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Form 8-K COCA COLA BOTTLING CO For: Sep 23

September 28, 2015 5:26 PM EDT

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

Current Report

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): September 23, 2015

 

 

COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   0-9286   56-0950585

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

4100 Coca-Cola Plaza, Charlotte, North Carolina 28211

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(704) 557-4400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

  ¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

  ¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

  ¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

  ¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 


Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Asset Purchase Agreement for Next Phase Territories. On September 23, 2015, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated (the “Company”) and Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. (“CCR”), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company, entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which CCR will grant the Company exclusive rights for the distribution, promotion, marketing and sale of products owned and licensed by The Coca-Cola Company in the following territories currently served by CCR: (i) eastern and northern Virginia, (ii) the entire state of Maryland, (iii) the District of Columbia, and (iv) parts of Delaware, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and West Virginia (the “Next Phase Territories”). The Next Phase Territories transactions (the “Next Phase Territory Transactions”) are the first phase of the proposed franchise territory expansion described in the non-binding letter of intent entered into by the Company and The Coca-Cola Company on May 12, 2015 (the “May 2015 LOI”) and described in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on May 13, 2015. A copy of the Company’s news release, dated September 24, 2015, announcing the Next Phase Territory Transactions is filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto. A summary description of the Asset Purchase Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 2.1 hereto, is included below.

Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company will purchase from CCR in a series of territory expansion transactions (i) certain rights relating to the distribution, promotion, marketing and sale of certain beverage brands not owned or licensed by The Coca-Cola Company (“cross-licensed brands”) but currently distributed by CCR in the Next Phase Territories and (ii) certain assets related to the distribution, promotion, marketing and sale of both The Coca-Cola Company brands and cross-licensed brands currently distributed by CCR in the Next Phase Territories (the business currently conducted by CCR in the Next Phase Territories using such assets is referred to as the “Next Phase Business”) and assume certain liabilities and obligations of CCR relating to the Next Phase Business. Subject in each case to certain adjustments as set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement, the aggregate purchase price for the transferred assets is approximately $127.4 million, provided that the base purchase price amount to be paid by the Company in cash after deducting the value of certain retained assets and retained liabilities is approximately $99.7 million. The Company anticipates that, subject to satisfaction of the applicable closing conditions, the first closing under the Asset Purchase Agreement will occur in October 2015. The expansion of the Company’s distribution territory contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement and the May 2015 LOI follows the Company’s completion, in May 2015, of a series of territory expansion transactions with CCR (the “Completed Phase Territory Transactions”). The territory acquired by the Company in the Completed Phase Territory Transactions includes parts of Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana (the “Completed Phase Territories”) that were previously served by CCR.

The Asset Purchase Agreement includes customary representations, warranties, covenants and agreements, including, among other things, covenants of CCR regarding the conduct of the Next Phase Business prior to the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement. The representations and warranties of the Company and CCR will survive for 18 months following the applicable closing date under the Asset Purchase Agreement, except that the representations and warranties of the Company and CCR relating to incorporation, authority, no conflicts, CCR’s title to the transferred assets and broker fees will not expire, the representations and warranties of CCR with respect to environmental matters will survive for five years following the applicable closing date and the representations and warranties of CCR with respect to employee benefits matters and tax matters will survive for three years following the applicable closing date. CCR is obligated to indemnify the Company, among other matters, with respect to inaccuracies or breaches of representations or warranties (subject to certain customary limitations), breaches of covenants and liabilities retained by CCR. The Company is obligated to indemnify CCR with respect to inaccuracies or breaches of representations or warranties, breaches of covenants, the ownership, operation or use of the transferred assets or the operations of the Next Phase Business after the closing and certain liabilities assumed by the Company.

The Asset Purchase Agreement contains customary termination rights for both the Company and CCR, including (i) the right of each party to terminate if all transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement have not closed by December 31, 2016 and (ii) the right of the Company to terminate (subject to certain conditions) if any matters disclosed by amendments or supplements to the disclosure schedules delivered by CCR would (absent such amendments or supplements) cause the applicable closing condition related to the bring-down of the representations and warranties by CCR in the Asset Purchase Agreement no longer to be met.

Consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement at each closing thereunder is subject to a number of conditions precedent and future events occurring, including, among others: (i) the absence of any law or governmental order precluding the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement and the absence of any governmental proceeding seeking such an order, (ii) the receipt of any required governmental consents, (iii) the expiration or termination of any waiting period applicable to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, if applicable to the transactions, (iv) the receipt and delivery by CCR of certain third party consents, (v) agreement upon matters related to the financial methodology underlying certain financial information about the Next Phase Business, (vi) agreement upon matters related to the age and condition of certain fleet assets and vending equipment to be transferred


at the closing, (vii) with respect to the first closing only, the execution of a Definitive Manufacturing Agreement, as described in Item 8.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, (viii) the execution of the comprehensive beverage agreement (as described below) with respect to the Next Phase Business, (ix) no material adverse effect shall have occurred with respect to the applicable portion of the Next Phase Business, (x) the continued accuracy of the representations and warranties given by CCR and the Company (subject to certain qualifications), and (xi) the execution of certain agreements or other documents with respect to the Next Phase Business regarding (A) employee matters, (B) the supply of finished goods by CCR to the Company, (C) transition services to be provided by CCR to the Company (if necessary), (D) logistics and transportation services to be provided by the Company to CCR, and (E) the delivery by The Coca-Cola Company of confirmation of certain marketing funding support arrangements. There can be no assurances that these future events will occur or that these conditions will be satisfied, or if not satisfied, waived at each closing.

Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company and CCR have also agreed to use their reasonable good faith efforts to (i) mutually agree upon one or more legally binding agreements with respect to the Company’s economic participation in the existing U.S. national food service and warehouse juice businesses of The Coca-Cola Company and its applicable affiliates, on commercially reasonable terms and conditions to be negotiated in good faith by the Company and CCR, and (ii) reach alignment on the key business principles of the Company’s economic participation in all future non-direct store delivery products or business models of The Coca-Cola Company and its applicable affiliates, including all future beverages, beverage components, and other beverage products distributed by means other than direct store delivery. However, the Company and CCR have agreed that neither the execution of agreements regarding any such economic participation nor reaching alignment on such key business principles is a condition to any closing under the Asset Purchase Agreement.

Comprehensive Beverage Agreements. It is a condition to each closing under the Asset Purchase Agreement that the Company and CCR enter into a comprehensive beverage agreement with respect to the portion of the Next Phase Territories that is the subject of such closing, pursuant to which CCR will grant the Company exclusive rights to distribute, promote, market and sell the Covered Beverages and Related Products distinguished by the Trademarks (as those terms are defined in the comprehensive beverage agreement) in such Next Phase Territories. Covered Beverages and Related Products include certain brands of The Coca-Cola Company but do not include cross-licensed brands. The form of comprehensive beverage agreement for the Next Phase Territory Transactions is attached as an exhibit to the Asset Purchase Agreement and included in Exhibit 2.1 hereto. The comprehensive beverage agreement for the Next Phase Territory Transactions is substantially the same as the form of comprehensive beverage agreement (the “Initial CBA”) currently in effect in the territories acquired in the Completed Phase Territory Transactions, a copy of which was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 8, 2014 (as amended by the Amendment to Comprehensive Beverage Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 7, 2015).

Each comprehensive beverage agreement will have a term of ten years and be renewable by the Company indefinitely for successive additional terms of ten years each unless earlier terminated as provided therein. Under each comprehensive beverage agreement, the Company will make a quarterly sub-bottling payment to CCR on a continuing basis for the grant of exclusive rights to distribute, promote, market and sell the Covered Beverages and Related Products in the applicable Next Phase Territories. The quarterly sub-bottling payment will be based on sales of certain beverages and beverage products that are sold under the same trademarks that identify a Covered Beverage, Related Product or certain cross-licensed brands. The grant of exclusive territory rights pursuant to each comprehensive beverage agreement will not include the right to produce the Covered Beverages or the Related Products nor will any production facilities be transferred pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement; instead the Company and CCR (or other supplier authorized by The Coca-Cola Company) will enter into a finished goods supply agreement pursuant to which the Company will purchase from CCR substantially all of the Company’s requirements in the Next Phase Territories for Covered Beverages, Related Products and expressly permitted existing cross-licensed brands.

Amended and Restated Ancillary Business Letter. In connection with the first closing under the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company will amend and restate the letter agreement entered into by the Company and The Coca-Cola Company on May 23, 2014, a copy of which was filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 8, 2014 (the “Ancillary Business Letter”) to extend the term of the focus period contemplated thereunder (the “Focus Period”) until January 1, 2020. Pursuant to the Ancillary Business Letter, which grants the Company certain advance waivers to acquire or develop certain lines of business involving the preparation, distribution, sale, dealing in or otherwise using or handling of certain beverage products that would otherwise be prohibited under the Initial CBA or under any other form of comprehensive beverage agreement or similar agreement, and subject to certain limited exceptions described therein, the Company is prohibited from acquiring or developing any line of business inside or outside of its territories governed by an Initial CBA (or by any other form of comprehensive beverage agreement or similar agreement) during the Focus Period, without the consent of The Coca-Cola Company, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld.

Balance of Proposed Territory Expansion. While the Company is preparing to close the transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement and begin the process of transitioning the business conducted by CCR in the Next Phase Territories from CCR to the Company, the Company is continuing to work towards a definitive agreement or agreements with The Coca-Cola


Company for the remainder of the proposed franchise territory expansion described in the May 2015 LOI, including distribution territories in central and southern Ohio, northern Kentucky and parts of Indiana and Illinois (the “Subsequent Phase Territories”). There is no assurance, however, that the Company and The Coca-Cola Company will enter into such an agreement or agreements.

Territory Conversion Agreement. Concurrent with their execution of the Asset Purchase Agreement, on September 23, 2015, the Company, CCR and The Coca-Cola Company executed a territory conversion agreement (the “Territory Conversion Agreement”), which provides that, except as noted below, all of the Company’s master bottle contracts, allied bottle contracts, Initial CBAs and other bottling agreements with The Coca-Cola Company or CCR that authorize the Company to produce and/or distribute the Covered Beverages or Related Products (the “Bottling Agreements”) would be amended, restated and converted (upon the occurrence of certain events described below) to a new and final comprehensive beverage agreement (the “Final CBA”). A copy of the Territory Conversion Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto. The conversion would include all of the Company’s then existing Bottling Agreements in the Next Phase Territories or in the Completed Phase Territories (the “Sub-Bottling Territory”) and in all other territories in the United States where the Company has rights to market, promote, distribute and sell beverage products owned or licensed by The Coca-Cola Company (the “Legacy Territory”), but would not affect any Bottling Agreements with respect to the greater Lexington, Kentucky territory received by the Company pursuant to the Asset Exchange Agreement described in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 20, 2014.

The Company may elect to cause the conversion of the Bottling Agreements to occur at any time by giving written notice to The Coca-Cola Company. Further, if the transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement are consummated, then the conversion will occur automatically upon the earliest of (i) the consummation of all of the transactions described in the May 2015 LOI regarding the Subsequent Phase Territories (the “Subsequent Phase Territory Transactions”), (ii) January 1, 2020, as long as The Coca-Cola Company has satisfied certain obligations described in the Territory Conversion Agreement regarding its intent to complete the Subsequent Phase Territory Transactions, or (iii) 30 days following the Company’s (a) termination of good faith negotiations of the Subsequent Phase Territory Transactions on terms similar to the Next Phase Territory Transactions or (b) notification that it no longer wants to pursue the Subsequent Phase Territory Transactions. At the time of the conversion of the Bottling Agreements for the Legacy Territory to the Final CBA, CCR will pay a fee to the Company in cash (or another mutually agreed form of payment or credit) in an amount equivalent to 0.5 times the EBITDA the Company generates from sales in the Legacy Territory of Beverages (as defined in the Final CBA) either (i) owned by The Coca-Cola Company or licensed to The Coca-Cola Company and sublicensed to the Company, or (ii) owned by or licensed to Monster Energy Company on which the Company pays, and The Coca-Cola Company receives, a facilitation fee.

Final Comprehensive Beverage Agreement. The form of Final CBA is attached as an exhibit to the Territory Conversion Agreement and included in Exhibit 10.1 hereto. The Final CBA is similar to the Initial CBA in many respects, but also includes certain modifications and several new business, operational and governance provisions. For example, the Final CBA contains provisions that apply in the event of a potential sale of the Company or its aggregate businesses directly and primarily related to the marketing, promotion, distribution, and sale of Covered Beverages and Related Products (collectively, the “Business”). Under the Final CBA, the Company may only sell the Business to either The Coca-Cola Company or third party buyers approved by The Coca-Cola Company. The Company annually can obtain a list of such approved third party buyers from The Coca-Cola Company or, upon receipt of a third party offer to purchase the Business, may seek approval of such buyer by The Coca-Cola Company. In addition, the Final CBA contains a sale process that would apply if the Company notifies The Coca-Cola Company that it wishes to sell the Business to The Coca-Cola Company. In such event, if the Company and The Coca-Cola Company are unable in good faith to negotiate terms and conditions of a binding purchase and sale agreement, including the purchase price for the Business, then the Company may either withdraw from negotiations with The Coca-Cola Company or initiate a third-party valuation process described in the Final CBA to determine the purchase price for the Business and, upon such third party’s determination of the purchase price, may decide to continue with its potential sale of the Business to The Coca-Cola Company. The Coca-Cola Company would then have the option to (i) purchase the Business for such purchase price pursuant to defined terms and conditions set forth in the Final CBA (including, to the extent not otherwise agreed by the Company and The Coca-Cola Company, default non-price terms and conditions of the acquisition agreement) or (ii) elect not to purchase the Business, in which case the Final CBA would automatically be amended to, among other things, permit the Company to sell the Business to any third party without obtaining The Coca-Cola Company’s prior approval of such third party.

The Final CBA also includes terms that would apply in the event The Coca-Cola Company terminates the Final CBA following the Company’s default thereunder. These terms include a requirement that The Coca-Cola Company acquire the Business upon such termination as well as the purchase price payable to the Company in such sale. The Final CBA specifies that the purchase price would be determined in accordance with a third-party valuation process equivalent to that employed if the Company notifies The Coca-Cola Company that it desires to sell the Business to The Coca-Cola Company; provided, the purchase price would be 85% of the valuation of the Business determined in the third-party valuation process if the Final CBA is terminated as a result of the Company’s willful misconduct in violating certain obligations in the Final CBA with respect to dealing in other beverage products and other business activities, if a change in control occurs without the consent of The Coca-Cola Company or if the Company disposes of a majority of the voting power of any subsidiary of the Company that is a party to an agreement regarding the distribution or sale of Covered Beverages or Related Products.


Under the Final CBA, the Company will be required to ensure that it achieves an equivalent case volume per capita change rate that is not less than 1 standard deviation below the median of such rates for all U.S. Coca-Cola bottlers. If the Company fails to comply with the equivalent case volume per capita change rate obligation for two consecutive years, it will have a twelve-month cure period to achieve an equivalent case volume per capita change rate within such standard before it will be considered in breach under the Final CBA and the previously described termination provisions are triggered. The Final CBA also requires the Company to make minimum, ongoing capital expenditures at a specified level.

EPB Revenue Incidence Agreement. On September 23, 2015, the Company and The Coca-Cola Company entered into the Expanding Participating Bottler Revenue Incidence Agreement (the “EPB Revenue Incidence Agreement”) regarding the allocation by the Company and The Coca-Cola Company of the revenue generated by the Company’s marketing, promotion, distribution and sale of Covered Beverages and Related Products in all of the Company’s territories within those categories and/or product segments as determined by The Coca-Cola Company from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof (the “Shared Business Segments”). The term of the EPB Revenue Incidence Agreement commences on January 1, 2017 and will terminate upon termination of all of the Company’s comprehensive beverage agreements; provided, however, that if the conversion contemplated by the Territory Conversion Agreement has not occurred on or prior to January 1, 2020, then the EPB Revenue Incidence Agreement will cease to apply to the Legacy Territory unless otherwise agreed by the Company and The Coca-Cola Company.

During its term, the amount paid by the Company to The Coca-Cola Company at standard pricing for concentrates and finished goods for Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Shared Business Segments will be subject to adjustment as described in the EPB Revenue Incidence Agreement based on the determination of The Coca-Cola Company’s incidence revenue in such Shared Business Segments. The incidence revenue of The Coca-Cola Company under the EPB Revenue Incidence Agreement for concentrates and finished goods billed to the Company for Covered Beverages and Related Products will be impacted by a number of factors, including the incidence rate for the Shared Business Segments in effect from time to time, the Company’s pricing and sales of finished products that are covered by the EPB Revenue Incidence Agreement, the channels in which the finished products covered by the EPB Revenue Incidence Agreement are sold by the Company and the package mix of the Shared Business Segments sold by the Company.

The Coca-Cola Company may change the incidence rates upon 180 days’ prior written notice provided such rate change is proportionately applied on a percentage basis to all other U.S. Coca-Cola bottlers who have executed a comprehensive beverage agreement. The Coca-Cola Company may also change the Shared Business Segments upon 180 days’ prior written notice provided such change must be applied to all such other U.S. Coca-Cola bottlers who have executed a comprehensive beverage agreement.

Description of Agreements and Exhibits are Qualified by Full Text. The foregoing descriptions of the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Territory Conversion Agreement and the EPB Revenue Incidence Agreement are only summaries and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of such agreements and all exhibits thereto, which are filed as Exhibits 2.1, 10.1 and 10.2, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Relationship between the Parties. The business of the Company consists primarily of the production, marketing and distribution of nonalcoholic beverage products of The Coca-Cola Company in the territories the Company currently serves. Accordingly, the Company engages routinely in various transactions with The Coca-Cola Company and its affiliates. The Coca-Cola Company also owns approximately thirty-five percent (35%) of the outstanding common stock of the Company, which represents approximately five percent (5%) of the total voting power of the Company’s common stock and class B common stock voting together. The Coca-Cola Company also has a designee serving on the Company’s Board of Directors. For more information about the relationship between the Company and The Coca-Cola Company, see the description thereof included under “Related Person Transactions” in the Company’s Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed with the SEC on March 30, 2015.

The Asset Purchase Agreement, the Territory Conversion Agreement and the EPB Revenue Incidence Agreement were each entered into following review and approval of such agreement and the terms and conditions of the transactions contemplated by such agreement initially by the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors and subsequently by the Company’s Board of Directors (with The Coca-Cola Company’s designee not participating or voting).

 

Item 8.01. Other Events.

Manufacturing Letter of Intent. The May 2015 LOI contemplates that The Coca-Cola Company would work collaboratively with the Company and certain other expanding participating bottlers in the U.S. (“EPBs”) to implement a national product supply system. As a result of subsequent discussions among the EPBs and The Coca-Cola Company, on September 23, 2015, the Company and The Coca-Cola Company entered into a non-binding letter of intent (the “Manufacturing LOI”) pursuant to which CCR will sell six manufacturing facilities (“Regional Manufacturing Facilities”) and related manufacturing assets (collectively, “Manufacturing Assets”) to the Company (the “Manufacturing Transactions”) as the Company becomes a regional producing bottler (“Regional Producing Bottler”) in the national product supply system.


Similar to, and as an integral part of, the distribution territory transactions described in the May 2015 LOI, the sale of the Manufacturing Assets by CCR to the Company will be accomplished in two phases. The first phase will include three Regional Manufacturing Facilities located in Sandston, Virginia; Silver Spring, Maryland; and Baltimore, Maryland that serve the Next Phase Territories the Company will acquire pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement described in Item 1.01 above. The second phase will include three Regional Manufacturing Facilities located in Indianapolis, Indiana; Portland, Indiana; and Cincinnati, Ohio that serve the Subsequent Phase Territories.

The Company will pay to CCR at each closing contemplated by the Manufacturing LOI a cash amount that reflects the net book value of the Manufacturing Assets acquired at each closing subject to mutually agreed adjustments and customary post-closing true-up activities.

The rights for the manufacture, production and packaging of Covered Beverages using cold-fill technology (“Authorized Covered Beverages”) at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities will be granted by The Coca-Cola Company to the Company initially pursuant to an initial regional manufacturing agreement substantially in the form attached to the Manufacturing LOI (the “Initial RMA”). Pursuant to its terms, the Initial RMA will be amended, restated and converted into a final form of regional manufacturing agreement (the “Final RMA”) concurrent with the conversion of the Company’s Bottling Agreements to the Final CBA as described in the description of the Territory Conversion Agreement included in Item 1.01 above. Under the Final RMA, the Company’s aggregate business directly and primarily related to the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages, permitted third party beverage products and other beverages and beverage products for The Coca-Cola Company will be subject to the same agreed upon sale process provisions included in the Final CBA, which includes the need to obtain The Coca-Cola Company’s prior approval of a potential purchaser of such manufacturing business. The Coca-Cola Company will have the right to terminate the Final RMA in the event of an uncured default by the Company. The Final RMA also will be subject to termination by The Coca-Cola Company in the event of an uncured default by the Company under the Final CBA or under the NPSG Governance Agreement (as defined below).

The proposed transactions described in the Manufacturing LOI will be subject to the terms of a definitive purchase and sale agreement (the “Definitive Manufacturing Agreement”) in a form to be mutually agreed upon by the Company and The Coca-Cola Company. The Company anticipates the Definitive Manufacturing Agreement will be executed in October 2015 and that the closing of the first acquisition of Manufacturing Assets in Sandston, Virginia will occur in the first half of 2016.

Prior to the end of 2015, the Company, The Coca-Cola Company and certain other EPBs who will be considered Regional Producing Bottlers expect to enter into a national product supply governance agreement substantially in the form attached to the Manufacturing LOI (the “NPSG Governance Agreement”). Pursuant to the NPSG Governance Agreement, The Coca-Cola Company and the Regional Producing Bottlers will form a national product supply group (the “NPSG”) and will agree to certain binding governance mechanisms, including a governing board (the “NPSG Board”) comprised of a representative of (i) the Company, (ii) The Coca-Cola Company and (iii) each other Regional Producing Bottler. The stated objectives of the NPSG include, among others, (i) Coca-Cola system strategic infrastructure investment and divestment planning; (ii) network optimization of all plant to distribution center sourcing; and (iii) new product/packaging infrastructure planning. The NPSG Board will make and/or oversee and direct certain key decisions regarding the NPSG, including decisions regarding the management and staffing of the NPSG and the funding for the ongoing operations thereof. Pursuant to the decisions of the NPSG Board made from time to time and subject to the terms and conditions of the NPSG Governance Agreement, the Company and each other Regional Producing Bottler will make investments in their respective manufacturing assets and will implement Coca-Cola system strategic investment opportunities that are consistent with the NPSG Governance Agreement.

The Manufacturing LOI addresses several other matters related to the acquisition of the Manufacturing Assets and the implementation of the national product supply system, including the current intentions of the Company and The Coca-Cola Company with respect to (i) the form of finished goods supply agreement for finished goods sourced from the Manufacturing Assets, (ii) an information technology platform they plan to implement to support the Company’s ongoing operation of the Manufacturing Assets and other manufacturing assets owned and/or operated by the Company, and (iii) a “National Product Supply Forum” they plan to establish to begin planning activities required to implement the NPSG and the NPSG Board.

In addition to the negotiation and execution of a Definitive Manufacturing Agreement, the Manufacturing LOI sets forth certain customary conditions to closings of the Manufacturing Transactions as well as a number of other conditions that the Company and The Coca-Cola Company currently intend to be satisfied prior to such closings and/or to be addressed in a Definitive Manufacturing Agreement.

The foregoing is a summary of the principal matters covered in the Manufacturing LOI. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Manufacturing LOI (including any exhibits thereto), which is filed as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.


Important Warning Regarding the Information in the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Territory Conversion Agreement, the EPB Revenue Incidence Agreement, the Manufacturing LOI and the Exhibits to These Agreements. The Asset Purchase Agreement, the Territory Conversion Agreement, the EPB Revenue Incidence Agreement and the Manufacturing LOI, including any exhibits to these agreements, have been included to provide investors with information regarding their terms. They are not intended to provide any other factual information with respect to the Company, CCR or The Coca-Cola Company. There are representations and warranties contained in these agreements which were made by the respective parties to each other as of specific dates. The assertions embodied in these representations and warranties were made solely for purposes of each such agreement and may be subject to important qualifications and limitations agreed to by the respective parties in connection with negotiating their terms (including qualification by disclosures that are not necessarily reflected in these agreements). Moreover, certain representations and warranties may not be accurate or complete as of any specified date because they are subject to a contractual standard of materiality that is different from certain standards generally applicable to stockholders or were used for the purpose of allocating risk between the respective parties rather than establishing matters as facts. Based upon the foregoing reasons, you should not rely on the representations and warranties as statements of factual information. In addition, information concerning the subject matter of the representations and warranties may change after the date of each such agreement, which subsequent information may or may not be reflected in the Company’s public disclosures. Investors should read the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Territory Conversion Agreement, the EPB Revenue Incidence Agreement and the Manufacturing LOI, as well as all exhibits to these agreements, together with the other information concerning the Company, CCR and The Coca-Cola Company that each company or its affiliates publicly files in reports and statements with the SEC.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

  (d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit

No.

  

Description

  

Incorporated By

Reference To

  2.1+    Asset Purchase Agreement, dated September 23, 2015, by and between Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. and Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated.    Filed herewith.
10.1*    Territory Conversion Agreement, dated September 23, 2015, by and between The Coca-Cola Company, Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. and Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated.    Filed herewith.
10.2    Expanding Participating Bottler Revenue Incidence Agreement, dated September 23, 2015, by and between The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated.    Filed herewith.
99.1    News Release, dated September 24, 2015.    Filed herewith.
99.2*    Letter of Intent, dated September 23, 2015, by and between The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated.    Filed herewith.

 

+ Certain schedules and similar supporting attachments to the Asset Purchase Agreement have been omitted, and the Company agrees to furnish supplemental copies of any such schedules and similar supporting attachments to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
* Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


Signature

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

    COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED
      (REGISTRANT)
Date: September 23, 2015     By:  

/s/ James E. Harris

     

James E. Harris

Senior Vice President, Shared Services and

Chief Financial Officer


UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC

EXHIBITS

CURRENT REPORT

ON

FORM 8-K

 

Date of Event Reported:    Commission File No:
September 23, 2015    0-9286

COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

No.

  

Description

  

Incorporated By

Reference To

  2.1+    Asset Purchase Agreement, dated September 23, 2015, by and between Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. and Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated.    Filed herewith.
10.1*    Territory Conversion Agreement, dated September 23, 2015, by and between The Coca-Cola Company, Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. and Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated.    Filed herewith.
10.2    Expanding Participating Bottler Revenue Incidence Agreement, dated September 23, 2015, by and between The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated.    Filed herewith.
99.1    News Release, dated September 24, 2015.    Filed herewith.
99.2*    Letter of Intent, dated September 23, 2015, by and between The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated.    Filed herewith.

 

+ Certain schedules and similar supporting attachments to the Asset Purchase Agreement have been omitted, and the Company agrees to furnish supplemental copies of any such schedules and similar supporting attachments to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
* Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

EXHIBIT 2.1

Execution Version

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

dated as of September 23, 2015

by and between

COCA-COLA REFRESHMENTS USA, INC.,

and

COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

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ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS

     1   

Section 1.01.

 

Certain Defined Terms

     1   

ARTICLE II PURCHASE AND SALE

     2   

Section 2.01.

 

Purchase and Sale of Assets.

     2   

Section 2.02.

 

Assignment of Contracts and Rights; Third Party Consents

     9   

Section 2.03.

 

Closings.

     10   

Section 2.04.

 

Purchase Price

     10   

Section 2.05.

 

Closing Deliveries by the Sellers.

     11   

Section 2.06.

 

Closing Deliveries by the Buyer.

     13   

Section 2.07.

 

Adjustment of Purchase Price.

     15   

Section 2.08.

 

Allocation of Certain Items

     24   

Section 2.09.

 

Allocation of Purchase Price

     25   

Section 2.10.

 

Vending and Cold Drink Equipment.

     25   

Section 2.11.

 

Withholding

     28   

ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS

     28   

Section 3.01.

 

Incorporation, Qualification and Authority of the Sellers

     28   

Section 3.02.

 

No Conflict

     29   

Section 3.03.

 

Consents and Approvals

     29   

Section 3.04.

 

Absence of Certain Changes or Events

     29   

Section 3.05.

 

Absence of Litigation

     29   

Section 3.06.

 

Compliance with Laws

     30   

Section 3.07.

 

Governmental Licenses and Permits.

     30   

Section 3.08.

 

Assets.

     30   

Section 3.09.

 

Inventory

     31   

Section 3.10.

 

Real Property.

     31   

Section 3.11.

 

Environmental Matters

     32   

Section 3.12.

 

Contracts.

     33   

Section 3.13.

 

Employment Matters.

     36   

Section 3.14.

 

Employee Benefits Matters.

     37   

Section 3.15.

 

Insurance

     38   

Section 3.16.

 

Product Recalls.

     38   

Section 3.17.

 

Transactions with Affiliates

     39   

Section 3.18.

 

Undisclosed Payments

     39   

Section 3.19.

 

Customer and Supplier Relations

     39   

Section 3.20.

 

Financial Information.

     39   

Section 3.21.

 

Brokers

     41   

Section 3.22.

 

Tax Matters

     41   

ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BUYER

     42   

Section 4.01.

 

Incorporation and Authority of the Buyer

     42   

Section 4.02.

 

Qualification of the Buyer

     42   

 

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Section 4.03.

 

No Conflict

     42   

Section 4.04.

 

Consents and Approvals

     43   

Section 4.05.

 

Absence of Litigation

     43   

Section 4.06.

 

Financial Ability

     43   

Section 4.07.

 

Brokers

     43   

ARTICLE V ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

     44   

Section 5.01.

 

Conduct of the Business Prior to the Closings

     44   

Section 5.02.

 

Access to Information.

     47   

Section 5.03.

 

Preservation of Books and Records

     50   

Section 5.04.

 

Confidentiality

     51   

Section 5.05.

 

Regulatory and Other Authorizations; Consents.

     51   

Section 5.06.

 

Further Action

     52   

Section 5.07.

 

Investigation

     53   

Section 5.08.

 

Supplements to Disclosure Schedule

     53   

Section 5.09.

 

Notices of Certain Events

     55   

Section 5.10.

 

Release of Guarantees

     56   

Section 5.11.

 

Refunds and Remittances

     56   

Section 5.12.

 

Use of Names

     56   

Section 5.13.

 

Cooperation in Litigation

     56   

Section 5.14.

 

Product Quality Standards

     57   

Section 5.15.

 

Title and Survey Matters.

     58   

Section 5.16.

 

Additional Sellers

     59   

Section 5.17.

 

Shared Contracts

     59   

Section 5.18.

 

Pre-Closing Repairs; Certain Credits; Certain Payments

     60   

Section 5.19.

 

Environmental Responsibilities.

     60   

Section 5.20.

 

Vehicle Titles and Registrations

     62   

Section 5.21.

 

Leased Tangible Personal Property

     62   

Section 5.22.

 

National Food Service and Warehouse Juice Businesses; Non-DSD Businesses.

     62   

Section 5.23.

 

Product Supply Arrangements

     63   

Section 5.24.

 

Implementation of CONA

     63   

Section 5.25.

 

Participation in System Governance Activities

     63   

Section 5.26.

 

Additional Financial Information for the Business

     63   

Section 5.27.

 

Production APA

     64   

Section 5.28.

 

Lease of Distribution Portion of Combo Center Facility

     64   

Section 5.29.

 

La Plata, Maryland Easement

     64   

Section 5.30.

 

Cumberland, Maryland Parking Lot Lease

     64   

ARTICLE VI TAX MATTERS

     64   

Section 6.01.

 

Tax Matters

     64   

ARTICLE VII CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

     65   

Section 7.01.

 

Conditions to the Initial Closing.

     65   

Section 7.02.

 

Conditions to each Interim Closing

     69   

Section 7.03.

 

Conditions to the Final Closing

     72   

 

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ARTICLE VIII TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

     75   

Section 8.01.

 

Termination

     75   

Section 8.02.

 

Notice of Termination

     76   

Section 8.03.

 

Effect of Termination

     76   

Section 8.04.

 

Extension; Waiver

     76   

ARTICLE IX INDEMNIFICATION

     77   

Section 9.01.

 

Survival

     77   

Section 9.02.

 

Indemnification by the Sellers.

     77   

Section 9.03.

 

Indemnification by the Buyer

     78   

Section 9.04.

 

Notification of Claims.

     79   

Section 9.05.

 

Exclusive Remedies

     80   

Section 9.06.

 

Additional Indemnification Provisions.

     81   

Section 9.07.

 

Mitigation

     81   

Section 9.08.

 

Third Party Recovery

     82   

ARTICLE X GENERAL PROVISIONS

     82   

Section 10.01.

 

Expenses

     82   

Section 10.02.

 

Notices

     82   

Section 10.03.

 

Public Announcements

     84   

Section 10.04.

 

Severability

     84   

Section 10.05.

 

Entire Agreement

     84   

Section 10.06.

 

Assignment

     84   

Section 10.07.

 

No Third-Party Beneficiaries

     85   

Section 10.08.

 

Amendment

     85   

Section 10.09.

 

Disclosure Schedule

     85   

Section 10.10.

 

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution.

     85   

Section 10.11.

 

Waiver of Jury Trial

     86   

Section 10.12.

 

Bulk Sales Laws

     86   

Section 10.13.

 

Specific Performance

     86   

Section 10.14.

 

Rules of Construction

     87   

Section 10.15.

 

Counterparts

     87   

EXHIBITS

    

Exhibit A

 

Definitions

  

Exhibit B

 

Form of Deed

  

Exhibit C

 

Form of Assignment and Assumption of Lease

  

Exhibit D

 

Form of Comprehensive Beverage Agreement

  

Exhibit E

 

Form of Employee Matters Agreement

  

Exhibit F

 

Form of Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement

  

Exhibit G

 

Territory

  

Exhibit H

 

Form of Finished Goods Supply Agreement

  

Exhibit I

 

Focus Period Letter

  

 

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ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

This ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of September 23, 2015, is made by and between COCA-COLA REFRESHMENTS USA, INC., a Delaware corporation (“CCR”; each of CCR and any Affiliate of CCR made a party hereto after the date hereof pursuant to Section 5.16 are referred to herein individually as a “Seller” and are referred to herein collectively as the “Sellers”), and COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED, a Delaware corporation (the “Buyer”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Sellers are engaged in, among other things, the marketing, promotion, distribution and sale of Coca-Cola and other beverage products in the Territory;

WHEREAS, the Sellers wish to sell, convey, assign, transfer and deliver, or cause to be sold, conveyed, assigned, transferred and delivered, to the Buyer, and the Buyer wishes to purchase, acquire and accept from the Sellers, certain assets of the Sellers relating to the Business, and in connection therewith the Buyer is willing to assume certain liabilities and obligations of the Sellers relating thereto, all upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Buyer or a permitted Affiliate of the Buyer, CCR and TCCC (as defined herein) will enter into the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement (as defined herein), which will govern the grant by CCR to the Buyer of certain exclusive rights (the “CBA Rights”) to market, promote, distribute and sell the Covered Beverages (as defined in the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement) and Related Products (as defined in the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement) under the Trademarks (as defined in the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement) in the Territory.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein, intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.01. Certain Defined Terms. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement have the meanings specified in Exhibit A to, or elsewhere in, this Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE II

PURCHASE AND SALE

Section 2.01. Purchase and Sale of Assets.

(a) Transferred Assets. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, at the applicable Closing, the Sellers shall sell, convey, assign, transfer and deliver, or shall cause to be sold, conveyed, assigned, transferred or delivered, to the Buyer, and the Buyer shall purchase, acquire and accept from the Sellers, free and clear of all Liens except for Permitted Liens, all of the Sellers’ right, title and interest in, to and under the Initial Closing Transferred Assets, the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets and the Final Closing Transferred Assets, as the case may be. “Transferred Assets” means the assets and properties of the Sellers primarily related to, or primarily used or primarily held for use in connection with, the Business, including the following assets and properties as the same shall exist as of the applicable Closing:

(i) the owned real property listed in Section 2.01(a)(i) of the Disclosure Schedule (the “Owned Real Property”), and, subject to Section 2.02, all rights and benefits of the Sellers under the leases governing the leased real property listed in Section 2.01(a)(i) of the Disclosure Schedule (the “Leased Real Property”), together in each case with the Sellers’ right, title and interest in, to and under all structures, facilities or improvements currently or as of the applicable Closing Date located thereon, including those structures, facilities and improvements listed in Section 2.01(a)(i) of the Disclosure Schedule, and all easements, licenses, rights and appurtenances related to the foregoing;

(ii) all finished goods, packaging materials and products for repacking operations, supplies and other inventories (including inventory located in vending equipment) primarily related to, or primarily used or primarily held for use in connection with, the Business, including those listed in Section 2.01(a)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule;

(iii) all cold drink equipment and vending equipment primarily related to, or primarily used or primarily held for use in connection with, the Business, which equipment shall include all Transferred Fountain Equipment (collectively, the “Subject Equipment”), including the equipment described on Section 2.01(a)(iii) of the Disclosure Schedule;

(iv) all personal property owned by the Sellers and their interests therein primarily related to, or primarily used or primarily held for use in connection with, the Business, including the machinery, equipment (other than the Subject Equipment), furniture, furnishings, office equipment, communications equipment, forklifts, motorized vehicles, warehousing vehicles, trailers, spare and replacement parts, fuel, pre-mix and post-mix equipment and coolers, special event trailers, tools, beverage display and end aisle racks and advertising signs (illuminated and nonilluminated), point of sale materials and other tangible personal property (the “Tangible Personal Property”), including (A) those motorized vehicles, trailers, forklifts and warehousing vehicles listed on Section 2.01(a)(iv)-1 of the Disclosure Schedule and (B) those other items of personal property listed in Section 2.01(a)(iv)-2 of the Disclosure Schedule;

 

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(v) subject to Section 2.02 and other than any Excluded Contracts, and except for any and all rights under any bottling, manufacturing, distribution, sales or other related contract or agreement for any TCCC brands and any of the goodwill and other intangible rights or assets associated therewith, all rights under (A) the Material Contracts set forth on Section 3.12(a) of the Disclosure Schedule, (B) those contracts and agreements primarily entered into in connection with the Business in the ordinary course of business that are not Material Contracts required to be disclosed on Section 3.12(a) of the Disclosure Schedule or that are entered into between the date hereof and the applicable Closing Date in accordance with Section 5.01 that would not be required to be so disclosed on Section 3.12(a) of the Disclosure Schedule had such contracts or agreements been in existence as of the date hereof, (C) any contract or agreement entered into between the date hereof and the applicable Closing Date in accordance with Section 5.01 which, had such contract or agreement been entered into prior to the date hereof, would have been a Material Contract required to be set forth on Section 3.12(a) of the Disclosure Schedule (each, a “Pre-Closing Material Contract”) and (D) any Shared Contract, to the extent assigned to the Buyer pursuant to a Partial Assignment and Release under Section 5.17 (collectively, the “Assumed Contracts”);

(vi) subject to Section 2.02 and to the extent transferable, all Material Permits, Environmental Permits and all other licenses, permits and other governmental authorizations primarily related to, or primarily used or primarily held for use in connection with, the Business, including those listed in Section 2.01(a)(vi) of the Disclosure Schedule;

(vii) the original books, records, files and papers, whether in hard copy or computer format, including sales and promotional literature, manuals and data, sales and purchase correspondence, quality control records and procedures, lists of customers, customer records and, as and to the extent provided in the Employee Matters Agreement, personnel and employment records, in each case, related to, or primarily used or primarily held for use in connection with, the Business, provided that the Sellers shall retain copies of each of the foregoing, and provided, further, that if the Sellers are required by Law to retain the originals of such books, records, files and papers, they may do so and in such case they will provide the Buyer with copies thereof;

(viii) the deposits, advances, lease and rental expenses, pre-paid expenses, deferred charges, accrued rebates and credits and similar items set forth on the Final Amounts Schedules and which are not included in the Retained Assets at the applicable Closing;

(ix) the licensed Intellectual Property listed in Section 2.01(a)(ix) of the Disclosure Schedule (collectively, the “Transferred Licensed Intellectual Property”), which Transferred Licensed Intellectual Property, for purposes of clarity, shall not include any ownership or other proprietary interest in any Intellectual Property of the Sellers or their Affiliates (including TCCC) not specifically set forth on Section 2.01(a)(ix) of the Disclosure Schedule or any goodwill or other intangible rights or assets relating to or associated with the Intellectual Property of the Sellers or their Affiliates (including TCCC);

 

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(x) the exclusive right for the Buyer to hold itself out as the purchaser of the Business (subject to the limitations set forth in Section 5.12 and Section 10.03), provided that such rights shall not be deemed to include any Intellectual Property (other than the Transferred Licensed Intellectual Property) of the Sellers or their Affiliates (including TCCC);

(xi) all casualty insurance benefits, if any, to the extent relating to events occurring with respect to the Transferred Assets prior to the applicable Closing;

(xii) all of the Sellers’ rights under warranties, indemnities and all similar rights against third parties to the extent related to any Transferred Assets;

(xiii) subject to Section 2.01(b)(vi), all Tax Returns related solely to the Business or the Transferred Assets;

(xiv) all rights to causes of action, lawsuits, judgments, claims and demands of any nature available to or being pursued by the Sellers, whether arising by way of claim, counterclaim or otherwise, in each case, primarily related to the Business, the Transferred Assets or the Assumed Liabilities;

(xv) all petty cash used in the Business, as identified on the relevant balance sheet;

(xvi) those assets of the Business included within Net Working Capital or Other Assets and Liabilities which are reflected as assets on the Final Amounts Schedules and which are not Retained Assets, but only to the extent of the amounts so included; and

(xvii) the rights and other assets listed in Section 2.01(a)(xvii) of the Disclosure Schedule.

(b) Excluded Assets. Notwithstanding anything in Section 2.01(a) to the contrary, the Sellers are not selling, and the Buyer expressly understands and agrees that the Buyer is not buying, any assets and properties of the Sellers other than those specifically listed or described more generally in Section 2.01(a), and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the terms “Transferred Assets”, “Initial Closing Transferred Assets”, “Interim Closing Transferred Assets” and “Final Closing Transferred Assets” shall expressly exclude the following assets and properties of the Sellers and their Affiliates, all of which shall be retained by the Sellers and their Affiliates (the “Excluded Assets”):

(i) other than as described in Section 2.01(a)(xv) or Section 2.01(a)(xvi), all cash, cash equivalents or marketable securities of the Sellers and their Affiliates on hand or held by any bank or other third Person and all rights to any bank accounts of the Sellers and their Affiliates;

 

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(ii) all raw materials, work in process and, other than packaging materials and products used for repacking operations, packaging materials of the Business;

(iii) all accounts receivable of the Sellers and their Affiliates (including all such accounts receivable earned or accrued as of 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the applicable Closing Date), and any loans and advances by the Sellers;

(iv) all franchise rights, if any, and, except for the Transferred Licensed Intellectual Property, all Intellectual Property owned by, licensed to or otherwise authorized for use by the Sellers or any of their Affiliates;

(v) except as set forth in Section 2.01(a)(i) of the Disclosure Schedule, all of the Sellers’ right, title and interest in owned and leased real property and other interests in real property including all such right, title and interest under each real property lease pursuant to which any Seller leases, subleases (as sub-landlord or sub-tenant) or otherwise occupies any such leased real property, together in each case with the Sellers’ right, title and interest in, to and under all structures, facilities or improvements currently or as of the applicable Closing Date located on any such real property and all easements, licenses, rights and appurtenances related to the foregoing;

(vi) all Tax Returns (other than Tax Returns related solely to the Business or the Transferred Assets, except that the Sellers and their Affiliates will retain all federal and state income Tax Returns, regardless of whether such income Tax Returns are related to the Business) and Tax Assets;

(vii) any employee benefit plans, programs, arrangements and agreements (including any retirement benefit and post-retirement health benefit plans, programs, arrangements and agreements, but not including any such agreements which are Assumed Contracts) sponsored or maintained by the Sellers or their respective Affiliates, and any trusts and other assets related thereto;

(viii) subject to Section 2.01(a)(xi), all policies of, or agreements for, insurance and interests in insurance pools and programs of the Sellers;

(ix) all causes of action, lawsuits, judgments, claims and demands of any nature available to or being pursued by the Sellers (including counterclaims) and defenses (A) against third parties relating primarily to any of the Excluded Assets or the Excluded Liabilities as well as any books, records and privileged information relating thereto or (B) relating to any period through the applicable Closing to the extent that the assertion of such cause of action or defense is necessary or useful in defending any claim that is asserted against the Sellers or for which indemnification is sought by the Buyer pursuant to Article IX;

(x) any interest of any Seller under this Agreement, any Companion Agreement and any other agreement, document or instrument entered into in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

 

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(xi) all personnel and employment records for employees and former employees of the Sellers, including Business Employees, except as otherwise provided in the Employee Matters Agreement;

(xii) (A) all corporate minute books (and other similar corporate records) and stock records of the Sellers; (B) any books and records relating primarily to the Excluded Assets; (C) any books, records or other materials that the Sellers (x) are required by Law to retain, (y) reasonably believe are necessary to enable the Sellers to prepare and/or file Tax Returns (copies of which will be made available to the Buyer upon the Buyer’s reasonable request) or (z) are prohibited by Law from delivering to the Buyer; and (D) copies of sales and promotional literature, manuals and data, sales and purchase correspondence, lists of suppliers and customers, and personnel and employment records that are Transferred Assets, provided that if the Sellers are required by Law to retain the originals of any such records, they may do so and in such case they will provide the Buyer with copies thereof;

(xiii) all Excluded Fountain Equipment;

(xiv) any and all rights under any bottling, manufacturing, distribution, sales or other related agreement for any TCCC brands and any of the goodwill and other intangible rights or assets associated therewith;

(xv) any other assets, properties, rights, contracts and claims of the Sellers or their Affiliates, wherever located, whether tangible or intangible, real, personal or mixed, in each case that are specifically listed in Section 2.01(b)(xv) of the Disclosure Schedule;

(xvi) any other assets, properties, rights, contracts and claims of the Sellers or their Affiliates wherever located, whether tangible or intangible, real, personal or mixed, that are not primarily related to or primarily used or primarily held for use in connection with the Business;

(xvii) any Shared Contract, to the extent not assigned to the Buyer pursuant to a Partial Assignment and Release under Section 5.17;

(xviii) any Excluded Contract;

(xix) all Retained Assets as of the applicable Closing; and

(xx) the CBA Rights (and any and all ownership or other proprietary interest in any goodwill and other intangible rights or assets relating thereto or associated therewith), which are governed by the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement.

(c) Assumed Liabilities. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, and subject to the exclusion of the Excluded Liabilities, the Buyer hereby agrees, effective at the time of the applicable Closing and from and after the applicable Closing, to assume and agree to pay, discharge and perform in accordance with their terms, the Initial Closing Assumed Liabilities, the Interim Closing Assumed Liabilities and the Final Closing

 

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Assumed Liabilities, as the case may be. “Assumed Liabilities” means only the following liabilities, commitments and obligations of the Sellers arising from or relating to the Transferred Assets or the Business, as the same shall exist as of the applicable Closing:

(i) all liabilities, commitments and obligations arising under any of the Assumed Contracts to the extent such liabilities, commitments and obligations are required to be performed on or after, or relate to any period beginning on or after, the applicable Closing and to the extent that they do not relate to any failure to perform or other breach, default or violation by a Seller under any such Assumed Contract prior to the applicable Closing;

(ii) any liability or obligation with respect to Taxes imposed with respect to the Transferred Assets or the operation of the Business for any period beginning after the applicable Closing Date (none of which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall include any Taxes arising from the Sellers’ operation of the Business on or prior to the applicable Closing Date or the Sellers’ operation at any time of any business other than the Business), taking into account the allocation described in Section 2.08(a);

(iii) the obligations of the Buyer with respect to Business Employees arising under or otherwise set forth in the Employee Matters Agreement;

(iv) the obligation of CCR under that certain Amended and Restated Monster Energy Distribution Agreement dated as of June 12, 2015, between Monster Energy Company and CCR, to pay, on a semi-annual basis, to the Coca-Cola North America division of TCCC, an amount per standard physical case of Monster brand beverage products sold in the applicable Territory following the applicable Closing and during the term of the Buyer’s Monster distribution agreement with Monster Energy Company equal to the amount to be paid by the Buyer to TCCC on a semi-annual basis under the Buyer MEC Consent Agreement per standard physical case of Monster brand beverage products sold in the Additional Territory (as defined in the Buyer MEC Consent Agreement); and

(v) the liabilities of the Business included in Net Working Capital or Other Assets and Liabilities (in each case, other than any Retained Liabilities) on the Final Amounts Schedules, but only to the extent of the amounts so included.

(d) Excluded Liabilities. Except as specifically set forth in Section 2.01(c), the Buyer is not assuming or agreeing to pay or discharge any of the liabilities, commitments or obligations of the Sellers (or any of their Affiliates) of any kind whatsoever (all such liabilities, commitments and obligations not being assumed being herein referred to as the “Excluded Liabilities”). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Excluded Liabilities shall include the following:

(i) any Debt of any Seller or any of its Affiliates;

(ii) any liability, commitment or obligation relating to or arising under any Excluded Asset;

 

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(iii) any liability, commitment or obligation with respect to Taxes of the Sellers or related to the Transferred Assets or the operation of the Business on or prior to the applicable Closing Date (except to the extent specifically assumed pursuant to Section 6.01);

(iv) all accounts payable of the Sellers (including all accounts payable of the Business accrued as of 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the applicable Closing Date), any amounts payable after the applicable Closing for any goods or services delivered or performed on or prior to the applicable Closing Date and any accrued expenses which are not reflected as current liabilities on the Final Amounts Schedules;

(v) all employment-related obligations or other liabilities of any kind or nature with respect to the Business Employees that arise on or prior to the applicable Closing Date, including the obligations that are specifically retained by the Sellers under the Employee Matters Agreement, and any obligations arising under the Employee Plans;

(vi) any liability, commitment or obligation arising out of (A) any actual or alleged violation of any Environmental Law or Release of Hazardous Substances at any property that was formerly owned or leased in connection with the Business and that is not a Transferred Asset, (B) any Release of Hazardous Substances prior to the applicable Closing at any Real Property or at any third party site to which the Business shipped such Hazardous Substances for the purpose of treatment, storage or disposal prior to the applicable Closing Date or (C) any matter disclosed on Section 3.11 of the Disclosure Schedule (except to the extent that any such matter expressly described therein (other than any such matter for which the Sellers are obligated to conduct Environmental Activities pursuant to Section 5.19) is exacerbated by any action taken or not taken by the Buyer or its Affiliates after the applicable Closing);

(vii) any liability, commitment or obligation for any intercompany accounts payable (including trade accounts payable) of, or other loan or advance by, TCCC or its Affiliates to any Seller;

(viii) any liability, commitment or obligation with respect to any recall, product liability or similar claims for injury to a Person or property, or by reason of the improper performance or malfunctioning of a product, improper design or manufacture, failure to adequately package, label or warn of hazards or other related product defects, in each case relating to any Pre-Closing Products (except to the extent that such liability, commitment or obligation results from or relates to any action taken or not taken by the Buyer or its Affiliates);

(ix) any liability, commitment or obligation to indemnify, reimburse or advance amounts to any officer, director, employee or agent of the Sellers (including with respect to any breach of fiduciary obligations by same), except for indemnification of same pursuant to Section 9.03 as TCCC Indemnified Parties or except as otherwise provided by the Employee Matters Agreement;

 

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(x) any liability, commitment or obligation in respect of any pending or threatened Action arising out of, relating to or otherwise in respect of the operation of the Business or the Transferred Assets to the extent such Action relates primarily to such operation prior to the applicable Closing, including claims by any employee of the Sellers or their Affiliates;

(xi) any liability, commitment or obligation of the Sellers under this Agreement, any Companion Agreement and any other agreement, document or instrument entered into in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

(xii) any liability, commitment or obligation arising under any Assumed Contract as a result of or in connection with any failure to perform, or other breach, default or violation by a Seller prior to the applicable Closing;

(xiii) all Retained Liabilities as of the applicable Closing; and

(xiv) any liability, commitment or obligation relating to or arising under any former operations of the Business that have been discontinued or disposed of prior to the applicable Closing.

Section 2.02. Assignment of Contracts and Rights; Third Party Consents. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement shall not constitute an agreement to assign or transfer any Transferred Asset or any claim or right or any benefit arising thereunder or resulting therefrom if an attempted assignment or transfer thereof, without the consent of a third party thereto, would constitute a breach or other contravention thereof or a violation of Law or would in any way adversely affect the rights of the Buyer thereunder. Subject to Section 5.05(b), the Sellers and the Buyer will each use their reasonable best efforts to obtain the consent of the other parties to any such Transferred Asset or any claim or right or any benefit arising thereunder for the assignment thereof to the Buyer as the Buyer may reasonably request. If such consent is not obtained, or if an attempted transfer or assignment thereof would be ineffective or a violation of Law or would adversely affect the rights of the Buyer (as assignee of the applicable Seller) thereto or thereunder so that the Buyer would not in fact receive all such rights, the Sellers and the Buyer will, subject to Section 5.05(b), cooperate in a mutually agreeable arrangement, such as a subcontracting, sublicensing or subleasing arrangement, under which the Buyer would, in compliance with Law, obtain the benefits, and, to the extent first arising after the applicable Closing, assume the obligations and bear the economic burdens associated with such Initial Closing Transferred Asset, Interim Closing Transferred Asset or Final Closing Transferred Asset, as the case may be, or such claim, right or benefit in accordance with this Agreement, or under which the Sellers would, upon the Buyer’s request, enforce for the benefit (and at the expense) of the Buyer any and all of their rights against a third party associated with such Initial Closing Transferred Asset, Interim Closing Transferred Asset or Final Closing Transferred Asset, as the case may be, or such claim, right or benefit, and the Sellers would promptly pay to the Buyer when received all monies received by them under any such Initial Closing Transferred Asset, Interim Closing Transferred Asset or Final Closing Transferred Asset, as the case may be, or such claim, right or benefit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 2.02 will not apply to Shared Contracts, and the parties’ obligations with respect to Shared Contracts will be governed by Section 5.17.

 

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Section 2.03. Closings.

(a) Initial Closing. On the Business Day which is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month commencing with October 2015 in which the conditions set forth in Article VII that are contemplated to be satisfied prior to the Initial Closing are satisfied or are waived by the party entitled to grant such waiver, or on such other date as the Sellers and the Buyer may agree, the sale and purchase of the Initial Closing Transferred Assets and the assumption of the Initial Closing Assumed Liabilities contemplated by this Agreement shall take place at a closing (the “Initial Closing”) that will be held at the offices of King & Spalding LLP, 1180 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time or such other place, time or means (including electronically) as the Sellers and the Buyer may agree in writing. The date on which the Initial Closing takes place is referred to herein as the “Initial Closing Date”.

(b) Interim Closings. On the Business Day which is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month commencing with January 2016 in which the conditions set forth in Article VII that are contemplated to be satisfied prior to any Interim Closing are satisfied or are waived by the party entitled to grant such waiver, or on such other date as the Sellers and the Buyer may agree, the sale and purchase of the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets and the assumption of the applicable Interim Closing Assumed Liabilities contemplated by this Agreement shall take place at one (1) or more closings (each, an “Interim Closing”) that will be held at the offices of King & Spalding LLP, 1180 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time or such other place, time or means (including electronically) as the Sellers and the Buyer may agree in writing; provided, that the second Interim Closing will occur no earlier than the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month commencing with March 2016. The date on which an Interim Closing takes place is referred to herein as an “Interim Closing Date”.

(c) Final Closing. On the Business Day which is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month commencing with April 2016 in which the conditions set forth in Article VII that are contemplated to be satisfied prior to the Final Closing are satisfied or are waived by the party entitled to grant such waiver, or on such other date as the Sellers and the Buyer may agree, the sale and purchase of the Final Closing Transferred Assets and the assumption of the Final Closing Assumed Liabilities contemplated by this Agreement shall take place at a closing (the “Final Closing”) that will be held at the offices of King & Spalding LLP, 1180 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time or such other place, time or means (including electronically) as the Sellers and the Buyer may agree in writing. The date on which the Final Closing takes place is referred to herein as the “Final Closing Date”.

Section 2.04. Purchase Price. Subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 2.07, the aggregate amount to be paid by the Buyer for the Transferred Assets shall be $99,681,907.05 (the “Base Purchase Price”). It is understood that, subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 2.07, the aggregate purchase price for the Transferred Assets is equal to $127,372,470.89 (the “Purchase Price”), calculated as (a) the Base Purchase Price, plus (b) the value of the Retained Assets, minus (c) the value of the Retained Liabilities. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties hereto agree that neither the Base Purchase Price nor the Purchase Price includes any payments contemplated by the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement.

 

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Section 2.05. Closing Deliveries by the Sellers.

(a) Initial Closing. At the Initial Closing, the Sellers shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Buyer:

(i) a receipt for the Initial Closing Cash Payment;

(ii) the Initial Closing Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement and all such other deeds, bills of sale, endorsements, consents, assignments and other good and sufficient instruments of conveyance and assignment as the parties and their respective counsel shall deem reasonably necessary or appropriate to vest in the Buyer all right, title and interest in, to and under the Initial Closing Transferred Assets;

(iii) with respect to each parcel of Owned Real Property included within the Initial Closing Transferred Assets, a special warranty deed in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (each, a “Deed”), duly executed and notarized by the applicable Seller, with such modifications as to form (but not the scope of warranty) as are necessary to conform to applicable local requirements;

(iv) with respect to each Leased Real Property included within the Initial Closing Transferred Assets, an Assignment and Assumption of Lease substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (each, an “Assignment and Assumption of Lease”), duly executed by the applicable Seller and, if necessary, such Seller’s signature shall be witnessed and/or notarized;

(v) a certificate pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-2(b) executed by each Seller that such Seller is not a foreign person within the meaning of Section 1445 of the Code, together with such other certificates or undertakings as shall be reasonably required to permit the Initial Closing Cash Payment to be paid without provision for withholding Taxes under the Laws of any applicable jurisdiction; provided, that any failure by the Sellers to deliver any such certificates or undertakings at the Initial Closing will not be deemed to constitute the failure of any condition set forth in Article VII, and the Buyer’s sole remedy in respect thereof will be to withhold an appropriate amount of Taxes from the Initial Closing Cash Payment; and

(vi) the other documents and certificates required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.01(c).

(b) Interim Closings. At each Interim Closing, the Sellers shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Buyer:

(i) a receipt for the applicable Interim Closing Cash Payment;

(ii) the applicable Interim Closing Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement and all such other deeds, bills of sale, endorsements, consents,

 

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assignments and other good and sufficient instruments of conveyance and assignment as the parties and their respective counsel shall deem reasonably necessary or appropriate to vest in the Buyer all right, title and interest in, to and under the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets;

(iii) with respect to each parcel of Owned Real Property included within the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets, a Deed, duly executed and notarized by the applicable Seller, with such modifications as to form (but not the scope of warranty) as are necessary to conform to applicable local requirements;

(iv) with respect to each Leased Real Property included within the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets, an Assignment and Assumption of Lease, duly executed by the applicable Seller and, if necessary, such Seller’s signature shall be witnessed and/or notarized;

(v) a certificate pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-2(b) executed by each Seller that such Seller is not a foreign person within the meaning of Section 1445 of the Code, together with such other certificates or undertakings as shall be reasonably required to permit the applicable Interim Closing Cash Payment to be paid without provision for withholding Taxes under the Laws of any applicable jurisdiction; provided, that any failure by the Sellers to deliver any such certificates or undertakings at the applicable Interim Closing will not be deemed to constitute the failure of any condition set forth in Article VII, and the Buyer’s sole remedy in respect thereof will be to withhold an appropriate amount of Taxes from the applicable Interim Closing Cash Payment; and

(vi) the other documents and certificates required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.02(c).

(c) Final Closing. At the Final Closing, the Sellers shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Buyer:

(i) a receipt for the Final Closing Cash Payment;

(ii) the Final Closing Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement and all such other deeds, bills of sale, endorsements, consents, assignments and other good and sufficient instruments of conveyance and assignment as the parties and their respective counsel shall deem reasonably necessary or appropriate to vest in the Buyer all right, title and interest in, to and under the Final Closing Transferred Assets;

(iii) with respect to each parcel of Owned Real Property included within the Final Closing Transferred Assets, a Deed, duly executed and notarized by the applicable Seller, with such modifications as to form (but not the scope of warranty) as are necessary to conform to applicable local requirements;

(iv) with respect to each Leased Real Property included within the Final Closing Transferred Assets, an Assignment and Assumption of Lease, duly executed by the applicable Seller and, if necessary, such Seller’s signature shall be witnessed and/or notarized;

 

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(v) a certificate pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-2(b) executed by each Seller that such Seller is not a foreign person within the meaning of Section 1445 of the Code, together with such other certificates or undertakings as shall be reasonably required to permit the Final Closing Cash Payment to be paid without provision for withholding Taxes under the Laws of any applicable jurisdiction; provided, that any failure by the Sellers to deliver any such certificates or undertakings at the Final Closing will not be deemed to constitute the failure of any condition set forth in Article VII, and the Buyer’s sole remedy in respect thereof will be to withhold an appropriate amount of Taxes from the Final Closing Cash Payment; and

(vi) the other documents and certificates required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.03(c).

Section 2.06. Closing Deliveries by the Buyer.

(a) Initial Closing. At the Initial Closing, the Buyer shall deliver to the Sellers:

(i) an amount in cash (the “Initial Closing Cash Payment”) equal to (A) the Initial Closing Purchase Price, minus (B) the amount of the Estimated Initial Closing Net Working Capital Deficit, if any, plus (C) the amount of the Estimated Initial Closing Net Working Capital Surplus, if any, minus (D) the amount of the Estimated Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Deficit, if any, plus (E) the amount of the Estimated Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Surplus, if any, minus (F) the amount of the Estimated Initial Closing DP Deficit, if any, plus (G) the amount of the Estimated Initial Closing DP Surplus, if any, minus (H) the amount of the Estimated Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Deficit, if any, plus (I) the amount of the Estimated Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Surplus, if any, minus (J) the amount of the Estimated Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Deficit, if any, plus (K) the amount of the Estimated Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Surplus, if any, minus (L) the Estimated Initial Closing Retained Assets Amount, plus (M) the Estimated Initial Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, by wire transfer in immediately available funds, to an account or accounts as directed by the Sellers, provided that the Sellers will designate such account or accounts no later than three (3) Business Days prior to the anticipated Initial Closing Date;

(ii) the Initial Closing Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement, duly executed by the Buyer;

(iii) with respect to each Leased Real Property included within the Initial Closing Transferred Assets, an Assignment and Assumption of Lease, duly executed by the Buyer and, if necessary, the Buyer’s signature shall be witnessed and/or notarized; and

 

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(iv) the other documents and certificates required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.01(b).

(b) Interim Closings. At each Interim Closing, the Buyer shall deliver to the Sellers:

(i) an amount in cash (an “Interim Closing Cash Payment”) equal to (A) the applicable Interim Closing Purchase Price, minus (B) the amount of the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Net Working Capital Deficit, if any, plus (C) the amount of the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Net Working Capital Surplus, if any, minus (D) the amount of the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Deficit, if any, plus (E) the amount of the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Surplus, if any, minus (F) the amount of the applicable Estimated Interim Closing DP Deficit, if any, plus (G) the amount of the applicable Estimated Interim Closing DP Surplus, if any, minus (H) the amount of the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Deficit, if any, plus (I) the amount of the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Surplus, if any, minus (J) the amount of the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Deficit, if any, plus (K) the amount of the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Surplus, if any, minus (L) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Retained Assets Amount, plus (M) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, by wire transfer in immediately available funds, to an account or accounts as directed by the Sellers, provided that the Sellers will designate such account or accounts no later than three (3) Business Days prior to the anticipated applicable Interim Closing Date;

(ii) the applicable Interim Closing Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement, duly executed by the Buyer;

(iii) with respect to each Leased Real Property included within the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets, an Assignment and Assumption of Lease, duly executed by the Buyer and, if necessary, the Buyer’s signature shall be witnessed and/or notarized; and

(iv) the other documents and certificates required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.02(b).

(c) Final Closing. At the Final Closing, the Buyer shall deliver to the Sellers:

(i) an amount in cash (the “Final Closing Cash Payment”) equal to (A) the Final Closing Purchase Price, minus (B) the amount of the Estimated Final Closing Net Working Capital Deficit, if any, plus (C) the amount of the Estimated Final Closing Net Working Capital Surplus, if any, minus (D) the amount of the Estimated Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Deficit, if any, plus (E) the amount of the Estimated Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Surplus, if any, minus (F) the amount of the Estimated Final Closing DP Deficit, if any, plus (G) the amount of the Estimated Final Closing DP Surplus, if any, minus (H) the amount of the Estimated Final Closing

 

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Residual Transferred Assets Deficit, if any, plus (I) the amount of the Estimated Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Surplus, if any, minus (J) the amount of the Estimated Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Deficit, if any, plus (K) the amount of the Estimated Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Surplus, if any, minus (L) the Estimated Final Closing Retained Assets Amount, plus (M) the Estimated Final Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, by wire transfer in immediately available funds, to an account or accounts as directed by the Sellers, provided that the Sellers will designate such account or accounts no later than three (3) Business Days prior to the anticipated Final Closing Date;

(ii) the Final Closing Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement, duly executed by the Buyer;

(iii) with respect to each Leased Real Property included within the Final Closing Transferred Assets, an Assignment and Assumption of Lease, duly executed by the Buyer and, if necessary, the Buyer’s signature shall be witnessed and/or notarized; and

(iv) the other documents and certificates required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.03(b).

Section 2.07. Adjustment of Purchase Price.

(a) Initial Closing.

(i) Not less than five (5) Business Days prior to the Initial Closing Date, the Sellers shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, and will deliver to the Buyer (1) an estimated closing statement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory as of the Initial Closing Date (the “Estimated Initial Closing Statement”), signed by an authorized officer of the Sellers (on behalf and in the name of the Sellers), which sets forth solely with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory, (A) the Estimated Initial Closing Net Working Capital Amount, (B) (I) the Estimated Initial Closing Net Working Capital Surplus, if any, or (II) the Estimated Initial Closing Net Working Capital Deficit, if any, (C) the Estimated Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, (D) (I) the Estimated Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Surplus, if any, or (II) the Estimated Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Deficit, if any, (E) the Estimated Initial Closing DP Amount, (F) (I) the Estimated Initial Closing DP Surplus, if any, or (II) the Estimated Initial Closing DP Deficit, if any, (G) the Estimated Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, (H) (I) the Estimated Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Surplus, if any, or (II) the Estimated Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Deficit, if any, (I) the Estimated Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, (J) (I) the Estimated Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Surplus, if any, or (II) the Estimated Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Deficit, if any, (K) the Estimated Initial Closing Retained Assets Amount, (L) the Estimated Initial Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, and (2) the unaudited balance sheet with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory as of the Business

 

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Day that is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the Initial Closing occurs determined consistent with the Agreed Financial Methodology (the “Estimated Initial Closing Date Unaudited Balance Sheet”). All estimates set forth in the Estimated Initial Closing Statement contemplated by clauses (C), (D), (E) and (F) of the preceding sentence will be based on, and be consistent with, (x) the unaudited statement of income of the Business for the Sellers’ most recently completed fiscal year for which year-end financial statements are available as of the Initial Closing and (y) the Agreed Financial Methodology, and such estimates shall be as of the final day of such fiscal year. All other estimates set forth in the Estimated Initial Closing Statement will be consistent with the Agreed Financial Methodology and financial information for such fiscal year in a form substantially similar to the 2014 Additional Financial Information, and such estimates shall be based on the Sellers’ data included in the Estimated Initial Closing Date Unaudited Balance Sheet. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the data regarding the Subject Equipment that would otherwise be included in the Estimated Initial Closing Date Unaudited Balance Sheet is not available to be included therein, then the estimates contemplated by clauses (G) and (H) above, to the extent related to the Subject Equipment, shall be as of the Business Day which is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the most recent fiscal quarter ended not less than sixty (60) days prior to the Initial Closing Date. The Sellers hereby agree to conduct a physical inventory count on the Business Day which is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the Initial Closing occurs for the purpose of preparing the Estimated Initial Closing Statement. The Sellers shall provide the Buyer with reasonable advance notice of any such physical inventory count, and hereby agree that the Buyer and its Representatives shall be permitted to attend any such physical inventory count conducted by the Sellers at such time and at such places as the Sellers specify.

(ii) The Sellers hereby agree to conduct a physical inventory count on the Initial Closing Date for the purpose of preparing the Initial Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule. The Sellers hereby agree that the Buyer and its Representatives shall be permitted to attend any such physical inventory count conducted by the Sellers at such time and at such places as the Sellers specify. No later than one hundred twenty (120) days following the Initial Closing Date, the Sellers will prepare, or cause to be prepared, and will deliver to the Buyer the Initial Closing Financial Information and the Initial Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule. The Initial Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule will be based on, and consistent with, the Initial Closing Financial Information. Upon reasonable prior written notice, the Buyer shall provide the Sellers and their respective Representatives with reasonable access, during normal business hours, to the Buyer’s Representatives and such books and records as may be reasonably requested by the Sellers and their respective Representatives in order to prepare the Initial Closing Financial Information and the Initial Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule; provided, however, that (x) such access shall not unreasonably interfere with any of the businesses or operations of the Buyer or any of its Affiliates and (y) the auditors and accountants of the Buyer or any of its Affiliates shall not be obliged to make any work papers available to any Person except in accordance with such auditors’ and accountants’ normal disclosure procedures and then only after such Person has signed a customary agreement relating to such access to work papers in form and substance reasonably acceptable to such auditors or accountants.

 

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(iii) The Buyer shall have one hundred twenty (120) days following receipt of the Initial Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule during which to notify the Sellers of any dispute of any item contained in the Initial Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule, which notice shall set forth in reasonable detail the basis for such dispute (an “Initial Closing Notice of Dispute”); provided, that the Initial Closing Notice of Dispute may not contain any disputes with respect to the calculation of the portion of the Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount attributable to the failure of the Buyer to locate or determine the existence of any Subject Equipment, it being understood that all disputes with respect to such matters will be governed by Section 2.10. Upon reasonable prior written notice, the Sellers shall provide the Buyer and its Representatives with reasonable access, during normal business hours, to the Sellers’ Representatives and such books and records as may be reasonably requested by the Buyer and its Representatives in order to verify the information contained in the Initial Closing Financial Information and the Initial Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule; provided, however, that (x) such access shall not unreasonably interfere with any of the businesses or operations of the Sellers or their Affiliates and (y) the auditors and accountants of the Sellers or any of their Affiliates shall not be obliged to make any work papers available to any Person except in accordance with such auditors’ and accountants’ normal disclosure procedures and then only after such Person has signed a customary agreement relating to such access to work papers in form and substance reasonably acceptable to such auditors or accountants.

(iv) If the Buyer does not provide the Sellers with an Initial Closing Notice of Dispute within such one hundred twenty (120) day period, the Initial Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule prepared by the Sellers shall be deemed to be the Initial Closing Final Amounts Schedule and will be conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto.

