-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, IwZKcchntGVETpzrwp4SiPoJEe7ReSDqs4YWFCDnrorV4+QQKIskWVSlcduMskS7 LSrR/IUm3PdrEgOOFsm3FQ== 0001017062-98-000735.txt : 19980401 0001017062-98-000735.hdr.sgml : 19980401 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001017062-98-000735 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 6 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19971231 FILED AS OF DATE: 19980331 SROS: NASD FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CREATIVE COMPUTERS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000937941 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-CATALOG & MAIL-ORDER HOUSES [5961] IRS NUMBER: 954518700 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-25790 FILM NUMBER: 98582214 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2645 MARICOPA ST CITY: TORRENCE STATE: CA ZIP: 90503 BUSINESS PHONE: 3107874500 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2645 MARICOPA ST CITY: TORRENCE STATE: CA ZIP: 90503 10-K 1 1997 10-K UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (Mark One) [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 OR [_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Transition period from _________ to _________. Commission file number: 0-25790 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 95-4518700 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 2555 West 190th Street, Torrance, California 90504 (Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (310) 354-5600 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Title of each class ------------------- Common Stock, $.001 par value Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [_] Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [_] As of March 25, 1998, the aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $34 million. The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's Common Stock as of March 25, 1998 was 10,120,215. Documents incorporated by reference into Part III: Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for the Registrant's 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof. 1 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page ---- PART I Item 1. Business.......................................................... 3 Item 2. Properties........................................................ 20 Item 3. Legal Proceedings................................................. 20 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders............... 20 PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters................................... 21 Item 6. Selected Financial Data........................................... 21 Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations..................... 23 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data....................... 28 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure............................ 28 PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant................ 29 Item 11. Executive Compensation............................................ 29 Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.... 29 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.................... 29 PART IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K... 30 SIGNATURES ..................................................................... 31
2 PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS GENERAL Creative Computers, Inc. (the "Company") founded in 1987, is a direct marketer of personal computer hardware, software and peripheral products. During 1997, the Company acquired and assimilated two marketers of personal computer hardware and software products, Elek-Tek, Inc. and ComputAbility, Inc. In November 1997, the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, uBid, to sell computer-related products and consumer electronics through an auction format on the Internet. The Company offers products to individual consumers, home offices, small businesses and large corporations through direct response catalogs, dedicated inbound and outbound telemarketing sales executives, a direct sales force, retail showrooms and advertising on the Internet. The Company offers a broad selection of products through its distinctive full-color catalogs, MacMall, PC Mall, DataCom Mall and ComputAbility and other promotional materials and the Company's worldwide websites on the Internet. The Company's staff of knowledgeable telemarketing sales executives, customer service and technical support personnel work together to serve customers by assisting in product selection and offering technical assistance. The Company believes that its high level of customer service results in customer loyalty and repeat customer orders. During 1997, the Company operated four retail showrooms in Southern California under the name Creative Computers and three retail showrooms in Illinois and one retail showroom in Indiana under the name of Elek-Tek. During February 1998, the Company closed its Indiana showroom. On March 20, 1998, the Company closed six retail showrooms to focus its efforts on its catalog, corporate and Internet channels. Net sales from the Company's retail showroom operations were $67.6 million, $57.9 million and $67.8 million for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 representing 16.0%, 13.0% and 12.4% of net sales, respectively. Income (loss) from operations for retail showroom operations for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 was $0.6 million, $(3.2) million and $(0.1) million, respectively. The Company expects to incur a one-time restructuring charge during the first quarter of 1998 relating to exit costs, asset write-offs, other charges and goodwill related to the retail showroom closures. STRATEGY The Company's strategy is to be a leading high-volume, cost-effective direct marketer of a broad range of personal computers, software and related products. Specific elements of the Company's operating strategy include: Focus on the Windows/Intel (WINTEL) Market. The Company launched its first PC catalog, PC Mall, primarily for WINTEL customers, in May 1995. The Company published seven editions of PC Mall with a total circulation of 11.1 million copies in 1995 and thirteen editions with a circulation of 15.3 million copies in 1996 and more than doubled its year-over-year WINTEL-based revenue. During 1997, the Company published fourteen editions of PC Mall with a circulation of 21.9 million copies and three editions of its ComputAbility catalog with a circulation of 1.5 million copies during the third and fourth quarters, resulting in a combined WINTEL catalog circulation increase of 53%. The increased catalog circulation coupled with the Company's acquisitions of Elek- Tek and ComputAbility caused its WINTEL revenue mix to exceed 50% for the first time during the fourth quarter of 1997. WINTEL revenue for the year increased to $221 million, a 116% increase over 1996. During 1996 and 1997, the Company received additional authorizations to resell major brand name products and is currently authorized or otherwise has the ability to sell IBM, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, NEC, Sony, Digital Equipment, AST, Hitachi, Toshiba, Texas Instruments, Fujitsu and other name brand computers. With these authorizations, the acquisitions of Elek-Tek and ComputAbility and increased PC Mall and DataCom Mall sales, the Company has become one of the leading catalog resellers of WINTEL products. 3 Continued Macintosh Marketshare Expansion. Throughout 1997, the Company continued to be a leading direct marketer of Macintosh products offering the full line of Apple and Apple-clone computers as well as related products. The Company's sales of Mac-related products remained relatively stable, declining a modest 5% to $325 million for 1997 from $343 million last year. The Company plans to continue its efforts to expand its Macintosh marketshare. During 1997, the Company published fourteen editions of its MacMall catalog with a circulation of 36.0 million copies, a 19% increase over last year's 30.3 million circulation and a 32% increase over the 27.3 million copies circulated in 1995. Database Marketing Growth. The Company has compiled a proprietary mailing list of over 4 million names of previous and potential customers and has added to the database through the acquisitions of Elek-Tek and ComputAbility. The database is continually analyzed to target customer types and increase response and purchase rates. The Company's response rate (calculated by dividing the number of orders generated by the number of catalogs distributed) for its proprietary mailing list during 1997 was higher than its response rate with respect to the use of third party mailing lists. Expansion into Outbound Telemarketing. In the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company established a dedicated outbound telemarketing group. Throughout 1997, the Company dedicated greater resources to outbound telemarketing, increasing its sales force of highly trained people. The focus of this team is on the relatively under-serviced small and mid-sized business market. The Company believes that this market represents the highest growth potential. In 1998, the Company plans to expand its outbound telemarketing. Increased Relationship-Based Selling. The Company's sales executives are highly trained in relationship building with their customers and are continuously coached to offer higher levels of service. The 1997 acquisition of Elek-Tek with its corporate sales force reinforced the Company's commitment to relationship-based selling. The sales executive is trained and empowered to handle all customer needs including customer service and returns-related issues. Additionally, sales executives bring other expertise to bear as needed from within the Company including Novell-trained Certified Network Engineers (CNE), Microsoft Windows NT specialists and Apple-certified technicians. Focus on the Internet Market. The Company continued to expand its electronic commerce presence throughout 1997 by introducing uBid, an Internet auction website, and Electronic Software Distribution (ESD) to compliment its pcmall.com, datacommall.com and macmall.com websites. On February 17, 1998, the Company signed an agreement with American Online (AOL), the world's leading Internet online service, to give AOL's more than 11 million members a direct link to the Company's PC Mall website and uBid Internet online auction website through the AOL Shopping Channel. 4 In November 1997, the Company formed uBid, a wholly-owned subsidiary, to sell computers, computer-related products and consumer electronics through an auction format on the Internet. When visiting the uBid website, shoppers review an item or group of items and offer bids, driving the price toward a true market value. During the auction, bidders are notified via e-mail when they are outbid by a competing shopper. Customers can increase their bid by simply replying to the e-mail or by returning to the fast-paced action at the uBid website. When the auction closes, the highest bidders win the merchandise at the price they bid for it. MARKETING AND SALES The Company's various marketing programs are designed to attract new customers and to stimulate additional purchases by previous customers. The Company continuously attracts new customers by selectively mailing catalogs to prospective customers as well as through advertising on the Internet and in major user magazines, such as PC World, PC Magazine, Computer Shopper and MacWorld. In addition, the Company obtains the names of prospective customers through the use of selected mailing lists acquired from various sources, including manufacturers, suppliers and computer magazine publishers. The Company sells its products to individual consumers, home offices, small businesses and large corporations. During 1997, the Company shipped approximately 1,026,000 mail order/catalog orders with an average order size of $466. The Company distributes its catalogs throughout the United States. Catalog. The Company published fourteen editions of its PC Mall catalog during 1997 and distributed approximately 21.9 million catalogs. PC Mall customers receive a catalog several times a year depending on purchasing history. In addition, the Company includes a catalog with every order shipped, as well as special promotional flyers and manufacturers' product brochures. In January 1996, the Company introduced a new catalog, DataCom Mall, featuring networking and data communications related hardware and software products. The catalog is targeted at LAN, MIS and Database managers located at small to medium sized businesses. During 1997, the Company published eight editions of its DataCom Mall catalog with a total circulation of 2.9 million copies. The Company published fourteen editions of MacMall in 1997 and distributed approximately 36.0 million catalogs. Active MacMall customers receive a catalog several times a year depending upon purchasing history and the Company includes a catalog with every order shipped, as well as special promotional flyers and manufacturers' product brochures. The Company creates its MacMall, PC Mall, DataCom Mall and ComputAbility catalogs in-house with its own design team and production artists using a computer-based desktop publishing system. The in-house preparation of the catalogs streamlines the production process, provides greater flexibility and creativity in catalog production, and results in significant cost savings over outside production. 5 The Internet. The Company offers a worldwide website on the Internet that can be accessed via its four catalog names, www.pcmall.com, www.datacommall.com, www.macmall.com and www.computability.com. During 1997, the Company expanded its Internet retail offerings by launching uBid, an Internet site that sells computer and other electronic products through an auction format and Electronic Software Distribution (ESD), a technology that enables customers to immediately download software from the Company's PC Mall website on the Internet. On February 17, 1998, the Company signed an agreement with America Online (AOL), the world's leading Internet online service, to give AOL's more than 11 million subscribers a direct link to its PC Mall website and uBid Internet online auction website through the AOL Shopping Channel. The Company offers many advanced Internet features such as on-line ordering, access to inventory availability and a large product selection with detailed product information. Sales generated through the Internet have grown rapidly for the Company as it offers its customers a convenient means of shopping and ordering its products. In addition, the Company's website also serves as another source of new customers. Inbound and Outbound Telemarketing. The Company believes that much of its success has come from the quality and training of its telemarketing sales executives. These sales executives are responsible for assisting customers in purchasing decisions, answering product pricing and availability questions and processing product orders. Telemarketing sales executives have the authority to vary prices within specified parameters in order to meet prices of competitors. In addition to product training, the sales executives are trained in systems and networking solutions, sales techniques, phone etiquette and customer service. Telemarketing sales executives attend frequent training sessions to stay up-to- date on new products. The Company's toll-free order numbers are staffed by sales executives 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Inbound and outbound telemarketing sales executives are assisted by customer service and technical support personnel. The Company's phone and computer systems are used for order entry, customer tracking and inventory management. The computer system maintains a database listing previous customer purchases, which allows telemarketing sales executives to make product suggestions that fit each customer's specific buying preferences and to offer the latest upgrades for products previously purchased from the Company. Vendor Supported Marketing. The Company currently has a marketing team which sells advertising space in the Company's catalogs to vendors according to a published rate schedule. These ad sales generate revenues which offset a substantial portion of the expense of publishing and distributing the catalogs. The same marketing team develops marketing campaigns to maximize product sales. National Off-Page Advertising. The Company continuously attracts new catalog customers and generates orders through large multi-page color advertisements in major publications such as PC World, PC Magazine, Computer Shopper and MacWorld. During 1997, the Company purchased 348 pages of magazine advertising. Corporate Sales. The specific needs of corporate buyers are fulfilled through a combination of inbound and outbound full-time sales personnel as well as a direct sales force in California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana and Kansas. The Company's sales staff builds long-term relationships with corporate customers through regular phone contact and personalized service. Corporate customers may choose from several purchase or lease options for financing product purchases, and the Company extends credit terms to certain corporate customers. Customer Return Policy. The Company offers a 30-day return policy on a number of its products. Returns are monitored to identify trends in product acceptance and defects, to enhance customer satisfaction and to reduce overall returns. 6 PRODUCTS AND MERCHANDISING The Company offers hardware, software, peripherals, components and accessories for users of computer products. The Company screens new products and selects products for inclusion in its catalogs based on features, quality, sales trends, price, margins, cooperative/market development funds and warranties. The Company offers its customers other value-added services, such as the ability to purchase systems that have been specifically configured to meet the customer's requirements and special on-site services in the states where it has a direct sales force. Through frequent mailings of its catalogs, the Company is able to quickly introduce new products and replace slower selling products with new products. Through its on-line auction site, uBid, the Company offers both computer- related products and other consumer electronics in an auction format. The following table sets forth the Company's net sales and percentage of net sales by major product category for the periods presented.
Year Ended December 31, (in millions of dollars) 1995 % 1996 % 1997 % ---- ----- ---- ---- ---- ---- Computer systems............ $173.0 41.1% $166.9 37.5% $231.1 42.3% Peripherals, components and accessories.......... 193.2 45.9 227.8 51.2 247.9 45.4 Software.................... 46.7 11.1 45.4 10.2 60.9 11.2 Other (1)................... 8.0 1.9 4.9 1.1 6.2 1.1 ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- Total.................. $420.9 100.0% $445.0 100.0% $546.1 100.0% ====== ===== ====== ===== ====== =====
(1) Other consists primarily of other electronic products, income from labor charges and sales of extended warranties. Computer Systems. In connection with the Company's expansion into the WINTEL market, the Company has obtained catalog sales authorizations or otherwise has the ability to sell WINTEL products from the major WINTEL-platform hardware manufacturers, including IBM, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, NEC, Sony, Digital Equipment, AST, Hitachi, Toshiba, Texas Instruments, Fujitsu and others. The Company is also authorized or otherwise has the ability to sell the full line of Apple hardware. Peripherals, Components and Accessories. The Company offers a large selection of peripheral and component products from manufacturers such as Apple, Hewlett-Packard, Sony, Epson, 3Com, US Robotics, IBM, Iomega and Compaq. Peripherals and components include printers, modems, monitors, data storage devices, add-on circuit boards, connectivity products and communications products. The accessories offered by the Company include a broad range of computer-related items and supplies such as diskettes, cables and connectors. Software. The Company sells a wide variety of software packages in the business and personal productivity, utility, language, educational and entertainment categories, including word processing, spreadsheet and database software. The Company offers a large number of software programs from established vendors, such as Microsoft, Corel, Adobe, Symantec, Quark, Lotus, Macromedia and Intuit as well as numerous specialty products from new and emerging vendors. The Company also markets upgrades from certain vendors, such as Symantec, Corel, Lotus and Microsoft, which the Company believes offer incremental revenue opportunities. 7 PURCHASING AND INVENTORY The Company believes that effective purchasing is a key element of its business strategy to provide name brand computer products and related software and peripherals at competitive prices. The Company believes that its high volume of sales results in increased purchasing power with its primary suppliers, resulting in volume discounts, favorable product return policies and vendor promotional allowances. The Company purchases products from over 900 vendors. During 1995, 1996 and 1997, products manufactured by Apple represented approximately 45.9%, 30.1% and 21.4% of net sales, respectively. Most key vendors have agreements to provide market development funds to the Company, whereby such vendors finance portions of the cost of catalog publication and distribution based upon the amount of coverage given in the catalogs for their products. Termination or interruption of the Company's relationships with its vendors, or modification of the terms of or discontinuance of the Company's agreements with its vendors, could adversely affect the Company's operating results. The Company's success is, in part, dependent upon the ability of its vendors to develop and market products that meet the changing requirements of the marketplace. As is customary in the industry, the Company has no long-term supply contracts with any of its vendors. Substantially all of the Company's contracts with its vendors are terminable upon 30 days' notice or less. The Company attempts to manage its inventory position to generate the highest levels of customer satisfaction possible while limiting inventory risk. The Company believes that it has increased its ability to provide constrained products, which it believes is an important competitive advantage; and the Company invested in this strategy heavily during 1997. The Company's average annual inventory turns were 10.5 times during 1995, 7.7 times in 1996 and 9.9 times in 1997. Inventory levels may vary from period to period, due in part to increases or decreases in sales levels, the Company's practice of making large- volume purchases when it deems the terms of such purchases to be attractive and the addition of new manufacturers and products. The Company has negotiated agreements with many of its vendors which contain price protection provisions intended to reduce, in part, the Company's risk of loss due to manufacturer price reductions. The Company currently has rights with respect to products which it purchases from Apple, IBM, Compaq, Hewlett Packard and certain other vendors; however, such rights vary by product line, have other conditions and limitations and can be terminated at any time. The market for personal computers, peripherals and software is characterized by rapid technological change and a growing diversity of products. The Company's success depends in large part on its ability to identify and obtain the right to market products that will meet the changing requirements of the marketplace and to obtain sufficient quantities of product to meet changing demands. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to identify and offer products necessary to remain competitive or avoid losses related to excess or obsolete inventory. DISTRIBUTION The Company operates a full-service 325,000 square foot distribution center in Memphis, Tennessee. The centralized distribution operations, strategically located near the Federal Express hub in Memphis, allow most orders of in-stock product accepted by 11:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time to be shipped for delivery by 10:30 a.m. the following day via Federal Express. Upon request, orders may also be shipped at a lower cost by United Parcel Ground Service and are shipped on the same day if orders are accepted by 5:00 p.m. The Company also operates a 15,000 square foot warehouse at its ComputAbility headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This facility is dedicated to shipping ComputAbility orders. When an order is entered into the system, a computer credit check or credit card verification is performed and, if approved, the order is electronically transmitted to the warehouse area and a packing slip is printed for order fulfillment. All inventory items are bar coded and located in computer- designated 8 areas which are easily identified on the packing slip. All orders are checked with bar code scanners prior to final packing to ensure that each order is packed correctly. The Company believes that its existing distribution facilities are currently adequate for its needs. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS The Company has committed significant resources to the development of a sophisticated computer system which is used to manage all aspects of its business. The Company's computer system supports telemarketing, marketing, purchasing, accounting, customer service, warehousing and distribution, and allows the preparation of daily operating control reports which provide concise and timely information regarding key aspects of its business. The system allows the Company to, among other things, monitor sales trends, make informed purchasing decisions and provide product availability and order status information. In addition to the main computer system, the Company has a system of networked personal computers, which facilitates data sharing. The Company also applies its management information systems to the task of managing its inventory. The Company currently operates its management information system using a Hewlett Packard HP995 and has a back-up system available in the event of a system failure. The Company believes that in order to remain competitive it will be necessary to upgrade its management information systems on a continuing basis. The Company's success is in part dependent on the accuracy and proper utilization of its management information systems, including its telephone system. In addition to the costs associated with system upgrades, the transition to and implementation of new or upgraded hardware or software systems can result in system delays or failures. Any interruption, corruption, degradation or failure of the Company's management information systems could impact its ability to receive and process customer orders on a timely basis. YEAR 2000 The Company continues to assess its exposure related to the impact of the Year 2000 date issue. The Year 2000 date issue arises from the fact that many computer programs use only two digits to identify a year in a date field. The Company's products and key financial and operational systems are being reviewed and, where required, detailed plans are being developed and will be implemented on a schedule intended to permit the Company's computer systems and products to continue to function properly. The Year 2000 date conversion effort is expected to increase costs in 1998 and 1999. While final cost estimates are not complete, management does not expect these costs will have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, the Company could be adversely impacted by the Year 2000 date issue if the Company or its suppliers, customers and other businesses do not address this issue successfully. Management continues to assess these risks in order to reduce the impact on the Company. RETAIL COMPUTER SHOWROOMS During 1997, the Company operated four retail computer showrooms in Southern California and four retail computer showrooms in the Midwest, ranging in size from approximately 3,400 to 40,000 square feet of space. However, the Company has focused its expansion efforts and resources on the direct mail channel. During the first quarter of 1998, the Company closed seven retail showrooms to focus its efforts on its catalog, corporate and Internet channels of distribution. The Company expects to incur a one-time restructuring charge during the first quarter of 1998 relating to exit costs, asset write-offs, other charges and goodwill relating to the retail showroom closures. COMPETITION The retail business for personal computers and related products is highly competitive. The Company competes with other direct marketers, including MicroWarehouse, CDW Computer Centers, Multiple Zones, Insight Direct, PC Connection and Global Direct. In addition, the Company competes with computer retail stores and resellers including superstores such as CompUSA, and Micro Center, corporate resellers such as Compucom, Entex, Vanstar, certain hardware and software vendors such as Gateway 2000 and Dell Computer which sell directly to end users, and other direct marketers of hardware, software and computer- related products. Barriers to entry are relatively low in the marketing industry and the risk of new competitors entering the market is high. The market in which the Company's retail showrooms operate is also highly competitive. 9 The manner in which personal computers, software and related products are distributed and sold is changing, and new methods of sales and distribution have emerged, such as the Internet. Technology now allows software vendors the ability to sell and download programs directly to consumers, if so desired. In addition, in recent years the industry has generated a number of new, cost- effective channels of distribution such as computer superstores, consumer electronic and office supply superstores, national direct marketers and mass merchants. Computer resellers are consolidating operations and acquiring or merging with other resellers to achieve economies of scale and increased efficiency. In addition, traditional retailers have entered and may increase their penetration into the direct mail channel. The current industry reconfiguration and the trend toward consolidation could cause the industry to become even more competitive, further increase pricing pressures and make it more difficult for the Company to maintain its operating margins or to increase or maintain the same level of net sales or gross profit. Although many of the Company's competitors have greater financial resources than the Company, the Company believes that its ability to offer the consumer a wide selection of products, at low prices, with prompt delivery and a high level of customer service, and its good relationships with its vendors and suppliers, allow it to compete effectively. There can be no assurance that the Company can continue to compete effectively against existing or new competitors that may enter the market. The Company believes that competition may increase in the future, which could require the Company to reduce prices, increase advertising expenditures or take other actions which may have an adverse effect on the Company's operating results. EMPLOYEES As of December 31, 1997, the Company employed 1,209 full-time people, including 247 people at the Company's retail computer showrooms and 213 at its distribution center. During the first quarter of 1998, the Company closed seven retail showrooms. The Company emphasizes the recruiting and training of high quality personnel and, to the extent practical, promotes people to positions of increased responsibility from within the Company. Each employee initially receives training appropriate for his or her position, followed by varying levels of training in computer technology. New account executives participate in an intensive four-week training program, during which time they are introduced to the Company's philosophy, available resources, products and services. Training for specific product lines and continuing education programs for all employees are conducted on an ongoing basis, supplemented by vendor-sponsored training programs for all sales executives and technical support personnel. The Company's employees are generally compensated on a basis that rewards performance and the achievement of identified goals. For example, sales executives receive compensation pursuant to a commission schedule which is based primarily upon aggregate gross profit dollars generated from their sales efforts. The Company believes that these incentives positively impact its performance and operating results. The Company considers its employee relations to be good. None of the Company's employees is represented by a labor union, and the Company has experienced no work stoppages. 10 Since its formation, the Company has experienced rapid growth. As a result of this growth, the Company has added a significant number of employees and has been required to expend considerable effort in training these new employees. PROPERTIES The Company's facilities at December 31, 1997 were as follows:
Description Sq. Ft. Location - ----------- ------- ---------------- Creative Computers Corporate Headquarters............ 60,000 Torrance, CA Distribution Center.................................. 325,000 Memphis, TN Retail Showroom #1................................... 13,050 Santa Monica, CA *Retail Showroom #2.................................. 20,000 San Diego, CA *Retail Showroom #3.................................. 6,751 Lawndale, CA *Retail Showroom #4.................................. 3,400 Lake Forest, CA Elek-Tek Corporate Headquarters...................... 14,744 Elk Grove Village, IL *Retail Showroom #5.................................. 15,430 Willowbrook, IL *Retail Showroom #6.................................. 40,000 Indianapolis, IN *Retail Showroom #7.................................. 29,386 Rolling Meadows, IL *Retail Showroom #8.................................. 8,733 Chicago, IL Kansas Corporate Sales............................... 32,800 Lenexa, KS Colorado Corporate Sales............................. 2,315 Engelwood, CO ComputAbility Corporate Headquarters................. 15,000 Milwaukee, WI ComputAbility Warehouse.............................. 15,000 Milwaukee, WI *Closed during the first quarter 1998.
