehicle, allegedly causing damage to the vehicle. The Big O Tires retail store offered to compensation Mr. Roundy for the damage and has continued negotiations with Mr. Roundy. However, Mr. Roundy has now decided he wishes to replace all four wheels and that the retail store should pay for the new wheels. The retail store will not pay for this replacement since the wheels originally installed on Mr. Roundy's truck were of the size and type Mr. Roundy ordered. An official complaint has not been filed at this time. State Compensation Insurance Fund of California; Big O has learned that a group of California business owners intend to file a class action against the State Compensation Insurance Fund of California, claiming that the fund over-reserves for claims resulting in more than $500 million a year more than is needed to cover claims. Big O intends to be added as a Plaintiff, should the suit be filed. Thomas, William; William B. Thomas has advised the Company that it is his contention that the Big O Tires, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan and/or the Company are responsible for any taxes, penalties and interest levied or assessed against Mr. Thomas as a result of Mr. Thomas making certain income tax elections pertaining to his distribution from and sale to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan in 1985 and 1986. It is also possible that Clifford Harris may make a similar claim against the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and/or the Company. Walker, Larissa; Ms. Walker is seeking a claim against a Big O Tire store due to "faulty brakes". Approximately 2 weeks before the accident, Big O installed brakes in a vehicle, driven by Richard Alvarez, which Big O determined to have been faulty. Store information has not yet been provided although we have sent several letters to her attorney, Mr. W. Jen Tom at the law offices of Goldberg & Osborne, asking for that information. 09/30/94 - Mr. Mike Sankey of TIG called to say that Goldberg & Osborne has dropped Ms. Walker as their client. He will shelf this claim for 30 days and then consider it closed. Worsham, Shelley; Ms. Worsham was driving her Ford Bronco when a Legacy II allegedly separated causing damage to Ms. Worsham's vehicle. Ms. Worsham took her vehicle to the Big O Tire store in Winnemuca, Nevada to have the tire adjusted, where she received a new tire and apparently purchased four new shocks. Approximately 1-1/2 years later, Ms. Worsham's father contacted a Big O Area Manager requesting that the damage to Ms. Worsham's vehicle allegedly caused by the tire blow out be repaired. Ms. Worsham did not report the damage to her vehicle to the Big O Tire store at the time of the tire replacement. This information has been forwarded to Big O's insurance carrier for handling. Section 3.12 - Taxes The State of Washington has asserted claims for business and occupation taxes, which the Company is disputing. The State of Idaho intends to audit the 1991, 1992 and 1993 state income tax returns. The Company and subsidiary consolidated federal tax returns have been audited through 1990. The years since then are open under the applicable statute of limitations, but the Company has received no notice of intended audit. The Company and its subsidiaries file consolidated state income tax returns in eight (8) states. The Company files separate state income tax returns in two states. One of the Company's subsidiaries files separate state income tax returns in two states. Except for the disclosure, above, regarding the state of Idaho, the Company is not aware of any planned audits. The Company and its subsidiaries have filed all extension forms necessary to extend the due date of their 1994 federal and state income tax returns to due dates ranging from September 15, 1995 to October 15, 1995. Reviews and Federal California Idaho Colorado Other States Audits (i) 1987, 1988 None 1988, 1989, None Various 1989, 1990 None 1990 (ii) 1987, 1988, None 1988, 1989, None Various 1989, 1990 1990 (iii) 1991, 1992, 1991, 1992, 1991, 1992, 1991, 1992, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 1993, 1994 1993, 1994 1993, 1994 1993, 1994 Section 3.13 - Employee Benefit Plans The following is a list of the current employee benefit plans of the Company: 3.13 (a) (i) "employee pension benefit plans in accordance with Section 3(2) of ERISA" Big O Tires, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan Big O Tires, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans for Messrs. Adams and Cloward (ii) "employee welfare benefit plans in accordance with Section 3(1) of ERISA" 1. Group Medical Insurance through CIGNA Group Insurance including HMO, PPO and Regular Indemnity coverage. 2. Group Dental Insurance through CIGNA Dental Insurance including DMO and Regular Indemnity coverage. 3. Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance through LINA, CIGNA Group Insurance. 4. Short Term Disability Wage Continuation coverage for hourly (Non-Exempt) employees self-funded through Big O Tires, Inc. 5. Short Term Disability Salary Continuation coverage for salaried (Exempt) employees self-funded through Big O Tires, Inc. 6. Long Term Disability Insurance through LINA, CIGNA Group Insurance. 7. Stand alone Vision coverage for employees covered under the HMO Plan. 8. The following Supplemental Benefit Plans, all of which are completely paid by participating employees: Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Top Hat Disability through LINA, CIGNA Group Insurance and Vision coverage through Vision Service Plan. 9. Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans for Messrs. Adams and Cloward (iii) "profit sharing" programs 1. NONE. "group insurance" programs 1. NONE other than the plans as disclosed above. "bonus" programs 1. MBO (Management Bonus Objective) for qualified positions (approximately 41 employees), 2. Budget Performance Incentive Bonuses for Regional employees only, 3. Discretionary Employee Appreciation Bonuses, 4. Spiff programs for Retail, Warehouse, Accounts Receivable, and Obsolete Inventory, 5. Attendance Bonuses for full-time non-exempt employees, 6. Budget Buster Bonus for Regional Vice Presidents and certain Department Heads. "deferred compensation" programs 1. Section 125 Flexible Benefits Spending Account, 2. Big O Tires, Inc. Director and Employee Stock Option Plan. "stock option" programs 1. Stock Appreciation Rights Agreements as described below, 2. Big O Tires, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan, 3. Big O Tires, Inc. Director and Employee Stock Option Plan. "severance pay" programs 1. Severance Pay Guideline 2. Executive Management Severance Pay Guideline, 3. Management Severance Pay Guideline, 4. Special Severance Pay packages for a) Horst K. Mehlfeldt, b) John E. Siipola, and c) Steven P. Cloward. 5. Existing severance pay for six (6) terminated employees as of 07-12-95. "Insurance" program 1. NONE other than the plans as disclosed above. "pension or retirement plan" programs NONE other than as disclosed above. "written agreement relating to employment or fringe benefits for employees, officers or directors of the Company or any subsidiary" 1. NONE other than plans or agreements as disclosed above. Section 6.2(c) of the Big O Tires, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan provides that in the event of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation, all restricted stock awards not then vested shall be fully and completely vested. Section 5.7 of the Big O Tires, Inc. Director and Employee Stock Option Plan provides that, if there is a termination of directorship or a termination of employment by an optionee before the end of the first plan year following the grant date of an option, the optionee forfeits the options granted on that grant date and, in lieu thereof, is entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the lesser of: (a) The number of shares into which such option is exercisable multiplied by an amount determined by subtracting the exercise price from the fair market value of the stock on the date of termination of employment or termination of directorship, as applicable; or (b) The pro rata portion of eligible compensation or eligible director fees earned in the first plan year, determined by multiplying the eligible compensation or eligible director fees subject to exchange for options granted, by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of full calendar months such optionee has served as a director or as an employee in said plan year as may be applicable and the denominator of which is twelve. Under Section 6.3 of the Plan, the options granted are exercisable for three months following the termination of employment or termination of directorship of an optionee, so long as such termination is other than as the result of death, disability or retirement. The Company has entered into Stock Appreciation Rights Agreements ("Agreements") with John E. Siipola, Horst K. Mehlfeldt and Steven P. Cloward effective February 15, 1995. Each Agreement grants each person 100,000 share equivalent units. Each unit entitles each person to receive, in cash only, the difference between $13.875 per share and the market value of a share of common stock on the exercise date. The right to exercise any units does not vest until August 16, 1995. Thereafter, each individual's right to exercise any units vests at a rate of 16,662 units on August 16, 1995, and at a rate of 2,777 units on the 16th day of each month thereafter until the 16th day of January, 1998, at which time the 2,805 unvested units vest. Such vesting shall occur only if the employee is in the full-time employ of the Company or any subsidiary of Big O on each