(v) If the Buyer provides the Sellers with an Initial Closing Notice of Dispute within such one hundred twenty (120) day period, the Buyer and the Sellers shall cooperate in good faith to resolve any such dispute as promptly as possible, and upon such resolution, the Initial Closing Final Amounts Schedule shall be prepared in accordance with the agreement of the Buyer and the Sellers. If the Buyer and the Sellers are unable to resolve any dispute regarding the Initial Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule within thirty (30) days after the Sellers’ receipt of the Initial Closing Notice of Dispute, or such longer period as the Buyer and the Sellers shall mutually agree in writing, such dispute shall be resolved in accordance with Section 2.07(d).

(vi) The Initial Closing Cash Payment shall be adjusted following the Initial Closing in accordance with Section 2.07(e).

 

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(b) Interim Closings.

(i) Not less than five (5) Business Days prior to each applicable Interim Closing Date, the Sellers shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, and will deliver to the Buyer (1) an estimated closing statement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory as of the applicable Interim Closing Date (an “Estimated Interim Closing Statement”), signed by an authorized officer of the Sellers (on behalf and in the name of the Sellers), which sets forth solely with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory, (A) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Net Working Capital Amount, (B) (I) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Net Working Capital Surplus, if any, or (II) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Net Working Capital Deficit, if any, (C) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, (D) (I) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Surplus, if any, or (II) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Deficit, if any, (E) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing DP Amount, (F) (I) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing DP Surplus, if any, or (II) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing DP Deficit, if any, (G) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, (H) (I) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Surplus, if any, or (II) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Deficit, if any, (I) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, (J) (I) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Surplus, if any, or (II) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Deficit, if any, (K) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Retained Assets Amount, (L) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, and (2) the unaudited balance sheet with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory as of the Business Day that is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the applicable Interim Closing occurs determined consistent with the Agreed Financial Methodology (an “Estimated Interim Closing Date Unaudited Balance Sheet”). All estimates set forth in the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Statement contemplated by clauses (C), (D), (E) and (F) of the preceding sentence will be based on, and be consistent with, (x) the unaudited statement of income of the Business for the Sellers’ most recently completed fiscal year for which year-end financial statements are available as of the applicable Interim Closing and (y) the Agreed Financial Methodology, and such estimates shall be as of the final day of such fiscal year. All other estimates set forth in the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Statement will be consistent with the Agreed Financial Methodology and financial information for such fiscal year in a form substantially similar to the 2014 Additional Financial Information, and such estimates shall be based on the Sellers’ data included in the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Date Unaudited Balance Sheet. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the data regarding the Subject Equipment that would otherwise be included in the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Date Unaudited Balance Sheet is not available to be included therein, then the estimates contemplated by clauses (G) and (H) above, to the extent related to the Subject Equipment, shall be as of the Business Day which is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the most recent fiscal quarter ended not less than sixty (60) days prior to the applicable Interim Closing Date. The Sellers hereby agree

 

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to conduct a physical inventory count on the Business Day which is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the applicable Interim Closing occurs for the purpose of preparing the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Statement. The Sellers shall provide the Buyer with reasonable advance notice of any such physical inventory count, and hereby agree that the Buyer and its Representatives shall be permitted to attend any such physical inventory count conducted by the Sellers at such time and at such places as the Sellers specify.

(ii) The Sellers hereby agree to conduct a physical inventory count on each Interim Closing Date for the purpose of preparing the applicable Interim Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule. The Sellers hereby agree that the Buyer and its Representatives shall be permitted to attend any such physical inventory count conducted by the Sellers at such time and at such places as the Sellers specify. No later than one hundred twenty (120) days following the applicable Interim Closing Date, the Sellers will prepare, or cause to be prepared, and will deliver to the Buyer the applicable Interim Closing Financial Information and the applicable Interim Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule. Each Interim Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule will be based on, and consistent with, the applicable Interim Closing Financial Information. Upon reasonable prior written notice, the Buyer shall provide the Sellers and their respective Representatives with reasonable access, during normal business hours, to the Buyer’s Representatives and such books and records as may be reasonably requested by the Sellers and their respective Representatives in order to prepare the applicable Interim Closing Financial Information and the applicable Interim Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule; provided, however, that (x) such access shall not unreasonably interfere with any of the businesses or operations of the Buyer or any of its Affiliates and (y) the auditors and accountants of the Buyer or any of its Affiliates shall not be obliged to make any work papers available to any Person except in accordance with such auditors’ and accountants’ normal disclosure procedures and then only after such Person has signed a customary agreement relating to such access to work papers in form and substance reasonably acceptable to such auditors or accountants.

(iii) The Buyer shall have one hundred twenty (120) days following receipt of the applicable Interim Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule during which to notify the Sellers of any dispute of any item contained in the applicable Interim Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule, which notice shall set forth in reasonable detail the basis for such dispute (an “Interim Closing Notice of Dispute”); provided, that an Interim Closing Notice of Dispute may not contain any disputes with respect to the calculation of the portion of the applicable Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount attributable to the failure of the Buyer to locate or determine the existence of any Subject Equipment, it being understood that all disputes with respect to such matters will be governed by Section 2.10. Upon reasonable prior written notice, the Sellers shall provide the Buyer and its Representatives with reasonable access, during normal business hours, to the Sellers’ Representatives and such books and records as may be reasonably requested by the Buyer and its Representatives in order to verify the information contained in the applicable Interim Closing Financial Information and the applicable Interim Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule;

 

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provided, however, that (x) such access shall not unreasonably interfere with any of the businesses or operations of the Sellers or their Affiliates and (y) the auditors and accountants of the Sellers or any of their Affiliates shall not be obliged to make any work papers available to any Person except in accordance with such auditors’ and accountants’ normal disclosure procedures and then only after such Person has signed a customary agreement relating to such access to work papers in form and substance reasonably acceptable to such auditors or accountants.

(iv) If the Buyer does not provide the Sellers with an Interim Closing Notice of Dispute within such one hundred twenty (120) day period, the applicable Interim Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule prepared by the Sellers shall be deemed to be the applicable Interim Closing Final Amounts Schedule and will be conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto.

(v) If the Buyer provides the Sellers with an Interim Closing Notice of Dispute within such one hundred twenty (120) day period, the Buyer and the Sellers shall cooperate in good faith to resolve any such dispute as promptly as possible, and upon such resolution, the applicable Interim Closing Final Amounts Schedule shall be prepared in accordance with the agreement of the Buyer and the Sellers. If the Buyer and the Sellers are unable to resolve any dispute regarding the applicable Interim Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule within thirty (30) days after the Sellers’ receipt of the applicable Interim Closing Notice of Dispute, or such longer period as the Buyer and the Sellers shall mutually agree in writing, such dispute shall be resolved in accordance with Section 2.07(d).

(vi) The applicable Interim Closing Cash Payment shall be adjusted following the applicable Interim Closing in accordance with Section 2.07(e).

(c) Final Closing.

(i) Not less than five (5) Business Days prior to the Final Closing Date, the Sellers shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, and will deliver to the Buyer (1) an estimated closing statement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory as of the Final Closing Date (the “Estimated Final Closing Statement”), signed by an authorized officer of the Sellers (on behalf and in the name of the Sellers), which sets forth solely with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory, (A) the Estimated Final Closing Net Working Capital Amount, (B) (I) the Estimated Final Closing Net Working Capital Surplus, if any, or (II) the Estimated Final Closing Net Working Capital Deficit, if any, (C) the Estimated Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, (D) (I) the Estimated Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Surplus, if any, or (II) the Estimated Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Deficit, if any, (E) the Estimated Final Closing DP Amount, (F) (I) the Estimated Final Closing DP Surplus, if any, or (II) the Estimated Final Closing DP Deficit, if any, (G) the Estimated Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, (H) (I) the Estimated Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Surplus, if any, or (II) the Estimated Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Deficit, if any, (I) the Estimated Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, (J) (I) the Estimated Final Closing Other Assets and

 

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Liabilities Surplus, if any, or (II) the Estimated Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Deficit, if any, (K) the Estimated Final Closing Retained Assets Amount, (L) the Estimated Final Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, and (2) the unaudited balance sheet with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory as of the Business Day that is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the Final Closing occurs determined consistent with the Agreed Financial Methodology (the “Estimated Final Closing Date Unaudited Balance Sheet”). All estimates set forth in the Estimated Final Closing Statement contemplated by clauses (C), (D), (E) and (F) of the preceding sentence will be based on, and be consistent with, (x) the unaudited statement of income of the Business for the Sellers’ most recently completed fiscal year for which year-end financial statements are available as of the Final Closing and (y) the Agreed Financial Methodology, and such estimates shall be as of the final day of such fiscal year. All other estimates set forth in the Estimated Final Closing Statement will be consistent with the Agreed Financial Methodology and financial information for such fiscal year in a form substantially similar to the 2014 Additional Financial Information, and such estimates shall be based on the Sellers’ data included in the Estimated Final Closing Date Unaudited Balance Sheet. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the data regarding the Subject Equipment that would otherwise be included in the Estimated Final Closing Date Unaudited Balance Sheet is not available to be included therein, then the estimates contemplated by clauses (G) and (H) above, to the extent related to the Subject Equipment, shall be as of the Business Day which is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the most recent fiscal quarter ended not less than sixty (60) days prior to the Final Closing Date. The Sellers hereby agree to conduct a physical inventory count on the Business Day which is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the Final Closing occurs for the purpose of preparing the Estimated Final Closing Statement. The Sellers shall provide the Buyer with reasonable advance notice of any such physical inventory count, and hereby agree that the Buyer and its Representatives shall be permitted to attend any such physical inventory count conducted by the Sellers at such time and at such places as the Sellers specify.

(ii) The Sellers hereby agree to conduct a physical inventory count on the Final Closing Date for the purpose of preparing the Final Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule. The Sellers hereby agree that the Buyer and its Representatives shall be permitted to attend any such physical inventory count conducted by the Sellers at such time and at such places as the Sellers specify. No later than one hundred twenty (120) days following the Final Closing Date, the Sellers will prepare, or cause to be prepared, and will deliver to the Buyer the Final Closing Financial Information and the Final Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule. The Final Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule will be based on, and consistent with, the Final Closing Financial Information. Upon reasonable prior written notice, the Buyer shall provide the Sellers and their respective Representatives with reasonable access, during normal business hours, to the Buyer’s Representatives and such books and records as may be reasonably requested by the Sellers and their respective Representatives in order to prepare the Final Closing Financial Information and the Final Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule; provided, however, that (x) such access shall not unreasonably interfere with any of the businesses or operations of the Buyer or any of its Affiliates and (y) the auditors and accountants of

 

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the Buyer or any of its Affiliates shall not be obliged to make any work papers available to any Person except in accordance with such auditors’ and accountants’ normal disclosure procedures and then only after such Person has signed a customary agreement relating to such access to work papers in form and substance reasonably acceptable to such auditors or accountants.

(iii) The Buyer shall have one hundred twenty (120) days following receipt of the Final Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule during which to notify the Sellers of any dispute of any item contained in the Final Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule, which notice shall set forth in reasonable detail the basis for such dispute (a “Final Closing Notice of Dispute”); provided, that the Final Closing Notice of Dispute may not contain any disputes with respect to the calculation of the portion of the Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount attributable to the failure of the Buyer to locate or determine the existence of any Subject Equipment, it being understood that all disputes with respect to such matters will be governed by Section 2.10. Upon reasonable prior written notice, the Sellers shall provide the Buyer and its Representatives with reasonable access, during normal business hours, to the Sellers’ Representatives and such books and records as may be reasonably requested by the Buyer and its Representatives in order to verify the information contained in the Final Closing Financial Information and the Final Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule; provided, however, that (x) such access shall not unreasonably interfere with any of the businesses or operations of the Sellers or their Affiliates and (y) the auditors and accountants of the Sellers or any of their Affiliates shall not be obliged to make any work papers available to any Person except in accordance with such auditors’ and accountants’ normal disclosure procedures and then only after such Person has signed a customary agreement relating to such access to work papers in form and substance reasonably acceptable to such auditors or accountants.

(iv) If the Buyer does not provide the Sellers with a Final Closing Notice of Dispute within such one hundred twenty (120) day period, the Final Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule prepared by the Sellers shall be deemed to be the Final Closing Final Amounts Schedule and will be conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto.

(v) If the Buyer provides the Sellers with a Final Closing Notice of Dispute within such one hundred twenty (120) day period, the Buyer and the Sellers shall cooperate in good faith to resolve any such dispute as promptly as possible, and upon such resolution, the Final Closing Final Amounts Schedule shall be prepared in accordance with the agreement of the Buyer and the Sellers. If the Buyer and the Sellers are unable to resolve any dispute regarding the Final Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule within thirty (30) days after the Sellers’ receipt of the Final Closing Notice of Dispute, or such longer period as the Buyer and the Sellers shall mutually agree in writing, such dispute shall be resolved in accordance with Section 2.07(d).

(vi) The Final Closing Cash Payment shall be adjusted following the Final Closing in accordance with Section 2.07(e).

 

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(d) Arbitration. If the Buyer and the Sellers are unable to resolve any dispute regarding the Initial Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule, any Interim Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule or the Final Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule, as the case may be, within thirty (30) days after the Sellers’ receipt of the applicable Notice of Dispute, or such longer period as the Buyer and the Sellers shall mutually agree in writing, such dispute shall be resolved by a mutually agreed upon accounting firm that, unless otherwise mutually agreed by the parties, is independent of the Buyer and each Seller (meaning a firm of certified public accountants that has not provided services to any of the parties hereto or their Affiliates during the immediately preceding five (5) years) (such accounting firm, the “Arbitrator”). Such resolution shall be final and binding on the parties hereto and the applicable Final Amounts Schedule shall be prepared in accordance with the resolution of the Arbitrator. The Buyer and the Sellers shall submit to the Arbitrator for review and resolution all matters (but only such matters) that are set forth in the applicable Notice of Dispute that remain in dispute in determining the Initial Closing Net Working Capital Amount, the Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, the Initial Closing DP Amount, the Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, the Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, the Initial Closing Retained Assets Amount, the Initial Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, any Interim Closing Net Working Capital Amount, any Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, any Interim Closing DP Amount, any Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, any Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, any Interim Closing Retained Assets Amount, any Interim Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, the Final Closing Net Working Capital Amount, the Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, the Final Closing DP Amount, the Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, the Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, the Final Closing Retained Assets Amount, or the Final Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, as the case may be, and the Arbitrator shall, except in the case of manifest error, (A) not assign a value to any item in dispute greater than the greatest value for such item assigned by the Buyer, on the one hand, or the Sellers, on the other hand, or less than the smallest value for such item assigned by the Buyer, on the one hand, or the Sellers, on the other hand, and (B) make its determination based on written submissions by the Buyer and the Sellers which are in accordance with the guidelines and procedures set forth in this Agreement (i.e., not on the basis of an independent review). The Arbitrator shall use commercially reasonable efforts to complete its work within forty-five (45) days following its engagement. The fees, costs and expenses of the Arbitrator (i) shall be borne by the Buyer in the proportion that the aggregate dollar amount of all such disputed items so submitted that are resolved against the Buyer (as finally determined by the Arbitrator) bears to the aggregate dollar amount of such items so submitted and (ii) shall be borne by the Sellers in the proportion that the aggregate dollar amount of such disputed items so submitted that are resolved against the Sellers (as finally determined by the Arbitrator) bears to the aggregate dollar amount of all such items so submitted.

(e) Adjustment Payments. Within five (5) Business Days following the determination of the applicable Final Amounts Schedule in accordance with this Section 2.07:

(i) to the extent that there is an Initial Closing Amounts Deficit, Interim Closing Amounts Deficit or Final Closing Amounts Deficit, the Sellers shall pay to the Buyer in cash an amount equal to such Initial Closing Amounts Deficit, Interim Closing Amounts Deficit or Final Closing Amounts Deficit, as applicable, by wire

 

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transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Buyer. Upon such payment, the Sellers shall be fully released and discharged of any obligation with respect to such Initial Closing Amounts Deficit, Interim Closing Amounts Deficit or Final Closing Amounts Deficit, as the case may be;

(ii) to the extent that there is an Initial Closing Amounts Surplus, Interim Closing Amounts Surplus or Final Closing Amounts Surplus, the Buyer shall pay to the Sellers in cash an amount equal to such Initial Closing Amounts Surplus, Interim Closing Amounts Surplus or Final Closing Amounts Surplus, as applicable, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Sellers. Upon such payment, the Buyer shall be fully released and discharged of any obligation with respect to such Initial Closing Amounts Surplus, Interim Closing Amounts Surplus or Final Closing Amounts Surplus, as the case may be; and

(iii) any payment made pursuant to this Section 2.07(e) shall include an additional amount of interest on the amount so remitted at a rate per annum equal to the Six-Month Treasury Rate, which additional amount of interest shall accrue from and after the first calendar day after the applicable Closing Date until the date of payment.

Section 2.08. Allocation of Certain Items. With respect to certain expenses incurred with respect to the Transferred Assets in the operation of the Business, the following allocations shall be made between the Buyer on the one hand and the Sellers on the other:

(a) Taxes. Except as otherwise provided by Section 6.01, real and ad valorem property Taxes shall be apportioned at the applicable Closing based upon the amounts set forth in the current Tax bills therefor and the number of days in the taxable period prior to (and including) the applicable Closing Date and in the taxable period following the applicable Closing Date, and if necessary such Taxes shall be further apportioned after the parties hereto receive the final Tax bills relating thereto.

(b) Utilities. Utilities, water and sewer charges shall be apportioned based upon the number of days occurring prior to (and including) the applicable Closing Date and following the applicable Closing Date during the billing period for each such charge.

(c) Other. Other similar obligations paid in the ordinary course of business, including rent and lease obligations, as well as obligations owed to Business Employees in respect of reimbursable automobile-related expenses, if applicable, shall be apportioned based upon the number of days occurring prior to (and including) the applicable Closing Date and following the applicable Closing Date during the billing period for each such charge.

Appropriate cash payments by the Buyer or the Sellers, as the case may require, shall be made hereunder from time to time as soon as practicable after the facts giving rise to the obligation for such payments are known in the amounts necessary to give effect to the allocations provided for in this Section 2.08; provided, however, that such payments shall not be required to the extent an accrued expense or prepaid expense is adequately reflected with respect to such item on the Final Amounts Schedules.

 

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Section 2.09. Allocation of Purchase Price. Within forty-five (45) days after the final resolution of the applicable Missing Equipment Notice in accordance with Section 2.10(c), the Buyer shall deliver to the Sellers a schedule (the “Allocation Schedule”) allocating the portion of the Purchase Price paid at the applicable Closing (together with the applicable Assumed Liabilities and any other items treated as consideration for the applicable Transferred Assets for Tax purposes) among the applicable Transferred Assets; provided, however, that, in any event, the Buyer will deliver a draft of the allocation schedule with respect to the Initial Closing to the Sellers no later than July 31, 2016. The Allocation Schedule shall be reasonable and shall be prepared in accordance with Section 1060 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder. Such allocation shall be deemed final unless the Sellers shall have notified the Buyer in writing of any disagreement with the Allocation Schedule within thirty (30) days after submission thereof by the Buyer. In the event of such disagreement, the Buyer and the Sellers shall use reasonable efforts to reach agreement on a reasonable allocation. In the event that the Buyer and the Sellers do not reach an agreement, the Arbitrator shall make a determination as to each disputed item, which determination shall be final and binding upon the Buyer and the Sellers. The Buyer and the Sellers agree to file their respective Internal Revenue Service Forms 8594, and all federal, state, and local Tax Returns, in accordance with the Allocation Schedule as finally determined under this Section 2.09. The Buyer and the Sellers each agree to provide the other promptly with any other information required to complete the Allocation Schedule and their Forms 8594.

Section 2.10. Vending and Cold Drink Equipment.

(a) Set forth on Section 2.01(a)(iii) of the Disclosure Schedule is a list of the Subject Equipment that the Sellers have assigned a Net Book Value greater than $20 and that has been serviced within the previous twenty-four (24) months and/or has produced revenue within the previous twelve (12) months and the location thereof (as updated pursuant to this Section 2.10, the “Key Subject Equipment”), as well as a depreciation schedule and the acquisition cost for the Key Subject Equipment, the method for computing the agreed replacement value of each item of Key Subject Equipment (the “Agreed Replacement Value”) following the applicable Closing and a “weighted average” value for each category of Key Subject Equipment (the “Weighted Average Value”). Within one hundred twenty (120) days following each applicable Closing, the Sellers will, by written notice to the Buyer in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, amend or supplement Section 2.01(a)(iii) of the Disclosure Schedule (as amended or supplemented, each a “Closing Key Subject Equipment Schedule”) to update the list of the Key Subject Equipment existing as of the applicable Closing Date included in the Transferred Assets sold at such Closing and the corresponding acquisition cost and accumulated depreciation (each such update for the accumulated depreciation shall be made to the accumulated depreciation data set forth in the corresponding update of Section 2.01(a)(iii) of the Disclosure Schedule delivered pursuant to Section 5.08) for such Key Subject Equipment and Agreed Replacement Values, as calculated as of the applicable Closing Date, and Weighted Average Values thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, the method for computing Agreed Replacement Value contemplated by Section 2.01(a)(iii) of the Disclosure Schedule will be used for all subsequent calculations of Agreed Replacement Value under this Section 2.10, including those set forth on the Closing Key Subject Equipment Schedules.

 

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(b) Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that, although the physical location or existence of certain pieces of the Key Subject Equipment as reflected on a Closing Key Subject Equipment Schedule may not be determinable, the failure of the Buyer to locate or determine the existence of all such Key Subject Equipment will not provide the basis of or result in a reduction of or adjustment to the Purchase Price (except as otherwise provided in this Section 2.10) or otherwise provide the basis of or result in a claim for indemnification under Article IX. Within ten (10) Business Days following the six (6) month anniversary of the delivery by the Sellers to the Buyer of a Closing Key Subject Equipment Schedule, the Buyer shall deliver written notice to the Sellers (each, a “Missing Equipment Notice”) with the following information: (i) a list of each item of Key Subject Equipment included in the Transferred Assets at such Closing which the Buyer has failed to locate or the existence of which the Buyer has failed to determine (the “Missing Equipment”), (ii) the Weighted Average Value of each item of Missing Equipment, (iii) a list of each other item of Subject Equipment present at the location specified for an item of Missing Equipment on the applicable Closing Key Subject Equipment Schedule, which list shall specify the location (outlet name and address along with outlet number), make, model and asset identification number for each such other item of Subject Equipment, the date such item was observed and the name of the individual who made such observation, and (iv) a list of any Substitute Subject Equipment that the Buyer has located during such period following such Closing; provided, that the Buyer may only provide the Sellers with one (1) Missing Equipment Notice with respect to each Closing, which Missing Equipment Notice may be adjusted pursuant to Section 2.10(c). Each Missing Equipment Notice will also include a calculation (the “Threshold Calculation”) of whether the total Weighted Average Value of all Missing Equipment included in such Missing Equipment Notice exceeds five percent (5%) (the “Subject Equipment Threshold”) of the total Weighted Average Value of (I) all Key Subject Equipment listed on the applicable Closing Key Subject Equipment Schedule plus (II) any Substitute Subject Equipment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, the provision of a Missing Equipment Notice pursuant to this Section 2.10 and the rights of the Buyer with respect thereto set forth in this Section 2.10 are the sole and exclusive remedy available to the Buyer with respect to Missing Equipment. In addition, between the date that a Closing Key Subject Equipment Schedule is delivered by the Sellers to the Buyer and the date that the corresponding Missing Equipment Notice is delivered by the Buyer to the Sellers, the Buyer shall provide to the Sellers monthly written updates regarding the status of any Missing Equipment by not later than twenty (20) Business Days after the end of each month. If and to the extent that the relocation within the applicable portion of the Territory of any Substitute Subject Equipment is necessary (as determined by the Buyer in its sole discretion), the Sellers will bear any out-of-pocket costs related to such relocation. Such Substitute Subject Equipment will be free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Liens.

(c) The Sellers shall have ninety (90) days following receipt of a Missing Equipment Notice during which to notify the Buyer of any dispute of any Missing Equipment contained on the Missing Equipment Notice (an “Equipment Dispute Notice”). If the Sellers do not provide the Buyer with an Equipment Dispute Notice within such ninety (90) day period, the Missing Equipment Notice prepared by the Buyer shall be deemed to be final and will be conclusive and binding upon the parties hereto. If the Sellers do provide the Buyer with an Equipment Dispute Notice within such ninety (90) day period, then the Buyer and the Sellers shall cooperate in good faith to resolve any such dispute as promptly as possible. If the total Weighted Average Value of all of the Missing Equipment set forth on a Missing Equipment

 

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Notice and described in the applicable Threshold Calculation exceeds the Subject Equipment Threshold (or if the resolution of the applicable Equipment Dispute Notice is that it exceeds the Subject Equipment Threshold), the Sellers shall pay the Buyer the dollar value (based on the Agreed Replacement Value as of the applicable Closing Date) of all of the Missing Equipment (and not just the Missing Equipment in excess of the Subject Equipment Threshold) set forth on the applicable Missing Equipment Notice. If the total Weighted Average Value of all of the Missing Equipment set forth on the applicable Missing Equipment Notice and described in the applicable Threshold Calculation does not exceed the Subject Equipment Threshold (or if the resolution of the applicable Equipment Dispute Notice is that it does not exceed the Subject Equipment Threshold), the Sellers shall not be required to make any payments under this Section 2.10.

(d) Notwithstanding anything set forth in this Section 2.10, if the parties have determined that the Sellers are required to pay the Buyer with respect to Missing Equipment in accordance with this Section 2.10, the parties agree that the Sellers shall, prior to paying any amounts under this Section 2.10, first attempt to substitute for pieces of the Missing Equipment comparable pieces of cold drink and vending equipment from the Sellers’ inventory (i) with a comparable Agreed Replacement Value and in the same equipment category as the Missing Equipment, and (ii) in good operating condition and in a state of good maintenance and repair consistent with current industry standards, ordinary wear and tear excepted. If the Sellers are able to make any such substitution, they will transfer such substitute piece of equipment to the Buyer free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Liens, and relocate such equipment to a location in the Territory designated by the Buyer at the sole cost and expense of the Sellers. If the Sellers substitute comparable pieces of cold drink and vending equipment from the Sellers’ inventory for pieces of Missing Equipment as described in this Section 2.10(d), then the amount that the Sellers are to pay to the Buyer under Section 2.10(c) will be reduced by the Agreed Replacement Value of such Missing Equipment that is so substituted.

(e) The Buyer shall provide the Sellers and their respective Representatives with reasonable access, during normal business hours, to the Buyer’s Representatives and such books and records as may be reasonably requested by the Sellers and their respective Representatives in order to verify the information contained in the Missing Equipment Notice; provided, however, that such access shall not unreasonably interfere with the business or operations of the Buyer. The Buyer shall also provide the Sellers and their respective Representatives with access to the Buyer’s sales and service records for purposes of determining whether the Buyer or any of its Affiliates has sold to or serviced any Subject Equipment. The Buyer hereby covenants and agrees that it shall maintain and track the BASIS outlet number along with maintaining and tracking the same service control numbers and CCR asset tracking number for each item of Subject Equipment as those utilized by the Sellers prior to the applicable Closing.

(f) If, prior to the expiration or termination of this Agreement, any Interim Closing or the Final Closing has not occurred, then this Section 2.10 shall be applied with respect to the Key Subject Equipment included in the Transferred Assets at the Closings that have occurred.

 

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Section 2.11. Withholding. Neither the Sellers nor the Buyer shall deduct or withhold any amounts payable to the other hereunder without consulting with the other party prior to deducting or withholding any such amounts and each shall use reasonable best efforts to cooperate with the other party in minimizing or eliminating such amounts.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS

Except as provided in the Disclosure Schedule delivered by the Sellers to the Buyer on the date of this Agreement (with specific reference to the particular Section or subsection of this Agreement to which the information set forth in such Disclosure Schedule relates; provided, that any disclosure with respect to a Section or schedule of this Agreement shall be deemed to be disclosed for other Sections and schedules of this Agreement to the extent that such disclosure sets forth facts in sufficient detail so that the relevance of such disclosure with respect to such other Sections or schedules would be reasonably apparent to a reader of such disclosure), the Sellers jointly and severally represent and warrant to the Buyer as follows:

Section 3.01. Incorporation, Qualification and Authority of the Sellers. Each of the Sellers is a corporation or other organization duly incorporated or organized, validly existing and, to the extent legally applicable, in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization and has all necessary corporate power to enter into, consummate the transactions contemplated by and carry out its obligations under this Agreement and the Companion Agreements. Each of the Sellers has the corporate or other applicable power and authority to operate its business with respect to the Transferred Assets as now conducted and is duly qualified as a foreign corporation or other organization to do business, and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction where the character of its owned, operated or leased properties or the nature of its activities makes such qualification material to the Transferred Assets, except for jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing has not or would not reasonably be expected to adversely affect either the Business in any material respect or such Seller’s ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution and delivery by the Sellers of this Agreement and the Companion Agreements and the consummation by the Sellers of the transactions contemplated by, and the performance by the Sellers under, this Agreement and the Companion Agreements have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate or other applicable action on the part of the Sellers. This Agreement has been, and upon execution and delivery the Companion Agreements will be, duly executed and delivered by the Sellers, and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Buyer and/or any Affiliate of the Buyer executing any such Companion Agreement, if applicable) this Agreement constitutes, and upon execution and delivery the Companion Agreements will constitute, legal, valid and binding obligations of the Sellers (as applicable), enforceable against the Sellers (as applicable) in accordance with their terms, subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to the effect of general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

 

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Section 3.02. No Conflict. Provided that all consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions described in Section 3.03 have been obtained or taken, except as otherwise provided in this Article III and except as may result from any facts or circumstances relating to the Buyer or its Affiliates, the execution, delivery and performance by the Sellers (as applicable) of this Agreement and the Companion Agreements and the consummation by the Sellers (as applicable) of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Companion Agreements do not and will not (a) violate or conflict with the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws or similar organizational documents of any of the Sellers, (b) conflict with or violate any Law or Governmental Order applicable to the Sellers or the Transferred Assets or (c) result in any breach of, or constitute a default (or event which, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would become a default) under, or give to any Person any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of any Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) on any of the Transferred Assets pursuant to, any Material Contract, other than, with respect to the foregoing clauses (b) and (c), as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a material cost or result in a material disruption to the Business.

Section 3.03. Consents and Approvals. The execution and delivery by the Sellers (as applicable) of this Agreement and the Companion Agreements do not, and the performance by the Sellers (as applicable) of, and the consummation by the Sellers (as applicable) of the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement and the Companion Agreements will not, require any consent, approval, authorization or other action by, or any filing with or notification to, any Governmental Authority, except (a) where the failure to obtain such consent, approval, authorization or action or to make such filing or notification would not (i) prevent or delay the consummation by the Sellers (as applicable) of the transactions contemplated by, or the performance by the Sellers (as applicable) of any of their material obligations under, this Agreement and the Companion Agreements or (ii) result in any material cost to the Business, (b) for customary recording of deeds, assignments of leases or similar real property instruments in the applicable public real estate records at or promptly following the applicable Closing, (c) as may be necessary as a result of any facts or circumstances specifically relating to the Buyer or its Affiliates, or (d) in connection, or in compliance with, the notification and waiting period requirements of the HSR Act, if applicable.

Section 3.04. Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as contemplated by this Agreement, from December 31, 2014 to the date of this Agreement, (a) the Sellers have conducted the Business in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, (b) none of the Sellers have taken any action which, if taken after the date of this Agreement, would require the consent of the Buyer pursuant to Section 5.01, and (c) there has not occurred any state of facts, event, change, condition, effect, circumstance or occurrence that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect or that would materially impair or materially delay the ability of the Sellers to consummate the transactions contemplated by, or to perform their obligations under, this Agreement or the Companion Agreements.

Section 3.05. Absence of Litigation. There are no material Actions pending or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, threatened against any of the Sellers relating to the Transferred Assets or the Business or that seek to, or would reasonably be expected to, materially impair or delay the ability of a Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated by, or to perform its

 

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obligations under, this Agreement and the Companion Agreements. During the past three (3) years, there has been no material Action instituted or threatened in writing against any of the Sellers relating primarily to the Transferred Assets or the Business.

Section 3.06. Compliance with Laws. Excluding Environmental Laws and Governmental Orders arising under Environmental Laws (which are covered solely in Section 3.11), the Business is, and since December 31, 2011 has been, conducted in compliance with all applicable Laws in all material respects, and no Seller has been charged with, and no Seller has received any written notice that it is under investigation with respect to, and, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, no Seller is otherwise now under investigation with respect to, any violation of any applicable Law or other requirement of a Governmental Authority with respect to the Business, the Transferred Assets or the Assumed Liabilities.

Section 3.07. Governmental Licenses and Permits.

(a) Excluding Environmental Permits (which are covered solely in Section 3.11), and except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to result in material liability to the Business, the Sellers hold all governmental qualifications, registrations, filings, privileges, franchises, licenses, permits, approvals or authorizations that are required for the operation of the Transferred Assets or the Business as conducted by the Sellers (collectively, “Material Permits”).

(b) Excluding Environmental Permits (which are covered solely in Section 3.11), none of the Sellers is in default under or violation of any of the Material Permits in any material respect or has Knowledge of any facts, conditions or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to result in the suspension or revocation of, or prevent the renewal of, any such Material Permits.

Section 3.08. Assets.

(a) The Transferred Assets are owned by the Sellers and their Affiliates free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Liens. The Sellers or their Affiliates have good and marketable title to, or a valid leasehold interest in, all of the Transferred Assets.

(b) Except for the services provided under the Companion Agreements and general centralized administrative and corporate functions, as of the date hereof the Transferred Assets collectively constitute, and as of the date immediately prior to the applicable Closing Date the applicable Transferred Assets (as may be adjusted pursuant to Section 5.08) collectively will constitute, all of the assets, properties, rights and interests necessary to operate the Business (or applicable portion thereof) in the manner operated by the Sellers from December 31, 2013 through the date of this Agreement and as of immediately prior to the applicable Closing Date, respectively.

(c) All items of Tangible Personal Property and buildings, plants, improvements and other assets included in the Transferred Assets (i) are in good operating condition and in a state of good maintenance and repair consistent with current industry standards, ordinary wear and tear excepted, (ii) are usable in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and (iii) conform in all material respects to all Laws applicable

 

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thereto. Except for the Subject Equipment and equipment or property held by the Sellers’ customers, repair and service providers or others in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, all of the Tangible Personal Property included in the Transferred Assets is in the possession of the Sellers or their Affiliates.

(d) (i) No individual identified in the definition of “Knowledge of the Sellers” has received written notice that any Third Party Intellectual Property, or the use of such Third Party Intellectual Property in the Business, infringes, violates or misappropriates the Intellectual Property of any other Person; and (ii) to the Knowledge of the Sellers, excluding the Third Party Intellectual Property, the other Transferred Assets do not, and their use in the Business does not, otherwise infringe, violate or misappropriate the Intellectual Property of any other Person.

Section 3.09. Inventory. The inventory of the Business, as will be reflected on the Final Amounts Schedules, (a) is of a quality and quantity presently usable and saleable in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and (b) is valued on the books and records of the Sellers at the lower of Cost or market on an average cost or first in, first out basis.

Section 3.10. Real Property.

(a) Section 3.10(a) of the Disclosure Schedule lists the street address of each parcel of Owned Real Property. A Seller or an Affiliate of the Sellers has good and transferable title to all of the Owned Real Property free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Liens or Liens created by or through the Buyer or any of its Affiliates. There are no leases, licenses, or other occupancy agreements affecting the Owned Real Property, nor are there any tenants or occupants of the Owned Real Property with any rights thereto.

(b) Section 3.10(b) of the Disclosure Schedule lists the street address of each parcel of Leased Real Property and a list of all leases and occupancy agreements with respect to the Leased Real Property, together with a notation as to which parcels constitute “Critical Leased Property”. The Sellers have delivered to the Buyer a true, correct and complete copy of each such lease and occupancy agreement, together with all amendments thereto. A Seller or an Affiliate of the Sellers has a valid leasehold, usufruct or similar interest in the Leased Real Property, free and clear of all Liens except for Permitted Liens or Liens created by or through the Buyer or any of its Affiliates.

(c) To the Knowledge of the Sellers, there are no condemnation or appropriation or similar proceedings pending or threatened against any of the Owned Real Property or the Leased Real Property (collectively, the “Real Property”) or the improvements thereon.

(d) The Sellers have not received written notice of the actual or pending imposition of any assessment against the Real Property for public improvements.

(e) The Sellers have not received written notice from any Person within the past three (3) years of any default or breach under any covenant, condition, restriction, right of way, easement or license affecting the Real Property, or any portion thereof, that remains uncured, except where any failure to cure would not result in a material cost or disruption to the Business. Any easements and rights-of-way that serve the Real Property are valid and

 

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enforceable, in full force and effect and are not subject to any prior Liens (other than Permitted Liens) that could result in a forfeiture thereof, except where such invalidity, unenforceability, ineffectiveness or forfeiture would not result in a material cost or disruption to the Business.

(f) All applicable permits, licenses and other evidences of compliance that are required for the occupancy, operation and use of the Owned Real Property have been obtained and complied with, except where the failure to so obtain or comply would not result in any material cost to the Business.

(g) The Sellers have not received written notice of any special assessments to be levied against the Real Property for which the Buyer would be responsible.

Section 3.11. Environmental Matters. Except as set forth on Section 3.11 of the Disclosure Schedule:

(a) The Sellers are, and have been for the past three (3) years, operating the Business and the Transferred Assets in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits. No Seller has received any written notice during the past three (3) years from any Governmental Authority alleging that such Seller is not in compliance in any material respect with any Environmental Law or Environmental Permit in connection with its operation of the Business or the Transferred Assets.

(b) There are no pending or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, threatened Actions against any of the Sellers alleging or asserting any material violation of Environmental Law or any liability to investigate or remediate Hazardous Substances associated with the Business or the Transferred Assets. During the past three (3) years, there have been no Actions instituted or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, threatened in writing against any of the Sellers alleging or asserting any material violation of Environmental Law or any liability to investigate or remediate Hazardous Substances associated with the Business or the Transferred Assets.

(c) The Sellers hold all material Environmental Permits that are required for the operation of the Transferred Assets or the Business. None of the Sellers is in default under or violation of any of the Environmental Permits in any material respect or has Knowledge of any facts, conditions or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to result in the suspension of, or prevent the renewal of, any such Environmental Permits.

(d) No Seller, nor to the Knowledge of the Sellers, any other Person, has caused any Release of a Hazardous Substance at any of the Real Property in excess of a reportable quantity or which requires remediation, which Release remains unresolved.

(e) None of the Real Property is subject to any Lien in favor of any Governmental Authority for (i) material liability under any Environmental Laws or (ii) material costs incurred by a Governmental Authority in response to a Release or threatened Release of a Hazardous Substance.

(f) To the Knowledge of the Sellers, none of the Real Property contains, and no Seller, nor, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, any other Person, has operated any (i) above-ground or underground storage tanks or (ii) landfills, surface impoundments or disposal areas at

 

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any of the Real Property. To the Knowledge of the Sellers, none of the Real Property contains any (x) asbestos-containing material in any friable and damaged form or condition or (y) materials or equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls.

(g) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the only representations and warranties in this Agreement concerning environmental and human health and safety matters are set forth in this Section 3.11.

Section 3.12. Contracts.

(a) Section 3.12(a) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list as of the date hereof of the following written contracts and the material terms and conditions of the following oral contracts which relate, in each case, primarily to, or were primarily entered into in connection with, the Business, to which any Seller is a party, and which are Assumed Contracts (the “Material Contracts”) (other than the insurance policies set forth on Section 3.15 of the Disclosure Schedule and the Employee Plans):

(i) all contracts (excluding work orders, purchase orders and credit applications submitted in the ordinary course of business) that individually involve annual payments to or from a Seller in excess of $25,000;

(ii) all contracts for the employment of any Business Employee or with respect to the equity compensation of any Business Employee, in each case, that is not terminable at-will;

(iii) all Collective Agreements;

(iv) all contracts imposing a Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) on any Transferred Asset;

(v) (A) all leases relating to the Leased Real Property and all other leases or licenses involving any properties or assets (whether real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible) involving an annual commitment or payment of more than $125,000 individually by a Seller, and any material oral leases to which any of the Sellers is a party (if any) relating to the Leased Real Property, and (B) all leases relating to rolling stock or material handling equipment (including forklifts);

(vi) all contracts that limit or restrict the Business from engaging in any business or activity in any jurisdiction;

(vii) all contracts that contain exclusivity obligations or restrictions binding on the Business such that the Business is prohibited from engaging in any business or activity whether alone or with third parties, whether before or after the applicable Closing, other than (A) any contracts or agreements with respect to Incubation Beverages (as defined in the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement) with any Seller or any of the Sellers’ Affiliates as long as such exclusivity obligations or restrictions are limited to the applicable Territory or (B) any contracts or agreements with respect to third-party licensed beverage brands that will terminate prior to the applicable Closing without survival of any such exclusivity obligation or restriction;

 

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(viii) all contracts for capital expenditures or the acquisition or construction of fixed assets, in each case, in excess of $25,000, whether individually or in the aggregate;

(ix) all contracts granting to any Person an option or a right of first refusal, right of first-offer or similar preferential right to purchase or acquire any Transferred Asset;

(x) all contracts that provide for an increased payment or benefit, or accelerated vesting, upon the execution of this Agreement or the applicable Closing or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby;

(xi) all joint venture or partnership contracts, cooperative agreements and all other contracts providing for the sharing of any profits;

(xii) all contracts by which a Seller licenses the Transferred Licensed Intellectual Property, other than contracts for commercially available, off-the-shelf computer software with a replacement cost or aggregate annual license and maintenance fee of less than $20,000;

(xiii) all contracts that contain any “most favored nation” (or equivalent) provision in favor of any Customer;

(xiv) all contracts with a Governmental Authority other than contracts with educational institutions administered by a Governmental Authority, including all Tax incentive agreements or similar agreements with respect to the Business with any Governmental Authority;

(xv) all contracts not made in the ordinary course of business that individually involve annual payments to or from a Seller in excess of $25,000;

(xvi) all contracts that relate to the acquisition or disposition of any business or any material amount of stock, assets or real property;

(xvii) all contracts granting a Seller rights to distribute, promote, market or sell any beverage or beverage product in the Territory, other than contracts regarding distribution, promotion, marketing and sale of the beverages and beverage products described on Section 7.01(a)(iv) of the Disclosure Schedule, Section 7.02(a)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule or Section 7.03(a)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule or any contract with any Seller or any of its Affiliates;

(xviii) to the Knowledge of the Sellers, all written contracts with any Seller or any Affiliate of a Seller granting a Seller rights to distribute, promote, market or sell any beverage or beverage product in the Territory, but only to the extent that such contracts will not be superseded by the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement; and

 

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(xix) all other contracts and leases involving annual payments to or from a Seller in excess of $25,000 that are material to the Transferred Assets or to the operation of the Business.

(b) Section 3.12(b) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete (i) list as of the date hereof of all Shared Contracts and (ii) list or general description as of the date hereof of any other goods or services that the Business receives or provides pursuant to any national or worldwide contract or agreement that relates to both the Business and the businesses retained by the Sellers and/or their Affiliates that will not be available to the Buyer after the applicable Closing on substantially the same terms as available to the Business prior to the applicable Closing.

(c) Each Material Contract, Shared Contract and Specified Non-Transferring Contract is a legal, valid and binding obligation of a Seller and, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, of each other party to such Material Contract, Shared Contract or Specified Non-Transferring Contract, as applicable, and each is enforceable against a Seller and, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, each such other party in accordance with its terms (except in each case as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally, including the effect of statutory and other laws regarding fraudulent conveyances and preferential transfers, and subject to the limitations imposed by general equitable principles regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity). None of the Sellers nor, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, any other party to a Material Contract, Shared Contract or Specified Non-Transferring Contract is in material default or material breach or has failed, or as of the applicable Closing will have failed, as applicable, to perform any material obligation under a Material Contract, Shared Contract or Specified Non-Transferring Contract, as applicable, and, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, there does not exist any event, condition or omission that would constitute such a material breach or material default (whether by lapse of time or notice or both). None of the Sellers has received any written notice of a proposed termination, cancellation or non-renewal with respect to any Material Contract, Shared Contract or Specified Non-Transferring Contract. It is understood that certain of the Material Contracts, Shared Contracts or Specified Non-Transferring Contracts may expire by their terms between the date of this Agreement and the applicable Closing Date, and no such expiration will be considered a breach of any of the representations set forth in this Section 3.12(c). Each Material Contract that requires the consent of or notice to the other party thereto to avoid any breach, default or violation of such Material Contract in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby has been identified on Section 3.12(a) of the Disclosure Schedule with an asterisk.

(d) As of the applicable Closing, each Pre-Closing Material Contract will be a legal, valid and binding obligation of a Seller and, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, of each other party to such Pre-Closing Material Contract, and, as of the applicable Closing, each will be enforceable against a Seller and, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, each such other party in accordance with its terms (except in each case as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally, including the effect of statutory and other laws regarding fraudulent conveyances and preferential transfers, and subject to the limitations imposed by general equitable principles regardless of whether such enforceability is considered

 

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in a proceeding at law or in equity). As of the applicable Closing, none of the Sellers nor, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, any other party to a Pre-Closing Material Contract will be in material default or material breach or will have failed to perform any material obligation under a Pre-Closing Material Contract and, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, as of the applicable Closing, there will not exist any event, condition or omission that would constitute such a material breach or material default (whether by lapse of time or notice or both). As of the applicable Closing, none of the Sellers will have received any written notice of a proposed termination, cancellation or non-renewal with respect to any Pre-Closing Material Contract.

(e) The Sellers have provided the Buyer with true, correct and complete copies of all Material Contracts and all portions of any Shared Contracts and Specified Non-Transferring Contracts that relate to the Business (together with such other portions thereof as are necessary to comprehend the terms thereof that apply to the Business) and all written modifications, amendments and supplements thereto and written waivers thereof, in each case, as of the date hereof. To the extent that, between the date hereof and the applicable Closing, the Sellers locate any contracts which would have been required to be disclosed in response to Section 3.12(a)(xviii) if the Sellers had Knowledge of such contracts on the date hereof, then the Sellers will promptly provide true, correct and complete copies of any such contracts to the Buyer.

Section 3.13. Employment Matters.

(a) The Sellers have provided to the Buyer a complete and accurate list of the following information as of the date of this Agreement for each Business Employee: employer; job title; location; date of hiring; date of commencement of employment; and current compensation paid or payable. At least sixty (60) days prior to the applicable Closing, the Sellers will provide to the Buyer the following information as of immediately prior to such Closing (to the extent that such information can be generated at least sixty (60) days prior to such Closing and as early prior to such Closing as reasonably practicable to the extent such information cannot be generated at least sixty (60) days prior to such Closing) for each Business Employee whose services relate primarily to the portion of the Business being transferred at such Closing: service credit for purposes of vesting and eligibility to participate under any Employee Plan (including any vacation or other paid time off policy of the Sellers). The parties agree and acknowledge that, due to the timing of the deliveries contemplated by the preceding sentence, and as a result of ordinary course personnel turnover, certain individuals who are identified as Business Employees in connection with the deliveries contemplated by the preceding sentence may not be Business Employees at the applicable Closing, and certain individuals who are not identified as Business Employees in connection with the deliveries contemplated by the preceding sentence may be Business Employees at the applicable Closing, and in no event will any resulting inaccuracies in any information delivered pursuant to this Section 3.13(a) be considered a breach of any provision of this Agreement. Further, within ten (10) Business Days following the applicable Closing, the Sellers will provide to the Buyer, for each Business Employee whose services relate primarily to the portion of the Business being transferred at such Closing, data relating to the amount of sick and vacation leave that is accrued but unused as of such Closing.

 

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(b) Except as set forth on Section 3.13(b) of the Disclosure Schedule, (i) none of the Business Employees is, or during the past two (2) years has been, represented by a union, labor organization or group (collectively, a “Union”) that was either voluntarily recognized or certified by any labor relations board; (ii) none of the Business Employees is, or during the past two (2) years has been, a signatory to or bound by a Collective Agreement with any Union; (iii) to the Knowledge of the Sellers, there are no currently filed petitions for representation with respect to the formation of a collective bargaining unit involving any of the Business Employees and no such petitions for representation have been filed or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, threatened in the past two (2) years; (iv) there is no unfair labor practice or labor arbitration proceeding brought by or on behalf of any of the Business Employees pending or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, threatened against the Sellers and no such proceeding has been initiated or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, threatened in the past two (2) years; and (v) no labor dispute, walk out, strike, slowdown, hand billing, picketing, or work stoppage involving the Business Employees has occurred, is in progress or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, has been threatened in the past two (2) years.

Section 3.14. Employee Benefits Matters.

(a) Except as required by applicable Laws, the terms of an Employee Plan or the terms of the Employee Matters Agreement, there exists no obligation to make or provide any acceleration, vesting, increase in benefits, severance or termination payment to any Business Employee as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(b) Each employee health, welfare, medical, dental, pension, retirement, profit sharing, incentive compensation, deferred compensation, equity compensation, savings, fringe-benefit, paid time off, severance, life insurance and disability plan, program, agreement or arrangement (whether written or oral), including each “employee benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, that is sponsored, maintained or contributed to by any Seller for the Business Employees, other than plans established pursuant to statute, is listed on Section 3.14(b) of the Disclosure Schedule (the “Employee Plans”). With respect to the Employee Plans, the Sellers have provided the Buyer with (i) where the Employee Plan has not been reduced to writing, a summary of all material terms of such plan and (ii) where the Employee Plan has been reduced to writing, a summary plan description of such Employee Plan.

(c) No asset of any Seller is subject to any Lien under ERISA associated with any Employee Plan, and no liability under Title IV or Section 302 of ERISA has been incurred by any Seller or any ERISA Affiliate for which the Buyer could be liable as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(d) Each Employee Plan intended to be “qualified” within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified and is the subject of a favorable determination or opinion letter issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as to its qualified status under the Code or an application for such letter was timely filed within the applicable remedial amendment period and is pending, and, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, no circumstances have occurred that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the tax qualified status of any such Employee Plan.

 

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(e) The Sellers have complied in all material respects with the requirements of Section 4980B of the Code and Sections 601-608 of ERISA applicable to any Employee Plan that is a “group health plan” (within the meaning of Section 607(1) of ERISA).

Section 3.15. Insurance. Section 3.15 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of all material policies of insurance (currently carried or held within the last three (3) years) owned or held by the Sellers primarily for the benefit of the Business or the Transferred Assets. The Sellers maintain insurance with reputable insurers for the Business and the Transferred Assets consistent with past practices and in types and amounts that are reasonable. No notice of cancellation or termination or disallowance of any claim thereunder has been received with respect to any such policy as of the date hereof, all insurance policies and bonds with respect to the Business and the Transferred Assets are in full force and effect and will remain in full force and effect up to and including the time of the applicable Closing (other than those that have been retired or expired in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) and all premiums thereon have been timely paid.

Section 3.16. Product Recalls.

(a) During the past three (3) years, there has not been, nor is there currently ongoing by any Seller or any Affiliate of a Seller, or to the Knowledge of the Sellers, any Governmental Authority, any recall or post-sale warning in respect of any product of the Business in the Territory, except for recalls that have been reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “US FDA”) and have been completed in accordance with the US FDA’s requirements. During the past three (3) years, none of the Sellers or their Affiliates has received written notice of any material Action involving any product designed, manufactured, distributed or sold by or on behalf of the Business in the Territory resulting from an alleged defect in design or manufacture, any alleged hazard or impurity, or any alleged failure to warn, or from any alleged breach of implied warranties or representations, or any alleged noncompliance with any Laws, other than immaterial notices or claims that have been settled or resolved by the Sellers prior to the date of this Agreement.

(b) None of the products designed, manufactured, distributed or sold by or on behalf of the Business have been adulterated or misbranded by the Sellers or their Affiliates within the meaning of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended (the “FDC Act”), or the rules or regulations issued thereunder or any comparable state law, rule or regulation in a manner that had a Material Adverse Effect or are articles that may not be introduced into interstate commerce under the provisions of Sections 404 or 505 of the FDC Act. No Seller or Affiliate of any Seller has, at any time during the past three (3) years, (i) received any written notice from the US FDA or from comparable state governmental or regulatory body of any material violation of the FDC Act or of comparable state laws, rules or regulations regarding any products sold by the Business within the Territory, (ii) been the subject of any governmental or regulatory enforcement action or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, investigation action under the FDC Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or comparable state laws, rules or regulations with respect to any products sold within the Territory or (iii) undertaken any recall of products of the Business within the Territory that may have been adulterated, misbranded or otherwise made in violation of the FDC Act or the rules and regulations thereunder or comparable state laws, rules or regulations, except for recalls that have been reported to the US FDA and have been completed in accordance with US FDA’s requirements.

 

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Section 3.17. Transactions with Affiliates. (a) No officer or director of any Seller, nor (b) any Person with whom any such officer or director has any direct or indirect relation by blood, marriage or adoption, or any entity in which any such person, owns any beneficial interest (other than a publicly held corporation whose stock is traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market and less than five percent (5%) of the stock of which is beneficially owned by all such persons in the aggregate), nor (c) any Affiliate of any of the foregoing or any current or former Affiliate of any Seller has any interest in any contract, arrangement or understanding with, or relating to, the Business, the Transferred Assets or the Assumed Liabilities.

Section 3.18. Undisclosed Payments. No Seller nor the officers or directors of any Seller, nor anyone acting on behalf of any of them, has made or received any payments not correctly categorized and fully disclosed in the books and records of the Business in connection with or in any way relating to or affecting the Transferred Assets or the Business.

Section 3.19. Customer and Supplier Relations. Section 3.19 of the Disclosure Schedule contains a true, correct and complete list of the names and addresses of the Customers and the Suppliers, and the amount of sales to or purchases from each such Customer or Supplier, as applicable, during the twelve (12) month period ended on the date hereof. Except as set forth on Section 3.19 of the Disclosure Schedule, no Customer nor any Supplier has during the last twelve (12) months cancelled, terminated or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, made any written threat to cancel or otherwise terminate any of its contracts with the Business or to materially decrease its usage or supply of the Business’ services or products. Except as set forth on Section 3.19 of the Disclosure Schedule, the Sellers have no Knowledge to the effect that any Customer or any Supplier may terminate or materially alter its business relations with the Business, either as a result of the transactions contemplated hereby or otherwise.

Section 3.20. Financial Information.

(a) The data set forth on Section 3.20(a) of the Disclosure Schedule consists of components of (i) the unaudited balance sheet of the Business as of December 31, 2014 and (ii) the unaudited statement of income for the Business for the year then ended (collectively, the “2014 Data”). The 2014 Data: (A) was prepared from the books and records of the Sellers and their Affiliates, which books and records are complete in all material respects based on then available data and to the extent consistent with the operating models and methodologies discussed with and reviewed by the Buyer; (B) was derived from components of the audited, consolidated financial statements of TCCC for the same period (which reflect the consolidation of the subsidiaries of TCCC, including the Sellers), which were prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied; (C) reflects reasonable assumptions and allocations of the Sellers’ and their Affiliates’ respective businesses in North America made by the Sellers in good faith after discussion with, and review by, the Buyer; and (D) to the Knowledge of the Sellers, accurately reflects in all material respects, as of the dates therein specified and for the periods therein indicated, and subject to the assumptions set forth therein, the adjustments contemplated by the Agreed Financial Methodology and any

 

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adjustments or modifications that are reflected in the “effects schedule” described in Section A of the Disclosure Schedule, the costs and activities incurred or necessary to operate the Business in a manner consistent with the Sellers’ established policies, procedures and practices, and fairly and accurately presents, in all material respects, as of the dates therein specified and for the periods therein indicated, and subject to the assumptions set forth therein, the adjustments contemplated by the Agreed Financial Methodology and any adjustments or modifications that are reflected in the “effects schedule” described in Section A of the Disclosure Schedule, the financial condition and results of the operations of the Business.

(b) Section 3.20(b) of the Disclosure Schedule describes certain financial and other information used by the Sellers to derive the 2014 Data (the “2014 Additional Financial Information”). The 2014 Additional Financial Information is unaudited, has been prepared from the books and records of the Sellers’ and their Affiliates’ respective businesses in North America and fairly and accurately presents, in all material respects, as of the dates therein specified and for the periods indicated, and subject to the assumptions set forth therein (including the allocations of manufacturing variances), the results of the operations of the Business from a gross profit perspective.

(c) Section 5.02(d)(i) contemplates the delivery of the Interim Annual Data. The Interim Annual Data: (i) will be prepared from the books and records of the Sellers and their Affiliates, which books and records will be complete in all material respects based on then available data and to the extent consistent with operating models and methodologies discussed with and reviewed by the Buyer; (ii) will be derived from components of the audited, consolidated financial statements of TCCC for the same period (which will reflect the consolidation of the subsidiaries of TCCC, including the Sellers), which will have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied; (iii) will be prepared consistent with the Agreed Financial Methodology; and (iv) to the Knowledge of the Sellers, will accurately reflect in all material respects, as of the dates therein specified and for the periods therein indicated, and subject to the assumptions set forth therein, the adjustments contemplated by the Agreed Financial Methodology and any adjustments or modifications that will be reflected in the “effects schedule” described in Section A of the Disclosure Schedule, the costs and activities incurred or necessary to operate the Business in a manner consistent with the Sellers’ established policies, procedures and practices, and will fairly and accurately present, in all material respects, as of the dates therein specified and for the periods indicated, and subject to the assumptions set forth therein, the adjustments contemplated by the Agreed Financial Methodology and any adjustments or modifications that will be reflected in the “effects schedule” described in Section A of the Disclosure Schedule, the financial condition and results of the operations of the Business.

(d) Section 5.02(d)(i) contemplates the delivery of the Interim Additional Financial Information. The Interim Additional Financial Information will be unaudited, will be prepared from the books and records of the Sellers’ and their Affiliates’ respective businesses in North America and will fairly and accurately present, in all material respects, as of the dates therein specified and for the periods indicated, and subject to the assumptions set forth therein (including the allocations of manufacturing variances), the results of the operations of the Business from a gross profit perspective.

 

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(e) Section 5.02(d)(iii) contemplates the delivery of the Interim Quarterly Data. The Interim Quarterly Data: (i) will have been prepared from the books and records of the Sellers, which books and records will be complete in all material respects based on then available financial and operational data and to the extent consistent with operating models and methodologies discussed with and reviewed by the Buyer; and (ii) will have been prepared consistent with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

(f) To the Knowledge of the Sellers, the 2014 Data accurately reflects, and the Interim Annual Data will accurately reflect, in each case, in all material respects, as of the dates therein specified and for the periods therein indicated, and subject to the assumptions set forth therein and subject to the reasonable assumptions and allocations of the Sellers’ and their Affiliates’ respective businesses in North America made by the Sellers in good faith after discussion with, and review by, the Buyer, the liabilities of the Business that are of the kind or type that would customarily be reflected or reserved against in a business entity’s balance sheet.

(g) The Sellers make no representation or warranty that the 2014 Data, the Interim Annual Data, the 2014 Additional Financial Information, the Interim Additional Financial Information or the Interim Quarterly Data have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles and practices generally accepted in the United States of America, as amended from time to time, or any other generally accepted accounting principles.

Section 3.21. Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission from the Sellers or their Affiliates in connection with the sale of the Transferred Assets based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Sellers or their Affiliates.

Section 3.22. Tax Matters. During the past three (3) years, the Sellers have timely filed, or caused to be filed, all material Tax Returns required to be filed solely with respect to the Business or the Transferred Assets. All such Tax Returns are true, correct and complete in all material respects. The Sellers have timely paid or caused to be paid all material Taxes due in connection with such Tax Returns or which are otherwise payable by the Sellers with respect to the Business or the Transferred Assets. During the past three (3) years, no written claim has been made by any Governmental Authority in a jurisdiction where a Tax Return has not been filed with respect to the Business or the Transferred Assets that a material Tax is due in such jurisdiction. No material federal, state, local or foreign Tax audits or other proceedings (whether administrative or judicial) are presently in progress or pending, or to Knowledge of the Sellers, threatened, with respect to any Taxes on the Business or the Transferred Assets, or Tax Returns of the Sellers with respect to the Business or the Transferred Assets. During the past three (3) years, all Taxes that the Sellers were required by Law to withhold or collect with respect to the Business or the Transferred Assets in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor, stockholder or other third party have been duly withheld or collected, and have been timely paid over to the proper authorities to the extent due and payable, excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any Taxes related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BUYER

Except as provided in the disclosure schedule delivered by the Buyer to the Sellers on the date of this Agreement (with specific reference to the particular Section or subsection of this Agreement to which the information set forth in such disclosure schedule relates; provided, that any disclosure with respect to a Section or schedule of this Agreement shall be deemed to be disclosed for other Sections and schedules of this Agreement to the extent that such disclosure sets forth facts in sufficient detail so that the relevance of such disclosure with respect to such other Sections or schedules would be reasonably apparent to a reader of such disclosure), the Buyer represents and warrants to the Sellers as follows:

Section 4.01. Incorporation and Authority of the Buyer. The Buyer is a corporation or other organization duly incorporated or organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization and has all necessary corporate or other applicable power to enter into this Agreement and the Companion Agreements and to consummate the transactions contemplated by, and to carry out its obligations under, this Agreement and the Companion Agreements. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Companion Agreements by the Buyer, the consummation by the Buyer of the transactions contemplated by, and the performance by the Buyer of its obligations under, this Agreement and the Companion Agreements have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate or other applicable action on the part of the Buyer. This Agreement has been, and upon execution and delivery the Companion Agreements will be, duly executed and delivered by the Buyer, and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Sellers and/or any Affiliate of the Sellers executing any such Companion Agreement, if applicable) this Agreement constitutes, and upon execution and delivery the Companion Agreements will constitute, legal, valid and binding obligations of the Buyer enforceable against the Buyer in accordance with their terms, subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to the effect of general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

Section 4.02. Qualification of the Buyer. The Buyer has the corporate or other appropriate power and authority to operate its business as now conducted. The Buyer is duly qualified as a foreign corporation or other organization to do business and, to the extent legally applicable, is in good standing in each jurisdiction where the character of its owned, operated or leased properties or the nature of its activities makes such qualification necessary, except for jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not materially impair or delay the ability of the Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by, or perform its obligations under, this Agreement and the Companion Agreements.

Section 4.03. No Conflict. Provided that all consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions described in Section 4.04 have been obtained or taken, except as otherwise provided in this Article IV and except as may result from any facts or circumstances relating to the Sellers, the execution, delivery and performance by the Buyer of, and the consummation by the Buyer of the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement and the Companion Agreements

 

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do not and will not (a) violate or conflict with the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws or similar organizational documents of the Buyer, (b) conflict with or violate any Law or Governmental Order applicable to the Buyer or (c) result in any material breach of, or constitute a material default (or event which, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would become a material default) under, or give to any Person any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of any Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) on any of the assets or properties of the Buyer pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other material instrument to which the Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of such assets or properties is bound or affected, except for any such conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults, rights or Liens as would not materially impair or delay the ability of the Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by, or perform its obligations under, this Agreement and the Companion Agreements.

Section 4.04. Consents and Approvals. The execution and delivery by the Buyer of this Agreement and the Companion Agreements do not, and the performance by the Buyer of, and the consummation by the Buyer of the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement and the Companion Agreements will not, require any consent, approval, authorization or other action by, or any filing with or notification to, any Governmental Authority, except (a) where the failure to obtain such consent, approval, authorization or action, or to make such filing or notification, would not prevent or delay the Buyer from consummating the transactions contemplated by or from performing any of its material obligations under this Agreement and the Companion Agreements, (b) customary recording of deeds, assignments of leases or similar real property instruments in the applicable public real estate records at or promptly following the applicable Closing, (c) as may be necessary as a result of any facts or circumstances specifically relating to the Sellers, or (d) in connection, or in compliance with, the notification and waiting period requirements of the HSR Act, if applicable.

Section 4.05. Absence of Litigation. There is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of the Buyer, threatened in writing against or by the Buyer that seeks to, or would reasonably be expected to, materially impair or delay the ability of the Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by, or to perform its obligations under, this Agreement and the Companion Agreements.

Section 4.06. Financial Ability. The Buyer will have at each Closing the financial ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and it shall not be a condition to the obligations of the Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby that the Buyer have sufficient funds for payment of the Base Purchase Price.

Section 4.07. Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Buyer.

 

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ARTICLE V

ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

Section 5.01. Conduct of the Business Prior to the Closings. Except as otherwise specifically permitted or required by this Agreement or the Companion Agreements and except for matters identified in Section 5.01 of the Disclosure Schedule, from the date of this Agreement through the applicable Closing, unless the Buyer otherwise consents in advance in writing (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), the Sellers will (a) conduct the Business in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, including by making investments and expenditures, both operating and capital, with respect to the acquisition and maintenance of equipment and facilities that are comparable to the Sellers’ historic levels, (b) use reasonable best efforts to maintain and preserve intact their business organizations (in respect of the Business only) and (c) not do any of the following (in respect of the Business only):

(i) except in the ordinary course of business or to evidence Liens referred to in Sections 3.02 and 3.08, grant any Lien (other than granting or suffering to exist a Permitted Lien) on any Transferred Asset (whether tangible or intangible);

(ii) sell, transfer, lease, mortgage, sublease or otherwise dispose of any Real Property or any material asset included within the Transferred Assets, other than sales of finished goods inventories in the ordinary course of business; provided, however, that the Sellers shall not enter into any bulk lease or purchase of rolling stock with respect to the Territory (or applicable portion thereof) prior to the applicable Closing without the prior written consent of the Buyer (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned);

(iii) make any commitments with respect to capital expenditures in excess of $500,000 with respect to any individual item or project or in excess of (A) with respect to the portion of the Business in the Initial Closing Territory, $5,280,000 in the aggregate with respect to all such capital expenditures, (B) with respect to the portion of the Business in the first Interim Closing Territory, $5,390,000 in the aggregate with respect to all such capital expenditures, (C) with respect to the portion of the Business in the second Interim Closing Territory, $5,214,000 in the aggregate with respect to all such capital expenditures, and (D) with respect to the portion of the Business in the Final Closing Territory, $6,116,000 in the aggregate with respect to all such capital expenditures, except in each case for (x) capital expenditures set forth on Section 5.01 of the Disclosure Schedule for the portion of the Business in the applicable Territory and (y) expenditures or commitments necessary to rectify matters relating to emergencies or life and safety or quality matters with respect to which the Sellers shall notify the Buyer in writing within thirty (30) days after making;

(iv) fail to exercise any rights of renewal with respect to any material Leased Real Property that by its terms would otherwise expire, provided that the parties hereto will in good faith consult and cooperate with one another in connection therewith and, if so directed by the Buyer, the Sellers will not renew any such lease for such

 

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material Leased Real Property, provided, further, that if the Buyer requests any Seller to not renew any lease with respect to material Leased Real Property, then any direct costs and expenses with respect to the failure to renew any such lease, including direct costs and expenses related to relocating any assets at such Leased Real Property to a comparable location within the Territory, will be paid by the parties hereto as specified in Section 5.01 of the Disclosure Schedule;

(v) fail to perform in all material respects all of its obligations under all Material Contracts, Shared Contracts and Specified Non-Transferring Contracts;

(vi) purchase, lease, license or otherwise acquire any real or tangible property that costs more than $50,000 individually or $250,000 in the aggregate, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and other than for capital expenditures which are addressed in subsection (iii) above;

(vii) settle any Action involving any payment in excess of $50,000 or enter into any settlement agreement that would be binding on the Business or Transferred Assets after the applicable Closing;

(viii) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation or recapitalization with respect to the Business or otherwise involving the Transferred Assets;

(ix) voluntarily permit any material insurance policy insuring any Transferred Asset naming any Seller as a beneficiary or a loss payee to be canceled or terminated without giving notice to the Buyer, except policies that are replaced without diminution of or gaps in coverage;

(x) except as otherwise provided in the Employee Matters Agreement, change the duties and responsibilities of any Business Employee so that such person’s duties would no longer be related primarily to the Business;

(xi) enter into any non-compete, non-solicit or similar restrictive agreement binding on the Business;

(xii) enter into any joint venture, partnership or similar arrangement with respect to the Business;

(xiii) dispose of or disclose to any Person any trade secret, formula, process, technology, know-how or confidential information related to the Business not heretofore a matter of public knowledge;

(xiv) fail to maintain supplies and inventory related to the Business at levels in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices;

(xv) in any material respect, and except as otherwise provided in the Employee Matters Agreement, (A) grant any increase, or announce any increase, in the wages, salaries, compensation, bonuses, incentives, pension or other benefits payable to

 

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any Business Employee, including any increase or change pursuant to any Employee Plan or (B) establish or increase or promise to increase any benefits under any Employee Plan, in either case except as required by Law or any contract or involving ordinary course increases or annual merit increases, including any changes to pension or other benefits that are applicable to the employees of the Business and TCCC generally;

(xvi) fail to pay all Taxes of the Business when due;

(xvii) cancel any material claims or amend, terminate or waive any material rights constituting Transferred Assets;

(xviii) enter into any contract that (A) contains any exclusivity obligations or similar restrictions binding on the Business such that the Business is prohibited from engaging in any business or activity whether alone or with third parties, other than (x) any contracts or agreements with respect to Incubation Beverages (as defined in the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement) with any Seller or any of the Sellers’ Affiliates as long as such exclusivity obligations or restrictions are limited to the applicable Territory or (y) any contracts or agreements with respect to third-party licensed beverage brands, provided that the Sellers shall discuss with and obtain the prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) of the Buyer prior to entering into any contract or agreement with respect to third-party licensed beverage brands in the applicable portion of the Territory that will not terminate prior to the applicable Closing without survival of any such exclusivity obligation or restriction; (B) grants to any Person an option or a right of first refusal, right of first-offer or similar preferential right to purchase or acquire any Transferred Asset, other than in the ordinary course of business, or (C) contains a “most favored nation” (or equivalent) provision in favor of any Customer;

(xix) transfer any Transferred Assets to any of their respective Affiliates such that such Transferred Assets are located outside the Territory as of the applicable Closing;

(xx) fail to provide at least ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice to the Buyer before writing up the value of any inventory, equipment, packaging materials for repacking operations or other Transferred Asset; or

(xxi) enter into any legally binding commitment with respect to any of the foregoing.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.01, from and after the Initial Closing, the Sellers will have no further rights or obligations under this Section 5.01 with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory or the Initial Closing Transferred Assets, and from and after each Interim Closing, the Sellers will have no further rights or obligations under this Section 5.01 with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory or the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets.

 

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Section 5.02. Access to Information.