The Company leases all of its facilities, except for the following: 9,750 square feet of the Santa Monica retail showroom, Lenexa retail showroom, and ComputAbility Corporate headquarters which it owns. The Company's distribution center serves the Company's catalog, Elek-Tek, ComputAbility and uBid operations as well as its retail showrooms. The Memphis facility includes shipping, receiving, warehousing and administrative space. The following leases have remaining terms greater than two years: Creative Computers Corporate headquarters, Santa Monica showroom, Memphis distribution center, Elek-Tek corporate headquarters and Colorado corporate sales. All of the other leases have remaining terms less than two years. During the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company consolidated its headquarters facility and its telemarketing operations into a 160,000 square foot building in a nearby location in Torrance, CA. The Company will phase into the facility over two years and initially occupy 60,000 square feet. The one-time charge for the move was $0.8 million. During the first quarter of 1998, the Company closed all of its retail showrooms except for its Santa Monica showroom. Where necessary, the Company is currently negotiating early lease terminations or attempting to sublet leased facilities no longer in use. The Company is also selling its Lenexa, Kansas building. The Company expects to incur a one-time restructuring charge during the first quarter of 1998. REGULATORY AND LEGAL MATTERS The direct response business as conducted by the Company is subject to the Merchandise Mail Order Rule and related regulations promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission and laws or regulations directly applicable to access to or commerce on the Internet. While the Company believes it currently is in compliance with such laws and regulations and has implemented programs and systems to address its ongoing compliance with such regulations, no assurances can be given that new laws or regulations will not be enacted or adopted which might adversely affect the Company's operations. Due to the increasing popularity and use of the Internet, it is possible that a number of laws and regulations may be adopted 11 with respect to the Internet. The growth and development of the market for Internet commerce may prompt calls for more stringent consumer protection laws that may impose additional burdens on those companies conducting business over the Internet. The adoption of any additional laws or regulations may decrease the growth of the Internet, which, in turn, could decrease the demand for and growth of the Company's Internet-based sales. The Company, or various subsidiaries, currently collects and remits sales tax only on sales of products to residents of the states of California, Tennessee, Illinois, Wisconsin, Colorado, Kansas and Indiana. Various states have sought to impose on direct marketers the burden of collecting state sales taxes on the sale of products shipped to those states' residents and it is possible that such a requirement could be imposed in the future. There are no material legal proceedings pending against the Company. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The executive officers of the Company and their respective ages and positions are as follows as of March 26, 1998:
Name Age Position ---- --- -------- Frank F. Khulusi............. 31 Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer Richard M. Finkbeiner........ 51 Chief Financial Officer Daniel J. DeVries............ 36 Executive Vice President - Marketing and Sales David R. Burcham............. 33 Executive Vice President - Operations
The following is a biographical summary of the experience of the executive officers: Frank F. Khulusi is a co-founder of the Company and has served as Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since the Company's inception in 1987. Richard M. Finkbeiner joined the Company in June 1996 as Chief Financial Officer. From January 1996 to June 1996, he was Chief Financial Officer for Petro Stopping Centers, a national travel plaza retailer. From 1993 to 1996, he was Chief Financial Officer for NordicTrack, a direct marketer and retailer of fitness equipment,. From 1989 to 1993, he was Chief Financial Officer for Current, Inc., a direct marketer of greeting cards, and from 1984 to 1989 he was Controller and then Chief Financial Officer for Fox Photo, a photofinisher. Mr. Finkbeiner spent the first 12 years of his career with Hallmark Cards, a manufacturer and retailer of social expression products. Daniel J. DeVries has served as Executive Vice President since February 1996 and was Senior Vice President from October 1994 to that time. Mr. DeVries is responsible for all marketing, sales, purchasing and retail showrooms. Mr. DeVries' marketing responsibilities include vendor co-op marketing, merchandising, database marketing and Internet marketing. From April 1993 to October 1994, he held various sales and marketing positions with the Company. From July 1988 to April 1993, Mr. DeVries was a regional manager for Sun Computers, a computer retailer. David R. Burcham has served as Executive Vice President since March 1997 and was Senior Vice President from February 1996 to that time. Mr. Burcham is responsible for all 12 distribution and MIS. From June of 1990 to February of 1996, he held various sales and operational positions for Multiple Zones International, Inc. including Vice President of Sales and Vice President of Operations. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for BID International, Inc., a publishing and information services company. CERTAIN FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE RESULTS The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act") provides a "safe harbor" for "forward-looking statements" to encourage companies to provide prospective information, so long as such information is identified as forward looking and is accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the statement. Except for historical information, certain statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Act. In order to take advantage of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Act, the Company identifies the following important factors which could affect the Company's actual results and cause such results to differ materially from those projected, forecasted, estimated, budgeted or otherwise expressed by the Company in "forward-looking statements" made by or on behalf of the Company: (1) The loss of a key vendor or decline in demand for products of a key vendor, such as Apple, may reduce sales and adversely affect operating results. (2) Intense competition may lead to reduced prices and lower gross margins. (3) The Company's narrow margins magnify the impact on operating results of variations in operating performance. A number of factors may reduce the Company's margins even further. (4) Seasonal variations in the demand for products and services, as well as the introduction of new products, may cause variations in the Company's quarterly results. (5) The availability (or lack thereof) of capital on acceptable terms may hamper the Company in its efforts to fund its increasing working capital needs. (6) The failure of the Company to adequately manage its growth, including the integration of acquired companies and development of uBid, may adversely impact the Company's results of operations. (7) A failure of the Company's information systems may adversely impact the Company's results of operations. (8) The loss of a key executive officer or other key employee may adversely impact the Company's operations. (9) The inability of the Company to obtain products on favorable terms may adversely impact the Company's results of operations. (10) The Company's operations may be adversely impacted by an acquisition that is either (i) not suited for the Company or (ii) improperly executed. (11) The Company's financial condition may be adversely impacted by a decline in value of a portion of the Company's inventory. (12) The failure of certain shipping companies to deliver product to the Company, or from the 13 Company to its customers, may adversely impact the Company's results of operations. (13) Rapid technological change may alter the market for the Company's products and services, requiring the Company to anticipate such technological changes, to the extent possible. It is not reasonably possible to itemize all of the many factors and specific events that could affect the Company and/or the microcomputer industry as a whole. However, the discussion below discusses in more detail some of the foregoing factors, as well as additional factors which may affect the Company's actual results and cause such results to differ materially from those projected, forecasted, estimated, budgeted or otherwise expressed in "forward-looking statements." DEPENDENCE ON APPLE The Company is dependent on sales of Apple computers and software and peripheral products used with Apple computers. Products manufactured by Apple represented approximately 45.9%, 30.1% and 21.4% of the Company's net sales in 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. A decline in sales of Apple computers or a decrease in supply of or demand for software and peripheral products for such computers could have a material adverse impact on the Company's business. During parts of 1996 and 1997, certain Apple computers were in short supply. A continuation of such shortages or future shortages could adversely affect the Company's operating results. The Company is an authorized dealer for the full retail line of Apple products; however, the Company's dealer agreement with Apple is terminable upon 30 days' notice. The Company's business would be adversely affected if all or a portion of the line of Apple products were no longer available to the Company. The Company's success is, in part, dependent upon the ability of Apple to develop and market products that meet the changing requirements of the marketplace. To the extent that these products are not available to the Company, the Company could encounter increased price and other competition, which would adversely affect operating results. RAPID GROWTH Since its formation, the Company has experienced rapid growth. Net sales have grown from $8.7 million in 1990 to $546.1 million in 1997. The Company's catalog sales grew from $37.8 million in 1993 to $478.3 million in 1997. As a result of the Company's shift from the retail showroom to the catalog distribution channel, retail showroom sales have decreased from 46.3% of net sales in 1993 to 12.4% in 1997. During the first quarter of 1998, the Company closed seven retail showrooms to focus its efforts on its catalog, corporate and Internet channels of distribution. The Company expects to incur a charge during the first quarter of 1998 relating to exit costs, asset write-offs, other charges and related goodwill. In response to the growth in catalog sales, the Company has rapidly added a significant number of employees and has been required to expend considerable efforts in training these new employees. This growth has placed strains on the Company's management, resources and facilities. As part of its growth strategy, the Company acquired Elek-Tek and ComputAbility in 1997 and may, in the future, acquire other companies in the same or complementary lines of business. These acquisitions and any such acquisition and the ensuing integration of the operations of the acquired company with those of the Company place additional demands on the Company's management, operating and financial resources. The Company's success will, in part, be dependent upon the ability of the Company to manage growth effectively. In addition, the Company's business and growth could be affected by the spending patterns of existing or prospective customers, the cyclical nature of capital expenditures of businesses, continued competition and pricing pressures, changes in the rate of development of new technologies and new products by manufacturers, acceptance by end-users and other trends in the general economy. There can be no assurance that the Company's historical growth rates will continue in the future. In connection with the Company's recent expansion into the WINTEL market, the Company has obtained catalog sales authorizations or otherwise has the ability to sell WINTEL products from certain major hardware manufacturers, including IBM, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, NEC, Sony, Digital Equipment, AST, Hitachi, Toshiba, Texas Instruments, Fujitsu and others. Many of its current vendors of 14 peripherals, components, accessories and software also offer WINTEL products. While the Company has been successful to date in becoming a major catalog reseller of WINTEL products, no assurances can be given that the Company will be able to maintain that position. COMPETITION The retail business for personal computers and related products is highly competitive, based primarily on price, product availability, speed and accuracy of delivery, effectiveness of sales and marketing programs, credit availability, ability to tailor specific solutions to customer needs, quality and breadth of product lines and services, and availability of technical or product information. The Company competes with other direct marketers, including MicroWarehouse, CDW Computer Centers, Multiple Zones, Insight Direct, PCs Compleat, PC Connection and Global Direct. In addition, the Company competes with computer retail stores and resellers, including superstores, such as CompUSA, Micro Center, corporate resellers such as Compucom, Entex and Vanstar, certain hardware and software vendors, such as Gateway 2000 and Dell Computer, which sell directly to end users, and other direct marketers of hardware, software and computer-related products. In the direct marketing industry, barriers to entry are relatively low and the risk of new competitors entering the market is high. Certain existing competitors of the Company have substantially greater financial resources than the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company can continue to compete effectively against existing competitors or new competitors that may enter the market. In addition, price is an important competitive factor in the personal computer hardware, software and peripherals market and there can be no assurance that the Company will not be subject to increased price competition, which may have an adverse effect on the Company's operating results. There can be no assurance that the Company will not lose market share or that it will not be forced in the future to reduce its prices in response to the actions of its competitors and thereby experience a further reduction in its gross margins. NARROW OPERATING MARGINS As a result of intense price competition in the microcomputer products industry, the Company's margins have historically been narrow and are expected to continue to be narrow. These narrow margins magnify the impact on operating results of variations in operating costs and of adverse or unforeseen events. 15 POTENTIAL QUARTERLY FLUCTUATIONS The Company experiences variability in its net sales and net income on a quarterly basis as a result of many factors. These factors include the frequency of catalog mailings, introduction or discontinuation of new catalogs, the introduction of new products or services by the Company and its competitors, changes in prices from suppliers, the loss or consolidation of a significant supplier or customer, general competitive conditions including pricing, the Company's ability to control costs, the timing of capital expenditures, the condition of the personal computer industry in general, seasonal shifts in demand for hardware and software products, industry announcements and market acceptance of new products or upgrades, including deferral of customer orders in anticipation of new product applications, product enhancements or operating systems, the relative mix of products sold during the period, inability of the Company to obtain adequate quantities of products carried in its catalogs or delays in the release by suppliers of new products and inventory adjustments. The Company's planned operating expenditures each quarter are based on sales forecasts for the quarter. If sales do not meet expectations in any given quarter, operating results for the quarter may be materially adversely affected. The Company's narrow margins may magnify the impact of these factors on the Company's operating results. The Company believes that period-to-period comparisons of its operating results should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance. In addition, the results of any quarterly period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for a full fiscal year. In certain future quarters, the Company's operating results may be below the expectations of public market analysts or investors. In such event, the market price of the common stock could be materially adversely affected. DEPENDENCE ON VENDORS The Company purchases all of its products from vendors. Certain key vendors, including IBM, Hewlett Packard and Apple, provide the Company with trade credit as well as substantial incentives in the form of discounts, credits and cooperative advertising. Most key vendors have agreements to provide or otherwise have consistently provided market development funds to the Company, whereby such vendors finance portions of the cost of catalog publication and distribution based upon the amount of coverage given in the catalogs to their respective products. Termination or interruption of the Company's relationships with one or more of these vendors, including Apple, or modification of the terms or discontinuance of the agreements with these vendors, could adversely affect the Company's operating income and cash flow. The Company's success is, in part, dependent upon the ability of its vendors to develop and market products that meet the changing requirements of the marketplace. Substantially all of the Company's contracts with its vendors are terminable upon 30 days' notice or less. In most cases, the Company has no guaranteed price or delivery arrangements with its suppliers. As a result, the Company has experienced and may in the future experience short-term inventory shortages on certain products. In addition, manufacturers who currently sell their products through the Company may decide to sell their products directly or through resellers or channels other than the Company. Further, the personal computer industry experiences significant product supply shortages and customer order backlogs from time to time due to the inability of certain manufacturers to supply certain products as needed. There can be no assurance that suppliers will be able to maintain an adequate supply of products to fulfill the Company's customers' orders on a timely basis or that the Company will be able to obtain particular products or that a product line currently offered by suppliers will continue to be available. Similarly, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain authorizations from new vendors which may introduce new products that create market demand. BUSINESS INTERRUPTION; FACILITIES The Company believes that its success to date has been, and future results of operations will be, dependent in large part upon its ability to provide prompt and efficient service to its customers. The 16 Company has taken several precautionary steps to help minimize the impact of disasters that might cause business interruptions. There can be no assurance that a disruption will not occur; however, any disruption of the Company's day- to-day operations including those caused by natural disasters could have a material adverse effect upon the Company and any interruption, corruption, degradation or failure of the Company's management information systems, distribution center or telephone system could impair its ability to receive and process customer orders and ship products on a timely basis. The Company does not have a redundant telephone system and does not have a backup or redundant call center. CHANGING METHODS OF DISTRIBUTION The manner in which personal computers and related software and products are distributed and sold is changing, and new methods of sale and distribution, such as the Internet, have emerged. Hardware and software vendors have sold, and may intensify their efforts to sell, their products directly to end users. From time to time, certain vendors have instituted programs for the direct sale of large quantities of hardware and software to certain major corporate accounts. These types of programs may continue to be developed and used by various vendors. Vendors also may attempt to increase the volume of software products distributed electronically to end users' personal computers. Any of these competitive programs, if successful, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and financial results. DEPENDENCE ON INDEPENDENT SHIPPING COMPANIES The Company relies almost entirely on arrangements with independent shipping companies, especially Federal Express, for the delivery of its products. The disruption or termination of the Company's arrangements with Federal Express or other shipping companies, or the failure or inability of one or more shipping companies to deliver products from the Company to its customers, or from suppliers to the Company, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations. POSTAGE, SHIPPING AND PAPER COSTS Postage and shipping are significant expenses in the operation of the Company's business. The Company ships its products to customers by overnight delivery and ground delivery services and generally mails its catalogs through the U.S. Postal Service. As is customary in the direct response marketing industry, the Company generally passes on only a portion of the costs of overnight delivery and parcel shipments directly to customers as separate shipping and handling charges. Any increases in postal or shipping rates in the future could have an adverse effect on the Company's operating results. The cost of paper is also a significant expense of the Company in printing its catalogs. The cost of paper has fluctuated significantly over the last several years. While the Company believes that it will be able to recoup a significant portion of any increased postage and paper costs through increases in vendor advertising rates, no assurance can be given that such advertising rate increases can be sustained or that they will offset all of the increased costs. RISK OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES AND INVENTORY OBSOLESCENCE The market for personal computers, peripherals and software is characterized by rapid technological change and a growing diversity of products. The recent growth in sales of personal computers and related software and peripherals has been, in part, due to the introduction of new hardware and software, including multimedia personal computer systems and upgraded Apple computers. The Company's success depends in large part on its ability to identify and obtain the right to market products that will meet the changing requirements of the marketplace. In connection with the Company's recent entry into the WINTEL, networking and data communications market, it will need to continue to identify and 17 purchase products from existing and new vendors for which the Company does not have a purchasing history. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to identify and offer products necessary to remain competitive or avoid losses related to excess and obsolete inventory. The Company currently has return rights with respect to products which it purchases from Apple, IBM, Compaq, Hewlett Packard and certain other vendors; however, such rights vary by product line, have other conditions and limitations and can be terminated or changed at any time. STATE SALES TAX COLLECTION The Company, or various subsidiaries, currently collects and remits sales tax on sales of products to residents of the states of California, Tennessee, Illinois, Wisconsin, Colorado, Kansas and Indiana. Various states have sought to impose on direct marketers the burden of collecting state sales taxes on the sale of products shipped to those states' residents. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the various states, absent Congressional legislation, may not impose tax collection obligations on an out-of-state mail order company whose only contacts with the taxing state are distribution of catalogs and other advertisement materials through the mail, and whose subsequent delivery of purchased goods is by mail or interstate common carriers. A New York Court of Appeals case imposed tax collection obligations on two Vermont companies, one of which was a mail order company, whose contacts with New York consisted of visiting the state several times a year to aid customers or visiting showrooms stocking their goods. The Company believes its operations are different from the operations of the companies in the New York case and thus do not give rise to tax collection obligations. However, the Company cannot predict the level of contact with any state which would give rise to future or past tax collection obligations within the parameters of the Supreme Court case. It is possible that federal legislation could be enacted that would permit states to impose sales tax collection obligations on out-of-state mail order companies and if enacted, the imposition of a tax collection obligation on the Company may result in additional administrative expenses to the Company and price increases to its customers that could adversely affect the Company. INDUSTRY EVOLUTION AND PRICE REDUCTIONS The personal computer industry is undergoing significant change. In addition, in recent years a number of new, cost-effective channels of distribution have developed in the industry, such as computer superstores, consumer electronic and office supply superstores, national direct marketers and mass merchants. Computer resellers are consolidating operations and acquiring or merging with other resellers and/or direct marketers to achieve economies of scale and increased efficiency. The current industry reconfiguration and the trend towards consolidation could cause the industry to become even more competitive, further increase pricing pressures and make it more difficult for the Company to maintain its operating margins or to increase or maintain the same level of net sales or gross profit. Declining prices, resulting in part from technological changes, may require the Company to sell a greater number of products to achieve the same level of net sales and gross profit. Such a trend could make it more difficult for the Company to continue to increase its net sales and earnings growth. In addition, the personal computer market has experienced rapid growth. If the growth rate of the personal computer market were to decrease, the Company's operating results could be adversely affected. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS The Company's success is in part dependent on the accuracy and proper utilization of its management information systems, including its telephone system. The Company's ability to analyze data derived from its management information systems to increase product promotions, manage inventory and accounts receivable collections, to purchase, sell and ship products efficiently and on a timely basis, and to maintain cost-efficient operations are each dependent upon the quality and utilization of the 18 information generated by its management information systems. During 1995, the Company significantly upgraded its management information system hardware and software. The Company believes that to remain competitive it will be necessary to upgrade its management information systems on a continuing basis. In addition to the costs associated with such upgrades, the transition to and implementation of new or upgraded hardware or software systems can result in system delays or failures which could impair the Company's ability to receive and process orders and ship products in a timely manner. The Company does not currently have a redundant or back-up telephone system, and any interruption in telephone service including those caused by natural disasters could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations. DEPENDENCE ON SENIOR MANAGEMENT The Company's future performance will depend to a significant extent upon the efforts and abilities of certain key management personnel, including Frank Khulusi, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer. The Company has a $3 million key man life insurance policy on Mr. Khulusi. The loss of service of one or more of the Company's key management personnel could have an adverse effect on the Company's business. The Company's success and plans for future growth will also depend in part on management's continuing ability to hire, train and retain skilled personnel in all areas of its business. MANAGEMENT OF GROWTH The rapid growth of the Company's business has required the Company to make significant recent additions in personnel and has significantly increased the Company's working capital requirements. Although the Company has experienced significant sales growth in recent years, such growth should not be considered indicative of future sales growth. Such growth has resulted in new and increased responsibilities for management personnel and has placed and continues to place significant strain upon the Company's management, operating and financial systems, and other resources. There can be no assurance that this strain will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations, nor can there be any assurance that the Company will be able to attract or retain sufficient personnel to continue the expansion of its operations. Also crucial to the Company's success in managing its growth will be its ability to achieve additional economies of scale. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to achieve such economies of scale, and the failure to do so could have a material adverse effect upon the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. ACQUISITIONS As part of its growth strategy, the Company acquired two marketers of computers and computer-related products in 1997 and may continue to pursue acquisitions of companies that would either complement or expand its existing business. The Company is in the process of integrating the operations of their acquired entities with its own operations. No assurance can be given that the benefits expected from such integration will be realized. In addition, acquisitions involve a number of risks and difficulties, including expansion into new geographic markets and business areas, the diversion of management's attention to the assimilation of the operations and personnel of the acquired company, the integration of the acquired company's management information systems with those of the Company, potential short-term adverse effects on the Company's operating results and the amortization of acquired intangible assets. Any delays or unexpected costs incurred in connection with the integration of acquired operations could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to implement or sustain its acquisition strategy or that its strategy will ultimately prove profitable to the Company. POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE The Company believes certain factors, such as sales of Common Stock into the market by existing stockholders, fluctuations in quarterly operating results and market conditions generally, including 19 market conditions affecting stocks of computer hardware and software manufacturers and resellers in particular, and other technology or related stocks, could cause the market price of the Common Stock to fluctuate substantially. The stock market in general, and the stocks of computer and software resellers in particular, and other technology or related stocks, has in the past experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations which have been unrelated to corporate operating performance. Such market volatility may adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES See "Properties" in Item 1 above. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Various claims and actions, considered normal to the Company's business, have been asserted and are pending against the Company. The Company believes that such claims and actions should not have any material adverse effect upon the Company's financial position or results of operations. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 1997. 20 PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The Common Stock of the Company has been traded on the Nasdaq National Market since the Company's initial public offering on April 4, 1995 (the "IPO"). Prior to the IPO, there was no public market for the Company's Common Stock. The following table sets forth the range of high and low closing sales prices for the Common Stock for the periods indicated, as reported by the Nasdaq National Market.
Price Range of Common Stock -------------- High Low ---- --- Year Ended December 31, 1995 - ---------------------------- Second Quarter (from April 4, 1995)... $ 29 1/2 $22 1/4 Third Quarter......................... 33 24 1/2 Fourth Quarter........................ 29 3/4 16 Year Ended December 31, 1996 - ---------------------------- First Quarter......................... 18 3/4 6 3/4 Second Quarter........................ 10 5/8 6 Third Quarter......................... 9 7/8 4 1/2 Fourth Quarter........................ 11 3/4 7 5/16 Year Ended December 31, 1997 - ---------------------------- First Quarter......................... 8 1/8 5 Second Quarter........................ 7 3/4 5 Third Quarter......................... 13 11/16 7 1/8 Fourth Quarter........................ 16 5/16 8 1/2
On March 25, 1998, the closing price of the Company's Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market was $7 1/4 per share. As of March 25, 1998, there were approximately 1,550 holders of record of the Common Stock. On August 29, 1997, the Company issued 271,739 shares of its Common Stock valued at $2.5 million to purchase ComputAbility Limited. The Company has never paid and has no present plans to pay any cash dividends on its capital stock. The Company intends to retain its earnings to finance the growth and development of its business. The Company announced in July 1996 that, depending on various factors including market price, it would repurchase up to 1,000,000 shares of its stock. The Company has repurchased 15,000 shares to date under this program. However, there is no assurance that the Company will purchase additional shares. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following selected consolidated financial data is qualified by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto, and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained elsewhere herein. The selected income statement data for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and the selected balance sheet data as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 are derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements which are included elsewhere herein. The selected 21 income statement data for the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994 along with the balance sheet data as of December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company which are not included herein. The selected operating data are derived from the accounting records of the Company and have not been audited.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, --------------------------------------------------------- (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Net sales..................................... $70,406 $163,706 $420,877 $444,971 $546,131 Cost of goods sold............................ 59,235 140,229 361,803 395,000 476,061 ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Gross profit.................................. 11,171 23,477 59,074 49,971 70,070 Selling, general and administrative expenses.. 11,389 19,384 48,455 60,585 61,255 Expenses associated with the relocation of the Company's distribution center............... -- -- 1,389 -- -- Relocation expenses related to corporate headquarters................................ -- -- -- -- 815 Expenses related to acquisition of Elek-Tek... -- -- -- -- 1,470 ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Income (loss) from operations before interest and income taxes............................ (218) 4,093 9,230 (10,614) 6,530 Interest income (expense)..................... (501) (759) 371 593 118 ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Income (loss) before income taxes............. (719) 3,334 9,601 (10,021) 6,648 Income taxes (benefit)........................ (294) 1,328 3,754 (3,972) 2,523 ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net income (loss)............................. $ (425) $ 2,006 $ 5,847 $ (6,049) $ 4,125 ======= ======== ======== ======== ======== Basic earnings (loss) per share(1)............ $ (0.09) $ 0.41 $ 0.71 $ (0.62) $ 0.42 ======= ======== ======== ======== ======== Diluted earnings (loss) per share(1).......... $ (0.09) $ 0.39 $ 0.66 $ (0.62) $ 0.41 ======= ======== ======== ======== ======== Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding(1).............................. 4,900 4,900 8,291 9,767 9,895 ======= ======== ======== ======== ======== Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding(1).............................. 4,900 5,160 8,890 9,767 10,030 ======= ======== ======== ======== ======== Selected Operating Data (in thousands, except average order size): Mail order/catalog net sales.............. $37,837 $117,863 $353,324 $387,103 $478,300 Retail net sales.......................... $32,569 $ 45,843 $ 67,553 $ 57,868 $ 67,831 Number of catalogs distributed............ 190 7,700 38,398 48,800 62,200 Orders filled (mail order/catalog)........ 50 194 784 931 1,026 Average order size (mail order/catalog)... $ 757 $ 608 $ 451 $ 416 $ 466 Mailing list size......................... 151 397 1,300 2,518 4,177
(1) Earnings (loss) per share and weighted average shares outstanding have been restated for all periods presented to reflect the adoption of SFAS 128, "Earnings per Share". See Note 1 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 22
Year Ended December 31, --------------------------------------------------------------- Balance Sheet Data (at period end) 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 ---------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- (in thousands): Working capital (deficit) $(4,122) $ 161 $ 46,307 $ 42,600 $ 31,624 Total assets $20,907 $42,942 $112,569 $113,431 $131,154 Short-term debt $ 3,285 $ 4,190 $ 281 $ 283 $ 10,186 Long-term debt, excluding current portion $ 1,342 $ 1,878 $ 589 $ 325 $ 496 Subordinated debt $ -- $ 2,950 $ -- $ -- $ -- Stockholders' equity (deficit) $(1,166) $ 890 $ 56,560 $ 52,805 $ 59,770
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following discussion and analysis of the Company's financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein. OVERVIEW The Company began operations in May 1987 as a mail-order company and then opened its first retail computer showroom in August 1987 and a second showroom in 1988. These showrooms and mail-order operations primarily offered Commodore Amiga personal computers and related products. After opening its first retail store, the Company conducted mail order operations from one of its retail showroom locations. The Company became an authorized Apple dealer in 1991, opened two additional retail computer showrooms in the second quarter of 1993 and relocated and expanded an existing showroom in the fourth quarter of 1993. Net sales from the Company's retail computer showrooms as a percentage of net sales were 16.0%, 13.0% and 12.4% in 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. During 1997, the Company completed two acquisitions. On August 29,1997, the Company acquired the assets and assumed the liabilities of Milwaukee-based ComputAbility Limited, a privately owned direct reseller of PC/WINTEL hardware, peripheral and software products, for $8.0 million. On October 15, 1997, the Company acquired substantially all the assets of Elek-Tek, Inc., a marketer of PC/WINTEL hardware, peripheral and software products located in the Midwest for $29.4 million plus direct costs of the acquisition. In late 1997, the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary named uBid to sell computers, computer related products and consumer electronics through an online auction site on the Internet and plans to make significant investments in 1998 to grow this business. Subsequent to year end, the Company closed seven of its eight retail showrooms to focus its efforts on its catalog, corporate and Internet channels of distribution. In the fourth quarter of 1993, the Company shifted its principal distribution and marketing focus from retail showrooms to direct mail marketing distribution and relocated its mail order/catalog operations to a central location. In March 1994, the Company received authorization from Apple to offer the full retail line of Apple products via direct mail and the Company distributed the first edition of its MacMall catalog in April 1994. During 1994, the Company mailed five editions of its MacMall catalog with a total circulation of approximately 7.7 million to previous and potential customers. During 1995, the Company distributed ten editions of its MacMall catalog with a total MacMall circulation of approximately 27.3 million. In 1996, total MacMall circulation increased to 30.3 million with thirteen editions. In 1997, total MacMall circulation increased to 36.0 million with fourteen editions. In May 1995, the Company distributed its first PC Mall catalog focusing on the WINTEL personal computer market. During 1995, the Company distributed seven PC Mall catalogs to approximately 11.1 million previous and prospective customers. In 1996, the Company distributed thirteen PC Mall catalogs with a total circulation of 15.3 million. In 1997, total PC Mall circulation was 21.9 million with fourteen editions. In 1997, total DataCom Mall circulation was 2.9 million with eight editions. In September 1997, the Company distributed its first ComputAbility catalog. During 1997, the Company distributed three ComputAbility catalogs to approximately 1.4 million previous and prospective customers. 23 All catalogs feature new products and contain detailed information about product capabilities, specifications, key features and system requirements. Net sales from mail order/catalog operations, as a percentage of net sales, were 84.0%, 87.0% and 87.6% in 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively, with average order size being $451, $416 and $466 for those same respective years. Net sales of the Company are derived primarily from the sale of personal computer hardware, software, peripherals and accessories to individual consumers, home offices, small businesses and large corporations through direct response catalogs, dedicated inbound and outbound telemarketing sales executives, a direct sales force, retail showrooms and advertising on the Internet. Gross profit consists of net sales less product and shipping costs. The Company receives marketing development funds ("MDF") from manufacturers of products included in the Company's catalogs, as well as co-operative advertising funds ("Co-Op") on products purchased from manufacturers and vendors. The Company is dependent on sales of Apple computers and software and peripheral products used with Apple computers. Products manufactured by Apple represented approximately 45.9%, 30.1% and 21.4% of the Company's net sales in 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table sets forth for the years indicated information derived from the Company's consolidated statement of operations expressed as a percentage of net sales. There can be no assurance that trends in sales growth or operating results will continue in the future.