vesting date. By letters dated March 24, 1995, the Company confirmed to John E. Siipola and Horst K. Mehlfeldt that, if a change in control of the Company took place between February 15, 1995 and August 16, 1995, the Company would pay each a lump sum payment of $150,000 if their positions with the Company terminated as a result of such change in control. The Company has also confirmed to Steven P. Cloward that any severance will be determined in accordance with the Company's severance pay guidelines in effect on February 12, 1995 as it applied to his 1995 compensation (salary and bonus) program in effect as of February 12, 1995, if his employment terminates before August 16, 1995. The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized the Company to enter into letter agreements with Messrs. Siipola and Mehlfeldt that provide that Messrs. Siipola and Mehlfeldt each will receive a severance package consisting solely of a lump sum payment of $150,000 minus any amounts they may realize from the exercise of rights granted to them in the Stock Appreciation Rights Agreements ("Agreements") if the Merger is consummated and if their employment with the Company terminates within 285 days after the date of the Merger is effective or if during that period their salary is reduced from the salary in effect on the date the Merger is consummated. Messrs. Siipola and Mehlfeldt must agree that on the effective date of the Merger, their Agreements will terminate. The Board of Directors of the Company has also authorized the Company to enter into a letter with Mr. Cloward that provides that his severance arrangement will continue through the effective date of the Merger provided he agrees upon the effective date of the Merger that his Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement will terminate. Steven P. Cloward and John B. Adams are participants in the Company's Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. Pursuant to paragraph 7(d) of the Plan, upon a change in control of the Company, each participant will be entitled to receive all amounts credited to the participants' account. The participants will receive distribution of all accounts payable to them in 120 equal monthly installments (unless the participant previously filed an election to receive payments in a lump sum or in 60 equal monthly payments). The first distribution will be made as soon as possible but in no event later than 30 days following a changing of control. The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized the extension to a future date that will coincide with the Effective Time, as such time is defined in the Agreement, of temporary living and travel arrangements for John E. Siipola. Section 4 - Assets to be Sold The Company has sold approximately $3,800,000 in notes receivables to The CIT Group/Equipment Financing and provided 50% guarantees therefor. The Company plans to continue the sale of notes receivables and other notes, including a note from Ronald Roalsen, and provide guarantees therefor. The Company's former Vacaville, California RSC is under contract for sale and the Company anticipates that the sale of that property will close in July 1995. The Company, through a subsidiary, owns three (3) retail tire stores which it leases to existing franchisees. The Company hopes to dispose of all of those real estate properties to investors in 1995. This excludes all retail real estate owned by joint ventures in which the Company or a subsidiary is a venturer. The Company, in accordance with lease guaranty provisions, has established reserves for lease obligations on 12 closed retail tire store locations, which the Company is currently subleasing or which the Company intends to sublease. The Company intends to sell its joint subsidiaries' joint venture interests in the following retail store joint ventures: Big O/S.A.N.D.S. Joint Venture Big O/C.S.B. Joint Venture (to be sold effective October 1, 1994) Big O/CMT Joint Venture Big O/Herb Hawley Joint Venture The Company, through a subsidiary, owns and operates five Big O Tires retail stores, four (4) of which it intends to sell to franchisees. The Company will continue to attempt to sell Company-owned stores prior to the Effective Time. The Company will continue to pursue the sale/lease back of at its warehouse in Las Vegas, Nevada, the sale/lease back of its warehouse in Boise, Idaho and the sale of the vacant land in Boise, Idaho, all on terms deemed acceptable by the Board of Directors of the Company, in its sole discretion. The Company sold its 51% interest in a company owning a franchise store in American Fork, Utah, during the second quarter ended June 30, 1995. All of the aforementioned transactions will be on such terms and conditions as the Board of Directors deems appropriate in its sole discretion. -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----