(a) From the date of this Agreement until the applicable Closing Date, upon reasonable prior notice, and except as determined in good faith to be appropriate to ensure compliance with any applicable Laws and subject to any applicable privileges (including the attorney-client privilege) and contractual confidentiality obligations, the Sellers shall use, and shall cause their Affiliates to use, reasonable best efforts to cause each of their respective Representatives to, (i) afford the Representatives of the Buyer reasonable access, during normal business hours, to the offices, properties, books and records of the Business and (ii) furnish to the Representatives of the Buyer such additional financial and operating data and other information regarding the Business or the Transferred Assets as the Buyer may from time to time reasonably request for the purpose of preparing to operate the Business following the applicable Closing; provided, however, that such investigation shall not unreasonably interfere with any of the businesses or operations of the Sellers or any of their Affiliates; and provided, further, that the auditors and accountants of the Sellers or any of their Affiliates shall not be obliged to make any work papers available to any Person except in accordance with such auditors’ and accountants’ normal disclosure procedures and then only after such Person has signed a customary agreement relating to such access to work papers in form and substance reasonably acceptable to such auditors or accountants. If so requested by the Sellers, the Buyer shall enter into a customary joint defense agreement with the Sellers and such of their Affiliates as they request with respect to any information to be provided to the Buyer or its Representatives pursuant to this Section 5.02(a). Without limiting the foregoing, prior to the applicable Closing, the Buyer shall not conduct, without the prior written consent of the Sellers, any environmental investigation at any property owned or leased by any Seller in the operation of the Business, and in no event may any such environmental investigation include any sampling or other intrusive investigation of air, surface water, groundwater, soil or anything else at or in connection with any such properties. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, prior to the applicable Closing, without the prior consent of the Sellers, which shall not be unreasonably withheld (and which must be in writing only for contacts with suppliers or customers), neither the Buyer nor any of its Representatives shall contact any employees of, suppliers to, or customers of any Seller or its Affiliates, except for contacts by the Buyer in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices; provided that if a Seller does provide the Buyer such prior consent, the Buyer and any of its Representatives may continue to contact such employee, supplier or customer (x) unless such consent explicitly states otherwise or (y) until such Seller informs the Buyer or any of its Representatives that they may no longer contact such employee, supplier or customer. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.02(a), from and after the Initial Closing, the Sellers will have no further rights or obligations under this Section 5.02(a) with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory or the Initial Closing Transferred Assets, and from and after each Interim Closing, the Sellers will have no further rights or obligations under this Section 5.02(a) with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory or the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets.

(b) In addition to the provisions of Section 5.03, from and after the applicable Closing Date, in connection with any reasonable business purpose, including the preparation of Tax Returns, addressing claims related to Excluded Liabilities, preparing financial statements, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission reporting obligations and the determination of any

 

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matter relating to the rights or obligations of the Sellers or any of their Affiliates under this Agreement, the Business prior to the applicable Closing or the Companion Agreements, upon reasonable prior notice and at the Sellers’ sole cost and expense, and except as determined in good faith to be appropriate to ensure compliance with any applicable Laws and subject to any applicable privileges (including the attorney-client privilege) and contractual confidentiality obligations, the Buyer shall and shall cause its Affiliates and Representatives to: (i) afford the Representatives of the Sellers and their Affiliates reasonable access (including the right to make, at the Sellers’ expense, photocopies), during normal business hours, to the offices, properties, books and records of the Buyer and its Affiliates and Representatives in respect of the Transferred Assets; (ii) furnish to the Representatives of the Sellers and their Affiliates such additional financial and other information regarding the Transferred Assets as is in the Buyer’s possession and control as the Sellers or their Representatives may from time to time reasonably request; and (iii) make available to the Representatives of the Sellers and their Affiliates the employees of the Buyer and its Affiliates whose assistance, expertise, testimony, notes and recollections or presence is necessary to assist the Sellers in connection with the Sellers’ inquiries for any of the purposes referred to above, including the presence of such persons as witnesses in hearings or trials for such purposes; provided, however, that such investigation shall not unreasonably interfere with the business or operations of the Buyer or any of its Affiliates; and provided, further, that the auditors and accountants of the Buyer or its Affiliates shall not be obligated to make any work papers available to any Person except in accordance with such auditors’ and accountants’ normal disclosure procedures and then only after such Person has signed a customary agreement relating to such access to work papers in form and substance reasonably acceptable to such auditors or accountants. If so requested by the Buyer, the Sellers shall enter into a customary joint defense agreement with the Buyer and its Affiliates with respect to any information to be provided to the Sellers pursuant to this Section 5.02(b). No information, books, records or other documents accessed by the Sellers or their respective Affiliates or Representatives pursuant to this Section 5.02(b) shall be used for any purposes other than as expressly permitted by this Section 5.02(b).

(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Sellers shall not be required, prior to the applicable Closing, to disclose, or cause the disclosure of, to the Buyer or its Affiliates or Representatives (or provide access to any offices, properties, books or records of the Sellers or any of their Affiliates that could result in the disclosure to such persons or others of) any confidential information relating to trade secrets, proprietary know-how, processes or patent, trademark, trade name, service mark or copyright applications or relating to any product development or pricing and marketing plans to the extent counsel to the Sellers, after consultation with counsel to the Buyer, advises that doing so would likely be a violation of applicable antitrust Laws, nor shall the Sellers be required to permit or cause others to permit the Buyer or its Affiliates or Representatives to have access to or to copy or remove from the offices or properties of the Sellers or any of their Affiliates any documents, drawings or other materials that might reveal any such confidential information.

(d) During the period from the date of this Agreement through the earlier of the applicable Closing Date or the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article VIII, the Sellers shall periodically deliver to the Buyer, at intervals and in a form consistent with past practice between the Sellers and the Buyer during the negotiation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and which will be prepared consistent with the Agreed

 

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Financial Methodology, the following financial information related to the Business (which shall be provided on an aggregate basis with respect to the entire Territory and on an individual basis with respect to each distribution center and/or territory within the Territory):

(i) at the end of each fiscal year, (A) components of (1) the unaudited balance sheet of the Business as of the end of such year and (2) the unaudited statement of income for the Business for such year, in each case, in the format consistent with the 2014 Data (the financial information in these subsections (A)(1) and (A)(2) is referred to collectively herein as the “Interim Annual Data”), (B) (1) the case volume information by brand for such year and (2) the financial information described on Section 5.02(d)(i) of the Disclosure Schedule as CCR Data 1) Detail “Flat File” for such year (the financial information in these subsections (B)(1) and (B)(2) is referred to collectively herein as the “Interim Additional Financial Information”) and (C) certain other financial information as described on Section 5.02(d)(i) of the Disclosure Schedule;

(ii) at the end of each month after the date hereof, monthly financial information, which shall include data with respect to volume (on a brand basis), revenue, cost of goods sold at standard, and gross margin at standard, in each case solely related to the Business;

(iii) at the end of each fiscal quarter after the date hereof, all of the data described in Section 5.02(d)(ii) above together with direct operating expense data, in each case solely related to the Business for the quarter then ended (the “Interim Quarterly Data”); and

(iv) good faith calculation of the Target Net Working Capital Amount for the portion of the Territory being transferred at the Initial Closing, any Interim Closing and the Final Closing, in each case based on the books and records of the Business that were used in preparing the 2014 Data.

The Sellers shall deliver to the Buyer the data contemplated by this Section 5.02(d) promptly upon completion, but in any event no later than, (w) one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of the applicable fiscal year with respect to deliveries made pursuant to Section 5.02(d)(i), (x) fifteen (15) Business Days after the end of the applicable month with respect to deliveries made pursuant to Section 5.02(d)(ii), (y) one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of the applicable fiscal quarter with respect to deliveries made pursuant to Section 5.02(d)(iii), and (z) prior to the applicable Closing with respect to the deliveries made pursuant to Section 5.02(d)(iv). The calculation of the Target Net Working Capital Amount will be (I) determined in accordance with the guidelines set forth on Section B-1 of the Disclosure Schedule and in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology and (II) subject to reasonable verification by the Buyer within thirty (30) days of delivery of such calculation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.02, from and after the Initial Closing, the Sellers will have no further obligation under this Section 5.02(d) to deliver the data contemplated by this Section 5.02(d) with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory or with respect to the Initial Closing Transferred Assets, and from and after each Interim Closing, the Sellers will have no further obligation under this Section 5.02(d) to deliver the data contemplated by this Section 5.02(d) with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory or with respect to the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets.

 

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(e) The Sellers will, and will cause their Affiliates to, cooperate with the Buyer’s completion of its due diligence by providing to the Buyer certain identified information described in Section 5.02(e) of the Disclosure Schedule. With regard to the continuing diligence of the Buyer under this Agreement that takes place between the signing of this Agreement and the applicable Closings, the parties agree to deal with one another in good faith consistent with historical practices for addressing economic disputes.

(f) If any Seller enters into any Pre-Closing Material Contracts between the date hereof and the applicable Closing Date, the Sellers will provide the Buyer as promptly as reasonably practicable prior to the applicable Closing with true, correct and complete copies of all such contracts or agreements. If any Seller enters into any Shared Contracts or Specified Non-Transferring Contracts between the date hereof and the applicable Closing Date, the Sellers will provide the Buyer as promptly as reasonably practicable with true, correct and complete copies of all portions of such Shared Contracts or Specified Non-Transferring Contracts, as applicable, that relate to the Business (together with such other portions thereof as are necessary to comprehend the terms thereof that apply to the Business).

Section 5.03. Preservation of Books and Records. The Sellers and their Affiliates shall have the right to retain copies of all books and records of the Business relating to periods ending on or prior to the applicable Closing Date, which books and records shall be deemed confidential information of the Buyer as of the applicable Closing and subject to Section 5.04. Each party agrees that it shall preserve and keep, or cause to be preserved and kept, all original books and records in respect of the Business relating to periods ending on or prior to the applicable Closing Date in the possession of such party or its Affiliates for the longer of (a) any requirement under any applicable Law or (b) a period of six (6) years from the Final Closing Date (or, if the Final Closing does not occur, a period of six (6) years from the later of the Initial Closing Date or the final Interim Closing Date, as the case may be). During such six (6) year or longer period, Representatives of each party shall, upon reasonable notice and for any reasonable business purpose, have access during normal business hours to examine, inspect and copy (at the expense of the requesting party) such books and records. During such six (6) year or longer period, the Sellers, on the one hand, and the Buyer, on the other hand, shall provide each other with, or cause to be provided to each other, such original books and records of the Business as such other party shall reasonably request in connection with any Action to which such other party or its Affiliates are parties or in connection with the requirements of any Law applicable to such other party. The other party shall return such original books and records to the providing party or such Affiliate as soon as such books and records are no longer needed in connection with the circumstances described in the immediately preceding sentence. After such six (6) year or longer period, before the Sellers, on the one hand, and the Buyer, on the other hand (or any of their respective Affiliates) shall dispose of any of such books and records, such party shall give at least sixty (60) days’ prior written notice of such intention to dispose to the other party, and the other party shall be given an opportunity, at its cost and expense, to remove and retain all or any part of such books and records as the other party may elect. If so requested by a party, the other party shall enter into a customary joint defense agreement with the requesting party with respect to any information to be provided to a party pursuant to this Section 5.03.

 

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Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, nothing in this Section 5.03 shall require the Buyer or the Sellers, as the case may be, to make available any such records in connection with any indemnity claim hereunder made by any Buyer Indemnified Party or TCCC Indemnified Party, as applicable, which claim shall be subject to applicable rules of discovery.

Section 5.04. Confidentiality. From and after the date hereof, each party hereto shall, and shall cause its Affiliates and Representatives to, hold and continue to hold in strict confidence and not utilize in its or their respective business all information and documents concerning any other party hereto or any of its Affiliates (“Confidential Information”), except where disclosure may be necessary for such party (1) to enforce its rights under this Agreement or any Companion Agreement, or (2) as may be permitted under this Agreement or any Companion Agreement or as may be expressly permitted under any other written agreement among the parties hereto or their Affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following will not constitute “Confidential Information” for purposes of this Agreement: (a) information that is or becomes generally available to the public other than as the result of a disclosure by the receiving party or any Affiliate thereof or their respective agents or employees and (b) information that the receiving party is legally obligated to disclose pursuant to a valid subpoena or a valid request from any Governmental Authority or by the rules and regulations of any securities exchange or national market system, subject to the obligation of the receiving party to give the other party reasonable advance notice of such disclosure (to the extent not prohibited by applicable Laws) and to cooperate with the other party in seeking a protective order or other appropriate means for limiting the scope of the disclosure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) following the Initial Closing, the foregoing restrictions in this Section 5.04 shall not apply to the use by the Buyer of any documents or information included in the Initial Closing Transferred Assets acquired by the Buyer hereunder, (ii) following each Interim Closing, the foregoing restrictions in this Section 5.04 shall not apply to the use by the Buyer of any documents or information included in the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets acquired by the Buyer hereunder, and (iii) following the Final Closing, the foregoing restrictions in this Section 5.04 shall not apply to the use by the Buyer of any documents or information included in the Final Closing Transferred Assets acquired by the Buyer hereunder.

Section 5.05. Regulatory and Other Authorizations; Consents.

(a) Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, each party hereto shall each use its reasonable best efforts to perform its obligations under this Agreement and to take, or cause to be taken, and do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Law to obtain all consents required under this Agreement and all regulatory approvals and to satisfy all conditions to its obligations under this Agreement and to cause the transactions contemplated hereby to be effected as soon as practicable, but in any event on or prior to the End Date, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and shall cooperate fully with each other party hereto and their Representatives in connection with any step required to be taken as a part of its obligations under this Agreement.

(b) Each party to this Agreement agrees to cooperate in obtaining any consents and approvals that may be required in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Companion Agreements; provided, however, that neither the Buyer nor the Sellers shall be required to compensate any Person, commence or participate in litigation or

 

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offer or grant any accommodation (financial or otherwise) to any Person to obtain any such consent or approval. Neither the Sellers nor the Buyer shall take any action that they should be reasonably aware would have the effect of delaying, impairing or impeding the receipt of any required consents or approvals.

(c) Each party hereto promptly shall make all filings and submissions required of such party and shall take all actions necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws to obtain any required approval of any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over the transactions contemplated hereby. Each party hereto shall use its reasonable best efforts to furnish to the appropriate Governmental Authority all information required for any application or other filing to be made pursuant to any applicable Law in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. The Buyer and the Sellers shall make their respective HSR Act filings at such time as mutually agreed, if applicable. Each of the parties hereto shall cooperate with the other parties hereto in promptly filing any other necessary applications, reports or other documents with any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and in seeking necessary consultation with and prompt favorable action by such Governmental Authority, including the resolution of any objections, if any, as may be asserted with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Companion Agreements under any applicable Law regarding antitrust matters.

(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Buyer acknowledges on behalf of itself and its Affiliates and its and their directors, officers, employees, Affiliates, agents, representatives, successors and assigns that the operation of the Business shall remain in the dominion and control of the Sellers until the applicable Closing and that none of the foregoing Persons will provide, directly or indirectly, any directions, orders, advice, aid, assistance or information to any director, officer or employee of any of the Sellers with respect to the operation of the Business, except as specifically contemplated or permitted by this Article V or as otherwise consented to in advance by an executive officer of a Seller.

(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5.05 to the contrary, neither the Buyer nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to take any action, including responding to and/or defending any court or administrative proceeding, proposing or making any divestiture or other undertaking, or proposing or entering into any consent decree or taking any action which the Buyer reasonably determines could be material to the benefits expected to be derived by the Buyer as a result of the transactions contemplated hereby or be material to the business of the Buyer and its Subsidiaries or the Business as currently conducted or as contemplated to be conducted following the transactions contemplated hereby.

Section 5.06. Further Action. Each of the Sellers and the Buyer (a) shall execute and deliver, or shall cause to be executed and delivered, such documents and other papers and shall take, or shall cause to be taken, such further actions as may be reasonably required to carry out the provisions of this Agreement and the Companion Agreements and give effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Companion Agreements, including (in the case of the Sellers) by reasonably cooperating with the Buyer to assist the Buyer with obtaining any permits, licenses or other governmental authorizations to replace any Material Permits, Environmental Permits or other permits, licenses or other governmental authorizations described in Section 2.01(a)(vi) to the extent such permits, licenses or authorizations are not transferable to

 

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the Buyer, provided, that in no event will the Sellers be required to compensate any Person, commence or participate in litigation or offer or grant any accommodation (financial or otherwise) to any Person to obtain any such permits, licenses or authorizations, (b) shall refrain from taking any actions that could reasonably be expected to impair, delay or impede the Initial Closing, any Interim Closing or the Final Closing and (c) without limiting the foregoing, shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause all of the conditions to the obligations of the other party to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be met on or prior to the End Date.

Section 5.07. Investigation. The Buyer has made its own inquiry and investigation into, and, based thereon, has formed an independent judgment concerning, the Business, the Transferred Assets and the Assumed Liabilities. Except for the representations and warranties of the Sellers contained in Article III (as modified by the Disclosure Schedule), as may be set forth in the Employee Matters Agreement (if any) or in any certificate delivered pursuant hereto or thereto, no Seller nor any of its Affiliates makes any other express or implied representation or warranty with respect to the Transferred Assets, the Assumed Liabilities or the Business. The Sellers make no representation or warranty to the Buyer regarding the probable success or profitability of the Business following the applicable Closing.

Section 5.08. Supplements to Disclosure Schedule. Not more than ten (10) days prior to the applicable Closing, the Sellers will, by written notice in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, amend or supplement any one (1) or more of the Sections of the Disclosure Schedule made pursuant to Section 2.01(a) to update the description of the Initial Closing Transferred Assets, the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets or the Final Closing Transferred Assets, as applicable (and any such amendment or supplement shall, in the case of the list of Key Subject Equipment delivered pursuant to Section 2.01(a)(iii) of the Disclosure Schedule, include the accumulated depreciation of each item of Key Subject Equipment). The Sellers may, at any time and from time to time not less than five (5) Business Days prior to the applicable Closing, by written notice in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, amend or supplement any one (1) or more Sections of the Disclosure Schedule made pursuant to Article II (i) to update the description of the Initial Closing Transferred Assets, the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets and the Final Closing Transferred Assets and, with the prior written consent of the Buyer, update the description of the Initial Closing Assumed Liabilities, the applicable Interim Closing Assumed Liabilities, the Final Closing Assumed Liabilities and the Excluded Liabilities, in each case to reflect assets and properties acquired or disposed of after the date hereof in compliance with the provisions of Section 5.01, and/or (ii) to update the description of the Excluded Assets to reflect certain assets and properties (whether acquired before, on or after the date hereof) that are not primarily related to, or primarily used or primarily held for use in connection with, the Business. In addition, the Sellers may, at any time and from time to time not less than ten (10) days prior to the applicable Closing, by notice in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (which notice shall indicate if the Sellers believe that clause (a) below may apply), amend or supplement any one (1) or more Sections of the Disclosure Schedule made pursuant to Article III, to reflect any facts, circumstances or events first arising or, in the case of representations given to the Knowledge of the Sellers, first becoming known to the Sellers during the period subsequent to the date hereof, by providing the Buyer with written notice setting forth the proposed amendment or supplement and specifying the Section or Sections of the Disclosure Schedule affected thereby; provided, however, that if any Section of

 

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the Disclosure Schedule is amended or supplemented pursuant to this Section 5.08 in a manner that either individually or in the aggregate with all other such prior amendments or supplements made to the Disclosure Schedule pursuant to this Section 5.08 discloses matters that, absent such amendments or supplements, would make satisfaction of the condition set forth in Section 7.01(c)(i)(A), Section 7.01(c)(ii), Section 7.02(c)(i)(A), Section 7.02(c)(ii), Section 7.03(c)(i)(A) or Section 7.03(c)(ii) impossible and such condition has not been (x) waived in writing by the Buyer or (y) in the case of matters that, absent such amendments or supplements, would make satisfaction of the condition set forth in Section 7.01(c)(i)(A)Section 7.02(c)(i)(A) or Section 7.03(c)(i)(A) impossible, cured by the Sellers, within twenty (20) days after the Buyer’s receipt of such disclosure, then the Buyer shall have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(e) within five (5) days following the expiration of such twenty (20) day period. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if:

(a) following such written disclosure of any matters that, absent such amendments or supplements, would make satisfaction of the condition set forth in Section 7.01(c)(ii), Section 7.02(c)(ii) or Section 7.03(c)(ii) impossible, the Buyer does not terminate this Agreement as permitted above, each such amendment and supplement will be effective to cure and correct for all purposes (including Sections 7.01(c)(i)(A), 7.01(c)(ii), 7.02(c)(i)(A), 7.02(c)(ii), 7.03(c)(i)(A), 7.03(c)(ii), 8.01(d), 8.01(e) and 9.02(a)(i)) any breach, inaccuracy or failure to be true and correct of any representation or warranty relating to such Section or Sections of the Disclosure Schedule not having read as so amended or supplemented at all times, and thereafter such Section or Sections shall be treated as having read as so amended or supplemented;

(b) following such written disclosure of any matters that, absent such amendments or supplements, would make satisfaction of the condition set forth in Section 7.01(c)(i)(A) (but not the condition set forth in Section 7.01(c)(ii)) impossible, the Buyer does not terminate this Agreement as permitted above, each such amendment and supplement will be effective to cure and correct for purposes of Sections 7.01(c)(i)(A), 8.01(d) and 8.01(e) (but not for purposes of Section 9.02(a)(i)) any breach, inaccuracy or failure to be true and correct of any representation or warranty relating to such Section or Sections of the Disclosure Schedule not having read as so amended or supplemented at all times, and the Buyer will have the right to be indemnified in accordance with Article IX for all Losses arising from or relating to such breach, inaccuracy or failure to be true and correct, subject to any applicable limitations on indemnification set forth in Article IX;

(c) following such written disclosure of any matters that, absent such amendments or supplements, would make satisfaction of the condition set forth in Section 7.02(c)(i)(A) (but not the condition set forth in Section 7.02(c)(ii)) impossible, the Buyer does not terminate this Agreement as permitted above, each such amendment and supplement will be effective to cure and correct for purposes of Sections 7.02(c)(i)(A), 8.01(d) and 8.01(e) (but not for purposes of Section 9.02(a)(i)) any breach, inaccuracy or failure to be true and correct of any representation or warranty relating to such Section or Sections of the Disclosure Schedule not having read as so amended or supplemented at all times, and the Buyer will have the right to be indemnified in accordance with Article IX for all Losses arising from or relating to such breach, inaccuracy or failure to be true and correct, subject to any applicable limitations on indemnification set forth in Article IX; and

 

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(d) following such written disclosure of any matters that, absent such amendments or supplements, would make satisfaction of the condition set forth in Section 7.03(c)(i)(A) (but not the condition set forth in Section 7.03(c)(ii)) impossible, the Buyer does not terminate this Agreement as permitted above, each such amendment and supplement will be effective to cure and correct for purposes of Sections 7.03(c)(i)(A), 8.01(d) and 8.01(e) (but not for purposes of Section 9.02(a)(i)) any breach, inaccuracy or failure to be true and correct of any representation or warranty relating to such Section or Sections of the Disclosure Schedule not having read as so amended or supplemented at all times, and the Buyer will have the right to be indemnified in accordance with Article IX for all Losses arising from or relating to such breach, inaccuracy or failure to be true and correct, subject to any applicable limitations on indemnification set forth in Article IX.

Section 5.09. Notices of Certain Events. From the date hereof until the earlier of the applicable Closing or the termination of this Agreement, the Sellers shall promptly notify the Buyer in writing of:

(a) any fact, circumstance, change or event that, individually or in the aggregate, (i) has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) has resulted in, or would reasonably be expected to result in, the failure of any of the conditions set forth in Article VII to be satisfied;

(b) any written communication from any Person alleging that the consent of such Person is required in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

(c) any written communication from any Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

(d) any Action commenced or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, threatened against, relating to or involving or otherwise affecting the Business, the Transferred Assets or the Assumed Liabilities that, if pending on the date of this Agreement, would have been required to have been disclosed pursuant to Section 3.05 or that relates to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and

(e) the damage or destruction by fire or other casualty of any material Transferred Asset or part thereof.

The Buyer’s receipt of information pursuant to this Section 5.09 shall not operate as a waiver or otherwise affect any representation, warranty or agreement given or made by the Sellers in this Agreement (including Section 8.01(d), Section 8.01(e) and Section 9.02) and shall not be deemed to amend or supplement the Disclosure Schedule, subject to the Sellers’ ability to amend or supplement the Disclosure Schedule in accordance with Section 5.08. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.09, from and after the Initial Closing, the Sellers will have no further rights or obligations under this Section 5.09 with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory or the Initial Closing Transferred Assets, and from and after each Interim Closing, the Sellers will have no further rights or obligations under this Section 5.09 with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory or the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets.

 

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Section 5.10. Release of Guarantees. The parties hereto agree to cooperate and use their reasonable best efforts to obtain the release of any Seller or any of the Sellers’ Affiliates that is a party to any guarantee, performance bond, bid bond or other similar agreements with respect to the Transferred Assets or the Business that is set forth on Section 5.10 of the Disclosure Schedule (the “Guarantees”). If any of the Guarantees are not released prior to or at the applicable Closing, (a) the parties hereto will continue to cooperate and use their reasonable best efforts to obtain the release of any Seller or any of the Sellers’ Affiliates that is a party to any such Guarantee and (b) the Buyer will provide the Sellers at the applicable Closing with a guarantee that indemnifies and holds the party to any such Guarantee (whether a Seller or one of their Affiliates) harmless for any and all payments required to be made due to the post-Closing acts or omissions of the Buyer or its Affiliates under, and costs and expenses incurred in connection with, such Guarantee by the party to any such Guarantee (whether a Seller or one of their Affiliates) until such Guarantee is released.

Section 5.11. Refunds and Remittances. After the applicable Closing, (a) if any Seller or any of the Sellers’ Affiliates receives any refund or other amount that is a Transferred Asset, arises from operation of the Business after the applicable Closing or is otherwise properly due and owing to the Buyer in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, such Seller or Affiliate shall receive and hold such payment, refund or amount in trust for the Buyer and shall remit, or cause to be remitted, to the Buyer such payment, refund or amount promptly (but in any event within sixty (60) days) after it receives such amount, and (b) if the Buyer or any of its Affiliates receives any refund or other amount that is an Excluded Asset, arises from the operation of the Business prior to the applicable Closing, or is otherwise properly due and owing to the Sellers or any of their Affiliates in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Buyer shall receive and hold such payment, refund or amount in trust for the Sellers and shall remit, or cause to be remitted, to the Sellers such payment, refund or amount promptly (but in any event within sixty (60) days) after the Buyer or any of its Affiliates receives such amount.

Section 5.12. Use of Names. As soon as reasonably practicable after the applicable Closing Date, but in any event within one hundred eighty (180) days after the applicable Closing Date, the Buyer will, at its own expense, remove any and all exterior signs and other identifiers that indicate the Sellers’ ownership of the Business located on the Real Property or any structures, facilities or improvements located thereon that refer or pertain to or that include the following names (except to the extent that the Sellers have provided their prior written consent to the Buyer’s continued use thereof): “The Coca-Cola Company”, “Coca-Cola Refreshments”, “Coca-Cola Enterprises” or “Coca-Cola North America” (collectively, the “TCCC Names”). Additionally, as soon as reasonably practicable after the applicable Closing Date, but in any event within one hundred eighty (180) days after the applicable Closing Date, the Buyer will cease to use all letterhead, envelopes, invoices, supplies, labels, web site publications and other communications media of any kind included in the Transferred Assets, which make reference to the TCCC Names and that indicate the Sellers’ ownership of the Business.

Section 5.13. Cooperation in Litigation. Each party hereto will cooperate with the other parties hereto in the defense or prosecution of any Action already instituted or which may be instituted hereafter against or by such party relating to or arising out of the conduct of the Business prior to the applicable Closing (other than Actions between the parties arising out of the

 

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transactions contemplated hereby); provided that such cooperation does not unreasonably interfere with the operation of the Buyer’s business or the Sellers’ retained businesses, as applicable. The party requesting such cooperation shall pay the reasonably documented out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable legal fees and disbursements) of the party providing such cooperation and of its employees and agents reasonably incurred in connection with providing such cooperation, but shall not be responsible to reimburse the party providing such cooperation for the salaries or costs of fringe benefits or other similar expenses paid by the party providing such cooperation to its employees and agents while assisting in the defense or prosecution of any such Action so long as such cooperation does not unreasonably interfere with the operation of the Buyer’s business or the Sellers’ retained businesses, as applicable.

Section 5.14. Product Quality Standards.

(a) In the event that within ninety (90) days following the Initial Closing any Initial Closing Pre-Closing Product is returned by a customer or removed from the marketplace by the Buyer for any reason, the Buyer shall notify the Sellers in writing of such return or removal within fifteen (15) days following the expiration of such ninety (90) day period, subject to reasonable verification by the Sellers within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notification. An amount equal to the cost that was paid for each such returned or removed product shall be paid by the Sellers to the Buyer, in cash, within thirty (30) days of the Buyer delivering written notice of any such return or removal, if such return or removal is verified by the Sellers pursuant to the preceding sentence.

(b) In the event that within ninety (90) days following any Interim Closing any Interim Closing Pre-Closing Product is returned by a customer or removed from the marketplace by the Buyer for any reason, the Buyer shall notify the Sellers in writing of such return or removal within fifteen (15) days following the expiration of such ninety (90) day period, subject to reasonable verification by the Sellers within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notification. An amount equal to the cost that was paid for each such returned or removed product shall be paid by the Sellers to the Buyer, in cash, within thirty (30) days of the Buyer delivering written notice of any such return or removal, if such return or removal is verified by the Sellers pursuant to the preceding sentence.

(c) In the event that within ninety (90) days following the Final Closing any Final Closing Pre-Closing Product is returned by a customer or removed from the marketplace by the Buyer for any reason, the Buyer shall notify the Sellers in writing of such return or removal within fifteen (15) days following the expiration of such ninety (90) day period, subject to reasonable verification by the Sellers within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notification. An amount equal to the cost that was paid for each such returned or removed product shall be paid by the Sellers to the Buyer, in cash, within thirty (30) days of the Buyer delivering written notice of any such return or removal, if such return or removal is verified by the Sellers pursuant to the preceding sentence.

(d) The parties agree that any Pre-Closing Products included in inventory as of the applicable Closing that have a remaining shelf life of less than twenty-eight (28) days from the applicable Closing (collectively referred to herein as the “Obsolete Inventory”) shall be considered obsolete and shall have a Net Book Value of $0 for purposes of calculating the Initial

 

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Closing Net Working Capital Amount, the applicable Interim Closing Net Working Capital Amount or the Final Closing Net Working Capital Amount, as the case may be; provided, that the Buyer will be solely responsible for selling or otherwise disposing of such Obsolete Inventory and will bear all expenses relating to any such sale or disposal.

Section 5.15. Title and Survey Matters.

(a) The Sellers have delivered to the Buyer a copy of the most recent Existing Title Policy and a copy of the most recent Existing Survey of the Owned Real Property in their possession. Further and except as identified on Section 5.15(a) of the Disclosure Schedule, the Sellers have delivered to the Buyer or the Buyer has obtained, with respect to each parcel of Owned Real Property and each parcel that is a Critical Leased Property, (i) a commitment (each, a “Title Commitment”) for an ALTA title insurance policy (whether owner’s or leasehold, as applicable) issued by Chicago Title Insurance Company or another nationally recognized title insurance company and (ii) copies of the underlying exceptions reflected on the Title Commitment. The Buyer has ordered a Survey with respect to each parcel of the Owned Real Property and each parcel that is a Critical Leased Property prior to the date hereof and will use its reasonable best efforts to cause each such Survey to be completed as soon as reasonably practicable (but in any event prior to the applicable Closing).

(b) Prior to the applicable Closing, the Sellers shall release or discharge (i) any mortgages and/or deeds of trust and any Tax liens or judgment liens encumbering the Owned Real Property or any portion thereof or, if applicable, the Sellers’ leasehold estate in any Critical Leased Property, in each case other than Permitted Liens, and (ii) any other Liens (other than Permitted Liens) on the Owned Real Property or, if applicable, the Sellers’ leasehold estate in any Critical Leased Property (collectively, “Title Defects”). The Buyer may obtain updates of the Title Commitments and Surveys with respect to the Owned Real Property and the Critical Leased Property and may deliver written notice of any additional Title Defects disclosed by such updates or by the Surveys obtained pursuant to the final sentence of Section 5.15(a), as applicable, and in each case arising after the date of the applicable Title Commitment. If the Buyer gives such written notice to the Sellers, the Sellers shall at their expense cause any such Title Defects arising by, through or under any of the Sellers (but not otherwise) to be released and discharged, or otherwise cured, in full at or prior to the applicable Closing; provided, in the event the Sellers are not able to cause such Title Defects to be released and discharged in full at or prior to the applicable Closing, then the Sellers shall at the Sellers’ election, either (A) provide the Buyer a credit against the Initial Closing Cash Payment, the applicable Interim Closing Cash Payment or the Final Closing Cash Payment, as the case may be, in the amount of the applicable Title Defect, if a liquidated sum, (B) cause, at the Sellers’ expense, the Buyer’s title insurance company to “insure over” such Title Defect shown in the title insurance policy (if any) obtained by the Buyer at the applicable Closing for such Owned Real Property or Critical Leased Property, or (C) indemnify the Buyer against Losses arising out of such Title Defect.

(c) Each Seller that owns a parcel of Owned Real Property or has a leasehold estate in a Critical Leased Property agrees to cooperate with the Buyer in its efforts to obtain the Title Commitment and Survey and to execute, with respect to each parcel of Owned Real Property or Critical Leased Property, a customary title and/or gap indemnity affidavit (or certificate) as may reasonably be required by the title insurance company and other customary affidavits, provided any such affidavits (or certificates) are reasonably approved by the Sellers.

 

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(d) The parties agree that the cost of obtaining the Title Commitments, the title insurance policies (and any endorsements thereto) and the Surveys shall be paid by the parties in the manner provided on Section 10.01 of the Disclosure Schedule. The parties also agree that the cost of obtaining any UCC searches and title searches in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by the parties in the manner provided on Section 10.01 of the Disclosure Schedule.

Section 5.16. Additional Sellers. If, following the date hereof, the Sellers determine that any assets, properties or rights that would be Transferred Assets if owned by the Sellers as of the date hereof are in fact owned by Affiliates of the Sellers which are not parties to this Agreement as of the date hereof, the parties hereto and each such Affiliate of the Sellers shall execute a mutually agreeable joinder to this Agreement pursuant to which all such Affiliates shall be made a party to this Agreement and thereafter shall be considered “Sellers” for all purposes hereof.

Section 5.17. Shared Contracts. Prior to the applicable Closing, each of the Sellers and the Buyer shall, and shall cause their respective Affiliates to, use their respective reasonable best efforts to obtain from, and to cooperate in obtaining from, and shall, and shall cause their respective Affiliates to, enter into with, each third party to a Shared Contract, either (a) a separate contract or agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to CCR and the Buyer (a “New Contract”) that allocates the rights and obligations of the Sellers and their Affiliates under each such Shared Contract as between the Business (or applicable portion thereof), on the one hand, and the retained business of the Sellers and their Affiliates, on the other hand, and which are otherwise substantially similar in all material respects to such Shared Contract, or (b) a contract or agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to CCR and the Buyer effective as of the applicable Closing (the “Partial Assignments and Releases”) that (i) assigns the rights and obligations under such Shared Contract solely to the extent related to the Business (or applicable portion thereof) and arising after the applicable Closing to the Buyer and (ii) releases the Sellers and their Affiliates from all liabilities or obligations with respect to the Business (or applicable portion thereof) that arise after the applicable Closing. Any New Contracts that relate to the Business (or applicable portion thereof) (the “New Business Contracts”) shall be entered into by the Buyer or its Affiliates effective as of the applicable Closing and shall allocate to the Buyer all rights and obligations of the Sellers or their Affiliates (as applicable) under the applicable Shared Contract being replaced to the extent such rights and obligations relate to the Business (or applicable portion thereof) and arise after the applicable Closing. All purchase commitments under the Shared Contracts shall be allocated under the New Business Contracts or the Partial Assignments and Releases as between the Business (or applicable portion thereof), on the one hand, and the retained business of the Sellers and their Affiliates, on the other hand, in an equitable manner that is mutually and reasonably agreed to by the Buyer and the Sellers. In connection with the entering into of New Business Contracts, the parties shall use their reasonable best efforts to ensure that the Sellers and their Affiliates are released by the third party with respect to all liabilities and obligations relating to the Business (or applicable portion thereof) and arising after the applicable Closing. In the event that any third party under a Shared Contract does not agree to enter into a New Business Contract or Partial Assignment and Release

 

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consistent with this Section 5.17, the parties shall in good faith seek mutually acceptable alternative arrangements for purposes of allocating rights and liabilities and obligations under such Shared Contract (provided, that such arrangements shall not result in a breach or violation of such Shared Contract by the Sellers). Such alternative arrangements may include a subcontracting, sublicensing or subleasing arrangement under which the Buyer would, in compliance with Law, obtain the benefits under, and, to the extent first arising after the applicable Closing, assume the obligations and bear the economic burdens associated with, such Shared Contract solely to the extent related to the Business (or applicable portion thereof) or under which the Sellers would, upon the Buyer’s request, enforce for the benefit (and at the expense) of the Buyer any and all of the Sellers’ rights against such third party under such Shared Contract solely to the extent related to the Business (or applicable portion thereof), and the Sellers would promptly pay to the Buyer when received all monies received by them under such Shared Contract solely to the extent related to the Business (or applicable portion thereof). The parties also confirm their present intent to continue in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice to uphold their respective commitments and cost sharing arrangements regarding sponsored marketing properties relating to the Business, to the extent those are mutually agreed upon from time to time. The Sellers shall provide a list of all Material Contracts and Shared Contracts in which such currently existing commitments and cost sharing arrangements are documented, and, with respect to Shared Contracts, which are related to the Business, as soon as reasonably practicable after the date hereof but in any event within the earlier to occur of (x) the date that is forty-five (45) days following the date hereof and (y) the Initial Closing Date, and shall promptly notify the Buyer of any contract or agreement entered into between the date hereof and the applicable Closing Date in accordance with Section 5.01 in which any such arrangements are documented and which, had such contract or agreement been entered into prior to the date hereof, would have been a Material Contract required to be set forth on Section 3.12(a) of the Disclosure Schedule or a Shared Contract required to be set forth on Section 3.12(b) of the Disclosure Schedule.

Section 5.18. Pre-Closing Repairs; Certain Credits; Certain Payments. Prior to each Closing, the Sellers will complete certain repairs to be made to, and take such other action with respect to, the applicable Transferred Assets, which are described on Section 5.18(a) of the Disclosure Schedule or which are mutually agreed to by the Buyer and the Sellers in writing after the date hereof but prior to the applicable Closing. At each Closing, the Sellers will provide the Buyer with certain credits against the Initial Closing Cash Payment, the applicable Interim Closing Cash Payment or the Final Closing Cash Payment, as the case may be, relating to certain Transferred Assets or the Business as described in Section 5.18(b) of the Disclosure Schedule or as may be mutually agreed to by the Buyer and the Sellers in writing after the date hereof but prior to the applicable Closing. At each Closing, the Buyer will make the payment to the Sellers described on Section 5.18(c) of the Disclosure Schedule.

Section 5.19. Environmental Responsibilities.

(a) The Sellers have ordered, or as soon as reasonably practicable following the date hereof the Sellers will order, Phase II Environmental Assessments to be performed by Antea Group (“Antea”) for each piece of the Real Property with respect to which a Phase I Environmental Assessment recommended that such Phase II Environmental Assessments should be performed. The cost of such assessments shall be paid by the parties in the manner set forth

 

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in Section 10.01 of the Disclosure Schedule. If, due to the passage of time, certain portions of the Phase I Environmental Assessments for the Real Property will not meet the American Society for Testing and Materials Standard 1527-05 for timeliness as of the applicable Closing Date, then, not more than 180 days prior to the applicable Closing Date the Sellers will cause Antea (or, if Antea is unable or unwilling to take such assignment, another environmental consulting firm to be mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto) to prepare updates to such Phase I Environmental Assessments, or any portion thereof, to the extent necessary to ensure that such Phase I Environmental Assessments will be updated to meet the American Society for Testing and Materials Standard 1527-05. If Antea (or such other environmental consulting firm) is unable to complete such updates to such Phase I Environmental Assessments by the applicable Closing, the parties hereto will cause such updates to be completed as soon as reasonably practicable after the applicable Closing. The cost of such update shall be paid by the parties in the same manner as the cost of the Phase I Environmental Assessments as reflected in Section 10.01 of the Disclosure Schedule.

(b) As soon as reasonably practicable following the date hereof, the Sellers shall at their expense determine whether applicable Environmental Law requires that any REC or the Environmental Activity associated with such REC be reported to a Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over the matter (an “Agency Notification”). If an Agency Notification of a REC or Environmental Activity is required (i) prior to the applicable Closing related to the relevant Real Property, the Sellers shall make such Agency Notification and promptly provide a copy of such Agency Notification to the Buyer, or (ii) after the applicable Closing related to the relevant Real Property, the Buyer shall make such Agency Notification and promptly provide a copy of such Agency Notification to the Sellers. After such Agency Notification is made, the Sellers shall perform, or cause to be performed, the appropriate Environmental Activity and the Sellers shall obtain the written concurrence of the appropriate Governmental Authority that no further action is necessary in respect of such REC to otherwise achieve the Acceptable Regulatory Standards.

(c) In the event an Agency Notification of a REC is not required by applicable Environmental Law, then the Sellers shall at their expense perform, or cause to be performed, the related Environmental Activity until such time as the Sellers’ environmental consultant delivers a reliance letter to the Buyer which indicates that, in such consultant’s opinion, no further action is necessary to otherwise achieve the Acceptable Regulatory Standards; provided, however, in the event that a Governmental Authority subsequently determines that additional Environmental Activities relating to the REC are required to achieve Acceptable Regulatory Standards, then the Sellers shall at their expense perform, or cause to be performed, such additional Environmental Activities promptly and in accordance with applicable Environmental Laws.

(d) In the event that, as of the applicable Closing, the Sellers have not completed any Environmental Activities specified in this Section 5.19 then the parties shall enter into a mutually acceptable access agreement providing the Sellers (and their representatives) access to the applicable Real Property after the applicable Closing for purposes of completing such Environmental Activities. The Sellers shall provide copies to the Buyer of all correspondence with a Governmental Authority regarding any matters subject of an Agency Notification, as well as all work plans, notices, submissions, field work, and final reports that are related to the Environmental Activities.

 

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Section 5.20. Vehicle Titles and Registrations. The Sellers shall use reasonable best efforts to deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Buyer, at or prior to the applicable Closing, all title certificates and registrations (as appropriate and as applicable) for the motor vehicles, rolling stock and other certificated assets included in the Transferred Assets to be transferred at such Closing (collectively, the “Titled Vehicles”), together with, if applicable, bills of sale and other instruments of transfer which may be required under applicable law to complete the transfer of the record ownership thereof, duly executed and duly completed in favor of the Buyer or such other party as the Buyer may designate for such purpose (such duly completed title certificates and registrations, “Completed Title Documents”). As soon as reasonably practical after the applicable Closing, the Sellers shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Buyer all Completed Title Documents that the Sellers were unable to deliver to the Buyer at or prior to such Closing. To the extent that Completed Title Documents for any Titled Vehicles are not delivered to the Buyer at or prior to the applicable Closing, the Sellers shall use reasonable best efforts to ensure that such Titled Vehicles are properly titled and registered for legal operation on federal, state and local roadways until such times as Completed Title Documents for such Titled Vehicles are delivered to the Buyer.

Section 5.21. Leased Tangible Personal Property. With respect to any trucks, trailers and forklifts that are part of the Tangible Personal Property included in the Initial Closing Transferred Assets, any Interim Closing Transferred Assets or the Final Closing Transferred Assets, as the case may be, that are leased by the Sellers or their Affiliates pursuant to a capital or finance lease and are subject to a Lien in favor of the lessor thereunder, the Sellers shall take such actions prior to the applicable Closing as necessary to purchase such trucks, trailers and forklifts and to deliver good and clear title to such trucks, trailers and forklifts to the Buyer at the applicable Closing at no additional cost to the Buyer; provided, however, that if the Sellers are unable to purchase such trucks, trailers and forklifts prior to the applicable Closing or if the Sellers are otherwise unable to deliver clear title to any such trucks, trailers and forklifts at the applicable Closing, the Sellers and the Buyer will enter into a vehicle lease with respect to such trucks, trailers and forklifts, whereby the Sellers will lease such trucks, trailers and forklifts to the Buyer at no further cost to the Buyer until such time as the Sellers can purchase such trucks, trailers and forklifts and provide, at no additional cost to the Buyer, good and clear title to such trucks, trailers and forklifts to the Buyer, provided that pursuant to the terms of the vehicle lease the Buyer will fully insure such trucks, trailers and forklifts.

Section 5.22. National Food Service and Warehouse Juice Businesses; Non-DSD Businesses.

(a) The parties hereto (or their applicable Affiliates) will use their reasonable good faith efforts to reasonably mutually agree upon one (1) or more legally binding agreements with respect to the Buyer’s economic participation in TCCC’s and its applicable Affiliates’ existing U.S. national food service and warehouse juice businesses, on commercially reasonable terms and conditions to be negotiated in good faith by the parties hereto (whether one (1) or more, and together with the agreement(s) referred to in subsection (b) below, the “Economic Participation Agreement”). The parties hereto acknowledge that, while they will work towards the execution of the Economic Participation Agreement with respect to the U.S. national food service and warehouse juice businesses as soon as reasonably practicable, the execution of such Economic Participation Agreement is not a condition to any Closing.

 

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(b) Additionally, the parties hereto (or their applicable Affiliates) will use their reasonable good faith efforts to reach alignment on the key business principles of the Buyer’s economic participation in all future non-direct store delivery products or business models of TCCC and its applicable Affiliates (including all future beverages, beverage components, and other beverage products distributed by means other than direct store delivery). The parties’ mutual intent is that their alignment on these key business principles will be the next milestone in the process of good faith negotiation and execution of the Economic Participation Agreement regarding future non-direct store delivery products or business models. The parties hereto acknowledge that, while they will work towards such alignment on key principles and the subsequent execution of the Economic Participation Agreement regarding future non-direct store delivery products or business models as soon as reasonably practicable, neither alignment on key principles nor the execution of such Economic Participation Agreement is a condition to any Closing.

Section 5.23. Product Supply Arrangements. The parties hereto will continue to discuss product supply issues in good faith, including with regard to the implementation of a national product supply system with such provisions regarding asset ownership, management provisions and System governance mechanisms as the parties hereto may mutually agree in writing.

Section 5.24. Implementation of CONA. The parties hereto will continue to discuss in good faith the implementation of the CONA information technology platform in the Distribution Territory, which the parties anticipate will be consistent with their ongoing discussions (including with respect to the schedule for such implementation) and will include the Buyer’s participation in and part ownership of a new information technology services entity, which entity the parties hereto anticipate will provide information technology services to the Buyer, CCR and its other bottler owners/members on mutually acceptable terms.

Section 5.25. Participation in System Governance Activities. The parties hereto will continue to discuss in good faith the implementation of System governance and anticipate that those discussions will be consistent with their prior discussions on this topic, and will include a detailed joint plan for transitioning from current System governance routines and mechanisms to future System governance routines and mechanisms. Such System governance will be implemented on a non-binding, commercial basis during 2016.

Section 5.26. Additional Financial Information for the Business . The Sellers shall, and shall cause their Affiliates to, and shall use reasonable best efforts to cause their Representatives to, provide to the Buyer (a) the financial statements of the Business, including any accountant’s report, and (b) such other financial information as is reasonably necessary to prepare pro forma financial statements, in each case, that the Buyer reasonably determines are required, pursuant to the applicable provisions of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act specified in Item 9.01 of Form 8-K, to be filed by the Buyer in connection with a Closing, such financial statements and other financial information to be delivered as promptly as reasonably practical, but in any event at least fifteen (15) days prior to the time that the Buyer is required to file such financial statements pursuant to applicable securities Laws in connection with such Closing.

 

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Section 5.27. Production APA. The parties hereto (or their applicable Affiliates) will use their reasonable good faith efforts to reasonably mutually agree upon the terms and conditions of the Production APA to support a broader national product supply system.

Section 5.28. Lease of Distribution Portion of Combo Center Facility. If the Buyer does not complete the acquisition of the real estate and improvements comprising the Sellers’ “combo center” facility located at 4530 Oakley’s Lane, Henrico, Virginia (the “Combo Center”) pursuant to the Production APA prior to or simultaneously with the Interim Closing relating to the first Interim Closing Territory, then at such Interim Closing, the Sellers and the Buyer will enter into a lease agreement pursuant to which the Sellers will lease the portion of the Combo Center related to the Business conducted in the first Interim Closing Territory to the Buyer until the Buyer completes the acquisition of the Combo Center, on such terms as are reasonably mutually agreed upon by the Sellers and the Buyer.

Section 5.29. La Plata, Maryland Easement. Prior to the Interim Closing relating to the second Interim Closing Territory, the Sellers will use reasonable good faith efforts to obtain from the owner of the real property located adjacent to the Sellers’ facility at 400 E. Charles Street, La Plata, Maryland a written easement in recordable form granting to the Buyer the perpetual right of access to such facility across the driveway on such adjacent real property currently used by the Sellers for access to such facility. The Buyer will cooperate in good faith with the Sellers in their efforts to obtain such easement.

Section 5.30. Cumberland, Maryland Parking Lot Lease. Prior to the Final Closing, the Sellers will use reasonable good faith efforts to obtain from the owner of the parking lot located near the Sellers’ facility at 312 Greene Street, Cumberland, Maryland, and currently used by the Sellers in connection with the operation of such facility, a written lease granting to the Buyer the right to use such parking lot at the rental rate currently paid by the Sellers until at least the one-year anniversary of the Final Closing. The Buyer will cooperate in good faith with the Sellers in their efforts to obtain such lease.

ARTICLE VI

TAX MATTERS

Section 6.01. Tax Matters. The parties agree that the Sellers and the Buyer are equally sharing the liability for all transfer, sales, use, stamp, conveyance, recording, registration, documentary, filing and other similar Taxes arising in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (“Transaction Taxes”). If the Sellers have the primary responsibility to collect and/or pay the Transaction Taxes to the appropriate taxing jurisdiction, the Sellers shall provide the Buyer with the calculation of the applicable Transaction Taxes (together with reasonable supporting documentation if requested by the Buyer), and the Buyer shall reimburse the Sellers for its fifty percent (50%) share of the liability with respect to such Transaction Taxes within thirty (30) days after receiving the calculation thereof. If the Buyer has the primary responsibility to collect and/or pay the Transaction Taxes to the appropriate taxing jurisdiction, the Buyer shall provide the Sellers with the calculation of the applicable Transaction Taxes (together with reasonable supporting documentation if requested by the Sellers), and the Sellers shall reimburse the Buyer for their fifty percent (50%) share of

 

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the liability with respect to such Transaction Taxes within thirty (30) days after receiving the calculation thereof. Each party shall remit the applicable Transaction Taxes to the appropriate Tax jurisdiction on a timely basis as required under Law. Each party shall promptly deliver notice to the other parties in the event it receives a notice from a Governmental Authority regarding any such Transaction Tax. In addition, in the event a Governmental Authority commences an audit in respect of any such Transaction Taxes, the Sellers and the Buyer shall cooperate to produce documentation to support that the Transaction Tax was satisfied or arose from a transaction that is nontaxable. Each of the Buyer and the Sellers agrees to timely sign and deliver (or to cause to be timely signed and delivered) such certificates or forms as may be necessary or appropriate to establish an exemption from (or otherwise reduce), or file Tax Returns with respect to, such Transaction Taxes.

ARTICLE VII

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

Section 7.01. Conditions to the Initial Closing.

(a) Conditions to Each Party’s Obligations. The respective obligations of the Buyer and the Sellers to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to occur at the Initial Closing shall be subject to the fulfillment or written waiver, at or prior to the Initial Closing, of each of the following conditions, any of which may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, be waived in writing by the Buyer or the Sellers, each in their sole discretion, provided that such waiver shall be effective only as to the obligations of the party waiving such condition:

(i) Injunction. There shall be in effect no Law or Governmental Order to the effect that the sale of the Transferred Assets or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement may not be consummated as provided in this Agreement, no Action shall have been commenced by any Governmental Authority for the purpose of obtaining any such Governmental Order, and no written notice shall have been received from any Governmental Authority indicating an intent to restrain, prevent, materially delay or restructure the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(ii) Governmental Consents. All consents, approvals, orders or authorizations of, or registrations, declarations or filings with, all Governmental Authorities required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement shall have been obtained or made.

(iii) HSR Act. The waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated, if applicable.

(iv) Third Party Consents. The Sellers shall have obtained and delivered to the Buyer the written consents, notices, waivers, agreements or other documents with respect to the Persons set forth on Section 7.01(a)(iv) of the Disclosure Schedule with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing

 

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Territory (all such consents, notices, waivers, agreements and other documents shall be in full force and effect on and following the Initial Closing); provided, however, that any such consent, notice, waiver, agreement or other document is in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Buyer. The parties acknowledge that the process of obtaining such written consents, notices, waivers, agreements or other documents may, in the case of third party brand owners, include negotiation of certain terms by the Buyer directly with such third party brand owners.

(v) Financial Methodologies. The Buyer and the Sellers shall have mutually reasonably agreed with respect to the resolution of the matters identified on Section 7.01(a)(v) of the Disclosure Schedule related to the financial methodology underlying the preparation of the 2014 Data and the preparation of the Interim Annual Data, the Initial Closing Financial Information, the Interim Closing Financial Information and the Final Closing Financial Information.

(vi) Fleet Assets. The Buyer and the Sellers shall have mutually agreed that the operating condition and average age of the trucks, trailers and forklifts included in the Initial Closing Transferred Assets are reasonably consistent with the operating condition and average age of such trucks, trailers and forklifts as of the date of this Agreement.

(vii) Vending Equipment Assets. The Buyer and the Sellers shall have mutually agreed that the operating condition and average age of the vending equipment included in the Initial Closing Transferred Assets are reasonably acceptable.

(viii) Production APA. The Buyer and/or one or more of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Sellers and/or one or more of their Affiliates, on the other hand, shall have executed and delivered the Production APA.

(b) Conditions to Obligations of the Sellers. The obligation of the Sellers to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to occur at the Initial Closing shall be subject to the fulfillment by the Buyer or written waiver by the Sellers, at or prior to the Initial Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(i) Representations and Warranties; Covenants. (A) (1) The representations and warranties of the Buyer contained in this Agreement which are qualified by “material”, “in all material respects”, “material adverse effect” and words of similar meaning shall have been true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all respects as of the Initial Closing as if made on the Initial Closing Date, other than representations and warranties made as of another date, which representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all respects as of such date, and (2) the representations and warranties of the Buyer contained in this Agreement which are not so qualified shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Initial Closing as if made on the Initial Closing Date, other than representations and warranties made as of another date, which representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of such date; (B) the

 

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covenants contained in this Agreement to be complied with by the Buyer on or before the Initial Closing shall have been complied with in all material respects; and (C) the Sellers shall have received a certificate of the Buyer as to the satisfaction of Sections 7.01(b)(i)(A) and 7.01(b)(i)(B) signed by a duly authorized executive officer of the Buyer.

(ii) Comprehensive Beverage Agreement. The Buyer shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Sellers the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory.

(iii) Employee Matters Agreement. The Buyer shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Sellers the Employee Matters Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory.

(iv) Finished Goods Supply Agreement. The Buyer shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Sellers the Finished Goods Supply Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory.

(v) Transition Services Agreement. If applicable, the Buyer shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Sellers the Transition Services Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory.

(vi) RCS Logistics and Transportation Services Agreement. The Buyer shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Sellers the RCS Logistics and Transportation Services Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory.

(c) Conditions to Obligations of the Buyer. The obligations of the Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to occur at the Initial Closing shall be subject to the fulfillment by the Sellers or written waiver by the Buyer, at or prior to the Initial Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(i) Representations and Warranties; Covenants. (A) (1) The representations and warranties of the Sellers (I) contained in this Agreement to the extent related to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory and to the Initial Closing Transferred Assets and (II) made in Sections 3.01, 3.02(a) and 3.03, in each case, that are qualified by “material”, “in all material respects”, “Material Adverse Effect” and words of similar meaning shall have been true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all respects as of the Initial Closing as if made on the Initial Closing Date, other than, in each case, representations and warranties made as of another date, which representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all respects as of such date, and (2) the representations and warranties of the Sellers (x) contained in this Agreement to the extent related to the

 

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portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory and (y) made in Sections 3.01, 3.02(a) and 3.03, in each case, that are not so qualified shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Initial Closing as if made on the Initial Closing Date, other than, in each case, representations and warranties made as of another date, which representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of such date; (B) the covenants contained in this Agreement to be complied with by the Sellers on or before the Initial Closing shall have been complied with in all material respects; and (C) the Buyer shall have received a certificate of the Sellers as to the satisfaction of Sections 7.01(c)(i)(A) and 7.01(c)(i)(B) signed by a duly authorized representative of each Seller.

(ii) No Material Adverse Effect. On or prior to the Initial Closing Date, there shall not have occurred any Material Adverse Effect with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory.

(iii) Comprehensive Beverage Agreement. Each of the Sellers (as applicable) shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Buyer the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory.

(iv) Employee Matters Agreement. Each of the Sellers (as applicable) shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Buyer the Employee Matters Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory.

(v) Finished Goods Supply Agreement. Each of the Sellers (as applicable) shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Buyer the Finished Goods Supply Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory.

(vi) Transition Services Agreement. If applicable, the Sellers (as applicable) shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Buyer the Transition Services Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory.

(vii) Initial Closing Funding Letter. TCCC shall have executed and delivered to the Buyer the Initial Closing Funding Letter.

(viii) RCS Logistics and Transportation Services Agreement. Each of the Sellers (as applicable) shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Buyer the RCS Logistics and Transportation Services Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory.

(ix) Focus Period Letter. TCCC shall have executed and delivered to the Buyer the Focus Period Letter.

 

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Section 7.02. Conditions to each Interim Closing.

(a) Conditions to Each Party’s Obligations. The respective obligations of the Buyer and the Sellers to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to occur at each Interim Closing shall be subject to the fulfillment or written waiver, at or prior to the applicable Interim Closing, of each of the following conditions, any of which may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, be waived in writing by the Buyer or the Sellers, each in their sole discretion, provided that such waiver shall be effective only as to the obligations of the party waiving such condition:

(i) Certain Conditions. The conditions set forth in subsections (i), (ii) and (iii) of Section 7.01(a) shall have been satisfied with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to occur at the applicable Interim Closing.

(ii) Third Party Consents. The Sellers shall have obtained and delivered to the Buyer the written consents, notices, waivers, agreements or other documents with respect to the Persons set forth on Section 7.02(a)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory (all such consents, notices, waivers, agreements and other documents shall be in full force and effect on and following the applicable Interim Closing); provided, however, that any such consent, notice, waiver, agreement or other document is in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Buyer. The parties acknowledge that the process of obtaining such written consents, notices, waivers, agreements or other documents may, in the case of third party brand owners, include negotiation of certain terms by the Buyer directly with such third party brand owners.

(iii) Fleet Assets. The Buyer and the Sellers shall have mutually agreed that the operating condition and average age of the trucks, trailers and forklifts included in the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets are reasonably consistent with the operating condition and average age of such trucks, trailers and forklifts as of the date of this Agreement.

(iv) Vending Equipment Assets. The Buyer and the Sellers shall have mutually agreed that the operating condition and average age of the vending equipment included in the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets are reasonably acceptable.

(v) Initial Closing. The Initial Closing shall have been consummated.

(vi) Acquisition of Combo Center. Buyer shall have completed simultaneously with the Interim Closing relating to the first Interim Closing Territory the acquisition of the Combo Center pursuant to the Production APA.

(b) Conditions to Obligations of the Sellers. The obligation of the Sellers to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to occur at each Interim Closing shall be subject to the fulfillment by the Buyer or written waiver by the Sellers, at or prior to the applicable Interim Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(i) Representations and Warranties; Covenants. (A) (1) The representations and warranties of the Buyer contained in this Agreement which are qualified by “material”, “in all material respects”, “material adverse effect” and words of

 

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similar meaning shall have been true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all respects as of the applicable Interim Closing as if made on the applicable Interim Closing Date, other than representations and warranties made as of another date, which representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all respects as of such date, and (2) the representations and warranties of the Buyer contained in this Agreement which are not so qualified shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the applicable Interim Closing as if made on the applicable Interim Closing Date, other than representations and warranties made as of another date, which representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of such date; (B) the covenants contained in this Agreement to be complied with by the Buyer on or before the applicable Interim Closing shall have been complied with in all material respects; and (C) the Sellers shall have received a certificate of the Buyer as to the satisfaction of Sections 7.02(b)(i)(A) and 7.02(b)(i)(B) signed by a duly authorized executive officer of the Buyer.

(ii) Comprehensive Beverage Agreement. The Buyer shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Sellers the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory.

(iii) Employee Matters Agreement. The Buyer shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Sellers the Employee Matters Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory.

(iv) Finished Goods Supply Agreement. The Buyer shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Sellers the Finished Goods Supply Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory.

(v) Transition Services Agreement. If applicable, the Buyer shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Sellers the Transition Services Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory.

(vi) RCS Logistics and Transportation Services Agreement. The Buyer shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Sellers the RCS Logistics and Transportation Services Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory.

(c) Conditions to Obligations of the Buyer. The obligations of the Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to occur at each Interim Closing

 

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shall be subject to the fulfillment by the Sellers or written waiver by the Buyer, at or prior to the applicable Interim Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(i) Representations and Warranties; Covenants. (A) (1) The representations and warranties of the Sellers (I) contained in this Agreement to the extent related to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory and to the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets and (II) made in Sections 3.01, 3.02(a) and 3.03, in each case, that are qualified by “material”, “in all material respects”, “Material Adverse Effect” and words of similar meaning shall have been true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all respects as of the applicable Interim Closing as if made on the applicable Interim Closing Date, other than, in each case, representations and warranties made as of another date, which representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all respects as of such date, and (2) the representations and warranties of the Sellers (x) contained in this Agreement to the extent related to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory and (y) made in Sections 3.01, 3.02(a) and 3.03, in each case, that are not so qualified shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the applicable Interim Closing as if made on the applicable Interim Closing Date, other than, in each case, representations and warranties made as of another date, which representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of such date; (B) the covenants contained in this Agreement to be complied with by the Sellers on or before the applicable Interim Closing shall have been complied with in all material respects; and (C) the Buyer shall have received a certificate of the Sellers as to the satisfaction of Sections 7.02(c)(i)(A) and 7.02(c)(i)(B) signed by a duly authorized representative of each Seller.

(ii) No Material Adverse Effect. On or prior to the applicable Interim Closing Date, there shall not have occurred any Material Adverse Effect with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory.

(iii) Comprehensive Beverage Agreement. Each of the Sellers (as applicable) shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Buyer the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory.

(iv) Employee Matters Agreement. Each of the Sellers (as applicable) shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Buyer the Employee Matters Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory.

(v) Finished Goods Supply Agreement. Each of the Sellers (as applicable) shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Buyer the Finished Goods Supply Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory.

(vi) Transition Services Agreement. If applicable, the Sellers (as applicable) shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Buyer the Transition Services Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory.

 

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(vii) Interim Closing Funding Letter. TCCC shall have executed and delivered to the Buyer an Interim Closing Funding Letter with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory.

(viii) RCS Logistics and Transportation Services Agreement. Each of the Sellers (as applicable) shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Buyer the RCS Logistics and Transportation Services Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory.

Section 7.03. Conditions to the Final Closing.

(a) Conditions to Each Party’s Obligations. The respective obligations of the Buyer and the Sellers to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to occur at the Final Closing shall be subject to the fulfillment or waiver, at or prior to the Final Closing, of each of the following conditions, any of which may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, be waived in writing by the Buyer or the Sellers, each in their sole discretion, provided that such waiver shall be effective only as to the obligations of the party waiving such condition:

(i) Certain Conditions. The conditions set forth in subsections (i), (ii) and (iii) of Section 7.01(a) shall have been satisfied with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to occur at the Final Closing.

(ii) Third Party Consents. The Sellers shall have obtained and delivered to the Buyer the written consents, notices, waivers, agreements or other documents with respect to the Persons set forth on Section 7.03(a)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory (all such consents, notices, waivers, agreements and other documents shall be in full force and effect on and following the Final Closing); provided, however, that any such consent, notice, waiver, agreement or other document is in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Buyer. The parties acknowledge that the process of obtaining such written consents, notices, waivers, agreements or other documents may, in the case of third party brand owners, include negotiation of certain terms by the Buyer directly with such third party brand owners.

(iii) Fleet Assets. The Buyer and the Sellers shall have mutually agreed that the operating condition and average age of the trucks, trailers and forklifts included in the Final Closing Transferred Assets are reasonably consistent with the operating condition and average age of such trucks, trailers and forklifts as of the date of this Agreement.

(iv) Vending Equipment Assets. The Buyer and the Sellers shall have mutually agreed that the operating condition and average age of the vending equipment included in the Final Closing Transferred Assets are reasonably acceptable.

(v) Initial Closing and Interim Closings. The Initial Closing and each Interim Closing shall have been consummated.

 

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(b) Conditions to Obligations of the Sellers. The obligation of the Sellers to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to occur at the Final Closing shall be subject to the fulfillment by the Buyer or written waiver by the Sellers, at or prior to the Final Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(i) Representations and Warranties; Covenants. (A) (1) The representations and warranties of the Buyer contained in this Agreement which are qualified by “material”, “in all material respects”, “material adverse effect” and words of similar meaning shall have been true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all respects as of the Final Closing as if made on the Final Closing Date, other than representations and warranties made as of another date, which representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all respects as of such date, and (2) the representations and warranties of the Buyer contained in this Agreement which are not so qualified shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Final Closing as if made on the Final Closing Date, other than representations and warranties made as of another date, which representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of such date; (B) the covenants contained in this Agreement to be complied with by the Buyer on or before the Final Closing shall have been complied with in all material respects; and (C) the Sellers shall have received a certificate of the Buyer as to the satisfaction of Sections 7.03(b)(i)(A) and 7.03(b)(i)(B) signed by a duly authorized executive officer of the Buyer.

(ii) Comprehensive Beverage Agreement. The Buyer shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Sellers the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory or an amendment to the then existing Comprehensive Beverage Agreement, which amendment shall include such changes as agreed by the parties to reflect the acquisition of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory.

(iii) Employee Matters Agreement. The Buyer shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Sellers the Employee Matters Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory or an amendment to the then existing Employee Matters Agreement, which amendment shall include such changes as agreed by the parties to reflect the acquisition of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory.

(iv) Finished Goods Supply Agreement. The Buyer shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Sellers the Finished Goods Supply Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory or an amendment to the then existing Finished Goods Supply Agreement, which amendment shall include such changes as agreed by the parties to reflect the acquisition of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory.

 

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(v) Transition Services Agreement. If applicable, the Buyer shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Sellers the Transition Services Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory or an amendment to the then existing Transition Services Agreement, which amendment shall include such changes as agreed by the parties to reflect the acquisition of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory.

(vi) RCS Logistics and Transportation Services Agreement. The Buyer shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Sellers the RCS Logistics and Transportation Services Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory.

(c) Conditions to Obligations of the Buyer. The obligations of the Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to occur at the Final Closing shall be subject to the fulfillment by the Sellers or written waiver by the Buyer, at or prior to the Final Closing, of each of the following conditions:

(i) Representations and Warranties; Covenants. (A) (1) The representations and warranties of the Sellers (I) contained in this Agreement to the extent related to the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory and to the Final Closing Transferred Assets and (II) made in Sections 3.01, 3.02(a) and 3.03, in each case, that are qualified by “material”, “in all material respects”, “Material Adverse Effect” and words of similar meaning shall have been true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all respects as of the Final Closing as if made on the Final Closing Date, other than, in each case, representations and warranties made as of another date, which representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all respects as of such date, and (2) the representations and warranties of the Sellers (x) contained in this Agreement to the extent related to the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory and (y) made in Sections 3.01, 3.02(a) and 3.03, in each case, that are not so qualified shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Final Closing as if made on the Final Closing Date, other than, in each case, representations and warranties made as of another date, which representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of such date; (B) the covenants contained in this Agreement to be complied with by the Sellers on or before the Final Closing shall have been complied with in all material respects; and (C) the Buyer shall have received a certificate of the Sellers as to the satisfaction of Sections 7.03(c)(i)(A) and 7.03(c)(i)(B) signed by a duly authorized representative of each Seller.

(ii) No Material Adverse Effect. On or prior to the Final Closing Date, there shall not have occurred any Material Adverse Effect with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory.

(iii) Comprehensive Beverage Agreement. Each of the Sellers (as applicable) shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to

 

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the Buyer the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement with respect to the Final Closing Territory or an amendment to the then existing Comprehensive Beverage Agreement, which amendment shall include such changes as agreed by the parties to reflect the acquisition of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory.

(iv) Employee Matters Agreement. Each of the Sellers (as applicable) shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Buyer the Employee Matters Agreement with respect to the Final Closing Territory or an amendment to the then existing Employee Matters Agreement, which amendment shall include such changes as agreed by the parties to reflect the acquisition of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory.

(v) Finished Goods Supply Agreement. Each of the Sellers (as applicable) shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Buyer the Finished Goods Supply Agreement with respect to the Final Closing Territory or an amendment to the then existing Finished Goods Supply Agreement, which amendment shall include such changes as agreed by the parties to reflect the acquisition of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory.

(vi) Transition Services Agreement. If applicable, the Sellers (as applicable) shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Buyer the Transition Services Agreement with respect to the Final Closing Territory or an amendment to the then existing Transition Services Agreement, which amendment shall include such changes as agreed by the parties to reflect the acquisition of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory.

(vii) Final Closing Funding Letter. TCCC shall have executed and delivered to the Buyer the Final Closing Funding Letter.

(viii) RCS Logistics and Transportation Services Agreement. Each of the Sellers (as applicable) shall have executed and delivered, or caused to be executed and delivered, to the Buyer the RCS Logistics and Transportation Services Agreement with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory.

ARTICLE VIII

TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

Section 8.01. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated prior to the Final Closing:

(a) by the mutual written consent of the Sellers and the Buyer;

(b) by either the Sellers or the Buyer, if the Final Closing shall not have occurred on or prior to December 31, 2016 (the “End Date”); provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 8.01(b) shall not be available to any party whose failure to take any action required to fulfill any obligation under this Agreement shall have been the cause of, or shall have resulted in, the failure of the Final Closing to occur prior to such date;

 

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(c) by the Sellers, if there has been a breach of any covenant or other agreement made by Buyer in this Agreement, or any representation or warranty of the Buyer in this Agreement shall have been untrue or inaccurate or shall have become untrue or inaccurate, in each case which breach, untruth or inaccuracy (i) would give rise to a failure of the condition set forth in Section 7.01(b)(i), Section 7.02(b)(i) or Section 7.03(b)(i) (a “Terminating Buyer Breach”) and (ii) has not been (A) waived in writing by the Sellers or (B) cured by the Buyer, within thirty (30) days after written notice from the Sellers of such Terminating Buyer Breach is received by the Buyer (such notice to describe such Terminating Buyer Breach in reasonable detail);

(d) by the Buyer, if there has been a breach of any covenant or other agreement made by the Sellers in this Agreement, or any representation or warranty of the Sellers in this Agreement shall have been untrue or inaccurate or shall have become untrue or inaccurate (subject to the Sellers’ right to cure as set forth herein), in each case which breach, untruth or inaccuracy (i) would give rise to a failure of the condition set forth in Section 7.01(c)(i), Section 7.01(c)(ii), Section 7.02(c)(i)Section 7.02(c)(ii)Section 7.03(c)(i), or Section 7.03(c)(ii) (a “Terminating Seller Breach”) and (ii) has not been (A) waived in writing by the Buyer or (B) cured by the Sellers, within thirty (30) days after written notice from the Buyer of such Terminating Seller Breach is received by the Sellers (such notice to describe such Terminating Seller Breach in reasonable detail); and

(e) by the Buyer, pursuant to Section 5.08.