Percentage of Net Sales ------------------------ Year Ended December 31 ------------------------ 1995 1996 1997 ----- ----- ----- Net sales 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Cost of goods sold 86.0 88.8 87.2 ----- ----- ----- Gross profit 14.0 11.2 12.8 Selling, general and administrative expenses 11.5 13.6 11.2 Expenses associated with the relocation of the Company's distribution center 0.3 --- --- Expenses associated with the relocation of the Company's headquarters --- --- 0.1 Expenses associated with the acquisition of Elek-Tek --- --- 0.3 ----- ----- ----- Income (loss) from operations 2.2 (2.4) 1.2 Interest income 0.1 0.1 0.1 ----- ----- ----- Income (loss) before income taxes 2.3 (2.3) 1.3 Income taxes (benefit) 0.9 (0.9) 0.5 ----- ----- ----- Net income (loss) 1.4% (1.4)% 0.8% ===== ===== =====
The Company markets its products through the distribution of catalogs, outbound telemarketing, a direct sales force, retail showrooms and the Internet. Net sales from the Company's mail order/catalog operations were $353.3 million, $387.1 million and $478.3 million for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, representing 84.0%, 87.0% and 87.6% of net sales, respectively. Net sales from the Company's 24 retail showroom operations were $67.6 million, $57.9 million and $67.8 million for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, representing 16.0%, 13.0% and 12.4% of net sales, respectively. Merchandise sold through both channels of distribution is similarly priced and many retail customers also purchase items through catalogs. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the Company's mail order/catalog operations was 14.1%, 11.7% and 13.0% for the years ended December 31, 1995 , 1996 and 1997, respectively. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the Company's retail showroom operations was 13.6%, 8.1% and 11.5% for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. Income (loss) from operations for mail order/catalog operations for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 was $8.6 million, $(7.4) million and $6.6 million, or 2.4%, (1.9)% and 1.4% of net mail order/catalog sales, respectively, after deducting the direct costs of mail order/catalog operations and allocating indirect and corporate costs based on relative sales. Income (loss) from operations for retail showroom operations for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 was $0.6 million, $(3.2) million and $(0.1) million, or 0.9%, (5.5)% and (0.1)% of net retail sales, respectively, after deducting the direct costs of retail showroom operations and allocating indirect and corporate costs based on relative sales. The computation of income from operations excludes non- operating income and expenses and income taxes. Year Ended December 31, 1997 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 1996 Net sales for the year ended December 31, 1997 were $546.1 million, an increase of $101.1 million or 23% over net sales for the year ended December 31, 1996 of $445.0 million. Mail order/catalog sales for 1997 were $478.3 million, an increase of $91.2 million or 24% over 1996 mail order/catalog sales of $387.1 million. The increase in net sales was primarily due to an increase in the number of catalogs distributed during the year, the growth from the PC Mall catalog, an increase in telemarketing sales executives and $37 million in sales from the two acquisitions in the third and fourth quarters of 1997. The Company distributed approximately 62.2 million catalogs during 1997, of which MacMall comprised 36.0 million, PC Mall 21.9 million, DataCom Mall 2.9 million and ComputAbility 1.4 million. This compared to 48.8 million catalogs distributed in 1996. Retail net sales in 1997 were $67.8 million, an increase of $9.9 million or 17% from retail net sales of $57.9 million in 1996. WINTEL net sales increased 116% to $221.3 million in 1997, versus $102.4 million in 1996. WINTEL net sales for 1997 comprised 40.5% of total net sales as compared to 23.0% in 1996. By December 1997, WINTEL net sales comprised 51.8% of total Company net sales. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 1997 was $70.1 million, an increase of $20.1 million or 40% from gross profit of $50.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 12.8% in 1997, versus 11.2% in 1996. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to the increase in sales in 1997 over 1996 and the large write-downs in 1996 for slow-moving and excessive inventory, products returned to vendors for which the Company did not receive payment, and for theft and shrinkage of inventory. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $61.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1997, an increase of $.7 million or 1% over SG&A expenses of $60.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses were 11.2% in 1997 versus 13.6% in 1996. This decrease is primarily due to write-offs in 1996 associated with the allowance for doubtful accounts, credit card fraud and due to net advertising costs being down significantly in 1997. In the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company incurred approximately $0.8 million in expenses associated with the relocation and consolidation of its headquarters and telemarketing operations into a 160,000 square foot building in a nearby location in Torrance, CA. The Company will phase into the facility over two years and initially occupy 60,000 square feet. The Company expensed $1.5 million of non-recurring charges associated with the Elek-Tek acquisition in the fourth quarter of 1997. These acquisition related expenses were primarily associated with transitioning Elek-Tek's sales force and customer base into Creative Computers. 25 Interest income (net of interest expense) was $.1 million in 1997 compared to $.6 million in 1996. The reduction in interest income resulted from cash outlays and increased borrowings for the acquisitions of ComputAbility and Elek- Tek. Year Ended December 31, 1996 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 1995 Net sales for the year ended December 31, 1996 were $445.0 million, an increase of $24.1 million or 5.7% over net sales for the year ended December 31, 1995 of $420.9 million. Mail order/catalog sales for 1996 were $387.1 million, an increase of $33.8 million or 9.6% over 1995 mail order/catalog sales of $353.3 million. The increase in net sales was primarily due to an increase in the number of catalogs distributed during the year, the growth from the PC Mall catalog and the introduction of the DataCom Mall Catalog. The Company distributed approximately 48.8 million catalogs during 1996, of which MacMall comprised 30.3 million, PC Mall 15.3 million and DataCom Mall 3.2 million. This compared to 38.4 million catalogs distributed in 1995. Retail net sales in 1996 were $57.9 million, a decline of $9.7 million or 14.3% from retail net sales of $67.6 million in 1995. WINTEL net sales increased 136% to $102.4 million in 1996 versus $43.3 million in 1995. WINTEL net sales for 1996 comprised 23.0% of total net sales as compared to 10.3% in 1995. By December 1996, monthly WINTEL net sales comprised almost 30% of total Company net sales. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 1996 was $50.0 million, a decrease of $9.1 million or 15.4% from gross profit of $59.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1995. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 11.2% in 1996 versus 14.0% in 1995. The decrease in gross profit dollars was primarily due to $7.5 million in write-offs in the first and second quarters due to unusually high theft and inventory shrinkage associated with the Company's warehouse move in late 1995, an increase in inventory reserves for slow moving and excessive inventory, and reserves established for products returned to vendors for which the Company did not get paid. Excluding these write-offs, gross profit margin for 1996 would have been 12.9% versus 14.0% in 1995. The remaining decline in gross profit margin was primarily the result of WINTEL products comprising a larger percentage of the Company's total net sales. Typically, WINTEL products carry a lower profit margin than Apple and Macintosh compatible products. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $60.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1996, an increase of $12.1 million or 25.0% over SG&A expenses of $48.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1995 that excluded a one time charge in 1995 associated with the relocation of the Company's distribution center. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses were 13.6% in 1996 versus 11.5% in 1995. Approximately $4.0 million of the $12.1 million increase was due to one time charges in the first and second quarters of 1996 relating to unusually high credit card losses including external fraud and losses caused by an error generated by a minor software update installed in the first quarter, which allowed some customer orders to bypass the Company's fraud review system, and an increase in reserves for past due accounts. Excluding these charges, SG&A for 1996 would have been 12.7% versus 11.5% in 1995. The remaining increase in SG&A as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to an increase in personnel costs associated with the strengthening of the Company's management team and laying the foundation for future growth. Net advertising expense as a percentage of net sales declined in 1996 versus 1995. During 1995, the Company incurred approximately $1.4 million in expenses, or 0.3% of net sales, associated with the relocation of its distribution center to Memphis, Tennessee from its headquarters in Torrance, California. These charges primarily related to duplicative labor, freight and certain other costs associated with operating dual warehouse facilities while starting operations in Memphis. 26 Interest income (net of interest expense) was $0.6 million in 1996 compared to $0.4 million in 1995. The increase was due to higher average cash balances invested in securities in 1996. During 1995, the Company received a total of $46.6 million in net proceeds from an initial public offering in April 1995 and its follow-on offering in August 1995. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company's primary capital need has been funding the working capital requirements created by its rapid growth in sales. In April and August 1995, the Company completed an initial public offering and a follow-on offering of its common stock which resulted in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $46.6 million. Cash flows from operations were $(12.8) million, $(7.8) million and $18.8 million for 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. Cash flows from operations in 1997 were favorable due to improved management of inventory as well as a return to profitability. Cash flows from operations in 1995 and 1996 were negative primarily due to investments in inventory and accounts receivable necessitated by the rapid sales growth of the Company, including those associated with the introduction of the Company's MacMall, PC Mall and DataCom Mall catalogs. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, inventories decreased $17.4 million as a result of continued efforts to improve inventory turns. Accounts receivable, excluding the impact of acquisitions, increased $5.1 million primarily due to the increase in sales to corporate customers and an increase in vendor advertising in more catalogs. During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company's capital expenditures were $3.3 million as compared to $2.1 million in 1996. The Company's primary capital needs will continue to be funding its working capital requirements for anticipated sales growth and possible acquisitions. On August 29, 1997, the Company acquired the assets and liabilities of ComputAbility Limited for $5.5 million cash and issued 271,739 shares of its Common Stock. On October 14, 1997, the Company increased its credit line with a financial institution to $80.0 million from $50.0 million. The line of credit allows working capital advances up to $47.5 million and floorplan inventory financing up to $50.0 million, however, total advances and floorplan financing cannot exceed $80.0 million. Working capital advances are also limited to eligible accounts receivable and inventory collateral. The line of credit is secured by substantially all of the Company's assets and is cancelable upon 90 days' advance notice. Interest for amounts owed for working capital advances are calculated at the finance company's prime rate (8.25% at December 31, 1997). Floorplan financing does not bear interest if paid within an average of 45 days of the inventory purchase date. Interest on floorplan financing not paid within an average of 45 days is charged at the finance company's prime rate plus 2% (10.25% at December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996). The line of credit requires that the Company maintain a minimum tangible net worth, a minimum pretax earnings to interest expense ratio and limits debt as a ratio to tangible net worth. On October 15, 1997, the Company borrowed $20.7 million from the credit line and paid $8.7 million from its cash reserves to purchase the assets of Elek-Tek, Inc. for $29.4 million. As of December 31, 1997, the Company had repaid $10.8 million of the funds borrowed to purchase Elek-Tek. Total credit line advances at December 31, 1997 were $16.3 million comprised of $9.9 million of working capital loans borrowed for the acquisition of Elek-Tek and $6.4 million of floorplan inventory financing to purchase inventory. The Company was in compliance with its credit line covenants at December 31, 1997. At December 31, 1997, the Company had cash and short-term investments of over $8.0 million and working capital of $31.6 million. The Company believes that current working capital, together with cash flows from operations and available lines of credit, will be adequate to support the Company's current operating plans through 1998, including increased investments in 1998 to develop uBid. 27 However, if the Company needs extra funds, such as for acquisitions or expansion, or to fund a significant downturn in sales that causes losses, there are no assurances that adequate financing will be available at acceptable terms. In July 1996, the Company announced its plan to repurchase up to 1,000,000 shares of its Common Stock. The shares will be repurchased from time to time at prevailing market prices, through open market or negotiated transactions, depending upon market conditions. No limit was placed on the duration of the repurchase program. There is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares that the Company will repurchase. Subject to applicable securities laws, repurchases may be made at such times and in such amounts as the Company's management deems appropriate. The program can also be discontinued at any time management feels additional purchases are not warranted. The Company will finance the repurchase plan with existing working capital. As of December 31, 1997, the Company has repurchased 15,000 shares. As part of its growth strategy, the Company may, in the future, acquire other companies in the same or complementary lines of business. Any such acquisition and the ensuing integration of the operations of the acquired company with those of the Company would place additional demands on the Company's management, operating and financial resources. The Company currently has no definitive agreements with respect to any acquisitions. YEAR 2000 The Company continues to assess its exposure related to the impact of the Year 2000 date issue. The Year 2000 date issue arises from the fact that many computer programs use only two digits to identify a year in a date field. The Company's products and key financial and operational systems are being reviewed and, where required, detailed plans are being developed and will be implemented on a schedule intended to permit the Company's computer systems and products to continue to function properly. The Year 2000 date conversion effort is expected to increase costs in 1998 and 1999. While final cost estimates are not complete, management does not expect these costs will have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, the Company could be adversely impacted by the Year 2000 date issue if the Company or its suppliers, customers and other businesses do not address this issue successfully. Management continues to assess these risks in order to reduce the impact on the Company. INFLATION Inflation has not had a material impact upon operating results, and the Company does not expect it to have such an impact in the near future. There can be no assurances, however, that the Company's business will not be so affected by inflation. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The consolidated financial statements, notes to consolidated financial statements and report of independent accountants required hereunder are indexed on page F-1 of this report and are incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. 28 PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT Information regarding directors of the Company is set forth under the caption "Election of Directors," in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with its 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference. A list of executive officers of Registrant is included in Part I of this report. Effective as of March 1, 1998, the Company accepted Al S. Joseph's resignation as a director of the Company. COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file an initial report of ownership on Form 3 and changes in ownership on Form 4 or 5 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such officers, directors and 10% stockholders are also required by the Commission rules to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written representations from certain reporting persons the Company believes that during 1997 all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and 10% stockholders were complied with except that Ahmed Alfi was one day late in filing his Form 5. In 1996, one of the Company's directors, Sam Khulusi, filed a late Form 4 regarding the purchase of 150,000 shares. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The information required by this item is set forth under the caption "Executive Compensation and Other Information" in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with its 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT The information required by this item is set forth under the caption "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with its 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS The information required by this item is set forth under the captions "Executive Compensation and Other Information -- Certain Relationship and Related Transactions and Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with its 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference. 29 PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K The following consolidated financial statements of Registrant are filed as part of this report: (a) (1) Consolidated Financial Statements Page ---- (1) Report of Independent Accountants-Price Waterhouse LLP F-2 (2) Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1997 and 1996 F-3 (3) Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Years Ended F-4 December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 (4) Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity F-5 for the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 (5) Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Years F-6 Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 (6) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements F-7 (2) Financial Statement Schedules SCHEDULE II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts F-20 All other schedules are omitted since the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. (3) Exhibits Reference is made to the Exhibit Index immediately preceding the exhibits hereto for the exhibits included herein. (b) Reports on Form 8-K. The Company filed a Form 8-K on October 27, 1997 in connection with the acquisition of Elek-Tek, Inc. On December 29, 1997, the Company filed an amended Form 8-K/A to file pro forma financial information. 30 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Torrance, State of California, on March 30, 1998. CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. By: FRANK F. KHULUSI ------------------------------------- Frank F. Khulusi President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Title Date --------- ----- ---- FRANK F. KHULUSI Chairman of the Board of March 30, 1998 - ------------------------ Frank F. Khulusi Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) RICHARD M. FINKBEINER Chief Financial Officer March 30, 1998 - ------------------------- Richard M. Finkbeiner (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) SAM U. KHULUSI* Director March 30, 1998 - ------------------------- Sam U. Khulusi AHMED O. ALFI* Director March 30, 1998 - ------------------------- Ahmed O. Alfi *By Richard M. Finkbeiner, Attorney-in-Fact 31 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. Exhibit Index Exhibit Number Description - -------------- ----------- 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company* 3.2 Bylaws of the Company* 10.1 1994 Stock Incentive Plan and form of stock option agreement* 10.2 Employment Agreement dated January 1, 1995, between Creative Computers, Inc. and Frank F. Khulusi* 10.4 Employment Agreement dated January 1, 1994, between Creative Computers, Inc. and Dan DeVries* 10.5 Standard Industrial/Commercial Single-Tenant Lease-Net dated February 10, 1993 between Herman Platt and Marjorie Platt, as Co-Trustees of the Herman Platt and Marjorie Platt Trust dated October 11, 1985 and Creative Computers, Inc. for the premises located at 2645 Maricopa Street, Torrance, California** 10.6 ITT Commercial Financial Corporation ("ITT") financing arrangements: a. Agreement for Wholesale Financing (Security Agreement-Arbitration) dated April 4, 1991, as amended, between ITT and Creative Computers, Inc.* 10.13 Warrant to Purchase Common Stock of Creative Computers, Inc. dated September 29, 1994 in favor of Creative Partners, L.P.* 10.14 Security Agreement dated as of September 26, 1994 by Creative computers, Inc. in favor of Creative Partners, L.P.* 10.18 Form of Directors' Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan* 10.22 Agreement dated August 1, 1995 between Creative Computers, Inc. and Deutsche Financial Services (formerly known as ITT Commercial Finance Corp.)** 10.25 Industrial Lease Agreement between Corporate Estates, Inc. and Creative Computers, Inc. dated September 15, 1995 for the premises located at 4515 E. Shelby Drive, Memphis, Tennessee, filed in connection with the Company's 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1995**** 10.26 Employment Agreement dated February 21, 1996, between Creative Computers, Inc. and David R. Burcham, filed in connection with the Company's 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996 as Exhibit 10.1 thereto**** 10.27 Employment Agreement dated May 21, 1996, between Creative Computers, Inc. and Richard M. Finkbeiner, filed in connection with the Company's 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996 as Exhibit 10.1 thereto**** 10.28 Authorized Apple Dealer U.S. Sales Agreement dated August 29, 1996; Authorized Apple Catalog Reseller Sales Agreement dated August 29, 1996; Dealer Apple Authorized Service Provider Agreement dated August 29, 1996; Apple Corporate Alliance Program Addendum to the Authorized Apple Dealer Sales Agreement dated August 29, 1996**** 10.29 Amendment to Agreement for Wholesale Financing dated February 25, 1997**** 10.30 Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 27, 1997 between Creative Computers, Inc. and Elek-Tek, Inc.*** 10.31 Business Credit and Security Agreement dated October 14, 1997 between Deutsche Financial Service Corporation and Elek-Tek Acquisition Corp.*** 10.32 Business Credit and Security Agreement dated October 14, 1997 between Deutsche Financial Service Corporation and Creative Computers, Inc.*** 10.33 Asset Purchase Agreement dated August 29, 1997 between Creative Computers, Inc. and ComputAbility, Ltd. 32 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. Exhibit Index Exhibit Number Description - -------------- ----------- 13.1 Consolidated Financial Statements and Report of Independent Accountants 21.1 Subsidiaries** 23.1 Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP 24.1 Power of Attorney 27.1 Financial Data Schedule (filed with EDGAR version only) * Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (33-89572) declared effective on April 4, 1995. ** Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (33-95416) declared effective on August 23, 1995. *** Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 8-K dated [October 11, 1997] **** Incorporated by reference from the Company's 1996 Form 10-K dated [March 27, 1996]. 33 EX-13.1 2 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS EXHIBIT 13.1 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Report of Independent Accountants F-2 Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1997 and 1996 F-3 Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 F-4 Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 F-5 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 F-6 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-7
F-1 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 14 (a) (1) and (2) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Creative Computers, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above. PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP Costa Mesa, California February 4, 1998, except as to Note 12 which is as of March 20, 1998 F-2 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (in thousands, except share data)
December 31, ------------------- 1997 1996 -------- -------- ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,018 $ 17,329 Securities available for sale (Note 1) - 521 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,859 and $2,134, respectively 42,455 19,948 Inventories (Note 1) 44,723 55,092 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,894 3,410 Income tax refund receivable (Notes 1 and 5) 469 1,753 Deferred income taxes (Notes 1 and 5) 2,484 4,284 -------- -------- Total current assets 101,043 102,337 Property, plant and equipment, net (Notes 1 and 2) 14,788 10,909 Goodwill, net (Notes 1 and 10) 15,141 - Other assets 182 185 -------- -------- $131,154 $113,431 ======== ======== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable (Note 3) $ 45,958 $ 50,770 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 13,275 8,684 Line of credit (Note 3) 9,956 - Capital leases--current portion (Note 2) 207 243 Notes payable--current portion (Note 4) 23 40 -------- --------- Total current liabilities 69,419 59,737 Capital leases (Note 2) 148 293 Notes payable (Note 4) 348 32 Deferred income taxes (Notes 1 and 5) 1,469 564 -------- --------- Total liabilities 71,384 60,626 Stockholders' equity: Common stock, $.001 par value; authorized 15,000,000 shares; 10,105,258 and 9,791,825 shares issued 10 10 Preferred stock, $.001 par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding Additional paid in capital 56,772 53,932 Treasury stock, at cost: 15,000 shares (91) (91) Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) 3,079 (1,046) -------- -------- Total stockholders' equity 59,770 52,805 -------- -------- $131,154 $113,431 ======== ========
See notes to the consolidated financial statements F-3 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except per share data)
Year ended December 31, ------------------------------ 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- Net sales $546,131 $444,971 $420,877 Cost of goods sold 476,061 395,000 361,803 -------- -------- -------- Gross profit 70,070 49,971 59,074 Selling, general and administrative expenses 61,255 60,585 48,455 Expenses associated with the relocation of the Company's distribution center - - 1,389 Expenses associated with the relocation of the Company's headquarters (Note 11) 815 - - Expenses related to acquisition of Elek-Tek (Note 10) 1,470 - - -------- -------- -------- Income (loss) from operations 6,530 (10,614) 9,230 Interest income, net 118 593 371 -------- -------- -------- Income (loss) before income taxes 6,648 (10,021) 9,601 Income tax provision (benefit) (Notes 1 and 5) 2,523 (3,972) 3,754 -------- -------- -------- Net income (loss) $ 4,125 $ (6,049) $ 5,847 ======== ======== ======== Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.42 $ (0.62) $ 0.71 ======== ======== ======== Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.41 $ (0.62) $ 0.66 ======== ======== ======== Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding 9,895 9,767 8,291 ======== ======== ======== Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding 10,030 9,767 8,890 ======== ======== ========
See notes to the consolidated financial statements F-4 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (in thousands)
Common Stock Additional Retained ------------ Paid In Earnings Treasury Shares Amount Capital (Deficit) Stock Total ------ ------ ------- --------- ----- ----- Balance at December 31, 1994 4,900 $ 5 $ 52 $ 833 $ $ 890 Initial public offering, net 2,250 2 34,399 34,401 Exercise of warrant 2,100 2 4,948 4,950 Purchase of building from related parties (1,677) (1,677) Follow-on offering, net 500 1 12,148 12,149 Net income 5,847 5,847 ------ ----- ------- --------- ----- ------- Balance at December 31, 1995 9,750 10 51,547 5,003 56,560 Purchase of treasury stock (91) (91) Stock option exercises 42 239 239 Proceeds from director, net (Note 7) 2,146 2,146 Net loss (6,049) (6,049) ------ ----- ------- --------- ----- ------- Balance at December 31, 1996 9,792 10 53,932 (1,046) (91) 52,805 Issuance of stock in connection with acquisition (Note 10) 272 2,500 2,500 Stock option exercises, including related income tax benefit 41 340 340 Net income 4,125 4,125 ------ ----- ------- --------- ----- ------- Balance at December 31, 1997 10,105 $ 10 $56,772 $ 3,079 $ (91) $59,770 ====== ===== ======= ========= ===== =======
See notes to the consolidated financial statements F-5 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands)
Year ended December 31, ------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 -------- ------- -------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) $ 4,125 $(6,049) $ 5,847 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 2,337 1,955 1,254 Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes 2,350 (3,010) 651 Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 783 - 19 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Accounts receivable (5,112) (1,643) (12,578) Inventories 17,414 (3,066) (26,387) Prepaid expenses and other current assets 906 27 (2,201) Other assets 3 242 (344) Accounts payable (6,827) 4,164 17,160 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 1,064 550 5,677 Income taxes 1,723 (959) (1,888) -------- ------- -------- Total adjustments 14,641 (1,740) (18,637) -------- ------- -------- Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 18,766 (7,789) (12,790) Cash flows from investing activities: Redemptions of securities available for sale 1,536 31,805 135,597 Purchase of securities available for sale (1,015) (19,751) (148,172) Acquisition of Elek-Tek (Note 10) (9,083) - - Acquisition of ComputAbility (Note 10) (5,482) - - Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (3,276) (2,050) (7,900) Proceeds from sale of equipment 13 - - Increase in related party notes receivable - - (125) -------- ------- -------- Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (17,307) 10,004 (20,600) Cash flows from financing activities: Net line of credit payments (10,775) - (3,279) Payments under notes payable, net (81) (13) (1,044) Payments on notes payable-related parties - - (164) Subordinated debt borrowings - - 2,000 Proceeds from profits realized by Director in sale of stock - 2,146 - Principal payments of obligations under capital leases (254) (249) (939) Purchase of treasury stock - (91) - Proceeds from stock issued under stock option plans 340 239 - Net proceeds from initial and follow-on public offerings - - 46,550 -------- ------- -------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (10,770) 2,032 43,124 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (9,311) 4,247 9,734 Cash and cash equivalents: Beginning of period 17,329 13,082 3,348 -------- ------- -------- End of period $ 8,018 $17,329 $ 13,082 ======== ======= ========
See notes to the consolidated financial statements F-6 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands, except share data) 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES DESCRIPTION OF COMPANY Creative Computers, Inc. (the "Company") is a direct marketer of personal computer hardware, software and peripheral products founded in 1987. During 1997, the Company acquired and assimilated two marketers of personal computer hardware and software products, Elek-Tek, Inc. and ComputAbility, Inc. In November 1997, the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, uBid, to sell computer related products and consumer electronics through an auction format on the Internet. The Company offers products to individual consumers, home offices, small businesses and large corporations through direct response catalogs, dedicated inbound and outbound telemarketing sales executives, a direct sales force, retail showrooms and advertising on the Internet. The Company offers a broad selection of products through its distinctive, full-color catalogs, MacMall, PC Mall, DataCom Mall and ComputAbility, the Company's worldwide websites on the Internet, and other promotional materials. USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the respective reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. CASH EQUIVALENTS All highly liquid investments with initial maturities of three months or less are considered cash equivalents. F-7 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands, except share data) SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" effective January 1, 1995. In accordance with the principles thereunder, the Company has classified its investments as securities available for sale and has reported them at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in equity. Unrealized gains or losses were not material at December 31, 1997 or 1996. Realized gains or losses are determined on the specific identification method and are reported in income. INVENTORIES Inventories consist of computer hardware, software and peripheral products, and are stated at cost (determined under the first-in, first-out cost method) or market, whichever is lower. The Company had reserves of approximately $5,364 and $6,304 for demonstration inventory, lower of cost or market pricing and potential excess and obsolete inventory at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. DEFERRED ADVERTISING COSTS AND REVENUE The Company produces and circulates catalogs at various dates throughout the year. The Company receives market development funds and cooperative (co-op) advertising funds from vendors included in each catalog. These funds are recognized based on sales taken over the life of the catalog, which approximates eight weeks. The costs of developing and circulating each catalog are deferred and charged to advertising expense in the same time period as the co-op funds based on sales over the life of the catalog. Advertising expense, net of advertising revenue earned, included in selling, general and administrative expenses, was approximately $1,397, $8,155 and $11,500 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. Deferred advertising costs were approximately $2,105 and $2,800 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue on product sales is recognized at the time of shipment. The Company's return policy provides for a 30-day money back guarantee on certain items. An allowance for potential product returns is established based upon historical trends. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment (including equipment acquired under capital leases) are stated at cost and are depreciated using straight-line methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows: Furniture and fixtures 5 - 7 years Leasehold improvements Life of lease--not to exceed 15 years Computer, machinery and equipment 3 - 7 years Building 31.5 years
F-8 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands, except share data) DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The carrying amount of cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying amount of the Company's notes payable approximate fair value based upon the current rates offered to the Company for obligations of the same remaining maturities. GOODWILL Goodwill resulting from acquisitions is amortized on a straight-line method over periods not exceeding twenty-five years and is subject to periodic review for impairment. Accumulated amortization at December 31, 1997 and 1996 was $90 and $0, respectively. Amortization expense totaled $90 in fiscal 1997. Goodwill arose from the acquisitions consummated in 1997 (Note 10). ACCOUNTING FOR THE IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS The Company reviews long-lived assets and certain intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In the event the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset's carrying value over its fair value is recorded. The Company has recognized no such losses. INCOME TAXES (BENEFIT) The Company accounts for income taxes under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the tax bases and financial reporting amounts of existing assets and liabilities. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The provision (benefit) for income taxes represents the income tax payable for the period and the change during the period in deferred income tax assets and liabilities. INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE Effective in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings per Share" (SFAS 128) and related interpretations. SFAS 128 requires dual presentation of Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share (Basic EPS) and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share (Diluted EPS). Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reported periods. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options and other commitments to issue common stock were exercised using the treasury stock method. Earnings (loss) per share have been restated for all periods to reflect the adoption of SFAS 128. F-9 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands, except share data) The composition of Basic and Diluted EPS is as follows:
Year ended December 31, ----------------------- 1997 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- Net income (loss) $ 4,125 $ (6,049) $ 5,847 =========== ========== ========== Weighted average shares - Basic 9,895,179 9,766,863 8,291,328 Effect of dilutive stock options and warrants 135,238 - 598,216 ----------- ---------- ---------- Weighted average shares - Diluted 10,030,417 9,766,863 8,889,544 =========== ========== ========== Net income (loss) per share - Basic $ 0.42 $ (0.62) $ 0.71 =========== ========== ========== Net income (loss) per share - Diluted $ 0.41 $ (0.62) $ 0.66 =========== ========== ==========
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION The Company accounts for employee stock based compensation in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations. The disclosures required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (SFAS 123), have been included in Note 8. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" (SFAS 130), which will become effective in 1998. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 130 to have a material impact on its reported consolidated financial condition or results of operations. In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" (SFAS 131), which will become effective in 1998. SFAS 131 establishes standards for the way publicly-held companies report information about operating segments as well as disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 131 to have a material effect on its reported consolidated financial condition or results of operations. F-10 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands, except share data) RECLASSIFICATIONS Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1995 and 1996 financial statement balances to conform to the 1997 presentation. 2. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment consist of the following as of December 31:
1997 1996 ---- ---- Furniture and fixtures $ 2,907 $ 1,943 Leasehold improvements 3,483 2,739 Computer, machinery and equipment 10,257 8,685 Building 2,827 912 Land 1,446 911 ------- ------- 20,920 15,190 Less accumulated depreciation (6,132) (4,281) ------- ------- $14,788 $10,909 ======= =======
The Company leases certain equipment under capital leases. The following is a summary of this equipment as of December 31:
1997 1996 ---- ---- Computer, machinery and equipment $ 1,705 $ 1,724 Furniture and fixtures 372 372 ------- ------- 2,077 2,096 Less accumulated depreciation (1,660) (1,327) ------- ------- $ 417 $ 769 ======= =======
The following is a schedule of future minimum payments required under capital leases, together with their estimated present value as of December 31, 1997: 1998 $ 216 1999 153 2000 6 2001 and thereafter - ----- Total minimum lease payments 375 Less amount representing interest (20) ----- Present value of minimum lease payments 355 Current portion (207) ----- $ 148 =====
F-11 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands, except share data) 3. LINE OF CREDIT As of December 31, 1997, the Company had advances of $16,340 pursuant to a $80,000 line of credit with a finance company. The advances outstanding at December 31,1997 are comprised of $9,956 of working capital loans borrowed in connection with the acquisition of Elek-Tek (Note 10) and $6,384 of floorplan inventory financing to purchase inventory, which is included in accounts payable. The line of credit allows working capital advances up to $47,500 and floorplan inventory financing up to $50,000, however, total advances and floorplan financing cannot exceed $80,000. Working capital advances are also limited to eligible accounts receivable and inventory collateral. The line of credit is secured by substantially all of the Company's assets and is cancelable upon 90 days' advance notice. Interest for amounts owed for working capital advances are calculated at the finance company's prime rate (8.25% at December 31, 1997). Floorplan financing does not bear interest if paid within an average of 45 days of the inventory purchase date. Interest on floorplan financing not paid within an average of 45 days is charged at the finance company's prime rate plus 2% (10.25% at December 31, 1997 and 1996). The line of credit requires that the Company maintain a minimum tangible net worth, a minimum pretax earnings to interest expense ratio and limits debt as a ratio to tangible net worth. At December 31, 1997, the Company was in compliance with these covenants. 4. NOTES PAYABLE The Company is obligated under the following notes payable at December 31:
1997 1996 ---- ---- Various notes dated June 1992 to March 1996. Interest payable at 9% per annum. Certain notes require monthly payments of approximately $2; others are payable on demand. Certain notes are guaranteed by the Company's founding stockholders. $371 $ 72 Less current portion (23) (40) ---- ---- $348 $ 32 ==== ====
Maturities of notes payable, subsequent to December 31, 1997 are as follows: $23 in 1998, $192 in 1999, $7 in 2000, $149 thereafter. F-12 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands, except share data) 5. INCOME TAXES The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following for the years ended December 31:
1997 1996 1995 ------ -------- ------ Current Federal $ 103 $(1,011) $2,459 State 70 49 644 ------ ------- ------ 173 (962) 3,103 Deferred Federal 2,101 (2,514) 598 State 249 (496) 53 ------ ------- ------ 2,350 (3,010) 651 ------ ------- ------ $2,523 $(3,972) $3,754 ====== ======= ======
The provision (benefit) for income taxes differed from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate to income (loss) before income taxes due to the effects of the following:
1997 1996 1995 ---- ----- ---- Expected taxes at federal statutory tax rate 34.0 % (34.0)% 34.0% State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 5.0 % (4.6) 5.0 Other (1.0)% (1.0) 0.1 ----- ------ ---- 38.0 % (39.6)% 39.1% ===== ====== =====
The significant components of deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows at December 31:
1997 1996 ------- ------- Accounts receivable $ 530 $ 776 Inventory 1,326 2,347 Prepaid expenses - (10) Accrued expenses and reserves 359 830 Allowance for sales returns 170 166 Section 481 adjustments 21 (43) Tax credits and loss carryforwards 143 226 Property, plant and equipment (1,222) (798) Amortization (340) - Other 28 226 ------- ------ Net deferred tax asset $ 1,015 $3,720 ======= ======
At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company had various state net operating loss carryforwards ranging in amounts from $48 to $1,025 and $505 to $871, respectively. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company had federal and state capital loss carryforwards of $71, which begin to expire in 2001. The Company also had state tax credit carryforwards of $208 and $199, respectively, which begin to expire in 2011. F-13 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands, except share data) 6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES LEASES The Company occupies office and warehouse space under various operating leases with independent parties which provide for minimum annual rentals and escalations based on increases in real estate taxes and other operating expenses. Minimum annual rentals at December 31, 1997 were as follows: 1998 $ 2,559 1999 2,474 2000 2,686 2001 2,663 2002 2,016 Thereafter 1,564 ------- Total $13,962 =======
In 1997, 1996 and 1995 rent expense was $1,978, $1,408 and $863, respectively. Some of the leases contain renewal options, escalation clauses and require the Company to pay taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Various claims and actions, considered normal to the Company's business, have been asserted and are pending against the Company. The Company believes that such claims and actions will not have any material adverse effect upon the Company's financial position or results of operations. 7. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING On April 4, 1995, the Company completed an initial public offering (the Offering) of 2,250,000 shares of common stock at an offering price of $17.00 per share. Net proceeds to the Company were $34,401, after deducting the underwriting discount and other costs associated with the Offering. In connection with the Offering, the Company purchased a retail showroom location previously owned by the Company's majority stockholders by repaying the indebtedness on the property of approximately $1,297, canceling related party notes receivable in the principal amounts of $1,646 and $125 (additional borrowings in April 1995), making a payment of approximately $181 to the stockholders, and recording a payable to a related company for $251 (which was paid in May 1995). The aggregate purchase price for the property was $3,500, an amount determined by the Board of Directors to be the current fair value of the property based on an appraisal. However, the property has been recorded in the Company's financial statements at the majority stockholders' historical cost of $1,823 which resulted in a reduction in the Company's retained earnings of $1,677. F-14 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands, except share data) FOLLOW-ON OFFERING On August 23, 1995, the Company completed a follow-on offering for 2,300,000 shares of common stock, of which 500,000 shares were sold by the Company, at an offering price of $26.25 per share. Net proceeds to the Company were $12,149 after deducting the underwriting discount and other costs associated with this offering. PROCEEDS FROM PROFITS REALIZED BY DIRECTOR IN THE SALE OF STOCK In June 1996, the Company recorded additional paid in capital in the amount of $2,146, net of expenses, which represents cash contributed to the Company associated with profits realized in the sale of stock by a Director pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. 8. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 401(k) SAVINGS PLAN Effective January 1, 1994, the Company adopted a 401(k) Savings Plan which covers substantially all full-time employees who meet the plan's eligibility requirements. Participants may make tax-deferred contributions of up to 15% of annual compensation (subject to other limitations specified by the Internal Revenue Code). In December 1995, the Company amended the 401(k) Savings Plan to make a 25% matching contribution for amounts which do not exceed 4% of the participants annual compensation. During 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Company incurred approximately $84, $66 and $5, respectively, of expenses related to the 401(k) matching component of this plan. 1994 EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN In November 1994, the Board of Directors and stockholders of the Company approved the 1994 Stock Option Plan (the 1994 Plan), which provides for the grant of stock options to employees and consultants of the Company. Under the 1994 Plan, the Company may grant options ("Incentive Stock Options") within the meaning of Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or options not intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options ("Nonstatutory Stock Options"). A total of 1,950,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options granted under the 1994 Plan. As of December 31, 1997, 1,035,304 shares of authorized but unissued common stock are available for future grants under the 1994 Plan. All options granted through December 31, 1997 have been Nonstatutory Stock Options. The 1994 Plan is administered by the Compensation and Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors. Subject to the provisions of the 1994 Plan, the Committee has the authority to select the employees and consultants to whom options are granted and determine the terms of each option, including (i) the number of shares of common stock covered by the option, (ii) when the option becomes exercisable, (iii) the option exercise price, which must be at least 100%, with respect to Incentive Stock Options, and at least 85%, with respect to Nonstatutory Stock Options, of the fair market value of the common stock as of the date of grant, and (iv) the duration of the option (which may not exceed ten years). All options are nontransferable other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. F-15 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands, except share data) 1995 DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION PLAN (all share data stated in numbers of shares - - not rounded in thousands) The Company adopted the Directors' Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (the "Director Plan") in 1995. A total of 50,000 shares of Common Stock are reserved for issuance under the Director Plan of which options to purchase 23,000 shares have been granted as of December 31, 1997. Under the Director Plan each non-employee director of the Company ("Non- Employee Director") receives a non-qualified option to purchase 2,000 shares of Common Stock (an "Initial Grant") upon his or her first election or appointment to the Board of Directors. In addition, the Director Plan provides that each Non-Employee Director who is a director immediately prior to an annual meeting of the Company's stockholders and who continues to be a director after such meeting will be granted an option to purchase 1,000 shares of Common Stock (a "Subsequent Grant"); provided that no Subsequent Grant will be made to any Non- Employee Director who has not served as a director of the Company, as of the time of such annual meeting, for at least one year. On July 8, 1997, the Subsequent Grant was amended to 5,000 options. The exercise price per share of each option granted under the Director Plan will be the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock on the date the option is granted. Options granted under the Director Plan vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant, subject to earlier vesting upon a change of control or corporate transaction. The following table summarizes stock option activity:
Weighted Average Number Exercise Price -------- -------------- Outstanding at December 31, 1994 178,360 $ 5.50 Granted 347,400 24.59 Canceled (45,200) 23.64 Exercised - - -------- ------ Outstanding at December 31, 1995 480,560 17.60 Granted 576,200 8.51 Canceled (294,221) 9.00 Exercised (41,825) 5.66 -------- ------ Outstanding at December 31, 1996 720,714 6.36 Granted 351,750 7.61 Canceled (176,593) 7.00 Exercised (41,694) 5.42 -------- ------ Outstanding at December 31, 1997 854,177 $ 6.80 ======== ======
On February 12, 1996, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors repriced all stock options granted from April 15, 1995 through February 12, 1996 to the closing price for the day of $9.50. On Saturday July 27, 1996, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors repriced all stock options (with exercise prices in excess of $6.00 per share) to $6.00 per share. The closing price per share on July 26, 1996 was $5.25. F-16 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands, except share data) Of the options outstanding at December 31, 1997 and 1996, options to purchase 274,914 and 144,531 shares were exercisable at weighted average prices of $6.21 and $5.85 per share, respectively. There were no exercisable options at December 31, 1995. The following table summarizes information concerning currently outstanding and exercisable stock options:
Options exercisable at Options Outstanding at December 31, 1997 December 31, 1997 -------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- Weighted- Weighted- Weighted Average Average Average Range of Number Remaining Exercise Number Exercise Exercise Prices Outstanding Contractual Life Price Exercisable Price - -------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- $5.25 to $7.63 760,377 8.5 $6.20 261,266 $5.98 $9.00 to $13.56 93,800 9.4 11.62 13,648 10.57 --------------- -------------- 854,177 274,914 =============== ==============
The Company accounts for these Plans under APB Opinion No. 25. Had compensation expense for these Plans been determined consistent with SFAS 123, the Company's net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share would have been reduced (increased) to the pro forma amounts in the following table. The SFAS 123 method of accounting has not been applied to options prior to December 31, 1994.
Year ended December 31, ------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 ------------- ------------- -------- Net income (loss) As Reported $4,125 $(6,049) $ 5,847 Pro Forma $3,549 $(7,478) $ 5,491 Diluted net income (loss) per share As Reported $ 0.41 $ (0.62) $ 0.66 Pro Forma $ 0.37 $ (0.77) $ 0.61
The fair value of each stock option grant has been estimated pursuant to SFAS 123 on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
1997 1996 ----------- ------------ Risk free interest rates 6.34% 6.23% Expected dividend yield none none Expected lives 6 yrs. 5 yrs. Expected volatility 80.0% 60.0%
The weighted average grant date fair values of options granted under the Plans during 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $5.55, $2.75 and $14.14, respectively. F-17 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands, except share data) 9. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
1997 1996 1995 ------------ ------------ ----------- Cash paid during the year ending December 31: Interest $ 488 $119 $ 485 Income taxes $ 538 $ 74 $5,260 Non-cash investing and financing activities: Borrowing incurred in connection with the acquisition of Elek-Tek. Inc. $20,731 -- -- Equipment acquired under capital lease obligations $ 73 -- $ 228 Notes payable assumed in connection with acquisition of ComputAbility $ 380 Conversion of subordinated debt to equity -- -- $4,950 Cancellation of related party notes receivable in connection with acquisition of retail showroom -- -- $1,771 Acquisition of retail showroom purchased from a related party - noncash portion -- -- $ 94
10. ACQUISITIONS On August 29, 1997, the Company acquired the assets and assumed the liabilities of Milwaukee-based ComputAbility, Ltd., a privately held direct market reseller of PC/WINTEL hardware, peripheral and software products, for $8,000 consisting of $5,500 paid in cash and the remainder through the issuance of 271,739 shares of Creative common stock valued at $2,500. The acquisition of ComputAbility has been accounted for using the purchase method and the results of ComputAbility have been combined with those of the Company since the date of acquisition. The total cost of the acquisition exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed by $6,763 and, accordingly, the excess has been recorded as goodwill and is being amortized on a straight- line basis over 25 years. On October 15, 1997, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Elek-Tek, Inc. (Elek-Tek), a Delaware corporation for a purchase price of $29.4 million plus direct costs of the acquisition pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 17, 1997, as amended. The acquisition was completed as a result of bankruptcy court approval of the agreement signed by Creative and Elek-Tek in connection with the September 17, 1997 filing by Elek-Tek for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Elek-Tek will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Such assets consisted primarily of accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, certain intangibles and customer lists and the businesses associated with mail order, direct sales and retail activities. F-18 CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands, except share data) The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. Accordingly, the results of Elek-Tek, Inc. have been combined with those of the Company since the date of acquisition. The Company borrowed $20.7 million of the purchase price from Deutsche Financial Services Corporation, and the remaining $8.7 million was paid in cash. The purchase price was allocated to the net assets acquired based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the net assets acquired of $8,468 is being amortized on a straight line basis over 25 years. In connection with the acquisition of Elek- Tek, the Company incurred expenses of $1,470 in the fourth quarter of 1997. These expenses related primarily to transitioning Elek-Tek's sales force and customer base into Creative Computers. The following table reflects unaudited pro forma combined results of operations of the Company, ComputAbility and Elek-Tek as if these acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of fiscal 1996. However, these pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations that would have occurred.
Year ended December 31, ----------------------- 1997 1996 - ------------ Net sales $791,345 $835,024 Net income (loss) $ 1,046 $(13,391) Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.10 $ (1.33)
11. HEADQUARTERS MOVE Due to the Company's growth, its current headquarters and telemarketing facilities in Torrance, California were not adequate to house future operations. In November, the Company completed its consolidation of its two facilities into a 160,000 square foot building in a nearby location in Torrance, CA. The Company plans to phase in the occupancy of the entire facility over a two-year period, initially leasing approximately one third of the building. The charge associated with the move was $815, and was expensed in the fourth quarter. 12. SUBSEQUENT EVENT During February 1998, the Company closed its Indiana retail showroom. On March 20, 1998, the Company closed six retail showrooms to focus its efforts on its catalog, corporate and Internet channels of distribution. The Company expects to incur a one-time restructuring charge during the first quarter of 1998 relating to exit costs, asset write-offs, other charges and goodwill related to the retail showroom closures. The Company has not yet determined the amount of this charge. F-19 SCHEDULE II CREATIVE COMPUTERS, INC. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts For the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 (in thousands)
Balance at Additions Deduction Balance Beginning Charged to from at End of Year Operations Reserves of Year ---------- ---------- --------- ------- Allowance for doubtful accounts for the year ended: December 31, 1995 523 996 154 1,365 December 31, 1996 1,365 2,041 1,272 2,134 December 31, 1997 2,134 5,680 4,955 2,859 Reserve for inventory for the year ended: December 31, 1995 769 1,088 438 1,419 December 31, 1996 1,419 6,432 1,547 6,304 December 31, 1997 6,304 6,548 7,488 5,364
F-20 EX-10.33 3 ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT Asset Purchase Agreement ------------------------ among CCI Acquisition Corp as Buyer and Creative Computers, ------------------ on the one hand and ComputAbility Limited, --------------------- as Seller and Marcia Rose, Gary Rose and Burton Slotky, ---------------------------------------- on the other hand TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE RECITALS 1 TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1 ARTICLE I PURCHASE AND SALE 1 1.1 Purchase and Sale 1 1.2 Description of "Acquired Assets" 2 1.2.1 Inventory 2 1.2.2 Accounts Receivable 2 1.2.3 Cash and Cash Equivalents; Securities 2 1.2.4 Prepaid Expenses; Deferred Charges 2 [1.2.5 Vendor Contracts 2 1.2.6 Customer and Supplier Lists. 2 1.2.7 Machinery and Equipment 2 1.2.8 Furniture and Fixtures 2 1.2.9 Intellectual Property 2 1.2.10 Real Property 3 1.2.11 Contracts 3 1.2.12 Business Software 3 1.2.13 Governmental Permits 3 1.2.14 Books and Records 3 1.3 Description of Excluded Assets 3 1.3.1 Real Property Lease 3 1.3.2 Certain Excluded Assets 3 1.3.3 Other Books and Records; Corporate Documents 3 1.3.4 Employee Personal Property 4 1.4 Consents Not Obtained by Closing 4 1.5 Liabilities Assumed 4 1.5.1 Accounts Payable 4 1.5.2 Certain Accrued Liabilities. 4 1.5.3 Liabilities Under Equipment Leases and Other Contracts 5 1.5.4 Liabilities for Conduct of Business After Closing 5 1.6 Excluded Liabilities 5 1.6.1 Tort and Product Liabilities 5 1.6.2 Employee and Agent Liabilities 5 1.6.3 Environmental Costs 5 1.6.4 Certain Liabilities Related to Contracts 6 1.6.5 Undisclosed Liability 6 1.6.6 Litigation Liabilities 6 PAGE 1.6.7 Liabilities for Violation of Law 6 1.6.8 Liabilities for Infringement 6 1.6.9 Liabilities Related to Excluded Assets 6 1.6.10 Liabilities to Related Entities 6 1.6.11 Insured Liabilities 6 1.6.12 Liabilities to Brokers 7 1.6.13 Tax Liabilities 7 1.6.14 Employee Benefit Plan 7 1.6.15 Liabilities from Prior Operation of the Business 7 1.7 Purchase Price and Payment Thereof. 7 1.7.1 Purchase Price 7 1.7.2 Payment of Delivery of Purchase Price. 7 1.7.3 Holdback Amount. 7 1.8 Closing Balance Sheet. 8 1.8.1 Reserves. 8 1.8.2 Adequacy of Reserves and Accruals. 8 1.9 Sales and Use Taxes. 9 1.10 Allocation of Purchase Price. 9 1.11 Closing; Closing Date 9 ARTICLE II SELLER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES 9 2.1 Organization, Good Standing 9 2.2 Authority 9 2.3 Title to Acquired Assets 10 2.4 Compliance with Laws. 10 2.5 Seller's Financial Condition 10 2.5.1 Sellers Financial Statements. 10 2.5.2 Absence of Certain Changes. 10 2.5.3 No Undisclosed Liabilities. 11 2.6 Execution and Performance of Agreement Causes No Violation 11 2.7 Inventory 11 2.8 Accounts Receivable. 12 PAGE 2.9 Vendor Agreements 12 2.10 Vendors, Distributors and Customers 12 2.11 Contracts and Other Agreements. 13 2.12 Mailing List Information 13 2.13 Intellectual Property. 14 2.13.1 Marks 15 2.13.2 Trade Secrets 15 2.13.3 Patents 15 2.13.4 Copyrights 15 2.13.5 Software 16 2.13 Licenses 16 2.15 Other Representations with Respect to the Intellectual Property 16 2.16 No Finders' and Brokers' Fees. 17 2.17 Consents to Assignment. 17 2.17 Fixed Assets 17 2.19 No Proceedings 17 2.19 Governmental Permits. 17 2.21 Insurance 18 2.22 Taxes 18 2.23 Real Property 19 2.23.1 Generally 19 2.23.2 Improvements 19 2.23.3 Leases 19 2.23.4 Compliance with Land Use Laws and Regulations 19 2.23.5 Utilities 20 2.24 Employees 20 2.25 Employee Benefit Plans 20 2.26 Labor Matters 20 PAGE 2.27 Hazardous Materials 21 2.27.1 Use, Storage, Disposition of Hazardous Materials 21 2.27.2 Asbestos; PCBs; Underground Tanks 22 2.27.3 Environmental Litigation 22 2.27.4 Compliance 22 2.27.5 Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Materials Laws Definitions 22 2.28 Affiliates and Joint Ventures 23 2.29 Condition of Certain Assets 23 2.30 Assets Sufficient for Conduct of Business 23 2.31 Investment Representation 23 2.32 Documents Delivered 23 2.33 Material Misstatements or Omissions 23 ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER AND PARENT 24 3.1 Organization and Good Standing 24 3.2 Authority 24 3.3 No Finders' and Brokers' Fees 24 3.4 Execution and Performance of Agreement Causes No Violation 24 3.5 Material Misstatements or Omission 25 ARTICLE IV CERTAIN COVENANTS OF SELLERS 25 4.1 Conduct of Business. 25 4.1.1 Diligent Conduct 25 4.1.2 Properties and Assets 25 4.1.3 Contracts 26 4.1.4 Insurance 26 4.1.5 Compensation and Hiring of Employees 26 4.1.6 Dividends 26 4.2 Access and Information 26 4.3 Certain Provisions Relating to Employees. 26 4.3.1 Transfer of Employees to Buyer 26 PAGE 4.3.2 Effect of Hire by Buyer 27 4.3.3 Certain Liabilities of Sellers with respect to Employees 27 4.4 Compliance with Laws Related to Employees 27 4.5 Nondisclosure of Confidential Information 27 4.6 Injunctive Relief 28 4.7 Real Property Purchase 28 4.7.1 Title 28 4.7.2 Survey 28 4.7.3 Objections to Title 28 4.8 Further Assurances and Disclosures 29 4.9 No Shopping 29 4.10 Change of Name 29 4.11 Termination of 401(k) Plan 29 4.12 Delivery of Updated Schedules 29 ARTICLE V COVENANTS OF BUYER AND PARENT 29 5.1 Certain Dividends 30 5.2 Parent Guarantee 30 5.3 Resale Certificate 30 ARTICLE VI CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING 30 6.1 Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Buyer. 30 6.1.1 Correctness of Representations and Warranties 30 6.1.2 Performance of Covenants and Agreements 30 6.1.3 Receipt of Consents; Compliance With Law. 30 6.1.4 Employment Agreements 31 6.1.5 Noncompetition Agreement 31 6.1.6 Registration Rights Agreement 31 6.1.7 Escrow Agreement 31 6.1.8 Environmental Due Diligence 31 6.1.9 Lease Agreement 31 6.1.10 Title Policies 31 6.1.11 Real Property Purchase Agreement 31 PAGE 6.1.12 Receipt of Opinion of Seller's Counsel 32 6.1.13 Termination of 401(k) Plan 32 6.1.14 Governmental Action 32 6.1.15 No Proceeding 32 6.1.16 Receipt of Documents Necessary to Transfer Acquired Assets. 32 6.1.17 No Material Adverse Change 32 6.2 Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Sellers 32 6.2.1 Correctness of Representations and Warranties 32 6.2.2 Performance of Covenants and Agreements 33 6.2.3 Registration Rights Agreement 33 6.2.4 Lease Agreement 33 6.2.5 Employment Agreements 33 6.2.6 Escrow Agreement 33 6.2.7 Receipt of Certain Agreements 33 6.2.8 Receipt of Opinion of Counsel to Buyer 33 6.2.9 Real Property Purchase Agreement 33 6.2.10 Governmental Action 33 6.2.11 No Proceeding. 33 ARTICLE VII CERTAIN MUTUAL COVENANTS 34 7.1 Expenses 34 7.2 Public Statements 34 7.3 Confidentiality 34 7.4 Other Actions. 34 7.5 Access to Records by Sellers 35 7.6 Access to Records by Buyer 35 ARTICLE VIII INDEMNIFICATIONS 35 8.1 Seller and Owners Promise to Indemnify 35 8.2 Buyer's and Parent's Promise to Indemnify 36 8.3 Procedure for Indemnification of Third Party Claims. 36 8.3.1 Notice 36 8.3.2 Defense 37 8.3.3 Settlement 37 8.4 Interest 38 PAGE 8.5 Indemnification Amounts 38 8.5.1 Caps 38 8.5.2 No Limitations 38 8.5.3 Certain Other Specific Limitations 38 8.5.4 Basket 39 ARTICLE IX TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT OF AGREEMENT 39 9.1 Grounds for Termination. 39 9.1.1 Mutual Consent 39 9.1.2 Breach or Misrepresentation by Seller 39 9.1.3 Breach or Misrepresentation by Buyer. 39 9.1.4 Prohibition by Law 39 9.1.5 Failure to Close 39 9.2 Effect of Termination. 39 9.3 Expenses to be Borne by Each Party. 40 ARTICLE X GENERAL PROVISIONS 40 10.1 Schedules. 40 10.2 Further Assurances 40 10.3 Survival of Representations and Warranties. 40 10.3.1 Buyer Reliance 40 10.3.2 Survival Period 41 10.4 Notices 41 10.5 Assignment; No Third Party Beneficiaries 42 10.6 Remedies 42 10.7 Waiver 42 10.8 Entire Agreement; Amendments 42 10.9 Definitions. 43 10.9.1 List of Defined Terms 43 10.9.2 Accounting Terms 43 10.9.3 Certain Specific Terms 43 10.10 Severability 43 PAGE 10.11 Counterparts 43 10.12 Governing Law 43 Exhibit 10.33 ============= ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT ------------------------ THIS ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as --------- of August ___, 1997 by and among (1) CCI Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation ("Buyer") and Creative Computers Inc., a Delaware corporation ----- ("Parent"), on the one hand, and (2) ComputAbility Limited, a Wisconsin - -------- corporation ("Seller"), and Marcia Rose, Gary Rose and Burton Slotky ("Owners"), ------ ------ on the other hand. RECITALS -------- A. Seller desires to sell and Buyer desires to purchase from Seller substantially all of the operating assets of Seller on the terms and conditions set forth herein. B. In order to induce Seller and Owners to enter into this Agreement, Parent, the owner of all the issued and outstanding capital stock of Buyer, has agreed to guarantee the payment and performance of certain obligations of Buyer. C. In order to induce Buyer to enter into this Agreement, Owners, who collectively own all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Seller, have agreed to join in the representations and warranties and to provide certain indemnities as set forth herein. D. Defined terms used herein are defined in Sections of this Agreement referenced in Exhibit 10.9.1 of this Agreement. -------------- TERMS AND CONDITIONS -------------------- NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual covenants, agreements, representations and warranties contained in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows: ARTICLE I PURCHASE AND SALE ----------------- 1.1 Purchase and Sale. Upon the terms and subject to all of the ----------------- conditions contained herein, Seller hereby agrees to sell, assign, transfer and deliver to Buyer on the Closing Date, and Buyer hereby agrees to purchase, acquire and accept from Seller on the Closing Date, the Acquired Assets. Seller shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Buyer at the Closing appropriate bills of sale, assignments, deeds and/or other documents of conveyance necessary to effectuate and/or perfect the transfer of title to the Acquired Assets to Buyer as contemplated hereby on and as of the Closing Date, and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer. 1 1.2 Description of "Acquired Assets". The term "Acquired Assets" ------------------------------- --------------- shall mean all of the tangible and intangible assets and rights of every nature, kind and description, wherever located, relating to the Business, but not including the Excluded Assets. As used in this Agreement, the term "Business" means all activities and operations of Seller (including without -------- limitation Seller's computer, audio and video mail order business), in all cases as the same exist on the date of this Agreement and during the period through and including the Closing Date. The Acquired Assets include, but are not limited to, the following (except to the extent constituting Excluded Assets): 1.2.1 Inventory. All of the inventory and supplies owned by --------- Seller ("Inventory") and existing on the Closing Date. --------- 1.2.2 Accounts Receivable. All of the accounts receivable of ------------------- Seller ("Accounts Receivable") at the Closing Date. ------------------- 1.2.3 Cash and Cash Equivalents; Securities. Cash and cash ------------------------------------- equivalents and securities of Seller on hand as of the Closing Date. 1.2.4 Prepaid Expenses; Deferred Charges. Prepaid taxes, prepaid ---------------------------------- insurance and all other prepaid expenses and all deferred charges of Seller and existing on the Closing Date. 1.2.5 Vendor Contracts. All Seller's right, title and interest ---------------- in and under the Vendor Contracts set forth on Schedule 1.2.5 to the extent such -------------- right, title and interest is assignable. 1.2.6 Customer and Supplier Lists. All customer and supplier --------------------------- lists, mailing lists, databases related thereto, marketing studies and analysis of any kind whether performed by or on behalf of Seller, and all catalogs, brochures and handbooks relating to the Business and existing on the Closing Date. 1.2.7 Machinery and Equipment. All of Seller's right, title and ----------------------- interest in and to the machinery, equipment, vehicles, automobiles, computers and other data processing hardware and other tangible personal property of similar nature (but not including Furniture and Fixtures or Inventory) owned, leased to or otherwise used by Seller in connection with the Business and existing on the Closing Date ("Machinery and Equipment") to the extent such right, title and interest is assignable. 1.2.8 Furniture and Fixtures. All of Seller's right, title and ---------------------- interest in and to the office furniture, office equipment, fixtures and other tangible personal property of similar nature (but not including any Machinery and Equipment or Inventory) owned, leased to or otherwise used by Seller in connection with the Business and existing on the Closing Date ("Furniture and ------------- Fixtures"). - -------- 1.2.9 Intellectual Property. All of Seller's right, title and --------------------- interest in and to the Intellectual Property that exists on the Closing Date to the extent such right, title and interest is assignable. 