Section 8.02. Notice of Termination. Any party desiring to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01 shall give written notice of such termination to the other party or parties, as the case may be, to this Agreement.

Section 8.03. Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 8.01, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and there shall be no liability on the part of any party to this Agreement, except as set forth in this Section 8.03 (Effect of Termination), Section 5.04 (Confidentiality) and Article X (General Provisions); provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall relieve either the Sellers or the Buyer from liability for any willful breach of this Agreement or willful failure to perform their or its, as applicable, obligations under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 8.01 after the Initial Closing but before the Final Closing, the foregoing shall not affect the parties’ rights and obligations under this Agreement (including under Article IX) with respect to the transactions consummated at the Initial Closing or any Interim Closing, as applicable.

Section 8.04. Extension; Waiver. At any time after the date hereof, either the Sellers or the Buyer may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties hereto, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to this Agreement or (c) waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions contained in this Agreement, but such waiver of compliance with such agreements or conditions shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any subsequent or other failure. Any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the party granting such

 

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extension or waiver. Neither the waiver by any of the parties hereto of a breach of or a default under any of the provisions of this Agreement, nor the failure by any of the parties, on one or more occasions, to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement or to exercise any right or privilege hereunder, shall be construed as a waiver of any other breach or default of a similar nature, or as a waiver of any of such provisions, rights or privileges hereunder.

ARTICLE IX

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 9.01. Survival. The representations and warranties of the Sellers and the Buyer contained in or made pursuant to this Agreement shall survive in full force and effect until the date that is eighteen (18) months after the applicable Closing Date, at which time they shall terminate (and no claims shall be made for indemnification under Sections 9.02(a)(i) or 9.03(a) thereafter); provided, however, that the representations and warranties made in Sections 3.01 (Incorporation, Qualification and Authority of the Sellers), 3.02(a) (No Conflict), 3.08(a) (Assets), 3.21 (Brokers), 4.01 (Incorporation and Authority of the Buyer), 4.02 (Qualification of the Buyer), 4.03(a) (No Conflict) and 4.07 (Brokers) (collectively, the “Fundamental Representations”) shall survive the Closings indefinitely, the representations and warranties made in Section 3.11 (Environmental Matters) shall survive until the date that is five (5) years after the applicable Closing Date and the representations and warranties made in Sections 3.14 (Employee Benefits Matters) and 3.22 (Tax Matters) shall survive until the date that is three (3) years after the applicable Closing Date, at which time they shall terminate; and provided, further, that the covenants and agreements that by their terms apply or are to be performed in whole or in part after the Initial Closing Date, any Interim Closing Date or the Final Closing Date, shall survive for the period provided in such covenants and agreements, if any, or until fully performed.

Section 9.02. Indemnification by the Sellers.

(a) From and after the applicable Closing, the Sellers shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Buyer and its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, the “Buyer Indemnified Parties”) against, and reimburse any Buyer Indemnified Party for, all Losses that such Buyer Indemnified Party may at any time suffer or incur, or become subject to, as a result of or in connection with:

(i) the inaccuracy or breach of any representations or warranties made by the Sellers in this Agreement or in the certificates furnished by the Sellers pursuant to Sections 2.05(a)(v), 2.05(b)(v), 2.05(c)(v), 7.01(c)(i), 7.02(c)(i) and 7.03(c)(i);

(ii) any breach or failure by the Sellers to perform any of their covenants or obligations contained in this Agreement;

(iii) any Excluded Liability (including the failure of the Sellers to perform or in due course pay and discharge any Excluded Liability); or

(iv) the failure of the Sellers to obtain and deliver to the Buyer, at or prior to the Final Closing, the written consent, in form and substance reasonably

 

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satisfactory to the Buyer, of the landlord under that certain Lease Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2014 (the “Hanover Lease”), by and between Preston Bruce-PGN, LLC and CCR, relating to the premises located at 7210 Preston Gateway Drive, Hanover, Maryland, to the assignment of the Sellers’ existing rights under the Hanover Lease to the Buyer, including any Losses suffered or incurred as a result of or in connection with (A) the termination of the Hanover Lease by the landlord as a result of the failure to obtain such consent, (B) an increase by the landlord in the rental rate or other charges payable by the tenant under the Hanover Lease as of the Closing Date, or (C) the relocation of the portion of the Business located on the Leased Real Property leased under the Hanover Lease to another comparable facility on market terms, except in each case to the extent that any such failure of the Sellers to obtain and deliver any such consent of the landlord arises from the Buyer’s failure to reasonably cooperate with the Sellers in obtaining such consent or arises from the Buyer’s failure to provide any information or cooperation reasonably requested by the Sellers or the landlord.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, (i) the Sellers shall not be required to indemnify, defend or hold harmless any Buyer Indemnified Party against, or reimburse any Buyer Indemnified Party for, any Losses pursuant to Section 9.02(a)(i) until the aggregate amount of the Buyer Indemnified Parties’ Losses exceeds a dollar amount equal to the Deductible Amount, after which the Sellers shall be obligated for all Losses of the Buyer Indemnified Parties pursuant to Section 9.02(a)(i) in excess of the Deductible Amount up to a dollar amount equal to the Cap Amount; provided, however, that the limitations on indemnification set forth in this Section 9.02(b)(i) shall not apply to any indemnification claim brought as a result of the inaccuracy or breach of any of the Fundamental Representations; (ii) the cumulative indemnification obligation of the Sellers under Section 9.02(a)(i) shall in no event exceed the Purchase Price; and (iii) the indemnification obligation of the Sellers under Section 9.02(a)(i) with respect to a breach of Section 3.22 (Tax Matters) shall not be subject to the Deductible Amount.

Section 9.03. Indemnification by the Buyer. From and after the applicable Closing, the Buyer shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Sellers and their Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, the “TCCC Indemnified Parties”) against, and reimburse any TCCC Indemnified Party for, all Losses that such TCCC Indemnified Party may at any time suffer or incur, or become subject to, as a result of or in connection with:

(a) the inaccuracy or breach of any representations or warranties made by the Buyer in this Agreement or in the certificates furnished by the Buyer pursuant to Sections 7.01(b)(i), 7.02(b)(i) and 7.03(b)(i);

(b) any breach or failure by the Buyer to perform any of its covenants or obligations contained in this Agreement;

(c) any claim or cause of action by any Person against any TCCC Indemnified Party with respect to the ownership, operation or use of the Transferred Assets or the operations of the Business to the extent arising as a result of an event, occurrence or action occurring after the applicable Closing, except to the extent that the underlying matter giving rise to such claim or cause of action is one in which a TCCC Indemnified Party is otherwise responsible; or

 

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(d) any Assumed Liability (including the failure of the Buyer or its Affiliates to perform or in due course pay and discharge any Assumed Liability).

Section 9.04. Notification of Claims.

(a) A Person that may be entitled to be indemnified under this Agreement (the “Indemnified Party”), shall promptly notify the party or parties liable for such indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnifying Party”) in writing of any pending or threatened claim or demand that the Indemnified Party has determined has given or could reasonably give rise to a right of indemnification under this Agreement (including a pending or threatened claim or demand asserted by a third party against the Indemnified Party, such claim being a “Third Party Claim”), describing in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances with respect to the subject matter of such claim or demand; provided, however, that the failure to provide such notice shall not release the Indemnifying Party from any of its obligations under this Article IX except to the extent the Indemnifying Party is prejudiced by such failure, it being understood that notices for claims in respect of a breach of a representation, warranty, covenant or agreement must be delivered prior to the expiration of any applicable survival period specified in Section 9.01 for such representation, warranty, covenant or agreement. Within forty-five (45) days after its receipt of the Third Party Claim notice (the “Third Party Claim Response Period”), the Indemnifying Party shall give notice to the Indemnified Party, in writing, either acknowledging or denying its obligations to indemnify and defend under this Article IX.

(b) If, during the Third Party Claim Response Period, the Indemnifying Party notifies the Indemnified Party that it acknowledges its obligations to indemnify and defend the Indemnified Party against the Third Party Claim, then the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to assume and control the defense of such Third Party Claim at its expense and through counsel of its choice if such Indemnifying Party gives notice in writing of its election to do so to the Indemnified Party, together with the acknowledgement of its obligations to indemnify, within ten (10) Business Days of the receipt of notice from the Indemnified Party; provided, however, that an Indemnifying Party will not be entitled to assume the defense of any Third Party Claim if such Third Party Claim could result in criminal liability of, or equitable remedies against, the Indemnified Party. If the Indemnifying Party so elects to undertake any such defense against a Third Party Claim, the Indemnified Party may participate in such defense at its own expense, except as set forth in the following sentence. An Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel at the Indemnifying Party’s expense if the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party, and such Indemnified Party shall have been advised by counsel that a conflict of interest is likely to exist if the same counsel were to represent such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnifying Party elects to undertake such defense, the Indemnifying Party shall select counsel, contractors and consultants of recognized standing and competence after consultation with the Indemnified Party. Each party hereto shall, and shall cause each of its Affiliates, members, officers, agents and employees to, cooperate fully with the other parties hereto in connection with any Third Party Claim. The Indemnifying Party shall be authorized to consent to a settlement of, or the entry of any judgment arising from, any Third

 

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Party Claim, without the consent of any Indemnified Party, provided that (i) the settlement or judgment involves only monetary payments, (ii) the Indemnifying Party pays or causes to be paid all amounts arising out of such settlement or judgment promptly following the effectiveness of such settlement or judgment and (iii) the Indemnifying Party obtains, as a condition of any settlement or other resolution, a complete release of any Indemnified Party affected by such Third Party Claim. If the Indemnifying Party does not assume, or is not entitled to assume, the defense of a Third Party Claim as provided in this Section 9.04(b), the Indemnified Party shall defend such Third Party Claim but shall not consent to a settlement of, or the entry of any judgment arising from, such Third Party Claim without the consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned; provided, that the Indemnified Party may consent to a settlement of, or the entry of any judgment arising from, such Third Party Claim if such settlement or judgment includes an unconditional release of the Indemnifying Party and its Affiliates from all liability arising out of such Third Party Claim. With respect to a Third Party Claim regarding Taxes, the Sellers only have the right to control such Third Party Claim as an Indemnifying Party hereunder if it (x) relates to Taxes attributable to the Business or the Transferred Assets with respect to a taxable period or portion thereof ending on or prior to the applicable Closing Date or (y) relates to Taxes imposed on the Sellers or their Affiliates, provided that with respect to any Third Party Claim with respect to Transaction Taxes, the Sellers and the Buyer shall jointly control such Third Party Claim and shall share equally in any direct costs and expenses incurred by the parties with respect thereto.

(c) In the event that an Indemnified Party determines that it has a claim pursuant to Section 9.04(a) that does not involve a Third Party Claim, the Indemnified Party shall give prompt written notice thereof to the Indemnifying Party, specifying the amount of such claim (if known or reasonably capable of estimation) and any relevant facts and circumstances relating thereto. The Indemnified Party shall provide the Indemnifying Party with reasonable access to its books and records, properties, assets, personnel, agents and advisors for the purpose of allowing the Indemnifying Party a reasonable opportunity to verify any such claim. The Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party shall negotiate in good faith regarding the resolution of any disputed claims of liability. Promptly following the final determination of the amount of any disputed claims by written agreement between the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party or pursuant to a final, non-appealable order or judgment regarding such disputed claims that has been entered in a court of competent jurisdiction, the Indemnifying Party promptly shall pay the amount of any such finally determined liability to the Indemnified Party by wire transfer or check made payable to the order of the Indemnified Party.

Section 9.05. Exclusive Remedies. The Sellers and the Buyer acknowledge and agree that, following the applicable Closing, the indemnification provisions of Sections 9.02 and 9.03 shall be the sole and exclusive remedies of any Buyer Indemnified Party and any TCCC Indemnified Party, respectively, for any Losses (including any Losses from claims for breach of contract, warranty, tortious conduct (including negligence) or otherwise and whether predicated on common law, statute, strict liability, or otherwise) that it may at any time suffer or incur, or become subject to, as a result of, or in connection with, any breach of any representation or warranty in this Agreement by the Buyer or the Sellers, respectively, or any failure by the Buyer or a Seller, respectively, to perform or comply with any covenant or agreement set forth herein, except in the case of fraud or intentional misrepresentation. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waive any right of rescission they may otherwise have or to which they may become entitled.

 

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Section 9.06. Additional Indemnification Provisions.

(a) The Sellers and the Buyer agree, for themselves and on behalf of their respective Affiliates and Representatives, that with respect to the indemnification obligations in this Agreement: (i) all Losses shall be net of any third-party insurance proceeds which have been recovered by the Indemnified Party in connection with the facts giving rise to the right of indemnification; (ii) in no event shall the Indemnifying Party have liability to the Indemnified Party under this Agreement for any consequential, special, incidental, indirect or punitive damages, lost profits or similar items (including loss of revenue, income or profits, diminution of value or loss of business reputation or opportunity relating to a breach or alleged breach hereof) unless any such damages or items are awarded to a third-party in a Third Party Claim, provided that this Section 9.06(a)(ii) shall not limit or restrict in any way the right or ability of an Indemnified Party to recover damages that are direct and reasonably foreseeable; and (iii) so long as such party has complied with its obligations under Section 2.02, no party shall have the obligation to indemnify any other Person with respect to any Losses to the extent relating to any failure by the parties to obtain the consent of any Person required in an Assumed Contract (other than in the event where such Assumed Contract is a Material Contract that the Sellers failed to identify as requiring consent or notice on Section 3.12(a) of the Disclosure Schedule) as a result of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder.

(b) In addition to, and not in limitation of, the foregoing, the Sellers and the Buyer agree, for themselves and on behalf of their respective Affiliates and Representatives, that the Sellers shall have no liability to indemnify any Buyer Indemnified Party under this Agreement with respect to any Losses (i) to the extent such Losses are included in the Assumed Liabilities reflected on the Final Amounts Schedules or would be duplicative of amounts paid by the Sellers pursuant to Section 2.10 or Section 5.14, or (ii) to the extent such Losses are caused by or result from any action (A) that after the date hereof the Buyer requests the Sellers to take or refrain from taking in writing pursuant to Section 5.01 (other than actions the Sellers are already obligated to take or refrain from taking under this Agreement), (B) taken pursuant to a written consent from the Buyer specifically authorizing such action, but only as long as the Sellers’ request for written consent to such action was not related to curing a breach of any representation, warranty or covenant of a Seller hereunder, or (C) that the Sellers or any of their Affiliates, having sought the Buyer’s consent pursuant to Section 5.01, did not take as a result of the Buyer having unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned the requested consent, other than, in the case of clauses (A) and (B), any such Losses constituting costs and expenses specifically and intentionally incurred by the Sellers to take any such action requested by the Buyer and agreed to by the Sellers.

Section 9.07. Mitigation. Each of the parties hereto agrees to take all reasonable steps to mitigate their respective Losses upon and after becoming aware of any event or condition which would reasonably be expected to give rise to any Losses that are indemnifiable hereunder.

 

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Section 9.08. Third Party Recovery. If the Buyer Indemnified Parties or the TCCC Indemnified Parties recover any amounts in respect of Losses from any third party at any time after the Buyer or the Sellers, as applicable, have paid all or a portion of such Losses to the Buyer Indemnified Parties or the TCCC Indemnified Parties, as applicable, pursuant to the provisions of this Article IX, the Buyer or the Sellers, as applicable, shall, or shall cause such Buyer Indemnified Parties or TCCC Indemnified Parties, as applicable, to promptly (and in any event within two (2) Business Days of receipt) pay over to the Buyer or to the Sellers, as applicable, the amount so received (to the extent previously paid by the Buyer or the Sellers, as applicable).

ARTICLE X

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 10.01. Expenses. Except as may be otherwise specified in this Agreement and the Companion Agreements or as set forth on Section 10.01 of the Disclosure Schedule, all costs and expenses, including fees and disbursements of counsel, financial advisers and accountants, incurred in connection with this Agreement and the Companion Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall be paid by the Person incurring such costs and expenses, whether or not the Closings shall have occurred. The Buyer and the Sellers shall each pay one-half of any HSR Act or similar filing or reporting fees in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, if applicable.

Section 10.02. Notices. All notices, communications, consents and deliveries under this Agreement shall be delivered in writing, unless otherwise expressly permitted herein, and shall be deemed given: (a) when delivered if delivered personally (including by courier); (b) on the third day after mailing, if mailed, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested); (c) on the day after mailing (or on the following Monday if mailed on a Friday or Saturday) if sent by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service which maintains records of the time, place and receipt of delivery; or (d) upon receipt of a confirmed transmission, if sent by facsimile transmission or by email (or on the first Business Day following the date sent if the date sent is not a Business Day), in each case to the parties at the following addresses or to such other addresses as may be furnished in writing by one party to the others, provided that if notice is given by email, such notice shall also be sent at the same time by facsimile transmission:

 

  (i) if to the Sellers to:

Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc.

c/o The Coca-Cola Company

One Coca-Cola Plaza

Atlanta, Georgia 30313

Attn: Vice President – Finance

Facsimile: (404) 598-9096

Email: [email protected]

 

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with a copy, which shall not constitute notice, to:

Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc.

c/o The Coca-Cola Company

One Coca-Cola Plaza

Atlanta, Georgia 30313

Attn: General Counsel

Facsimile: (404) 598-7664

Email: [email protected]

and

King & Spalding LLP

1180 Peachtree Street NE

Atlanta, Georgia 30309

Attention: William G. Roche

         Anne M. Cox

Facsimile: (404) 572-5133

Email: [email protected]

   [email protected]

 

  (ii) if to the Buyer to:

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated

4100 Coca Cola Plaza

Charlotte, North Carolina 28211

Attention:           Lawrence K. Workman, Jr., Vice President

Facsimile:          (704) 285-6915

Email: [email protected]

with a copy, which shall not constitute notice, to:

Moore & Van Allen PLLC

100 North Tryon Street

Suite 4700

Charlotte, North Carolina 28202

Attention:            John V. McIntosh

                              E. Beauregarde Fisher III

Facsimile:            (704) 331-1159

Email:                  [email protected]

                              [email protected]

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (v) any information required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.02(d), (w) any amendments of or supplements to the Disclosure Schedule delivered by the Sellers pursuant to the first two (2) sentences of Section 5.08, (x) the Initial Closing Financial Information, (y) the Interim Closing Financial Information and (z) the Final Closing Financial Information may be delivered by email (or other electronic means) only, and such delivery by email (or other electronic means) will be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this Section 10.02, without the requirement that notice also be provided by facsimile transmission or in any other format or medium; provided, that the delivery of such

 

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information by email (or other electronic means) only shall not be deemed effective until the Buyer has confirmed its receipt of the same; and provided, further, that, upon such receipt, the Buyer will be obligated to provide, and shall provide, such confirmation promptly.

Section 10.03. Public Announcements. No party or Affiliate of such party shall issue or cause the publication of any press release or public announcement or otherwise communicate with any news media in respect of this Agreement or the Companion Agreements or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby without the prior written consent of the Sellers and the Buyer (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), except as may be required by Law or stock exchange rules, in which case the party required to publish such press release or public announcement shall allow the other parties a reasonable opportunity to comment on such press release or public announcement in advance of such publication.

Section 10.04. Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced under any Law or as a matter of public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties to this Agreement shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement be consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

Section 10.05. Entire Agreement. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein and therein, this Agreement (together with the exhibits and schedules hereto) and the Companion Agreements constitute the entire agreement of the Sellers and the Buyer with respect to the acquisition of the Business by the Buyer and supersede all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, between or on behalf of the Sellers and the Buyer or its Affiliates with respect to the acquisition of the Business by the Buyer.

Section 10.06. Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights or obligations under this Agreement, may be assigned or delegated, in whole or in part, by operation of law or otherwise, by any party hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto, and any such assignment without such prior written consent shall be null and void; provided, however, that the Sellers may assign any or all of their rights and obligations under this Agreement to any of their Affiliates, but only to the extent that such assignment would not result in an impairment of the Buyer’s rights under this Agreement; and provided, further, that the Buyer may, without the prior written consent of the Sellers, assign all or any portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to one (1) or more of its direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon, shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by the parties hereto and their permitted successors and assigns. No assignment shall relieve the assigning party of any of its obligations hereunder.

 

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Section 10.07. No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except as provided in Article IX with respect to TCCC Indemnified Parties and Buyer Indemnified Parties, this Agreement is for the sole benefit of the parties to this Agreement and their permitted successors and assigns, and nothing in this Agreement, whether express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person or entity any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

Section 10.08. Amendment. No provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified except by a written instrument signed by all the parties to such agreement.

Section 10.09. Disclosure Schedule. Any disclosure with respect to a Section or Schedule of this Agreement shall be deemed to be disclosed for other Sections and Schedules of this Agreement to the extent that such disclosure sets forth facts in sufficient detail so that the relevance of such disclosure with respect to such other Sections or Schedules would be reasonably apparent to a reader of such disclosure. Matters reflected in any Section of this Agreement, including any Section of the Disclosure Schedule, are not necessarily limited to matters required by this Agreement to be so reflected. Such additional matters are set forth for informational purposes and do not necessarily include other matters of a similar nature. No reference to or disclosure of any item or other matter in any Section or Schedule of this Agreement shall be construed as an admission or indication that such item or other matter is material or that such item or other matter is required to be referred to or disclosed in this Agreement.

Section 10.10. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution.

(a) This Agreement and the Companion Agreements (and any claims, causes of action or disputes that may be based upon, arise out of or relate hereto or thereto, to the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, to the negotiation, execution or performance hereof or thereof, or to the inducement of any party to enter herein and therein, whether for breach of contract, tortious conduct or otherwise and whether predicated on common law, statute or otherwise) shall in all respects be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware, including all matters of construction, validity and performance, in each case without reference to any conflict of Law rules that might lead to the application of the Laws of any other jurisdiction.

(b) Each of the parties hereto agrees that, except to the extent set forth otherwise in the Companion Agreements, any claims, causes of action or disputes that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement or the Companion Agreements, to the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, to the negotiation, execution or performance hereof or thereof, or to the inducement of any party to enter herein and therein, whether for breach of contract, tortious conduct or otherwise and whether predicated on common law, statute or otherwise, shall be resolved only in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and the federal courts of the United States of America located in the District of Delaware and the appellate courts having jurisdiction of appeals from such courts (the “Delaware Courts”). In that

 

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context, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each party irrevocably and unconditionally:

(i) submits for itself and its property in any Action relating to this Agreement and the Companion Agreements, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Courts, and agrees that all claims in respect of any such Action shall be heard and determined in the Delaware Courts;

(ii) consents that any such Action may and shall be brought in the Delaware Courts and waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue or jurisdiction of any such Action in the Delaware Courts or that such Action was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same;

(iii) agrees that service of process in any such Action may be effected by mailing a copy of such process by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to such party at its address as provided in Section 10.02; and

(iv) agrees that nothing in this Agreement or the Companion Agreements shall affect the right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by the Laws of the State of Delaware.

Section 10.11. Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE COMPANION AGREEMENTS OR ANY TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY. EACH PARTY HERETO CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (a) NO REPRESENTATIVE OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (b) SUCH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (c) SUCH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (d) SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 10.11.

Section 10.12. Bulk Sales Laws. The Buyer and the Sellers each hereby waive compliance by the Sellers with the provisions of the “bulk sales,” “bulk transfer” or similar laws of any state or any jurisdiction within or outside the United States.

Section 10.13. Specific Performance. Each party acknowledges and agrees that the breach of this Agreement would cause irreparable damage to the other parties hereto and that no party hereto would have an adequate remedy at law. Therefore, the obligations of the Sellers under this Agreement, including the Sellers’ obligation to sell the Transferred Assets to the Buyer, and the obligations of the Buyer under this Agreement, including the Buyer’s obligation to purchase and acquire the Transferred Assets from the Sellers, shall be enforceable by a decree

 

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of specific performance issued by any court of competent jurisdiction, and appropriate injunctive relief may be applied for and granted in connection therewith. Such remedies shall, however, be cumulative and not exclusive and shall be in addition to any other remedies which any party may have under this Agreement or otherwise.

Section 10.14. Rules of Construction. Interpretation of this Agreement and the Companion Agreements shall be governed by the following rules of construction: (a) words in the singular shall be held to include the plural and vice versa, and words of one gender shall be held to include the other gender as the context requires; (b) references to the terms Article, Section, paragraph, Exhibit and Schedule are references to the Articles, Sections, paragraphs, Exhibits and Schedules of or to this Agreement unless otherwise specified; (c) the terms “hereof”, “herein”, “hereby”, “hereto”, and derivative or similar words refer to this entire Agreement, including the Disclosure Schedule, Annexes and Exhibits hereto; (d) references to “dollars” or “$” mean United States dollars; (e) the word “including” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement means including without limitation, unless otherwise specified; (f) the word “or” shall not be exclusive; (g) references to “written” or “in writing” include in electronic form; (h) each of the parties hereto has participated in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement, and, if an ambiguity or question of interpretation should arise, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or burdening any party hereto by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions in this Agreement; (i) a reference to any Person includes such Person’s successors and permitted assigns; (j) any reference to days means calendar days unless Business Days are expressly specified; and (k) when calculating the period of time before which, within which or following which any act is to be done or step taken pursuant to this Agreement, the date that is the reference date in calculating such period shall be excluded, and if the last day of such period is not a Business Day, the period shall end on the next succeeding Business Day.

Section 10.15. Counterparts. This Agreement and the Companion Agreements may be executed in one (1) or more counterparts, and by the different parties to each such agreement in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement or the Companion Agreements by facsimile or other means of electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of any such Agreement.

[Signature page follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, CCR and the Buyer have caused this Agreement to be executed on the date first written above by their respective duly authorized officers.

 

COCA-COLA REFRESHMENTS USA, INC.
By:  

/s/ J. Alexander M. Douglas, Jr.

Name:   J. Alexander M. Douglas, Jr.
Title:   President of Coca-Cola North America and Authorized Signatory
COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED
By:  

/s/ Umesh Kasbekar

Name:   Umesh Kasbekar
Title:   Senior Vice President, Planning and Administration

 

Signature Page to Asset Purchase Agreement


EXHIBIT A

DEFINITIONS

2014 Additional Financial Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.20(b).

2014 Data” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.20(a).

Acceptable Regulatory Standards” means those standards in effect as of the applicable Closing with respect to the presence of a Hazardous Substance on a real property which (a) if achieved in a cleanup, would be sufficient to satisfy the minimum and lowest cost requirements of the regulatory authorities having jurisdiction with respect to the real property so that such regulatory authorities would issue a letter or other document confirming that no further action is required with respect to the investigation, cleanup, remediation and monitoring of the real property with respect to such Hazardous Substance for the continued use of the real property for industrial or commercial purposes only, including the possible application of restrictive covenants, engineering controls, other types of use restrictions or monitored natural attenuation, for Hazardous Substances for which promulgated remediation standards exist; or (b) where the regulatory authorities do not issue such letters or other documents, would be sufficient to satisfy the promulgated remediation standards of the jurisdiction for the continued use of the real property for industrial or commercial purposes only, including the possible application of restrictive covenants, engineering controls, other types of use restrictions or monitored natural attenuation for the minimum and lowest cost.

Action” means any claim, action, demand, audit, citation, suit, arbitration, inquiry, proceeding or investigation by or before any Governmental Authority.

Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person that, at the time of determination, directly or indirectly through one (1) or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by or is under common Control with such specified Person.

Agency Notification” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.19(b).

Agreed Financial Methodology” means the accounting policies, methodologies, assumptions and allocations used by the Sellers in preparing the 2014 Data with such changes or adjustments to such policies, methodologies, assumptions and allocations as are set forth on Section A of the Disclosure Schedule or as the Buyer and the Sellers may mutually agree to in writing subsequent to the date hereof, including as a result of the mutually agreed upon resolution of any of the items described on Section 7.01(a)(v) of the Disclosure Schedule.

Agreed Replacement Value” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10(a).

Agreement” means this Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2015, by and between the Sellers and the Buyer, including the Disclosure Schedule and the Exhibits, and all amendments to this Asset Purchase Agreement made in accordance with Section 10.08.

 

A-1


Allocation Schedule” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.09.

Antea” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.19(a).

Arbitrator” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(d).

Assignment and Assumption of Lease” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(iv).

Assumed Contracts” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(a)(v).

Assumed Liabilities” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(c).

Base Purchase Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04.

Business” means the business that the Sellers are engaged in related to the marketing, promotion, distribution and sale of Coca-Cola and other beverage products in the Territory, but specifically excluding the manufacture or production of Coca-Cola and other beverage products.

Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in Atlanta, Georgia are required or authorized by Law to be closed.

Business Employees” means all employees of the Sellers and their Affiliates who are engaged primarily in the Business, together with any individuals hired by the Sellers or their Affiliates after the date hereof and prior to the applicable Closing who are engaged primarily in the Business who are employed by the Buyer or its Affiliates with respect to the Business as of or immediately after the applicable Closing as further described in the Employee Matters Agreement, but excluding the employees of the Sellers or their Affiliates who are identified as employees being retained by the Sellers or their Affiliates in the Employee Matters Agreement.

Buyer” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Buyer Indemnified Parties” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02(a).

Buyer MEC Consent Agreement” means that certain Consent Agreement, dated May 26, 2015, by and between TCCC, acting by and through its Coca-Cola North America division, and the Buyer.

Cap Amount” means a dollar amount equal to $9,968,190.71; provided, however, that such amount shall automatically be reduced (a) to an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the aggregate amount of the Base Purchase Price allocable to the Initial Closing in the event this Agreement is terminated or expires after the Initial Closing and

 

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before any Interim Closing, or (b) to an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the aggregate amount of the Base Purchase Price allocable to the Initial Closing and any Interim Closings that have occurred in the event this Agreement is terminated or expires after at least one (1) Interim Closing has occurred and before the Final Closing.

CBA Rights” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

CCR” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Closing” means either the Initial Closing, an Interim Closing or the Final Closing.

Closing Date” means either the Initial Closing Date, an Interim Closing Date or the Final Closing Date.

Closing Key Subject Equipment Schedule” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10(a).

Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Collective Agreement” means any collective bargaining agreement, labor contract, letter of understanding or letter of intent with a labor organization certified as the collective bargaining representative of the Business Employees.

Combo Center” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.28.

Companion Agreements” means the Deeds, the Assignments and Assumptions of Lease, the Initial Closing Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement, each Interim Closing Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement, the Final Closing Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement, the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement, the Employee Matters Agreement, the Finished Goods Supply Agreement, the Transition Services Agreement, the Initial Closing Funding Letter, each Interim Closing Funding Letter and the Final Closing Funding Letter.

Completed Title Documents” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.20.

Comprehensive Beverage Agreement” means the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement(s) among TCCC, CCR and the Buyer, in a form to be mutually agreed by the Sellers and the Buyer, certain material terms of which are attached hereto as Exhibit D.

Confidential Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.04.

Control” means, as to any Person, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. The terms “Controlled by,” “Controlled,” “under common Control with” and “Controlling” shall have correlative meanings.

 

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Cost” means, with respect to any particular item of inventory included in the Transferred Assets, the Business’ fully-loaded production cost with respect to such item of inventory, plus (without duplication) the freight cost of transporting such item of inventory from the applicable production center to the applicable distribution center.

Critical Leased Property” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.10(b).

Customer” means each of the twenty (20) largest customers of the Business in the portion of the Territory being transferred at the Initial Closing, any Interim Closing and the Final Closing, in each case as measured by the dollar amount of purchases made from the Sellers and their Affiliates solely in connection with the Business during the twelve (12) month period ended on the date hereof.

Debt” means any (a) indebtedness for borrowed money or in respect of loans or advances from third party lending sources, (b) obligation evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments or debt securities, (c) indebtedness or obligation for the deferred purchase price of property or services with respect to which any Seller is liable as obligor (other than trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice), (d) capital lease obligations, (e) obligations in respect of letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances issued for the account of the Sellers, (f) amounts owed by the Business to a Seller (or Affiliate of a Seller) other than intercompany trade accounts payables for goods and services incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and included on the Final Amounts Schedules, (g) all obligations under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to the property or assets purchased by a Seller, (h) guarantees and (i) obligations under hedging arrangements.

Deductible Amount” means a dollar amount equal to $996,819.07; provided, however, that such amount shall automatically be reduced (a) to an amount equal to one percent (1%) of the aggregate amount of the Base Purchase Price allocable to the Initial Closing in the event this Agreement is terminated or expires after the Initial Closing and before any Interim Closing, or (b) to an amount equal to one percent (1%) of the aggregate amount of the Base Purchase Price allocable to the Initial Closing and any Interim Closings that have occurred in the event this Agreement is terminated or expires after at least one (1) Interim Closing has occurred and before the Final Closing.

Deed” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(iii).

Delaware Courts” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.10(b).

Disclosure Schedule” means the disclosure schedule delivered by the Sellers to the Buyer and which forms a part of this Agreement.

Distribution Territory” means the Legacy Territory and the Sub-Bottling Territory.

DP Brand Business” means the portion of the Business relating to the exclusively licensed distribution, promotion, marketing and sale of shelf-stable, ready to

 

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drink Dr Pepper brand beverages in the Territory by the Sellers pursuant to CCR’s agreement with Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc., including any assets and liabilities (including Retained Assets and Retained Liabilities) allocated to such portion of the Business consistent with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

EBITDA” means gross profit less operating expenses before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Economic Participation Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.22(a).

Employee Matters Agreement” means the Employee Matters Agreement(s) between CCR and the Buyer in a form to be mutually agreed among the Sellers and the Buyer, certain material terms of which are attached hereto as Exhibit E.

Employee Plans” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.14(b).

End Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01(b).

Environmental Activity” with respect to any Recognized Environmental Condition means any activity required to establish a remediation plan necessary to satisfy Acceptable Regulatory Standards, for any Hazardous Substances associated with such Recognized Environmental Condition for the continued use of the applicable real property for industrial or commercial purposes only.

Environmental Laws” means any Laws applicable to the Business, the Owned Real Property, the Leased Real Property or any of the other Transferred Assets and in effect as of the applicable Closing that regulate (a) the protection of or prevention of harm to human health and the environment or damage to natural resources or (b) the use, management, transportation, treatment, storage, disposal or remediation of Hazardous Substances.

Environmental Permit” means any permit, approval, license or governmental qualification, registration, filing, privilege, franchise or other authorization that is issued under or pursuant to any Environmental Law.

Equipment Dispute Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10(c).

ERISA” means the United States Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business, whether or not incorporated, that together with a Seller would be deemed a “single employer” within the meaning of Section 4001(b) of ERISA.

Estimated Final Closing Date Unaudited Balance Sheet” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(c)(i).

 

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Estimated Final Closing DP Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) the sum of (i) any percentage change (whether positive or negative) in EBITDA generated by the Business solely with respect to the DP Brand Business in the Final Closing Territory for the Sellers’ most recently completed fiscal year for which year-end financial statements are available as of the Final Closing, determined in accordance with such year-end financial statements and the Agreed Financial Methodology, as compared to such EBITDA for the Business’ 2014 fiscal year as reflected in the 2014 Data, as adjusted for certain mutually agreed upon items, plus (ii) 1, multiplied by (b) the Final Closing DP Purchase Price Component.

Estimated Final Closing DP Deficit” means the amount, if any, by which the Final Closing DP Purchase Price Component is greater than the Estimated Final Closing DP Amount as set forth on the Estimated Final Closing Statement.

Estimated Final Closing DP Surplus” means the amount, if any, by which the Final Closing DP Purchase Price Component is less than the Estimated Final Closing DP Amount as set forth on the Estimated Final Closing Statement.

Estimated Final Closing Net Working Capital Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) (i) the Net Book Value of the current assets of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory and listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule, including all cash located in the Subject Equipment as reflected in the full service change fund, less (ii) the Net Book Value of the current liabilities of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory and listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule, in each case, as of the Business Day that is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the Final Closing occurs and determined in accordance with the guidelines set forth on Section B-1 of the Disclosure Schedule and in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology, multiplied by (b) the Estimated Final Closing Volume Percentage.

Estimated Final Closing Net Working Capital Deficit” means the amount, if any, by which the Final Closing NWC Purchase Price Component is greater than the Estimated Final Closing Net Working Capital Amount as set forth on the Estimated Final Closing Statement.

Estimated Final Closing Net Working Capital Surplus” means the amount, if any, by which the Final Closing NWC Purchase Price Component is less than the Estimated Final Closing Net Working Capital Amount as set forth on the Estimated Final Closing Statement.

Estimated Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount” means the product of (a) (i) the Net Book Value of the assets of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory and listed on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule, less (ii) the Net Book Value of the liabilities of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory and listed on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule, in each case, as of the Business Day that is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the Final Closing occurs and determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology, multiplied by (b) the Estimated Final Closing Volume Percentage.

 

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Estimated Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Deficit” means the amount, if any, by which the Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Purchase Price Component is greater than the Estimated Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount as set forth on the Estimated Final Closing Statement.

Estimated Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Surplus” means the amount, if any, by which the Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Purchase Price Component is less than the Estimated Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount as set forth on the Estimated Final Closing Statement.

Estimated Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount” means the amount equal to the product of (a) the sum of (i) any percentage change (whether positive or negative) in EBITDA generated by the Business solely with respect to the Other Third-Party Brand Business in the Final Closing Territory for the Sellers’ most recently completed fiscal year for which year-end financial statements are available as of the Final Closing, determined in accordance with such year-end financial statements and the Agreed Financial Methodology, as compared to such EBITDA for the Business’ 2014 fiscal year as reflected in the 2014 Data, as adjusted for certain mutually agreed upon items, plus (ii) 1, multiplied by (b) the Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Purchase Price Component.

Estimated Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Deficit” means the amount, if any, by which the Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Purchase Price Component is greater than the Estimated Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount as set forth on the Estimated Final Closing Statement.

Estimated Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Surplus” means the amount, if any, by which the Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Purchase Price Component is less than the Estimated Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount as set forth on the Estimated Final Closing Statement.

Estimated Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) the Net Book Value of all Residual Transferred Assets included in the Final Closing Transferred Assets as of the Business Day that is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the Final Closing occurs (except that with respect to such Residual Transferred Assets that are Subject Equipment, such Net Book Value shall be as of the Business Day that is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the most recent fiscal quarter ended not less than sixty (60) days prior to the Final Closing Date if the data regarding the Subject Equipment that would otherwise be included in the Estimated Final Closing Date Unaudited Balance Sheet is not available to be included therein), determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology, multiplied by (b) the Estimated Final Closing Volume Percentage.

 

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Estimated Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Deficit” means the amount, if any, by which the Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Purchase Price Component is greater than the Estimated Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount as set forth on the Estimated Final Closing Statement.

Estimated Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Surplus” means the amount, if any, by which the Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Purchase Price Component is less than the Estimated Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount as set forth on the Estimated Final Closing Statement.

Estimated Final Closing Retained Assets Amount” means an amount equal to the Net Book Value of the Final Closing Retained Assets on the Business Day which is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the Final Closing occurs, determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Estimated Final Closing Retained Liabilities Amount” means an amount equal to the Net Book Value of the Final Closing Retained Liabilities on the Business Day which is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the Final Closing occurs, determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Estimated Final Closing Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(c)(i).

Estimated Final Closing Volume Percentage” means an amount, expressed as a percentage, equal to the percentage of the standard physical bottle, can and pre-mix case volume sold by the Business in the Final Closing Territory during the Sellers’ most recently completed fiscal year for which year-end financial statements are available as of the Final Closing that is not allocable to the DP Brand Business or the Other Third-Party Brand Business, as reflected by the information contained in the case volume information by brand of the Business for such fiscal year.

Estimated Initial Closing Date Unaudited Balance Sheet” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(a)(i).

Estimated Initial Closing DP Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) the sum of (i) any percentage change (whether positive or negative) in EBITDA generated by the Business solely with respect to the DP Brand Business in the Initial Closing Territory for the Sellers’ most recently completed fiscal year for which year-end financial statements are available as of the Initial Closing, determined in accordance with such year-end financial statements and the Agreed Financial Methodology, as compared to such EBITDA for the Business’ 2014 fiscal year as reflected in the 2014 Data, as adjusted for certain mutually agreed upon items, plus (ii) 1, multiplied by (b) the Initial Closing DP Purchase Price Component.

Estimated Initial Closing DP Deficit” means the amount, if any, by which the Initial Closing DP Purchase Price Component is greater than the Estimated Initial Closing DP Amount as set forth on the Estimated Initial Closing Statement.

 

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Estimated Initial Closing DP Surplus” means the amount, if any, by which the Initial Closing DP Purchase Price Component is less than the Estimated Initial Closing DP Amount as set forth on the Estimated Initial Closing Statement.

Estimated Initial Closing Net Working Capital Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) (i) the Net Book Value of the current assets of the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory and listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule, including all cash located in the Subject Equipment as reflected in the full service change fund, less (ii) the Net Book Value of the current liabilities of the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory and listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule, in each case, as of the Business Day that is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the Initial Closing occurs and determined in accordance with the guidelines set forth on Section B-1 of the Disclosure Schedule and in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology, multiplied by (b) the Estimated Initial Closing Volume Percentage.

Estimated Initial Closing Net Working Capital Deficit” means the amount, if any, by which the Initial Closing NWC Purchase Price Component is greater than the Estimated Initial Closing Net Working Capital Amount as set forth on the Estimated Initial Closing Statement.

Estimated Initial Closing Net Working Capital Surplus” means the amount, if any, by which the Initial Closing NWC Purchase Price Component is less than the Estimated Initial Closing Net Working Capital Amount as set forth on the Estimated Initial Closing Statement.

Estimated Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount” means the product of (a) (i) the Net Book Value of the assets of the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory and listed on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule, less (ii) the Net Book Value of the liabilities of the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory and listed on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule, in each case, as of the Business Day that is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the Initial Closing occurs and determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology, multiplied by (b) the Estimated Initial Closing Volume Percentage.

Estimated Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Deficit” means the amount, if any, by which the Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Purchase Price Component is greater than the Estimated Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount as set forth on the Estimated Initial Closing Statement.

Estimated Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Surplus” means the amount, if any, by which the Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Purchase Price Component is less than the Estimated Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount as set forth on the Estimated Initial Closing Statement.

 

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Estimated Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount” means the amount equal to the product of (a) the sum of (i) any percentage change (whether positive or negative) in EBITDA generated by the Business solely with respect to the Other Third-Party Brand Business in the Initial Closing Territory for the Sellers’ most recently completed fiscal year for which year-end financial statements are available as of the Initial Closing, determined in accordance with such year-end financial statements and the Agreed Financial Methodology, as compared to such EBITDA for the Business’ 2014 fiscal year as reflected in the 2014 Data, as adjusted for certain mutually agreed upon items, plus (ii) 1, multiplied by (b) the Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Purchase Price Component.

Estimated Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Deficit” means the amount, if any, by which the Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Purchase Price Component is greater than the Estimated Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount as set forth on the Estimated Initial Closing Statement.

Estimated Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Surplus” means the amount, if any, by which the Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Purchase Price Component is less than the Estimated Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount as set forth on the Estimated Initial Closing Statement.

Estimated Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) the Net Book Value of all Residual Transferred Assets included in the Initial Closing Transferred Assets as of the Business Day that is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the Initial Closing occurs (except that with respect to such Residual Transferred Assets that are Subject Equipment, such Net Book Value shall be as of the Business Day that is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the most recent fiscal quarter ended not less than sixty (60) days prior to the Initial Closing Date if the data regarding the Subject Equipment that would otherwise be included in the Estimated Initial Closing Date Unaudited Balance Sheet is not available to be included therein), determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology, multiplied by (b) the Estimated Initial Closing Volume Percentage.

Estimated Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Deficit” means the amount, if any, by which the Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Purchase Price Component is greater than the Estimated Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount as set forth on the Estimated Initial Closing Statement.

Estimated Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Surplus” means the amount, if any, by which the Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Purchase Price Component is less than the Estimated Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount as set forth on the Estimated Initial Closing Statement.

Estimated Initial Closing Retained Assets Amount” means an amount equal to the Net Book Value of the Initial Closing Retained Assets on the Business Day which is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the Initial Closing occurs, determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

 

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Estimated Initial Closing Retained Liabilities Amount” means an amount equal to the Net Book Value of the Initial Closing Retained Liabilities on the Business Day which is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the Initial Closing occurs, determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Estimated Initial Closing Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(a)(i).

Estimated Initial Closing Volume Percentage” means an amount, expressed as a percentage, equal to the percentage of the standard physical bottle, can and pre-mix case volume sold by the Business in the Initial Closing Territory during the Sellers’ most recently completed fiscal year for which year-end financial statements are available as of the Initial Closing that is not allocable to the DP Brand Business or the Other Third-Party Brand Business, as reflected by the information contained in the case volume information by brand of the Business for such fiscal year.

Estimated Interim Closing Date Unaudited Balance Sheet” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b)(i).

Estimated Interim Closing DP Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) the sum of (i) any percentage change (whether positive or negative) in EBITDA generated by the Business solely with respect to the DP Brand Business in the applicable Interim Closing Territory for the Sellers’ most recently completed fiscal year for which year-end financial statements are available as of the applicable Interim Closing, determined in accordance with such year-end financial statements and the Agreed Financial Methodology, as compared to such EBITDA for the Business’ 2014 fiscal year as reflected in the 2014 Data, as adjusted for certain mutually agreed upon items, plus (ii) 1, multiplied by (b) the applicable Interim Closing DP Purchase Price Component.

Estimated Interim Closing DP Deficit” means the amount, if any, by which the applicable Interim Closing DP Purchase Price Component is greater than the applicable Estimated Interim Closing DP Amount as set forth on the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Statement.

Estimated Interim Closing DP Surplus” means the amount, if any, by which the applicable Interim Closing DP Purchase Price Component is less than the applicable Estimated Interim Closing DP Amount as set forth on the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Statement.

Estimated Interim Closing Net Working Capital Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) (i) the Net Book Value of the current assets of the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory and listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule, including all cash located in the Subject Equipment as reflected in the full service change fund, less (ii) the Net Book Value of the current

 

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liabilities of the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory and listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule, in each case, as of the Business Day that is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the applicable Interim Closing occurs and determined in accordance with the guidelines set forth on Section B-1 of the Disclosure Schedule and in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology, multiplied by (b) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Volume Percentage.

Estimated Interim Closing Net Working Capital Deficit” means the amount, if any, by which the applicable Interim Closing NWC Purchase Price Component is greater than the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Net Working Capital Amount as set forth on the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Statement.

Estimated Interim Closing Net Working Capital Surplus” means the amount, if any, by which the applicable Interim Closing NWC Purchase Price Component is less than the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Net Working Capital Amount as set forth on the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Statement.

Estimated Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount” means the product of (a) (i) the Net Book Value of the assets of the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory and listed on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule, less (ii) the Net Book Value of the liabilities of the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory and listed on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule, in each case, as of the Business Day that is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the applicable Interim Closing occurs and determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology, multiplied by (b) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Volume Percentage.

Estimated Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Deficit” means the amount, if any, by which the applicable Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Purchase Price Component is greater than the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount as set forth on the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Statement.

Estimated Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Surplus” means the amount, if any, by which the applicable Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Purchase Price Component is less than the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount as set forth on the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Statement.

Estimated Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount” means the amount equal to the product of (a) the sum of (i) any percentage change (whether positive or negative) in EBITDA generated by the Business solely with respect to the Other Third-Party Brand Business in the applicable Interim Closing Territory for the Sellers’ most recently completed fiscal year for which year-end financial statements are available as of the applicable Interim Closing, determined in accordance with such year-end financial

 

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statements and the Agreed Financial Methodology, as compared to such EBITDA for the Business’ 2014 fiscal year as reflected in the 2014 Data, as adjusted for certain mutually agreed upon items, plus (ii) 1, multiplied by (b) the applicable Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Purchase Price Component.

Estimated Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Deficit” means the amount, if any, by which the applicable Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Purchase Price Component is greater than the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount as set forth on the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Statement.

Estimated Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Surplus” means the amount, if any, by which the applicable Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Purchase Price Component is less than the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount as set forth on the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Statement.

Estimated Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) the Net Book Value of all Residual Transferred Assets included in the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets as of the Business Day that is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the applicable Interim Closing occurs (except that with respect to such Residual Transferred Assets that are Subject Equipment, such Net Book Value shall be as of the Business Day that is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the most recent fiscal quarter ended not less than sixty (60) days prior to the applicable Interim Closing Date if the data regarding the Subject Equipment that would otherwise be included in the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Date Unaudited Balance Sheet is not available to be included therein), determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology, multiplied by (b) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Volume Percentage.

Estimated Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Deficit” means the amount, if any, by which the applicable Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Purchase Price Component is greater than the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount as set forth on the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Statement.

Estimated Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Surplus” means the amount, if any, by which the applicable Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Purchase Price Component is less than the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount as set forth on the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Statement.

Estimated Interim Closing Retained Assets Amount” means an amount equal to the Net Book Value of the applicable Interim Closing Retained Assets on the Business Day which is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the applicable Interim Closing occurs, determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

 

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Estimated Interim Closing Retained Liabilities Amount” means an amount equal to the Net Book Value of the applicable Interim Closing Retained Liabilities on the Business Day which is the Sellers’ last accounting day in the fiscal month prior to the fiscal month in which the applicable Interim Closing occurs, determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Estimated Interim Closing Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b)(i).

Estimated Interim Closing Volume Percentage” means an amount, expressed as a percentage, equal to the percentage of the standard physical bottle, can and pre-mix case volume sold by the Business in the applicable Interim Closing Territory during the Sellers’ most recently completed fiscal year for which year-end financial statements are available as of the applicable Interim Closing that is not allocable to the DP Brand Business or the Other Third-Party Brand Business, as reflected by the information contained in the case volume information by brand of the Business for such fiscal year.

Excluded Assets” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(b).

Excluded Contracts” means any contracts of the Sellers with respect to Debt of the Sellers or their Affiliates or any Tax sharing agreements to which any Seller or any of the Sellers’ Affiliates is a party.

Excluded Fountain Equipment” means all fountain equipment (including pre-mix and post-mix) other than the Transferred Fountain Equipment (including, for example, fountain equipment situated on the property of any chain restaurant or other retail establishment with which any Seller does business that is owned by TCCC or by the customer, and including any fountain equipment pertaining to customers managed by CCR National Retail Sales (NRS), CCR National Foodservice or CCR Region managed fountain outlets).

Excluded Liabilities” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(d).

Existing Survey” means a copy of the existing survey, if any, for each parcel of the Real Property that the Sellers have provided to the Buyer.

Existing Title Policy” means a copy of the existing owner’s or lessee’s title insurance policy for each parcel of the Real Property that the Sellers have provided to the Buyer.

FDC Act” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.16(b).

Final Amounts Schedules” means, as applicable, the Initial Closing Final Amounts Schedule, each Interim Closing Final Amounts Schedule and the Final Closing Final Amounts Schedule, in each case as finally determined pursuant to Section 2.07.

Final Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(c).

 

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Final Closing Amounts Deficit” means the amount, if any, by which the sum of (a) (i) the Estimated Final Closing Net Working Capital Amount, plus (ii) the Estimated Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, plus (iii) the Estimated Final Closing DP Amount, plus (iv) the Estimated Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, plus (v) the Estimated Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, minus (vi) the Estimated Final Closing Retained Assets Amount, plus (vii) the Estimated Final Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, is greater than the sum of (b) (i) the Final Closing Net Working Capital Amount, plus (ii) the Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, plus (iii) the Final Closing DP Amount, plus (iv) the Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, plus (v) the Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, minus (vi) the Final Closing Retained Assets Amount, plus (vii) the Final Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, as reflected on the Final Closing Final Amounts Schedule.

Final Closing Amounts Surplus” means the amount, if any, by which the sum of (a) (i) the Estimated Final Closing Net Working Capital Amount, plus (ii) the Estimated Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, plus (iii) the Estimated Final Closing DP Amount, plus (iv) the Estimated Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, plus (v) the Estimated Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, minus (vi) the Estimated Final Closing Retained Assets Amount, plus (vii) the Estimated Final Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, is less than the sum of (b) (i) the Final Closing Net Working Capital Amount, plus (ii) the Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, plus (iii) the Final Closing DP Amount, plus (iv) the Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, plus (v) the Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, minus (vi) the Final Closing Retained Assets Amount, plus (vii) the Final Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, as reflected on the Final Closing Final Amounts Schedule.

Final Closing Assumed Liabilities” means those Assumed Liabilities arising from or related to the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory.

Final Closing Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement” means the Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement to be entered into at the Final Closing by the Sellers and the Buyer in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F.

Final Closing Cash Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.06(c)(i).

Final Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(c).

Final Closing DP Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) the sum of (i) any percentage change (whether positive or negative) in EBITDA generated by the Business solely with respect to the DP Brand Business in the Final Closing Territory for the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the Final Closing as compared to such EBITDA for the Sellers’ most recently completed fiscal year for which year-end financial statements are available as of the Final Closing as reflected in such financial statements, determined in accordance with the Final Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology, plus (ii) 1, multiplied by (b) the Estimated Final Closing DP Amount.

 

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Final Closing DP Purchase Price Component” means an amount equal to the portion of the Final Closing Purchase Price as of the date hereof allocated to the portion of the DP Brand Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory, determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Final Closing Final Amounts Schedule” means the schedule of the Final Closing Net Working Capital Amount, the Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, the Final Closing DP Amount, the Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, the Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, the Final Closing Retained Assets Amount and the Final Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, which shall include a calculation of each of the Final Closing Amounts Surplus, if any, and the Final Closing Amounts Deficit, if any, as finally determined pursuant to Section 2.07.

Final Closing Financial Information” means: (a) components of (i) the unaudited balance sheet with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory as of the Final Closing Date, and (ii) the unaudited statement of income with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory for the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the Final Closing, in each case, in a format consistent with the 2014 Data and determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology; (b) case volume information by brand for the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the Final Closing; and (c) updates of Sections 2.01(a)(i), 2.01(a)(ii), 2.01(a)(iii), 2.01(a)(iv)-1 and 2.01(a)(iv)-2 of the Disclosure Schedule (but only with respect to the Final Closing Transferred Assets listed thereon) to update the description of the Final Closing Transferred Assets as of the Final Closing to be consistent with the unaudited balance sheet of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory as of the Final Closing Date.

Final Closing Funding Letter” means a letter specifying the funding to be provided by the Sellers or their Affiliates with respect to the Final Closing Territory for the remainder of the calendar year in which the Final Closing occurs and the following calendar year.

Final Closing Net Working Capital” means (a) the current assets of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory and listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule, including all cash located in the Subject Equipment as reflected in the full service change fund, less (b) the current liabilities of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory and listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule.

Final Closing Net Working Capital Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) (i) the Net Book Value of the current assets of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory and listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule, including all cash located in the Subject Equipment as reflected in the full service change fund, less (ii) the Net Book Value of the current liabilities of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory and listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule, in each case, as of the Final Closing Date and determined in accordance with the guidelines set forth on Section B-1 of the Disclosure Schedule and in accordance with the Final Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology, multiplied by (b) the Final Closing Volume Percentage.

 

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Final Closing Notice of Dispute” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(c)(iii).

Final Closing NWC Purchase Price Component” means an amount equal to the portion of the Final Closing Purchase Price as of the date hereof allocated to the Net Working Capital for the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory (other than the portion of the Net Working Capital allocable to the DP Brand Business and the Other Third-Party Brand Business), determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities” means, collectively, the assets of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory and listed on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule and the liabilities of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory and listed on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule.

Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) (i) the Net Book Value of the assets of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory and listed on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule, less (ii) the Net Book Value of the liabilities of the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory and listed on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule, in each case, as of the Final Closing Date and determined in accordance with the Final Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology, multiplied by (b) the Final Closing Volume Percentage.

Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Purchase Price Component” means an amount equal to the portion of the Final Closing Purchase Price as of the date hereof allocated to the Other Assets and Liabilities in the Final Closing Territory (other than the portion of the such Other Assets and Liabilities allocable to the DP Brand Business and the Other Third-Party Brand Business), determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) the sum of (i) any percentage change (whether positive or negative) in EBITDA generated by the Business solely with respect to the Other Third-Party Brand Business in the Final Closing Territory for the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the Final Closing as compared to such EBITDA for the Sellers’ most recently completed fiscal year for which year-end financial statements are available as of the Final Closing as reflected in such financial statements, determined in accordance with the Final Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology, plus (ii) 1, multiplied by (b) the Estimated Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount.

Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Purchase Price Component” means an amount equal to the portion of the Final Closing Purchase Price as of the date hereof allocated to the Other Third-Party Brand Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory, determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

 

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Final Closing Pre-Closing Products” means (a) any products included in the Final Closing Transferred Assets and (b) any products at any time manufactured or sold by the Sellers in the conduct of the portion of the Business in the Final Closing Territory prior to the Final Closing.

Final Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule” means the draft schedule of the Final Closing Net Working Capital Amount, the Final Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, the Final Closing DP Amount, the Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, the Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, the Final Closing Retained Assets Amount and the Final Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, which shall include the Final Closing Amounts Surplus, if any, and the Final Closing Amounts Deficit, if any.

Final Closing Purchase Price” means the portion of the Purchase Price allocated to the Final Closing.

Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) the Net Book Value of all Residual Transferred Assets included in the Final Closing Transferred Assets as of the Final Closing Date, determined in accordance with the Final Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology, multiplied by (b) the Final Closing Volume Percentage.

Final Closing Residual Transferred Assets Purchase Price Component” means an amount equal to the portion of the Final Closing Purchase Price as of the date hereof allocated to Residual Transferred Assets in the Final Closing Territory (other than the portion of the Residual Transferred Assets allocable to the DP Brand Business and the Other Third-Party Brand Business), determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Final Closing Retained Assets” means, collectively, (a) the assets included within the Final Closing Net Working Capital that are designated on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule as not being included within the Final Closing Transferred Assets and (b) the assets included within the Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities that are designated on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule as not being included within the Final Closing Transferred Assets.

Final Closing Retained Assets Amount” means an amount equal to the Net Book Value of the Final Closing Retained Assets on the Final Closing Date, determined in accordance with the Final Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Final Closing Retained Liabilities” means, collectively, (a) the liabilities included within the Final Closing Net Working Capital that are designated on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule as not being included within the Assumed Liabilities and (b) the liabilities included within the Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities that are designated on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule as not being included within the Assumed Liabilities.

 

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Final Closing Retained Liabilities Amount” means an amount equal to the Net Book Value of the Final Closing Retained Liabilities on the Final Closing Date, determined in accordance with the Final Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Final Closing Territory” means the geographic area described as the “Final Closing Territory” in Exhibit G attached to this Agreement.

Final Closing Transferred Assets” means those Transferred Assets primarily related to, or primarily used or primarily held for use in connection with, the portion of the Business conducted in the Final Closing Territory.

Final Closing Volume Percentage” means an amount, expressed as a percentage, equal to the percentage of the standard physical bottle, can and pre-mix case volume sold by the Business in the Final Closing Territory during the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the Final Closing that is not allocable to the DP Brand Business or the Other Third-Party Brand Business, as reflected by the information contained in the Final Closing Financial Information.

Finished Goods Supply Agreement” means the Finished Goods Supply Agreement between CCR and the Buyer (or its Affiliate) in a form to be mutually agreed by the Sellers and the Buyer, certain material terms of which are attached hereto as Exhibit H, and with such other changes as are mutually agreed by the Sellers and the Buyer, together with the Service Level Agreement (in a form to be mutually agreed by the Buyer and the Sellers) with respect thereto.

Focus Period Letter” means the letter between TCCC and the Buyer regarding the Buyer’s acquisition or development of certain other lines of business involving beverage activities otherwise prohibited under the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement(s), and providing for certain other agreements between the Buyer and TCCC regarding the acquisition or development of other lines of business by the Buyer prior to an agreed date, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I.

Fundamental Representations” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.01.

Governmental Authority” means any United States federal, state or local or any supra-national or non-U.S. government, political subdivision, governmental, regulatory or administrative authority, instrumentality, agency, body or commission, self-regulatory organization or any court, tribunal, or judicial or arbitral body.

Governmental Order” means any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, stipulation, determination or award entered by or with any Governmental Authority.

Guarantees” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.10.

 

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Hanover Lease” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02(a)(iv).

Hazardous Substances” means any pollutant, contaminant, material, substance, or waste that is regulated under Environmental Laws, including asbestos or asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radioactive materials, and petroleum or hydrocarbon substance, fraction, distillate or by-products.

HSR Act” means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04(a).

Indemnifying Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04(a).

Initial Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(a).

Initial Closing Amounts Deficit” means the amount, if any, by which the sum of (a) (i) the Estimated Initial Closing Net Working Capital Amount, plus (ii) the Estimated Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, plus (iii) the Estimated Initial Closing DP Amount, plus (iv) the Estimated Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, plus (v) the Estimated Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, minus (vi) the Estimated Initial Closing Retained Assets Amount, plus (vii) the Estimated Initial Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, is greater than the sum of (b) (i) the Initial Closing Net Working Capital Amount, plus (ii) the Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, plus (iii) the Initial Closing DP Amount, plus (iv) the Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, plus (v) the Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, minus (vi) the Initial Closing Retained Assets Amount, plus (vii) the Initial Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, as reflected on the Initial Closing Final Amounts Schedule.

Initial Closing Amounts Surplus” means the amount, if any, by which the sum of (a) (i) the Estimated Initial Closing Net Working Capital Amount, plus (ii) the Estimated Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, plus (iii) the Estimated Initial Closing DP Amount, plus (iv) the Estimated Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, plus (v) the Estimated Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, minus (vi) the Estimated Initial Closing Retained Assets Amount, plus (vii) the Estimated Initial Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, is less than the sum of (b) (i) the Initial Closing Net Working Capital Amount, plus (ii) the Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, plus (iii) the Initial Closing DP Amount, plus (iv) the Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, plus (v) the Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, minus (vi) the Initial Closing Retained Assets Amount, plus (vii) the Initial Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, as reflected on the Initial Closing Final Amounts Schedule.

Initial Closing Assumed Liabilities” means those Assumed Liabilities arising from or related to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory.

Initial Closing Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement” means the Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement to be entered into at the Initial Closing by the Sellers and the Buyer in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F.

 

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Initial Closing Cash Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.06(a)(i).

Initial Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(a).

Initial Closing DP Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) the sum of (i) any percentage change (whether positive or negative) in EBITDA generated by the Business solely with respect to the DP Brand Business in the Initial Closing Territory for the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the Initial Closing as compared to such EBITDA for the Sellers’ most recently completed fiscal year for which year-end financial statements are available as of the Initial Closing as reflected in such financial statements, determined in accordance with the Initial Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology, plus (ii) 1, multiplied by (b) the Estimated Initial Closing DP Amount.

Initial Closing DP Purchase Price Component” means an amount equal to the portion of the Initial Closing Purchase Price as of the date hereof allocated to the portion of the DP Brand Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory, determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Initial Closing Final Amounts Schedule” means the schedule of the Initial Closing Net Working Capital Amount, the Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, the Initial Closing DP Amount, the Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, the Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, the Initial Closing Retained Assets Amount and the Initial Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, which shall include a calculation of each of the Initial Closing Amounts Surplus, if any, and the Initial Closing Amounts Deficit, if any, as finally determined pursuant to Section 2.07.

Initial Closing Financial Information” means: (a) components of (i) the unaudited balance sheet with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory as of the Initial Closing Date, and (ii) the unaudited statement of income with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory for the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the Initial Closing, in each case, in a format consistent with the 2014 Data and determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology; (b) case volume information by brand for the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the Initial Closing; and (c) updates of Sections 2.01(a)(i), 2.01(a)(ii), 2.01(a)(iii), 2.01(a)(iv)-1 and 2.01(a)(iv)-2 of the Disclosure Schedule (but only with respect to the Initial Closing Transferred Assets listed thereon) to update the description of the Initial Closing Transferred Assets as of the Initial Closing to be consistent with the unaudited balance sheet of the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory as of the Initial Closing Date.

Initial Closing Funding Letter” means a letter specifying the funding to be provided by the Sellers or their Affiliates with respect to the Initial Closing Territory for the remainder of the calendar year in which the Initial Closing occurs and the following calendar year.

 

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Initial Closing Net Working Capital” means (a) the current assets of the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory and listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule, including all cash located in the Subject Equipment as reflected in the full service change fund, less (b) the current liabilities of the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory and listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule.

Initial Closing Net Working Capital Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) (i) the Net Book Value of the current assets of the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory and listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule, including all cash located in the Subject Equipment as reflected in the full service change fund, less (ii) the Net Book Value of the current liabilities of the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory and listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule, in each case, as of the Initial Closing Date and determined in accordance with the guidelines set forth on Section B-1 of the Disclosure Schedule and in accordance with the Initial Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology, multiplied by (b) the Initial Closing Volume Percentage.

Initial Closing Notice of Dispute” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(a)(iii).

Initial Closing NWC Purchase Price Component” means an amount equal to the portion of the Initial Closing Purchase Price as of the date hereof allocated to the Net Working Capital for the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory (other than the portion of the Net Working Capital allocable to the DP Brand Business and the Other Third-Party Brand Business), determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities” means, collectively, the assets of the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory and listed on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule and the liabilities of the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory and listed on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule.

Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) (i) the Net Book Value of the assets of the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory and listed on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule, less (ii) the Net Book Value of the liabilities of the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory and listed on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule, in each case, as of the Initial Closing Date and determined in accordance with the Initial Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology, multiplied by (b) the Initial Closing Volume Percentage.

Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Purchase Price Component” means an amount equal to the portion of the Initial Closing Purchase Price as of the date hereof allocated to the Other Assets and Liabilities in the Initial Closing Territory (other than the portion of the such Other Assets and Liabilities allocable to the DP Brand Business and the Other Third-Party Brand Business), determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

 

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Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) the sum of (i) any percentage change (whether positive or negative) in EBITDA generated by the Business solely with respect to the Other Third-Party Brand Business in the Initial Closing Territory for the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the Initial Closing as compared to such EBITDA for the Sellers’ most recently completed fiscal year for which year-end financial statements are available as of the Initial Closing as reflected in such financial statements, determined in accordance with the Initial Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology, plus (ii) 1, multiplied by (b) the Estimated Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount.

Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Purchase Price Component” means an amount equal to the portion of the Initial Closing Purchase Price as of the date hereof allocated to the Other Third-Party Brand Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory, determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Initial Closing Pre-Closing Products” means (a) any products included in the Initial Closing Transferred Assets and (b) any products at any time manufactured or sold by the Sellers in the conduct of the portion of the Business in the Initial Closing Territory prior to the Initial Closing.

Initial Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule” means the draft schedule of the Initial Closing Net Working Capital Amount, the Initial Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, the Initial Closing DP Amount, the Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, the Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, the Initial Closing Retained Assets Amount and the Initial Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, which shall include the Initial Closing Amounts Surplus, if any, and the Initial Closing Amounts Deficit, if any.

Initial Closing Purchase Price” means the portion of the Purchase Price allocated to the Initial Closing.

Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) the Net Book Value of all Residual Transferred Assets included in the Initial Closing Transferred Assets as of the Initial Closing Date, determined in accordance with the Initial Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology, multiplied by (b) the Initial Closing Volume Percentage.

Initial Closing Residual Transferred Assets Purchase Price Component” means an amount equal to the portion of the Initial Closing Purchase Price as of the date hereof allocated to Residual Transferred Assets in the Initial Closing Territory (other than the portion of the Residual Transferred Assets allocable to the DP Brand Business and the Other Third-Party Brand Business), determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

 

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Initial Closing Retained Assets” means, collectively, (a) the assets included within the Initial Closing Net Working Capital that are designated on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule as not being included within the Initial Closing Transferred Assets and (b) the assets included within the Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities that are designated on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule as not being included within the Initial Closing Transferred Assets.

Initial Closing Retained Assets Amount” means an amount equal to the Net Book Value of the Initial Closing Retained Assets on the Initial Closing Date, determined in accordance with the Initial Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Initial Closing Retained Liabilities” means, collectively, (a) the liabilities included within the Initial Closing Net Working Capital that are designated on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule as not being included within the Assumed Liabilities and (b) the liabilities included within the Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities that are designated on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule as not being included within the Assumed Liabilities.

Initial Closing Retained Liabilities Amount” means an amount equal to the Net Book Value of the Initial Closing Retained Liabilities on the Initial Closing Date, determined in accordance with the Initial Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Initial Closing Territory” means the geographic area described as the “Initial Closing Territory” in Exhibit G attached to this Agreement.

Initial Closing Transferred Assets” means those Transferred Assets primarily related to, or primarily used or primarily held for use in connection with, the portion of the Business conducted in the Initial Closing Territory.

Initial Closing Volume Percentage” means an amount, expressed as a percentage, equal to the percentage of the standard physical bottle, can and pre-mix case volume sold by the Business in the Initial Closing Territory during the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the Initial Closing that is not allocable to the DP Brand Business or the Other Third-Party Brand Business, as reflected by the information contained in the Initial Closing Financial Information.

Intellectual Property” means all of the following whether arising under the Laws of the United States or of any other jurisdiction: (a) patents, patent applications (including patents issued thereon) and statutory invention registrations, including utility model, non-provisional, provisional, reissues, divisions, continuations, continuations in part, extensions and reexaminations thereof, all rights therein provided by international treaties or conventions; (b) trademarks, service marks, trade names, business names, corporate names, service names, trade dress, logos, and other identifiers of the same, together with all adaptations, derivations, and combinations thereof, including all goodwill associated therewith, and any and all common law rights, and registrations and

 

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applications for registration thereof, all rights therein provided by international treaties or conventions, and all reissues, extensions and renewals of any of the foregoing; (c) internet domain names and social media identifiers, names and profiles; (d) copyrightable works, copyrights, moral rights, mask work rights, database rights and design rights, in each case, other than software, whether or not registered, and registrations and applications for registration thereof, and all rights therein provided by international treaties or conventions; (e) confidential and proprietary information, including inventions, trade secrets, processes, know-how, techniques, protocols, methods, processes, formulae, compositions, architectures, layouts, designs, research and development confidential or proprietary information, customer and supplier lists, technical information, data, specifications, plans, drawings, and blue prints; (f) computer software, including source code, object, executable or binary code, objects, middleware, firmware, embedded code, comments, display screens, user interfaces, report formats, templates, menus, buttons, and icons, and all electronic files, electronic data, materials, manuals, design notes, and other items and documentation related thereto or associated therewith; (g) all other proprietary and intellectual property rights; and (h) all copies and tangible embodiments of any of the foregoing (in whatever form or medium).

Interim Additional Financial Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.02(d)(i).

Interim Annual Data” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.02(d)(i).

Interim Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(b).

Interim Closing Amounts Deficit” means the amount, if any, by which the sum of (a) (i) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Net Working Capital Amount, plus (ii) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, plus (iii) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing DP Amount, plus (iv) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, plus (v) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, minus (vi) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Retained Assets Amount, plus (vii) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, is greater than the sum of (b) (i) the applicable Interim Closing Net Working Capital Amount, plus (ii) the applicable Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, plus (iii) the applicable Interim Closing DP Amount, plus (iv) the applicable Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, plus (v) the applicable Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, minus (vi) the applicable Interim Closing Retained Assets Amount, plus (vii) the applicable Interim Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, as reflected on the applicable Interim Closing Final Amounts Schedule.