2 1.2.10 Real Property. All of Seller's right, title and interest ------------- in and to the real property located at 7271 North 51st Boulevard, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 1.2.11 Contracts. All rights under contracts and other --------- agreements (other than real property leases) relating to the Business and existing on the Closing Date to the extent such rights are assignable. 1.2.12 Business Software. The accounting, inventory control and ----------------- other business related software used in connection with Seller's operation of the Business and/or in connection with the Machinery and Equipment and existing on the Closing Date to the extent such software is assignable. 1.2.13 Governmental Permits. All licenses, permits, approvals, -------------------- authorizations, applications and registrations from or with any Governmental Authority relating to the Business to the extent their transfer is permitted by Law ("Governmental Permits") and existing on the Closing Date. In this -------------------- Agreement, "Governmental Authority" means any administrative agency, commission, ---------------------- court, or other governmental agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, of competent jurisdiction. 1.2.14 Books and Records. The originals or, if not available, ----------------- copies of all books, records, files, plans, notebooks, production and sales data and other data relating to the Acquired Assets or the Assumed Liabilities, or used or held for use in the conduct of or reasonably necessary to operate the Business (other than as related to Excluded Assets or Excluded Liabilities which shall be retained by Seller), whether or not located at the place of business of Seller, and whether or not in tangible form or in the form of intangible computer storage media such as optical disks, magnetic disks, tapes and similar storage media ("Books and Records") existing on the Closing Date; provided, ----------------- however, that Seller shall be entitled to retain copies of any Books and Records the originals of which have been delivered to Buyer. 1.3 Description of Excluded Assets. Seller is not selling, and Buyer ------------------------------ is not purchasing, any of the following assets (the "Excluded Assets"): --------------- 1.3.1 Real Property Lease. Seller's right, title and interest as ------------------- lessee of the Seller's warehouse facility ("Warehouse Facility") under that ------------------ certain Lease Agreement dated January 1, 1996 between Seller as lessee and Marcia and Gary Rose as landlord; provided, however that it is contemplated that -------- ------- Buyer will enter into a new lease for the warehouse as provided in Section ------- 6.1.9. - ----- 1.3.2 Certain Excluded Assets. The assets of Seller, if any, set ----------------------- forth on Schedule 1.3.2, which schedule shall be prepared by Seller and -------------- agreed to by Buyer and attached hereto on the date of this Agreement. 1.3.3 Other Books and Records; Corporate Documents. All books, -------------------------------------------- records and other information relating exclusively to the Excluded Assets, and the originals of the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, corporate resolutions, minute books and stock transfer 3 ledgers of Seller and the tax returns and financial records of Seller and other similar materials; provided that Seller shall provide Buyer with copies of all such items upon Buyer's reasonable request. 1.3.4 Employee Personal Property. The personal property owned by -------------------------- Seller's employees or by Owners and which are used in the Business and set forth on Schedule 1.3.4. 1.4 Consents Not Obtained by Closing. Seller shall use its best -------------------------------- commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all Consents prior to the Closing. Five (5) business days prior to the Closing, Seller shall provide to Buyer a list of Consents which have not been obtained and Buyer shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, provide Seller with a list of those Consents Buyer shall require at Closing. To the extent that the assignment of any Acquired Asset to Buyer hereunder would violate any license, lease, agreement, commitment, contract or Governmental Permit with or from any third party shown on the list provided by Seller under this Section 1.4, this Agreement shall not constitute ----------- an agreement to assign such Acquired Asset. As to any Consent that is not obtained prior to the Closing, Seller and Buyer shall use reasonable efforts to obtain such Consents as promptly as possible after the Closing, and until such Consent is obtained, to cooperate in any reasonable arrangement (such as subcontracting, sublicensing or subleasing) allowable under the license, lease, agreement, commitment, contract or governmental permit designed to provide for Buyer all of the benefits of such Acquired Asset (including enforcement, at the cost of Seller and for the benefit of Buyer, of any and all rights of Seller arising out of the breach or cancellation of such license, lease, agreement, commitment, contract or Governmental Permit to the extent such breach or cancellation is unrelated to this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby). Buyer shall cooperate with Seller in obtaining all Consents, including the provision of all publicly available financial and other information reasonably necessary to obtain such Consents, but shall in no event be required to make any payment or pay any fee or charge in connection therewith or to undertake any obligation other than an Assumed Liability. Nothing in this Section 1.4 shall limit Buyer's discretion not to ----------- close based on a failure of any condition set forth in Section 6.1.3. ------------- 1.5 Liabilities Assumed. Upon the terms and subject to all of the ------------------- conditions contained herein, Buyer hereby agrees that it will assume at and as of the Closing, and satisfy, pay, perform, or otherwise discharge when due all of the liabilities and obligations that constitute Assumed Liabilities and no others. Buyer shall deliver to Seller at the Closing the appropriate documentation reasonably satisfactory to Seller and Seller's counsel, evidencing Buyer's assumption of the Assumed Liabilities at the Closing. In this Agreement, the term "Assumed Liabilities" means only the liabilities and obligations of ------------------- Seller; (a) relating directly or indirectly to the Acquired Assets; (b) arising from and after the Closing; and (c) the liabilities set forth in Section 1.5.1 ------------- through and including Section 1.5.4 but shall not include any Excluded ------------- Liabilities. 1.5.1 Accounts Payable. All accounts payable arising in the ---------------- ordinary course of business set forth on the Closing Balance Sheet. 1.5.2 Certain Accrued Liabilities. All categories of liabilities --------------------------- that were included on the balance sheet contained in the September 1996 Financial Statements existing on 4 the Closing Date and as shown on the Seller's Closing Balance Sheet which shall include: accrued profit sharing, inventory, reserves, bad debt, warranty reserves and flood damage. 1.5.3 Liabilities Under Equipment Leases and Other Contracts. ------------------------------------------------------ Liabilities arising from and after the Closing under the Vendor Contracts, leases of Machinery and Equipment or other personal property ("Equipment --------- Leases") and any other contracts constituting Acquired Assets under Section 1.2 - ------ ----------- to the extent assigned to Buyer. 1.5.4 Liabilities for Conduct of Business After Closing. ------------------------------------------------- Liabilities arising out of events or occurrences occurring from and after the Closing and related to the operation of the Acquired Assets from and after the Closing. 1.6 Excluded Liabilities. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary -------------------- notwithstanding, Buyer shall not assume, and shall not be deemed to have assumed, any liability or obligation, whether absolute, contingent or otherwise ("Liabilities") of Seller which is not expressly assumed by Buyer pursuant to ----------- Section 1.5 and shall not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any - ----------- Liabilities of Owners. All such Liabilities not specifically assumed by Buyer pursuant to Section 1.5 are referred to in this Agreement as the "Excluded ----------- -------- Liabilities." The Excluded Liabilities include, without limitation, the - ----------- following: 1.6.1 Tort and Product Liabilities. Any liability with respect ---------------------------- to the Business arising from accidents, occurrences, misconduct, negligence, breach of fiduciary duty or statements made or omitted to be made at or prior to the Closing, whether or not covered by workers' compensation or other forms of insurance in effect either at the time of the accident, occurrence or relevant conduct or at the time at which the claim with respect thereto is made, or any product liability, claims for injuries, property damage or other losses arising with respect to inventory of products existing at or prior to Closing whether or not sold at or prior to the Closing. 1.6.2 Employee and Agent Liabilities. Any Liability with respect ------------------------------ to the Business arising from tort, contract or otherwise to employees or agents of Seller, or persons asserting claims on their behalf, or in respect of their condition, injury or death, in any case arising from or related to a condition in existence or any act or omission occurring at or prior to the Closing, whether or not covered by workers' compensation or other forms of insurance in effect either at the time of the accident, act, omission or relevant conduct or at the time at which the claim with respect thereto is made, including any Liability relating to (a) any claim relating to an employee, employment compensation (except for wages earned but not yet paid at Closing and accrued vacation, both of which shall be Assumed Liabilities), benefits and similar matters (b) the termination of employment of any employee of Seller at or prior to the Closing, whether or not related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or to Buyer's employment of or failure to employ any of the Seller's employees, (c) any claim for any injury suffered, illness contracted, condition developed, or exposure received, by any employee or agent of Seller (including Liability incurred after the Closing for continuation of any such pre-existing injury, illness, condition or exposure) or (d) any claim based on alleged discrimination, harassment, or violation of any Law. 5 1.6.3 Environmental Costs. Any Liability for any Environmental ------------------- Costs. In this Agreement, "Environmental Costs" means all losses, Liabilities, ------------------- penalties, claims, fines, costs, damages, disbursements or expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever, including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses ("Costs") which may at any time be imposed upon, incurred by or asserted or ----- awarded against Seller, Owners, Buyer, or any Affiliate, Subsidiary, employee, agent, successor or assign of any of the foregoing in connection with or arising from (a) the presence of any Hazardous Materials on, in, under, emitted from or affecting all or any portion of the Acquired Assets or the Real Property at or prior to Closing (or any condition resulting therefrom); or (b) the transportation or presence at any other location of Hazardous Materials relating to the Business at or prior to the Closing (or any condition resulting therefrom), including any such Costs incurred as a result of any natural resource damages, or any violation of Hazardous Materials Laws or any investigation, site monitoring, containment, clean-up, removal, restoration or other remedial work. 1.6.4 Certain Liabilities Related to Contracts. Any Liability ---------------------------------------- arising out of a breach occurring at or prior to the Closing of any provision of a contract, and any misrepresentation or omission to make any statement at or prior to Closing related to any contract. 1.6.5 Undisclosed Liability. Any liability (including any --------------------- liability of a type or character which would otherwise be an Assumed Liability) related to matters not disclosed by Seller to Buyer hereunder. 1.6.6 Litigation Liabilities. Any Liability for any claim, or ---------------------- arising in any Proceeding relating to the Business, to the extent relating to any act, omission, event, occurrence or condition on or before the Closing, whether or not asserted, pending or threatened at or before the Closing. 1.6.7 Liabilities for Violation of Law. Any Liability for any -------------------------------- failure to comply with, or any violation of any Law relating to the Business, which failure or violation occurred at or prior to the Closing. 1.6.8 Liabilities for Infringement. Any Liability to the extent ---------------------------- relating to periods on or before the Closing for any infringement of the rights of any other Person relating to the use of the Intellectual Property, or any rights of any other Person relating to the Intellectual Property pursuant to any license, sublicense or agreement. 1.6.9 Liabilities Related to Excluded Assets. Any Liability -------------------------------------- under a contract or other agreement which is an Excluded Asset. 1.6.10 Liabilities to Related Entities. Any Liability of Seller ------------------------------- to any shareholder or Affiliate of Seller. 1.6.11 Insured Liabilities. Any Liability with respect to which ------------------- Seller receives insurance proceeds to the extent of such proceeds. 6 1.6.12 Liabilities to Brokers. Any Liability of Seller or Owners ---------------------- to any broker, finder or agent hired by Seller or Owners for any brokerage fees, finder's fees or commissions with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 1.6.13 Tax Liabilities. Any Liability of Seller or Owners for --------------- Taxes, including without limitation, (i) any Liability for Taxes arising as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement provided, however, that if Buyer fails to provide a resale certificate reasonably acceptable to Seller and Seller's counsel, any sales or use Taxes arising solely as a result of the failure to provide such certificate shall be Buyer's liability, (ii) any Liability for Taxes attributable to the assets or operations of Seller for any period prior to the Closing Date, and (iii) any Liability for the Taxes of any other Person, whether as a transferee or successor of such Person, by contract or otherwise. 1.6.14 Employee Benefit Plan. Any Liability related to any --------------------- Employee Benefit Plan. 1.6.15 Liabilities from Prior Operation of the Business. To the ------------------------------------------------ extent not specifically included in any of the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.6, all liabilities and obligations incurred in connection with the - ----------- operation of the Business up to and including the Closing Date, unless any such liability or obligation has been specifically identified as an Assumed Liability hereunder. 1.7 Purchase Price and Payment Thereof. ---------------------------------- 1.7.1 Purchase Price. As consideration for the sale, assignment, -------------- transfer and delivery of the Acquired Assets to Buyer, and upon the terms and subject to all of the conditions contained herein (and the performance by each of the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder), Buyer agrees to pay to Seller or deliver to or, at Seller's request, on behalf of Seller, as the case may be, the following, which is collectively referred to as the "Purchase Price". -------------- (a) Cash Component. Cash in the amount of Five Million -------------- Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($5,500,000) (the "Cash Component"). -------------- (b) Parent Stock. Four Hundred Thirty Seven Thousand Five ------------ Hundred (437,500) shares of the common stock of Parent ("Parent Stock"). ------------ 1.7.2 Payment and Delivery of Purchase Price. Subject to the -------------------------------------- terms and conditions of this Agreement, on the Closing Date (i) Buyer shall pay to Seller by wire transfer in immediately available funds to an account specified in writing by Seller an amount equal to the Cash Component minus the ----- Holdback Amount; (ii) Buyer shall wire transfer the Holdback Amount to an account with an escrow agent agreed upon by the parties; and (iii) Parent shall issue and deliver to Seller a stock certificate of Parent representing the Parent Stock. 1.7.3 Holdback Amount. The Holdback Amount is equal to $500,000. --------------- The rights of the parties to the Holdback Amount and all interests that accrues thereon will be set forth in an Escrow Agreement ("Escrow Agreement") between ---------------- Buyer, Seller and the escrow 7 agent. During the one year period following the Closing Date, Buyer may offset against the Holdback Amount (and interest accrued thereon), pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Escrow Agreement, any Indemnified Buyer Losses payable by Seller or Owners under Section 8.1. It is expressly agreed, however, ----------- that the Holdback Amount is merely a negotiated amount arrived at by the parties to facilitate the settlement of potential claims and shall in no way be construed as a limitation on Buyer's right to recover from Seller and/or Owners the full amount of any claim relating to any Indemnified Buyer Losses. If the aggregate amount owed by Seller and/or Owners to Buyer in respect of any such claims exceeds the Holdback Amount, Seller and/or Owners shall remain liable for the full amount thereof subject to the limitations set forth in Section 8.5, or ----------- otherwise contained in this Agreement. The remaining Holdback Amount (if any), together with interest less reductions thereto as set forth in the Escrow Agreement, shall be paid to Seller or its assigns by wire transfer in immediately available funds on the first anniversary of the Closing Date (or if such day is not a business day, on the first business day thereafter). 1.8 Closing Balance Sheet. --------------------- 1.8.1 Reserves. In the past Seller has not included in its -------- Financial Statements any reserves for bad debt, obsolete or slow moving inventory or other impaired assets. Within thirty (30) days after the Closing Date, Seller and Owners, with their accountants, shall prepare and deliver to Buyer a balance sheet of Seller as of the close of business on the Closing Date (the "Closing Balance Sheet"). The Closing Balance Sheet shall be prepared --------------------- consistently with the balance sheet contained in the September 1996 Financial Statements, but will include all reserves required under GAAP, based on the prior operating experience of Seller. Seller and Owners represent that the Closing Balance Sheet will be prepared from and in accordance with the books and records of Seller and in accordance with GAAP and shall be true and correct in all respects and shall fairly present the financial position of Seller as of the Closing Date. Seller and Owners represent that as of the Closing Seller will have no liabilities or obligations of any nature (contingent, absolute, direct, indirect, matured, unmatured, accrued or otherwise) except liabilities which are fully reflected or reserved against in the Closing Balance Sheet and which will be fully reflected or reserved against on the Closing Balance Sheet (which reserves will be appropriate and reasonable). Buyer and its representatives shall be entitled to review the work papers, schedules, memoranda and other documents used in preparing the Closing Balance Sheet and to observe and participate in the inventory count, if any, used in its preparation. Buyer shall notify Seller and Owners within 15 days after receipt of the Closing Balance Sheet of its agreement or disagreement with the Closing Balance Sheet. 1.8.2 Adequacy of Reserves and Accruals. Seller and Owners --------------------------------- represent and warrant that the reserves and the accruals for vacation, accrued profit sharing, inventory, bad debt, warranty reserve, if any, and flood damage that will be set forth on the Closing Balance Sheet, will not exceed the amounts set forth on Schedule 1.8.2 with respect to each such item. If the reserves -------------- established on the Closing Balance Sheet are not in fact adequate (as established, for example, by comparing actual collection of accounts receivable to the net receivables shown on the Closing Balance Sheet), Owners shall reimburse Buyer in cash for any shortfall upon submission by Buyer of reasonable evidence establishing such inadequacy. 8 1.9 Sales and Use Taxes. All sales and use Taxes imposed by any ------------------- Governmental Authority as a result of the transfer of the Acquired Assets hereunder shall be paid by Seller, provided, that, if Buyer fails to deliver to Seller on or prior to Closing a resale certificate reasonably acceptable to Seller and Seller's counsel, then any sales and use Taxes to the extent incurred solely as a result of such failure shall be paid by Buyer. Seller shall use its best efforts (including compliance with all applicable notice and filing requirements) to ensure that the purchase and sale contemplated by this Agreement will qualify for exemption from Wisconsin sales and use taxes. 1.10 Allocation of Purchase Price. The parties agree to treat the ---------------------------- purchase and sale contemplated by this transaction as a taxable transaction for all applicable tax purposes. The Purchase Price shall be allocated among the various categories of Acquired Assets as agreed by Buyer and Seller in accordance with Schedule 1.10. Each of the parties hereto agrees to report this ------------- transaction for federal and state income tax purposes in accordance with such allocation of the Purchase Price and Buyer and Seller agree to file IRS Form 8594 consistently therewith. 1.11 Closing; Closing Date. The closing ("Closing") of the --------------------- ------- transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall take place at the offices of Morrison & Foerster LLP, 555 West Fifth Street, Los Angeles, California at ______ a.m. on ___________ or on such other date and time and at such other place as may hereafter be agreed upon in writing by all of the parties hereto (the "Closing Date"). ------------ ARTICLE II SELLER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES --------------------------------------- Seller and each Owner jointly and severally represents and warrants to Buyer as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date (except that those representations and warranties which are stated as of a specific date shall, on the date of the signing and on the Closing Date, be true and correct as of said specified date) as follows: 2.1 Organization, Good Standing. Seller is a corporations duly --------------------------- organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Wisconsin. Seller is duly qualified and otherwise authorized as a foreign corporation to transact business and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction in which such qualification or authorization is required by Law and in which the failure so to qualify or be authorized could have a material adverse effect on such Seller's business or properties. 2.2 Authority. Seller has full corporate power and authority to own, --------- lease and operate its assets, properties and Business and to carry on its Business as it is now being and has since its organization been conducted. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Seller and the performance by Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors and the shareholders of Seller, and no other corporate action on the part of Seller is necessary to authorize this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Seller and each Owner and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Seller and each Owner, enforceable against each in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, 9 moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles. Seller and each Owner has the absolute and unrestricted right, power, authority and capacity to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its respective obligations hereunder. 2.3 Title to Acquired Assets. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.3, ------------------------ ------------ Seller is the lawful owner of and has the right to use and transfer to Buyer each of the Acquired Assets, free and clear of all mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, leases, pledges, charges, encumbrances, equities, claims under bailment and storage agreements, charges and restrictions ("Encumbrances"), other than ------------ liens, if any, for personal property taxes and assessments not yet due and payable. Buyer will obtain good and marketable title to the Acquired Assets, free and clear of all Encumbrances, except as set forth in Schedule 2.3, upon ------------ the delivery of bills of sale and consummation of the transaction contemplated in this Agreement. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.3 and approved by Buyer, ------------ all Encumbrances will be discharged or released on or before the Closing Date. There are no options or rights of first refusal to acquire the Acquired Assets that have previously been granted to any third party. 2.4 Compliance with Laws. Without limiting the representations and -------------------- warranties set forth elsewhere herein, except as set forth in Schedule 2.4, to ------------ Seller's and Owners' knowledge, Seller has, in all material respects, complied with all Laws applicable to the Business. 2.5 Seller's Financial Condition. ---------------------------- 2.5.1 Seller Financial Statements. Schedule 2.5.1 attached --------------------------- -------------- hereto contains a true and complete copy of (i) the balance sheet of Seller as of September 30, 1996 and its statement of income for its fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, all as compiled by Aronson Schroeder & Co., S.C., independent certified public accountants (herein collectively referred to as the "September 1996 Financial Statements"); and (ii) the balance sheet of Seller as ----------------------------------- of June 30, 1997, and its statement of income for the nine-month period then ended, all as prepared on behalf of Seller (herein collectively referred to as the "June 1997 Financial Statements"). Except as set forth on Schedule 2.5.1, ------------------------------ -------------- the September 1996 Financial Statements and the June 1997 Financial Statements were prepared from and in accordance with the books and records of Seller and in accordance with GAAP and fairly present the financial position and the results of operations of Seller as of the date thereof and for the period covered thereby. 2.5.2 Absence of Certain Changes. Except as set forth on -------------------------- Schedule 2.5.2, since the date of the September 1996 Financial Statements, there - -------------- has not been: (a) any transaction not in the ordinary course of business; (b) any change in accounting methods or practices of Seller; (c) any revaluation of the Acquired Assets, any sale or transfer of any of the assets of Seller or any cancellation of any debts, claims or contracts, except in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice; (d) any event or condition of any character which has materially and adversely affected any Acquired Asset; (e) any event or condition of any character which has materially and adversely affected the results of operations; (f) any event or condition of any character which has materially and adversely affected the prospects of the 10 Business going forward; or (g) any agreement, in writing or otherwise, by any Seller to do any of the things described in any of the preceding subsections (a) through (f). 2.5.3 No Undisclosed Liabilities. Seller has no liabilities or -------------------------- obligations of any nature (contingent, absolute, direct, indirect, matured, unmatured, accrued or otherwise) except (a) liabilities which are fully reflected or reserved against in the September 1996 Financial Statements (which reserves are and will be appropriate and reasonable) or disclosed in the related notes; (b) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice since the date of those financial statements; and (c) liabilities set forth on Schedule 2.5.3 attached hereto. -------------- 2.6 Execution and Performance of Agreement Causes No Violation. ---------------------------------------------------------- Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation or performance of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, will (a) contravene, conflict with or result (with or without notice or lapse of time) in a violation of (i) any of the provisions of the Articles or Certificates of Incorporation or the Bylaws of Seller, (ii) any resolution adopted by the Board of Directors or the shareholders of Seller; (b) to Seller's or Owners' knowledge, contravene, conflict with or result (with or without notice or lapse of time) in a violation of any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, directive or other legal requirement or any order, judgment, injunction, ruling, decision, writ or sentence rendered by any Governmental Authority, including any law relating to the Business, including without limitation, zoning, building codes, antitrust, occupational safety and health, environmental protection, pollution control (including water, ground or air pollution), the use, handling generation, transportation, treatment, storage or disposal of Hazardous Materials, consumer product safety, product liability, hiring, wages, hours, collective bargaining and the payment of withholding and social security taxes ("Law") to which Seller, the Business or any of the --- Acquired Assets are subject; (c) except as set forth in Schedule 2.6, ------------ contravene, conflict with or result (with or without notice or lapse of time) in a violation or breach of any of the provisions of, or give any Person the right (with or without notice or lapse of time) to declare a material default or exercise any remedy under, or to accelerate the maturity or performance of or cancel, terminate or modify, any material license, lease, agreement, commitment or contract constituting an Acquired Asset or Governmental Permit; or (d) result (with or without notice or lapse of time) in the imposition or creation of any Encumbrance upon or with respect to any of the Acquired Assets. 2.7 Inventory. Schedule 2.7 is an accurate and complete list of all --------- inventory as of a date not earlier than five(5) business days prior to the date hereof. The inventory of Seller was acquired in the ordinary course of business and at prevailing prices. The inventory of Seller has been valued on the September 1996 Financial Statements, and will be valued on the Closing Balance Sheet, at cost or at market, whichever is lower, in accordance with GAAP. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.7 and with respect to certain inventory damaged in ------------ the recent flooding a portion or all of which is being or may be replaced by vendors as described in Schedule 2.7, all unmarketable, rejected, damaged or ------------ obsolete inventory has been written off. Inventory is stored only at Seller's Warehouse Facility and no distribution facility or other warehouse facility is used in connection with the Business and no Inventory is or has been at any time stored in any off-site facility. Schedule 2.7 lists all items of inventory damaged in the recent flooding in Milwaukee and provides Seller's reasonable, good faith estimate of the total aggregate loss on such 11 inventory. Seller and Owners agree to assign and to promptly deliver to Buyer any insurance proceeds paid to Seller or Owners on account of the flooding with respect to damage to the Inventory or to the Owned Real Property and any insurance proceeds paid under Seller's business interruption policy coverage on account of such flooding. 2.8 Accounts Receivable. Schedule 2.8 is a complete and accurate list ------------------- ------------ of all accounts receivable as of a date not earlier than five (5) business days prior to the date hereof which shall be updated as of a date no earlier than two business days prior to Closing. Seller's accounts receivable (i) have arisen in the ordinary course of business of Seller; (ii) represent valid obligations due to Seller, enforceable in accordance with their terms; (iii) subject only to reserves for bad debts and subject to customer trade discounts consistent with past practice, have been collected or are expected to be collected in the ordinary course of business of Seller in the aggregate recorded amounts thereof in accordance with their terms; and (iv) are not expected to be subject to any recoupments, set-offs or counterclaims, except as allowed in clause (iii). 2.9 Vendor Agreements. Schedule 2.9 is a complete and accurate list ----------------- of all written vendor agreements to which Seller is a party (respectively, the "Vendor Agreements") relating to the Business. There have been made available to ----------------- Buyer and its representatives true and complete copies of all written Vendor Agreements including all amendments thereto. Except as set forth on Schedule -------- 2.9, Seller is not a party to any written contract or agreement relating to the - --- purchase or sale of products produced, marketed or sold in connection with the Business. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.9, all Vendor Agreements are valid ------------ and binding on Seller and the other parties thereto. Schedule 2.9 indicates all rebate programs and price protection programs with active vendors and briefly describes the principal terms of such rebate programs and price protection programs. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.9, Seller is not in default in any ------------ material respect (including with respect to any limitation on Seller's right to solicit sales by mail, phone or online services) under any Vendor Agreement nor to the knowledge of Seller or Owners, are any other parties to any Vendor Agreement in default in circumstances under which such default or defaults, or any possible termination or nonperformance under such Vendor Agreements, could have a material adverse effect on the Business nor, to the knowledge of Seller or Owners, does any condition exist that with notice or passage of time or both would constitute a material default thereunder. 2.10 Vendors, Distributors and Customers. Schedule 2.10 is a complete ----------------------------------- ------------- and accurate list of Seller's current suppliers and vendors of Inventory who are parties to oral agreements with Seller. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.10, ------------- Seller is not in default in any material respect (including with respect to any limitation on Seller's right to solicit sales by mail, phone or online services) with any oral arrangements with any vendors. Except as shown on Schedule 2.10, ------------- no vendor has canceled or otherwise terminated, or threatened in writing to cancel or otherwise terminate, its relationship with Seller or decreased materially, or threatened in writing to decrease or limit materially, its services, supplies or materials to Seller. To the knowledge of Seller and Owners, no vendor intends to decrease materially its services, supplies or materials to Seller. No sales to any one customer of the business accounts for more than 5% of the aggregate annual sales of the Seller, except as set forth on Schedule 2.10. [Except as set forth in Schedule 2.10 and other] than purchase - ------------- orders Seller has no written contract with any customer or buying group. [Except as set forth in Schedule 2.10], Seller mails all customer 12 orders directly to end-users and no distributor or distribution facilities are used in connection with the Business. 