Interim Closing Amounts Surplus” means the amount, if any, by which the sum of (a) (i) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Net Working Capital Amount, plus (ii) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, plus (iii) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing DP Amount, plus (iv) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, plus (v) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, minus (vi) the applicable

 

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Estimated Interim Closing Retained Assets Amount, plus (vii) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, is less than the sum of (b) (i) the applicable Interim Closing Net Working Capital Amount, plus (ii) the applicable Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, plus (iii) the applicable Interim Closing DP Amount, plus (iv) the applicable Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, plus (v) the applicable Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, minus (vi) the applicable Interim Closing Retained Assets Amount, plus (vii) the applicable Interim Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, as reflected on the applicable Interim Closing Final Amounts Schedule.

Interim Closing Assumed Liabilities” means those Assumed Liabilities arising from or related to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory.

Interim Closing Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement” means the Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement to be entered into at the applicable Interim Closing by the Sellers and the Buyer in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F.

Interim Closing Cash Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.06(b)(i).

Interim Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(b).

Interim Closing DP Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) the sum of (i) any percentage change (whether positive or negative) in EBITDA generated by the Business solely with respect to the DP Brand Business in the applicable Interim Closing Territory for the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the applicable Interim Closing as compared to such EBITDA for the Sellers’ most recently completed fiscal year for which year-end financial statements are available as of the applicable Interim Closing as reflected in such financial statements, determined in accordance with the applicable Interim Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology, plus (ii) 1, multiplied by (b) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing DP Amount.

Interim Closing DP Purchase Price Component” means an amount equal to the portion of the applicable Interim Closing Purchase Price as of the date hereof allocated to the portion of the DP Brand Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory, determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Interim Closing Final Amounts Schedule” means the schedule of the applicable Interim Closing Net Working Capital Amount, the applicable Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, the applicable Interim Closing DP Amount, the applicable Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, the applicable Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, the applicable Interim Closing Retained Assets Amount and the applicable Interim Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, which shall include a calculation of each of the applicable Interim Closing Amounts Surplus, if any, and the applicable Interim Closing Amounts Deficit, if any, as finally determined pursuant to Section 2.07.

 

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Interim Closing Financial Information” means: (a) components of (i) the unaudited balance sheet with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory as of the applicable Interim Closing Date, and (ii) the unaudited statement of income with respect to the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory for the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the applicable Interim Closing, in each case, in a format consistent with the 2014 Data and determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology; (b) case volume information by brand for the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the applicable Interim Closing; and (c) updates of Sections 2.01(a)(i), 2.01(a)(ii), 2.01(a)(iii), 2.01(a)(iv)-1 and 2.01(a)(iv)-2 of the Disclosure Schedule (but only with respect to the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets listed thereon) to update the description of the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets as of the applicable Interim Closing to be consistent with the unaudited balance sheet of the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory as of the applicable Interim Closing Date.

Interim Closing Funding Letter” means a letter specifying the funding to be provided by the Sellers or their Affiliates with respect to the applicable Interim Closing Territory for the remainder of the calendar year in which the applicable Interim Closing occurs and the following calendar year.

Interim Closing Net Working Capital” means (a) the current assets of the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory and listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule, including all cash located in the Subject Equipment as reflected in the full service change fund, less (b) the current liabilities of the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory and listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule.

Interim Closing Net Working Capital Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) (i) the Net Book Value of the current assets of the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory and listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule, including all cash located in the Subject Equipment as reflected in the full service change fund, less (ii) the Net Book Value of the current liabilities of the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory and listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule, in each case, as of the applicable Interim Closing Date and determined in accordance with the guidelines set forth on Section B-1 of the Disclosure Schedule and in accordance with the applicable Interim Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology, multiplied by (b) the applicable Interim Closing Volume Percentage.

Interim Closing Notice of Dispute” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b)(iii).

 

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Interim Closing NWC Purchase Price Component” means an amount equal to the portion of the applicable Interim Closing Purchase Price as of the date hereof allocated to the Net Working Capital for the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory (other than the portion of the Net Working Capital allocable to the DP Brand Business and the Other Third-Party Brand Business), determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities” means, collectively, the assets of the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory and listed on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule and the liabilities of the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory and listed on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule.

Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) (i) the Net Book Value of the assets of the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory and listed on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule, less (ii) the Net Book Value of the liabilities of the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory and listed on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule, in each case, as of the applicable Interim Closing Date and determined in accordance with the applicable Interim Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology, multiplied by (b) the applicable Interim Closing Volume Percentage.

Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Purchase Price Component” means an amount equal to the portion of the applicable Interim Closing Purchase Price as of the date hereof allocated to the Other Assets and Liabilities in the applicable Interim Closing Territory (other than the portion of the such Other Assets and Liabilities allocable to the DP Brand Business and the Other Third-Party Brand Business), determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) the sum of (i) any percentage change (whether positive or negative) in EBITDA generated by the Business solely with respect to the Other Third-Party Brand Business in the applicable Interim Closing Territory for the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the applicable Interim Closing as compared to such EBITDA for the Sellers’ most recently completed fiscal year for which year-end financial statements are available as of the applicable Interim Closing as reflected in such financial statements, determined in accordance with the applicable Interim Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology, plus (ii) 1, multiplied by (b) the applicable Estimated Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount.

Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Purchase Price Component” means an amount equal to the portion of the applicable Interim Closing Purchase Price as of the date hereof allocated to the Other Third-Party Brand Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory, determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

 

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Interim Closing Pre-Closing Products” means (a) any products included in the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets and (b) any products at any time manufactured or sold by the Sellers in the conduct of the portion of the Business in the applicable Interim Closing Territory prior to the applicable Interim Closing.

Interim Closing Preliminary Amounts Schedule” means the draft schedule of the applicable Interim Closing Net Working Capital Amount, the applicable Interim Closing Other Third-Party Brand Amount, the applicable Interim Closing DP Amount, the applicable Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount, the applicable Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities Amount, the applicable Interim Closing Retained Assets Amount and the applicable Interim Closing Retained Liabilities Amount, which shall include the applicable Interim Closing Amounts Surplus, if any, and the applicable Interim Closing Amounts Deficit, if any.

Interim Closing Purchase Price” means the portion of the Purchase Price allocated to each Interim Closing.

Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Amount” means an amount equal to the product of (a) the Net Book Value of all Residual Transferred Assets included in the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets as of the applicable Interim Closing Date, determined in accordance with the applicable Interim Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology, multiplied by (b) the applicable Interim Closing Volume Percentage.

Interim Closing Residual Transferred Assets Purchase Price Component” means an amount equal to the portion of the applicable Interim Closing Purchase Price as of the date hereof allocated to Residual Transferred Assets in the applicable Interim Closing Territory (other than the portion of the Residual Transferred Assets allocable to the DP Brand Business and the Other Third-Party Brand Business), determined in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Interim Closing Retained Assets” means, collectively, (a) the assets included within the applicable Interim Closing Net Working Capital that are designated on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule as not being included within the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets and (b) the assets included within the applicable Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities that are designated on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule as not being included within the applicable Interim Closing Transferred Assets.

Interim Closing Retained Assets Amount” means an amount equal to the Net Book Value of the applicable Interim Closing Retained Assets on the applicable Interim Closing Date, determined in accordance with the applicable Interim Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Interim Closing Retained Liabilities” means, collectively, (a) the liabilities included within the applicable Interim Closing Net Working Capital that are designated on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule as not being included within the Assumed Liabilities and (b) the liabilities included within the applicable Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities that are designated on Section C of the Disclosure Schedule as not being included within the Assumed Liabilities.

 

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Interim Closing Retained Liabilities Amount” means an amount equal to the Net Book Value of the applicable Interim Closing Retained Liabilities on the applicable Interim Closing Date, determined in accordance with the applicable Interim Closing Financial Information and the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Interim Closing Territory” means the geographic area described as the “first Interim Closing Territory” or the “second Interim Closing Territory”, as applicable, in Exhibit G attached to this Agreement.

Interim Closing Transferred Assets” means those Transferred Assets primarily related to, or primarily used or primarily held for use in connection with, the portion of the Business conducted in the applicable Interim Closing Territory.

Interim Closing Volume Percentage” means an amount, expressed as a percentage, equal to the percentage of the standard physical bottle, can and pre-mix case volume sold by the Business in the applicable Interim Closing Territory during the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the applicable Interim Closing that is not allocable to the DP Brand Business or the Other Third-Party Brand Business, as reflected by the information contained in the applicable Interim Closing Financial Information.

Interim Quarterly Data” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.02(d)(iii).

Key Subject Equipment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10(a).

Knowledge of the Sellers” means (1) the actual knowledge, or knowledge that would be obtained after a reasonable inquiry, of (a) J. Alexander M. Douglas, Jr., Louis Martin, Doug Herndon, Steven F. Hauser, Daniel Steidle, William F. Lummus, Richard A. Kruse, Jeff Turney and Darin Rice, (b) only with respect to the representations set forth in Sections 3.13 (Employment Matters) and 3.14 (Employee Benefits Matters), Michael Van Aken, (c) only with respect to the representations set forth in Section 3.10 (Real Property), Matthew Fanoe, (d) only with respect to the representations set forth in Section 3.22 (Tax Matters), Stephen Kremer, and (e) only with respect to the representations set forth in Section 3.11 (Environmental Matters), Bruce Karas, together in each case with any individuals who succeed to the positions held by the foregoing individuals between the date of this Agreement and the applicable Closing Date, and (2) the actual knowledge (without any inquiry) of Sunil Ghatnekar as of July 1, 2015.

Law” means any applicable U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. statute, law (including common law), ordinance, regulation, rule, code, order or other requirement or rule of law.

Leased Real Property” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(a)(i).

 

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Legacy Territory” means all geographic territory (other than the Sub-Bottling Territory) in which the Buyer and its Affiliates are authorized by TCCC to market, promote, distribute, and sell Coca-Cola products under bottle contracts and distribution agreements, including those that are or will be described in Exhibit D to the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement.

Lien” means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, option, easement, encroachment, right of way, right of first refusal, security interest, encumbrance, claim, lien or charge of any kind.

Losses” means all losses, damages, costs, deficiencies, judgments, expenses, interest, awards, liabilities, fines, penalties, obligations and claims of any kind (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred in connection therewith).

Material Adverse Effect” means any state of facts, event, change, condition, effect, circumstance or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on (x) the business condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities, operations or the results of the operations of the Business or the Transferred Assets, or (y) the ability of the Sellers to perform their obligations under this Agreement or the Companion Agreements or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby; provided, however, that for purposes of clause (x) of this definition, none of the following shall be taken into account in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would be reasonably likely to occur (except with respect to clauses (a), (c) or (f) below, to the extent such state of facts, event, change, condition, effect, circumstance or occurrence has had a disproportionate effect on the Business taken as a whole compared to other participants in the soft drink distribution industry): (a) an event or series of events or circumstances affecting (i) the United States or global economy generally or capital or financial markets generally, including changes in interest or exchange rates, (ii) political conditions generally of the United States or any other country or jurisdiction in which a Seller operates or (iii) the soft drink distribution industry generally (including demand and the availability and pricing of raw materials, marketing and transportation); (b) the negotiation, execution or the announcement of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Companion Agreements; (c) any changes in applicable Law; (d) actions required to be taken or prohibited pursuant to this Agreement or taken with the Buyer’s consent or at the Buyer’s request; (e) the effect of any action taken by Buyer or its Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby; (f) any hostilities, acts of war, sabotage, terrorism or military actions, or any earthquakes, hurricanes, pandemics or other natural disasters, or any other force majeure event, whether or not caused by any Person, or any national or international calamity or crisis, or any escalation or worsening of any of the foregoing events; or (g) the failure to meet internal or published projections, estimates or forecasts of revenues, earnings or other measures of financial or operating performance for any period (provided, that the underlying causes of any such failure may be considered in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect exists).

Material Contracts” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.12(a).

 

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Material Permits” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.07(a).

Missing Equipment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10(b).

Missing Equipment Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10(b).

Net Book Value” means net book value as reflected on the books and records of the Sellers as of the applicable Closing Date or as of another specified date if expressly provided for herein.

Net Working Capital” means the Final Closing Net Working Capital, the applicable Interim Closing Net Working Capital and/or the Initial Closing Net Working Capital, as the case may be.

New Business Contract” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.17.

New Contract” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.17.

Notice of Dispute” means the Initial Closing Notice of Dispute, an Interim Closing Notice of Dispute or the Final Closing Notice of Dispute, as applicable.

Obsolete Inventory” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.14(d).

Other Assets and Liabilities” means the Final Closing Other Assets and Liabilities, the applicable Interim Closing Other Assets and Liabilities and/or the Initial Closing Other Assets and Liabilities, as the case may be.

Other Third-Party Brand Business” means the portion of the Business relating to the exclusively licensed distribution, promotion, marketing and sale of shelf-stable, ready to drink third party beverage brands listed on Section D of the Disclosure Schedule (and any other third party beverage brands as may be mutually agreed by the parties hereto) in the Territory by the Sellers under license by the applicable brand owner to the Sellers, including any assets and liabilities (including Retained Assets and Retained Liabilities) allocated to such portion of the Business consistent with the Agreed Financial Methodology.

Owned Real Property” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(a)(i).

Partial Assignments and Releases” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.17.

Permitted Liens” means the following Liens: (a) Liens for property Taxes, assessments or other governmental charges or levies that are not yet due or payable or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; (b) statutory Liens of landlords; (c) Liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen, repairmen and other Liens imposed by Law for amounts not yet due or that are being contested in good faith; (d) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance or other types of social security; (e) Liens resulting from any facts or circumstances

 

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relating to the Buyer or its Affiliates; (f) zoning, building, development and land use restrictions; (g) Liens described on Section 3.10(a) or Section 3.10(b) to the Disclosure Schedule as of the date hereof; (h) with respect to the Surveyed Properties, matters that would be shown by an accurate up-to-date survey as of the date hereof; and (i) any matters that would be shown by an accurate up-to-date survey and any other covenants, conditions, restrictions, rights of way, easements, licenses and other non-monetary Liens and irregularities in title to the extent that such additional matters described in this clause (i) do not materially interfere with the present use or occupancy of the relevant Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property or impose a material obligation on the owner of an Owned Real Property or the lessee of a Leased Real Property.

Person” means any natural person, general or limited partnership, corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, firm, association or organization or other legal entity.

Phase I Environmental Assessments” means the Phase I Environmental Assessments prepared by Antea for the purposes of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement pursuant to the proposal of Antea to the Sellers.

Pre-Closing Material Contract” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(a)(v).

Pre-Closing Products” means the Initial Closing Pre-Closing Products, any Interim Closing Pre-Closing Products, and the Final Closing Pre-Closing Products, as applicable.

Production APA” means a binding, definitive acquisition agreement to be entered into between the Buyer and/or one or more of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Sellers and/or one or more of their Affiliates, on the other hand, with respect to the sale by the Sellers to the Buyer of the assets primarily used in the Production Business at (a) the Combo Center, (b) the Sellers’ plant located at 1710 Elton Rd, Silver Spring, MD and (c) the Sellers’ plant located at 701 N. Kresson St., Baltimore, MD, on terms mutually reasonably agreeable to the Buyer and the Sellers, which shall include the obligation of the Buyer and the Sellers (or their applicable Affiliates) to enter into, at each closing contemplated by such acquisition agreement, a Regional Manufacturing Agreement to support a broader national product supply system.

Production Business” means the business that the Sellers are engaged in related to the manufacturing or production of Coca-Cola and other beverage products, but specifically excluding the marketing, promotion, distribution and sale of Coca-Cola and other beverage products.

Purchase Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04.

RCS Logistics and Transportation Services Agreement” means documentation that reflects the agreed operating arrangement among the Sellers (as applicable) and Red Classic Services LLC (or one of its Affiliates) relating to the provision of logistics and transportation services to the Sellers by Red Classic Services LLC (or one of its Affiliates), on terms and conditions and in a form mutually agreed between the Sellers and the Buyer.

 

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Real Property” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.10(c).

Recognized Environmental Condition” or “REC” means (a) any condition identified as a recognized environmental condition, or any asbestos identified as friable or damaged and requiring abatement to comply with applicable legal requirements, in any Phase I Environmental Assessment (or any updates thereto made in accordance with Section 5.19(a)) or (b) any condition, discovered or identified in the course of performance of Environmental Activities hereunder in connection with any Phase I Environmental Assessment (or any updates thereto made in accordance with Section 5.19(a)), that falls within the definition of “recognized environmental condition” set forth in the American Society for Testing and Materials Standard E1527 05 as of the applicable Closing Date for which investigation or remediation is required by applicable Environmental Law for the continued use of the real property for industrial or commercial purposes only.

Regional Manufacturing Agreement” means a regional manufacturing agreement in a form to be mutually agreed to by the Buyer and the Sellers to support a broader national product supply system.

Release” means any releasing, disposing, discharging, injecting, spilling, leaking, pumping, dumping, emitting, escaping or emptying of Hazardous Substances into the soil, surface waters, groundwater, land, stream sediments, surface or subsurface strata and ambient air.

Representative” of a Person means a director, manager, officer, employee, advisor, agent, stockholder, member, partner, consultant, accountant, investment banker or other representative of such Person.

Residual Transferred Assets” means all Transferred Assets, except (a) the intangible rights included within the DP Brand Business and the intangible rights included within the Other Third-Party Brand Business, (b) the Transferred Assets included in the Net Working Capital and (c) the Transferred Assets included in the Other Assets and Liabilities.

Retained Assets” means, collectively, the Initial Closing Retained Assets, the Interim Closing Retained Assets and the Final Closing Retained Assets.

Retained Liabilities” means, collectively, the Initial Closing Retained Liabilities, the Interim Closing Retained Liabilities and the Final Closing Retained Liabilities.

Seller” or “Sellers” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Shared Contract” means any contract or agreement that relates to both the Business and the businesses retained by the Sellers and/or their Affiliates, provided in no event shall a national or worldwide contract (for example, global commodities

 

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procurement agreements) of the Sellers or their Affiliates be deemed to be a “Shared Contract”. For the avoidance of doubt, all Shared Contracts are expressly excluded from the respective definitions of, and should not be considered, “Material Contracts” or “Specified Non-Transferring Contracts”.

Six-Month Treasury Rate” means the rate set forth for the applicable Closing Date (determined on the first Business Day after the applicable Closing Date) at http://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/h15/update/ in the row titled “Treasury constant maturities, Nominal, 6-months”.

Specified Non-Transferring Contracts” means (a) the license or distribution agreements currently in effect between CCR and the parties listed on Section 7.01(a)(iv) of the Disclosure Schedule, Section 7.02(a)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule or Section 7.03(a)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule and (b) those other agreements expressly identified in Section 3.12(a)(xvii) of the Disclosure Schedule or Section 3.12(a)(xviii) of the Disclosure Schedule as “Specified Non-Transferring Contracts”.

Sub-Bottling Territory” means (a) the Territory and (b) the geographic territory described in Exhibit C to (i) that certain Comprehensive Beverage Agreement, dated as of May 23, 2014, by and among CCR, TCCC and the Buyer, (ii) that certain Comprehensive Beverage Agreement, dated as of October 24, 2014, by and among CCR, TCCC and the Buyer, (iii) that certain Comprehensive Beverage Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2015, by and among CCR, TCCC and the Buyer, (iv) that certain Comprehensive Beverage Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2015, by and among CCR, TCCC and the Buyer and (v) that certain Comprehensive Beverage Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2015, by and among CCR, TCCC and the Buyer, in each case as amended.

Subject Equipment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(a)(iii).

Subject Equipment Threshold” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10(b).

Subsidiary” of any Person means any corporation, general or limited partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, limited liability partnership or other Person that is a legal entity, trust or estate of which (or in which) (a) the issued and outstanding capital stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors (or a majority of another body performing similar functions) of such corporation or other Person (irrespective of whether at the time capital stock of any other class or classes of such corporation or other Person shall or might have voting power upon the occurrence of any contingency), (b) more than fifty percent (50%) of the interest in the capital or profits of such partnership, joint venture or limited liability company or (c) more than fifty percent (50%) of the beneficial interest in such trust or estate, is at the time of determination directly or indirectly owned or Controlled by such Person.

Substitute Subject Equipment” means any cold drink and vending equipment included in the Subject Equipment at a Closing (other than the Key Subject Equipment) that (a) the Buyer or the Sellers are able, in the ordinary course of business, to locate prior to delivery of the applicable Missing Equipment Notice, (b) has an Agreed

 

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Replacement Value (which, for Subject Equipment that the Sellers do not possess the records to determine the Agreed Replacement Value, shall be calculated consistent with “Remaining Value” as set forth in Section E of the Disclosure Schedule) comparable to, is in the same equipment category as, and has a Weighted Average Value identical to, the Key Subject Equipment that the Buyer has failed to locate or the existence of which the Buyer has failed to determine during the six (6) months following the delivery by the Sellers to the Buyer of the applicable Closing Key Subject Equipment Schedule, (c) (i) the Sellers have assigned a Net Book Value greater than $20 as of the applicable Closing Date or (ii) for Subject Equipment that the Sellers do not possess the records to determine the actual Net Book Value, would have a deemed Net Book Value greater than $20 (calculated by dividing (A) the “Average Cost” of the category of equipment set forth in Section E of the Disclosure Schedule into which the applicable item of equipment falls by (B) the “UEL” (or “Useful Estimated Life”) of such equipment set forth in Section E of the Disclosure Schedule, and multiplying that number by the difference of (x) the Useful Estimated Life of such equipment minus (y) the difference of (i) the year in which the applicable Closing occurs, minus (ii) the year in which such equipment was manufactured (such difference described in subclause (y) being referred to herein as the “Equipment Age”); if the Equipment Age of such item of equipment exceeds its “Useful Estimated Life”, its Net Book Value will be deemed to be zero), (d) has neither been serviced within the twenty-four (24) months prior to the applicable Closing Date nor produced revenue within the twelve (12) months prior to the applicable Closing Date, and (e) is in good operating condition and in a state of good maintenance and repair consistent with current industry standards, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

Supplier” means each of the twenty (20) largest suppliers to the Business in the portion of the Territory being transferred at the Initial Closing, any Interim Closing and the Final Closing, in each case as measured by the dollar amount of purchases made by the Sellers and their Affiliates solely in connection with the Business during the twelve (12) month period ended on the date hereof.

Survey” means either a new survey obtained by the Buyer with respect to any of the Real Property or any update of an Existing Survey obtained by the Buyer.

Surveyed Properties” means the Owned Real Property and the Critical Leased Property identified on Section F of the Disclosure Schedule for which as of the date hereof Surveys exist.

Tangible Personal Property” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(a)(iv).

Target Net Working Capital Amount” means an amount equal to the four (4) quarter average “NWC” (as defined in this paragraph) for 2014 in each of the Initial Closing Territory, each Interim Closing Territory and the Final Closing Territory, as applicable. As used herein, “NWC” means (a) the Net Book Value of the current assets of the Business listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule, including all cash located in the Subject Equipment as reflected in the full service change fund, less (b) the Net Book Value of the current liabilities of the Business listed on Section B-2 of the Disclosure Schedule, in each case, as of the Sellers’ last accounting day of each fiscal

 

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quarter in 2014 and determined in accordance with the guidelines set forth on Section B-1 of the Disclosure Schedule and in accordance with the Agreed Financial Methodology and the Initial Closing Financial Information, Interim Closing Financial Information, or Final Closing Financial Information, as applicable.

Tax” or “Taxes” means all income, excise, gross receipts, ad valorem, sales, use, employment, franchise, profits, gains, property, transfer, payroll, intangibles or other taxes, fees, stamp taxes, duties, charges, levies or assessments of any kind whatsoever (whether payable directly or by withholding), together with any interest and any penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts imposed by any Tax authority with respect thereto.

Tax Assets” means all Tax refunds, credits, losses or rebates attributable to a taxable period (or portion thereof) beginning on or prior to the applicable Closing Date and prepayments of Taxes made on or prior to the applicable Closing Date.

Tax Returns” means all returns and reports (including elections, declarations, disclosures, schedules, claims for refunds, estimates and information returns) required to be supplied to a Tax authority relating to Taxes.

TCCC” means The Coca-Cola Company, a Delaware corporation.

TCCC Indemnified Parties” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03.

TCCC Names” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.12.

Terminating Buyer Breach” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01(c).

Terminating Seller Breach” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01(d).

Territory” means, collectively, the Initial Closing Territory, each Interim Closing Territory and the Final Closing Territory.

Third Party Claim” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04(a).

Third Party Claim Response Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04(a).

Third Party Intellectual Property” means any Intellectual Property owned by a third party that is incorporated into or otherwise used in the Transferred Assets, other than the Transferred Licensed Intellectual Property.

Threshold Calculation” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10(b).

Title Commitment” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.15(a).

Title Defects” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.15(b).

Titled Vehicles” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.20.

 

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Transaction Taxes” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.

Transferred Assets” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(a).

Transferred Fountain Equipment” means all fountain equipment owned by CCR (including, for example, fountain equipment owned by CCR situated on the property of local fountain customers) that (a) is primarily related to, or primarily used or primarily held for use in connection with, the Business and (b) primarily supports the sale of post-mix products to LMP customers in the Territory.

Transferred Licensed Intellectual Property” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(a)(ix).

Transition Services Agreement” means the Transition Services Agreement(s) among the Sellers (or their Affiliates) and the Buyer in a form to be mutually agreed among the Sellers and the Buyer.

Union” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.13(b).

US FDA” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.16(a).

Weighted Average Value” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10(a).

 

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EXHIBIT B

FORM OF DEED1

This space reserved for recording information

 

After recording, return to:

[Moore & Van Allen PLLC

100 North Tryon Street

Suite 4700

Charlotte, North Carolina 28202

Attention: John V. McIntosh

E. Beauregarde Fisher III]

SPECIAL WARRANTY DEED

 

STATE OF [●] )       
       ) SS:
COUNTY OF [●]   )     

THIS INDENTURE, made as of the      day of             , 2015, between COCA-COLA REFRESHMENTS USA, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Grantor”), and COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED,2 a Delaware corporation (“Grantee”), whose mailing address is [4100 Coca-Cola Plaza, Charlotte, North Carolina 28211].

W I T N E S S E T H:

That Grantor, for the sum of Ten Dollars ($10.00) and other good and valuable consideration, in hand paid at and before the sealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, has granted, bargained, sold, aliened, conveyed and confirmed and by these presents does grant, bargain, sell, alien, convey and confirm unto Grantee, all of those tracts or parcels of land described on Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof (herein called the “Land”), together with the buildings and improvements thereon (collectively, the “Property”).

 

 

1  NTD: To include such modifications as to form (but not the scope of warranty) as are necessary to conform to applicable local requirements.
2  NTD: Prior to Closing, CCBCC may assign its rights to acquire the real estate to one of its wholly owned subsidiaries as contemplated by Section 10.06 of the Purchase Agreement.


TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said Property, together with all and singular the rights, members, easements and appurtenances thereof, and all interest of Grantor (if any) in and to alleys, streets, and rights of way adjacent to or abutting the Land to the same being, belonging or in any wise appertaining to the Land, to the only proper use, benefit and behoof of Grantee, forever, IN FEE SIMPLE.

This Deed and the warranty of title contained herein are made expressly subject to each of the matters set forth in Exhibit B, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference (collectively, the “Permitted Liens”).

Except as to any claims arising from or with respect to the Permitted Liens, Grantor will warrant and forever defend the right and title to the Property unto Grantee against the lawful claims of all persons owning, holding or claiming by, through or under Grantor, but not otherwise.

(The words “Grantor” and “Grantee” include all genders, plural and singular, and their respective heirs, successors and assigns where the context requires or permits.)

[signature appears on following page]

 

2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantor has signed and sealed this deed, the day and year first above written.

 

GRANTOR:

COCA-COLA REFRESHMENTS USA, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

Signed, sealed and delivered
in the presence of:

 

Unofficial Witness

 

Notary Public
(NOTARY SEAL)
My Commission Expires:

 

EXHIBIT A - LEGAL DESCRIPTION

 

EXHIBIT B - PERMITTED EXCEPTIONS

Signature Page to Special Warranty Deed


EXHIBIT A

to Special Warranty Deed

Legal Description

[to be inserted]


EXHIBIT B

to Special Warranty Deed

Permitted Liens

All easements, covenants, conditions, restrictions and other encumbrances of record or that would be disclosed by an accurate survey or inspection of the Property, but without limitation on any representations and warranties of Grantor set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2015, by and between Grantor and Grantee.


EXHIBIT C

FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF LEASE

This ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF LEASE (this “Assignment”) is made and entered into effective as of             , 2015 (the “Effective Date”), by and between COCA-COLA REFRESHMENTS USA, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Assignor”), and COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED,1 a Delaware corporation (“Assignee”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Assignor is the tenant under that certain [DESCRIBE LEASE] (the “Lease”), for the demised premises described therein as set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto (the “Premises”); and

WHEREAS, in connection with that certain Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2015 (the “Purchase Agreement”), by and among Assignor and Assignee, Assignor has agreed to assign all of its right, title and interest in and to the Lease to Assignee, and Assignee has agreed to accept such assignment and assume and perform Assignor’s liabilities and obligations arising under the Lease from and after the Closing, all in accordance with this Assignment and the Purchase Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the parties agree as follows:

1. Assignment. Assignor hereby assigns, transfers, and delivers to Assignee all of Assignor’s right, title and interest as lessee or tenant in and to the Lease and all of the rights, benefits and privileges of the lessee or tenant thereunder, together with all security and other deposits and advance rent, if any, paid by Assignor under the Lease, to the extent provided under the Purchase Agreement.

2. Assumption. Assignee hereby assumes all liabilities and obligations of Assignor under the Lease (arising on and after the Closing) and agrees to perform all obligations of Assignor under the Lease, to the extent provided under the Purchase Agreement.

3. Governing Law. This Assignment will be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware (regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof).

4. Further Assurances. Assignor covenants with Assignee and Assignee covenants with Assignor that each will execute or procure any additional documents necessary to establish the rights of the other hereunder.

 

 

1 NTD: Prior to Closing, CCBCC may assign its rights to acquire the real estate leases to one of its wholly owned subsidiaries as contemplated by Section 10.06 of the Purchase Agreement.


5. Counterparts. This Assignment may be executed by the parties in counterparts (including by means of facsimile or PDF signature pages delivered electronically), in which event the signature pages thereof shall be combined in order to constitute a single original document.

6. Binding Effect. This Assignment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Assignor, Assignee and their respective successors and assigns.

7. Terms of the Purchase Agreement. The terms of the Purchase Agreement are incorporated herein by this reference. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of the Purchase Agreement and the terms of this Assignment, the terms of the Purchase Agreement will govern.

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank.]

 

2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Assignment as of the Effective Date.

 

ASSIGNOR:
COCA-COLA REFRESHMENTS USA, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
ASSIGNEE:
COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

Signature Page to Assignment and Assumption of Lease


EXHIBIT A

Description of Premises

[INCLUDE LEGAL DESCRIPTION FROM LEASE]


EXHIBIT D

Comprehensive Beverage Agreement

 

THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into with effect from [Insert Date], by and among THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (“Company”); COCA-COLA REFRESHMENTS USA, INC. (“CCR”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Company; and COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED, a Delaware corporation (“Bottler”).

 

I RECITALS

 

  A. Company has authorized CCR to, among other things, distribute, promote, market, and sell in defined geographic territories certain shelf-stable, ready-to-drink beverages and related products identified on Exhibit A, as may be updated from time to time, and has granted to CCR the right to use the Trademarks listed on Exhibit B, as may be updated from time to time, to identify and distinguish such beverages and related products.

 

  B. CCR desires to grant to Bottler, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the rights and obligations that CCR has received from Company to distribute, promote, market, and sell such beverages and related products in the Territory identified on Exhibit C, as may be updated from time to time, and an exclusive sub-license to use the Trademarks solely in connection with the distribution, promotion, marketing, and sale of such beverages and related products in the Territory.

 

  C. Company desires to consent to such grant, subject to agreement by CCR and Bottler to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

  D. Company has a vested and legitimate interest in maintaining, promoting and safeguarding the overall performance, efficiency and integrity of Company’s production, distribution and sales system, in general, and of the performance of CCR and Bottler under this Agreement, in particular, and thus desires to be a party to this Agreement and to fulfill certain obligations and benefit from certain covenants as specified herein.

 

  E. Company and Bottler are parties to certain preexisting contracts identified on Exhibit D under which Bottler is, among other things, authorized to manufacture in certain authorized containers, and distribute, promote, market, and sell, Coca-Cola and other beverages marketed under trademarks owned by or licensed to Company, including through Direct Store Delivery (DSD), in the territories identified in such contracts. The execution and delivery of this Agreement will not affect any of the rights or obligations of the parties to such contracts, each of which will remain in force and effect in accordance with their respective terms.

 

  F. Although Bottler is not authorized under this Agreement to produce Company’s beverage products for sale and distribution in the Territory, Bottler will continue to be identified as “Bottler” in this Agreement, because the parties believe that use of the term “Bottler” is important to historical and continuing commercial relationships between Bottler and customers, consumers, and communities in Bottler’s territory.


Company, CCR and Bottler agree as follows:

 

II. DEFINITIONS

“Affiliate” means, as to any Person, another Person that Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with the first Person.

“Agreement” means this Comprehensive Beverage Agreement among Company, CCR, and Bottler, as hereafter amended by the parties in accordance with the provisions hereof.

“Alternate Route to Market Beverage” means any Covered Beverage or Related Product that is identified through the Governance Process as an “Alternate Route to Market Beverage.”

“Alternate Route to Market Channel” means any sales channel that is identified through the Governance Process as an “Alternate Route to Market Channel.”

“Alternate Route to Market Customer” means any customer that is identified through the Governance Process as an “Alternate Route to Market Customer.”

“Beneficial Owner” means a Person having Beneficial Ownership of any securities.

“Beneficial Ownership” means (i) voting power which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, any securities, or (ii) investment power which includes the power to dispose, or to direct the Disposition of, any securities; provided further Beneficial Ownership will include any such voting power or investment power which any person has or shares, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise; provided, however, that the following persons will not be deemed to have acquired Beneficial Ownership under the circumstances described: (a) a person engaged in business as an underwriter of securities who acquires securities through his participation in good faith in a firm commitment underwriting registered under the Securities Act of 1933 will not be deemed to be the Beneficial Owner of such securities until such time as such underwriter completes its participation in the underwriting and will not thereupon or thereafter be deemed to be the Beneficial Owner of the securities acquired by other members of any underwriting syndicate or selected dealers in connection with such underwriting solely by reason of customary underwriting or selected dealer arrangements; (b) a member of a national securities exchange will not be deemed to be a Beneficial Owner of securities held directly or indirectly by it on behalf of another person solely because such member is the record holder of such securities and, pursuant to the rules of such exchange, may direct the vote of such securities, without instruction, on other than contested matters or matters that may affect substantially the rights or privileges of the holders of the securities to be voted, but is otherwise precluded by the rules of such exchange from voting without instruction; (c) the holder of a proxy solicited by the Board of Directors of Bottler for the voting of securities of such Bottler at any annual or special meeting and any adjournment or adjournments thereof of the stockholders of such Bottler will not be deemed to be a Beneficial Owner of the securities that are the subject of the proxy solely for such reason; and (d) a Person who in the ordinary course of his business is a pledgee of securities under a written pledge agreement will not be a Beneficial Owner until the pledgee has taken all formal steps which are required to declare a default and determines that the power to vote or to direct the vote or to dispose or to direct the disposition of such pledged securities will be exercised.

“Beverage” means a non-alcoholic, shelf-stable beverage in pre-packaged, ready-to-drink form in bottles, cans or other factory-sealed containers, but does not include any Beverage Components.

“Beverage Component” means a beverage syrup, beverage concentrate, beverage base, beverage flavor, beverage sweetener, beverage mix, beverage powder, grounds (such as for coffee), herbs (such as for tea), liquid flavor enhancers, liquid water enhancers, or other beverage component that is not ready to drink but is intended to be mixed with other ingredients before being consumed.

 

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“Company Authorized Supplier” means any Person expressly authorized by Company under a “Comprehensive Beverage Term Processing Appointment” to supply Bottler with Covered Beverages and Related Products for distribution and sale by Bottler in the Territory in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

“Company Owned Distributor” means any Affiliate or operating unit of Company that distributes, promotes, markets, and sells any of the Covered Beverages or Related Products under the Trademarks through Direct Store Delivery in a geographic territory in the United States.

“Confidential Business Information” means any valuable, secret business information, other than Trade Secrets, that is designated or identified as confidential at the time of the disclosure or is by its nature clearly recognizable as confidential information to a reasonably prudent person with knowledge of the Disclosing Party’s business and industry. Confidential Business Information includes any confidential business information provided to Disclosing Party by any third party which Disclosing Party is obligated to hold in confidence as confidential business information.

“Consumer Beverage Component” means a Beverage Component intended for sale to consumers directly or through retail outlets as a shelf stable, factory sealed product to be mixed by consumers with other ingredients, or dispensed from equipment owned by or leased to consumers, outside the premises of any such retail outlets before being consumed. Consumer Beverage Component will not include any Beverage Component that is intended to be used to produce a beverage dispensed from equipment on the premises of any food service customers or other chain or fountain accounts.

“Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the outstanding voting power of a Person.

“Covered Beverage” means a Beverage identified on Exhibit A (as updated from time to time under Paragraphs 5(a) and 5(b)), the formulas for all of which constitute trade secrets owned by or licensed to Company or any of its Affiliates, and will include all Line Extensions of the Beverages identified on Exhibit A and all SKUs or packages for the Beverages identified on Exhibit A.

“Direct Store Delivery” or “DSD” means the distribution method whereby product is delivered from suppliers directly to retail outlet shelves for selection by consumers and does not arrive at the retail outlet via a retailer’s own warehouse or warehouses operated by other wholesalers or by agents of the retailer.

“Disclosing Party” means the party disclosing any Proprietary Information under this Agreement, whether such party is Bottler or Company and whether such disclosure is directly from the Disclosing Party or through the Disclosing Party’s employees or agents.

“Disposition” means any sale, merger, issuance of securities, exchange, transfer, power of attorney, proxy, redemption or any other contract, arrangement, understanding, or transaction in which, or as a result of which, any Person acquires, or obtains any contract, option, conversion privilege or other right to acquire Beneficial Ownership of any securities.

“Effective Date” means [Insert Date].

“Expanding Participating Bottler” means (a) Bottler; (b) a Person that distributes Beverages under the Coca-Cola Trademark and other Trademarks through Direct Store Delivery in a territory in the United

 

3


States of America as of December 31, 2013, and that on or after such date first acquired or acquires through a grant or series of related grants from Company (or a Company Affiliate) the right to distribute all or substantially all of the Covered Beverages and Related Products in one or more geographic territories within the U. S. for which such Person did not have such distribution rights prior to such date, which acquisition(s) result in a net increase (net of any geographic territory in the United States where such Person had the right to distribute Beverages under the Coca-Cola Trademark and other Trademarks through Direct Store Delivery prior to such acquisition(s), and in connection with such acquisition(s) such rights were swapped, relinquished, or terminated) of 30% or more in the aggregate number of physical cases of Covered Beverages and Related Products sold in all of such Person’s U.S. territories, determined based on the 12 month period immediately preceding the consummation of such acquisitions; and (c) a Person that does not distribute Beverages under the Coca-Cola Trademark and other Trademarks through Direct Store Delivery in a territory in the United States of America as of December 31, 2013, and that on or after such date, first acquired or acquires through a grant or series of related grants from Company (or a Company Affiliate) the right to distribute all or substantially all of the Covered Beverages and Related Products in one or more geographic territories within the U. S. (for which such Person did not have such distribution rights prior to such date). For purposes of this Agreement, “Expanding Participating Bottler” does not include any Company Owned Distributor, provided that if, after December 31, 2013, Company grants to any Person (other than a Company Owned Distributor) the distribution rights for all or substantially all of the Covered Beverages and Related Products in one or more geographic territories in the United States previously operated by a Company Owned Distributor, such Person will be deemed an “Expanding Participating Bottler” if it otherwise meets the requirements of this definition.

“Finished Goods Supply Agreement” means the agreement between Bottler and Company (directly or through Coca-Cola Refreshments, Inc. (“CCR”) or another Company Affiliate) or a Company Authorized Supplier, in the form attached as Exhibit E, as amended from time to time.

“Finished Product” means Covered Beverages and Related Products in bottles, cans or other factory-sealed containers supplied by Company (directly or through CCR or another Company Affiliate) or a Company Authorized Supplier pursuant to the Finished Goods Supply Agreement for distribution and sale by Bottler in the Territory in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

“Full Line Operator” means a Person that provides vending or foodservice management services to business, industry, educational, healthcare and public locations and sells a wide range of products which can include candy, cookies, chips, fresh fruit, milk, cold food, coffee and other hot drinks, sparkling beverages, and often frozen products like ice cream.

“Governance Process” means the applicable Coca-Cola System customer governance process as established and in effect from time to time during the Term.

“Governmental Authority” means any government or subdivision thereof, whether foreign or domestic, national, state, county, municipal or regional, any agency or instrumentality of any such government or subdivision thereof, any other governmental entity, or a court.

“Incubation Beverage” means (a) an existing Beverage distinguished by trademarks owned by Company or one of its Affiliates as of the Effective Date that has not achieved sales volume nationally of at least twelve (12) million physical cases and annual sales revenue of at least $100 million USD in the immediately preceding 12 month period; and (b) a Beverage that would otherwise constitute a New Beverage Product but has not achieved sales volume nationally of at least twelve (12) million physical cases and annual sales revenue of at least $100 million USD in the immediately preceding 12 month period. “Incubation Beverage” will not include a Line Extension of a then existing Covered Beverage. Upon achieving the above

 

4


volume and revenue thresholds, an Incubation Beverage will be deemed to be a New Beverage Product subject to Paragraph 5 (and if it becomes a Covered Beverage, it will thereafter continue to be a Covered Beverage regardless of whether it continues to meet the volume and revenue thresholds specified above). A discontinued Covered Beverage cannot thereafter become an Incubation Beverage.

“Line Extension” means (i) with respect to a Covered Beverage, a flavor, calorie or other variation of the Covered Beverage, introduced by Company after the Effective Date that is identified by the primary Trademark that also identifies the Covered Beverage (or any modification of such Trademark (i.e., the addition of a prefix, suffix or other modifier used in conjunction with any such Trademark)), and (ii) with respect to a Related Product, a flavor, calorie or other variation of the Related Product, introduced by Company after the Effective Date, that is identified by the Trademark that also identifies the Related Product (or any modification of such Trademark).

“Multiple Route to Market Beverage” means (i) a Covered Beverage or Related Product that is distributed by Bottler on the Effective Date and is identified on Exhibit A or Exhibit F as a “Multiple Route to Market Beverage”, or (ii) a New Beverage Product that Company determines, in its sole discretion, will be distributed in the Territory through both Direct Store Delivery and other means, and gives written notice of such determination in accordance with Paragraph 5(a). “Multiple Route to Market Beverage” will not include a Line Extension of an existing Covered Beverage or Related Product (other than a Line Extension of a Covered Beverage or Related Product that is a Multiple Route to Market Beverage on the Effective Date), or an SKU or package of an existing Covered Beverage or Related Product (other than a Line Extension of a Covered Beverage or Related Product that is a Multiple Route to Market Beverage on the Effective Date).

“New Beverage Product” means a Beverage or Consumer Beverage Component that (i) Company or any of its Affiliates hereafter develops, acquires, creates, licenses, or otherwise obtains sufficient rights to market, distribute and sell in the Territory, or that Company or any of its Affiliates either does not distribute or distributes via a method other than Direct Store Delivery as of the Effective Date, and (ii) does not appear on Exhibit A or Exhibit F as of the Effective Date, and (iii) Company determines, in its sole discretion, will be distributed in the Territory through Direct Store Delivery after the Effective Date. “New Beverage Product” will not include an Incubation Beverage, Line Extensions of Covered Beverages or Related Products, or new SKUs or packages for Covered Beverages or Related Products.

“Person” means an individual, a corporation, a company, a voluntary association, a partnership, a joint venture, a limited liability company, a trust, an estate, an unincorporated organization, a Governmental Authority, or any other entity.

“Proprietary Information” means Trade Secrets, Confidential Business Information, and any other information or materials that in whole or in part include or are developed or based on any Trade Secrets or Confidential Business Information. Proprietary Information does not include any information that: (i) was in the Receiving Party’s possession without restriction as to confidentiality, before receipt from the Disclosing Party; (ii) is or becomes a matter of public knowledge through no breach of agreement or other fault of the Receiving Party; (iii) is rightfully received by the Receiving Party from a third party without a duty of confidentiality; (iv) is disclosed by the Disclosing Party to a third party without a duty of confidentiality on the third party; (v) is independently developed by the Receiving Party without regard to the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party; or (vi) is disclosed by the Receiving Party with the Disclosing Party’s prior written approval.

 

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“Receiving Party” means the party receiving any Proprietary Information under this Agreement, whether such party is Bottler or Company and whether such disclosure is received directly or through the Receiving Party’s employees or agents.

“Related Agreement” means any agreement between Company and any of Company’s Affiliates and Bottler and any of Bottler’s Affiliates relating to the marketing, promotion, distribution and sale of Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory (e.g., the Finished Goods Supply Agreement).

“Related Product” means a product listed on Exhibit F, as may be updated by the parties from time to time, that does not fall within the definition of “Beverage,” and will include (i) any Consumer Beverage Component that becomes a Related Product under the terms of Paragraph 5, (ii) all Line Extensions of the Related Products identified on Exhibit F, and (iii) all SKUs or packages for the Related Products identified on Exhibit F.

“SKU” means a stock-keeping unit or other uniquely identifiable type of Beverage or other product configuration, distinguished by the use of a different primary or secondary packaging and/or different flavoring or other characteristics from other Beverage or product configurations, such that such configuration requires the use of a separate UPC code to distinguish it from other forms of Beverage or product configurations.

“Term” means the Initial Term and any Additional Term(s).

“Territory” means the territory in which Bottler is authorized to distribute, promote, market, and sell the Covered Beverages and Related Products under this Agreement, as set forth on Exhibit C, as may be updated by the parties from time to time.

“Trade Secrets” mean trade secrets of Disclosing Party as defined under applicable law, as amended from time to time, including, without regard to form, technical or non-technical data, a formula, a pattern, a compilation, a program, a software program, a device, a method, a technique, a drawing, a process, financial data, financial plans, product plans, non-public forecasts, studies, projections, analyses, all customer data of any kind, or a list of actual or potential customers or suppliers, business and contractual relationships, or any information similar to the foregoing that: (i) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known and not being readily ascertainable by proper means to other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and (ii) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy. Trade Secrets include any trade secret information provided to Disclosing Party by any third party which Disclosing Party is obligated to hold in confidence as a trade secret.

“Trademarks” means the trademarks owned or licensed by Company identified on Exhibit B, as may be updated by the parties from time to time.

 

III. GRANT BY CCR OF RIGHTS, AND OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER TO DISTRIBUTE, PROMOTE, MARKET, AND SELL

 

  1. In consideration of payment by Bottler to CCR on a quarterly basis of the Sub-Bottling Payment calculated in accordance with Schedule 1, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, (a) CCR hereby appoints Bottler as the sole and exclusive distributor of Covered Beverages and Related Products under the Trademarks for sale in and throughout the Territory (except as may be provided in this Agreement), and (b) in furtherance of such appointment, CCR hereby authorizes Bottler, and Bottler undertakes, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, to purchase from Company (directly or through CCR or another Company Affiliate) or a Company Authorized Supplier, the Covered Beverages and Related Products, and to distribute, promote, market, and sell such Covered Beverages and Related Products under the Trademarks in and throughout, but only in and throughout, the Territory.

 

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  2. Except as may be provided in this Agreement or as provided by the other party’s prior written consent, neither Company, CCR, nor any other of Company’s Affiliates will sell or distribute, or authorize any other party to sell or distribute, Covered Beverages or Related Products in the Territory; and Bottler will not authorize any wholesalers or other distributors to sell or distribute, within or outside the Territory, Covered Beverages or Related Products supplied to Bottler under the Finished Goods Supply Agreement; provided, however, that Bottler may sell Covered Beverages and Related Products supplied to Bottler under the Finished Goods Supply Agreement to Full Line Operators in the Territory for further distribution of such Covered Beverages and Related Products by such Full Line Operators in the Territory.

 

  a. Company reserves the right to market, promote, distribute and sell, or authorize others to market, promote, distribute and sell, in the Territory (i) any Covered Beverage, Related Product, or other product that is identified through the Governance Process as an “Alternate Route to Market Beverage,” and (ii) any Covered Beverage, Related Product or other product in any sales channel or to any customer that is identified by the Governance Process as an “Alternate Route to Market Channel” or “Alternate Route to Market Customer.” The exception to Paragraph 2 for an Alternate Route to Market Beverage, Alternate Route to Market Channel or Alternate Route to Market Customer will apply only to the extent and for the time period determined and specified by Governance Process.

 

  b. Company and Bottler acknowledge that the sale of certain Covered Beverages or Related Products to certain customers or distributors in the Territory may be required under pre-existing contractual commitments as identified on Schedule 2, and Company and Bottler agree that such sale or distribution may continue until the expiration of such contractual commitments (but neither Company nor any of its Affiliates will exercise any voluntary rights to extend or renew the term of any such contractual commitments, and, if an agreement provides for automatic renewal, Company will use good faith efforts to provide a notice of termination rather than allow the agreement to automatically renew, if Company may do so without breaching the agreement or incurring any penalties).

 

  c. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Paragraph 2, Company and Bottler agree that once an Incubation Beverage ceases to meet the criteria for Incubation Beverage (i.e., by achieving sales volume nationally of at least twelve (12) million physical cases and annual sales revenue of at least $100 million USD in the immediately preceding 12 month period), such beverage will be treated as a New Beverage Product subject to the provisions of Paragraph 5 of this Agreement. To facilitate this transition, Company and Bottler will, as applicable (i) terminate (without compensation or liability to one another) any agreement relating to the distribution, promotion, marketing, or sale of such beverage binding only Company (or one of its Affiliates) and Bottler; or (ii) negotiate in good faith, on terms mutually agreeable to Company and Bottler, the termination of any such agreement binding on any party other than Company (or one of its Affiliates) and Bottler.

 

  3. If Bottler identifies any Beverage offered by a third party in a beverage category for which there is likely substantial demand in the Territory and in which category Company does not have a current or proposed entry, Company will, at Bottler’s request, evaluate such Beverage, and may, in Company’s sole discretion, negotiate a licensing or other business arrangement with such third party that would facilitate distribution and sale of such Beverage in the Territory on terms acceptable to Company and Bottler.

 

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  4. Company has the sole and exclusive right and discretion to reformulate any of the Covered Beverages or Related Products.

 

  5. If Company or any Affiliate of Company proposes to sell or distribute, or authorize the sale or distribution of, any New Beverage Product in the Territory:

 

  a. Any such New Beverage Product will be offered by Company in writing to Bottler (which notice must specify if such New Beverage Product is a Multiple Route to Market Beverage), and Bottler will have the option to market, promote, distribute and sell such New Beverage Product in the Territory pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Bottler’s option under this Paragraph 5(a) must be exercised by Bottler, if at all, by giving Company written notice of such election within sixty (60) days following the date on which Company notifies Bottler in writing that Company intends to introduce the New Beverage Product in the Territory and provides Bottler with an operating plan for, and samples of, the New Beverage Product. If Bottler gives Company timely notice of Bottler’s exercise of such option with respect to a New Beverage Product within such sixty (60) day period, then, in the case of a new Beverage, Exhibit A will be deemed automatically amended by adding such new Beverage to the list of Covered Beverages set forth on Exhibit A, and, in the case of a new Related Product, Exhibit F will be deemed automatically amended by adding such new Related Product to the list of Related Products set forth on Exhibit F. If the new Beverage or new Related Product is a Multiple Route to Market Beverage, then that will be indicated on Exhibit A or Exhibit F, as the case may be. If Bottler does not give Company timely notice of Bottler’s exercise of such option within such period, then Company will have the right to market, promote, distribute and sell or authorize others to market, promote, distribute and sell, in the Territory and otherwise undertake any activity with respect to that New Beverage Product, including use of the Trademarks in connection with the distribution, promotion, marketing, and sale of the New Beverage Product in the Territory. If a New Beverage Product is not owned by Company, then the parties may enter into a separate agreement with respect to the distribution and sale of that New Beverage Product in the Territory. If the Company’s written notice of the New Beverage Product failed to specify that such New Beverage Product is a Multiple Route to Market Beverage and such New Beverage Product becomes a Covered Beverage or Related Product, then the Company may not thereafter elect to designate the Covered Beverage or Related Product as a Multiple Route to Market Beverage.

 

  b. If Company or one of its Affiliates acquires or licenses a New Beverage Product that becomes a Covered Beverage or Related Product under this Paragraph 5, then Bottler’s rights to market, promote, distribute and sell such new Covered Beverage or Related Product will be subject to the terms of any agreements with third parties (including distribution agreements) that may be in effect as of the time that Company (or Company’s Affiliate) acquires or licenses the new Covered Beverage or the new Related Product. Company and Bottler will, as applicable, (i) terminate (without compensation or liability to one another) any agreement relating to the distribution, promotion, marketing or sale of such New Beverage Product binding only Company (or one of its Affiliates) and Bottler (or one of its Affiliates), or (ii) negotiate in good faith, on terms mutually agreeable to Company and Bottler, the termination of any such agreement binding on any party other than Company (or one of its Affiliates) and Bottler (or one of its Affiliates).

 

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  c. Bottler and Company acknowledge that a New Beverage Product may constitute a Multiple Route to Market Beverage if Company provides timely written notice of such designation as contemplated under Paragraph 5(a). Bottler will be the sole and exclusive distributor of the Multiple Route to Market Beverage via Direct Store Delivery in the Territory. However, Company may also distribute the Multiple Route to Market Beverage in the Territory via means other than Direct Store Delivery if it has given timely notice under Paragraph 5(a) that such New Beverage Product is a Multiple Route to Market Beverage, and Company may authorize third parties to distribute the Multiple Route to Market Beverage in the Territory via means other than Direct Store Delivery.

 

  6. Company has the sole and exclusive right and discretion to discontinue, on a temporary or permanent basis, any of the Covered Beverages or Related Products under this Agreement provided (i) any such Covered Beverage is discontinued for all Expanding Participating Bottlers in the United States, and (ii) Company does not discontinue all Covered Beverages under this Agreement. If Company discontinues all SKUs and packages of any Covered Beverage, Exhibit A will be deemed automatically amended by deleting the discontinued Covered Beverage from the list of Covered Beverages. If Company discontinues all SKUs and packages of any Related Product, Exhibit F will be deemed automatically amended by deleting the discontinued Related Product from the list of Related Products. This right must be exercised by Company, if at all, by giving ninety (90) days’ prior written notice to Bottler of such discontinuation. If Company discontinues a Covered Beverage or Related Product as contemplated under this Paragraph 6, then Bottler will have the right to continue to market, promote, distribute and sell unused inventories of the discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product in the Territory in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement for a period not to exceed the earlier of the expiration date of such Covered Beverage or Related Product or six (6) months following Bottler’s receipt of written notice of the discontinuation of such Covered Beverage or Related Product. If Company proposes to reintroduce any such discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product (or reintroduce a Line Extension of a Covered Beverage that is a discontinued Covered Beverage) through any channel of retail distribution and sale in the United States of America, such product shall first be offered to the Bottler under Paragraph 5 (except that such Beverage may not be designated by Company as a Multiple Route to Market Beverage under Paragraph 5(c)). If Company discontinues any Covered Beverage or Related Product and Company or one of its Affiliates subsequently wishes to transfer, assign or sell its rights in and to such discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product (a “Transfer”) to a third party (a “Transferee”) within twelve (12) months following the date which is the later of (x) the date on which Company (through a Company Owned Distributor or otherwise) ceases distribution of a Covered Beverage or Related Product in all SKUs and packages and through all means of distribution, or (y) the expiration of the six (6) month period Bottler has to sell unused inventories of the discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product, then Company (or its Affiliate) must first offer such discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product to Bottler under Paragraph 5, and if Bottler elects to continue distributing such discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product, then Company (or its Affiliate) must Transfer such discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product to the Transferee subject to Bottler’s distribution rights under this Agreement with respect to such discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product (as if the Covered Beverage or Related Product had not been discontinued), and Bottler’s distribution rights with respect to the discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product will be binding upon the Transferee.

 

  7.

Bottler has the right to discontinue the distribution and sale, on a temporary or permanent basis, in all of the Territory, of any Covered Beverage or Related Product (or any Line Extension, SKU or package for a Covered Beverage or Related Product). This right must be exercised by Bottler, if at

 

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  all, by giving ninety (90) days’ prior written notice to Company of such discontinuation, specifying that the notice of discontinuation applies to all of the Territory. Upon expiration of such ninety (90) day period, Bottler may cease the distribution, promotion, marketing, and sale of the discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product (or Line Extension, SKU or package for a Covered Beverage or Related Product) in all of the Territory, and, if Bottler is discontinuing distribution of all Line Extensions, SKUs and packages of a Covered Beverage or Related Product, Exhibit A or Exhibit F will be deemed automatically amended by deleting the discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product from the list of Covered Beverages or Related Products, as applicable, set forth on Exhibit A or Exhibit F. If (and only if) Bottler discontinues all Line Extensions, SKUs and packages of a Covered Beverage or Related Product, Company may distribute and sell the discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product in the Territory or authorize any of its Affiliates or others to do so. Further, Bottler has the right to discontinue the distribution and sale of any Line Extension, SKU or package in any portion of the Territory without providing prior written notice to Company, and Company may not distribute or sell the discontinued Line Extension, SKU or package in the Territory or authorize any of its Affiliates or others to do so unless Bottler has discontinued all Line Extensions, SKUs and packages of the Covered Beverage or Related Product. If Bottler discontinues some (but not all) Line Extensions, SKUs or packages for a Covered Beverage or Related Product, then Bottler may thereafter reinstate the discontinued Line Extension, SKU or package.

 

  8. Bottler recognizes that Company has entered into or may enter into agreements relating to the Covered Beverages and Related Products with other parties outside the Territory, and Bottler accepts the territorial limitations in this Agreement imposed on Bottler in the conduct of its business under this Agreement. Bottler further agrees to make every reasonable effort to amicably settle any disputes that arise with such other parties.

 

  9. Bottler must not distribute or sell any Covered Beverages or Related Products supplied to Bottler under the Finished Goods Supply Agreement outside of the Territory. Bottler must not sell any of such Covered Beverages or Related Products to any Person if Bottler knows or should know that such Person will redistribute the Covered Beverages or Related Products for ultimate sale outside the Territory.

 

  a.

If any of such Covered Beverages or Related Products distributed or sold by Bottler are found in the territory of another authorized bottler, including a Company Owned Distributor (the “Injured Bottler”), then Bottler shall be deemed to have transshipped such Covered Beverage or Related Product and shall be deemed to be a “Transshipping Bottler” for purposes of this Agreement; provided, however, that if the Injured Bottler (other than a Company Owned Distributor) has not agreed to terms substantially similar to this Paragraph 9 with respect to the transshipment of Covered Beverages or Related Products, Bottler shall only be deemed to be a “Transshipping Bottler” if Bottler knew or should have known that the purchaser would redistribute the Covered Beverage or Related Product outside of the Territory prior to ultimate sale. If any Covered Beverages or Related Products (or any other products identified by the primary Trademark that also identifies any of the Covered Beverages or Related Products or any modification of such Trademark (i.e., the addition of a prefix, suffix or other modifier used in conjunction with any such Trademark)) distributed or sold by another authorized bottler (including a Company Owned Distributor) are found in Bottler’s Territory, then Bottler shall be referred to herein as the “Injured Bottler” and such other authorized bottler shall be referred to herein as the “Transshipping Bottler”; provided, however, that if the bottler that distributed or sold such products (other than a Company Owned Distributor) has not agreed to terms substantially similar to this Paragraph 9 with respect to the

 

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  transshipment of Company’s products, Bottler will only be deemed to be an “Injured Bottler” if such bottler knew or should have known that the purchaser would redistribute the products outside of such bottler’s territory prior to ultimate sale. If Company does not have sufficient contractual rights to fully implement the transshipping remedies provided for in this Paragraph 9, Company will nevertheless use reasonable efforts to enforce its transshipping policy against the transshipping bottler to (i) prevent future transshipments, and (ii) cause the transshipping bottler to compensate Bottler to the extent possible. Bottler will only be an Injured Bottler if the product transshipped into Bottler’s Territory is a Covered Beverage or Related Product (or any other product that is identified by the primary Trademark that also identifies any of the Covered Beverages or Related Products or any modification of such trademark (i.e., the addition of a prefix, suffix or other modifier used in conjunction with any such trademark)).

 

  b. In addition to all other remedies Company may have against Transshipping Bottler for violation of this Paragraph 9, Company, in the case where both the Transshipping Bottler and the Injured Bottler are Expanding Participating Bottlers (or an Expanding Participating Bottler and a Company Owned Distributor), will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts, and in all other cases, may determine, in its sole discretion, to:

 

  i. (A) charge any Transshipping Bottler an amount equal to three times the Injured Bottler’s most current average gross profit margin per case for all cases sold across all channels of the Covered Beverage or Related Product transshipped, as reasonably estimated by Company. Injured Bottler shall provide Company with any supporting documentation as reasonably requested by Company; or (B) purchase any of the Covered Beverages or Related Products distributed or sold by Transshipping Bottler found in the Injured Bottler’s territory, and Transshipping Bottler will, in addition to any other obligation it may have under this Agreement, reimburse Company for Company’s cost of purchasing, transporting and/or destroying such Covered Beverages or Related Products; and

 

  ii. require Transshipping Bottler and/or Injured Bottler, as the case may be, to make available to representatives of Company all sales agreements and other records relating to the Covered Beverages or Related Products and assist Company in all investigations relating to the sale and distribution of Covered Beverages or Related Products outside Transshipping Bottler’s Territory or to the transshipment of products by another bottler into Injured Bottler’s Territory.

 

  c. Bottler, CCR, and Company acknowledge and agree that the amounts provided for under Paragraph 9(b) reasonably reflect the damages to Company, the Injured Bottler, and the Coca-Cola system. Transshipping Bottler must promptly pay to Company all amounts charged pursuant to this Paragraph 9. The Injured Bottler will be paid when Company has received payment from Transshipping Bottler and will be paid an amount not less than seventy percent (70%) of the amount recovered by Company from the Transshipping Bottler under Paragraph 9(b)(i). Company has the right to collect any amounts payable by Transshipping Bottler under this Paragraph 9 by offset against any undisputed amounts otherwise payable to Transshipping Bottler by Company.

 

  d. Bottler must create, implement and monitor an internal anti-transshipment compliance policy and will provide such policy to Company for review and approval. Company will have the right to audit Bottler’s compliance with the policy.

 

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  e. If Company determines that a customer of Bottler has repeatedly transshipped Covered Beverages or Related Products supplied to Bottler under the Finished Goods Supply Agreement outside of the Territory, Company may require that Bottler develop and implement a remediation plan that will address and resolve the issue. Bottler will submit the remediation plan to Company for review and approval, and, once approved by Company, Bottler will implement the plan.

 

  10. Company has the unrestricted right, in its sole discretion, to use the Trademarks on the Covered Beverages and Related Products and on all other products and merchandise, to determine which Trademarks will be used on which Covered Beverages and Related Products, and to determine how the Trademarks will be displayed and used on and in connection with the Covered Beverages and Related Products.

 

  11. Company reserves all rights not expressly granted to Bottler under this Agreement or Related Agreements.

 

  12. If Company or a Company Affiliate on or after December 31, 2013 (a) enters into a new authorization agreement with respect to territories in the United States of America with another Expanding Participating Bottler that is more favorable to such other Expanding Participating Bottler than the terms and conditions of this Agreement in any material respect, or (b) agrees to an amendment of the terms of an existing authorization agreement with respect to territories in the United States with another Expanding Participating Bottler that is more favorable to such other Expanding Participating Bottler than the terms and conditions of this Agreement in any material respect, then Company will offer such other new agreement or amended agreement, as the case may be, in its entirety, to Bottler. The parties agree to cooperate in taking such other actions as may reasonably be required to further document any amendments and modifications resulting from the foregoing. The foregoing obligation shall not apply to any consent, waiver or approval provided under this Agreement or under any agreement held by another Expanding Participating Bottler. If CCR grants to Bottler after the Effective Date the rights to distribute, promote, market, and sell Covered Beverages and Related Products under the Trademarks in additional geographic territories under the terms of a different form of agreement, this Agreement shall be amended and restated in the form of the agreement reflecting such additional grant.

 

IV. GRANT BY CCR OF SUBLICENSE TO USE THE TRADEMARKS AND OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER RELATIVE TO THE TRADEMARKS AND OTHER MATTERS

 

  13. Bottler acknowledges and agrees that Company is the sole and exclusive owner of all rights, title and interest in and to the Trademarks. Bottler agrees not to dispute the validity of the Trademarks or their exclusive ownership by Company either during the Term or thereafter, notwithstanding any applicable doctrines of licensee estoppel. CCR grants to Bottler only an exclusive, royalty-free license to use the Trademarks, solely in connection with the distribution, promotion, marketing, and sale of the Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory, and in accordance with standards adopted and issued by Company from time to time, and made available to Bottler through written, electronic, on-line or other form or media, subject to the rights reserved to Company under this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement, nor any act or failure to act by Bottler, CCR or Company, will give Bottler any proprietary or ownership interest of any kind in the Trademarks or in the goodwill associated therewith. CCR and Bottler acknowledge and agree that all use by Bottler of the Trademarks will inure to the benefit of Company.

 

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  14. Bottler covenants and agrees (subject to any requirements imposed upon Bottler under applicable law):

 

  a. Not to produce, manufacture, prepare, package, distribute, sell, deal in or otherwise use or handle:

 

  i. any Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product which is likely to be confused with or passed off for any of the Covered Beverages or Related Products or for any Beverage Component for any Covered Beverage or Related Product;

 

  ii. during the Term and for an additional period of two years following expiration or termination of this Agreement, (A) any Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product the name of which includes the word “cola” (whether alone or in conjunction with any other word or words) or any phonetic equivalent thereof, or (B) any Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product that is an imitation of any of the Covered Beverages or Related Products (or of any Beverage Component for any Covered Beverage or Related Product) as of the expiration or termination of this Agreement or is likely to be substituted for any of such Covered Beverages or Related Products (or for any such Beverage Component) in the Territory;

 

  iii. any product that uses any trade dress or any container that (A) is an imitation, infringement or dilution of, or (B) is likely to be confused with, be perceived by consumers as confusingly similar to, be passed off as, or cause dilution of, any trade dress or container in which Company claims a proprietary right or interest;

 

  iv. any product that (A) uses any trademark or other designation that is an imitation, counterfeit, copy, infringement or dilution of, or confusingly similar to any of the Trademarks, or (B) is likely to be passed off in the Territory as a product of Company because of Bottler’s association with the business of distributing and selling the Covered Beverages and Related Products; or

 

  v. any Beverage, Beverage Component, or other beverage product in the Territory;

provided, however, that Bottler and its Affiliates may produce, manufacture, prepare, package, distribute, sell, deal in or otherwise use or handle (as applicable):

 

  (1) Covered Beverages and Related Products, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and any Related Agreement,

 

  (2) Beverages (including Incubation Beverages), Beverage Components and other beverage products, if and to the extent (i) required in order for Bottler or any of its Affiliates to comply with its obligations under any separate written agreement with Company or any of its Affiliates, , or (ii) otherwise authorized by Company or any of its Affiliates,

 

  (3)

Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products identified on Schedule 14(a) (“Permitted Beverage Products”), including (A) any Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products as to which Company hereafter provides prior

 

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  written consent (which consent will result in the amendment of Schedule 14(a) to include such approved Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products), and (B) any line extension of a Permitted Beverage Product, which, solely for purposes of this Paragraph 14(a)(3), means a beverage product introduced by the licensor of the Permitted Beverage Product after the Effective Date, that is identified by the primary trademark that also identifies the Permitted Beverage Product, together with a modification of such trademark (i.e., the addition of a prefix, suffix or other modifier used in conjunction with any such trademark), including a flavor, calorie or other variation of such Permitted Beverage Product that in the reasonable judgment of Company is marketed in the same beverage category as the Permitted Beverage Product, and/or

 

  (4) Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products handled, distributed or sold by Bottler in connection with an ancillary business identified on Schedule 14(a), including any ancillary business as to which Company hereafter provides prior written consent (which consent will result in the amendment of Schedule 14(a) to include such approved ancillary business). For this purpose, Company will not unreasonably withhold its consent to a proposed ancillary business that (i) is not directly and primarily involved in the manufacture, marketing, promotion, distribution or sale of Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products (e.g., sale, lease or servicing of equipment used in the distribution of beverages to third parties), or (ii) provides office coffee service to offices or facilities.

 

  b. Not to acquire or hold directly or indirectly through any Affiliate any ownership interest in any person or entity that engages in the Territory in any of the activities prohibited under Paragraphs 14(a)(i) – 14(a)(v) (as subject to the exceptions in Paragraph 14(a)), and not enter into any contract or arrangement with respect to the management or control of any person or legal entity that would enable Bottler or any Affiliate of Bottler acting collectively with such person or legal entity to indirectly engage in the Territory in any of the activities prohibited under Paragraphs 14(a)(i) – 14(a)(v) (as subject to the exceptions in Paragraph 14(a)); provided, that Bottler and its Affiliates will be permitted to acquire and own securities registered pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or registered for public sale under similar laws of a foreign country, of a company that engages in any of the activities prohibited under Paragraphs 14(a)(i) – 14(a)(v) (as subject to the exceptions in Paragraph 14(a)), in pension, retirement, annuity, life insurance, and estate planning accounts, plans and funds administered by Bottler or any of its Affiliates for the benefit of employees, officers, shareholders or directors of Bottler or any of its Affiliates, where investment decisions involving such securities are made by independent outside investment or fund managers that are not Affiliates of Bottler, so long as such ownership represents a passive investment and that neither Bottler nor any Affiliate of Bottler in any way, either directly or indirectly, manages or exercises control of such company, guarantees any of its financial obligations, consults with, advises, or otherwise takes any part in its business (other than exercising rights as a shareholder), or seeks to do any of the foregoing; or

 

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  c. Not to use in the Territory any delivery vehicles, cases, cartons, coolers, vending machines or other equipment bearing Company’s Trademarks in connection with any line of business in the Territory other than the distribution and sale of Covered Beverages and Related Products or assign personnel or management whose primary duties relate to delivery or sales of Covered Beverages or Related Products in the Territory (other than executive officers of Bottler) to any line of business in the Territory other than the distribution, promotion, marketing, and sale of Covered Beverages and Related Products; provided, however, that:

 

  i. any of Bottler’s assets and personnel or management whose primary duties relate to delivery or sales of Covered Beverages or Related Products within the Territory may be used in (A) a permitted line of business listed on Schedule 14(c), including any line of business as to which Company hereafter provides prior written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld by Company and will result in the amendment of Schedule 14(c) to include such approved line of business, or (B) a business that is otherwise expressly permitted under Paragraph 14(a)(1) - (4) (collectively, “Approved Lines of Business”), and Bottler may engage in Approved Lines of Business anywhere within (or, as applicable, outside of) Bottler’s Territory without further approvals from Company; and

 

  ii. Company and Bottler acknowledge that to meet competition Bottler may from time to time be required to agree to deliver a de minimis volume of non-alcoholic beverage products and/or other consumable products in the Territory that would otherwise be prohibited by Paragraph 14(a) or Paragraph 14(c) to certain local, on-premise vending, cafeteria and workplace customers that offer a contract for the supply of all such beverage and consumable products that are delivered to a particular location (e.g., a vending machine, office location, arena, or on premise employee store). In such circumstances, Bottler agrees to use best efforts to comply with Paragraph 14(a) and Paragraph 14(c); provided, however, that Company consents to delivery by Bottler of a de minimis volume of such products to such customers in the Territory to the extent that, despite Bottler’s best efforts to satisfy customer demand for Covered Beverages and Related Products consistent with Paragraphs 14(a) and Paragraph 14(c), such customers nonetheless require such delivery by Bottler to meet competition. For each such instance, if requested by Company, Bottler agrees to provide to Company such information as may reasonably be requested by Company so that Company can assess Bottler’s compliance with this Paragraph 14(c)(ii) (including information regarding the nature of the competitive threat and the volumes of product involved).