2.11 Contracts and Other Agreements. Except for the contracts ------------------------------ (whether written or oral), agreements and other arrangements listed in Schedule -------- 2.9 or Schedule 2.11, Seller is not a party to or otherwise bound by any of the - --- ------------- following relating to the Business: (a) distributor, supplier or vendor agreements, (b) customer contracts, including purchase orders, (c) contracts and other agreements with any labor union or association representing any employee relating to the Business, (d) contracts and other agreements with any Person to sell, distribute, advertise or otherwise market any of the products sold by Seller, (e) contracts and other agreements pursuant to which any Person is required to purchase or sell a stated portion of its requirements or output from or to another Person, (f) joint venture agreements, (g) contracts and other agreements which involve the payment or receipt of monies in the form of royalties; (h) contracts and other agreements with customers, distributors or suppliers for the rebating of charges or other similar arrangements, (i) contracts and other agreements relating to the acquisition by Seller of any operating business or the capital stock of any other Person, (j) material contracts and other material agreements not entered into in the ordinary course of business, (k) any financing agreement or other agreement or document evidencing outstanding loans or similar financial arrangements of the Seller, or (l) any other contract or other agreement pursuant to which annual payments in excess of $5,000 per contract or agreement has been or may hereafter be required by such contract or agreement to be made (items (a) through (l) above, including those listed on Schedule 2.11, are collectively referred to as "Contracts"). ------------- --------- There have been made available to Buyer and its representatives true and complete copies of all of the Contracts set forth on Schedule 2.11. Except as ------------- set forth on Schedule 2.11, all of such Contracts are valid and binding upon ------------- Seller and the other parties thereto. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.11, ------------- Seller is not in default in any material respect under any such Contract, nor, to the knowledge of Seller or Owners, are any other parties to any such Contracts in default in circumstances under which such default or defaults, or any possible termination or nonperformance under such Contracts, could have a material adverse effect on the Acquired Assets or the Business nor, to the knowledge of Seller or Owners, does any condition exist that with notice or passage of time or both would constitute a material default thereunder. 2.12 Mailing List Information. Schedule 2.12 lists (a) the total ------------------------ ------------- number of buyers in the aggregate who purchased products from Seller during the 12-month period prior to the Closing; (b) the total number of buyers in the aggregate who purchased products from Seller during the 13 to 24-month period prior to the Closing; (c) the total number of buyers in the aggregate who purchased products from Seller prior to the 24 months preceding the Closing; (d) for the periods listed in clauses (a), (b) and (c), the total number of buyers of computer related products and the total number of buyers of consumer electronic products for each such period and the total number of buyers whose purchases overlapped between computer related and consumer electronic products for each such period; (e) for the periods listed in clauses (a), (b) and (c), the total number buyers of Amiga products for each such period; (f) for the periods listed in clauses (a), (b) and (c), the total number of orders and shipments during each such period and the total number of orders and shipments for computer related, consumer electronic products and Amiga products for each such period; (g) the total size of Seller's mailing list as of July 31, 1997, identifying consumers, on the one hand, and government, education or business customers, on 13 the other hand; (h) for the periods listed in clauses (a), (b) and (c), ship-to records in total for buyers of the Business; (i) for the periods listed in clauses (a), (b) and (c), the total number of catalogue requests for each such period; (j) for the periods listed in clauses (a), (b) and (c), the total number of multi-buyers whose most recent purchase occurred within each such period; (k) with respect to the information provided under clause (j), the total number of multi-buyers who purchased computer related products, the total number who purchased consumer electronic products, the total number whose purchases overlapped between computer related products and consumer electronic products and the total number who purchased Amiga products for each of the periods listed in clauses (a), (b) and (c); (l) the date on which Seller switched to the MACS System; (m) the total number of rental names mailed for each catalog mailing during the 12 months ended June 30, 1997 and the aggregate list rental expenses for each catalogue mailed during such period; (n) the average demand sales of the rental names for each catalog mailing during the 12 months ended June 30, 1997; (o) the ratio of shipped to demand sales for the 12 months ended June 30, 1997; (p) the percent of goods shipped that were returned for the 12 months ended June 30, 1997; (q) the demand sales for each catalog mailed during the 12 months ended June 30, 1997 and for these demand sales, by catalog, a total demand sales break-out between buyers who purchased only once in the 12 months ended June 30, 1997 and buyers who purchased two or more times during the year ended June 30, 1997. Seller and Owners have provided Buyer with a statistically valid sample of 10,000 names of 12 month buyers in order for Buyer to conduct an analysis with respect to customer overlap, among other things. 2.13 Intellectual Property. In this Agreement, the term "Intellectual --------------------- ------------ Property" means all intellectual property and other proprietary rights owned by - -------- Seller as of the date hereof whether or not such property and other rights are currently used or held for use in connection with the Business, together with all rights, benefits and privileges pertaining thereto, all goodwill associated therewith, and all rights to causes of action or remedies related thereto (including the right to sue for past infringement or violation of rights associated with such Intellectual Property), whether or not owned, licensed or otherwise held, and includes the following: (a) fictitious business names, brand names, brand name applications, trade names, trade name applications and registrations, federal, foreign, state and common law trademarks, trademark applications and registrations, service marks and service mark applications and registrations, including Seller's "ComputAbility" trademark registered in Wisconsin and all pending applications, if any, for the mark and all common law rights in and to such mark (all of the foregoing in the preceding clause (a), the "Marks"); (b) trade secrets, know-how, confidential information, databases, ----- customer and mailing lists, technical information, proprietary information, recipes, formula and other process technology, plans, drawings, blue prints and other similar proprietary information ("Trade Secrets"); (c) trade dress, ------------- designs and models to the extent protectable under any intellectual property, unfair competition or other Law ("Designs"); (d) computer programs and content ------- and other computer software (including documentation and source code and object code for such programs and software) ("Software"); (e) federal and foreign -------- patents and patent applications ("Patents"); and (f) federal, foreign, state and common law copyrights in both published and unpublished works and copyright registrations ("Copyrights"). ---------- 14 2.13.1 Marks ----- (a) Title. Schedule 2.13.1(a) is a complete and accurate ----- ----------------- listing of all Marks, separately identifying each Mark which has been registered and each Mark pending registration and its jurisdiction of registration, together with other relevant registration information. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.13.1(a), to Seller's and Owners' knowledge, without investigation, - ------------------ Seller is the sole and exclusive owner of all right, title and interest in and to each of the Marks, free and clear of all Encumbrances and other adverse claims and is free to convey all its rights to Buyer. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.13.1(a), all the Marks owned by Seller which have been registered are - ------------------ currently in compliance with formal legal requirements (including the payment of filing, examination and maintenance fees and proofs of working or use), are valid and enforceable and are not subject to any maintenance fees or taxes or actions that could fall due or occur within 90 days after the Closing. Neither Seller nor any Owner has licensed to or otherwise granted to third parties the right to use the Marks. (b) Proceedings. Except as set forth on Schedule ----------- -------- 2.13.1(b), no Mark has been within the past two years or is now involved in any - --------- opposition, invalidation or cancellation proceeding nor, to Seller's or Owners' knowledge, is any such action threatened with respect to any of the Marks. (c) Third Party Infringement. To Seller's and Owners' ------------------------ knowledge, except as set forth on Schedule 2.13.1(c), no Mark is infringed or ------------------ has been challenged or threatened in any way. (d) Infringement by Seller. Except as set forth on ---------------------- Schedule 2.13.1(d), to the knowledge of Seller and Owners, no Mark infringes or - ------------------ is alleged to infringe any trade name, trademark or service mark of any third party. 2.13.2 Trade Secrets. Schedule 2.13.2 is in all material ------------- respects a complete list of all Trade Secrets of Seller. All documentation of each Trade Secret is current, accurate and sufficient in detail and content to identify and explain it and to allow its full and proper use by Buyer without reliance on the special knowledge or memory of others. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.13.2, to Seller's and Owners' knowledge, Seller is the sole and - --------------- exclusive owner of each of the Trade Secrets, free and clear of any Encumbrances and other adverse claims and are free to convey all their rights to Buyer. All the Trade Secrets owned by Seller are, to Seller's and Owners' knowledge, presently valid and protectable, and, to Seller's and Owners' knowledge, are not part of the public knowledge or literature, nor have they been used, divulged or appropriated for the benefit of any past or present employees or other persons, or to the detriment of the Business. Schedule 2.13.2 lists any confidentiality --------------- agreements or other agreements or procedures designed to protect the use, value and confidentiality of Seller's Trade Secrets, including without limitation, the use and access to Seller's mailing and/or customer lists. 2.13.3 Patents. Seller has no right, title or interest in and to ------- any Patents. 2.13.4 Copyrights. Schedule 2.13.4 is a complete and accurate ---------- --------------- listing of all Copyrights that have been registered or are pending for registration. Except as set forth on 15 Schedule 2.13.4, Seller is the sole and exclusive owner of all right, title and - --------------- interest in and to each of the Copyrights free and clear of all Encumbrances and other adverse claims and is free to convey all its rights to Buyer. All the Copyrights listed on Schedule 2.13.4 which have been registered are currently in --------------- compliance with formal legal requirements (including the payment of filing, examination and maintenance fees and proofs of working or use), are valid and enforceable and are not subject to any maintenance fees or taxes or actions that could fall due or occur within 90 days after the Closing. To the knowledge of Seller and Owners, no Copyright owned by Seller has been infringed upon or has been challenged or threatened in any way. To the knowledge of Seller and Owners, none of the materials or subject matter of the Copyrights owned by Seller infringe or are alleged to infringe any copyright of any third party. 2.13.5 Software. Schedule 2.13.5 is a complete and accurate ------- --------------- listing and summary description of all Software. Except as shown on Schedule -------- 2.13.5 and subject to the rights of software vendors in the Software set forth - ------ in that schedule: (i) Seller is the sole and exclusive owner of all right, title and interest in and to each of the Software free and clear of all Encumbrances and other adverse claims, or as to Software not owned by Seller, Seller has the right to use such Software in the manner currently used in the Business, and is free to convey all its rights to Buyer; (ii) to the knowledge of Seller and Owners, no Software is infringed or has been challenged or threatened in any way; and (iii) none of the Software infringe or are alleged to infringe the rights of any third party. 2.14 Licenses. Schedule 2.14 contains a complete and accurate list -------- ------------- and summary description of all unexpired agreements, licenses, contracts or similar arrangements pursuant to which Seller holds rights to Intellectual Property ("Licenses"). Except as indicated in Schedule 2.14, Seller has the -------- ------------- exclusive, unrestricted right to use the Intellectual Property subject to the Licenses in the manner currently used in the Business and is free to transfer, assign and convey the rights thereunder to Buyer. Each of the Licenses is valid and binding on Seller. Seller is not in default in any material respect under any License, nor to the knowledge of Seller or Owners, is any other party to any License in default thereunder in any material respect, nor to the knowledge of Seller or Owners, does any condition exist that with notice or passage of time or both would constitute a material default thereunder. Seller has provided Buyer with true and correct copies of all Licenses. 2.15 Other Representations with Respect to the Intellectual Property. --------------------------------------------------------------- Except as otherwise set forth herein: (a) Seller owns and has the exclusive right to use, sell, license and dispose of or bring actions for infringement of the Intellectual Property, subject to any limitations with respect to Intellectual Property subject to Licenses. (b) Seller has taken all reasonable security measures to protect the value of the Intellectual Property. (c) To the knowledge of Seller and Owners, no shareholder, no past or present employee or officer or director of Seller, or independent contractor of Seller who has performed services relating to the Business, holds (or upon assignment and transfer of the 16 Intellectual Property at Closing, will hold) any right, title or interest, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, in and to any of the Intellectual Property. (d) There are (and upon assignment and transfer of the Intellectual Property at Closing, will be) no royalties, fees or other payments payable by Seller to any person by reason of the ownership, use, license, sale or disposition of any Intellectual Property other than fees or payments that are due and payable as of the Closing Date in order to prosecute applications or maintain registrations. (e) For purposes of this Agreement, "use," with respect to Intellectual Property, includes make, reproduce, display or perform (publicly or otherwise), prepare derivative works based on, sell, distribute, disclose and otherwise exploit such Intellectual Property and products incorporating or subject to such Intellectual Property. 2.16 No Finders' and Brokers' Fees. ----------------------------- Neither Seller nor any of its representatives, has taken any action that would cause any other parties hereto to have any obligation or liability to any Person for any finders' fees, brokerage fees, agents' commissions, or like payments in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. 2.17 Consents to Assignment. ---------------------- Schedule 2.17 is a complete and accurate list of all consents, ------------- approvals and other actions of any third party, including any Governmental Authority, required to be obtained to convey, assign, transfer and sell to Buyer each and every Acquired Asset (including each license, lease, agreement, commitment, contract or Governmental Permit constituting an Acquired Asset) ("Consents"). - ---------- 2.18 Fixed Assets ------------ . Schedule 2.18 is a complete and accurate list of all Machinery and ------------- Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures and all Equipment Leases. All Machinery and Equipment and Furniture and Fixtures is owned by Seller, except for Machinery and Equipment or Furniture and Fixtures, subject to any Lease identified in Schedule 2.18. The amounts shown for the Machinery and Equipment owned by - ------------- Seller on the September 1996 Financial Statements do not in any case exceed the cost of the same to Seller, less any previous write-downs, and less depreciation determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied. Seller has not written up the value of any such Machinery and Equipment. 2.19 No Proceedings -------------- . Except as set forth in Schedule 2.19, there is no claim, lawsuit, ------------- litigation, arbitration, governmental or administrative enforcement action or inquiry or any investigation ("Proceeding") pending or, to the knowledge of ---------- Seller or Owners, threatened against Seller relating to the Business. Seller is not subject to any judgment, order or decree entered in any Proceeding which has had or may have, if adversely determined, a material adverse effect on the Acquired Assets or their operation or use. 2.20 Governmental Permits. -------------------- [To the knowledge of Seller and Owners Schedule 2.20 is a complete and ------------- accurate list of all material Governmental Permits together with such material licenses, permits, approvals, authorizations, applications, and registrations from or with any Governmental Authority as would constitute Governmental Permits but for the fact that their transfer is not permitted by Law ("Governmental ------------ Authorizations"). All Governmental - -------------- 17 Permits are (or on the Closing Date will be) in full force and effect. No material violation of any Governmental Permit has occurred and is continuing, and no Proceeding is pending or, to the knowledge of Seller, threatened relating to the revocation or limitation of any Governmental Permit.] 2.21 Insurance. --------- Schedule 2.21 lists all insurance policies of fire, liability, ------------- workers' compensation and other forms of insurance owned or held by Seller related to the Business, and identifies the policy numbers, premiums and coverage limits of each. Such policies are in full force and effect as of the date hereof and all premiums due thereon have been paid. There are no notices of any pending or threatened termination or premium increase with respect to any insurance policy. Seller has delivered true and complete copies of all insurance policies to Buyer. Schedule 2.21 provides a summary of the loss ------------- experience under each policy. No insurance coverage (except with respect to deductibles) is maintained through self-insurance. Seller maintains insurance in amounts and with coverage customary for companies in a similar business or owning similar assets. 2.22 Taxes ----- . Except as set forth in Schedule 2.22, (a) the Seller has paid all ------------- applicable federal, state. local and foreign income and franchise taxes and all social security, wage withholding, excise, real property, personal property, customs duties, business, occupation, withholding, sales, use or similar taxes and all other taxes of any kind whatsoever, together with any related penalties, additions to tax and interest charges (collectively, "Taxes") required to be paid through the date hereof, whether or not such Taxes were shown or required to be show on any Tax Return (as defined below); (b) to Seller's and Owners' knowledge, the Seller has timely filed all tax returns (including information returns and reports) ("Tax Returns") required to be filed by each of them on or before the date hereof and all such Tax Returns are correct and complete in all material respects; (c) all deficiencies in Taxes asserted or assessments made as a result of any audits or examinations of Tax Returns have been paid in full; (d) no audits or examinations of Tax Returns are in progress as of the date hereof, and neither the Seller nor the Owners have received notice of any audits of Tax Returns; (e) there are no liens or other security interests on any of the assets of Seller or the Owners that arose in connection with any failure (or asserted failure) to pay any Tax; and (f) to Seller's and Owners' knowledge, no extension of time with respect to any date on which any Tax Return was or is to be filed by the Seller is in force, and no waiver or agreement by the Seller for the extension of time for the assessment or payment of any Tax is in force. All Taxes that Seller was required to withhold or collect have been duly withheld or collected and, to the extent required, have been paid to the proper Governmental Authority. Except as disclosed on Schedule 2.22, there are no Proceedings now ------------- pending against Seller with respect to any Taxes, nor are there any matters under discussion between any Seller and any Governmental Authority relating to Taxes, nor are there any claims by any Governmental Authority for additional Taxes relating to the Acquired Assets. Seller has had in effect a valid election to be treated as an S-corporation for federal and corresponding state tax purposes for all taxable years beginning with its taxable year ended [ ]. Seller files sales or use tax returns only in the State of Wisconsin. No claim has ever been made by any authority in any jurisdiction where Seller does not file Tax returns that it is or may be subject to taxation (including taxation with respect to sales and use taxes) in that jurisdiction however, Seller has received nexxus questionnaires or similar correspondence relating to the liability or potential liability of Seller for sales Taxes from certain jurisdictions. Seller does not own or lease any real 18 property located in any state other than the State of Wisconsin. Except for the printing and mailing of catalogues and inventory to customers/end-users, Seller has no business activity in any state other than Wisconsin (except for payment of unemployment compensation premiums in the State of Illinois) and no employee of Seller, or consultant or independent contractor engaged by Seller, provides services to or on behalf of Seller in any state other than Wisconsin. Seller has provided Buyer with true and correct copies of all nexxus questionnaires or similar correspondence relating to the liability or potential liability of Seller for state Taxes Seller has received from any jurisdiction within the last 5 years. Schedule 2.22 lists all jurisdictions from which Seller has received ------------- such correspondence in the last 5 years. 2.23 Real Property ------------- 2.23.1 Generally --------- . All real property relating to or used in connection with the business of Seller (the "Real Property") is either owned by the Seller (the ------------- "Owned Real Property") or leased by the Seller from Owners (the "Leased Real - -------------------- ----------- Property"). Schedule 2.23.1 contains the address of the Real Property. Seller - -------- --------------- has good and marketable title in fee simple to the Owned Real Property, and good title to the leasehold interests in the Leased Real Property, all free of Encumbrances except as shown on Schedule 2.23.1. None of the Encumbrances --------------- listed on Schedule 2.23.1 impairs the right of Seller to use any of the Real --------------- Property for the operation of the business of Seller as presently conducted. 2.23.2 Improvements ------------ . Neither Seller nor any Owner is aware of any material defects in any of the improvements located on the Real Property, with respect to (i) the facilities, (ii) the structural elements and roofing thereof (except for what Seller believes to be minor leaks in the roof of the Owned Real Property), (iii) the mechanical and electrical systems therein (including the heating, cooling, ventilation, air circulation, plumbing, electrical, security, utility and sprinkler system, if any exist in any of the Improvements), and (iv) the roadways, parking areas and loading areas on the Real Property. 2.23.3 Leases ------ . Schedule 2.23.3 sets forth a complete and accurate list of each --------------- lease relating to the Real Property ("Real Property Leases") including, with -------------------- respect to each, the expiration date and all rents required thereunder. Each Real Property Lease is in full force and effect in accordance with its terms and no event has occurred and no condition exists which constitutes, or with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute, a default by Seller or any other party thereto. Seller does not sublease any part of the Real Property to any party. 2.23.4 Compliance with Land Use Laws and Regulations --------------------------------------------- . The land use and related Laws applicable to the Real Property as currently in effect, including zoning and subdivision laws and ordinances applicable to the Real Property, allow the improvements currently located thereon to be operated, occupied, and maintained in accordance with the current use of such improvements and permit after the Closing the ongoing conduct of the business in the same manner as currently conducted. Except as shown on Schedule -------- 2.23.4, neither Seller nor any Owner has been served with any documents - ------ commencing any condemnation, zoning or other land-use regulation Proceeding, nor to the knowledge of Seller or any Owner is any such Proceeding being threatened, that would adversely affect the use, occupancy, operation or value 19 of the Real Property, nor has Seller or Owners received notice of any special assessment or similar proceedings affecting the Real Property. 2.23.5 Utilities --------- . All water, sewer, gas, electricity, telephone and other utilities serving the Real Property are supplied directly to the Real Property by facilities of public utilities and the cost for installation of such utilities has been fully paid. 2.24 Employees --------- . Attached hereto as Schedule 2.24 is the following information for ------------- each employee of Seller: (a) name, (b) title, (c) description of duties, (d) annual compensation (showing all bonus payments and commission based compensation separately), and (e) accrued and unpaid vacation time as of the date hereof. All compensation other than base salary, commissions and paid vacation time, if any, including, without limitation, compensation in the form of bonuses (both annual and special) are purely discretionary on the part of Seller, and Seller is not bound or obligated pursuant to any contract, agreement, arrangement or commitment of any type, whether written or oral, to make any such payments. Seller has provided Buyer with true and correct copies of all employment policies and manuals, including vacation policies. 2.25 Employee Benefit Plans ---------------------- . Except as set forth in Schedule 2.25 attached hereto, Seller does ------------- not maintain or contribute to, nor within the preceding six years has maintained or contributed to (a) any employee pension benefit plan as defined in Section 3(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), (b) any employee welfare benefit plan as defined in Section 3(1) of ----- ERISA, (c) any other profit sharing, pension, deferred compensation, bonus, stock option, stock purchase, severance, incentive, fringe benefit, vacation, paid holidays, personal leave, employee discount, educational benefit or similar plan, program, agreement, policy, arrangement or understanding, written or unwritten, or (d) any employment agreement (collectively, "Employee Benefit ---------------- Plans") (all Employee Benefit Plans Seller maintains or contributes to, or has - ----- previously maintained or contributed to, are collectively referred to as "Seller ------ Employee Benefit Plans"). Seller has not maintained or made contributions to - ---------------------- any multi-employer plan as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA or any plan subject to the provisions of Section 302 or title IV of ERISA. Seller Employee Benefit Plans have been operated in all material respects in accordance with their terms and applicable law (including the requirements of Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, with respect to plans intended to be qualified thereunder). Seller does not provide, and has not provided, medical or other welfare benefits for persons who are not active employees of the Seller, or the dependents thereof. Seller has never been part of any group which would constitute one employer under subsections (b), (c), (m) or (o) of Section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, which has any members other than Seller. Seller has provided Buyer with true and correct copies of all Seller Employee Benefit Plans which are currently in effect. Schedule 2.25 lists the ------------- contribution to Seller's 401(K) Plan scheduled to be made prior to closing or required to be made in connection with the transaction contemplated herein. 2.26 Labor Matters ------------- . Except as set forth in Schedule 2.26, (a) the Business is operating ------------- and has been operated in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws relating to the Business respecting employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours, including the Immigration Reform and Control Act ("IRCA"), the Worker Adjustment and ---- Retraining Notification Act of 1988 ("WARN Act"), any -------- 20 such applicable Laws respecting employment discrimination, equal opportunity, employee privacy, wrongful or unlawful termination, workers' compensation, occupational safety and health requirements, labor/ management relations and unemployment insurance, or related matters, and Seller is not engaged in and have not engaged in any unlawful practice relating to the Business under such applicable Laws or in any unfair labor practice relating to the Business; (b) no Governmental Authority has given Seller or any Owner notice regarding any pending investigation or review by or before any Governmental Authority concerning or requesting in writing Seller to explain any possible conflicts with or violations of any such Laws relating to the Business by Seller or in connection with the operation of the Business, nor, to the knowledge of Seller or Owners, is any such investigation threatened or pending, nor, to the knowledge of Seller or Owners, has any such investigation occurred during the last two years; (c) there is no labor strike, dispute, slowdown or stoppage actually pending or, to the knowledge of Seller and Owners, threatened against or affecting the Business, and Seller has not experienced any work stoppage or other material labor difficulty relating to the Business in the last two years; (d) to the knowledge of Seller and Owners, no union representation question or union organizational activity exists respecting employees and no one has petitioned within the last two years, and no one is now petitioning, for union representation of any employees; (e) there exists no collective bargaining agreement or other contract or agreement relating to the Business with any labor union or association representing any employee, and no collective bargaining agreement affecting employees is currently being negotiated; (f) Seller is in full compliance with all obligations under all Seller Employee Benefit Plans and is not delinquent in payments to any employees for any wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses or other compensation for any services performed by them relating to the Business or amounts required to be reimbursed to such employees; and (g) in the event of termination of the employment of any employee, neither Seller nor Buyer will, pursuant to any Law, any agreement or by reason of anything done prior to the Closing by Seller be liable to any employee for so- called "severance pay" or any other similar payments or benefits, including, without limitation, post-employment healthcare (other than pursuant to COBRA) or insurance benefits. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.18, there are no pending ------------- or, to the knowledge of Seller and Owners, threatened Proceedings of any nature (i) under or alleging violation of IRCA, WARN or any Law respecting employment discrimination, equal opportunity, affirmative action, employee privacy, wrongful or unlawful termination, workers' compensation, occupational safety and health requirements, labor/management relations (including any grievances or arbitration proceeding arising out of or under any collective bargaining agreements) and unemployment insurance, or matters involving any employee; (ii) relating to alleged unlawful employment practices or unfair labor practices involving any employee (or the equivalent thereof under any Law); or (iii) relating to alleged breaches of any of any Seller Employee Benefit Plan. 2.27 Hazardous Materials ------------------- Without limiting the representations and warranties contained in Section 2.4 or elsewhere herein: - ----------- 2.27.1 Use, Storage, Disposition of Hazardous Materials ------------------------------------------------ . Except as set forth in Schedule 2.27.1, (i) neither Seller nor, to --------------- the knowledge of Seller and Owners, any other Person has ever caused or permitted any Hazardous Materials to be disposed of, or released on, under, at, within, or about, the Real Property or any part thereof, (ii) neither the Real Property nor any part thereof has ever been used (whether by Seller or, to the knowledge of Seller and 21 Owners, by any other Person) for activities involving, directly or indirectly, the use, generation, treatment, storage or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (iii) no condition has occurred or exists at the Real Property and neither Seller, Owners nor, to the knowledge of Seller and Owners, any other Person has knowledge of any occurrence or condition on any real property adjoining or in the vicinity of the Real Property that could cause the Real Property or any part thereof or any other Acquired Asset to be subject to any cleanup or significant restrictions on the ownership, occupancy, transferability or use of the Real Property under any Hazardous Materials Laws and (iv) Seller has not transported or disposed of, or arranged for transport or disposal of any Hazardous Material from the Real Property to any other location. 2.27.2 Asbestos; PCBs; Underground Tanks --------------------------------- . Except as set forth in Schedule 2.27.2, neither Seller nor, to the --------------- knowledge of Seller and Owners, has any other Person ever caused or permitted to be located on the Real Property any friable asbestos, any urea formaldehyde foam insulation or any transformers or other equipment which contain dielectric fluid containing levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per million or any underground tanks. 2.27.3 Environmental Litigation ------------------------ . Except as set forth in Schedule 2.27.3 attached hereto, no --------------- Proceeding has been brought or threatened against the Real Property or Seller or any Affiliate of Seller, in connection with any Acquired Assets or the Business, nor have any settlements been reached by or with any party or parties, public or private, relating to nuisance, trespass damage, contribution, cost recovery, compensation, contamination, cleanup, loss or injury resulting from any Hazardous Materials, or directly or indirectly arising out of or attributable to their use, generation, storage, release, threatened release, discharge, transportation or disposal on, under, or from the Real Property or any other Acquired Asset. 2.27.4 Compliance ---------- . Except as set forth on Schedule 2.27.4, Seller is and has at all --------------- times been in compliance with all applicable Hazardous Material Laws and all enforcement, cleanup, removal and other actions by Governmental Authorities instituted, completed or, to the knowledge of Seller and Owners, threatened pursuant to any Hazardous Materials Laws, and Seller has made available to Buyer and its representatives all documents related to such actions. 2.27.5 Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Materials Laws ------------------------------------------------ Definitions - ----------- In this Agreement, the term "Hazardous Materials" includes any ------------------- pollutant, contaminant, flammable explosives, radioactive, hazardous, toxic or dangerous substances, materials or wastes or related materials and any other chemicals, materials or substances which are identified, defined or regulated, pursuant to any applicable Hazardous Material Laws, or the release, discharge or exposure to which is prohibited, limited or regulated, by any Governmental Authority under Hazardous Materials Laws in effect at or prior to Closing and any petroleum, waste oil and petroleum by-products, asbestos in any form, and urea formaldehyde. In this Agreement, "Hazardous Materials Laws" means the ------------------------ Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. Section 9601 et seq.); the Federal Water Pollution Control -- --- Act, 33 U.S.C. Section 1251 et seq.; the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act -- --- (49 U.S.C. Section 1801 et seq.); Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. Section 6901 et seq.); any so-called "Superfund" or "Superlien" law; and any other 22 Law regulating, relating to or imposing liability or standards of conduct, concerning protection of human health or safety or the environment. 