 

  15. Except as set forth on Schedule 15 or as otherwise permitted under separate written agreement between Bottler and Company or a Company Affiliate, Bottler must not adopt or use any name, corporate name, trading name, title of establishment or other commercial designation or logo that includes the words “Coca-Cola”, “Coca”, “Cola”, “Coke”, or any of them, or any word, name or designation that is confusingly similar to any of them, or any graphic or visual representation of the Trademarks or any other Trademark or intellectual property owned by Company, without the prior written consent of Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld and will be contingent on Bottler’s compliance with this Agreement.

 

  16.

Bottler, recognizing the important benefit to the Trademarks, to the successful marketing of the Covered Beverages, Related Products, and to the Coca-Cola system of a uniform external appearance of the distribution and other equipment and materials used under this Agreement, agrees to the extent such Trademarks are utilized by Bottler in the Territory to accept and within a

 

15


  reasonable period of time apply any new or modified standards adopted and issued from time to time by Company that are generally applicable, and made available to Bottler through written, electronic, on-line or other form or media for the design and decoration of trucks and other delivery vehicles, cases, cartons, coolers, vending machines and other materials and equipment that bear such Trademarks and are used in the distribution, promotion, marketing, and sale of Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory. If Company changes such standards, the new standards will apply to any such assets acquired by Bottler following notice of the change in standards to the extent Bottler uses the trademark on such assets in the Territory, and will be applied to such existing assets in the normal course of Bottler’s business (e.g., trucks would be repainted consistent with normal maintenance cycles).

 

V. OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER RELATIVE TO DISTRIBUTION, SALES, MARKETING, COMMERCIAL, MANAGEMENT, REPORTING AND PLANNING ACTIVITIES

 

  17. Bottler will:

 

  a. make capital expenditures in Bottler’s business of distributing, promoting, marketing and selling Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory as reasonably required for Bottler to comply with its obligations under this Agreement, for the organization, installation, operation, maintenance and replacement within the Territory of such warehousing, distribution, delivery, transportation, vending equipment, merchandising equipment, and other facilities, infrastructure, assets, and equipment;

 

  b. buy exclusively from Company (directly or through CCR or another Company Affiliate) or a Company Authorized Supplier, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Finished Goods Supply Agreement, Covered Beverages and Related Products in the quantities required to satisfy fully the demand for the Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory;

 

  c. budget and expend such funds for its own account for marketing and promoting the Covered Beverages and Related Products as reasonably required to create, stimulate and sustain the demand for the Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory, provided that Bottler must use, publish, maintain or distribute within the Territory only such advertising, marketing, promotional or other materials relating to the Covered Beverages or the Related Products that are in accordance with standards adopted and issued by Company from time to time or that Company has otherwise approved or authorized. Company may agree from time to time and subject to such terms and conditions as Company stipulates in each case to contribute financially to Bottler’s marketing programs. Company may also undertake, at its own expense and independently from Bottler, any additional advertising, marketing or promotional activities in the Territory that Company deems useful or appropriate;

 

  d. use all approved means as may be reasonably necessary to meet the continuing responsibility of Bottler to develop and stimulate and satisfy fully the demand for Covered Beverages and Related Products within the Territory and maintain the consolidated financial capacity reasonably necessary to assure that the Bottler and all Bottler Affiliates will be financially able to perform their respective duties and obligations under this Agreement;

 

  e.

provide to Company each year and review with Company an annual and long range operating plan and budget for the distribution and sale of Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory, including financials and capital investment budgets, and, if requested by

 

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  Company, discuss changes in general management and senior management of Bottler whose primary duties relate to the distribution and sale of Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory, except to the extent otherwise prohibited by applicable law;

 

  f. maintain accurate books, accounts and records relating to the purchasing, distribution, promotion, marketing, and sale of Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory; and

 

  g. provide to Company such operational, financial, accounting, forecasting, planning and other information, including audited and unaudited financial statements, income statements, balance sheets, statements of cash flow, operating metrics, and total and outlet level volume performance for each and all Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory, to the extent, in the form and manner, and at such times as reasonably required by Company to determine whether Bottler is performing its obligations under this Agreement, including Paragraphs 17(a) – 17(d) (the “Financial Information”). The parties recognize that the Financial Information is critical to the ability of CCR and Company to maintain, promote, and safeguard the overall performance, efficiency, and integrity of the customer management, distribution and sales system. Company will hold the Financial Information provided by Bottler in accordance with the confidentiality provisions of Paragraph 50 and shall not use such information for any purpose other than determining compliance with this Agreement or any Related Agreement.

 

VI. OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER RELATIVE TO THE STORAGE AND HANDLING OF THE COVERED BEVERAGES AND RELATED PRODUCTS

 

  18. Bottler’s handling, storage, delivery and merchandising of the Covered Beverages and Related Products supplied to Bottler under the Finished Goods Supply Agreement must at all times conform to the quality and safety standards and instructions, including quality, hygienic, environmental and otherwise, established in writing, including through electronic systems and media, from time to time by Company and must, in all events, conform with all applicable food, health, environmental, safety, sanitation and other relevant laws, regulations and other legal requirements applicable in the Territory.

 

  19. If Company or CCR determines or becomes aware of the existence of any quality or technical problems relating to Covered Beverages or Related Products supplied to Bottler under the Finished Goods Supply Agreement, CCR or Company will immediately notify Bottler by telephone, fax, e-mail or any other form of immediate communication. CCR or Company may require Bottler to take all necessary action to recall all of the Covered Beverages or Related Products in the Territory, or withdraw immediately any such Covered Beverages or Related Products from the market or the trade, as the case may be. CCR or Company will notify Bottler by telephone, fax, e-mail or any other form of immediate communication with written confirmed receipt, of the decision by CCR or Company to require Bottler to recall Covered Beverages or Related Products in the Territory or withdraw such Covered Beverages or Related Products from the market or trade, and Bottler must, upon receipt of such notice, immediately cease distribution of such Covered Beverages or Related Products in the Territory and take such other actions as may be required by Company or CCR in connection with the recall of Covered Beverages or Related Products in the Territory or withdrawal of such Covered Beverages or Related Products in the Territory from the market or trade.

 

17


  20. If Bottler determines or becomes aware of the existence of quality or technical problems relating to Covered Beverages or Related Products supplied to Bottler under the Finished Goods Supply Agreement, then Bottler must immediately notify CCR and Company by telephone, fax, e-mail or any other form of immediate communication with written confirmed receipt. This notification must include: (1) the identity and quantities of Covered Beverages or Related Products involved, including the specific packages, (2) coding data, and (3) all other relevant data that will assist in tracing such Covered Beverages or Related Products.

 

  21. If any withdrawal or recall is caused by quality or technical defects arising from the manufacture, packaging, storage or shipment of the Covered Beverages or Related Products or other packaging or materials supplied by Company (directly or through CCR or another Company Affiliate) or a Company Authorized Supplier prior to delivery to Bottler, Company, CCR, other Company Affiliate or the other Company Authorized Supplier, as the case may be, will reimburse Bottler for all reasonable expenses incurred by Bottler in connection with such withdrawal or recall. If any withdrawal or recall of any Covered Beverage or Related Product supplied to Bottler under the Finished Goods Supply Agreement is caused by Bottler’s failure to handle the Covered Beverage or Related Product properly after delivery to Bottler, then Bottler will bear the reasonable expenses of such withdrawal or recall and reimburse Company (or CCR or another Company Affiliate) or the Company Authorized Supplier, as the case may be, for all reasonable expenses incurred in connection with such withdrawal or recall.

 

  22. Bottler will permit Company, its officers, agents or designees, at all times upon reasonable request by Company, to enter and inspect the facilities, equipment and methods used by Bottler, whether directly or incidentally, in or for the storage and handling of the Covered Beverages and Related Products to be distributed in the Territory to ascertain whether Bottler is complying with the terms of this Agreement, including Paragraphs 18 and 19. Bottler will also provide Company with all the information regarding Bottler’s compliance with the terms of this Agreement, including Paragraphs 18 and 19, as Company may reasonably request from time to time.

 

VII. CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE AND SALE

 

  23. Company (directly or through CCR or another Company Affiliate) will furnish the Covered Beverages and Related Products for sale and distribution in the Territory in accordance with the pricing terms and other terms and conditions set forth in the Finished Goods Supply Agreement. Bottler acknowledges and agrees that Company (directly or through CCR or another Company Affiliate) reserves the right to establish and revise at any time, in its sole discretion, the price of the Covered Beverages and Related Products, subject to the provisions of the Finished Goods Supply Agreement. Bottler further acknowledges that Company reserves the right to establish and revise at any time, in its sole discretion, the price of concentrate, beverage base, or any other constituent part sold by Company to CCR, another Company Affiliate, or any other Company Authorized Supplier for the manufacture of the Covered Beverages and Related Products. If Bottler rejects a change in price or the other terms and conditions contained in any such notice, then Bottler shall so notify CCR and Company within thirty (30) days of receipt of such notice, and this Agreement will terminate ninety (90) days after the date of such notification of rejection of the change by Bottler. The change in price so rejected by Bottler shall not apply to purchases of Covered Beverages and Related Products by Bottler during such ninety (90) day period preceding termination. Failure by Bottler to notify Company and CCR of its rejection of the changes in price or such other terms and conditions shall be deemed acceptance thereof by Bottler.

 

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  24. Additional terms and conditions of purchase and sale, including warranties, quantities, shipment, risk of loss and delivery of Covered Beverages and Related Products are as set forth in the Finished Goods Supply Agreement.

 

VIII. OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF BOTTLER

 

  25. Bottler hereby acknowledges the personal nature of Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement, including with respect to the performance standards applicable to Bottler, the dependence of the Trademarks on proper quality control, the level of marketing effort required of Bottler to stimulate and maintain demand for the Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory, and the confidentiality required for protection of Company’s trade secrets and confidential information. Bottler represents and warrants to Company that, prior to execution of this Agreement, Bottler has made available to Company a complete and accurate list of any of Bottler’s owners that own more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding securities of Bottler, and/or of any third parties having a right to, or effective power of, control or management of Bottler. Bottler covenants and agrees:

 

  a. to inform Company without delay of any changes in the record ownership (or, if known to Bottler, any change in the Beneficial Ownership) of more than 10% of the shares of Bottler’s outstanding equity interests in a transaction or series of related transactions, provided, that if Bottler is subject to the disclosure and reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this provision shall not apply; and

 

  b. not to change its legal form of organization without first obtaining the written consent of Company, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. It is understood and agreed that Company will not withhold its consent unless the change in legal form could reasonably be expected to affect Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement. For this purpose, (i) the making of an election to be taxed as a Subchapter S corporation for federal income tax purposes, or termination of such an election, and/or (ii) reincorporation in another state within the United States of America, will not be considered a change in Bottler’s legal form of organization and will not require Company’s consent.

 

  26. Bottler acknowledges that Company has a vested and legitimate interest in maintaining, promoting and safeguarding the overall performance, efficiency and integrity of Company’s bottling, distribution and sales system. Bottler therefore covenants and agrees:

 

  a. Not to assign, transfer or pledge this Agreement or any interest herein, in whole or in part, whether voluntarily, involuntarily, or by operation of law (including by merger or liquidation), or sublicense its rights under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any third party or parties, without the prior written consent of Company; and

 

  b. Not to delegate any material element of Bottler’s performance under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any third party or parties without the prior written consent of Company.

 

  c. Any attempt to take such actions prohibited by this Paragraph 26 without such consent shall be void and shall be deemed to be a material breach of this Agreement.

 

  d. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following shall be expressly permitted hereunder:

 

  i.

Bottler may, after written notice to Company, assign, transfer or pledge this Agreement or any interest herein, in whole or in part, or delegate any material element of Bottler’s

 

19


  performance of this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any wholly-owned Affiliates of Bottler; provided that (a) any such Affiliate must agree in writing to be bound by and comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and (b) any such assignment, transfer, pledge or delegation will not relieve Bottler of any of its obligations under this Agreement; and

 

  ii. Bottler may engage third party contractors and service providers for the purpose of receiving services relating to non-core functions (e.g., back-office administrative services, HR, payroll, information technology services and similar services); provided that (i) Bottler will retain full responsibility to Company for all of Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement; and (ii) Bottler may not subcontract core functions (i.e., market/customer facing functions) without the prior consent of Company.

 

IX. TERM OF AGREEMENT

 

  27. This Agreement will commence on the Effective Date and continue for an initial period of ten (10) years (the “Initial Term”), unless earlier terminated pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph 23, Article X (Commercial Impracticability and Force Majeure), Article XI (Termination for Defined Events) or Article XII (Deficiency Termination).

 

  28. Bottler may elect not to renew this Agreement upon expiration of the Initial Term or any Additional Term by providing CCR and Company with written notice of its intention at least one year prior to expiration of the Initial Term or any Additional Term, as the case may be.

 

  29. Unless Bottler has given notice of its intention not to renew as provided in Paragraph 28, or this Agreement has otherwise been earlier terminated as provided in Paragraph 23, Article X (Commercial Impracticability and Force Majeure), Article XI (Termination for Defined Events) or Article XII (Deficiency Termination), the then effective term of this Agreement will automatically renew for successive additional terms of ten (10) years each (each an “Additional Term”).

 

X. COMMERCIAL IMPRACTICABILITY AND FORCE MAJEURE

 

  30.

With respect to any one or more Covered Beverages and Related Products supplied to Bottler under the Finished Goods Supply Agreement (the “Affected Products”) and the Territory or any portion thereof (the “Affected Territory”), as applicable, the obligation of Company (including any of its Affiliates) or Company Authorized Supplier to supply Affected Products to Bottler and Bottler’s obligation to purchase Affected Products from Company, its Affiliates, or a Company Authorized Supplier and to distribute, promote, market, and sell the Affected Products in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall be suspended during any period when there occurs a change in applicable laws, regulations or administrative measures (including any government permission or authorization regarding customs, health or manufacturing, and further including the withdrawal of any government authorization required by any of the parties to carry out the terms of this Agreement), or issuance of any judicial decree or order binding on any of the parties hereto, in each case in such a manner as to render unlawful or commercially impracticable: (i) the importation of any essential ingredients of the Affected Products, which cannot be produced in quantities sufficient to satisfy the demand therefor in the Territory by existing Company (including any of its Affiliates) or Company Authorized Supplier facilities in the United States; (ii) the manufacture and distribution of Affected Products to Bottler; or (iii) Bottler’s distribution, promotion, marketing and sale of Affected Products within the Affected Territory. To the extent that Bottler is unable to

 

20


  perform its obligations as a consequence of any of the contingencies set forth in this Paragraph 30, and for the duration of such inability, Company (including any of its Affiliates) and Company Authorized Suppliers shall be relieved of their respective obligations under the Finished Goods Supply Agreement. If any of the contingencies set forth in this Paragraph 30 persists so that either party’s obligation to perform is suspended for a period of two (2) years or more, the other party may upon written notice terminate this Agreement and any Related Agreements with regard to the Affected Products and the Affected Territory, as applicable, without paying any compensation or other liability for damages.

 

  31. Neither Company (including any of its Affiliates or any Company Authorized Supplier) nor Bottler shall be liable for or be subject to any claim for breach or termination as the result of a failure to perform any of their respective obligations under this Agreement if and to the extent that such failure is caused by or results from a Force Majeure Event; provided, however:

 

  a. The party claiming the excuse afforded by this Paragraph 31 must use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with any excused obligations under this Agreement that are impaired by such Force Majeure Event; and

 

  b. If Bottler is the party claiming the excuse afforded by this Paragraph 31, to the extent that Bottler is unable to remediate the effect on its ability to perform caused by such Force Majeure Event with respect to all or any portion of the Territory within: (i) three (3) months from the date of the occurrence of the Force Majeure Event, then Company shall have the right (but not the obligation) upon not less than one (1) month prior written notice to suspend this Agreement and Related Agreements within the affected parts of the Territory (or the entire Territory to the extent affected by such event) during the period of time that such Force Majeure Event results in Bottler being unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement; and (ii) two (2) years from the date of occurrence of the Force Majeure Event, then Company shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and Related Agreements as to the affected portion of the Territory. During the period of any such suspension, Company or any third party designated by Company shall have the right to market, promote, sell, and distribute Covered Beverages and Related Products, and otherwise exercise Bottler’s rights and perform services otherwise required of Bottler under this Agreement and Related Agreements within any such affected portion of the Territory, without any obligation to account to Bottler for profits from the distribution of Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory that are not distributed by Bottler.

 

  c. “Force Majeure Event” means any:

 

  (1) strike, blacklisting, boycott or sanctions imposed by a sovereign nation or supra-national organization of sovereign nations, however incurred; or

 

  (2) act of God, force majeure, public enemies, embargo, quarantine, riot, insurrection, a declared or undeclared war, state of war or belligerency or hazard or danger incident thereto.

 

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XI. TERMINATION FOR DEFINED EVENTS

 

  32. This Agreement will terminate immediately without any liability on the part of CCR or Company for damages if any of the following events occur:

 

  a. Bottler files a voluntary petition or consents to an involuntary petition for bankruptcy under any Chapter of Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended, or under any other federal insolvency law which presently exists or may exist hereafter; Bottler voluntarily commences any bankruptcy, insolvency, assignment for the benefit of creditors proceeding, case, or suit or consents to such a proceeding, case or suit under the laws of any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any country, kingdom or commonwealth not governed by the United States; an involuntary petition for bankruptcy, insolvency, assignment for the benefit of creditors, proceeding, case or suit under the laws of any state, territory or commonwealth of the United States or any country, commonwealth or kingdom not governed by the United States is filed against Bottler and such a proceeding, suit or case is not dismissed within sixty (60) days after the commencement of such a proceeding, case or suit or the order of dismissal is appealed and stayed; Bottler makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, deed of trust for the benefit of creditors or makes an arrangement or composition with creditors; a receiver or trustee for Bottler or for any interest in Bottler’s business is appointed and such order or decree appointing the receiver or trustee is not vacated, dismissed or discharged within sixty (60) days after such appointment or such order or decree is appealed and stayed;

 

  b. Any of Bottler’s equipment or facilities are subject to attachment, levy or other final process for more than twenty (20) days or any of its equipment or facilities is noticed for judicial or non-judicial foreclosure sale and such attachment, levy, process or sale would materially and adversely affect Bottler’s ability to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement;

 

  c. Bottler becomes insolvent or ceases to conduct its operations relating to the distribution and sale of Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory in the normal course of business; or

 

  d. Any Bottler’s Contract, Bottler’s Bottle Contract, or Master Bottle Contract (as the case may be) for Coca-Cola, listed on Schedule 32(d), or any other Comprehensive Beverage Agreement, between Company and Bottler or their respective Affiliates is terminated by Company under provisions that permit termination without damages due to Bottler’s breach or default, unless Company agrees in writing that this Paragraph 32(d) will not be applied by Company to such termination.

 

XII. DEFICIENCY TERMINATION

 

  33. In addition to the events of default and remedy described in Paragraph 32, Company may also terminate this Agreement, subject to the requirements of Paragraph 34, if any of the following events of default occur:

 

  a. Bottler fails to make timely payment for Covered Beverages or Related Products, or of any other material debt owing to Company;

 

  b. The condition of the facilities or equipment used by Bottler in distributing or selling the Covered Beverages and Related Products within the Territory fails to meet the sanitary standards reasonably established by Company;

 

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  c. Bottler fails to handle the Covered Beverages or Related Products supplied to Bottler under the Finished Goods Supply Agreement in strict conformity with such standards and instructions as Company may reasonably establish;

 

  d. Bottler or any Affiliate of Bottler engages in any of the activities prohibited under Paragraph 14;

 

  e. Bottler fails to comply with its obligations under Paragraph 17; or

 

  f. Bottler breaches in any material respect any of Bottler’s other material obligations under this Agreement.

Company may either: (i) exercise its right to terminate under this Paragraph 33 (subject to Paragraph 34), or (ii) pursue any rights and remedies (other than termination) against Bottler with respect to any such event of default.

 

  34. Upon the occurrence of any of the events of default enumerated in Paragraph 33, Company will give Bottler written notice of default. Within sixty (60) days of receipt of such notice, Bottler will provide Company with a written proposed plan for corrective action, which plan must provide for correction of all issues identified in the notice of default within one year or less. Company will negotiate in good faith with Bottler the terms of the corrective action plan. If Company and Bottler fail to agree on a corrective action plan within sixty (60) days of Bottler’s tender of such plan, Bottler must cure the default described in such notice within one year of receipt of the notice of default. If Bottler fails to implement the agreed corrective action plan to Company’s reasonable satisfaction within the time period specified by the corrective action plan, or, if the parties fail to agree to a corrective action plan and Bottler does not cure within one year of receipt of notice of default, the default will be deemed not to have been cured within such period, and Company may, by giving Bottler further written notice to such effect, terminate this Agreement, suspend sales of Covered Beverages and Related Products to Bottler and require Bottler to cease distribution of Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory. The provisions of this Paragraph 34 will not limit Company’s right to pursue remedies other than termination under Paragraph 33. In the case of a breach by Bottler or one of its Affiliates of its obligations under this Agreement (other than a Product Quality Issue), such breach will be deemed to be cured for purposes of this Paragraph 34 if Bottler (or its Affiliate) has terminated the acts or omissions described in such notice of breach, and has taken reasonable steps under the circumstances to prevent the recurrence of such breach. In the case of a Product Quality Issue, Bottler shall have a period of sixty (60) days within which to cure the default, including, at the instruction of Company, and at Bottler’s expense, by the prompt withdrawal from the market and destruction of any affected Finished Product. If the Product Quality Issue has not been cured within such sixty (60) day period, Company (or the Company Authorized Supplier) may suspend sales of Covered Beverages and Related Products to Bottler for distribution and sale in the Territory under this Agreement. During such second sixty (60) day cure period, Company may supply, or cause or permit others to supply, Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory. If such Product Quality Issue has not been cured during the second sixty (60) day cure period, then Company may terminate this Agreement by giving Bottler written notice thereof. “Product Quality Issue” means a breach of Paragraph 18 or Paragraph 19 caused by a product quality issue involving the Covered Beverages or Related Products that results from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Bottler and that materially and adversely affects one or more of the Trademarks.

 

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XIII. OTHER CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION

 

  35. Upon the expiration without renewal or earlier termination of this Agreement and thereafter:

 

  a. Bottler must not distribute or sell the Covered Beverages or Related Products supplied to Bottler under the Finished Goods Supply Agreement or make any use of the Trademarks, Finished Product or advertising, marketing or promotional material used or which are intended for use by Bottler in connection with the distribution and sale of the Covered Beverages or Related Products within the Territory;

 

  b. Bottler must promptly eliminate all references in the Territory to CCR, Company, the Covered Beverages, the Related Products, and the Trademarks from the premises, delivery vehicles, vending machines, coolers and other equipment of Bottler located in the Territory and from all business stationery used in the Territory and all written, graphic, electromagnetic, digital or other advertising, marketing or promotional material used in the Territory or maintained by Bottler for use in the Territory, and Bottler must not hold forth in any manner whatsoever that Bottler has any connection with CCR, Company, the Covered Beverages, the Related Products or the Trademarks relating to the sale and distribution of Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory relating to the sale and distribution of Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory;

 

  c. Company may, at Company’s option, require Bottler to promptly deliver to Company, CCR or a third party, in accordance with such instructions as Company may give, all of the Covered Beverages and Related Products, and marketing, advertising or promotional materials for the Covered Beverages and Related Products still in Bottler’s possession or under its control, in each case that were to be distributed, sold or used exclusively in the Territory, and Company will, upon delivery thereof pursuant to such instructions, pay to Bottler a sum equal to the reasonable market value of such supplies or materials, provided that Company will accept and pay for only such supplies or materials as are in first class and usable condition; and provided further that all marketing, advertising and promotional materials bearing the name of Bottler for use exclusively in the Territory and any such supplies and materials which are unfit for use according to Company’s standards will be destroyed by Bottler without cost to Company; and

 

  d. All rights and obligations under this Agreement, whether specifically set out or whether accrued or accruing by use, conduct or otherwise, will expire, cease and end, excepting (i) all provisions concerning the obligations of Bottler as set forth in Paragraph 39, (ii) all claims for amounts due and payable by one party to the other under the terms of this Agreement as of the date of termination, and (iii) each of the Paragraphs in Article XIV (General Provisions), all of which will continue in full force and effect, provided always that this provision will not affect any rights any party may have against the other in respect of any claim for nonpayment of any debt or account owed by Bottler to CCR, Company or Company Authorized Suppliers or by CCR or Company to Bottler.

 

XIV. GENERAL PROVISIONS:

 

  36. CCR and Company may assign any of their respective rights and delegate all or any of their respective duties or obligations under this Agreement to one or more of Company or Company Affiliates provided, however, that any such delegation will not relieve CCR or Company from any of their respective contractual obligations under this Agreement.

 

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  37. Company reserves and has the sole and exclusive right and responsibility to institute any civil, administrative or criminal proceedings or actions, and generally to take or seek any available legal remedy it deems desirable, for the protection of its reputation, the Trademarks, and other intellectual property rights, as well as for the Covered Beverages and Related Products, and to defend any action affecting these matters. At the request of Company, Bottler will render reasonable assistance in any such action, including, if requested to do so in the sole discretion of Company, allowing Bottler to be named as a party to such action. However, no financial burden will be imposed on Bottler for rendering such assistance. Bottler shall not have any claim against CCR or Company as a result of such proceedings or action or for any failure to institute or defend such proceedings or action. Bottler must promptly notify CCR and Company of any litigation or proceedings instituted or threatened against Bottler affecting these matters. Bottler must not institute any legal or administrative proceedings against any third party which may affect the interests of Company in the Trademarks without the prior written consent of Company, in its sole discretion.

 

  38. Bottler will consult with CCR and Company on all product liability claims, proceedings or actions brought against Bottler in connection with the Covered Beverages or Related Products supplied to Bottler under the Finished Goods Supply Agreement and will take such action with respect to the defense of any such claim or lawsuit as CCR or Company may reasonably request in order to protect the interests of Company in the Covered Beverages and Related Products or the goodwill associated with the Trademarks.

 

  39.

CCR and Company will indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless each of Bottler and their Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, shareholders, owners and agents, from and against all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, injuries, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, proceedings, judgments and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs and other legal expenses (collectively, “Losses”), to the extent arising from, connected with or attributable to: (a) Company’s or CCR’s (or another Company Affiliate’s) manufacture or handling of the Covered Beverages or Related Products; (b) the breach by Company or CCR of any provision this Agreement; (c) Bottler’s use, in accordance with this Agreement and Company guidelines respecting use of Company intellectual property, of the Trademarks or of package labels, POS materials and other local marketing and merchandising materials supplied by Company or CCR in conjunction with the distribution and sale of the Covered Beverages or Related Products; or (d) the inaccuracy of any warranty or representation made by Company or CCR herein or in connection herewith. None of the above indemnities shall require Company to indemnify, protect, defend or hold harmless any indemnitee with respect to any claim to the extent such claim arises from, is connected with or is attributable to the negligence or willful misconduct of such indemnitee. Bottler will indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless each of Company and its Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, shareholders, owners and agents, from and against all Losses to the extent arising from, connected with or attributable to: (a) Bottler’s handling, distribution, promotion, marketing, and sale of the Covered Beverages or Related Products supplied to Bottler under the Finished Goods Supply Agreement (except to the extent caused by Company’s, CCR’s or another Company Affiliate’s manufacture or handling of the Covered Beverages or Related Products); (b) the breach by Bottler of any provision of this Agreement; or (c) the inaccuracy of any warranty or representation made by Bottler herein or in connection herewith. None of the above indemnities shall require Bottler to indemnify, protect, defend or hold harmless any indemnitee with respect to any claim to the extent

 

25


  such claim arises from, is connected with or is attributable to the negligence or willful misconduct of such indemnitee. No party will be obligated under this Paragraph 39 to indemnify the other parties for Losses consisting of lost profits or revenues, loss of use, or similar economic loss, or for any indirect, special, incidental, consequential or similar damages (“Consequential Damages”) arising out of or in connection with the performance or non-performance of this Agreement (except to the extent that an indemnified third party claim asserted against a party includes Consequential Damages).

 

  40. Bottler shall obtain and maintain a policy of insurance with insurance carriers in such amounts and against such risks as would be maintained by a similarly situated company of a similar size and giving full and comprehensive coverage both as to amount and risks covered in respect of matters referred to in Paragraph 39 (including Bottler’s indemnity of Company and CCR contained therein) and shall on request produce evidence satisfactory to CCR and Company of the existence of such insurance. Compliance with this Paragraph 40 will not limit or relieve Bottler from its obligations under Paragraph 39. In addition, Bottler will satisfy the insurance requirements specified on Schedule 40.

 

  41. CCR, Company and Bottler recognize that incidents may arise in connection with this Agreement which can threaten the reputation and business of Bottler and/or negatively affect the good name, reputation and image of CCR, Company or the Trademarks. In order to address such incidents, including any questions of quality of the Covered Beverages or Related Products that may occur, Bottler will designate and organize an incident management team and inform CCR and Company of the members of such team. Bottler further agrees to cooperate fully with CCR, Company and such third parties as Company may designate and coordinate all efforts to address and resolve any such incident consistent with procedures for crisis management that may be issued to Bottler by CCR or Company from time to time.

 

  42. If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes legally ineffective or invalid, the validity or effect of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected; provided that the invalidity or ineffectiveness of the said provision shall not prevent or unduly hamper performance hereunder or prejudice the ownership or validity of the Trademarks.

 

  43. As to all matters and things herein mentioned, the parties agree:

 

  a. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement among Company, CCR and Bottler with respect to the subject matter hereof, and all prior understandings, commitments or agreements relating to such matters among the parties or their predecessors-in-interest are of no force or effect and are cancelled hereby; provided, however, that any written representations made by Bottler upon which CCR or Company relied in entering into this Agreement shall remain binding upon Bottler to the extent identified on Schedule 43(a);

 

  b. any waiver, amendment or modification of this Agreement or any of its provisions, and any notices given or consents made under this Agreement shall not be binding upon Bottler, CCR, or Company unless made in writing, signed by an officer or other duly qualified and authorized representative of each, and personally delivered or sent by telegram, telex or certified mail, or a duly qualified and authorized freight courier to an officer or other duly qualified and authorized representative of the other parties and will be deemed to be given on the date such notice is dispatched, such hand delivery is effected, such registered letter is mailed, or such couriered delivery is dispatched. Such written notices must be addressed to the last known address of the party concerned. Each party will promptly advise the other party of any change in its address.

 

26


  c. This Agreement does not affect in any way the respective rights and obligations of the parties under existing agreements between and among any of Company, Bottler and any of their respective Affiliates, and each such agreement will continue in full force and effect in accordance with its respective terms. The termination of this Agreement will not cause the termination of any of such existing agreements between Company (or any of its Affiliates) and Bottler (or any of its Affiliates), including those contracts on Exhibit D.

 

  44. Failure of CCR, Company or Bottler (including any of their respective Affiliates) to exercise promptly any right herein granted, or to require strict performance of any obligation undertaken herein by the other party, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such right or of the right to demand subsequent performance of any and all obligations herein undertaken by Bottler, CCR or by Company.

 

  45. Bottler is an independent contractor and is not an agent of, or a partner or joint venturer with, CCR or Company. Each of CCR, Company and Bottler agrees that it will neither represent, nor allow itself to be held out as an agent of, or partner or joint venturer with the other (including any of its Affiliates). Bottler and Company do not intend to create, and this Agreement shall not be construed to create, a partnership, joint venture, agency, or any form of fiduciary relationship. Each party covenants and agrees never to assert that a partnership or joint venture exists or has been created under or in connection with this Agreement and the Related Agreements. There is no partnership, joint venture, agency, or any form of fiduciary relationship existing between Bottler and Company, but if it there is determined or found to be a partnership, joint venture, or agency, then Bottler and Company expressly disclaim all fiduciary duties that might otherwise exist under applicable law.

 

  46. The headings herein are solely for the convenience of the parties and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the phrase “including” means “including, without limitation” in each instance. References in this Agreement to Paragraphs are to the respective Paragraphs of this Agreement, and references to Exhibits and Schedules are to the respective Exhibits and Schedules to this Agreement.

 

  47. The parties may execute this Agreement in counterparts, each of which is deemed an original and all of which only constitute one original.

 

  48. If Bottler’s signature or acknowledgment is required or requested with respect to any document in connection with this Agreement and any employee or representative authorized by Bottler “clicks” in the appropriate space on the website designated by CCR or Company or takes such other action as may be indicated by CCR or Company, Bottler shall be deemed to have signed or acknowledged the document to the same extent and with the same effect as if Bottler had signed the document manually; provided, however, that no such signature or acknowledgment shall amend, conflict with, or vary the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Bottler acknowledges and agrees that Bottler has the ability and knowledge to print information delivered to Bottler electronically, or otherwise knows how to store that information in a way that ensures that it remains accessible to Bottler in an unchanged form.

 

  49.

This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, United States of America, without giving effect to any applicable principles of

 

27


  choice or conflict of laws, as to contract formation, construction and interpretation issues, and the federal trademark laws of the United States of America as to trademark matters. The parties agree that any lawsuit commenced in connection with, or in relation to, this Agreement shall be brought in a United States District Court, if there is any basis for federal court jurisdiction. If the party bringing such action reasonably concludes that federal court jurisdiction does not exist, then the party may commence such action in any court of competent jurisdiction.

 

  50. In the performance of this Agreement, each party may disclose to the other party certain Proprietary Information. The Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party will remain the sole and exclusive property of the Disclosing Party or a third party providing such information to the Disclosing Party. The disclosure of the Proprietary Information to the Receiving Party does not confer upon the Receiving Party any license, interest, or right of any kind in or to the Proprietary Information, except as expressly provided under this Agreement. At all times and notwithstanding any termination or expiration of this Agreement or any amendment hereto, the Receiving Party agrees that it will hold in strict confidence and not disclose to any third party the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party, except as approved in writing by the Disclosing Party. The Receiving Party will only permit access to the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party to those of its or its Affiliates’ employees or authorized representatives having a need to know and who have signed confidentiality agreements or are otherwise bound by confidentiality obligations at least as restrictive as those contained in this Agreement (including external auditors, attorneys and consultants). The Receiving Party will be responsible to the Disclosing Party for any third party’s use and disclosure of the Proprietary Information that the Receiving Party provides to such third party in accordance with this Agreement. The Receiving Party will use at least the same degree of care it would use to protect its own Proprietary Information of like importance, but in any case with no less than a reasonable degree of care, including maintaining information security standards specific to such information as set forth in this Agreement.

If the Receiving Party is required by a Governmental Authority or applicable law to disclose any of the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party, the Receiving Party will (i) first give written notice of such required disclosure to the Disclosing Party (to the extent permitted by applicable law), (ii) if requested by the Disclosing Party, use reasonable efforts to obtain a protective order requiring that the Proprietary Information to be disclosed be used only for the purposes for which disclosure is required, (iii) if requested by the Disclosing Party, take reasonable steps to allow the Disclosing Party to seek to protect the confidentiality of the Proprietary Information required to be disclosed, and (iv) disclose only that part of the Proprietary Information that, after consultation with its legal counsel, it determines that it is required to disclose.

Each Party will immediately notify the other Party in writing upon discovery of any loss or unauthorized use or disclosure of the Proprietary Information of the other Party.

The Receiving Party will not reproduce the Disclosing Party’s Proprietary Information in any form except as required to accomplish the intent of this Agreement. Any reproduction of any Proprietary Information by the Receiving Party will remain the property of the Disclosing Party and must contain any and all confidential or proprietary notices or legends that appear on the original, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Disclosing Party.

Neither Party will communicate any information to the other Party in violation of the proprietary rights of any third party.

 

28


Upon the earlier of (a) termination of this Agreement, (b) upon written request of the Disclosing Party, or (c) when no longer needed by the Receiving Party for fulfillment of its obligations under this Agreement, the Receiving Party will, if requested by the Disclosing Party, either: (i) promptly return to the Disclosing Party all documents and other tangible materials representing the Disclosing Party’s Proprietary Information, and all copies thereof in its possession or control, if any; or (ii) destroy all tangible copies of the Disclosing Party’s Proprietary Information in its possession or control, if any, in each case, except to the extent that such action would violate applicable regulatory or legal requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each party’s counsel may retain one copy of documents and communications between the Parties as necessary for archival purposes or regulatory purposes.

 

  51. Company consents to the grant of rights by CCR to Bottler provided for under this Agreement, subject to CCR and Bottler’s acceptance of and agreement to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

 

  52. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended or shall be construed to give any person or entity, other than the parties to this Agreement and their successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of any agreement or any provision contained in this Agreement. This Agreement does not, and is not intended to, confer any rights or remedies upon any Person other than Bottler, CCR and Company.

 

  53. The parties acknowledge and agree that the terms and conditions of this Agreement have been the subject of active and complete negotiations, and that such terms and conditions must not be construed in favor of or against any party by reason of the extent to which a party or its professional advisors may have participated in the preparation of this Agreement.

[Signatures on following pages]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Company and CCR at Atlanta, Georgia, and Bottler at Charlotte, North Carolina, have caused these presents to be executed in triplicate by the duly authorized person or persons in their behalf on the dates indicated below.

 

THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
By:  

 

  Authorized Representative
COCA-COLA REFRESHMENTS USA, INC.
By:  

 

  Authorized Representative
COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED
By:  

 

  Authorized Representative

[Signature Page to Comprehensive Beverage Agreement]


Exhibits and Schedules to Comprehensive Beverage Agreement Form EPB Lead Market Sub-bottler – Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated

Comprehensive Beverage Agreement covering territory constituting                      sales center areas. [Note to Draft: To be updated at each Closing to describe applicable sales center areas.]

All capitalized terms used but not defined in these Exhibits and Schedules have the same meanings as defined in the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement.


EXHIBIT A

Covered Beverages

The following Beverages and all SKUs, packages, flavor, calorie and other variations (e.g., Sprite Cranberry, Sprite Zero Cranberry) of each such Beverage offered by Company that are identified by the primary Trademark that also identifies such Beverage or any modification of such primary Trademark, such as, e.g., the primary Trademark used in conjunction with a prefix, a suffix or other modifier:

Coca-Cola

Caffeine Free Coca-Cola

Diet Coke

Diet Coke with Lime

Diet Coke with Splenda®

caffeine free Diet Coke

Coca-Cola Life

Coca-Cola Zero

caffeine free Coca-Cola Zero

Cherry Coke

Diet Cherry Coke

Cherry Coke Zero

Vanilla Coke

Diet Vanilla Coke

Vanilla Coke Zero

Barq’s

Diet Barq’s

DASANI

DASANI Plus

DASANI Sparkling

Fanta

Fanta Zero

Fresca

Mello Yello

Mello Yello Zero

PiBB Xtra

PiBB Zero

Seagram’s ginger ale

Seagram’s mixers

Seagram’s seltzer water

Sprite

Sprite Zero

TaB

VAULT

VAULT Zero

Delaware Punch


FUZE

FUZE Tea

FUZE Juices

FUZE Refreshments

FUZE slenderize

Glacéau Vitaminwater

Glacéau Vitaminwater Energy

Glacéau Vitaminwater Zero

Glacéau Smartwater

Glacéau Fruitwater

POWERADE

POWERADE ZERO

[TCCC to add new Beverages, if any, that it introduces via DSD prior to Closing]

The following Multiple Route To Market Beverages may be distributed in the Territory via Direct Store Delivery only to the extent specified below, provided, however, that if Company reasonably believes that Bottler’s distribution of any of the Beverages described below does not conform to these conditions, Company will provide Bottler with Notice of the circumstances and a period of 90 days to address such circumstances before asserting that Bottler is in breach of this Agreement:

All flavors of Minute Maid® Juices To Go in cans and PET bottles with volume between 10.0 fluid ounces and 1.0 liter, and in such other single serve packages to which Company from time to time provides prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

All flavors of Minute Maid® Refreshment (cold fill) in 2 liter PET bottles, 12 fluid ounce cans, 20 fluid ounce PET bottles, 16 fluid ounce PET bottles, and 500 milliliter PET bottles, and in such other single serve packages to which Company from time to time provides prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

All flavors of Gold Peak (hot fill) in 500 milliliter PET Bottles, 64 ounce (1.89 Liter) PET Bottles, and PET bottles with volume between 16.9 fluid ounces and 1.0 liter, and in such other single serve packages to which Company from time to time provides prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

All flavors of Honest Tea and Honest Ade in 59 fluid ounce PET bottles and in PET bottles with volume between 16.9 fluid ounces and 1.0 liter, and in such other single serve packages to which Company from time to time provides prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.


EXHIBIT B

Trademarks

All trademarks, whether owned by Company, licensed by Company or otherwise authorized and approved for use by Company, to identify a Covered Beverage or Related Product identified on Exhibit A or Exhibit F, including any amendments thereto, including:

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola (Script)

Coca-Cola (Red Disk icon)

Coke

Coca-Cola Bottle (2D symbol and 3D shape)

Dynamic Ribbon

Diet Coke

Coca-Cola Life

Coca-Cola Zero

Cherry Coke

Cherry Coke Zero

Vanilla Coke

Diet Vanilla Coke

Vanilla Coke Zero

Barq’s

Delaware Punch

Fanta

Fanta Zero

Fresca

Mello Yello

Mello Yello Zero

PiBB

PiBB Xtra

PiBB Zero

Seagram’s

Sprite

SPRITE Bottle (2D symbol and 3D shape)

Sprite Zero

TaB

VAULT

VAULT Zero

DASANI

DASANI Plus

DASANI Drops

DASANI Sparkling

FUZE

FUZE slenderize

FUZE Refreshments

FUZE Drops


Gold Peak

Glacéau Vitaminwater

Glacéau Vitaminwater Energy

Glacéau Vitaminwater Zero

Glacéau Vitaminwater Zero Drops

Glacéau Smartwater

Glacéau Fruitwater

Honest Tea

Honest Ade

Minute Maid

Minute Maid Drops

Minute Maid Juices to Go

POWERADE

POWERADE MOUNTAIN BERRY BLAST

POWERADE ZERO

POWERADE ZERO DROPS

[TCCC to add new Trademarks, if any, for Covered Beverages or Related Products that it introduces via DSD prior to Closing]


EXHIBIT E

Finished Goods Supply Agreement

[Furnished separately]


EXHIBIT F

Related Products

All SKUs, packages, flavors, calorie or other variations offered by Company of:

POWERADE powder

POWERADE ZERO Drops

DASANI Drops

Minute Maid Drops

Glacéau Vitaminwater Zero Drops

Fuze Drops

[TCCC to add new Related Products, if any, that it introduces via DSD prior to each Closing]

The following Multiple Route To Market Related Products may be distributed in the Territory via Direct Store Delivery only to the extent specified below:

[TBD]


EXHIBIT E

EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT

This Employee Matters Agreement, dated as of [            ] (the “Closing Date”), is made by and between COCA-COLA REFRESHMENTS USA, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Seller”), and COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED, a Delaware corporation (“Buyer”).

WHEREAS, the above-named parties have previously entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement, as defined below;

WHEREAS, such parties agreed to enter into and execute this Employee Matters Agreement as a condition to the [Initial Closing]/[first/second Interim Closing]/[Final Closing], as defined in the Asset Purchase Agreement and herein referred to as the “Closing”; and

WHEREAS, this Employee Matters Agreement sets forth the terms and conditions for the employment of, and the provision of employment benefits to, the Business Employees, as defined below.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties to this Employee Matters Agreement agree as follows:

ARTICLE I – DEFINITIONS

Capitalized terms used in this Employee Matters Agreement that are not defined below or elsewhere in this Employee Matters Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement.

(a) “Accrued Amounts” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.8(a) hereof.

(b) “Active Business Employee” means a Business Employee who, as of the date immediately prior to the Closing Date, (i) actively performs work on behalf of Seller or (ii) is not actively performing work on behalf of Seller due to vacation, holiday, illness or injury (other than an employee receiving workers’ compensation benefits or on an approved leave of absence, including FMLA or military leave), jury duty, or bereavement leave in accordance with applicable policies of Seller. For the avoidance of doubt, any Business Employee who is a part-time employee will be considered an “Active Business Employee” and any Business Employee who was working under Seller’s Modified Duty Program and has returned to regular duty as of the date immediately prior to the Closing Date will be considered an “Active Business Employee”.

(c) “Anniversary Date” means the one-year anniversary of the Closing Date.

(d) “Asset Purchase Agreement” means the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated September 23, 2015, by and between Seller and Buyer, including the schedules, appendices, exhibits, amendments, and ancillary agreements attached thereto and made a part thereof.

(e) “Business Employees” means all of the individuals identified on Exhibit A attached hereto. Each Business Employee will be either an “Active Business Employee” or an “Inactive Business Employee” as those terms are defined in this Employee Matters Agreement.


(f) “Buyer” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Employee Matters Agreement.

(g) “Buyer Savings Plan” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.4 hereof.

(h) “Buyer’s Auto-Allowance Policy” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.6 hereof.

(i) “Cause” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1 hereof.

(j) “CCR Exempt Employee Severance Plan” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2 hereof.

(k) “Closing Date” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

(l) “COBRA” means the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985.

(m) “Deferred Hire Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3 hereof.

(n) “Delaware Courts” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.4(b) hereof.

(o) “Employee Matters Agreement” means this Employee Matters Agreement by and between Seller and Buyer, including the appendices and amendments attached hereto and made a part hereof.

(p) “Employment-Related Obligations” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(a) hereof.

(q) “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

(r) “FMLA” means the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, as amended.

(s) “Inactive Business Employee” means a Business Employee who, as of the date immediately prior to the Closing Date, (i) is not actively performing work on behalf of Seller and (ii) is on an approved leave of absence, including FMLA or military leave, or is receiving workers’ compensation benefits. For the avoidance of doubt, any Business Employee who was performing work pursuant to Seller’s Modified Duty Program immediately before the Closing and has not returned to regular duty will be placed on leave by Seller before the Closing Date and will be considered an “Inactive Business Employee”.

(t) “Selected Employees” means a group, mutually agreed upon by Seller and Buyer, of less than five percent (5%) of the aggregate number of Active Business Employees who are not concentrated in any one geographic market or business function.

 

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(u) “Seller” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Employee Matters Agreement.

(v) “Seller Employee Plans” means any health, welfare, medical, dental, pension, retirement, profit sharing, incentive compensation, deferred compensation, equity compensation, savings, fringe benefit, paid time off, severance, life insurance and disability plan, program, agreement or arrangement (whether written or oral), including each “employee benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, that is sponsored, maintained or contributed to by Seller or its Affiliates for the Business Employees, other than the plans established pursuant to statute.

(w) “Transferred Employee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3 hereof.

(x) “WARN” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5 hereof.

ARTICLE II – EMPLOYMENT

2.1 Offer of Employment.

(a) Prior to the Closing Date, except as otherwise provided in this Section 2.1, Buyer shall have made offers of employment applicable to each Business Employee, provided that Buyer shall not be required to make an offer of employment to the Selected Employees. Prior to the Closing Date, Seller shall provide Buyer with a list of the Business Employees to whom such offers of employment shall be made, which list may be subject to modification but shall be final as of the date immediately prior to the Closing Date and is attached hereto as Exhibit A.

(b) With respect to each Inactive Business Employee, Buyer and Seller agree as follows:

(i) If such Inactive Business Employee returns to work during the period during which such Inactive Business Employee’s employment is protected under the FMLA, then Buyer agrees to hire such Inactive Business Employee, effective upon his or her return to work and upon such terms and conditions as set forth in the FMLA.

(ii) If such Inactive Business Employee returns to work within twelve (12) months after the Closing but after the period during which such Inactive Business Employee’s employment is protected under the FMLA, Buyer will hire such Inactive Business Employee if any comparable position with Buyer is available for which such Inactive Business Employee is qualified. If no such comparable position with Buyer is available at such time, such Inactive Business Employee will not become a Transferred Employee and Buyer shall have no further obligation with respect to such Inactive Business Employee. Such Inactive Business Employee may apply for vacant positions with Buyer.

2.2 Terms of Offer. Each offer of employment made to a Business Employee pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof shall provide for: (a) employment with Buyer or a Buyer Subsidiary, (b) until at least the Anniversary Date, a total compensation amount (comprised of

 

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base salary or hourly wage, plus potential short-term incentive compensation target (annual, local and sales), if any) that is comparable in the aggregate to such Business Employee’s total compensation amount in effect as of immediately prior to the Closing Date, except for (i) performance-based adjustments to short-term incentives and (ii) overtime, and (c) if the Business Employee is a salaried employee whose work location prior to the Closing Date is more than fifty (50) miles from the required work location for Buyer, a requirement that the employee agree to relocate to Buyer’s required work location in accordance with Buyer’s policies. Buyer shall have no obligation to hire a Business Employee who receives a contingent offer pursuant to subclause (c) who does not agree to relocate to Buyer’s required work location; however, Buyer agrees to pay one hundred percent (100%) of the cost of severance benefits pursuant to Seller’s Severance Pay Plan for Exempt Employees effective January 1, 2012 (the “CCR Exempt Employee Severance Plan”), if Seller is unsuccessful in identifying an alternate position for the employee within Seller’s organization within a reasonable time after the Closing Date. The parties hereto understand and agree that Buyer will bear one hundred percent (100%) of the expense associated with maintaining such total compensation amount referred to in subclause (b) above with respect to each Business Employee who becomes a Transferred Employee (as defined below). The parties hereto also understand and agree that, except as expressly set forth in this Employee Matters Agreement, Buyer will have sole discretion and sole responsibility regarding the Transferred Employees’ salaries, hourly wages and short-term incentive compensation.

2.3 Transferred Employee. Buyer shall give each Business Employee until the close of business on the date immediately prior to the Closing Date to accept an offer of employment made pursuant to this Article II, except as otherwise provided in Section 2.1(b) hereof. A Business Employee who accepts employment with Buyer and commences working for Buyer shall become a “Transferred Employee”. Each Active Business Employee who accepts employment with Buyer shall become a Transferred Employee effective on the first day immediately following the Closing Date and shall terminate his or her employment with Seller as of the Closing Date. Each Inactive Business Employee who accepts employment with Buyer shall become a Transferred Employee on the date he or she returns to work (“Deferred Hire Date”), provided such date is on or before the Anniversary Date, and shall terminate his or her employment with Seller as of the date immediately prior to the Deferred Hire Date. If an Inactive Business Employee does not return to work on or before the Anniversary Date, Buyer shall have no obligation under this Employee Matters Agreement to hire such employee, and such employee shall not become a Transferred Employee. Buyer agrees that it will not institute a reduction in force or otherwise terminate any Transferred Employees, other than for Cause, for a period of thirty (30) days after the Closing.

2.4 Rejected Offers. Except as provided in Section 2.2 hereof, Buyer shall have no obligation with respect to any Business Employee who rejects Buyer’s offer of employment made pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof. Except as referred to in Section 2.2 hereof, it is the intent of the parties that such employee shall not be entitled to any termination or severance benefits as a result of the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement, and each of the parties shall cause their respective severance plans, policies, programs or arrangement to be interpreted and administered consistent with such intent.

 

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2.5 WARN. The parties acknowledge their mutual understanding and intent that because of Buyer’s obligation to offer employment to each Business Employee pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof, the termination of such Business Employees upon the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement shall not constitute a “plant closing” or “mass layoff” within the meaning of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (“WARN”) or any similar state or local law. Accordingly, Buyer shall be solely responsible and agrees to indemnify and hold Seller harmless for any Losses under WARN or any similar state or local law arising out of Buyer’s failure to offer employment to all of the Business Employees pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof. Buyer further agrees that it shall be solely responsible for any liability under WARN or any similar state or local law for any terminations of Transferred Employees occurring on or after the Closing Date.

ARTICLE III – EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

3.1 Severance. Each Transferred Employee will be eligible to participate in Buyer’s severance plans (if any) under the same terms and conditions as other similarly-situated employees of Buyer. Until the Anniversary Date, Buyer agrees to provide to any Transferred Employee who is involuntarily terminated by Buyer for any reason, other than for Cause (as defined herein), severance benefits that are no less favorable than the severance benefits such employee would have received under the CCR Exempt Employee Severance Plan or the Coca-Cola Refreshments Severance Pay Plan for Nonexempt Employees, as in effect and applicable to such employee immediately prior to the Closing Date, it being understood that Buyer will bear one hundred percent (100%) of the cost of any severance benefits so paid pursuant to this Section 3.1. For purposes of this Section 3.1, “Cause” means a reason for termination based on an employee’s inappropriate behavior or conduct in violation of Buyer’s rules, policies, or directives and/or in violation of law, specifically excluding, however, an employee’s inability to meet performance goals or criteria. Buyer further agrees that any such severance benefits paid in accordance with this Section shall be conditioned upon the Transferred Employee executing and timely returning a release of claims agreement, the form of which, in the case of severance paid pursuant to the second sentence of this Section 3.1, shall be mutually acceptable to Buyer and Seller and shall include, without limitation, a release of any and all claims such employee may have arising out or relating to such employee’s employment with Seller and Buyer or the termination thereof.

3.2 Service Credit. Buyer shall take all actions necessary such that Transferred Employees shall be credited for their actual and credited service with Seller and each of its Affiliates, for purposes of participation, eligibility and vesting in Buyer’s “employee welfare benefit plan” (within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA), the Buyer Savings Plan, and Buyer’s vacation, service awards, and any other plans, policies or practices in which Transferred Employees may commence participation after the Closing; provided, however, that such crediting of service shall not operate to duplicate any benefit to any such Transferred Employee.

3.3 Health and Welfare Benefits.

(a) Buyer shall take all action necessary to ensure that the Transferred Employees will be eligible to participate in Buyer’s “employee welfare benefit plan” to the same extent as Buyer’s other employees. Buyer shall take all action necessary to ensure that, to the extent permitted under Buyer’s “employee welfare benefit plan” (within the meaning of Section 3(1) of

 

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ERISA) covering Transferred Employees after the Closing, such plans shall (i) waive any pre-existing condition exclusions, (ii) waive any proof of insurability, and (iii) recognize, for purposes of satisfying any deductibles and out-of-pocket amounts maximums during the plan year in which the Closing Date occurs, any payments made by any Transferred Employee toward deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums in any health or other insurance plan of Seller or an Affiliate of Seller. Within thirty (30) days after the Closing Date, Seller will make available to Transferred Employees a one-time cash payment to offset higher costs for employees in Buyer’s “employee welfare benefit plans” (if applicable), calculated for a period of two (2) years. Buyer and Seller will share the cost and expense of providing such payment as mutually agreed by the parties.

(b) Business Employees who meet the eligibility requirements under Seller’s retiree medical plan prior to the Closing Date may elect retiree medical benefits under such plan, and be eligible for hire by Buyer. Buyer will not offer retiree medical benefits to Transferred Employees. Seller will make available a one-time reimbursement payment to Transferred Employees who are adversely affected by the loss of retiree medical benefits as a result of the Closing and will bear one hundred percent (100%) of the cost of this payment (if applicable).

3.4 401(k) Benefits. Seller shall cause The Coca-Cola Company 401(k) Plan to fully vest the Transferred Employees in their accounts immediately prior to his or her termination of employment with Seller. Buyer and Seller will share the cost and expense of providing such full vesting as mutually agreed by the parties. Transferred Employees will be eligible to participate in one or more defined contribution savings plans intended to qualify under Section 401(a) and 401(k) of the Code (“Buyer Savings Plan”) and, effective as of the Closing Date, Buyer shall cause the Buyer Savings Plan to provide for receipt of Transferred Employees’ distribution of their account balances, including any outstanding loans and shares of The Coca-Cola Company common stock, in the form of an eligible rollover distribution from The Coca-Cola Company 401(k) Plan, provided such rollovers are made at the election of the Transferred Employees.

3.5 Pension Benefits. Seller shall cause The Coca-Cola Company Pension Plan to fully vest the Transferred Employees in their accrued benefit effective immediately prior to his or her termination of employment with Seller. In addition, Seller shall cause The Coca-Cola Company Pension Plan to provide an additional benefit accrual to each Transferred Employee, as of the date immediately before such employee’s termination of employment with Seller, an amount equal to the difference between (i) the benefit accrual such employee would have received under The Coca-Cola Company Pension Plan if he or she had remained employed by Seller or its Affiliates from the date of his or her termination of employment with Seller until the second anniversary of the Closing Date, minus (ii) the excess (if any) between Buyer’s 401(k) matching formula and Seller’s 401(k) matching formula. Buyer and Seller will share the cost and expense of such full vesting and additional pension amount as mutually agreed by the parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any provision herein to the contrary, if Seller determines in good faith, that such additional benefit accrual under The Coca-Cola Company Pension Plan may cause the plan to violate Section 401(a) of the Code or is otherwise impermissible or inadvisable for any reason, Seller may, in its sole discretion, provide the amount set forth herein to the Transferred Employees in a lump-sum cash payment, subject to applicable tax withholding.

 

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3.6 Automobile Allowance. Buyer agrees to adopt or maintain an automobile allowance policy (“Buyer’s Auto-Allowance Policy”) that is comparable, in the aggregate, to Seller’s automobile allowance policy in effect immediately prior to the Closing Date. Transferred Employees who participated in Seller’s automobile allowance policy immediately prior to Closing will be eligible to participate in Buyer’s Auto-Allowance Policy effective as of the Closing Date and until at least the Anniversary Date.

3.7 COBRA Coverage. Seller shall be solely responsible for offering and providing any COBRA coverage with respect to any of the Business Employees who is a “qualified beneficiary,” who is covered by a Seller Employee Plan that is a “group health plan” and who experiences a “qualifying event” on or prior to the date the employee becomes a Transferred Employee. Buyer shall be solely responsible for offering and providing any COBRA coverage required with respect to any Transferred Employee (or other qualified beneficiary), who becomes covered by a group health plan sponsored or contributed to by Buyer and who experiences a qualifying event subsequent to the date the employee becomes a Transferred Employee. For purposes hereof, each of “qualified beneficiary”, “group health plan” and “qualifying event” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4980B of the Code.

3.8 Vacation Pay, Holidays and Sick Pay.

(a) Buyer shall not assume or otherwise become liable for, and Seller shall not transfer to Buyer, any liabilities of Seller with respect to accrued but unused vacation or paid time off (excluding sick pay) (collectively, the “Accrued Amounts”). Seller shall pay to each Transferred Employee the Accrued Amount with respect to such employee in accordance with Seller’s regular payroll practices and procedures for the payment of wages to terminating employees. Seller will communicate the timing and amount of the payouts of the Accrued Amounts to Buyer. Up to and including the Anniversary Date, Buyer will honor Seller’s vacation and holiday policies as to the number of days available as in effect on the date immediately prior to the Closing for the benefit of the Transferred Employees; provided, that Buyer may, at its option, elect to provide the Transferred Employees with cash compensation in lieu of any such additional vacation or holidays that would be required under Seller’s vacation, paid time off, and holiday policies. Except as provided in this Section 3.8(a), Transferred Employees’ entitlement to vacation, paid time off or holidays will be accrued or available and used only in accordance with Buyer’s own vacation, paid time off and holiday policies.

(b) Buyer will offer a sick pay transition benefit to Transferred Employees, which will include the creation of a temporary “bank” and credit such bank for each Transferred Employee with the lesser of ten (10) sick pay days or the number of the Transferred Employee’s unused sick pay days as of the Closing Date as set forth in Seller’s payroll records that will be made available for use by the Transferred Employees until the Anniversary Date, and which will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any sick pay days to which the Transferred Employees may be entitled under the Buyer’s existing sick pay policy. Unused days from this temporary “bank” will not be paid out to Transferred Employees after the Anniversary Date. The cost of providing this benefit will be shared between the parties, with Buyer bearing the cost of the additional sick days one (1) through five (5) and Seller bearing the cost of additional days six (6) through ten (10). After the Anniversary Date, the parties will review the implementation of the sick pay transition benefit and associated costs as compared to other programs implemented by expanding participating bottlers other than Buyer, and the parties may make such adjustments as are mutually agreed in order to ensure the continued effectiveness and consistency of similar programs that may be implemented in connection with future transactions, if any.

 

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3.9 Plan Authority. No Seller Employee Plans or assets of any Seller Employee Plans shall be transferred to Buyer or any Affiliate of Buyer. Nothing contained herein, express or implied, constitutes an amendment or modification to Seller Employee Plans or Seller policies, programs or arrangements. Nothing contained herein, express or implied, shall prohibit the parties or their Affiliates, as applicable, from adding, deleting or changing provider of benefits, changing, increasing or decreasing co-payments, deductibles or other requirements for coverage or benefits (e.g., utilization review or pre-certification requirements), and/or making other changes in the administration of or in the design, coverage and benefits provided to such Transferred Employees. Without reducing the obligations set forth in this Article III, no provision in this Employee Matters Agreement shall be construed as a limitation on the right of the parties or their Affiliates, as applicable, to suspend, amend, modify or terminate any employee benefit plan. Further, no provision of this Employee Matters Agreement shall be construed as limiting the parties’ or their Affiliates’, as applicable, discretion and authority to interpret their respective employee benefit and compensation plans, agreements, arrangements, and programs in accordance with their terms and applicable law.

ARTICLE IV – OTHER EMPLOYEE MATTERS

4.1 Cooperation. Buyer and Seller shall provide each other with such records and information as may be reasonably necessary, appropriate and permitted under applicable Law to carry out their obligations under this Employee Matters Agreement; provided, that initially Seller shall only be required to provide records with respect to the following: initial employment dates, termination dates, reemployment dates, hours of service, current compensation, Transferred Employee FMLA usage in the twelve (12) months prior to Closing, year to date contributions to The Coca-Cola Company 401(k) Plan and Code Section 125 health and dependent flexible spending accounts and the timing and amount of the payouts of Accrued Amounts to each Transferred Employee pursuant to Section 3.8(a). Subject to applicable laws, in connection with the Closing, upon Buyer’s request Seller will transfer to Buyer the personnel and employment records of the Transferred Employees (including, without limitation, Department of Transportation records and performance appraisals) to the extent that Buyer determines in its reasonable judgment that such records are necessary for the ongoing operation of the Business; provided, that in such case Seller will provide original records (including electronic records) to Buyer unless Buyer requests copies or only copies are in existence.

4.2 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Nothing contained herein, express or implied, (a) is intended to confer or shall confer upon any employee, Business Employee or Transferred Employee any right to employment or continued employment for any period of time by reason of this Employee Matters Agreement, or any right to a particular term or condition of employment, (b) is intended to confer or shall confer upon any individual or any legal representative of any individual (including employees, retirees, or dependents or beneficiaries of employees or retirees and including collective bargaining agents or representatives) any right as a third-party beneficiary of this Employee Matters Agreement or (c) shall be deemed to confer upon any such individual or legal representative any rights under or with respect to any plan, program or arrangement described in or contemplated by this Employee Matters Agreement, and each such individual or legal representative shall be entitled to look only to the express terms of any such plans, programs or arrangements for his or her rights thereunder.

 

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4.3 Employment Liabilities.

(a) Seller shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Buyer Indemnified Parties against, and reimburse any Buyer Indemnified Party for, all Losses that such Buyer Indemnified Party may at any time suffer or incur, or become subject to, as a result of or in connection with (i) Employment-Related Obligations owed to any Business Employee (or their spouses or beneficiaries) to the extent arising prior to the Closing and (ii) any employees of Seller who are not hired by Buyer hereunder. Buyer shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the TCCC Indemnified Parties against, and reimburse any TCCC Indemnified Party for, all Losses that such TCCC Indemnified Party may at any time suffer or incur, or become subject to, as a result of or in connection with Employment-Related Obligations owed to any Transferred Employee (or their spouses or beneficiaries) to the extent arising after the Closing. For purposes of this Employee Matters Agreement, “Employment-Related Obligations” means all Losses arising out of, related to, in respect of or in connection with employment relationships or alleged or potential employment relationships with the indemnifying party or their Affiliates relating to employees, leased employees, applicants and/or independent contractors or those individuals who are deemed to be employees of the indemnifying party or their Affiliates by contract or Law, including claims related to discrimination, torts, compensation for services (and related employment and withholding taxes), workers compensation or similar benefits and payments on account of occupational illnesses and injuries, employment contracts, invasion of privacy, infliction of emotional distress, defamation, slander, provision of leave under the FMLA or other similar Laws, car programs, relocation, expense-reporting, tax protection policies, claims arising out of WARN (except as otherwise set forth in Section 2.5) or employment, terms of employment, transfers, re-levels, demotions, failure to hire, failure to promote, compensation policies, practices and treatment, termination of employment, harassment, pay equity, employee benefits (including post-employment welfare and other benefits), employee treatment, employee suggestions or ideas, fiduciary performance, employment practices, the modification or termination of employee benefit plans, policies, programs, agreements and arrangement, and the like. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, with respect to any employee, leased employees, and/or independent contractors or those individuals who are deemed to be employees, “Employment-Related Obligations” includes payroll and social security Taxes, contributions (whether voluntary or involuntary) to any retirement, health and welfare or similar plan or arrangement, notice, severance or similar payments required under Law and obligations under Law with respect to occupational injuries and illnesses.

(b) With respect to the parties’ indemnity obligations set forth in this Section 4.3, (i) all Losses shall be net of any third-party insurance proceeds which have been recovered by the Indemnified Party in connection with the facts giving rise to the right of indemnification; (ii) in no event shall the Indemnifying Party have liability to the Indemnified Party under this Employee Matters Agreement for any consequential, special, incidental, indirect or punitive damages, lost profits or similar items (including loss of revenue, income or profits, diminution of value or loss of business reputation or opportunity relating to a breach or alleged breach hereof) unless any such damages or items are awarded to a third party in a Third Party Claim, provided that this Section 4.3(b)(ii) shall not limit or restrict in any way the right or ability of an

 

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Indemnified Party to recover damages that are direct and reasonably foreseeable; and (iii) in no event shall the Indemnifying Party have liability to the Indemnified Party under this Employee Matters Agreement with respect to any Losses to the extent such Losses constitute a payment obligation of the Indemnified Party under this Employee Matters Agreement.

(c) In addition to, and not in limitation of, the foregoing, the parties agree that Seller shall have no liability to indemnify any Buyer Indemnified Party under this Employee Matters Agreement with respect to any Losses to the extent such Losses are caused by or result from any action (i) that after the date of the Asset Purchase Agreement Buyer requested Seller to take or refrain from taking in writing pursuant to Section 5.01 of the Asset Purchase Agreement (other than actions Seller is already obligated to take or refrain from taking under this Employee Matters Agreement or the Asset Purchase Agreement), (ii) taken pursuant to a written consent from Buyer specifically authorizing such action, but only as long as Seller’s request for written consent to such action was not related to curing a breach of any representation, warranty or covenant of Seller hereunder or Sellers under the Asset Purchase Agreement, or (iii) that Seller or any of its Affiliates, having sought Buyer’s consent pursuant to Section 5.01 of the Asset Purchase Agreement, did not take as a result of Buyer having unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned the requested consent, other than, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), any such Losses constituting costs and expenses specifically and intentionally incurred by Seller to take any such action requested by Buyer and agreed to by Seller.

ARTICLE V – MISCELLANEOUS

5.1 Entire Agreement. This Employee Matters Agreement (including Exhibit A attached hereto), together with the Asset Purchase Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and may be modified only in writing duly executed by the parties hereto.

5.2 Waiver. Neither the failure of any party hereto to insist upon the performance of any term or condition of this Employee Matters Agreement or to exercise any right or privilege conferred by this Employee Matters Agreement nor the waiver by any party of any such term or condition shall be construed as thereafter waiving any such term, condition, right or privilege.

5.3 Assignment. This Employee Matters Agreement shall be binding on the respective parties, their successors, legal representatives and assigns, and no party hereto shall have the right to assign, sublet, transfer, encumber or convey this Employee Matters Agreement or any interest in it without the written consent of the other party. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, Buyer may, without the prior written consent of Seller, assign all or any portion of its rights and obligations under this Employee Matters Agreement to one (1) or more of its direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries provided no such assignment shall relieve Buyer of any of its obligations hereunder.

5.4 Governing Law and Dispute Resolution.

(a) This Employee Matters Agreement (and any claims, causes of action or disputes that may be based upon, arise out of or relate hereto or thereto, to the transactions contemplated hereby, to the negotiation, execution or performance hereof, or to the inducement of any party to enter herein, whether for breach of contract, tortious conduct or otherwise and whether

 

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predicated on common law, statute or otherwise) shall in all respects be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware, including all matters of construction, validity and performance, in each case without reference to any conflict of Law rules that might lead to the application of the Laws of any other jurisdiction.

(b) Each of the parties hereto agrees that any claims, causes of action or disputes that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Employee Matters Agreement, to the transactions contemplated hereby, to the negotiation, execution or performance hereof, or to the inducement of any party to enter herein, whether for breach of contract, tortious conduct or otherwise and whether predicated on common law, statute or otherwise, shall be resolved only in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and the federal courts of the United States of America located in the District of Delaware and the appellate courts having jurisdiction of appeals from such courts (the “Delaware Courts”). In that context, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each party irrevocably and unconditionally:

(i) submits for itself and its property in any Action relating to this Employee Matters Agreement, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Courts, and agrees that all claims in respect of any such Action shall be heard and determined in the Delaware Courts;

(ii) consents that any such Action may and shall be brought in the Delaware Courts and waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue or jurisdiction of any such Action in the Delaware Courts or that such Action was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same;

(iii) agrees that service of process in any such Action may be effected by mailing a copy of such process by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to such party at its address as provided in Section 10.02 of the Asset Purchase Agreement; and

(iv) agrees that nothing in this Employee Matters Agreement shall affect the right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by the Laws of the State of Delaware.

(c) Should any party institute any action or proceeding in court to enforce any provision of this Employee Matters Agreement or for damages by reason of any alleged breach of any provision of this Employee Matters Agreement or for any other judicial remedy with respect to this Employee Matters Agreement, the prevailing party will be entitled to receive from the losing party all reasonable attorneys’ fees of outside counsel and all reasonable out of pocket costs paid to third parties in connection with such proceeding. No attorneys’ fees shall be awarded for the respective parties in-house counsel.

5.5 Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT

 

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ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY HERETO CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (a) NO REPRESENTATIVE OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (b) SUCH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (c) SUCH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (d) SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 5.5.

5.6 Severability. If any sentence, paragraph, clause, or portion of this Employee Matters Agreement is held to be in violation of any applicable law or public policy, such sentence, paragraph, clause or portion shall be of no effect, and the remainder of this Employee Matters Agreement shall be binding. In the event that any part of this Employee Matters Agreement is determined by a court of law to be unenforceable in any respect, Buyer and Seller jointly intend and hereby request that the court substitute a judicially enforceable provision in its place taking into consideration the intent of the parties.

5.7 Counterparts. This Employee Matters Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Employee Matters Agreement by facsimile or other means of electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Employee Matters Agreement. This Employee Matters Agreement shall become effective and binding upon each proposed party hereto upon the execution and delivery of a counterpart hereof by such party.

5.8 Notice. Any notice required to be given by any party herein to the other shall be given in accordance with Section 10.02 of the Asset Purchase Agreement.

5.9 Rules of Construction. All references to the terms Article, Section, Exhibit and Schedule are references to the Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules of or to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.

[The remainder of this page has been intentionally left blank.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Seller and Buyer have caused this Employee Matters Agreement to be executed on the date first written above by their respective duly authorized officers.

 

COCA-COLA REFRESHMENTS USA, INC.
By  

 

Name:  
Title:  
COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED
By  

 

Name:  
Title:  


EXHIBIT A

BUSINESS EMPLOYEES

See the attached.


EXHIBIT F

FORM OF BILL OF SALE, ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

This BILL OF SALE, ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT (this “Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption”) is made and entered into as of             , 2015, by and between COCA-COLA REFRESHMENTS USA, INC., a Delaware corporation (“CCR”), and COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED,1 a Delaware corporation (the “Buyer”).

WHEREAS, CCR and the Buyer are parties to that certain Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2015 (the “Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, CCR has agreed to sell, convey, assign, transfer and deliver to the Buyer, and the Buyer has agreed to purchase, acquire and accept from CCR, certain assets of CCR and, in connection therewith, the Buyer has agreed to assume certain liabilities and obligations of CCR related thereto; and

WHEREAS, this Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption is contemplated by the Purchase Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt, adequacy and legal sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties do hereby agree as follows:

1. Capitalized Terms. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Purchase Agreement.

2. Assignment and Assumption. Effective as of the Closing, CCR hereby (a) sells, conveys, assigns, transfers and delivers (collectively, the “Assignment”) to the Buyer, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens, all right, title and interest in, to and under the Transferred Assets, other than the assets listed in Exhibit A attached hereto, and (b) sells, conveys, assigns, transfers and delivers to the Buyer the Assumed Liabilities. The Buyer hereby accepts the Assignment and assumes and agrees to observe and perform the duties, obligations, terms, provisions and covenants of, and to pay and discharge when due, the Assumed Liabilities, subject, in all cases, to the terms and conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

3. Excluded Liabilities. The Buyer does not, and will not by assumption of the Assumed Liabilities or the acceptance of this Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption, assume any Excluded Assets or Excluded Liabilities, and the parties hereto agree that all such Excluded Assets and Excluded Liabilities will remain the sole responsibility of CCR or its Affiliates, as applicable, as set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

4. Terms of the Purchase Agreement. The terms of the Purchase Agreement are incorporated herein by this reference. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of the Purchase Agreement and the terms hereof, the terms of the Purchase Agreement will govern.

 

 

1  NTD: Prior to Closing, CCBCC may assign its rights to acquire certain assets to one of its wholly owned subsidiaries as contemplated by Section 10.06 of the Purchase Agreement.


5. Further Actions. Each of the parties hereto covenants and agrees, at its own expense, to execute and deliver such further instruments of transfer and assignment and to take such other action as such other party may reasonably request to more effectively consummate the assignments and assumptions contemplated by this Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption.

6. Binding Effect. This Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption and all of the provisions hereof will be binding upon and will inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

7. Controlling Law. This Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption will be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware (regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof).

8. Counterparts. This Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which will constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption by facsimile or e-mail transmission will be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption.

[Signature page follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption as of the date first above written.

 

CCR:  
COCA-COLA REFRESHMENTS USA, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
BUYER:  
COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

Signature Page to Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement


EXHIBIT A

 

1. All rights and obligations of CCR under the Shared Contracts, to the extent related to the Business.


EXHIBIT G

TERRITORY

Initial Closing Territory

The Initial Closing Territory is generally comprised of the geographic territory in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia supplied by the Sellers’ sales centers identified as Norfolk, Staunton and Fredericksburg (the “Initial Closing Sales Centers”), as well as such currently unserved outlets within a territory that would reasonably be expected to be supplied by the Initial Closing Sales Centers if any such outlet was to become a customer. The precise geographic boundaries of the Initial Closing Territory will be mutually agreed upon by the parties to the Agreement (and, to the extent applicable, any third party brand owners) prior to the Initial Closing, which the parties anticipate will include all customer outlets within CCR’s territory immediately prior to the Initial Closing to which Covered Beverages (as defined in the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement) and Related Products (as defined in the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement) are supplied as of such time or were supplied during the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the Initial Closing (or an outlet that would reasonably be expected to be supplied if such location became a customer), in each case, by the Initial Closing Sales Centers.

First Interim Closing Territory

The first Interim Closing Territory is generally comprised of the geographic territory in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware supplied by the Sellers’ sales centers identified as Richmond, Yorktown, Easton and Salisbury (the “First Interim Closing Sales Centers”), as well as such currently unserved outlets within a territory that would reasonably be expected to be supplied by the First Interim Closing Sales Centers if any such outlet was to become a customer. The precise geographic boundaries of the First Interim Closing Territory will be mutually agreed upon by the parties to the Agreement (and, to the extent applicable, any third party brand owners) prior to the first Interim Closing, which the parties anticipate will include all customer outlets within CCR’s territory immediately prior to the first Interim Closing to which Covered Beverages (as defined in the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement) and Related Products (as defined in the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement) are supplied as of such time or were supplied during the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the first Interim Closing (or an outlet that would reasonably be expected to be supplied if such location became a customer), in each case, by the First Interim Closing Sales Centers.

Second Interim Closing Territory

The second Interim Closing Territory is generally comprised of the geographic territory in Virginia, the District of Columbia and Maryland supplied by the Sellers’ sales centers identified as Capitol Heights, Rockville, Alexandria, and La Plata (the “Second Interim Closing Sales Centers”), as well as such currently unserved outlets within a territory that would reasonably be expected to be supplied by the Second Interim Closing Sales Centers if any such outlet was to become a customer. The precise geographic boundaries of the Second Interim Closing Territory


will be mutually agreed upon by the parties to the Agreement (and, to the extent applicable, any third party brand owners) prior to the second Interim Closing, which the parties anticipate will include all customer outlets within CCR’s territory immediately prior to the second Interim Closing to which Covered Beverages (as defined in the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement) and Related Products (as defined in the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement) are supplied as of such time or were supplied during the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the second Interim Closing (or an outlet that would reasonably be expected to be supplied if such location became a customer), in each case, by the Second Interim Closing Sales Centers.

Final Closing Territory

The Final Closing Territory is generally comprised of the geographic territory in Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia supplied by the Sellers’ sales centers identified as Baltimore, Cumberland and Hagerstown (the “Final Closing Sales Centers”), as well as such currently unserved outlets within a territory that would reasonably be expected to be supplied by the Final Closing Sales Centers if any such outlet was to become a customer. The precise geographic boundaries of the Final Closing Territory will be mutually agreed upon by the parties to the Agreement (and, to the extent applicable, any third party brand owners) prior to the Final Closing, which the parties anticipate will include all customer outlets within CCR’s territory immediately prior to the Final Closing to which Covered Beverages (as defined in the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement) and Related Products (as defined in the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement) are supplied as of such time or were supplied during the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the Final Closing (or an outlet that would reasonably be expected to be supplied if such location became a customer), in each case, by the Final Closing Sales Centers.

 

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EXHIBIT H

FINISHED GOODS SUPPLY AGREEMENT

This Finished Goods Supply Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and executed this      day of             , 20     by and between Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. (“CCR”) and Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated (“Bottler”). CCBCC Operations, LLC, a wholly-owned Affiliate of Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, is also a signatory to this Agreement for purposes of taking assignment of the rights and obligations of Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated hereunder immediately following execution of this Agreement.

BACKGROUND

 

A. The Coca-Cola Company (“Company”) and its Affiliates make and sell beverage products and related materials and ingredients.

 

B. CCR has granted to Bottler, under the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement, the rights and obligations that CCR received from Company to distribute, promote, market, and sell Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory.

 

C. Under the terms of the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement, Bottler is obligated to obtain all of its requirements of Covered Beverages and Related Products from Company, directly or through CCR or another Company Affiliate, or from a Company Authorized Supplier, as necessary to satisfy fully the demand for the Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory.

 

D. The Parties desire to enter into this Agreement, under which CCR, another Company Affiliate, or Company Authorized Supplier will, among other things, manufacture and supply, and Bottler will purchase, all of Bottler’s requirements for certain of the Covered Beverages, Related Products, and Permitted Beverage Products in the Territory, as provided in this Agreement.

In exchange for the mutual promises set forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1. Term

The term of this Agreement (the “Term”) will begin as of                      and will continue until terminated in accordance with Section 23 hereof.

 

2. Definitions

Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Agreement have the meaning specified in the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement Form EPB Lead Market Sub-bottler among Company, CCR and Bottler dated             , 20     (the “Comprehensive


Beverage Agreement”). In addition, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

 

a. “Distribution Center” means a facility operated by Bottler at which it receives Products, and from which Bottler distributes Products to customers and consumers in the Territory pursuant to the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement. The Distribution Centers as of the Effective Date are specified in Exhibit C. Bottler may, upon 90 days prior written notice to, and consultation with, CCR, change, add or eliminate Distribution Centers during the Term.

 

b. “Effective Date” means                      [the date of execution and delivery of this Agreement].

 

c. “Innovation SKU” means a new SKU that has been introduced by Company, or, in the case of a new SKU that is a Permitted Beverage Product, by the licensor of such Permitted Beverage Product, that Bottler distributes or intends to distribute in the Territory. Innovation SKU does not include any SKU that has been distributed in the Territory for greater than ninety (90) days.

 

d. “Party” means either Bottler or CCR, or their permitted successors or assigns hereunder.

 

e. “Primary Packaging” means the container for a Product SKU in any form or material (together with the graphics), including, by way of example and not limitation, 8 oz. glass bottles with graphics imprinted, 12 oz. aluminum cans with graphics imprinted or plastic 2 two liter containers with labels.

 

f. “Production Center” means a facility operated by CCR, another Company Affiliate, or another Company Authorized Supplier that manufactures, produces, and/or assembles Products, and from which CCR or such other supplier transports Products to Bottler. The Production Centers that supply the Distribution Centers for the Territory as of the Effective Date are specified in Exhibit C.

 

g. “Rolling Forecast” means a weekly-generated written estimate, by individual SKU, by week, by Distribution Center and in the aggregate for all of Bottler’s Distribution Centers in the Territory, of the volume of Products that Bottler expects to purchase for the next thirteen (13) calendar weeks. The form of Rolling Forecast is attached as Exhibit D, or will be as generated electronically through the use of the CCR-generated forecasting process or by Bottler via the Coke One North America (CONA) system.

 

h. “Service Level Agreement” means the Service Level Agreement attached to this Agreement as Exhibit F, as hereafter amended by the Parties.

 

i. “Secondary Packaging” means packaging that contains Primary Packaging.

 

j. “Tertiary Packaging” means packaging that contains Secondary Packaging.

 

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k. “Value Added Facility” or “VAF” means a facility, whether owned by Bottler or CCR, and designated by CCR as a VAF, that consolidates certain low velocity Product SKUs identified by CCR’s VAF segmentation process (“VAF Products”), for shipment to Bottler’s Distribution Centers.

 

l. “Version” means the Primary Packaging, Secondary Packaging, and Tertiary Packaging, and the pallet configuration, in which a Product SKU is to be provided, as set forth on Exhibit C.

 

3. Products

This Agreement covers the supply by CCR to Bottler of the Finished Products and Permitted Beverage Products produced by or on behalf of CCR in bottles, cans or other factory sealed containers (“Products”) for the Territory. The Products as of the Effective Date are listed in Exhibit A. CCR may add SKUs to Exhibit A at any time during the Term. CCR may delete SKUs from Exhibit A with the agreement of Bottler. CCR may establish or reset prices for Products as provided by Exhibit B.

 

4. Parties’ Purchase and Supply Commitments and Sourcing

Except as provided in Subsections 4(a), 4(b), 4(c) or 5(d) hereof, Bottler will purchase from CCR or a designated CCR Affiliate, and CCR will supply or will cause CCR’s designated Affiliate to supply, Bottler’s entire requirements of Products as necessary for Bottler to satisfy fully the demand for the Products in the Territory. CCR’s use of an Affiliate for the supply of any Products shall not relieve CCR of any of its obligations set forth herein. CCR will use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly advise Bottler of any actual or anticipated delay in delivery of Products.

 

a. In the case of Covered Beverages and Related Products, Bottler may purchase one or more SKUs from alternate production facilities operated by any Company Authorized Supplier (including, if applicable, any such authorized production facilities operated by Bottler), if and to the extent that (i) CCR has notified Bottler that CCR will not provide such SKU (such notice to be provided by telephone call and email); (ii) Bottler has reasonably determined that delivery by CCR of any such SKU (including any SKU requested by Bottler’s customers) to the applicable Distribution Center will either (A) be 48 hours or more overdue, or (B) be late and result in a Distribution Center out-of-stock situation; or (iii) CCR’s delivery of any Products is delayed or impaired as a result of a Force Majeure Event.

 

b.

In the case of Permitted Beverage Products, Bottler may source one or more Product SKUs from an alternate production facility operated by any other Company Authorized Supplier or any supplier authorized by the licensor of such Permitted Beverage Products (including, in each case, if applicable, any such authorized production facility operated by Bottler), if and to the extent that: (i) CCR cannot meet or exceed the price (including freight), quality and service level terms (taken as a whole) offered by such other source and Bottler notifies CCR in writing of its intent to purchase such SKUs from such other source; or (ii) any of the circumstances set forth in Subsections 4(a)(i)-4(a)(iii) hereof apply. If Bottler determines that it can purchase Permitted

 

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  Beverage Products from another source at better price (including freight), quality and service level terms (taken as a whole) as contemplated under clause (i) of this Subsection 4(b), Bottler will notify CCR in writing within thirty (30) days following receipt of notice from CCR of the annual Transfer Price for the applicable SKUs as described in Exhibit B. If CCR does not object to such written notice from Bottler within ten (10) days of receipt (such objection to be communicated by email to a Bottler-defined representative), Bottler will be entitled to source the affected SKU from such alternate production facility, in which case Bottler will be responsible for purchasing from CCR all volumes of the affected SKU included in the Rolling Forecasts under Section 6 for a period of 45 days (unless a different period of time is mutually agreed by the Parties) following CCR’s receipt of such written notice from Bottler.

 

c. Bottler will have the right to source from alternate production facilities operated by any Company Authorized Supplier (including, if applicable, any such authorized production facilities operate by Bottler) (i) slow moving products (less than full pallet quantities), (ii) customer special requests, and (iii) Hot Shot Orders (i.e., time-sensitive orders that require faster delivery times than are required in the normal order process) that CCR cannot fulfill or elects not to fulfill, in each case, so long as Bottler has first provided CCR with the opportunity to supply the requested Products and CCR has declined to provide them. CCR will respond in a reasonably prompt manner to any such requests from Bottler.

 

d. CCR will continue to operate VAFs for the supply of VAF Products to Bottler’s Distribution Centers. Bottler may continue to operate VAFs and may supply VAF Products from CCR-designated Bottler VAFs to Bottler’s Distribution Centers; however, the foregoing will not limit CCR’s discretion with respect to funding of VAFs operated by the Bottler.

 

5. Production Centers and Package Versions

 

a. CCR will supply Products in the Versions specified in Exhibit C for each Distribution Center. Exhibit C may be amended from time to time to change the Versions being supplied to a Distribution Center only with the consent of both Parties.

 

b. CCR expects to supply the specified Versions from the primary and secondary Production Centers specified in Exhibit C; however, CCR may change the Production Center from one CCR Production Center to another CCR Production Center without the consent of Bottler, so long as the Version specified remains the same.

 

c. If CCR wishes to change the sourcing of any Product SKU from a Bottler production center (including Bottler VAFs) to a CCR Production Center (including CCR VAFs), or vice versa, such change would require the consent of Bottler.

 

d. Bottler may continue to provide Distribution Centers that have been supplied by Bottler prior to the Effective Date with the SKUs specified in Exhibit C. Bottler may change the Bottler production center so long as it continues to supply the same SKU to the same Distribution Center.

 

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e. Bottler and CCR will meet every six (6) months as part of the normal management process. Bottler and CCR will review volumes being supplied by Bottler to the Distribution Centers and, if the overall relative volume percentage of Products being supplied by CCR and Bottler to the Distribution Centers shifts by more than three percent (3%) in the previous six (6) month period as compared to the same period in the previous year, the Parties will re-balance any such sourcing shifts to bring the overall relative volume shift to less than three percent (3%), unless otherwise mutually agreed by the Parties in writing.

 

6. Forecasts, Bottler’s Purchase Obligation, and Allocation of Constrained SKUs

 

a. Bottler will provide to CCR a Rolling Forecast. The Rolling Forecast will be provided through one of the following two methods selected by Bottler:

¨ CCR-Generated Forecast: CCR will provide to Bottler, on or before 11 AM Eastern Time on Thursday of each calendar week, a Rolling Forecast for Bottler’s Territory (the “CCR-Generated Forecast”). Bottler will validate, or adjust and submit, to CCR any such CCR-Generated Forecast on or before Friday of each calendar week, by 11 AM of the time zone in which Bottler’s principal office is located. If Bottler does not validate, or adjust and submit, to CCR a CCR-Generated Forecast within such time periods, Bottler will be deemed to have accepted the CCR-Generated Forecast. Once a CCR-Generated Forecast is validated, or adjusted and submitted to CCR, or if Bottler fails to validate or adjust and submit such forecast within the time periods set forth in this paragraph, such CCR-Generated Forecast will be deemed to be the Rolling Forecast under this Section 6 and will be the forecast on which Bottler Forecast Accuracy is calculated under Section 11. The Rolling Forecast will be a firm purchase obligation on behalf of Bottler for the forecasted volume for all SKUs unique to Bottler from the applicable Production Center for the next three (3) weeks of the Rolling Forecast. Forecasts for all other Products must be made in good faith but will not result in a firm purchase obligation on behalf of Bottler.

or

x Bottler-Generated Forecast: Bottler will provide to CCR the Rolling Forecast for the Territory in the form attached as Exhibit D to this Agreement or electronically via the Coke One North America (CONA) system on or before Thursday of each calendar week, by 4 PM of the time zone in which Bottler’s principal office is located. If the Rolling Forecast is not received by CCR by such time, then the last forecast provided by Bottler will apply, Bottler will not have the right to adjust or validate such forecast, and such forecast will be deemed the Rolling Forecast under this Section 6 and will be the forecast on which Bottler Forecast Accuracy is calculated under Section 11. The Rolling Forecast will be a firm purchase obligation on behalf of Bottler for the forecasted volume for all SKUs unique to Bottler from the applicable Production Center for the next three weeks of the Rolling Forecast. Forecasts for all other Products must be made in good faith but will not result in a firm purchase obligation on behalf of Bottler.

 

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b. CCR will use commercially reasonable efforts to avoid shortages and will provide timely updates on constrained SKUs. In the event of capacity constraints or short supply, CCR will allocate available supply based on the following:

 

  i. For an existing Product SKU: In the event of a shortage of an existing Product SKU (with capacity determined on a national basis), there will be a fair and equitable process based on the annual historical total case volume percentage of all bottlers for the constrained SKU for the previous calendar year applied to the available supply of the constrained SKU, considering only the bottlers requiring the SKU that is in short supply.

 

  ii. For an Innovation SKU new to the system: In the event of a shortage of an Innovation SKU new to the system (with capacity determined on a national basis), the available supply would be allocated on a pro rata basis among the bottlers ordering such Innovation SKU (based upon the forecasts of each bottler for such Innovation SKU).

 

  iii. For an Innovation SKU new to Bottler but not new to the system, where the SKU is replacing an existing SKU (a “Replacement Innovation SKU”): In the event of shortage of a Replacement Innovation SKU (with capacity determined on a national basis), the available supply would be allocated on a pro rata basis among the bottlers ordering the Replacement Innovation SKU (based on (x) Bottler’s prior year sales of the SKU being replaced, (y) the prior year sales of the SKU being replaced for any other bottlers that are ordering the Replacement SKU for the first time, and (z) the prior year sales of the Replacement Innovation SKU for the bottlers that are not ordering the Replacement Innovation SKU for the first time).

 

  iv. For an Innovation SKU new to Bottler but not new to the system, where the SKU is not replacing an existing SKU (a “Non-Replacement Innovation SKU”): In the event of shortage of a Non-Replacement Innovation SKU (with capacity determined on a national basis), the available supply would be allocated on a pro rata basis among the bottlers ordering the Non-Replacement Innovation SKU (based on (x) Bottler’s forecast for the Non-Replacement SKU, (y) the forecast for the Non-Replacement Innovation SKU for any other bottlers that are ordering the Non-Replacement SKU for the first time, and (z) the prior year sales of the Non-Replacement Innovation SKU for the bottlers that are not ordering the Non-Replacement Innovation SKU for the first time).

 

c. Bottler may, in its sole discretion, direct such constrained Products in disproportionate amounts to any of its Distribution Centers.

 

d. CCR will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide Bottler with written notice (by email to a Bottler-defined representative) of the proposed launch of an Innovation SKU as soon as practicable prior to the proposed launch date. Such notice shall include the commercial plan, operating deck and Transfer Pricing for the Innovation SKU.

 

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  i. Bottler may, within fifteen (15) days following its receipt of such notice, provide to CCR a written forecast in a form substantially similar to that set forth in Exhibit E of the volume requirements for such Innovation SKU for each Distribution Center in the Territory, by week, for the first thirteen (13) weeks (unless a different period of time is mutually agreed by the Parties) after launch of such Innovation SKU (“Innovation SKU Forecast”). Bottler may revise any Innovation SKU Forecast at any time prior to sixty (60) days before the launch date. Additionally, Bottler may revise any part of the last nine (9) weeks of the Innovation SKU Forecast (but not the first four (4) weeks of the Innovation SKU Forecast) between sixty (60) days’ and thirty (30) days’ prior to the launch date. The Innovation SKU Forecast (as modified by any permitted revisions, as permitted by this paragraph) will be a firm purchase obligation on behalf of Bottler and Bottler must purchase all Product in the Innovation SKU Forecast. CCR will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide Bottler with additional Innovation SKU volume during the first thirteen (13) weeks if product sales are greater than the forecast. CCR will manufacture to the Innovation SKU Forecast for the period forecasted.

 

  ii. After the Innovation SKU has been distributed in the Territory for thirteen (13) weeks, Bottler will comply with the requirements of Section 6(a) above for CCR-Generated Forecasts and Bottler-Generated Forecasts for purposes of providing subsequent Rolling Forecasts that include the Innovation SKU.

 

7. Price

Bottler will purchase, and CCR will sell, the Products at the Transfer Price as determined in accordance with the methodology set forth in Exhibit B.

 

8. Payment Terms and Invoicing

 

a. Payment for Products is due in full within twenty-one (21) days from date of invoice.

 

b. CCR shall submit invoices for Products in accordance with the pricing methodology in Exhibit B hereto, and such invoices shall be submitted by CCR to Bottler within forty-five (45) days of shipment.

 

c. Invoices will identify any applicable sales, use, or excise taxes.

 

d. Bottler will reimburse CCR for all sales, use or excise taxes (if any), but Bottler will not be responsible for remittance of such taxes to applicable tax authorities. To the extent applicable, CCR shall reasonably cooperate with Bottler in its efforts to obtain or maintain any reseller tax exemption certificates.

 

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9. Service Level Agreement

CCR and Bottler agree to comply with the terms of the Service Level Agreement attached as Exhibit F.

 

10. CCR Performance Metrics

 

a. “Case Fill On Time” means the percentage calculated by dividing the number of cases of Products shipped by CCR to the applicable Bottler Distribution Center on the promised shipment date by the number of unconstrained cases of Products ordered for shipment to such Distribution Center. CCR will use commercially reasonable efforts to begin measuring, tracking and reporting “Case Fill On Time” based upon delivery date (rather than shipment date) as soon as practicable.

 

  i. The following will not be included in the calculation of Case Fill On Time: (a) requests not filled due to changes made to the original order by Bottler, and (b) Hot Shot Orders (as defined in Section 12(g)).

 

  ii. CCR will use commercially reasonable efforts to (a) meet the “Case Fill On Time Performance Target” set forth in the Service Level Agreement, and (b) measure, track and report to Bottler “Case Fill On Time” by day, week, and month for each Bottler Distribution Center in the Territory.

 

b. CCR will track, measure, and report to Bottler remaining shelf life of Products in CCR’s floor inventory from CCR Production Centers sourcing Products to Bottler by week:

 

    270+ day shelf life products (reflecting % of products in CCR’s floor inventory with less than 200 days remaining shelf life)

 

    90 - 269 day shelf life products (reflecting % of products in CCR’s floor inventory with less than 60 days remaining shelf life)

 

    70 – 89 day shelf life products (reflecting % of products in CCR’s floor inventory with less than 45 days remaining shelf life)

 

c. “Load Perfect Order” has the meaning specified in the Service Level Agreement. CCR will use commercially reasonable efforts to develop the capability to measure, track and report “Load Perfect Order” by week for each Bottler Distribution Center in the Territory consistent with the definition included in the Service Level Agreement.

 

11. Bottler Performance Metrics

 

a.

“Forecast Accuracy” means the accuracy of the “Lag 2 Week” included in Bottler’s Rolling Forecast for each Distribution Center, which is the forecasted volume to be purchased from CCR for the second week of each such Rolling Forecast, and is measured as 1 minus the Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE) over the 1 week period measured. “MAPE” is defined as the sum across all SKUs of the absolute value of the difference between the SKU-level Lag-2 Week of the Rolling Forecast provided to CCR and the actual SKU-level trade sales of Product sold by Bottler in the

 

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  Territory for such Lag-2 Week, divided by the actual SKU-level trade sales of Product sold by Bottler in the Territory for such Lag-2 Week. Bottler will not be responsible for forecast errors to the extent attributable to Product not delivered by CCR (i.e., the calculation will be adjusted to take into account Product not delivered by CCR to a particular Distribution Center for the Lag-2 Week period in question).

 

  i. Bottler will use commercially reasonable efforts to (a) meet the “Forecast Accuracy Performance Target” set forth in the Service Level Agreement, and (b) track, measure, and report to CCR Forecast Accuracy weekly by Lag 2 Week.

 

b. “Truck Turn Around Efficiency” means the percentage calculated by dividing the number of truckloads of Products from CCR that arrive at the Distribution Center within their delivery appointment window (as defined in the Service Level Agreement) and are unloaded by Bottler within 2 hours after either arrival time or appointment time (Bottler’s selection of arrival time or appointment time to be specified in the Service Level Agreement) by the total number of truckloads of Products from CCR that arrive at the Distribution Center within their delivery appointment window.

 

  i. Bottler will use commercially reasonable efforts to (a) meet the “Truck Turn Around Efficiency Performance Target” set forth in the Service Level Agreement; and (b) measure, track and report to CCR Truck Turn Around Efficiency by week and month.

 

12. Product Quality

 

a. Products must be delivered to Bottler in saleable condition, meeting all product and package quality standards established by TCCC, or the applicable licensor of any Permitted Beverage Product, as the case may be.

 

b. CCR will deliver all Products to Bottler’s Distribution Center with at least 45 days of shelf life remaining, except that, in the case of SKUs requiring more than 45 days of shelf life remaining because of customer requirements (e.g., Club Stores, ARTM, etc.), CCR will deliver such SKUs to Bottler’s Distribution Center with at least 12 days more than the customer-specific requirements.

 

c. Bottler may accept or reject any Product with less than 45 days of available shelf life remaining, in Bottler’s sole discretion, after discussion with CCR.

 

d. Products must have no material defects in material or workmanship when delivered to Bottler’s Distribution Center.

 

e. CCR will not deliver to Bottler’s Distribution Center(s) any Products that CCR knows to be subject to recall.

 

f. Product SKUs must be standing and undamaged when delivered by CCR to Bottler’s Distribution Center.

 

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g. Product loads must be braced and dunnaged or wrapped when delivered to Bottler’s Distribution Center.

 

h. Delivery trailers containing Products must be sealed, with Product documentation, and must not have off odors, leaks, or contaminants.

 

13. Product Orders and Risk of Loss

 

a. Ordering will be as set forth in the Service Level Agreement, whether Bottler places orders for Products via the Coke One North America (CONA) system or places orders for Products via manual order generation.

 

b. For those Bottlers that place orders manually, Bottler agrees to cooperate with the Production Center designated by CCR and the CCR Product Order Manager to develop and comply with an efficient, level ordering plan for the purchase of Products by Bottler in accordance with the Rolling Forecast (“Ordering Plan”).

 

c. Except as provided in Subsection 13(f), (i) all orders for Product from Bottler must be in full truck load quantities only and (ii) the minimum order quantity per SKU will be a full pallet.

 

d. CCR will ship Product orders from the Production Center designated by CCR to the Distribution Centers in the Territory specified by Bottler, except as provided in Subsection 13(e). Title and risk of loss will pass to Bottler upon initial receipt of the Products at the Bottler Distribution Center.

 

e. At CCR’s discretion, Bottler may be permitted to pick up Product orders at the Production Center designated by CCR. Title and risk of loss will pass to Bottler upon completion of the loading of such Products on Bottler’s vehicles or common carriers at the Production Center.

 

f. The Parties may agree to Product orders for less than full pallet quantities.

 

g. Additional provisions regarding placement and execution of orders are set forth in the Service Level Agreement.

 

h. Neither Bottler nor CCR will make any changes in the Product order fulfillment process that could have an operational or financial impact on the other Party without the prior review and approval of the other Party (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

 

14. Warranties

 

a.

Each Party represents and warrants the following: (i) the Party’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement: (A) have been authorized by all necessary corporate action, (B) do not violate the terms of any law, regulation, or court order to which such Party is subject or the terms of any material agreement to which the Party or any of its assets may be subject and (C) are not subject to the consent or approval of any third party; (ii) this Agreement is the valid and binding obligation of the

 

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  representing Party, enforceable against such Party in accordance with its terms; and (iii) such Party is not subject to any pending or threatened litigation or governmental action which could interfere with such Party’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

b. In rendering its obligations under this Agreement, without limiting other applicable performance warranties, CCR represents and warrants to Bottler as follows: (i) CCR is in good standing in the state of its incorporation and is qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in each of the other states in which it conducts business; and (ii) CCR shall secure or has secured all permits, licenses, regulatory approvals and registrations required to deliver and sell the Products, including registration with the appropriate taxing authorities for remittance of taxes.

 

c. In performing its obligations under this Agreement, Bottler represents and warrants to CCR as follows: (i) Bottler is in good standing in the state of its incorporation and is qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in each of the other states in which it is doing business; and (ii) Bottler shall secure or has secured all permits, licenses, regulatory approvals and registrations required to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

 

15. Product Warranty

 

a. CCR warrants to Bottler that the Products sold to Bottler under this Agreement comply at the time of shipment to Bottler in all respects with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended (the “Act”), and all federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and guidelines applicable in the Territory. Further, CCR warrants that all Products shipped to Bottler under this Agreement, and all packaging and other materials which come in contact with such Products, will not at the time of shipment to Bottler be adulterated, contaminated, or misbranded within the meaning of the Act or any other federal, state or local law, rule or regulation applicable in the Territory, and that such Products, packaging and other materials will not constitute articles prohibited from introduction into interstate commerce under the provisions of Sections 301(d), 404, 405 or 505 of the Act. CCR warrants to Bottler that the Products sold to Bottler under this Agreement will be handled, stored and transported properly by CCR, up to the time of shipment to Bottler.

 

b. CCR makes no covenant, representation or warranty concerning the Products of any kind whatsoever, express or implied, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement. THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS, AND CONSTITUTE THE ONLY WARRANTIES OF CCR WITH RESPECT TO CCR’S PRODUCTS.

 

16. Returns of Rejected Products

 

a.

Product Returns Classification. CCR or Bottler may discover or become aware of the existence of Product related problems, quality or other technical problems relating to

 

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  Products at the time of receipt by Bottler, after acceptance by Bottler, or after delivery by Bottler to customers. If such problems or quality issues are discovered, and such quality issues were due to quality or technical defects prior to delivery to Bottler’s Distribution Center, then the affected Products will be returned to CCR following the procedures in this Section based on the timing or circumstances of the discovery of quality or technical problems.

 

b. Product Return – At Receipt. If Bottler discovers any of the following issues associated with Products within 24 hours following delivery of such Products to the Distribution Center (or of pickup by Bottler at a Production Center, if applicable):

 

  i. any Product that has either not been ordered and scheduled for delivery on a particular date, or

 

  ii. any Product that does not match the shipping documents presented at delivery, or

 

  iii. any defect or deficiency in such Product (e.g., loose caps or leaking seams), or

 

  iv. any non-conformance of such Product with any applicable warranties or quality standards,

then Bottler will, within 24 hours following delivery of such Products to the Distribution Center (or of pickup by Bottler at a Production Center, if applicable), notify CCR of such defect, deficiency or non-conformance. Bottler will be entitled to credit equal to the price paid by Bottler for the defective, deficient or non-conforming Product (or cancellation of any unpaid charges associated with the defective, deficient or non-conforming Product), plus freight costs, if any, incurred by Bottler in connection with the delivery and return of such defective, deficient or non-conforming product. Any such credits will be applied within twenty-one (21) days against amounts otherwise due from Bottler and will be reflected in reasonable detail on appropriate invoices sent to Bottler. All credit requests must be submitted by Bottler to CCR within forty-five (45) days of shipment acceptance for credit requests to be considered.

 

c. Product Return – Quality Issues Post-Acceptance. If after acceptance of any Product and more than 24 hours following delivery to a Distribution Center (or of pickup by Bottler at a Production Center, if applicable), Bottler discovers:

 

  i. any defect or deficiency in such Products, or

 

  ii. any non-conformance of such Products with any applicable warranties or quality standards,

then Bottler will notify CCR within 24 hours of Bottler’s identification of such defect, deficiency or non-conformance. If the Product issue was discovered while in Bottler’s possession, Bottler will be entitled to a credit equal to price paid by Bottler for the defective, deficient or non-conforming Product (or cancellation of any unpaid charges

 

12


associated with the defective, deficient or non-conforming Product) as identified by Bottler, plus freight costs, if any, incurred by Bottler in connection with the delivery and return of such defective, deficient or non-conforming product. If the Product issue was discovered while in possession of Bottler’s customer or another third party, Bottler will be entitled to reimbursement of any reasonable expenses it incurred in connection with removing, returning and/or replacing such defective, deficient or non-conforming Product. Any such credits awarded hereunder will be applied against amounts otherwise due from Bottler and will be reflected in reasonable detail on appropriate invoices sent to Bottler.

 

17. Product Recalls

Duties regarding Product Recalls are as provided in the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement.

 

18. Local Innovation

 

a. Primary packaging local innovation requests will go through Company’s commercialization process, as described in Exhibit G, as updated from time to time by Company in its sole discretion.

 

b. If a local innovation request has Secondary and Tertiary Packaging changes and the request calls for graphics changes, the local innovation execution process for the graphics changes will be the same as set forth in Subsection 18(a) hereof.

In all other respects, the approval process for a local innovation request relating to Secondary or Tertiary Packaging will be as set forth below:

 

  i. Within one business day of a request from Bottler, CCR will inform Bottler whether CCR has the capability to provide the requested local innovation; provided, however, that this response will not constitute a commitment by CCR to proceed with the local innovation request.

 

  ii. If CCR indicates that it does have the capability and capacity to supply the requested local innovation, then within three (3) business days of a written request from Bottler in the form attached as Exhibit H, CCR will inform Bottler of the price of such requested local innovation within an expected range of +/- 40% accuracy.

 

  iii. Within twenty (20) business days of a written request from Bottler in the form attached as Exhibit H, CCR will inform Bottler in writing of the actual price, delivery dates and projected production quantities for the requested local innovation. If within twenty (20) business days following such written notice, Bottler accepts such price and delivery dates set forth in the notice and agrees to purchase all or a portion of such quantities set forth in such notice, CCR shall be obligated to produce and deliver such quantities at the price and dates set forth in the notice.

 

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19. Return of Deposit Materials, Recyclable Materials, and Tertiary Packaging

 

a. CCR will work with Bottler to coordinate return of deposit SKUs, Tertiary Packaging, non-hazardous recyclables, and CO2 cylinders from Distribution Centers at commercially reasonable times. Bottler will be responsible for shipping such items to CCR at Bottler’s expense, utilizing CCR back hauling to the extent available.

 

b. CCR will credit Bottler at CCR’s invoice rates any deposit amounts due to Bottler for returned items. Any such credits will be applied within twenty-one (21) days against amounts otherwise due from Bottler.

 

c. CCR will accept the return of non-hazardous recyclables based on the recyclables list approved by CCR.

 

20. Recycling Programs

CCR and Bottler will work together in good faith to develop recycling programs for the disposal of defective, damaged or expired Products held by Bottler or Bottler’s customers that have been paid for by Bottler and for which Bottler has not received credit.

 

21. Compliance with Laws

 

a. CCR will, and will cause its Affiliates and subcontractors to, comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations applicable to each of them relating to: (i) the production, packaging, labeling, marketing, promotion, transport and delivery of the Products; and (ii) the performance of CCR’s obligations set forth herein.

 

b. Bottler will comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations applicable to it and relating to: (i) the storage, marketing, promotion, distribution and sale of the Products; and (ii) and the performance of Bottler’s obligations set forth herein.

 

22. Indemnity

CCR will indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Bottler against any and all damages, loss, costs, or other liability (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of a third party claim that (i) results from CCR’s breach of this Agreement or any representation or warranty in this Agreement, or any negligent act or omission of CCR, or (ii) alleges damage for loss to property, death, illness or injuries, resulting from the use or consumption of any Products, except as set forth below. CCR will assume responsibility and expense of investigation, litigation, judgment and/or settlement of any such claim on the condition that CCR is notified promptly (in no event later than thirty (30) days after the first receipt of written notice thereof by Bottler) in writing of any such claim and is permitted to deal therewith at its own discretion and through its own representatives; except that Bottler’s failure to provide notice of a claim will not affect CCR’s obligation to indemnify the claim under this Section 22 unless such failure prejudices the defense of such claim. The Parties will cooperate reasonably in the investigation and defense of any such claim, and CCR will not settle any such claim that imposes on Bottler a non-monetary obligation or a liability that is not indemnified without Bottler’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. CCR will have no obligation to indemnify Bottler for any claim to the

 

14


extent that such claim arises out of the negligence or recklessness of Bottler. This Section 22 sets forth the sole and exclusive remedy for Bottler against CCR with respect to third party claims relating to the Products purchased by Bottler from CCR under this Agreement. CCR WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO BOTTLER WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR IN TORT OR ON ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, ANY LOST REVENUES, PROFITS OR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, OR FOR ANY OTHER LOSS OR COST OF A SIMILAR TYPE (COLLECTIVELY, “CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES”) OF BOTTLER OR ANY CUSTOMER OF BOTTLER OR OF ANY PERSON WHO MAY HAVE BECOME INJURED BY CCR’s PRODUCTS PURCHASED FROM BOTTLER (EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT AN INDEMNIFIED THIRD PARTY CLAIM INCLUDES CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES).

 

23. Termination

This Agreement will terminate upon termination of the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement. If CCR (or Company) grants to Bottler after the date hereof the rights to distribute, promote, market and sell the Covered Beverages and Related Products under Company’s trademarks in additional geographic territories under the terms of a different form of agreement than the existing Comprehensive Beverage Agreement, then this Agreement will be terminated and replaced by the form of Finished Goods Supply Agreement attached to such new form of Comprehensive Beverage Agreement.

 

24. Confidentiality

The terms and conditions of this Agreement are strictly confidential and are subject to the requirements of Section 54 of the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement.

 

25. Modification/Waivers

No modification, waiver or amendment to this Agreement will be binding upon either Party unless first agreed to in writing by both Parties. A waiver by either Party of any default or breach by the other Party will not be considered as a waiver of any subsequent default or breach of the same or other provisions of this Agreement.

 

26. Assignment

Except as otherwise permitted in the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement, Bottler may not assign this Agreement or any of the rights hereunder or delegate any of its obligations hereunder, without the prior written consent of CCR, and any such attempted assignment will be void. In accordance with this Section 26, Bottler hereby assigns its rights and obligations under this Agreement in whole to its wholly-owned Affiliate, CCBCC Operations, LLC effective immediately following the execution of this Agreement by CCR and Bottler. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Bottler hereby acknowledges and agrees that such assignment does not relieve Bottler of any of its obligations under this Agreement. By execution of this Agreement, CCBCC Operations, LLC accepts the assignment by Bottler of its rights and obligations under this Agreement, and agrees to be bound by and comply with the obligations of Bottler under this Agreement.

 

15


27. Relationship of Parties

The Parties are acting under this Agreement as independent contractors. Nothing in this Agreement will create or be construed as creating a partnership, joint venture or agency relationship between the Parties, and no Party will have the authority to bind the other in any respect.

 

28. Authority

Each Party represents and warrants that it has the full right and authority necessary to enter into this Agreement. Each Party further represents and warrants that all necessary approvals for this Agreement have been obtained, and the person whose signature appears below has the power and authority necessary to execute this Agreement on behalf of the Party indicated.

 

29. Force Majeure

Neither Party will be liable to the other for any delay or failure to perform fully where such delay or failure is caused by terrorism, acts of public enemy, acts of a sovereign nation or any state or political subdivision, fires, floods or explosions, where such cause is beyond the reasonable control of the affected Party and renders performance commercially impracticable as defined under the Uniform Commercial Code (a “Force Majeure Event”).

 

30. Business Continuity

CCR will develop and maintain a commercially reasonable business continuity plan.

 

31. Notices

All notices under this Agreement or the Service Level Agreement by either Party to the other Party must be in writing, delivered by electronic mail and confirmed by overnight delivery, certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, or by overnight courier, and will be deemed to have been duly given when received or when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

 

If to Bottler:    The then current address of Bottler as contained in CCR’s contractual files
   With a copy to: Bottler’s Chief Financial Officer or other designated representative, at the above address

 

16


If to CCR:   

One Coca-Cola Plaza

Atlanta, Georgia 30313

Direct: 770) 200-8745

Fax: (770) 200-8702

Attention: Carroll Diaz, Director, Program Management - Strategic Initiatives

   With a copy to: General Counsel, North America Group, at the above address

 

32. Governing Law

This Agreement and any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, without reference to its conflict of law rules.

 

33. Entire Agreement

 

a. This Agreement and the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement constitute the final, complete and exclusive written expression of the intentions of the Parties and supersede all previous communications, representations, agreements, promises or statements, either oral or written, by or between either Party concerning the activities described herein.

 

b. CCR will not be bound by any provisions in Bottler’s purchase order(s) or other documents, electronic or otherwise (including counter offers) which propose any terms or conditions in addition to or differing with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and any such terms and conditions of Bottler and any other modification to this Agreement will have no force or effect and will not constitute any part of the terms and conditions of purchase, except to the extent separately and specifically agreed to in writing by CCR. CCR’s failure to object to provisions contained in Bottler’s documents will not be deemed a waiver of the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, which will constitute the entire agreement between the Parties.

 

c. Bottler will not be bound by any provisions in CCR’s confirmation of acceptance or other documents, electronic or otherwise (including counter offers) which propose any terms or conditions in addition to or differing with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and any such terms and conditions of CCR and any other modification to this Agreement will have no force or effect and will not constitute any part of the terms and conditions of purchase, except to the extent separately and specifically agreed to in writing by Bottler. Bottler’s failure to object to provisions contained in CCR’s documents will not be deemed a waiver of the terms and conditions set forth herein, which constitute the entire agreement between the Parties.

 

d. No amendment, deletion, supplement or change in terms and conditions contained in this Agreement will be binding on either Party unless approved in writing by both Parties.

 

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e. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon each of the Parties and their successors and permitted assigns.

 

f. In the event of a conflict between this Agreement and the Service Level Agreement, the terms of this Agreement will govern.

 

g. In the event of a conflict between this Agreement and the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement, the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement will govern.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

18


Agreed to and accepted as of the date indicated below.

 

Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc.     Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
By:  

 

    By:  

 

Print Name:  

 

    Print Name:  

 

Title:  

 

    Title:  

 

      CCBCC Operations, LLC
      By:  

 

      Print Name:  

 

      Title:  

 

Signature Page to Finished Goods Supply Agreement


EXHIBIT I

FOCUS SIDE LETTER

Attached.


LOGO

COCA-COLA PLAZA

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

 

LOUIS A. MARTIN

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

SYSTEM EVOLUTION

    

P. O. Box 1734

ATLANTA, GA 30301

——

404 676-60662

FAX 404-598-60662

[            ], 2015

Henry W. Flint

President and Chief Operating Officer

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated

4100 Coca-Cola Plaza

Charlotte, NC 28211

Re: CCBCC’s Request for Certain Advance Waivers for Ancillary Businesses under the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement

Dear Hank:

This Letter Agreement amends, restates and replaces in its entirety that certain Letter Agreement dated May 23, 2014 “Re: CCBCC’s Request for Certain Advance Waivers for Ancillary Businesses under the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement.”

In light of the specific facts and circumstances related to its corporate structure, Coca-Cola Bottling Co Consolidated (“CCBCC”) has asked that The Coca-Cola Company (“TCCC”) provide certain advance waivers under the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement, as may be amended from time to time (“CBA”) with respect to CCBCC’s acquisition or development of certain lines of business involving beverage activity that would otherwise be prohibited under the CBA. Defined terms used in this Letter Agreement have the meaning specified in the CBA, unless otherwise noted.

We have agreed that the provision or sale of Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products not authorized or permitted by the CBA will be permitted if provided or sold solely for internal consumption by employees and guests of CCBCC and its Affiliates. Generally, CCBCC and its Affiliates would intend and anticipate that Covered Beverages would be offered in every beverage category in which TCCC participates.

In connection with the distribution territory expansion contemplated for CCBCC by those certain Letters of Intent dated April 15, 2013 and May 12, 2015 between CCBCC and TCCC and as a condition to the prior consent of TCCC to the potential acquisition or development of certain


lines of business identified in Section 2 of this Letter Agreement, CCBCC hereby agrees to a “Focus Period.” The Focus Period began on May 23, 2014 upon execution of the CBA for Johnson City, TN and Morristown TN territories, and will continue until January 1, 2020.

1. During the Focus Period, CCBCC and its Affiliates will not acquire or develop any line of business without TCCC prior written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld. However, during the Focus Period, CCBCC or any of its Affiliates may continue to:

 

  A. develop the lines of business listed on Attachment A to this Letter Agreement (the “Existing Lines of Business”) and, upon advance written notice to TCCC, may acquire a “bolt on” (i.e., acquisition of a business in the same line of business) to any Existing Line of Business, so long as, (i) in the case of any business other than Red Classic Services LLC, any such development or acquisition refrains from using any delivery vehicles, cases, cartons, coolers, vending machines or other equipment bearing TCCC’s Trademarks and assigning personnel or management whose primary duties relate to delivery or sales of Covered Beverages or Related Products in the Territory (other than executive officers of CCBCC), and (ii) in the case of Red Classic Services LLC, CCBCC and its Affiliates comply with the conditions set forth in Attachment A; and

 

  B. to the extent not prohibited under CCBCC’s Master Bottle Contract and other preexisting contracts with TCCC and its Affiliates, provide, outside of the Territory (as defined in the CBA), contract manufacturing services for Beverages, Beverage Products and other beverage products that may be distributed, sold, marketed, dealt in or otherwise used or handled by third parties.

2. After the expiration of the Focus Period,

 

  A. Consent of TCCC (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld) will only be required for acquisition or development by CCBCC or its Affiliates in the Territory of:

 

  i. any grocery, quick service restaurant, or convenience and petroleum store business engaged in the sale of Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products not otherwise authorized or permitted by the CBA (“Prohibited Beverages”); or

 

  ii.

any other line of business engaged in the preparation, distribution, sale, dealing in or otherwise using or handling (collectively, “Beverage Activities”) of Prohibited Beverages in which all Beverage Activities constitute in the aggregate more than ten percent (10%) of the net sales of such ancillary business provided such consent will not be required for


  any bolt on acquisition or development by Red Classic Services LLC provided the conditions set forth in Attachment A to this Letter Agreement will continue to apply to any such acquisition or development.

 

  B. In all other cases, CCBCC or its Affiliates may develop or acquire any line of business in the Territory without prior consent of TCCC, so long as CCBCC and its Affiliates refrain from using any delivery vehicles, cases, cartons, coolers, vending machines or other equipment bearing TCCC’s Trademarks and assigning personnel or management whose primary duties relate to delivery or sales of Covered Beverages or Related Products in the Territory (other than executive officers of CCBCC) with respect to such line of business in the Territory and provide TCCC with at least 30 days prior written notice of the proposed line of business. If requested by TCCC within five business days of TCCC’s receipt of such notice, the two most senior executive officers of CCBCC will discuss the proposed line of business with representatives of TCCC.

As used herein “CBA” means the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement being entered into on May 23, 2014 in connection with the Johnson City, TN and Morristown, TN territories and any other Comprehensive Beverage Agreement, or similar agreement, entered into between the parties or their affiliates for other territories subsequent to that date, as any of such agreements may be amended or restated from time to time. This Letter Agreement will apply to each CBA or amended CBA entered into by CCBCC, including those entered into after the date of this Letter Agreement.

Except as expressly set forth in this Letter Agreement, as applied solely to CCBCC, TCCC expressly reserves and does not waive hereunder any and all rights under the CBA or any other agreement. TCCC and CCBCC agree that the contents of this Letter Agreement are confidential and that none of the parties may discuss or disclose any of the provisions herein without the express written permission of the other parties, except (i) as required under applicable securities laws, legal process or other laws, (ii) that each party may disclose the contents of this Letter Agreement to those of its directors, officers, employees, lenders, potential financing sources and representatives of its legal, accounting and financial advisors (the persons to whom such disclosure is permissible being collectively referred to herein as “Representatives”) who have a need to know such information as long as such Representatives are informed of the confidential and proprietary nature of the information. The parties agree that the merger, integration and similar provisions in each CBA stating that such CBA encompasses all agreements between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements will not have any effect on the validity and continuance of the provisions of this Letter Agreement, and TCCC and CCBCC agree never to assert that this Letter Agreement has been superseded by a merger, integration or similar provision of any CBA unless the parties specifically state in such CBA that they intend to modify or supersede this Letter Agreement by making specific reference to this Letter Agreement.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows]


Sincerely,

 

Louis A. Martin
Senior Vice President
System Evolution
Coca-Cola North America

 

Accepted and Agreed to:
COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED
By:  

 

      Henry W. Flint
President and Chief Operating Officer
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Letter Agreement Regarding CCBCC’s Request for Certain Advance Waivers for Ancillary Businesses under the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement


Attachment A

Existing Lines of Business

 

1. Red Classic Services LLC — An over-the-road transportation and freight brokerage business, as described and conditioned in Schedule 14A Part 2 of the CBA for Johnson City, TN and Morristown, TN, executed at the same time as this Letter Agreement, which description and conditions may be amended by agreement of the parties in future CBAs.

 

2. Swift Water Logistics, Inc. – A broad array of logistical supply chain products and services. This business includes (i) assessing supply chain systems, (ii) advising regarding potential solutions, (iii) developing, manufacturing, integrating and implementing processes, tools and solutions across the supply chain, and (iv) providing supply chain and operational services, including supply chain management, project management, network strategy planning, territory planning and dispatch management, warehouse management and delivery and merchandising.

 

3. Data Ventures Inc. - Develops and provides analytics product suites, analytics services and consulting services for a wide variety of industries. These product suites and services include data warehousing and access solutions, shopper segmentation/clustering analytics, out of stock/shelf analytics, shopper behavior analytics, pricing and promotion analytics and product assortment analytics.

 

4. Equipment Reutilization Solutions LLC - Provides manufacturing and maintenance services for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, including equipment employing refrigeration systems. These services include manufacturing, installation, periodic maintenance service, and repair of mechanical and fluid systems employed in the beverage business, such as fountain dispenser equipment, vending equipment, and fast lane/cold carton merchandizing equipment used in the beverage and other businesses.

 

5. Third-party logistics services (“3PL Services”) and fourth-party logistics services (“4PL Services”). 3PL Services include the performance of outsourced logistics activities, such as warehousing, inventory management, pick and pack services, and other value added services including those that have been performed traditionally within an organization itself. 4PL Services include acting as an integrator that assembles the resources, capabilities and technology to design and build, execute and manage comprehensive supply chain solutions.

 

6. Management services and shared services to third parties such as cooperatives, joint ventures and other entities engaged in bottling, beverage and/or other businesses that produce or distribute beverage products under license from TCCC.

Exhibit 10.1

CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT, MARKED BY BRACKETED ASTERISKS, HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO RULE 24B-2 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED.

EXECUTION VERSION

TERRITORY CONVERSION AGREEMENT

This TERRITORY CONVERSION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into effective as of September 23, 2015 by and between THE COCA-COLA COMPANY (“Company”), a Delaware corporation, COCA-COLA REFRESHMENTS USA, INC. (“CCR”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Company, and COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED (“Bottler”), a Delaware corporation.

BACKGROUND

Company, CCR and Bottler have entered into an asset purchase agreement dated the date hereof (the “Next Phase Territory Transaction Agreement”) providing for, among other things, (i) the sale by CCR to Bottler of (x) certain rights relating to the distribution, promotion, marketing and sale of certain beverage brands not owned or licensed by Company (“Cross-Licensed Brands”) but currently distributed by CCR in the Next Phase Territory, and (y) certain assets related to the distribution, promotion, marketing and sale of both Company brands and Cross-Licensed Brands currently distributed by CCR in the Next Phase Territory and (ii) the execution of a form of Initial CBA at the closing of such transactions pursuant to which CCR would grant to Bottler the exclusive rights for the marketing, promotion, distribution, and sale of certain Company-owned and Company-licensed beverage products in the Next Phase Territory.

In connection with the Next Phase Territory Transaction Agreement and in consideration of the mutual promises, agreements and covenants contained in this Agreement, the parties hereby agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

1. DEFINITIONS. When used in this Agreement, the capitalized terms listed in this Section 1 have the following meanings:

1.1 CBA” means the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement to be entered into between Company, CCR, and Bottler, in connection with the Subsequent Phase Territory Transactions, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit 1.1, subject to the completion of Exhibits and Schedules and certain specific issues expressly identified in Exhibit 1.1 as being subject to further discussion.

1.2 Bottling Agreements” means a master bottle contract, allied bottle contract, Initial CBA or other bottling and distribution agreement, as amended, under which Company or CCR has authorized Bottler (or one of Bottler’s Affiliates) to produce and/or distribute any of the Company owned or Company licensed beverage products that are Covered Beverages or Related Products (as defined in the CBA) within a certain geographic territory.


1.3 CBA Conversion” has the meaning specified in Section 2.1.

1.4 Exchange Territory” means all of the exclusive production and distribution territory (generally in Lexington, Kentucky) that CCR transferred to Bottler in May 2015 in an exchange transaction.

1.5 Initial CBA” means the form of comprehensive beverage agreement entered into between Company, CCR and Bottler with respect to certain Lead Market Territories and Next Phase Territories.

1.6 Lead Market Territories” means the exclusive distribution territories that were transferred or granted to Bottler by CCR after April 2013 but prior to the effective date of this Agreement, other than the Exchange Territory.

1.7 Legacy Territory” means all of Bottler’s geographic territories in the United States, where it has rights to market, promote, distribute and sell Company-owned and Company-licensed beverage products, other than the Lead Market Territories and the Exchange Territory.

1.8 Next Phase Territory” means the territories, as described in Exhibit 1.8, in which, upon consummation of the transactions contemplated in the Next Phase Territory Transaction Agreement, CCR will grant to Bottler certain exclusive rights for the marketing, promotion, distribution, and sale of certain Company-owned and Company-licensed beverage products.

1.9 Subsequent Phase Territory” means the geographic areas described in Exhibit 1.9.

1.10 Subsequent Phase Territory Transactions” means, collectively, the transaction or series of transactions pursuant to which (i) CCR would sell to Bottler, among other things, (A) certain rights relating to the marketing, promotion, distribution, and sale of the Cross-Licensed Brands distributed by CCR in the Subsequent Phase Territory, and (B) certain assets related to the distribution, promotion, marketing and sale of both Company brands and Cross-Licensed Brands distributed by CCR in the Subsequent Phase Territory, and (ii) CCR would grant to Bottler the exclusive rights for the marketing, promotion, distribution, and sale of certain Company-owned and Company-licensed beverage products in the Subsequent Phase Territory.

1.11 Subsequent Phase Territory Transaction Agreement” means the definitive agreement with respect to the transactions contemplated by sub-clause “(i)” in the definition of Subsequent Phase Territory Transactions.


2. CONVERSION OF LEGACY TERRITORY, LEAD MARKET TERRITORY AND NEXT PHASE TERRITORY TO CBA.

2.1 Bottler, CCR and Company hereby agree that all of the then existing Bottling Agreements in all of the Legacy Territory, Lead Market Territories and Next Phase Territory will automatically be deemed converted to a CBA that amends, restates and supersedes all such Bottling Agreements and covers all such territories (“CBA Conversion”), if all of the transactions contemplated in the Next Phase Territory Transaction Agreement are consummated and any of the following events occur:

 

  (a) all of the Subsequent Phase Territory Transactions are consummated (in which case the CBA Conversion would occur on the date the last of such transactions is consummated); or

 

  (b) Company is willing to enter into the Subsequent Phase Territory Transactions (and enter into the CBA), and has continued in good faith to engage in discussions with respect thereto with Bottler, on terms and conditions that are consistent with the terms and conditions applicable to the grant of the Next Phase Territory (including those contained in the Next Phase Territory Transaction Agreement), but Bottler either (i) fails to engage in good faith discussions regarding the Subsequent Phase Territory Transactions on such terms; or (ii) notifies Company in writing that Bottler no longer intends to pursue the acquisition of the Subsequent Phase Territory (in which case the CBA Conversion would occur thirty (30) days after the earlier of Bottler’s termination of good faith discussions or Bottler’s delivery of written notice to Company that Bottler no longer intends to pursue the acquisition of the Subsequent Phase Territory); or

 

  (c) all of the Subsequent Phase Territory Transactions are not consummated by January 1, 2020 for any reason other than (i) Company’s or CCR’s failure, on or prior to June 30, 2018, to offer in writing to consummate the Subsequent Phase Territory Transactions on terms and conditions that are consistent with the terms and conditions applicable to the granting of the Next Phase Territory (including those contained in the Next Phase Territory Transaction Agreement), and to enter into the CBA, or (ii) Company’s or CCR’s written withdrawal of such offer prior to consummation of the Subsequent Phase Territory Transactions (in which case the CBA Conversion would occur on January 1, 2020). If any of the events described in Section 2.1(c)(i) or Section 2.1(c)(ii) occur, no CBA Conversion will occur unless otherwise specifically agreed in writing by Company, Bottler and CCR.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Bottler may, in its sole discretion, elect for the CBA Conversion to occur at any time after the date hereof, by delivering written notice of such election to Company no less than thirty (30) days prior to the date such CBA Conversion will become effective.

2.2 In connection with the CBA Conversion as it applies to the Legacy Territory, Company will cause CCR to pay a fee to Bottler in cash (or another mutually agreed form of payment or credit) an amount that is equivalent to 0.5X EBITDA solely with respect to (i) sales in such Legacy Territory of Beverages (as defined in the CBA) distinguished by trademarks owned by Company or one of its Affiliates or licensed to Company or one of its Affiliates and


sublicensed to Bottler, and (ii) sales in such Legacy Territory of Beverages distinguished by trademarks owned by or licensed to Monster Energy Company (together with its successors or assigns) on which Bottler pays and Company receives a facilitation fee, in each case measured using the twelve month period ending on the fiscal quarter most recently completed on or immediately prior to the CBA Conversion which amount shall be payable at the time the CBA Conversion occurs. No amounts will be paid or credited with respect to conversion of Bottling Agreements with respect to Lead Market Territories or the Next Phase Territory.

2.3 Upon occurrence of the CBA Conversion, Bottler, Company and CCR will execute the CBA and take all other actions necessary to implement the CBA. Without limiting the foregoing, Bottler and Company acknowledge that certain Bottling Agreements are held by Piedmont Coca-Cola Bottling Partnership, a general partnership between Bottler and Company (“Piedmont Bottling”), and by CCBC of Wilmington, Inc. (“CCBC Wilmington”), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Piedmont Bottling. Company and Bottler will take such actions as are reasonably necessary to implement the CBA Conversion with respect to any Bottling Agreements held by Piedmont Bottling or CCBC Wilmington, including the execution by such entities of a CBA for their respective territories and the payment to such entities by Company of the payment described in Section 2.2 with respect to the CBA Conversion of such Bottling Agreements.

2.4 Bottler may, in its sole discretion, elect for the Bottling Agreements in the Exchange Territory to convert to a CBA that amends, restates, and supersedes such Bottling Agreements by giving Company and CCR at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of such election. In connection with any such conversion, Company will cause CCR to pay a fee to Bottler in cash (or another mutually agreed form of payment) an amount that is equivalent to 0.5X EBITDA for such Exchange Territory measured using the twelve month period ending on the fiscal quarter most recently completed on or immediately prior to such conversion which amount shall be payable at the time such conversion occurs.

3. CONFIDENTIALITY.

3.1 The existence and subject matter of this Agreement, and all confidential information exchanged between the parties pursuant to this Agreement, are strictly confidential and shall be subject to the parties’ Confidentiality Agreement – Bottler Discussions relating to System Operational Design Project.

4. REMEDIES FOR BREACH.

4.1 Company and Bottler agree that the remedies at law for any actual or threatened breach by the other party of the covenants in this Agreement would be inadequate and that the non-breaching party shall be entitled to specific performance of the covenants in this Agreement, including entry of an ex parte, temporary restraining order in state or federal court, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief against activities in violation of this Agreement, or both, or other appropriate judicial remedy, writ or order, in addition to any damages and legal expenses that the non-breaching may be legally entitled to recover.


5. MISCELLANEOUS.

5.1 Choice of Law and Venue. This Agreement will be exclusively governed by, and construed under, the laws of the State of Georgia, without regard to any choice of law provisions that would result in the application to this Agreement of any law other than the law of the State of Georgia. Any lawsuit commenced in connection with, or in relation to, this Agreement must be brought in a United States District Court, if there is any basis for federal court jurisdiction. If the party bringing such suit reasonably concludes that federal court jurisdiction does not exist, then the party may commence such action in any court of competent jurisdiction.

5.2 Waiver. Any waiver by either party of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement, nor shall such waiver be construed as a waiver of such provision or any other provision with respect to any other event or circumstance, whether past, present or future.

5.3 Assignment. Bottler shall not, without the prior written consent of Company, assign this Agreement to any third party, or any of its rights or obligations herein. Company and CCR may assign this Agreement to an Affiliate of Company in connection with (but only in connection with) Company’s or CCR’s assignment of the CBA to such Affiliate provided such assignment shall not relieve Company or CCR of its duties and obligations hereunder. Company and CCR must provide written notice of any such assignment to Bottler. This Agreement shall be binding on the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Any assignment in contravention of this Section shall be null and void from the beginning.

5.4 Legal Relationship. Each party is and at all times shall remain an independent contractor, and nothing herein contained shall be deemed to create an agency, joint venture or partnership relationship between the parties hereto.

5.5 Notices. Any notice made pursuant to this Agreement must be made in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 40 of the CBA to the parties at the addresses listed below (or at such other address as a party may specify by notice to the other party in accordance with this Section 5.5):

if to Company or CCR, to:

The Coca-Cola Company

One Coca-Cola Plaza

Atlanta, Georgia 30313

  Attn: EVP & President CCNA [or such other title as may be applicable to Company’s most senior officer for North America operations]

Email: [email protected]

with a copy, which shall not constitute notice, to:

The Coca-Cola Company

One Coca-Cola Plaza

Atlanta, Georgia 30313


Attn: SVP, System Evolution

Email: [email protected]

and

King & Spalding LLP

1180 Peachtree Street NE

Atlanta, Georgia 30309

Attention: William G. Roche

  Anne M. Cox

Email: [email protected]

    [email protected]

if to Bottler, to:

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated

4100 Coca Cola Plaza

Charlotte, North Carolina 28211

Attention: L. Kent Workman, Vice President

Email: [email protected]

with a copy, which shall not constitute notice, to:

Moore & Van Allen PLLC

100 North Tryon Street

Suite 4700

Charlotte, North Carolina 28202

Attention: John V. McIntosh

  E. Beauregarde Fisher III

Email:       [email protected]

  [email protected]

5.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts which taken together shall be regarded as one and the same Agreement.

5.7 Severability. If for any reason a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this Agreement, or portion thereof, to be unenforceable, that provision of the Agreement shall be enforced to the maximum extent permissible so as to affect the intent of the parties, and the remainder of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

5.8 Headings; Construction. The headings to the clauses, sub-clauses and parts of this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. The terms “this Agreement,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and any similar expressions refer to this Agreement and not to any particular Section or other portion hereof. The words “include” and “including,” and variations thereof, will be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation” and “discretion” means sole discretion. The parties hereto agree that any rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party will not be applied in the construction or interpretation of this Agreement or any provision hereof.


5.9 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Next Phase Territory Transaction Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. All prior or contemporary agreement between or involving the parties regarding the subject matter hereof are hereby canceled and superseded. No term of this Agreement may be amended except by a writing executed by duly authorized officers of both parties.

[Signature Page(s) Follow.]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Company, CCR and Bottler have caused this Agreement to be executed in its names by their respective duly authorized officers or representatives effective as of the date first above written.

 

COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO.       THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED            
By:  

/s/ Umesh Kasbekar

    By:  

/s/ J. Alexander M. Douglas, Jr.

Name:   Umesh Kasbekar     Name:   J. Alexander M. Douglas, Jr.
Title:   Senior Vice President, Planning     Title:   President of Coca-Cola North America
  and Administration       and Executive Vice President
COCA-COLA REFRESHMENTS USA, INC.            
By:  

/s/ J. Alexander M. Douglas, Jr.

     
Name:   J. Alexander M. Douglas, Jr.      
Title:   President of Coca-Cola North America      
  and Authorized Signatory      


EXHIBIT 1.1

Form of CBA


Form EPB First Line and Sub-bottling

Comprehensive Beverage Agreement

between

The Coca-Cola Company,

and

Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc.,

and

                                             ,


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1.

   RECITALS      1   

2.

   DEFINITIONS      2   

3.

   AUTHORIZATIONS FOR BOTTLER TO MARKET, PROMOTE, DISTRIBUTE AND SELL COVERED BEVERAGES AND RELATED PRODUCTS IN THE FIRST-LINE TERRITORY AND SUB-BOTTLING TERRITORY      9   

4.

   ALTERNATE ROUTES TO MARKET      11   

5.

   COMPANY AND BOTTLER RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS REGARDING THE TRADEMARKS      11   

6.

   PRE-EXISTING COMMITMENTS      12   

7.

   NEW BEVERAGE PRODUCTS      12   

8.

   MULTIPLE ROUTE TO MARKET BEVERAGES AND MULTIPLE ROUTE TO MARKET RELATED PRODUCTS      14   

9.

   REFORMULATION, DISCONTINUATION AND TRANSFER OF COVERED BEVERAGES AND RELATED PRODUCTS      15   

10.

   TERRITORIAL LIMITATIONS AND TRANSSHIPPING      17   

11.

   ADDITIONAL TERRITORIES      20   

12.

   EFFECT OF NEW OR AMENDED AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER EXPANDING PARTICIPATING BOTTLERS      20   

13.

   OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER AS TO OTHER BEVERAGE PRODUCTS AND OTHER BUSINESS ACTIVITIES      21   

14.

   OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER RELATIVE TO MARKETING, PROMOTION, DISTRIBUTION, SALES, SYSTEM GOVERNANCE, PURCHASING, MANAGEMENT, REPORTING AND PLANNING ACTIVITIES      23   

15.

   PRODUCT QUALITY AND STORAGE, HANDLING AND RECALL OF THE COVERED BEVERAGES AND RELATED PRODUCTS      27   

16.

   PRICING AND OTHER CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE AND SALE      28   

17.

   OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF BOTTLER      29   

18.

   TERM OF AGREEMENT      31   

19.

   COMMERCIAL IMPRACTICABILITY      31   

20.

   FORCE MAJEURE      32   

21.

   TERMINATION FOR DEFINED EVENTS      33   

22.

   DEFICIENCY TERMINATION      34   

23.

   BOTTLER RIGHT TO CURE      35   


24.

   BOTTLER’S RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS WITH RESPECT TO SALE OF ITS BUSINESS      36   

25.

   COMPENSATION TO BOTTLER ON TERMINATION FOR COMMERCIAL IMPRACTICABILITY UNDER SECTION 19.2.2, FORCE MAJEURE UNDER SECTION 20.2.2.2, DEFINED EVENTS UNDER SECTION 21 OR DEFICIENCY TERMINATION UNDER SECTION 22      41   

26.

   VALUATION      42   

27.

   POST-EXPIRATION AND POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS      44   

28.

   COMPANY’S RIGHT OF ASSIGNMENT      44   

29.

   LITIGATION      44   

30.

   INDEMNIFICATION      45   

31.

   BOTTLER’S INSURANCE      46   

32.

   LIMITATION ON BOTTLER REPRESENTATIONS OR DISCLOSURES REGARDING COVERED BEVERAGES OR RELATED PRODUCTS      46   

33.

   INCIDENT MANAGEMENT      46   

34.

   SEVERABILITY      46   

35.

   AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF CERTAIN PRIOR CONTRACTS, MERGER, AND REQUIREMENTS FOR MODIFICATION      47   

36.

   NO WAIVER      47   

37.

   NATURE OF AGREEMENT AND RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES      47   

38.

   HEADINGS AND OTHER MATTERS      48   

39.

   EXECUTION IN MULTIPLE COUNTERPARTS      48   

40.

   NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT      48   

41.

   CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE      51   

42.

   CONFIDENTIALITY      51   

43.

   ACTIVE AND COMPLETE ARMS LENGTH NEGOTIATIONS      53   

44.