2.28 Affiliates and Joint Ventures ----------------------------- . Except as shown on Schedule 2.28, and except with respect to the ------------- ownership of less than 1% of the publicly traded capital stock of a company, Owners do not own or hold of record or beneficially any shares of any class in the capital of any corporation, or have any investments in joint ventures which conducts business that is related to or otherwise competitive with the Business. Seller does not own or hold of record or beneficially any shares of the capital of any corporation or any legal or beneficial interest in any partnership, business trust or any other unincorporated trade or business enterprise. 2.29 Condition of Certain Assets --------------------------- . The Machinery and Equipment, the Furniture and Fixtures, and all personal property subject to any lease are in all material respects in good operating condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted. 2.30 Assets Sufficient for Conduct of Business ----------------------------------------- . Except as set forth on Schedule 2.30, the Acquired Assets are ------------- substantially all of the assets used by Seller in conducting the Business, and are sufficient to conduct the Business as currently conducted. 2.31 Investment Representation ------------------------- . Seller is acquiring the Parent Stock for its own account and not as a nominee or agent, for investment and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any distribution thereof. Seller and Owners understand that the Parent Stock has not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") by reason of a specific exemption from the -------------- registration requirements thereof which depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of the investment intent and the accuracy of the representations set forth in this Section 2.31. Seller and Owners understand ------------ and agree not to transfer or dispose of any Parent Stock other than pursuant to an effective registration under the Securities Act unless and until (i) Seller and/or Owners have notified Buyer in writing of the proposed disposition of the Parent Stock and (ii) if requested by Buyer, an opinion of counsel that the proposed transfer may be consummated without registration under the Securities Act. Seller and Owners have available to them all reports filed by Parent with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of Seller and each Owner has relied solely on its own investigations in making a decision to accept part of the Purchase Price in the form of Parent Stock and neither Seller nor Owners has received any representation from Parent (including any representation regarding the expected future performance of Parent), from Buyer or from any of the directors, employees Affiliates, agents or representatives of each except as expressly set forth in this Agreement. 2.32 Documents Delivered ------------------- . Each copy or original of any Contract delivered to Buyer which constitutes an Acquired Asset, whether delivered before or after the execution of this Agreement, is in fact what it is purported to be by Seller and has not been amended, canceled or otherwise modified. 2.33 Material Misstatements or Omissions ----------------------------------- . No representation or warranty by Seller or Owners contained in this Agreement or the schedules attached hereto, and no document or 23 certificate furnished or to be furnished to Buyer in connection herewith or with the transactions contemplated hereby, contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements of fact contained herein or therein not misleading. ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER AND PARENT -------------------------------------------------- Each of Buyer and Parent jointly and severally represent and warrant to Seller and Owners as of the date of the signing hereof and as of the Closing Date (except that those representations and warranties which are stated as of a specific date shall, on the date of the signing and on the Closing Date, be true and correct as of said specified date) as follows: 3.1 Organization and Good Standing ------------------------------ . Buyer is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Parent is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Each of Buyer and Parent is qualified or otherwise authorized as a foreign corporation to transact business and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction in which such qualification or authorization is required by law and which failure so to qualify or be authorized would have a material adverse effect on the respective business or properties of Buyer or Parent. 3.2 Authority --------- Each of Buyer and Parent has full corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its assets, properties and business and to carry on its business as it is now being and has been conducted. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Buyer and Parent and the performance by Buyer and Parent of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been duly authorized by the respective Boards of Directors of each of Buyer and Parent, and no other corporate action on the part of Buyer or Parent is necessary to authorize this Agreement and the performance of such transactions. This Agreement and all agreements contemplated by or required under this Agreement have been duly executed and delivered by each of Buyer and Parent and constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of each of Buyer and Parent, enforceable against each in accordance with their respective terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles. Each of Buyer and Parent has the absolute and unrestricted right, power, and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and all agreements contemplated by or required under this Agreement and to perform their respective obligations hereunder. 3.3 No Finders' and Brokers' Fees ----------------------------- Buyer and Parent agree to indemnify Seller and Owners against any loss or liability to any Person for any finders' fees, brokerage fees, agents' commissions, or like payments incurred by Buyer or Parent in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. 3.4 Execution and Performance of Agreement Causes No Violation ---------------------------------------------------------- Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the agreements contemplated by or required under this Agreement, nor the consummation or performance of any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, will (a) contravene, conflict with or result (with or without 24 notice or lapse of time) in a violation of (i) any of the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of Buyer or Parent, (ii) any resolution adopted by the Board of Directors or the shareholders of Buyer or Parent; or (b) contravene, conflict with or result (with or without notice or lapse of time) in violation of any Law to which Buyer or Parent is subject. 3.5 Material Misstatements or Omissions ---------------------------------- No representation or warranty by Buyer or Parent contained in this Agreement or the schedules attached hereto, and no document or certificate furnished or to be furnished to Seller in connection herewith or with the transactions contemplated hereby, contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements of fact contained herein or therein not misleading. ARTICLE IV CERTAIN COVENANTS OF SELLER --------------------------- Seller hereby affords Buyer the following affirmative and negative covenants, thereby agreeing to do or not to do, the following: 4.1 Conduct of Business. ------------------- 4.1.1 Diligent Conduct ---------------- From the date of this Agreement through the Closing Date, Seller shall (i) conduct its business diligently and in the ordinary course, (ii) use its best commercially reasonable efforts to preserve intact its business, vendor and marketing organization, (iii) make reasonable efforts to retain in its employ all of its key employees, (iv) use its best efforts to preserve its relationships with its suppliers, customers, vendors and others having business relations with it, (v) use its best efforts to maintain all Machinery and Equipment in good operating condition and repair and (vi) maintain the confidentiality of its Trade Secrets including, without limitation, its mailing and customer lists. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Seller shall not, without the prior written consent of Buyer, (a) enter into any transaction not in the ordinary course of business; (b) make or permit any change in accounting methods or practices (including, but not limited to, any change in depreciation or amortization policies or rates) except as contemplated by this Agreement; (c) make or permit any re-evaluation of any of the Acquired Assets; (d) make or permit any cancellation of any debts, claims or enter into contracts, except in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices; (e) make or permit any other event or condition of any character which may have a material adverse effect on any Acquired Asset or Buyer's use thereof after Closing; or (f) enter into any agreement, in writing or otherwise, to do any of the things described in any of (a) through (e). 4.1.2 Properties and Assets --------------------- From the date hereof through the Closing, neither Seller nor any shareholder shall, without the prior written consent of Buyer, (i) sell, transfer or encumber or agree to sell, transfer or encumber any shares of capital stock of Seller (ii) sell, transfer or encumber or agree to sell, transfer or encumber all or any part of the assets of Seller, other than in the ordinary course of business as previously conducted or (iii) merge or agree to merge or consolidate or enter into any business combination transaction with any other entity. 25 4.1.3 Contracts --------- From the date hereof through the Closing, Seller shall not, without the prior written consent of Buyer (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), amend or terminate any Contract to which it is a party or enter into or become a party to any Contract which would have a material adverse effect on the Business or the Acquired Assets. 4.1.4 Insurance --------- From the date hereof through the Closing, Seller shall continue in force in all material respects all insurance currently maintained (or substantially comparable coverage) relating to the Business. 4.1.5 Compensation and Hiring of Employees ------------------------------------ From the date hereof through the Closing, without the prior consent of Buyer, Seller shall not grant any increase in the rates of pay of employees of Seller, or grant any increase in the benefits under any bonus or pension plan or other contract or commitment, or increase the compensation payable or to become payable to employees or agents, or increase any bonus, insurance, pension or other benefit plan, payment or arrangement made to, for or with any such employees or agents and shall not pay to any party any consulting fees or other similar payments or fees. Without the prior consent of Buyer Seller shall not hire any new employees prior to the Closing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Buyer acknowledges and agrees that Seller may make any schedule contribution to its 401k Plan; provided such contribution is made in the ordinary course and consistent with past practice and any other contribution required to be made by Seller to its 401(k) Plan in connection with the termination of said Plan both as set forth on Schedule 2.25. ------------- 4.1.6 Dividends --------- Seller shall not declare or pay any dividends (whether in cash, shares of stock or otherwise) on, or make any other distribution in respect of, any shares of its capital stock, or issue, purchase, redeem or acquire for value any shares of its capital stock, except as contemplated in Section 5.1. ----------- 4.2 Access and Information ---------------------- Prior to the Closing, Seller shall afford to Buyer and Buyer's counsel, accountants and other representatives, reasonable access to all of its properties, books, contracts and records and any records concerning Seller maintained and accumulated by its counsel, accountants and other representatives, and furnish such persons with all information, including copies of books, contracts and records, concerning its affairs which such persons may request, and otherwise supply any and all information necessary for Buyer to complete its due diligence review. 4.3 Certain Provisions Relating to Employees. ---------------------------------------- 4.3.1 Transfer of Employees to Buyer ------------------------------ (a) Termination By Seller. At the Closing, Seller shall take all such --------------------- action or actions necessary to terminate all employees of Seller who accept Buyer's offer of employment effective as of the Closing. (b) Hire By Buyer. Buyer shall offer at-will employment to all ------------- employees of Seller. As of the Closing Date, Buyer shall hire all of Seller's employees who 26 accept Buyer's offer of employment (the "Retained Employees"). Each position for ------------------ which Buyer hires a Retained Employee shall (i) be on an at-will employment basis and shall initially have substantially equivalent responsibilities, subject to change by Buyer in its sole discretion, as such Retained Employee has under his or her employment as of the date hereof; and (ii) provide compensation substantially equivalent to such employee's compensation as of the date hereof. Buyer shall deliver Schedule 4.3.1(b) to Seller listing the Retained Employees ----------------- at least two (2) days prior to Closing, which list is expected only to exclude those employees of Seller who do not accept Buyer's offer of employment. 4.3.2 Effect of Hire by Buyer ----------------------- As to any employee of Seller who accepts an employment offer from Buyer, nothing in this Agreement shall (a) confer upon such employee the right to remain an employee of Buyer or the right to restrain Buyer from changing the terms and conditions of employment, including, without limitation, the responsibilities and/or compensation of any such employee at any time or (b) obligate Buyer to assume any Liability Seller may have to such employee under any of the Seller Employee Benefit Plans. 4.3.3 Certain Liabilities of Seller with respect to Employees ------------------------------------------------------- (a) Employee Benefit Plans. Seller shall be responsible for all ---------------------- Liabilities arising under the Seller Employee Benefit Plans, and for benefits payable with respect to disabilities, injuries or illness incurred by any person prior to the date on which such employee is hired by Buyer, whether or not claim is made for such benefits prior to such date. Seller shall be responsible for any and all Liability, regardless of when incurred, under Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, for employees and their "qualified beneficiaries" (as defined in such Section 4980B) under any of the Seller Employee Benefit Plans. (b) Employment Contracts. Seller shall be responsible for any -------------------- liability for any employment contract or employment contractual obligations with respect to any employees entered into prior to the Closing, whether or not such employees are hired by Buyer. (c) Severance Pay. Seller shall be responsible for severance pay and ------------- similar obligations, if any, payable under the Seller Employee Benefit Plans or otherwise arising from the termination by Seller of employees whether or not hired by Buyer. 4.4 Compliance with Laws Related to Employees ----------------------------------------- As to all employees, Seller shall be responsible for complying with all obligations and Liabilities arising under (a) COBRA (including providing adequate notice and maintaining insurance for those employees electing to maintain insurance coverage), (b) the WARN Act and (c) any comparable state law (including providing timely notice of termination). Seller shall provide WARN Act notices, if applicable, to all employees; provided that Seller shall have -------- ---- first provided a copy of such notices to Buyer. 4.5 Nondisclosure of Confidential Information ----------------------------------------- From and after the Closing, Seller and each Owner agree not to divulge or communicate to the detriment of Buyer or its Affiliates or for the benefit of any other Person or misuse in any way, any confidential information or trade secrets relating to the Acquired Assets or the Business including know- how, customer lists, financial and other business information; provided that the ------------- foregoing obligations 27 do not apply to the extent that (a) such information is in the public domain or (b) disclosure is necessary in connection with compliance with any Laws. 4.6 Injunctive Relief ----------------- Seller and Owners acknowledge that the remedy at law will be inadequate for any breach or threatened breach of the covenant contained in Sections 4.5, and that any breach of such covenants would cause such immediate - ------------ and permanent damages as would be impossible to ascertain. Accordingly, Seller and Owners agree and consent that in the event of any such breach or threatened breach of such covenants by any of them, in addition to any and all legal and equitable remedies available to Buyer for such breach, Buyer shall be entitled to obtain preliminary or permanent injunctive relief without the necessity of proving actual damages by reason of such breach and, to the extent permitted by law, a temporary restraining order (or similar procedural device) may be granted immediately upon the commencement of such action. 4.7 Real Property Purchase ---------------------- 4.7.1 Title ----- As soon as practicable, but not later than _____ days after execution of this Agreement, Seller will make available to Buyer the following documents for prompt review by Buyer: (a) a current preliminary title report on the Owned Real Property, and to the extent reasonably available, on the Warehouse Facility, issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company selected by Buyer ("Title ----- Company") (responsibility for promptly ordering the same being Buyer's), accompanied by copies of all substantive documents referred to in the reports (collectively, the "Preliminary Reports"), and together with an ownership ------------------- search; and (b) copies of all existing and proposed easements, covenants, restrictions, agreements or other documents which affect title to the Real Property in Seller's possession or control and which are not disclosed by the Preliminary Reports. 4.7.2 Survey ------ Seller shall cooperate with Buyer as may be necessary or appropriate to obtain, as soon as practicable, an A.L.T.A. survey of each of the Owned Real Property as Buyer may reasonably require, prepared by a surveyor or civil engineer acceptable to Buyer (collectively, "Surveys"). Such Surveys ------- shall be prepared, at Buyer's expense, in accordance with applicable ALTA standards and shall be certified to both Buyer and Title Company with copies provided to Seller. 4.7.3 Objections to Title ------------------- Buyer shall give Seller notice: (a) as soon as practicable, but not later than ten business days after its receipt of the last of the documents described in Section 4.8.1 and Section 4.8.2, and (b) within five business days ------------- ------------- of any new exceptions to title identified by Title Company which were not disclosed by the Preliminary Reports, including, without limitation, any new exceptions added in response to the delivery of the Surveys ("Additional Title ---------------- Exceptions"), whether any Material Title Defects exist which are not capable of - ---------- being removed promptly. Seller shall commence to use its best commercially reasonable efforts to remove promptly all Material Title Defects which, in Seller's reasonable 28 good faith judgment are capable of being so removed. The term "Material Title --------------- Defects" means, in respect of any Real Property or any estate or interest - -------- therein, any encumbrances or exceptions to title which, in Buyer's reasonable good faith judgment, would adversely and materially affect the use, occupancy, operation or value of any of the Real Property. 4.8 Further Assurances and Disclosures ---------------------------------- Seller shall use its best efforts to assure that all conditions precedent to Closing shall have been met. Seller shall promptly disclose to Buyer any mistaken information on the Schedules provided in connection with the signing of this Agreement, and any new information relating to any event occurring after the date of this Agreement which makes any such Schedules incomplete or no longer correct; provided, however, that none of such -------- ------- disclosures shall be deemed to modify, amend or supplement the representations and warranties made as of the date of this Agreement or the Schedules. 4.9 No Shopping ----------- Until the Closing, neither Seller, nor any director, officer, employee, agent or representative of Seller nor Owners, will initiate contact with, solicit, or encourage any inquiries or proposals by, or participate in any discussions or negotiations with, or disclose any information concerning Seller, the Business or the Acquired Assets to any Person with respect to any sale (except with respect to the sale of inventory in the ordinary course), assignment, transfer or other disposition of the Acquired Assets. 4.10 Change of Name -------------- After the Closing, Seller shall not use or employ in any manner (except with respect to annual reports, tax returns and other similar matters) any of the Intellectual Property, including the "ComputAbility" mark. Prior to the Closing Seller and Owners agree to take whatever action is necessary by Seller's board of directors and shareholders and any other action in order to change Seller's corporate name to eliminate the word "ComputAbility" from its corporate name, as soon as practicable, but in no event later than [7] days after the Closing. 4.11 Termination of 401(k) Plan -------------------------- Seller will take all action necessary to terminate Seller's 401(k) plan, effective as of a date prior to the Closing. Seller will furnish to Buyer a copy of the resolutions of Seller's Board of Directors effecting such termination, together with evidence that such resolutions have been adopted by the Board of Directors prior to the Closing. 4.12 Delivery of Updated Schedules ----------------------------- On or before the Closing, Seller shall deliver updated versions of the Schedules restated as of the Closing Date to take into account any event, occurrence or matter arising after the date of this Agreement; provided, -------- however, that such updated Schedules shall not in any respect be deemed to - ------- modify, amend or supplement any representation or warranty made as of the date of this Agreement or as of any other date specifically referred to therein. ARTICLE V COVENANTS OF BUYER AND PARENT ----------------------------- 29 5.1 Certain Dividends ----------------- Buyer agrees that on or prior to the Closing Date, Seller may pay a cash dividend to its shareholders (counting payments to all shareholders in the aggregate) in the total amount of $[150,000.00]. 5.2 Parent Guarantee ---------------- Parent hereby guarantees all obligations of Buyer with respect to the Holdback Amount and all obligations of Buyer under the Employment Agreements. 5.3 Resale Certificate ------------------ On or before the Closing Date, Buyer shall provide to Seller a certificate of resale with respect to the Acquired Assets that are being purchased for resale. ARTICLE VI CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING ------------------------------- 6.1 Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Buyer. -------------------------------------------- The obligation of Buyer to purchase the Acquired Assets hereunder is subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Buyer shall have the right to waive all or any part of each such condition, and to close the transactions contemplated hereby without however, releasing Seller or Owners from any covenant, obligation, agreement or condition contained herein or from any liability for any loss or damage sustained by Buyer by reason of the breach by Seller or Owners of any covenant, obligation, agreement or condition contained herein, or by reason of any misrepresentation made by Seller or Owners. 6.1.1 Correctness of Representations and Warranties --------------------------------------------- Each of the representations and warranties of Seller and of Owners contained in this Agreement and in the Schedules and other documents delivered in connection herewith and pursuant to the transactions contemplated hereby is true and accurate in all Material respects. Buyer shall have received a certificate dated the Closing Date executed by Seller and Owners to such effect. As used in this Agreement, the term "Material" means either having a financial impact in excess of [$85,000] on Seller's revenues, income or assets or alternatively anything otherwise material or significant to the Business. 6.1.2 Performance of Covenants and Agreements ---------------------------- ---------- . Each Seller shall have performed and complied with each of its covenants and agreements hereunder in all material respects through the Closing. Buyer shall have received a certificate dated the Closing Date and executed on behalf of Seller and Owners to the effect that there has been no such breach of any such covenant or agreement. 6.1.3 Receipt of Consents; Compliance With Law. ---------------------------------------- Seller and Buyer shall have obtained (a) any and all Consents from any Governmental Authority identified by Buyer as necessary for Closing pursuant to Section 1.4; and (b) all other Consents listed on Schedule 2.17, except those ------------- Consents which will not be obtained prior to the Closing as approved by Buyer under Section 1.4. Seller shall deliver, at or prior to the Closing Date, ----------- copies of all Consents as Buyer may reasonably request. 30 6.1.4 Employment Agreements --------------------- Buyer shall have received executed originals of (i) the Employment Agreement dated as of the Closing Date between Buyer and Marcia Rose in the form attached as Exhibit 6.1.4A; and (ii) the Employment Agreement dated as of the -------------- Closing Date between Buyer and Gary Rose in the form attached as Exhibit 6.1.4B. -------------- 6.1.5 Noncompetition Agreement ------------------------ Buyer shall have received an original of that certain Noncompetition Agreement dated as of the Closing Date among Buyer, Parent and Owners in the form of Exhibit 6.1.5 (the "Noncompetition Agreement") executed by ------------- ------------------------ Owners. 6.1.6 Registration Rights Agreement ----------------------------- Buyer shall have received an original of that certain Registration Rights Agreement (the "Registration Rights Agreement") dated as of the Closing ----------------------------- Date between Parent and Seller in the form attached as Exhibit 6.1.6, executed ------------- by Seller. 6.1.7 Escrow Agreement ---------------- Buyer shall have received the Escrow Agreement contemplated under Section 1.7.3 in the form attached as Exhibit 6.1.8 executed by the parties - ------------- ------------- thereto. 6.1.8 Environmental Due Diligence --------------------------- Buyer shall have completed all due diligence, including all environmental due diligence and shall have received a Phase I Environmental Report on the Real Property, which due diligence shall be satisfactory to Buyer and Parent, in their sole discretion. 6.1.9 Lease Agreement --------------- Buyer shall have received that certain Lease Agreement dated as of the Closing Date (the "Lease Agreement") between Buyer and Marcia Rose for the lease of the Warehouse Facility, in the form of Exhibit 6.1.9 executed by Owners ------------- and Buyer shall be given possession of the premises covered by such Lease Agreement. 6.1.10 Title Policies -------------- Buyer shall have received from the Title Company a commitment for the issuance to Buyer as of the Closing Date of Owner's Policies of Title Insurance ("Title Policies"), each in an insured amount agreed upon by Buyer and -------------- Seller, insuring good and marketable title to the Owned Real Property and with respect to the leased Warehouse Facility, to the extent such leasehold interest is insurable under the title insurance practices applicable to the jurisdiction in which such leasehold interest is located, good title to such Leased Real Property, free of any Material Title Defects. The costs of such Title Policies shall be paid equally by Buyer and Seller. 6.1.11 Real Property Purchase Agreement -------------------------------- Buyer shall have received an original of a Real Property Purchase Agreement between Buyer and Seller in the form of Exhibit 6.1.11, executed by -------------- Seller and all conditions to the Buyer's obligations to close the transaction contemplated by the Real Property Purchase Agreement shall have been satisfied such that the closing of the sale of the Owned Real Property can occur simultaneously with the Closing. 31 6.1.12 Receipt of Opinion of Seller's Counsel -------------------------------------- Buyer shall have received from Davis & Kuelthau, S.C., counsel for Seller, a legal opinion in the form attached as Exhibit 6.1.12. -------------- 6.1.13 Termination of 401(k) Plan -------------------------- Seller shall have taken all action necessary to terminate Seller's 401(k) plan, effective as of a date prior to the Closing, and shall have furnished to Buyer a copy of the resolutions of Seller's Board of Directors effecting such termination, together with evidence that such resolutions have been adopted by the Board of Directors of Seller. 6.1.14 Governmental Action ------------------- No Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or adopted any Law which is in effect and which has the effect of making the transactions contemplated by this Agreement illegal or otherwise materially restricting or prohibiting such transactions. 6.1.15 No Proceeding ------------- No Proceeding shall be pending or threatened by any party including, without limitation, any Governmental Authority that, if adversely determined, would enjoin, in whole or in part, the carrying out of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement. 6.1.16 Receipt of Documents Necessary to Transfer Acquired --------------------------------------------------- Assets. - ------ Buyer shall have received from Seller a bill of sale covering the Acquired Assets and all other documents necessary to transfer the Acquired Assets to Buyer, in form satisfactory to Buyer. 6.1.17 No Material Adverse Change -------------------------- There shall not have occurred since September 30, 1996 any change or effect that is Materially adverse (a) to the condition (financial or otherwise) of the Business, (b) to the results of operations of the Business, (c) to the Acquired Assets, or (d) to the operation of the Acquired Assets by the Buyer. 6.2 Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Seller --------------------------------------------- The obligation of Seller to sell the Acquired Assets hereunder and otherwise to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby is subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Seller shall have the right to waive all or any part of each such condition, and to close the transactions contemplated hereby without, however, releasing Buyer from any covenant, obligation, agreement or condition contained herein or from any liability for any loss or damage sustained by Seller by reason of the breach by Buyer of any covenant, obligation, agreement or condition contained herein, or by reason of any misrepresentation made by Buyer. 6.2.1 Correctness of Representations and Warranties --------------------------------------------- Each of the representations and warranties of Buyer contained in this Agreement and in the Schedules and other documents delivered in connection herewith and pursuant to the transactions contemplated hereby is true and accurate in all material respects. Seller shall have received a certificate dated the Closing Date and executed by Buyer to such effect. 32 6.2.2 Performance of Covenants and Agreements --------------------------------------- Buyer shall have performed and complied with each of its covenants and agreements hereunder in all material respects through the Closing. Seller shall have received a certificate dated the Closing Date and executed by Buyer to the effect that there has been no such breach of any such covenant or agreement. 6.2.3 Registration Rights Agreement ----------------------------- Seller shall have received the Registration Rights Agreement, executed by Parent. 6.2.4 Lease Agreement --------------- Marcia Rose shall have received the Lease Agreement duly executed by Buyer. 6.2.5 Employment Agreements --------------------- Marcia Rose and Gary Rose shall have each received their respective Employment Agreements duly executed by Buyer. 6.2.6 Escrow Agreement ---------------- Seller shall have received the Escrow Agreement contemplated under Section 1.7.3 executed by the parties thereto. ------------- 6.2.7 Receipt of Certain Agreements ----------------------------- Seller shall have received originals of an assumption agreement any other documents reasonably satisfactory to Seller and Seller's counsel necessary to effect the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities by Buyer, executed by Buyer. 6.2.8 Receipt of Opinion of Counsel to Buyer. -------------------------------------- Seller shall have received from Morrison & Foerster, counsel to Buyer, a legal opinion in the form attached as Exhibit 6.2.8. ------------- 6.2.9 Real Property Purchase Agreement -------------------------------- Seller shall have received an original of the Real Property Purchase Agreement between Seller and Buyer in the form of Exhibit 6.1.12, executed by -------------- Buyer and all conditions to the Seller's obligations to close the transaction contemplated by the Real Property Purchase Agreement shall have been satisfied such that the closing of the sale of the Owned Real Property can occur simultaneously with the Closing. 6.2.10 Governmental Action ------------------- No Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or adopted any Law which is in effect and which has the effect of making the transactions contemplated by this Agreement illegal or otherwise materially restricting or prohibiting such transactions. 6.2.11 No Proceeding. ------------- No Proceeding shall be pending or threatened by any party, including without limitation, by any Governmental Authority that, if adversely determined, would enjoin, in whole or in part, the carrying out of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement. 33 ARTICLE VII CERTAIN MUTUAL COVENANTS ------------------------ 7.1 Expenses -------- Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement and this Section ------- 7.1, Parent shall bear its own Expenses and the Expenses of Buyer incurred in - --- connection with the transactions contemplated herein. Seller shall be responsible for all Expenses incurred by it or its shareholders in connection with the transaction, up to a maximum amount of $25,000, any such Expenses in excess of $25,000 shall be paid by Owners. 7.2 Public Statements ----------------- No party to this Agreement shall make, issue or release any announcement, statement or acknowledgment, whether to the public generally, or to employees, suppliers or customers, concerning the existence of, or reveal the status of, the transactions provided for herein, except for those employees and advisers or the parties who have a need to know of the transaction, without first obtaining the consent of the other parties hereto, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Nothing in this section shall prevent any party from making statements in order to satisfy such party's legal obligations and any requirements of NASD; provided that the party with such obligation shall notify the other parties hereto of such obligation prior to making such public statement or other disclosure. 7.3 Confidentiality --------------- Prior to the Closing, Buyer shall not disclose or permit to be disclosed by any Person, any of the information contained in any document or otherwise furnished by Seller to Buyer, to (or by) any Person except to legal counsel, accountants, and financial advisors of Buyer and to other authorized agents and representatives of Buyer, and to such Persons only to the extent required for activities directly related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except to the extent such information has been publicly disclosed by Seller, or is in the public domain or known to Buyer from another source or pursuant to valid legal process. If the transaction contemplated by this Agreement is not consummated for any reason, Buyer, on behalf of its agents, representatives, legal counsel, accountants, financial advisors and investment bankers, at its own expense, shall return promptly after demand all such documents and any notes or analysis thereof (including copies thereof) to Seller unless Buyer warrants to Seller the same have been destroyed, and, except to the extent any such information is publicly disclosed by Seller or is in the public domain or known to Buyer from another source which is not subject to an obligation of confidentiality or is required to be disclosed pursuant to governmental authority (other than on a confidential basis) or valid legal process, Buyer shall not use, disclose or permit to be used or disclosed any of such information by or to any Person at any time thereafter. 7.4 Other Actions. ------------- Each party hereto agrees to execute and to deliver such instruments, in form and substance mutually agreeable to the parties, as another party may reasonably require in order to carry out the terms of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Each party hereto will use those efforts that a prudent person desirous of achieving a result would use under similar circumstances to ensure that such result is achieved as expeditiously as possible in order to cause all conditions to the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby to be satisfied, and shall not take nor permit its Affiliates to take any action that would cause any of its or their representations and warranties in this Agreement not to be true and correct as of the Closing Date. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each of 34 the parties hereto will cooperate and use their respective best efforts to make all registrations, filings and applications, to give all notices and to obtain all Consents, transfers, approvals, orders, qualifications and waivers necessary or desirable for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and by such other agreements. 7.5 Access to Records by Seller --------------------------- Buyer and Parent agree to allow representatives of Seller (or its assigns) after the Closing, upon reasonable notice, access to the original Books and Records acquired by Buyer hereunder for the purpose of filing and supporting tax returns and tax audits of Seller (or its assigns) and for the purpose of defending any claim or cause of action which may be alleged or filed against Seller (or its assigns) relative to the Acquired Assets or the Business. Buyer and Parent further agree that they will cooperate with Seller (or its assigns) in such matters to the extent reasonably requested by Seller (or its assigns) at the sole cost of Seller (or its assigns). Buyer and Parent shall preserve such records as may be necessary to support Seller's tax returns and to notify Seller (or its assigns) prior to the destruction of records relating to periods prior to the Closing if the destruction is scheduled to occur within five years of the Closing Date. If Seller (or its assigns) objects to the destruction of such records, Seller (or its assigns) shall be permitted to take possession of such records at the sole expense of Seller (or its assigns). 7.6 Access to Records by Buyer -------------------------- Seller and Owners agree to allow representatives of Buyer after the Closing, upon reasonable notice, access to any books and records retained by Seller and Owners relating to the Business for the purpose of filing and supporting tax returns and tax audits of Buyer or its Affiliates, defending any claim or cause of action which may be alleged or filed against Buyer or its Affiliates relative to the Acquired Assets or otherwise relating to the Business, and/or establishing Buyer's title to or use and occupancy of the Acquired Assets or the lawful operation thereof. Seller and Owners further agree to cooperate with Buyer in such matters to the extent reasonably requested by Buyer, at the sole cost of Buyer. Seller and/or Owners shall preserve such books and records as may be necessary to support tax returns of Buyer and to notify Buyer prior to the destruction of records relating to periods prior to the Closing if the destruction is scheduled to occur within five years of the Closing Date. If Buyer objects to the destruction of such records, Buyer shall be permitted to take possession of such records at Buyer's sole expense. ARTICLE VIII INDEMNIFICATIONS ---------------- 8.1 Seller and Owners Promise to Indemnify -------------------------------------- Seller and each Owner agree, jointly and severally, to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Buyer and its officers, directors, employees, agents, shareholders and Affiliates ("Indemnified Buyer") against any and all losses, ----------------- claims, damages or liabilities and actions, and any reasonable legal or other expenses or costs incurred by any Indemnified Buyer in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action, regardless of whether an action or claim has been filed or asserted against an Indemnified Buyer after the Closing Date, arising from, in connection with or with respect to the following items (the "Indemnified Buyer Losses"): (a) any ------------------------ misrepresentation made by Seller or Owners, or breach or inaccuracy of any representation or warranty (whether made as of the signing of this Agreement, as of the Closing or as of any other date specified in 35 such representation or warranty) made by Seller under this Agreement or in any other agreement or document delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith or with the closing of the transactions contemplated hereby; (b) any nonfulfillment of or failure to comply with any agreement, condition or covenant on the part of Seller or Owners under this Agreement or any other agreement or document delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith or with the closing of the transactions contemplated hereby; (c) any and all Excluded Liabilities; and (d) any Liabilities incurred by Buyer for failure to comply with Bulk Sale laws of any state in connection with the transaction contemplated herein but only to the extent such Liability arises on account of Seller's failure to pay any debt or obligation not constituting an Assumed Liability. 8.2 Buyer's and Parent's Promise to Indemnify ----------------------------------------- Buyer and Parent agree, jointly and severally, to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Seller and its officers, directors, employees, agents, shareholders and Affiliates ("Indemnified Seller") against any and all losses, ------------------ claims, damages or liabilities and actions, and any reasonable legal or other expenses or costs incurred by any Indemnified Seller in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action regardless of whether an action or claim has been filed or asserted against an Indemnified Seller after the Closing Date, arising from, in connection with or with respect to the following items (the "Indemnified Seller Losses"): (a) any ------------------------- misrepresentation made by Buyer or Parent, or breach or inaccuracy of any representation or warranty made by Buyer or Parent under this Agreement or in any other agreement or document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or with the closing of the transactions contemplated hereby; (b) any nonfulfillment of or failure to comply with any agreement, condition or covenant on the part of Buyer or Parent under this Agreement or in any other agreement or document delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith or with the closing of the transactions contemplated hereby; and (c) the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities from and after the Closing Date. 8.3 Procedure for Indemnification of Third Party Claims. --------------------------------------------------- 8.3.1 Notice ------ Subject to the provisions of Sections 8.1 and 8.2 in the event of ------------ --- any claim for indemnification is made thereunder, if there is asserted by a third party any claim, liability or obligation (a "Claim") that in the judgment ----- of a party indemnified above (the "Indemnified Party") may give rise to any ----------------- Indemnified Buyer Losses or Indemnified Seller Losses ("Indemnified Losses"), or ------------------ if the Indemnified Party determines the existence of a Claim, whether or not the same shall have been asserted, such Indemnified Party shall give the indemnifying party or parties (the "Indemnitor"), notice within 30 days of the ---------- assertion of any Claim, or within 10 days of receipt of notice of the filing of any lawsuit based upon such assertion, or, with respect to a Claim not yet asserted against the Indemnified Party, promptly upon the determination by an executive officer of the Indemnified Party of the existence of the same, which notice shall describe the Claim in reasonable detail, and shall include the amount (estimated if necessary) of the related Indemnified Loss. Failure by the Indemnified Party to give timely notice pursuant to this Section 8.3 shall not ----------- relieve the Indemnitor of its obligations, except to the extent that the Indemnitor is actually and materially prejudiced by such failure to give timely notice. 36 8.3.2 Defense ------- The Indemnified Party shall permit the Indemnitor to assume the defense of such Claim and any litigation resulting therefrom (and to prosecute by way of counterclaim or third party complaint any claim against such third party arising out of or relating to the Claim in question) upon receipt by the Indemnified Party of the Indemnitor's written acknowledgment of its obligation to indemnify the Indemnified Party with respect to the Claim and its agreement to assume the defense of all claims or counts of such Claim. After giving such notice of assumption, the Indemnitor shall not be liable under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with such defense but the Indemnitor shall be responsible for all such expenses incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with the Claim prior to such assumption. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Indemnified Party shall be entitled to conduct its own defense at the cost and expense of the Indemnitor if the Indemnified Party can establish, by reasonable evidence, that the conduct of its defense by the Indemnitor would reasonably be likely to prejudice the Indemnified Party due to the nature of any claims or counterclaims presented or by virtue of a conflict between the interest of the Indemnified Party and the Indemnitor, and provided further that in any event the Indemnified Party may participate in such defense at its own expense. Counsel selected by the Indemnitor or by the Indemnified Party to defend any Claim shall be subject to the reasonable approval of the other party. If the Indemnitor fails to assume the defense of any such Claim as provided above within a reasonable time (which shall be such period of time as will not, in the judgment of the Indemnified Party, result in prejudice to the rights of the Indemnified Party) after due notice has been given of a Claim, then until such time as the Indemnitor shall make such assumption, the Indemnified Party shall have the right to prosecute and conduct its own defense by counsel of its choice, and in connection therewith shall have full right to conduct the defense thereof and to enter into any compromise or settlement thereof without the consent of the Indemnitor. Such defense shall be at the cost and expense of the Indemnitor if the Indemnitor subsequently assumes such defense as provided above, or if it is subsequently determined that the Indemnitor is or was obligated to defend or indemnify the Indemnified Party with respect to such Claim. In the event Indemnitor assumes the defense of a Claim and the Indemnitor prevails in said defense or if it is determined that the Indemnified Party was not entitled to Indemnity for any reason, then the Indemnified Party shall reimburse Indemnitor for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred in such defense. 8.3.3 Settlement ---------- The Indemnitor shall not, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, consent to the terms of any compromise or settlement of any Claim or litigation defended by the Indemnitor in accordance herewith (other than terms related solely to the payment of money damages and only after the Indemnitor has furnished the Indemnified Party with such evidence as the Indemnified Party may reasonably request of the Indemnitor's capacity to pay promptly the amount of such money damages at such times as provided in the compromise or settlement) which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed in circumstances where compromise or settlement would not adversely affect the Indemnified Party. The Indemnitor shall not, except with the prior written consent of Indemnified Party, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any compromise or settlement of an action or portion of an action relating to the Indemnified Party which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to the Indemnified Party of an unconditional release in respect of such Claim or litigation. If the Indemnitor chooses to defend 37 any Claim, the Indemnified Party shall cooperate with the Indemnitor and make available to the Indemnitor any personnel or any books, records or other documents within its control that are necessary or appropriate for such defense. The Indemnitor shall pay the Indemnified Party's actual out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with such cooperation. 8.4 Interest -------- An Indemnified Party shall also be entitled to receive interest on any Indemnified Loss, accruing from the Closing Date to the date of payment of the Indemnified Loss, at the fluctuating rate per annum equal to the prime rate published in The Wall Street Journal as the base rate on corporate loans as in ----------------------- effect from time to time (the "Prime Rate"). Interest shall be paid as agreed ---------- above whether before or after judgment, and shall continue to accrue on the amount ultimately paid, even if during the period of interest accrual the amount of the Indemnified Buyer Loss is unliquidated, uncertain or not capable of being made certain by calculation. 8.5 Indemnification Amounts ----------------------- 8.5.1 Caps. ---- Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, and except for a breach of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.3 (Title), Section 2.12 (Mailing Lists) and Section 2.27 - ----------- ------------ ------------ (Environmental), Seller and Owners in the aggregate, shall not be liable under this Agreement for Indemnified Buyer Losses related to an unknowing breach of any representation and warranty of Seller and Owners in excess of the sum of the following: (i) the total value of all Parent Stock still owned by Seller and Owners in the aggregate (or held in any family trust or otherwise transferred to a family member, person or other entity without consideration or not in an arms' length transaction) with such value to be determined at the time of Buyer's claim of breach; (ii) the aggregate gross proceeds of all Parent Stock sold by Seller and Owners in an arms' length transaction prior to the time of such claim; and (iii) $750,000. Any amounts payable pursuant to Section 8.1 (in excess of the Holdback Amount if the Holdback Amount is then available) shall be first satisfied by a return of that number of shares of Parent Stock still owned by Seller and/or Owners that is equal in value to said excess and if insufficient shares are then owned, then thereafter such amounts shall be payable in cash. It is expressly agreed that if Seller is the prevailing party in an action by Buyer for Indemnified Buyer Losses that is subject to the limitations provided by this Section 8.5.1, Buyer shall pay all reasonable ------------- attorneys' fees incurred by Seller and/or Owners in connection with the defense of such action. 8.5.2 Limitations for Knowing Breaches /Breaches of Certain ------------------------------------------------------ Representations - --------------- Seller and Owners shall be liable for all Indemnified Buyer Losses (i) with respect to any knowing breach of any of the representations and warranties of Seller and Owners contained herein; and (ii) for all Indemnified Buyer Losses with respect to any breach (whether knowing or unknowing) of the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 2.3 (Title), Section 2.12 (Mailing Lists) ------------ ------------ and Section 2.27 (Environmental) up to an aggregate maximum amount equal to the ------------ Purchase Price. 8.5.3 Certain Other Specific Limitations ---------------------------------- Without limiting Section 8.5.1 or Section 8.5.2, Burton Slotky ------------- -------------- shall have no liability under this Agreement for any Indemnified Buyer Losses or any other liability for breach of a representation and warranty or other term of 38 this Agreement in an aggregate amount in excess of 20% of the Purchase Price; which represents such shareholder's pro rata share of the Purchase Price based on his percentage equity interest in Seller as of the Closing Date. 8.5.4 Basket ------ Notwithstanding any thing to the contrary contained in this Agreement, neither Seller nor Owners shall have any liability for any Indemnified Buyer Losses until the aggregate amount of Indemnified Buyer Losses exceeds $50,000. If the aggregate amount of such Indemnified Buyer Losses exceeds this amount, then Seller and Owners shall be liable for the excess of such Indemnified Buyer Losses, subject to the applicable limitations of Section ------- 8.5.1, 8.5.2 and 8.5.3, as the case may be. - ----- ----- ----- ARTICLE IX TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT OF AGREEMENT ---------------------------------------- 9.1 Grounds for Termination. ----------------------- This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions herein contemplated may be abandoned at any time on or before the Closing Date only in accordance with this Article IX: ----------- 9.1.1 Mutual Consent -------------- By mutual consent of the Buyer and Seller. 9.1.2 Breach or Misrepresentation by Seller ------------------------------------- By Buyer, upon a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of Seller or Owners set forth in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of Seller or Owners shall have become untrue, in either case such that the conditions set forth in Section 6.1 would be incapable ----------- of being satisfied by the Closing Date; provided that, in any case, an ------------- intentional breach shall be deemed to cause such conditions to be incapable of being satisfied for purposes of this Section 9.1.2. ------------- 9.1.3 Breach or Misrepresentation by Buyer. ------------------------------------ By Seller, upon a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of Buyer or Parent set forth in this Agreement, of if any representation or warranty of Buyer shall have become untrue, in either case such that the conditions set forth in Section 6.2 would be incapable of being ----------- satisfied by the Closing Date; provided that, in any case, an intentional breach ------------- shall be deemed to cause such conditions to be incapable of being satisfied for purposes of this Section 9.1.3. ------------- 9.1.4 Prohibition by Law ------------------ By either Buyer or Seller, if any Governmental Entity shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any statute, rule, regulation, execution order, decree, injunction or other order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) which is in effect and which has the effect of making, or any such Governmental Entity shall have commenced, or threatened to commence, any proceeding which, if adversely determined, would have the effect of making, the Agreement illegal or otherwise materially restricting or prohibiting consummation of the Agreement. 9.1.5 Failure to Close ---------------- By either Buyer or any Seller, if the Closing has not occurred by ________ or such later date as agreed to in writing by Buyer and Seller. 9.2 Effect of Termination. --------------------- Except as provided in Section 9.3, if this Agreement is terminated ----------- pursuant to Section 9.1, it shall forthwith become void, and there shall ----------- 39 be no Liability on the part of any party or their respective officers, directors or shareholders to the other parties hereto under this Agreement or any other agreement entered into hereunder, and all rights and obligations of any party hereto shall cease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 9.2 shall relieve any party hereto of any Liability for breach of this - ----------- Agreement, or for any misrepresentation hereunder, or be deemed a waiver of any remedy otherwise available for such breach or misrepresentation. Buyer's obligation pursuant to Section 7.3 shall survive any termination of this Agreement. 9.3 Expenses to be Borne by Each Party. ---------------------------------- Except as provided in Section 9.2, if the transactions contemplated by ----------- this Agreement are not consummated, all Expenses incurred by the parties hereto shall be borne solely and entirely by the party which has incurred such Expenses. "Expenses" as used in this Agreement shall include all out-of-pocket -------- expenses (including all fees and expenses of counsel, accountants, investment bankers, experts and consultants to a party hereto) incurred by a party or on its behalf in connection with or related to the authorization, preparation, negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and all other matters related to the Closing of the transactions contemplated herein and therein. ARTICLE X GENERAL PROVISIONS ------------------ 10.1 Schedules. --------- The disclosures in the Schedules hereto are to be taken as relating to the representations and warranties in the section of the Agreement to which they expressly relate and to no other representation or warranty in the Agreement (except where there is a specific cross-reference contained therein) unless it would be otherwise obvious to any reasonable person reviewing any such Schedules that such Schedules disclosed matters required to be disclosed pursuant to other sections of the Agreement. 10.2 Further Assurances ------------------ Each party hereto agrees for the benefit of the other parties hereto to execute and deliver any necessary documents, instruments or agreements, and to take any and all necessary actions, in order to (a) fully vest in Buyer all right, title and interest to the Acquired Assets, (b) have Buyer fully assume the Assumed Liabilities, (c) fully disclaim any obligation of Buyer under the Excluded Liabilities, and (d) carry out the terms of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 10.3 Survival of Representations and Warranties. ------------------------------------------ 10.3.1 Buyer Reliance -------------- Notwithstanding any right of Buyer to investigate fully the Business and notwithstanding any knowledge of facts determined or determinable by Buyer pursuant to such investigation or right of investigation, Buyer has the right to rely fully upon the representations and warranties of Seller and Owners contained in this Agreement or in any agreement or document delivered to Buyer by Seller and Owners or their Affiliates in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder and shall not be estopped in making any claim, hereunder, by reason of any knowledge gained as a result of such investigation or otherwise. 40 10.3.2 Survival Period --------------- The respective representations and warranties of each party contained in this Agreement shall survive as follows: (a) The following representations and warranties of Seller and Owners shall survive the Closing and shall not expire (i) all representations and warranties of Seller and/or Owners contained herein but only to the extent there is a knowing breach of any such representation and warranty; and (ii) the representations and warranties of Seller and/or Owners set forth in Section 2.3 ----------- (Title), Section 2.12 (Mailing Lists) and Section 2.27 (Environmental). ------------ ------------ (b) Except as provided in Section 10.3.2(a), the respective ------------------ representations and warranties of each of the parties hereto shall survive the Closing and shall expire 30 months after the Closing. 10.4 Notices ------- All notices, demands, and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered in person or by private courier or delivery service, or transmitted by facsimile transmission (confirmed by receipt of successful transmission in writing), or five days after being mailed by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, as indicated below. Any party may change its address for notices by providing notice of the change to the other parties. Buyer: CCI Acquisition Corp. 7271 North 51st Boulevard Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53223 Attention: __________ Tel: _______________ Fax: _______________ Parent: Creative Computers Inc. 2645 Maricopa Street Torrance, CA 90503 Attention: Frank Khulusi Tel: (310) 787-4500 Fax: (310) 222-6903 With a copy to: Morrison & Foerster LLP 555 West Fifth Street Suite 3500 Los Angeles, CA 90013-1025 Attention: Stephen P. Rothman, Esq. Tel: (213) 892-5237 Fax: (213) 892-5454 Seller: ComputAbility Limited ___________________ ___________________ ____________________ 41 Attention: ___________ Tel: ________________ Fax: ________________ Owners: Marcia and Gary Rose ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ Burton Slotky ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ With a copy to: Davis & Kuelthau, S.C. 111 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 1400 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 Attention: Harold Laufer, Esq. Tel: (414) 225-1423 Fax: (414) 276-9369 10.5 Assignment; No Third Party Beneficiaries ---------------------------------------- Neither this Agreement nor any part thereof shall be assignable by operation of law or otherwise by any party without the prior written consent of the other parties; provided, however, that (a) Buyer shall be entitled to assign -------- ------- its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any Affiliate of Buyer or to any entity purchasing substantially all the assets or stock of Buyer without Seller's consent and (b) Seller shall be entitled to assign its rights under this Agreement to its shareholders by operation of law pursuant to any dissolution of Seller. Nothing contained in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any Person or entity other than the parties hereto, and their successors in interest and permitted assignees, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement unless expressly so stated. 10.6 Remedies -------- Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, none of the remedies set forth in this Agreement is intended to be exclusive, and each party shall have all other remedies now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise, and the election of any one or more remedies shall not constitute a waiver of the right to pursue other available remedies. 10.7 Waiver ------ The waiver by any party of any instance of any other party's noncompliance with any obligation or responsibility herein shall not be deemed a waiver of other instances or of any party's remedies for such noncompliance. 10.8 Entire Agreement; Amendments ---------------------------- This Agreement, the Noncompetition Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement and the agreements, documents, schedules, exhibits and certificates specifically referred to herein and therein or required to be delivered pursuant to the terms hereof or thereof, represent the entire, final agreement of the parties hereto 42 and thereto with respect to the subject matter hereof or thereof, superseding all prior agreements, understandings, representations, warranties, discussions, negotiations and commitments of any kind. This Agreement may be amended or supplemented by a written agreement between Buyer and Seller without the Owners consent. The parties agree that any rights that Buyer or Parent may have against Seller can be waived by Buyer or Parent without releasing the Owners from their obligations under this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein and Owners hereby waive any right to require Buyer or Parent to proceed against Seller or the Holdback Amount before proceeding against Owners with respect to any obligation for which the Owners are liable under the terms of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein. 10.9 Definitions. ----------- 10.9.1 List of Defined Terms --------------------- Exhibit 10.9.1 contains a complete list of the terms defined in -------------- this Agreement and the sections of this Agreement in which such definitions are found. 10.9.2 Accounting Terms ---------------- In this Agreement, "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting ---- principles, consistently applied, as used in the United States. All accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP. 10.9.3 Certain Specific Terms ---------------------- In this Agreement: (a) the term "Affiliate" of a Person means a --------- Person controlling, under common control with or controlled by such Person; (b) the term "Person" means any individual, partnership, joint venture, corporation, ------ trust or incorporated organization or any other business entity, in each case whether acting in an individual, fiduciary or other capacity; (c) the term "Subsidiary" of a Person means a corporation as to which 50% or more of the - ----------- outstanding voting stock is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person. 10.10 Severability ------------ If any provision or any part of any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision or part hereof, which shall continue in full force and effect. 10.11 Counterparts ------------ This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. 10.12 Governing Law ------------- The validity, interpretation, enforceability, and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of [Wisconsin], without reference to its conflicts of law rules. 43 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first above mentioned. BUYER: CCI Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation By:_______________________________________ Name:_____________________________________ Title:____________________________________ Parent: Creative Computers, Inc., a Delaware corporation By:_______________________________________ Name:_____________________________________ Title:____________________________________ Seller: ComputAbility Limited, a Wisconsin corporation By:_______________________________________ Name:_____________________________________ Title:____________________________________ Owners: __________________________________________ Marcia Rose __________________________________________ Gary Rose __________________________________________ Burton Slotky 44 List of Schedules and Exhibits ------------------------------
Schedule Content -------- ------- 1.2.5 Vendor Contracts 1.2.11 Equipment Leases 1.3.2 Excluded Assets 1.8.2 Reserves and Accruals 1.10 Allocation of Purchase Price 2.3 Acquired Assets 2.4 Compliance with Laws 2.5.1 Seller Financial Statements 2.5.2 Absence of Certain Changes 2.5.3 No Undisclosed Liabilities 2.6 Execution and Performance of Agreement Causes No Violation 2.7 Inventory 2.8 Accounts Receivable 2.9 Vendor Agreements 2.10 Vendors, Distributors and Customers 2.11 Contracts and Other Agreements 2.12 Mailing List Information 2.13.1(a) Title 2.13.1(b) Proceedings 2.13.1(c) Third Party Infringement 2.13.1(d) Infringement by Seller 2.13.2 Trade Secrets 2.13.4 Copyrights 2.13.5 Software
45
Schedule Content -------- ------- 2.14 Licenses 2.17 Consents to Assignment 2.18 Machinery and Equipment 2.19 Proceedings 2.20 Governmental Permits 2.21 Insurance 2.22 Taxes 2.23.1 Real Property 2.23.3 Leases 2.23.4 Compliance with Land Use Laws and Regulations 2.24 Utilities 2.25 Employee Benefit Plans 2.26 Labor Matters 2.27.1 Use, Storage, Disposition of Hazardous Materials 2.27.2 Asbestos, PCBs, Underground Tanks 2.27.3 Environmental Litigation 2.28 Affiliates and Joint Ventures 2.30 Assets Sufficient for Conduct of Business 4.4.1(b) Retained Employees
46
Schedule Content -------- ------- 6.1.4A Form of Management Agreement [Marcia Rose] 6.1.4B Form of Management Agreement [Gary Rose] 6.1.4C Form of Management Agreement [Meris Doroty] 6.1.5 Form of Noncompetition Agreement 6.1.6 Form of Registration Rights Agreement 6.1.8 Form of Escrow Agreement 6.1.10 Form of Lease Agreement 6.1.12 Form of Real Property Purchase Agreement 6.1.13 Form of Opinion of Seller's Counsel 6.2.8 Form of Opinion of Buyer's Counsel 10.9.1 List of Defined Terms
47 EXHIBIT 10.9.1 -------------- LIST OF DEFINED TERMS --------------------- The following terms are defined in the Sections indicated: "Accounts Receivable" Section 1.2.2 "Acquired Assets" Section 1.2 "Additional Title Exceptions" Section 4.8.3 "Affiliate" Section 10.9.3 "Agreement" Prelude "Assumed Liabilities" Section 1.5 "Books and Records" Section 1.2.15 "Business" Section 1.2 "Buyer" Prelude "Cash Component" Section 1.7.1(a) "Claim" Section 8.3.1 "Closing" Section 1.11 "Closing Balance Sheet" Section 1.8 "Closing Date" Section 1.11 "Consents" Section 2.17 "Contracts" Section 2.11 "Copyrights" Section 2.13 "Costs" Section 1.6.3 "Designs" Section 2.13 "Employee Benefit Plans" Section 2.25 "Encumbrances" Section 2.3 "Environmental Costs" Section 1.6.3 48 "Equipment Leases" Section 1.2.11 "ERISA" Section 2.25 "Escrow Agreement" Section 1.7.3 "Excluded Assets" Section 1.3 "Excluded Liabilities" Section 1.6 "Expenses" Section 9.3 "Furniture and Fixtures" Section 1.2.8 "GAAP" Section 10.9.2 "Governmental Authority" Section 1.2.14 "Governmental Authorizations" Section 2.20 "Governmental Permits" Section 1.2.14 "Hazardous Materials" Section 2.27.5 "Hazardous Materials Laws" Section 2.27.5 "Indemnified Buyer" Section 8.1 "Indemnified Buyer Losses" Section 8.1 "Indemnified Losses" Section 8.3.1 "Indemnified Party" Section 8.3.1 "Indemnified Seller" Section 8.2 "Indemnified Seller Losses" Section 8.2 "Indemnitor" Section 8.3.1 "Intellectual Property" Section 2.13 "Inventory" Section 1.2.1 "IRCA" Section 2.26 "June 1997 Financial Statements" Section 2.5.1 "Law" Section 2.6 "Lease Agreement" Section 6.1.10 "Leased Real Property" Section 2.23.1 49 "Liabilities" Section 1.6 "Licenses" Section 2.14 "Machinery and Equipment" Section 1.2.7 "Marks" Section 2.13 "Material Title Defects" Section 4.8.3 "Noncompetition Agreement" Section 6.1.5 "Owned Real Property" Section 2.23.1 "Owners" Prelude "Parent" Prelude "Parent Stock" Section 1.7.1(b) "Patents" Section 2.13 "Person" Section 10.9.3 "Preliminary Reports" Section 4.8.1(a) "Prime Rate" Section 8.4 "Proceeding" Section 2.19 "Purchase Price" Section 1.7.1 "Real Property" Section 2.23.1 "Real Property Leases" Section 2.23.3 "Registration Rights Agreement" Section 6.1.6 "Retained Employees" Section 4.4.1(b) "Securities Act" Section 2.31 "Seller" Prelude "Seller Employee Benefit Plans" Section 2.25 "September 1996 Financial Statements" Section 2.5.1 "Software" Section 2.13 "Subsidiary" Section 10.9.3 "Surveys" Section 4.8.2 50 "Tax Returns" Section 2.22 "Taxes" Section 2.22 "Title Company" Section 4.8.1(a) "Title Policies" Section 6.1.11 "Trade Secrets" Section 2.13 "Vendor Agreements" Section 2.9 "Warehouse Facility" Section 1.3.1 "WARN Act" Section 2.26 51 EX-23.1 4 CONSENT - PRICE WATERHOUSE EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No.333-848) of Creative Computers, Inc. of our report dated February 4, 1998, except as to Note 12 which is as of March 20, 1998, appearing on page F-2 of this Form 10-K PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP Costa Mesa, California March 27, 1998 EX-24.1 5 POWER OF ATTORNEY EXHIBIT 24.1 POWER OF ATTORNEY Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Frank F. Khulusi and Richard M. Finkbeiner and each of them, as attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Creative Computers, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any amendment to such Form 10-K Annual Report and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting to said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Signature Title Date --------- ----- ---- FRANK F. KHULUSI Chairman of the Board of March 30, 1998 - --------------------- Directors, President and Frank F. Khulusi Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) RICHARD M. FINKBEINER Chief Financial Officer March 30, 1998 - --------------------- (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer SAM U. KHULUSI Director March 30, 1998 - --------------------- Sam U. Khulusi AHMED O. ALFI Director March 30, 1998 - --------------------- Ahmed O. Alfi EX-27.1 6 FDS ART 5
5 1,000 12-MOS JAN-01-1997 DEC-31-1997 DEC-31-1997 8,018 0 42,455 0 44,723 101,043 14,788 0 131,154 69,419 0 0 0 10 56,772 131,154 546,131 546,131 476,061 476,061 0 0 0 6,648 2,523 4,125 0 0 0 4,125 0.42 0.41
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