   RESERVATION OF RIGHTS      53   


TABLE OF EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit

  

Title

   Exhibit References by
Section

A

   Covered Beverages and Multiple Route to Market Beverages    1.1

1.5

2.13

2.28

2.30

7.1.1

7.1.3.5

7.1.3.6

7.1.3.8

9.2.2

9.6.2

B

   Trademarks    1.2

2.43

7.1.1

7.1.2

7.1.3.5

7.1.3.8

C-1

   First-Line Territory    1.3

2.20

2.40

11.1

C-2

   Sub-Bottling Territory    1.5

2.39

2.40

11.2

25.4.1

D

   Preexisting Contracts    1.4

35.1.1

E

   Finished Goods Supply Agreement    2.18

F

   Related Products and Multiple Route to Market Related Products    1.5

2.29

2.30

2.37

7.1.2

7.1.3.5

7.1.3.7

7.1.3.8

9.2.2

9.6.2


TABLE OF SCHEDULES

 

Schedule

  

Title

   Schedule References by
Section

2.31

   Permitted Ancillary Business    2.31

13.1.4

13.4.1

2.32

   Permitted Beverage Products    2.32

13.1.4

2.33

   Permitted Lines of Business    2.33

13.4.1

2.36

   Related Agreements    2.36

3.2

   Sub-bottling Payments    3.2

3.4.2

   Existing Alternate Route to Market Agreements    3.4.2

5.5

   Approved Names    5.5

6

  

Covered Beverages or Related Products –

Pre-Existing Contractual Commitments

   6.1.1

14.2

   Measurement of Volume Per Capita Performance    14.2.3

24.1

   Included / Excluded Business    24.1.1

24.1.2

24.1.3

24.4.1

   Terms and Conditions of Sale    24.4.2.2

25.2

24.4.2

   Amendments to Agreement    24.4.2

24.4.3

26

   Guidance to Valuation Experts    26.6

31

   Insurance Requirements    31

35.1.4

   Agreements Not Affected by this Agreement    21.1.7

35.1.4


Comprehensive Beverage Agreement

THIS AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO BY THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, A DELAWARE CORPORATION (COMPANY”), COCA-COLA REFRESHMENTS USA, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION AND A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF COMPANY (“CCR”), AND             , A(N)             [CORPORATION] [LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY] (“BOTTLER”).

 

1. RECITALS

 

1.1. Company manufactures and sells, or authorizes others to manufacture and sell, certain shelf-stable, ready-to-drink beverages identified on Exhibit A.

 

1.2. Company owns or licenses the Trademarks identified on Exhibit B, which identify and distinguish Company’s products.

 

1.3. The parties desire to enter into an arrangement under which Bottler will market, promote, distribute and sell certain of Company’s beverage products in the First-Line Territory identified on Exhibit C-1.

 

1.4. Company and Bottler are parties to certain pre-existing contracts identified on Exhibit D under which Company has previously authorized Bottler to manufacture and package in certain authorized containers, and market, promote, distribute and sell, various Covered Beverages and Related Products. Except as contemplated in Section 35.1.4 hereof, all such pre-existing contracts are hereby amended, restated and superseded in their entirety as of the Effective Date by (i) this Agreement, and (ii) to the extent applicable, any agreements entered into by Company and Bottler on or after October 30, 2015 that authorize Bottler to manufacture and package some or all of the Covered Beverages and/or Related Products.

 

1.5. Company has authorized CCR to, among other things, market, distribute, promote, and sell the shelf-stable, ready-to-drink beverages and related products identified on Exhibit A and Exhibit F, as the case may be, in defined geographic territories, and has granted CCR the right to use the Trademarks to identify and distinguish such beverages and related products. CCR desires to grant to Bottler, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the rights and obligations that CCR has received from Company to market, distribute, promote, and sell such shelf-stable, ready-to-drink beverages and related products in the Sub-Bottling Territory identified on Exhibit C-2, and an exclusive sub-license to use the Trademarks solely in connection with the distribution, promotion, marketing, and sale of such beverages and related products in the Sub-Bottling Territory. Company desires to consent to such grant, subject to agreement by CCR and Bottler to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

1.6. Although Bottler is not authorized under this Agreement to manufacture or package Company’s beverage products, Bottler will continue to be identified as “Bottler” in this Agreement and otherwise, because the parties believe that use of the term “Bottler” is important to historical and continuing commercial relationships between Bottler and customers, consumers, and communities.

 

1


COMPANY AND BOTTLER AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

 

2. DEFINITIONS

 

2.1. Affiliate” means, as to any Person, another Person that Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with the first Person.

 

2.2. Agreement” means this Comprehensive Beverage Agreement between Bottler and Company.

 

2.3. Beneficial Owner” means a Person having Beneficial Ownership of any securities.

 

2.4. Beneficial Ownership” of securities means possession of (a) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, securities, or (b) investment power, which includes the power to Dispose of, or to direct the Disposition of, securities. Beneficial Ownership includes any voting power or investment power that any person has or shares, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise. The following Persons will not be deemed to have acquired Beneficial Ownership of securities under the circumstances described:

 

  2.4.1. a Person engaged in business as an underwriter of securities who acquires securities through his participation in good faith in a firm commitment underwriting registered under the Securities Act of 1933 will not be deemed to be the Beneficial Owner of such securities until such time as the underwriter completes his participation in the underwriting and will not be deemed to be the Beneficial Owner of the securities acquired by other members of any underwriting syndicate or selected dealers in connection with such underwriting solely by reason of customary underwriting or selected dealer arrangements;

 

  2.4.2. a member of a national securities exchange will not be deemed to be a Beneficial Owner of securities held directly or indirectly by it on behalf of another person solely because such member is the record holder of such securities and, pursuant to the rules of such exchange, may direct the vote of such securities, without instruction, on other than contested matters or matters that may affect substantially the rights or privileges of the holders of the securities to be voted, but is otherwise precluded by the rules of such exchange from voting without instruction;

 

  2.4.3. the holder of a proxy solicited by the Board of Directors of Bottler for the voting of securities of such Bottler at any annual or special meeting and any adjournment or adjournments thereof of the stockholders of Bottler will not be deemed to be a Beneficial Owner of the securities that are the subject of the proxy solely for such reason; and

 

  2.4.4. a Person who in the ordinary course of his business is a pledgee of securities under a written pledge agreement will not be a Beneficial Owner until the pledgee has taken all formal steps required to declare a default and determines that the power to vote or to direct the vote or to Dispose or to direct the Disposition of such pledged securities will be exercised.

 

2


2.5. Beverage” means a non-alcoholic, shelf-stable beverage in pre-packaged, ready-to-drink form in bottles, cans or other factory-sealed containers. “Beverage” does not include any Beverage Component.

 

2.6. Beverage Component” means a beverage syrup, beverage concentrate, beverage base, beverage flavor, beverage sweetener, beverage mix, beverage powder, grounds (such as for coffee), herbs (such as for tea), liquid flavor enhancer, liquid water enhancer, or other beverage component that is not ready to drink but is intended to be mixed with other ingredients before being consumed.

 

2.7. Business Day” means Monday through Friday, except the legal public holidays specified in 5 U.S.C. 6103 or any other day declared to be a holiday by federal statute or executive order.

 

2.8. Change of Control” means a Disposition that results in the existing Beneficial Owners of the securities of Bottler as of the Effective Date (together with their Permitted Transferees and Permitted Transferees of Permitted Transferees at any tier) ceasing to have, collectively, Control of Bottler.

 

2.9. Company Authorized Supplier” means any Person expressly authorized by Company to supply Expanding Participating Bottlers with Covered Beverages and Related Products.

 

2.10. Company Owned Distributor” means any Affiliate or operating unit of Company that markets, promotes, distributes, and sells any of the Covered Beverages or Related Products through Direct Store Delivery in a geographic territory in the United States.

 

2.11. Consumer Beverage Component” means a Beverage Component intended for sale to consumers directly or through a retail outlet as a shelf-stable, factory-sealed product to be mixed by consumers with other ingredients, or dispensed from equipment owned by or leased to consumers, outside the premises of the retail outlet, before being consumed. Consumer Beverage Component will not include any Beverage Component intended to be used to produce a beverage dispensed from equipment on the premises of any food service customers or other chain or fountain accounts.

 

2.12. Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the outstanding voting power of a Person.

 

2.13. Covered Beverage” means a Beverage identified on Exhibit A, and all Line Extensions, SKUs and packages thereof.

 

2.14. Direct Store Delivery” means the distribution method whereby product is delivered by suppliers directly to retail outlet shelves for selection by consumers and does not arrive at the retail outlet via a retailer’s own warehouse or warehouses operated by other wholesalers or by agents of the retailer.

 

2.15. Disposition” means any sale, merger, issuance of securities, exchange, transfer, power of attorney, proxy, redemption or any other contract, arrangement, understanding, or transaction in which, or as a result of which, any Person acquires, or obtains any contract, option, conversion privilege or other right to acquire Beneficial Ownership of any securities.

 

2.16. Effective Date” means             .

 

3


2.17. Expanding Participating Bottler” means any Person meeting the criteria of any of Sections 2.17.1, 2.17.2, or 2.17.3:

 

  2.17.1. Bottler.

 

  2.17.2. A Person (other than a Company Owned Distributor) that distributes Beverages under the Coca-Cola trademark and other Trademarks through Direct Store Delivery in a territory in the United States of America as of December 31, 2013 and, on or after December 31, 2013 (a) first acquired or acquires, through a grant or series of related grants from Company (or a Company Affiliate), the right to distribute all or substantially all of the Covered Beverages and Related Products in one or more geographic territories within the United States of America., and (b) such acquisition(s) result in a net increase of 30% or more in the aggregate number of physical cases of Covered Beverages and Related Products sold in all of such Person’s territories within United States of America, determined based on the 12 month period immediately preceding the consummation of such acquisitions. Physical cases resulting from termination, surrender or exchange of territorial rights will be subtracted so as to determine the net increase.

 

  2.17.3. A Person (other than a Company Owned Distributor) that does not distribute Beverages under the Coca-Cola trademark and other Trademarks through Direct Store Delivery in a territory in the United States of America as of December 31, 2013, and, on or after December 31, 2013, first acquired or acquires through a grant or series of related grants from Company (or a Company Affiliate) the right to distribute all or substantially all of the Covered Beverages and Related Products in one or more geographic territories within the U. S.

 

2.18. Finished Goods Supply Agreement” means the Finished Goods Supply Agreement between Bottler and CCR, in the form attached as Exhibit E. The term “Finished Goods Supply Agreement” will also include any supply agreement that Company, an Affiliate of Company, or a Company Authorized Supplier may enter into with Bottler after the Effective Date for the supply of Covered Beverages and Related Products in Finished Product form, as contemplated in Section 16.1.

 

2.19. Finished Product” means Covered Beverages and Related Products in bottles, cans or other factory-sealed containers supplied to Bottler pursuant to a Finished Goods Supply Agreement for distribution and sale by Bottler in the Territory in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

2.20. First-Line Territory” means the territory in which Bottler is authorized by Company under Section 3.1 to market, promote, distribute, and sell the Covered Beverages and Related Products under this Agreement, as set forth on Exhibit C-1.

 

2.21. Full Line Operator” means a Person that provides vending or food service management services to business, industry, educational, healthcare and public locations and sells a wide range of products, which can include candy, cookies, chips, fresh fruit, milk, cold food, coffee and other hot drinks, sparkling beverages, and often frozen products like ice cream.

 

4


2.22. Governance Board” means The Coca-Cola System Leadership Governance Board, the governing body for the Coca-Cola system consisting of representatives of Company and selected U.S. bottlers. The Governance Board (as currently contemplated by Company and the Expanding Participating Bottlers) is described in the Coca-Cola System Governance Letter Agreement between the parties with the effective date of                     , as it may be amended from time to time by mutual agreement of the parties.

 

2.23. Governmental Authority” means any government or subdivision thereof, whether foreign or domestic, national, state, county, municipal or regional, any agency or instrumentality of any such government or subdivision thereof, any other governmental entity, or a court.

 

2.24. Incidence Agreement” means the Expanding Participating Bottler Revenue Incidence Agreement between Company and Bottler, as may be amended, modified and restated from time to time.

 

2.25. Incubation Beverage” means (a) a Beverage existing as of the Effective Date and distinguished by a trademark owned by Company or an Affiliate or by a trademark licensed to Company or an Affiliate and sublicensed to Bottler that has not achieved sales volume nationally of at least twelve (12) million physical cases (the “Volume Threshold”) and annual sales revenue of at least $100 million USD in the immediately preceding 12 month period (the “Revenue Threshold”), as such Revenue Threshold is adjusted pursuant to Section 2.24.4; and (b) a Beverage introduced after the Effective Date distinguished by a trademark owned by Company or an Affiliate or by a trademark licensed to Company or an Affiliate and sublicensed to Bottler that would otherwise constitute a New Beverage Product but has not achieved the Volume Threshold and the Revenue Threshold.

 

  2.25.1. Incubation Beverage” will not include a Line Extension of a then existing Covered Beverage or a new SKU or package for a then existing Covered Beverage. Upon achieving both the Volume Threshold and the Revenue Threshold for the immediately preceding 12 month period, an Incubation Beverage will be deemed to be a New Beverage Product in accordance with Section 7.2, and, as a New Beverage Product, will be subject to Section 7.1.

 

  2.25.2. If the Incubation Beverage then becomes a Covered Beverage in accordance with Section 7.1, it will thereafter continue to be a Covered Beverage regardless of whether it continues to meet the Volume Threshold and Revenue Threshold, subject to Company’s right to discontinue Covered Beverages in accordance with Section 9.2.

 

  2.25.3. A Covered Beverage that is discontinued by Company cannot thereafter become an Incubation Beverage.

 

  2.25.4. The Revenue Threshold will increase annually, beginning with the first calendar year following the calendar year in which the Effective Date occurs. The amount of the annual increase in the Revenue Threshold will be equal to the percentage increase in the Index as of December 31 of the calendar year just ended (the “Current Index”) compared to the Index as of the immediately preceding December 31 (the “Base Index”). The Index will be the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) U.S. City Average, All Items, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor, as it may be amended from time to time, or such other comparable source upon which the Parties may agree.

 

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  2.25.5. Line Extension” means (a) with respect to a Covered Beverage, a flavor, calorie or other variation of the Covered Beverage, introduced by Company after the Effective Date, that is identified by the primary Trademark that also identifies the Covered Beverage or any modification of such Trademark (i.e., the addition of a prefix, suffix or other modifier used in conjunction with any such Trademark); (b) with respect to a Related Product, a flavor, calorie or other variation of the Related Product, introduced by Company after the Effective Date, that is identified by the Trademark that also identifies the Related Product (or any modification of such Trademark); and (c) with respect to a Permitted Beverage Product, a flavor, calorie or other variation of such Permitted Beverage Product introduced after the Effective Date that is identified by the primary trademark that also identifies such Permitted Beverage Product or any modification of such trademark (i.e., the addition of a prefix, suffix or other modifier used in conjunction with any such trademark); provided that Company reasonably determines that such flavor, calorie or other variation is marketed in the same beverage category as the Permitted Beverage Product.

 

2.26. Mandated Beverage” means any Beverage (or SKU or package of such Beverage) identified by trademarks owned by Company or its Affiliates, or by trademarks licensed to Company or its Affiliates and sublicensed to Bottler, the availability in the Territory of which is required by plans, programs, guidelines, or instructions of the Governance Board or which is otherwise designated by the Governance Board as a “Mandated Beverage”.

 

2.27. Mandated Related Product” means any Consumer Beverage Component or other beverage product (or SKU or package of such Consumer Beverage Component or other beverage product) identified by trademarks owned by Company or its Affiliates, or by trademarks licensed to Company or its Affiliates and sublicensed to Bottler, the availability in the Territory of which is required by plans, programs, guidelines, or instructions of the Governance Board or which is otherwise designated by the Governance Board as a “Mandated Related Product.”

 

2.28. Multiple Route to Market Beverage” means (a) any Beverage distributed by Bottler on the Effective Date and identified on Exhibit A as a “Multiple Route to Market Beverage”, and (b) any New Beverage Product that is a Beverage that Company determines, in its sole discretion, after notice to and discussion with the Governance Board, will be distributed in the Territory through both Direct Store Delivery and other means, subject to the applicable provisions of Section 7. Line Extensions, new SKUs and packages of a Covered Beverage that is not a Multiple Route To Market Beverage will not constitute Multiple Route to Market Beverages. For each Multiple Route to Market Beverage, Exhibit A will specify the extent to which the Beverage will be distributed in the Territory via Direct Store Delivery.

 

2.29. Multiple Route to Market Related Product” means (a) any Consumer Beverage Component (or other product that is not a Beverage) distributed by Bottler on the Effective Date and identified on Exhibit F as a “Multiple Route to Market Related Product”, and (b) any New Beverage Product that is a Consumer Beverage Component (or other product that is not a Beverage) that Company determines, in its sole discretion, after notice to and discussion with the Governance Board, will be distributed in the Territory through both Direct Store Delivery and other means, subject to the applicable provisions of Section 7. Line Extensions, new SKUs and packages of a Related Product that is not a Multiple Route To Market Related Product will not constitute Multiple Route to Market Related Products. For each Multiple Route to Market Related Product, Exhibit F will specify the extent to which the product will be distributed in the Territory via Direct Store Delivery.

 

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2.30. New Beverage Product” means a Beverage or Consumer Beverage Component (or other product that is not a Beverage) that does not appear on Exhibit A or Exhibit F as of the Effective Date, that Company or an Affiliate of Company develops, acquires, creates, licenses, or otherwise obtains sufficient rights to market, promote, distribute and sell in the Territory, and that Company determines, in its sole discretion, after Notice to and discussion with the Governance Board, will be distributed in the Territory through Direct Store Delivery. “New Beverage Product” will not include an Incubation Beverage, Line Extension, or new SKU or package of any Covered Beverage or Related Product. Upon achieving both the Volume Threshold and the Revenue Threshold, as defined in Section 2.24, an Incubation Beverage will be deemed to be a New Beverage Product in accordance with Section 7.2, and as a New Beverage Product will be subject to Section 7.1.

 

2.31. Permitted Ancillary Business” means a business operated by Bottler or an Affiliate of Bottler to which Company has provided its consent on Schedule 2.31 (subject to the conditions specified on Schedule 2.31), and is therefore permitted under this Agreement to produce, manufacture, prepare, package, distribute, sell, deal in, or otherwise use or handle, as the case may be, Beverages, Beverage Components or other beverage products that are not Covered Beverages, Related Products, or Permitted Beverage Products. “Permitted Ancillary Business” will include any ancillary businesses to which Company may hereafter provide prior written consent, which consent will result in the automatic amendment of Schedule 2.31 to include such permitted ancillary business. Company will not unreasonably withhold its consent to a proposed ancillary business that (a) is not directly and primarily involved in the manufacture, marketing, promotion, distribution or sale of Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products (e.g., sale, lease or servicing of equipment used in the distribution of beverages to third parties), or (b) provides office coffee service to offices or facilities.

 

2.32. Permitted Beverage Product” means a Beverage, Beverage Component, or other beverage product that is not a Covered Beverage or Related Product, to which Company has provided its consent on Schedule 2.32 (subject to the conditions specified on Schedule 2.32) and is therefore permitted under this Agreement. “Permitted Beverage Product” will include any beverage product to which Company hereafter provides prior written consent, which consent will result in the automatic amendment of Schedule 2.32 to include such permitted beverage product, and any Line Extension of a Permitted Beverage Product or new SKU or package of an existing Permitted Beverage Product.

 

2.33. Permitted Line of Business” means a line of business operated by Bottler or an Affiliate of Bottler to which Company has provided its consent on Schedule 2.33 (subject to the conditions specified on Schedule 2.33), and is therefore permitted under this Agreement to use delivery vehicles, cases, cartons, coolers, vending machines or other equipment bearing Company’s Trademarks and/or to assign duties relating to such line of business to personnel or management whose primary duties relate to delivery or sales of Covered Beverages or Related Products. “Permitted Line of Business” will include any line of business as to which Company hereafter provides prior written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld by Company and will result in the automatic amendment of Schedule 2.33 to include such Permitted Line of Business.

 

2.34. Permitted Transferee means, with respect to a Beneficial Owner of equity securities of Bottler:

 

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  2.34.1. such Beneficial Owner’s past, present and future spouses (including former spouses), lineal descendants (including adopted children and stepchildren), parents, grandparents, siblings, and first-degree cousins (collectively, “Family Members”);

 

  2.34.2. such Beneficial Owner’s or Family Member’s estate, including the executor(s), administrator(s) or other personal representative(s) of such Beneficial Owner’s or Family Member’s estate in their fiduciary capacity(ies) (“Family Estate”);

 

  2.34.3. any trust primarily for the benefit of such Beneficial Owner and/or any Family Member(s), including the trustee(s) of such Family Trust in their fiduciary capacity(ies) (“Family Trust”), provided a trust shall still be a Family Trust even if there exists a remote contingent beneficial interest in favor of a non-Family Member in such Family Trust;

 

  2.34.4. any partnership, corporation or limited liability company that is wholly-owned by such Beneficial Owner, Family Member(s), Family Estate and/or Family Trust; and

 

  2.34.5. any other existing Beneficial Owner of equity securities of Bottler and such other Beneficial Owner’s respective “Permitted Transferees” determined under Section 2.34.1 through Section 2.34.4 above.

With respect to a stockholder that is an entity, “Permitted Transferee” will also include any Affiliate of such stockholder. For purposes of determining the Permitted Transferees of a Permitted Transferee, such Permitted Transferee shall be deemed a Beneficial Owner under this Agreement.

 

2.35. Person means an individual, a corporation, a company, a voluntary association, a partnership, a joint venture, a limited liability company, a trust, an estate, an unincorporated organization, a Governmental Authority, or any other entity.

 

2.36. Related Agreement” means any agreement identified on Schedule 2.36 between Company and any of Company’s Affiliates and Bottler and any of Bottler’s Affiliates relating to the marketing, promotion, distribution and sale of Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory.

 

2.37. Related Product” means a product listed on Exhibit F that does not fall within the definition of “Beverage,” and includes (i) any Consumer Beverage Component (or other product that is not a Beverage) that becomes a Related Product under Sections 2.28, 2.29, 7, 8 or 9 of this Agreement, (ii) all Line Extensions of the Related Products identified on Exhibit F, and (iii) all SKUs or packages for the Related Products identified on Exhibit F.

 

2.38. SKU means a stock-keeping unit or other uniquely identifiable type of Beverage or other product configuration, distinguished by the use of a different primary or secondary packaging and/or different flavoring or other characteristics from other Beverage or product configurations, such that such configuration requires the use of a separate UPC code to distinguish it from other forms of Beverage or product configurations.

 

2.39. Sub-Bottling Territory means the territory in which Bottler is authorized by CCR under Section 3.2 to market, promote, distribute, and sell the Covered Beverages and Related Products under this Agreement, as set forth on Exhibit C-2.

 

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2.40. Subterritory” means a geographic segment of a the First-Line Territory or a Sub-Bottling Territory, as described in Exhibit C-1 and Exhibit C-2.

 

2.41. Term” means the Initial Term and any Additional Term(s).

 

2.42. Territory” means the First-Line Territory and the Sub-Bottling Territory, collectively.

 

2.43. Trademarks” means the trademarks owned by or licensed to Company or its Affiliates and identified on Exhibit B.

 

2.44. U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler” means a Person (including a Company Owned Distributor) that distributes Beverages under the Coca-Cola trademark and other Trademarks through Direct Store Delivery in a territory in the United States of America.

 

3. AUTHORIZATIONS FOR BOTTLER TO MARKET, PROMOTE, DISTRIBUTE AND SELL COVERED BEVERAGES AND RELATED PRODUCTS IN THE FIRST-LINE TERRITORY AND SUB-BOTTLING TERRITORY

 

3.1. Company appoints Bottler as its sole and exclusive distributor of Covered Beverages and Related Products under the Trademarks for sale in and throughout the First-Line Territory, subject to the provisions of this Agreement. In furtherance of such appointment, Company authorizes Bottler to purchase from Company, directly or through its Affiliates, or from a Company Authorized Supplier, the Covered Beverages and Related Products, and to market, promote, distribute, and sell such Covered Beverages and Related Products under the Trademarks in and throughout the First-Line Territory.

 

3.2. In consideration of payment by Bottler to CCR on a quarterly basis of the “Sub-Bottling Payment” calculated and paid in accordance with Schedule 3.2, CCR hereby appoints Bottler as its sole and exclusive distributor of Covered Beverages and Related Products under the Trademarks for sale in and throughout the Sub-Bottling Territory, subject to the provisions of this Agreement. In furtherance of such appointment, CCR hereby authorizes Bottler, and Bottler undertakes, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, to purchase from Company (directly or through CCR or another Company Affiliate) or a Company Authorized Supplier, the Covered Beverages and Related Products, and to market, promote, distribute, and sell such Covered Beverages and Related Products under the Trademarks in and throughout the Sub-Bottling Territory.

 

3.3. Company consents to the grant of rights by CCR to Bottler for the Sub-Bottling Territory provided for under this Agreement. Company further agrees that, during the Term, Company will not terminate, and CCR will not relinquish, CCR’s rights to market, promote, distribute and sell the Covered Beverages and the Related Products in the Sub-Bottling Territory.

 

3.4. Neither Company nor any of Company’s Affiliates will distribute or sell, or authorize any other party to distribute or sell, Covered Beverages or Related Products in the Territory, except:

 

  3.4.1. as expressly provided in this Agreement (including, in the case of Multiple Route to Market Beverages and Multiple Route to Market Related Products, as provided in Section 8);

 

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  3.4.2. in accordance with, and for the time period specified in, the alternate route to market agreements identified on Schedule 3.4.2 in effect between Company and Bottler as of the Effective Date (which agreement(s) shall expire by its terms and shall not be renewed or extended except as determined by the Governance Board) (the “Existing Alternate Route to Market Agreements”); and

 

  3.4.3. under any new alternate route to market agreements established in conjunction with and approved by the Governance Board (“New Alternate Route to Market Agreements”).

 

3.5. Bottler will not authorize any wholesalers or other distributors to distribute or sell Covered Beverages or Related Products (including Multiple Route to Market Beverages or Multiple Route to Market Related Products) within or outside the Territory, except that Bottler may sell Covered Beverages and Related Products (including Multiple Route to Market Beverages and Multiple Route to Market Related Products) to Full Line Operators in the Territory for further distribution and sale of such Covered Beverages and Related Products by such Full Line Operators in the Territory.

 

3.6. If and to the extent that Company distributes, or determines, in its sole discretion, to distribute a Beverage or Beverage Component that is neither a Covered Beverage nor a Related Product (or is a Multiple Route to Market Beverage or Multiple Route to Market Related Product to be distributed in the Territory via means other than Direct Store Delivery), Company may, in its sole discretion, determine or modify the appropriate business model for such distribution. Company will discuss such business model with the Governance Board. Company will offer Bottler the option to participate economically in such business model under commercially reasonable terms and conditions to be negotiated in good faith by the parties, as follows:

 

  3.6.1. in the case of fountain syrups, under (a) Local Marketing Partner Agreements governing Bottler’s distribution and/or sale of certain fountain post-mix beverage syrups to certain local accounts in the Territory, and/or (b) agreements addressing Bottler’s economic participation in the sale in the Territory of beverage syrups and other Beverage Components to national and regional food service customers and/or other chain or fountain accounts; and

 

  3.6.2. in the case of (a) a Beverage that is not a Covered Beverage, (b) a Beverage Component that is not a Related Product, or (c) to the extent distributed through means other than Direct Store Delivery, a Multiple Route to Market Beverage or Multiple Route to Market Related Product, under one or more agreements addressing Bottler’s economic participation in the sale of such products in the Territory.

 

3.7. In the case of any Covered Beverage or Related Product that the Governance Board determines will be distributed in the Territory via means other than Direct Store Delivery, Bottler’s economic participation will be addressed under the Existing Alternate Route To Market Agreements or New Alternate Route to Market Agreements.

 

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4. ALTERNATE ROUTES TO MARKET

Company reserves the right to market, promote, distribute and sell, or authorize others to market, promote, distribute and sell, in the Territory, subject to terms and conditions specified by the Governance Board, any Covered Beverage (including any Multiple Route to Market Beverage) or Related Product (including any Multiple Route to Market Related Product) that the Governance Board designates for distribution in the Territory via means other than Direct Store Delivery.

 

5. COMPANY AND BOTTLER RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS REGARDING THE TRADEMARKS

 

5.1. Bottler acknowledges and agrees that Company is the sole and exclusive owner of all rights, title and interest in and to the Trademarks. Company has the unrestricted right, in its sole discretion, to use the Trademarks on the Covered Beverages and Related Products and on all other products and merchandise, to determine which Trademarks will be used on which Covered Beverages and Related Products, and to determine how the Trademarks will be displayed and used on and in connection with the Covered Beverages and Related Products. Bottler agrees not to dispute the validity of the Trademarks or their exclusive ownership by Company either during the Term or thereafter, notwithstanding any applicable doctrines of licensee estoppel.

 

5.2. Company grants to Bottler only an exclusive, royalty-free license to use the Trademarks, solely in connection with the marketing, promotion, distribution, and sale of the Covered Beverages and Related Products in the First-Line Territory, and CCR grants to Bottler only an exclusive, royalty-free sublicense to use the Trademarks, solely in connection with the marketing, promotion, distribution, and sale of the Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Sub-Bottling Territory, all in accordance with standards adopted and issued by Company from time to time, and made available to Bottler through written, electronic, on-line or other form or media, subject to the rights reserved to Company under this Agreement.

 

5.3. Nothing in this Agreement, nor any act or failure to act by Bottler, CCR or Company, will give Bottler any proprietary or ownership interest of any kind in the Trademarks or in the goodwill associated therewith.

 

5.4. Bottler and CCR acknowledge and agree that, all use of the Trademarks will inure to the benefit of Company.

 

5.5. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.5, Bottler must not adopt or use any name, corporate name, trading name, title of establishment or other commercial designation or logo that includes the words “Coca-Cola”, “Coca”, “Cola”, “Coke”, or any of them, or any word, name or designation that is confusingly similar to any of them, or any graphic or visual representation of the Trademarks or any other Trademark or intellectual property owned by Company, without the prior written consent of Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld and will be contingent on Bottler’s compliance with this Agreement.

 

5.6. Bottler recognizes that the uniform external appearance of the Trademarks on distribution and other equipment and materials used under this Agreement is important to the Trademarks, the successful marketing of the Covered Beverages and Related Products, and the Coca-Cola system.

 

  5.6.1. Bottler agrees, to the extent such Trademarks are utilized by Bottler, to accept and, within a reasonable time, apply any new or modified standards adopted and issued from time to time by Company that are generally applicable, and made available to Bottler for the design and decoration of trucks and other delivery vehicles, cases, cartons, coolers, vending machines and other materials and equipment that bear such Trademarks and are used in the marketing, promotion, distribution, and sale of Covered Beverages and Related Products.

 

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  5.6.2. If Company changes such standards, the new standards will apply to all such assets acquired by Bottler following receipt of Notice of the change in standards to the extent Bottler uses the Trademarks on such assets, and will be applied to such existing assets in the normal course of Bottler’s business (e.g., trucks would be repainted consistent with normal maintenance cycles).

 

6. PRE-EXISTING COMMITMENTS

 

6.1. Company and Bottler acknowledge that the sale by Company or its Affiliates of certain Covered Beverages or Related Products to certain customers or distributors in the Territory may be required under pre-existing commitments with such customers or distributors.

 

  6.1.1. The pre-existing commitments, if any, applicable to the Territory are identified on Schedule 6.

 

  6.1.2. Company or its Affiliates may continue to distribute and sell Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory until the expiration of the applicable pre-existing commitment, but neither Company nor any of its Affiliates will exercise any voluntary rights to extend or renew the term of any such pre-existing commitment.

 

  6.1.3. If a pre-existing commitment provides for automatic renewal, Company will use good faith efforts to provide a notice of termination rather than allow the pre-existing commitment to automatically renew, if Company may do so without breaching the pre-existing commitment or incurring any penalties.

 

7. NEW BEVERAGE PRODUCTS

 

7.1. If Company or a Company Affiliate proposes to distribute or sell, or authorize the distribution or sale of, any New Beverage Product in the Territory:

 

  7.1.1. Any such New Beverage Product that is a Mandated Beverage will be deemed a Covered Beverage, and Exhibit A will be deemed automatically amended to add such Mandated Beverage to the list of Covered Beverages (and if the New Beverage Product is sold under a trademark not listed on Exhibit B, Exhibit B will be deemed automatically amended to add the trademark associated with the New Beverage Product).

 

  7.1.2. Any such New Beverage Product that is a Mandated Related Product will be deemed a Related Product, and Exhibit F will be deemed automatically amended to add such Related Product to the list of Related Products (and if the New Beverage Product is sold under a trademark not listed on Exhibit B, Exhibit B will be deemed automatically amended to add the trademark associated with the New Beverage Product).

 

  7.1.3. Any such New Beverage Product that is not a Mandated Beverage or Mandated Related Product will be offered by Company through Notice to Bottler.

 

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  7.1.3.1. The Notice must specify if such New Beverage Product is a Multiple Route to Market Beverage or Multiple Route to Market Related Product and, if so, the extent to which such New Beverage Product will be distributed in the Territory via Direct Store Delivery.

 

  7.1.3.2. Bottler will have the option to distribute and sell such New Beverage Product in the Territory under the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

  7.1.3.3. Bottler’s option under this Section 7.1.3 must be exercised by Bottler, if at all, by providing to Company Notice of such election within sixty (60) days following the date on which Bottler receives Notice from Company that Company intends to introduce the New Beverage Product in the Territory and provides Bottler with an operating plan for, and samples of, the New Beverage Product.

 

  7.1.3.4. If Bottler does not give Company timely Notice of Bottler’s exercise of such option, then Company will have the right to market, promote, distribute and sell, or authorize others to market, promote, distribute and sell, in the Territory and otherwise undertake any activity with respect to the applicable New Beverage Product, including use of the Trademarks in connection with the marketing, promotion, distribution, and sale of the New Beverage Product in the Territory.

 

  7.1.3.5. If Bottler gives Company timely Notice of Bottler’s exercise of such option, then, in the case of a new Beverage, Exhibit A will be deemed automatically amended to add such New Beverage Product to the list of Covered Beverages, and, in the case of a new Consumer Beverage Component, Exhibit F will be deemed automatically amended to add such New Beverage Product to the list of Related Products (and if the New Beverage Product is sold under a trademark not listed on Exhibit B, Exhibit B will be deemed automatically amended to add the trademark associated with the New Beverage Product).

 

  7.1.3.6. If the Notice from Company to Bottler specified that a new Covered Beverage is a Multiple Route to Market Beverage, then Exhibit A will identify such Beverage as a Multiple Route to Market Beverage and specify the extent to which such new Multiple Route to Market Beverage will be distributed in the Territory via Direct Store Delivery.

 

  7.1.3.7. If the Notice from Company to Bottler specified that a new Related Product is a Multiple Route to Market Related Product, then Exhibit F will identify such product as a Multiple Route to Market Related Product and specify the extent to which such new Multiple Route to Market Related Product will be distributed in the Territory via Direct Store Delivery.

 

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  7.1.3.8. Company will, at Bottler’s request, provide updated versions of Exhibit A, Exhibit B and Exhibit F to reflect changes under this Section 7.1.3.

 

7.2. If an Incubation Beverage exceeds the Volume Threshold and the Revenue Threshold for the immediately preceding twelve (12) month period, that Beverage will cease to be an Incubation Beverage and will be treated as a New Beverage Product subject to the provisions of this Section 7, including determination of whether such Beverage is a Mandated Beverage. To facilitate this transition, Company and Bottler will, as applicable, (a) terminate (without compensation or liability to one another) any agreement relating to the marketing, promotion, distribution, or sale of such Beverage binding only Company (or one of its Affiliates) and Bottler; or (b) negotiate in good faith, on terms mutually agreeable to Company and Bottler, the termination of any such agreement binding on any party other than Company (or one of its Affiliates) and Bottler.

 

7.3. If a New Beverage Product is not owned by Company, then the parties may enter into a separate agreement with respect to Bottler’s distribution and sale of that New Beverage Product in the Territory.

 

7.4. If Company or one of its Affiliates acquires or licenses a New Beverage Product that becomes a Covered Beverage or Related Product under this Section 7, then Bottler’s rights to market, promote, distribute and sell such new Covered Beverage or Related Product will be subject to the terms of any agreements with third parties (including distribution agreements) that may be in effect as of the time that Company (or Company’s Affiliate) acquires or licenses the new Covered Beverage or the new Related Product. Company and Bottler will, as applicable, (a) terminate (without compensation or liability to one another) any agreement relating to the marketing, promotion, distribution, or sale of such New Beverage Product binding only Company (or one of its Affiliates) and Bottler (or one of its Affiliates), or (b) negotiate in good faith, on terms mutually agreeable to Company and Bottler, the termination of any such agreement binding on any party other than Company (or one of its Affiliates) and Bottler (or one of its Affiliates).

 

7.5. If Bottler identifies any Beverage offered by a third party in a beverage category for which there is likely substantial demand in the Territory and in which category Company does not have a current or proposed entry, the Governance Board will, at Bottler’s request, evaluate such Beverage. If recommended by the Governance Board, Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to negotiate a licensing or other business arrangement with such third party that would facilitate distribution and sale of such Beverage in the Territory on terms acceptable to Company and Bottler.

 

8. MULTIPLE ROUTE TO MARKET BEVERAGES AND MULTIPLE ROUTE TO MARKET RELATED PRODUCTS

 

8.1. Bottler will be the sole and exclusive distributor of the Multiple Route to Market Beverages and of the Multiple Route to Market Related Products via Direct Store Delivery in the Territory.

 

8.2. Subject to the requirements of Section 7.1.3.1 and this Section 8, Company may distribute, and may authorize third parties to distribute, Beverages that are Multiple Route to Market Beverages and products that are Multiple Route to Market Related Products in the Territory via means other than Direct Store Delivery.

 

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8.3. A New Beverage Product will be a Multiple Route to Market Beverage, or Multiple Route to Market Related Product, as the case may be, if Company provides timely Notice of such designation as contemplated under Section 7.1.3.1.

 

8.4. If Company’s Notice of a New Beverage Product under Section 7.1.3 failed to specify that such New Beverage Product is a Multiple Route to Market Beverage or Multiple Route to Market Related Product as required under Section 7.1.3.1, and such New Beverage Product becomes a Covered Beverage or Related Product under Section 7.1.3.5, then Company may not thereafter elect to designate that Covered Beverage or Related Product as a Multiple Route to Market Beverage or Multiple Route to Market Related Product, as the case may be.

 

9. REFORMULATION, DISCONTINUATION AND TRANSFER OF COVERED BEVERAGES AND RELATED PRODUCTS

 

9.1. Company has the sole and exclusive right and discretion to reformulate any Covered Beverage or Related Product.

 

9.2. Company has the sole and exclusive right and discretion to discontinue, on a temporary or permanent basis, any of the Covered Beverages or Related Products under this Agreement provided that any such Covered Beverage or Related Product is discontinued for all Expanding Participating Bottlers in the United States, and Company does not discontinue all Covered Beverages under this Agreement.

 

  9.2.1. This right must be exercised by Company, if at all, by giving ninety (90) days’ prior Notice to Bottler of such discontinuation.

 

  9.2.2. If Company discontinues all SKUs and packages of any Covered Beverage, Exhibit A will be deemed automatically amended by deleting the discontinued Covered Beverage from the list of Covered Beverages. If Company discontinues all SKUs and packages of any Related Product, Exhibit F will be deemed automatically amended by deleting the discontinued Related Product from the list of Related Products.

 

9.3. If Company discontinues a Covered Beverage or Related Product as contemplated under Section 9.2, then Bottler will have the right to continue to market, promote, distribute and sell unused inventories of the discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product in the Territory in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement for a period not to exceed the earlier of the expiration date of such Covered Beverage or Related Product or six (6) months following Bottler’s receipt of Notice of the discontinuation of such Covered Beverage or Related Product.

 

9.4. If Company proposes to reintroduce any such discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product (or reintroduce a Line Extension of a Covered Beverage or Related Product that is a discontinued Covered Beverage or discontinued Related Product) through any channel of retail distribution and sale in the United States of America, such product shall first be offered to Bottler under Section 7.1.3.

Such reintroduced product may not, however, be designated by Company as a Multiple Route to Market Beverage or a Multiple Route to Market Related Product.

 

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9.5. If Company discontinues any Covered Beverage or Related Product and Company or one of its Affiliates subsequently wishes to transfer, assign or sell its rights in and to such discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product (a “Transfer”) to a third party that is not an Affiliate of Company (a “Transferee”) within twelve (12) months following the later of (a) the date on which Company (through a Company Owned Distributor or otherwise) ceases distribution of a Covered Beverage or Related Product in all SKUs and packages and through all means of distribution, or (b) the expiration of the six (6) month period Bottler has to sell unused inventories of the discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product, then Company (or its Affiliate) must first offer to Bottler the right to continue to distribute such discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product as a New Beverage Product under Section 7.1.3.

 

  9.5.1. If Bottler elects to continue distributing such discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product, then Company (or its Affiliate) must Transfer such discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product to the Transferee subject to Bottler’s distribution rights under this Agreement with respect to such discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product (as if the Covered Beverage or Related Product had not been discontinued). In that event, Bottler’s distribution rights with respect to the discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product will be binding upon the Transferee.

 

9.6. Bottler has the right to discontinue the marketing, promotion, distribution and sale, on a temporary or permanent basis, in all of the Territory, of any Covered Beverage or Related Product (or any Line Extension, SKU or package for a Covered Beverage or Related Product) that is not a Mandated Beverage or Mandated Related Product.

 

  9.6.1. This right must be exercised by Bottler, if at all, by giving ninety (90) days’ prior Notice to Company of such discontinuation, specifying that the Notice of discontinuation applies to all of the Territory.

 

  9.6.2. Upon expiration of such ninety (90) day period, Bottler may cease the marketing, promotion, distribution, and sale of the discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product (or Line Extension, SKU or package for a Covered Beverage or Related Product) in all of the Territory, and, if Bottler is discontinuing distribution of all Line Extensions, SKUs and packages of a Covered Beverage or Related Product, Exhibit A or Exhibit F will be deemed automatically amended by deleting the discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product from the list of Covered Beverages or Related Products, as applicable.

 

  9.6.3. If (and only if) Bottler discontinues all Line Extensions, SKUs and packages of a Covered Beverage or Related Product under this Section 9.6, Company may distribute and sell the discontinued Covered Beverage or Related Product in the Territory or authorize any of its Affiliates or others to do so.

 

9.7. Bottler has the right to discontinue the marketing, promotion, distribution and sale of any Line Extension, SKU or package (other than a Mandated Beverage or Mandated Related Product) in any portion of the Territory without providing prior Notice to Company.

 

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  9.7.1. In that event, Company may not distribute or sell the discontinued Line Extension, SKU or package in the Territory or authorize any of its Affiliates or others to do so unless Bottler has discontinued all Line Extensions, SKUs and packages of the Covered Beverage or Related Product.

 

  9.7.2. If Bottler discontinues some (but not all) Line Extensions, SKUs or packages for a Covered Beverage or Related Product, then Bottler may thereafter reinstate the discontinued Line Extension, SKU or package.

 

9.8. If Company Transfers one or more Covered Beverages or Related Products to a Transferee, Company must Transfer such Covered Beverage(s) or Related Product(s) to the Transferee subject to Bottler’s distribution rights and trademark license under Sections 3.1 through 3.4 and Sections 5.1 through 5.4 of this Agreement. Bottler’s distribution rights and trademark license for such Transferred Covered Beverage(s) or Related Product(s) (and, in each case, for all future Line Extensions, SKUs or packages thereof) will be binding upon the Transferee. The following provisions of this Agreement will apply to Bottler’s continuing distribution of the Transferred Covered Beverages or Related Products: Section 9.1, Section 9.2 (except that the requirement in Section 9.2 that all Covered Beverages under this Agreement may not be discontinued will not apply to the Transferee), Section 9.7, Section 10, Section 14.6, Section 14.9, Section 15, Section 18, Section 19, Section 20, Section 21, Section 22.1.1, Section 22.1.2, Section 22.1.3, Section 22.1.8, Section 23 (to the extent relevant to Sections 22.1.1, 22.1.2, 22.1.3 and 21.1.8), Sections 27 through 34, Sections 36 through 40.3, and Section 42 (and such provisions will be binding upon Bottler and the Transferee of the Transferred Covered Beverages or Related Products). Company will require that the Transferee enter into good faith negotiations with Bottler regarding such other terms and conditions that Bottler or Transferee reasonably believe to be necessary to a new distribution agreement with respect to such Transferred Covered Beverage(s) or Related Product(s), including with respect to choice of law, venue, and dispute resolution, under which Bottler will continue to distribute the Transferred Covered Beverages or Related Products. Bottler will negotiate in good faith with the Transferee regarding the terms of such new distribution agreement with Transferee, consistent with the provisions of this Section 9.8. If Company Transfers any Covered Beverage or Related Product to a Transferee, Exhibit A or Exhibit F, as applicable, will be deemed automatically amended by deleting the Transferred Covered Beverage or Related Product from the list of Covered Beverages or Related Products, and Schedule 2.32 will be deemed automatically amended by adding such Transferred Covered Beverage or Related Product to the list of Permitted Beverage Products.

 

10. TERRITORIAL LIMITATIONS AND TRANSSHIPPING

 

10.1. Bottler recognizes that Company has entered into or may enter into agreements relating to the Covered Beverages and Related Products with other parties outside the Territory, and Bottler accepts the territorial limitations in this Agreement imposed on Bottler in the conduct of its business under this Agreement. Bottler agrees to make every reasonable effort to settle amicably any disputes that arise with such other parties.

 

10.2. Bottler must not distribute or sell any Covered Beverages or Related Products (a) outside of the Territory or (b) to any Person if Bottler knows or should know that such Person will redistribute the Covered Beverages or Related Products for ultimate sale outside the Territory.

 

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  10.2.1. If any Covered Beverages or Related Products distributed or sold by Bottler are found in the territory of another U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler, including a Company Owned Distributor (the “Injured Bottler”), then Bottler shall be deemed to have transshipped such Covered Beverage or Related Product and shall be deemed to be a “Transshipping Bottler” for purposes of this Agreement; provided, however, that if the Injured Bottler (other than a Company Owned Distributor) has not agreed to terms substantially similar to this Section 10.2 with respect to the transshipment of Covered Beverages or Related Products, Bottler shall only be deemed to be a “Transshipping Bottler” if (a) Bottler distributes or sells Covered Beverages or Related Products outside of the Territory, or (b) Bottler sells Covered Beverages or Related Products to a purchaser that Bottler knew or should have known would redistribute the Covered Beverage or Related Product outside of the Territory.

 

  10.2.2. If any Covered Beverages or Related Products (or any other products identified by the primary Trademark that also identifies any of the Covered Beverages or Related Products or any modification of such Trademark (i.e., the addition of a prefix, suffix or other modifier used in conjunction with any such Trademark)) distributed or sold by another U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler (including a Company Owned Distributor) are found in Bottler’s Territory, then Bottler shall be referred to herein as the “Injured Bottler” and such other U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler shall be referred to herein as the “Transshipping Bottler”; provided, however, that if the bottler that distributed or sold such products (other than a Company Owned Distributor) has not agreed to terms substantially similar to this Section 10.2 with respect to the transshipment of Company’s products, Bottler will only be deemed to be an “Injured Bottler” if such bottler (a) distributes or sells such products in the Territory or (b) knew or should have known that the purchaser would redistribute the products outside of such bottler’s territory prior to ultimate sale.

 

  10.2.3. If Company does not have sufficient contractual rights to fully implement the transshipping remedies provided for in this Section 10.2, Company will nevertheless use reasonable efforts to enforce its transshipping policy against the Transshipping Bottler to (a) prevent future transshipments, and (b) cause the Transshipping Bottler to compensate Bottler to the extent possible.

 

  10.2.4. Bottler will only be an Injured Bottler if the product transshipped into Bottler’s Territory is a Covered Beverage or Related Product (or any other product that is identified by the primary Trademark that also identifies any of the Covered Beverages or Related Products or any modification of such trademark (i.e., the addition of a prefix, suffix or other modifier used in conjunction with any such trademark)).

 

  10.2.5. Company may require Transshipping Bottler and/or Injured Bottler, as the case may be, to make available to representatives of Company all sales agreements and other records relating to the Covered Beverages or Related Products and assist Company in all investigations relating to the distribution and sale of Covered Beverages or Related Products outside Transshipping Bottler’s territory or to the transshipment of products by another bottler into Injured Bottler’s territory.

 

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  10.2.6. In addition to all other remedies Company may have against Transshipping Bottler for violation of this Section 10.2, Company, in the case where both the Transshipping Bottler and the Injured Bottler are Expanding Participating Bottlers (or an Expanding Participating Bottler and a Company Owned Distributor), will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts, and in all other cases may determine, in its sole discretion, to:

 

  10.2.6.1. charge any Transshipping Bottler an amount equal to three (3) times the Injured Bottler’s most current average gross profit margin per case for all cases sold across all channels of the Covered Beverage or Related Product transshipped, as reasonably estimated by Company. Injured Bottler shall provide Company with any supporting documentation reasonably requested by Company; and/or

 

  10.2.6.2. purchase any of the Covered Beverages or Related Products distributed or sold by Transshipping Bottler found in the Injured Bottler’s territory, and Transshipping Bottler will, in addition to any other obligation it may have under this Agreement, reimburse Company for Company’s cost of purchasing, transporting and/or destroying such Covered Beverages or Related Products.

 

  10.2.7. Bottler and Company acknowledge and agree that the amounts provided for under Section 10.2.6 reasonably reflect the damages to Company, the Injured Bottler, and the Coca-Cola system.

 

  10.2.8. Transshipping Bottler must promptly pay to Company all amounts charged by Company pursuant to Section 10.2.6. The Injured Bottler will be paid when Company has received payment from Transshipping Bottler. If Company recovers payment from the Transshipping Bottler under Section 10.2.6.1, the Injured Bottler will be paid an amount not less than seventy percent (70%) of such amount recovered by Company.

 

  10.2.9. Company has the right to collect any amounts payable by Transshipping Bottler under Section 10.2.6 by offset against any undisputed amounts otherwise payable to Transshipping Bottler by Company.

 

10.3. Bottler must create, implement and monitor an internal anti-transshipment compliance policy and will provide such policy to Company for review and approval. Company will have the right to audit Bottler’s compliance with the policy.

 

10.4. If Company determines that a customer of Bottler has repeatedly transshipped Covered Beverages or Related Products outside of the Territory, Company may require that Bottler develop and implement a remediation plan that will address and resolve the issue. Bottler will submit the remediation plan to Company for review and approval, and, once approved by Company, Bottler will implement the plan.

 

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11. ADDITIONAL TERRITORIES

 

11.1. If Bottler acquires the right to distribute under direct authorization from Company any of the Covered Beverages or Related Products in any territory in the United States of America outside of the Territory, then, unless otherwise agreed in writing by Company and Bottler, such additional territory will automatically be deemed to be included within the First-Line Territory covered under this Agreement for all purposes, and Exhibit C-1 will be automatically amended to add such additional territory to the First-Line Territory identified in Exhibit C-1.

 

11.2. If Bottler acquires the right to distribute under authorization from CCR or another Company Owned Distributor any of the Covered Beverages or Related Products in any territory in the United States of America outside of the Territory, then, unless otherwise agreed in writing by Company and Bottler, such additional territory will automatically be deemed to be included within the Sub-Bottling Territory covered under this Agreement for all purposes, and Exhibit C-2 will be automatically amended to add such additional territory to the Sub-Bottling Territory identified in Exhibit C-2.

 

11.3. Any separate agreement that may exist concerning such distribution and sale in such additional territory will be deemed terminated and superseded by this Agreement.

 

11.4. The parties agree to cooperate in taking such other actions as may reasonably be required to further document any amendments and modifications resulting from the foregoing.

 

12. EFFECT OF NEW OR AMENDED AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER EXPANDING PARTICIPATING BOTTLERS

 

12.1. If Company or a Company Affiliate on or after December 31, 2013 (a) enters into a new authorization agreement to market, promote, distribute and sell Covered Beverages and Related Products in territories in the United States of America with another Expanding Participating Bottler that is more favorable to such other Expanding Participating Bottler than the terms and conditions of this Agreement in any material respect, or (b) agrees to an amendment of the terms of an existing authorization agreement to market, promote, distribute and sell Covered Beverages and Related Products in territories in the United States with another Expanding Participating Bottler that is more favorable to such other Expanding Participating Bottler than the terms and conditions of this Agreement in any material respect, then Company will offer such other new agreement or amended agreement, as the case may be (collectively, the “New Agreement”), in its entirety to such Bottler. If the New Agreement relates to less than all of the Covered Beverages and Related Products, then the agreement or amendment offered to Bottler under this Section 12.1 will cover only those Covered Beverages and Related Products covered by the New Agreement.

 

12.2. The obligation under Section 12.1 shall not apply to any consent, waiver or approval provided under this Agreement or under any agreement held by another Expanding Participating Bottler or to any amendment of this Agreement (or any similar agreement) in accordance with Section 24.4.3 of this Agreement (or in accordance with any similar provision in any similar agreement).

 

12.3. Nothing in this Section 12 will affect Company’s obligation under Section 16.5 that the “price” charged by Company or its Affiliate for any Covered Beverage or Related Product will not exceed the “price” charged by Company or its Affiliate for such Covered Beverage or Related Product to any other Expanding Participating Bottler or Company Owned Distributor in the United States.

 

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12.4. The parties agree to cooperate in taking such other actions as may reasonably be required to further document any amendments and modifications resulting from the foregoing.

 

13. OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER AS TO OTHER BEVERAGE PRODUCTS AND OTHER BUSINESS ACTIVITIES

 

13.1. Bottler covenants and agrees (subject to any requirements imposed upon Bottler under applicable law) not to produce, manufacture, prepare, package, distribute, sell, deal in or otherwise use or handle any Beverage, Beverage Component, or other beverage product except for:

 

  13.1.1. Covered Beverages and Related Products, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and any Related Agreement;

 

  13.1.2. Permitted Beverage Products;

 

  13.1.3. Beverages (including Incubation Beverages), Beverage Components and other beverage products, if and to the extent (a) required for Bottler or any of its Affiliates to comply with its obligations under any separate written agreement with Company or any of Company’s Affiliates, or (b) otherwise requested by Company or any of its Affiliates; and

 

  13.1.4. Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products to the extent handled, distributed or sold by Bottler or any of its Affiliates solely in connection with a Permitted Ancillary Business. For avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that a Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product will not constitute a Permitted Beverage Product unless it is specifically identified as a Permitted Beverage Product in Schedule 2.32. If Bottler distributes, sells, or handles a Beverage, Beverage Component, or other beverage product, other than a (i) Covered Beverage, (ii) Related Product, or (iii) Permitted Beverage Product identified in Schedule 2.32, as part of a Permitted Ancillary Business that is specifically identified in Schedule 2.31, then Bottler will, as applicable, be permitted to distribute, sell, or handle that Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product subject to any limitations specified in Schedule 2.31, solely as part of such Permitted Ancillary Business, and not for any other purpose. The fact that Bottler distributes sells, deals in or handles a Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product as part of a Permitted Ancillary Business will not, itself, make that Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product a Permitted Beverage Product.

 

13.2. Bottler covenants and agrees not to produce, manufacture, prepare, package, distribute, sell, deal in or otherwise use or handle:

 

  13.2.1. any Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product that is likely to be confused with or passed off for any of the Covered Beverages or Related Products or any Beverage Component for any Covered Beverage or Related Product;

 

  13.2.2.

during the Term and for an additional period of two (2) years following expiration or termination of this Agreement, (a) any Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product the name of which includes the word “cola” (whether alone or in conjunction with any other word or words) or any phonetic equivalent thereof, or (b)

 

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  any Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product that is an imitation of any of the Covered Beverages or Related Products (or of any Beverage Component for any Covered Beverage or Related Product) as of the expiration or termination of this Agreement, or is likely to be substituted for any of such Covered Beverages or Related Products (or for any such Beverage Component);

 

  13.2.3. any product that uses any trade dress or any container that (a) is an imitation, infringement or dilution of, or (b) is likely to be confused with, be perceived by consumers as confusingly similar to, be passed off as, or cause dilution of, any trade dress or container in which Company claims a proprietary right or interest;

 

  13.2.4. any product that (a) uses any trademark or other designation that is an imitation, counterfeit, copy, infringement or dilution of, or confusingly similar to any of the Trademarks, or (b) is likely to be passed off as a product of Company because of Bottler’s association with the business of distributing and selling the Covered Beverages and Related Products.

 

13.3. Bottler covenants and agrees not to acquire or hold directly or indirectly through any Affiliate, whether located within or outside of the Territory, any ownership interest in any Person that engages in any of the activities prohibited under Section 13.1 or Section 13.2; or enter into any contract or arrangement with respect to the management or control of any Person, within or outside of the Territory, that would enable Bottler or any Affiliate of Bottler acting collectively with such Person to engage indirectly in any of the activities prohibited under Section 13.1 or Section 13.2.

 

  13.3.1. Bottler and its Affiliates will, however, be permitted to acquire and own securities registered pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or registered for public sale under similar laws of a foreign country, of a company that engages in any of the activities prohibited under Section 13.1 or Section 13.2, in pension, retirement, annuity, life insurance, and estate planning accounts, plans and funds administered by Bottler or any of its Affiliates for the benefit of employees, officers, shareholders or directors of Bottler or any of its Affiliates where investment decisions involving such securities are made by independent outside investment or fund managers that are not Affiliates of Bottler; provided that such ownership represents a passive investment and that neither Bottler nor any Affiliate of Bottler in any way, either directly or indirectly, manages or exercises control of such company, guarantees any of its financial obligations, consults with, advises, or otherwise takes any part in its business (other than exercising rights as a shareholder), or seeks to do any of the foregoing.

 

13.4. Bottler covenants and agrees that neither Bottler nor its Affiliates will use delivery vehicles, cases, cartons, coolers, vending machines or other equipment bearing Company’s Trademarks in connection with, or assign personnel or management whose primary duties relate to delivery or sales of Covered Beverages or Related Products (other than executive officers of Bottler) to, any line of business other than the marketing, promotion, distribution, and sale of Covered Beverages, Related Products and Permitted Beverage Products; provided, however, that:

 

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  13.4.1. any of Bottler’s assets and personnel or management whose primary duties relate to delivery or sales of Covered Beverages or Related Products may be used in a Permitted Ancillary Business, subject to any limitations specified in Schedule 2.31, or a Permitted Line of Business, subject to any limitations specified in Schedule 2.33, anywhere within (or, as applicable, outside of) Bottler’s Territory without further approvals from Company; and

 

  13.4.2. Company and Bottler acknowledge that to meet competition Bottler may from time to time be required to agree to deliver a de minimis volume of non-alcoholic beverage products and/or other consumable products that would otherwise be prohibited by Sections 13.1, 13.2 or 13.4 to certain local, on-premise vending, cafeteria and workplace customers that offer a contract for the supply of all such beverage and consumable products that are delivered to a particular location (e.g., a vending machine, office location, arena, or on-premise employee store).

 

  13.4.2.1. In such circumstances, Bottler agrees to use best efforts to comply with Sections 13.1, 13.2 and 13.4.

 

  13.4.2.2. Company consents to delivery by Bottler of such de minimis volume of such products to such customers to the extent that, despite Bottler’s best efforts to satisfy customer demand for Covered Beverages and Related Products consistent with Sections 13.1, 13.2 and 13.4, such customers nonetheless require such delivery by Bottler to meet competition.

 

  13.4.2.3. For each such instance, if requested by Company, Bottler agrees to provide to Company such information as may reasonably be requested by Company so that Company can assess Bottler’s compliance with this Section 13.4.2 (including information regarding the nature of the competitive threat and the volumes of product involved).

 

14. OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER RELATIVE TO MARKETING, PROMOTION, DISTRIBUTION, SALES, SYSTEM GOVERNANCE, PURCHASING, MANAGEMENT, REPORTING AND PLANNING ACTIVITIES

 

14.1. Bottler will market, promote, distribute and sell Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and buy exclusively from Company (directly or through its Affiliate), or from Company Authorized Suppliers, in accordance with the terms and conditions of one or more Finished Goods Supply Agreements, Covered Beverages and Related Products in the quantities required to satisfy fully the demand for the Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory.

 

14.2. Bottler will comply with the Volume Per Capita performance standards stated in this Section 14.2.

 

  14.2.1. For purposes hereof:

 

  14.2.1.1. Measurement Period” means one (1) calendar year (i.e., January 1st through December 31st).

 

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  14.2.1.2. Equivalent Case Volume Per Capita” means the total aggregated volume of 192 ounce equivalent cases of all Covered Beverages sold in a bottler territory divided by the population for such territory as determined based on the then most current information published by the United States Census Bureau.

 

  14.2.1.3. Equivalent Case Volume Per Capita Change Rate” means the percentage change obtained by dividing (a) the Equivalent Case Volume Per Capita for a given Measurement Period, by (b) the Equivalent Case Volume Per Capita for the immediately preceding Measurement Period. For example, if the Equivalent Case Volume Per Capita for period 1 is 100 and the Equivalent Case Volume Per Capita for period 2 is 105, the percentage change would be 105/100 = 1.05 or 5%.

 

  14.2.2. For each Measurement Period during the Term, Bottler will ensure that Bottler’s annual Equivalent Case Volume Per Capita Change Rate is not less than 1 standard deviation below the median of the annual Equivalent Case Volume Per Capita Change Rates for all U.S. Coca-Cola Bottlers during that Measurement Period.

 

  14.2.3. Such performance will be measured on an annual basis and calculated using the Median Absolute Deviation methodology as set forth in Schedule 14.2.

 

  14.2.4. The first Measurement Period will commence with the first full calendar year following the first anniversary of the Effective Date.

 

  14.2.5. As soon as practicable following the end of a Measurement Period (but in no event later than the end of the first calendar quarter following the Measurement Period), Company will provide Notice to Bottler specifying whether or not Bottler satisfied its obligations under this Section 14.2 in such Measurement Period.

 

  14.2.6. Failure to satisfy the obligations under this Section 14.2 in any single given Measurement Period (other than the Volume Per Capita Cure Period defined in Section 14.2.7) shall not be considered a breach or default under this Agreement.

 

  14.2.7. If Bottler fails to satisfy its obligations under this Section 14.2 for two (2) consecutive Measurement Periods, Company will provide Notice to Bottler (a “Volume Per Capita Performance Notice”) as soon as practicable following the end of the second of such two (2) consecutive Measurement Periods (but in no event later than the end of the first calendar quarter following the second consecutive Measurement Period), and Bottler will have the right to cure during the twelve (12) month period beginning on July 1 following Bottler’s receipt of the Volume Per Capita Performance Notice (the “Volume Per Capita Cure Period”), by achieving an Equivalent Case Volume Per Capita Change Rate for the Volume Per Capita Cure Period that is not less than 1 standard deviation below the median of the Equivalent Case Volume Per Capita Change Rates for all U.S. Coca-Cola Bottlers for such period (“Volume Per Capita Cure Requirement”).

 

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  14.2.8. If Bottler fails to satisfy the Volume Per Capita Cure Requirement, Bottler will be deemed in breach of its obligations under Section 14.2.

 

  14.2.9. Company’s sole and exclusive remedy for any breach of this Section 14.2 will be termination of this Agreement under Section 22. If Company wishes to exercise its right to terminate under Section 22 based upon a breach of this Section 14.2, then Company must provide Bottler with Notice of termination within twelve (12) months following the end of the Volume Per Capita Cure Period.

 

  14.2.10. Company will, at Bottler’s request, provide to an independent third party mutually agreed upon by Bottler and Company the data reasonably necessary to confirm Bottler’s compliance with (or failure to comply with) its obligations under this Section 14.2, subject to the provisions of Section 42 and any confidentiality obligations to other U.S. Coca-Cola Bottlers. Company will provide data regarding other U.S. Coca-Cola Bottlers’ performance only on an anonymous basis (i.e., data will not be identified with or linked to any particular bottler). Bottler further acknowledges that its performance data will be provided to other U.S. Coca-Cola Bottlers that are parties to an agreement with provisions substantially similar to this Section 14.2, subject to the same limitations as this Section 14.2.

 

  14.2.11. If the number of U.S. Coca-Cola Bottlers whose data is used to compute the annual Equivalent Case Volume Per Capita Change Rates for all U.S. Coca-Cola Bottlers for any Measurement Period is less than fifteen (15), then Bottler and Company will consider in good faith any modifications to this Section 14.2 necessary to take into account the smaller sample size. The provisions of this Section 14.2 will continue to apply unless and until Bottler and Company mutually agree upon any such revisions.

 

14.3. Bottler will participate fully in, and comply fully with, operating, customer, commercial, pricing, sales, merchandizing, planning, and other requirements and programs established from time to time by the Governance Board.

 

14.4. Bottler will provide competent and well-trained management and recruit, train, maintain and direct all personnel as required to perform all of Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement, and, in accordance with any requirements imposed upon Bottler under applicable laws, consult with Company, as applicable, before hiring a new Chief Executive Officer, senior operating officer, senior financial officer, or senior commercial officer of Bottler; provided however, that Company’s consent will not be required with respect to such hiring decisions made by Bottler.

 

14.5. Bottler will make capital expenditures (as defined under generally accepted accounting principles in force in the United States of America), in Bottler’s business of marketing, promoting, distributing, and selling Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory, in amounts equal to the greater of (a) two percent (2%) of Bottler’s Annual Net Revenue related to the distribution and sale of Covered Beverages and Related Products over each rolling five-calendar year period during the Term, or (b) such other amount as reasonably required for Bottler to comply with its obligations under this Agreement. Such capital expenditures will be for the organization, installation, operation, maintenance and replacement within the Territory of such warehousing, distribution, delivery, transportation, vending equipment, merchandising equipment, and other facilities, infrastructure, assets, and equipment.

 

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  14.5.1. For this purpose,

 

  14.5.1.1. Capital expenditures will be calculated on a cash (rather than accrual) basis (i.e., it will be assumed that all such capitalized expenditures are expensed in the year made rather than capitalized and amortized).

 

  14.5.1.2. Bottler’s Annual Net Revenue” means, for each Bottler fiscal year, all revenue to Bottler on sales of Covered Beverages and Related Products plus all full service vending income plus all agency or other delivery fees minus customer discounts, allowances, and deductions for early payment minus full service vending commissions minus applicable sales taxes.

 

  14.5.1.3. A “rolling five-calendar year period” will consist of any period of five (5) consecutive calendar years (e.g., calendar years 2014 through 2018 would constitute a rolling five-calendar year period, and calendar years 2015 through 2019 would constitute the next rolling five-calendar year period).

 

14.6. Bottler will budget and spend such funds for its own account for marketing and promoting the Covered Beverages and Related Products as reasonably required to create, stimulate and sustain the demand for the Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory, provided that Bottler must use, publish, maintain or distribute only such advertising, marketing, promotional or other materials relating to the Covered Beverages or the Related Products that are in accordance with standards adopted and issued by Company from time to time or that Company has otherwise approved or authorized. Company may agree from time to time to contribute financially to Bottler’s marketing programs, subject to such terms and conditions as Company may establish from time to time. Company may also undertake, and at its own expense and independently from Bottler, any additional advertising, marketing or promotional activities in the Territory that Company deems useful or appropriate.

 

14.7. In addition to the minimum requirements set forth in Section 14.1 through Section 14.6, Bottler will use all approved means as may be reasonably necessary to meet the continuing responsibility of Bottler to develop and stimulate and satisfy fully the demand for Covered Beverages and Related Products within the Territory, and maintain the consolidated financial capacity reasonably necessary to assure that Bottler and all Bottler Affiliates will be financially able to perform their respective duties and obligations under this Agreement.

 

14.8. Bottler will provide to Company each year and review with Company an annual and long range operating plan and budget for the Business, as defined in Section 24.1, including financials and capital investment budgets, and, if requested by Company, discuss changes in general management and senior management of the Business, except to the extent otherwise prohibited by applicable law.

 

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14.9. Bottler will maintain accurate books, accounts and records relating to the purchasing, marketing, promotion, distribution, and sale of Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory.

 

14.10. Bottler will provide to Company such operational, financial, accounting, forecasting, planning and other information, including audited and unaudited financial statements, income statements, balance sheets, statements of cash flow, operating metrics, and total and outlet level volume performance for each and all Covered Beverages and Related Products, (a) to the extent, in the form and manner, and at such times as reasonably required by Company to determine whether Bottler is performing its obligations under this Agreement, including under Section 14.2 and Section 14.5; (b) as expressly set forth in the Incidence Agreement, and other Related Agreements; and (c) as determined from time to time by the Governance Board (collectively, the “Financial Information”).

 

  14.10.1. The parties recognize that the Financial Information is critical to the ability of Company and the Governance Board to maintain, promote, and safeguard the overall performance, efficiency, and integrity of the customer management, distribution and sales system.

 

  14.10.2. Company will hold the Financial Information provided by Bottler in accordance with the confidentiality provisions of Section 42 and shall not use such information for any purpose other than determining compliance with this Agreement or any Related Agreement (including the Incidence Agreement), or in connection with the implementation, administration, and operation of the Governance Board.

 

15. PRODUCT QUALITY AND STORAGE, HANDLING AND RECALL OF THE COVERED BEVERAGES AND RELATED PRODUCTS

 

15.1. Bottler’s handling, storage, delivery and merchandising of the Covered Beverages and Related Products must at all times and in all events:

 

  15.1.1. conform to the quality and safety standards and instructions, including product quality, hygienic, environmental and otherwise, established in writing, including through electronic systems and media, from time to time by Company; and

 

  15.1.2. conform with all applicable food, health, environmental, safety, sanitation and other relevant laws, regulations and other legal requirements applicable in the Territory.

 

15.2. If Company determines or becomes aware of the existence of any quality or technical problems relating to Covered Beverages or Related Products, Company will immediately notify Bottler by telephone, fax, e-mail or any other form of immediate communication.

 

  15.2.1. Company may require Bottler to take all necessary action to recall all of such Covered Beverages or Related Products furnished by Company (directly or through its Affiliate) or a Company Authorized Supplier, or withdraw immediately such Covered Beverages or Related Products from the market or the trade, as the case may be.

 

  15.2.2.

Company will notify Bottler by telephone, fax, e-mail or any other form of immediate communication of the decision by Company to require Bottler to recall Covered Beverages or Related Products or withdraw such Covered Beverages or Related

 

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  Products from the market or trade. Upon receipt of such Notice, Bottler must immediately cease distribution of such Covered Beverages or Related Products and take such other actions as may be required by Company in connection with the recall of Covered Beverages or Related Products or withdrawal of such Covered Beverages or Related Products from the market or trade.

 

15.3. If Bottler determines or becomes aware of the existence of quality or technical problems relating to Covered Beverages or Related Products supplied by Company (directly or through its Affiliate) or a Company Authorized Supplier to Bottler, then Bottler must immediately notify Company by telephone, e-mail or any other form of immediate communication. This notification must include: (a) the identity and quantities of Covered Beverages or Related Products involved, including the specific packages, (b) coding data, and (c) all other relevant data that will assist in tracing such Covered Beverages or Related Products.

 

15.4. If any withdrawal or recall is caused by quality or technical defects arising from the manufacture, packaging, storage or shipment of the Covered Beverages or Related Products or other packaging or materials prior to delivery to Bottler, Company will reimburse Bottler for all reasonable expenses incurred by Bottler in connection with such withdrawal or recall.

 

15.5. If any withdrawal or recall of any Covered Beverage or Related Product is caused by Bottler’s failure to handle the Covered Beverage or Related Product properly after delivery to Bottler from Company (directly or through its Affiliate) or Company Authorized Supplier, then Bottler will bear the reasonable expenses of such withdrawal or recall and reimburse Company for all reasonable expenses incurred by Company in connection with such withdrawal or recall.

 

15.6. Bottler will permit Company, its officers, agents or designees, at all times upon reasonable request by Company, to enter and inspect the facilities, equipment and methods used by Bottler, whether directly or incidentally, in or for the storage and handling of the Covered Beverages and Related Products to ascertain whether Bottler is complying with the terms of this Agreement, including Sections 15.1 and 15.2. Bottler will also provide Company with all the information regarding Bottler’s compliance with the terms of this Agreement, including Sections 15.1 and 15.2, as Company may reasonably request from time to time.

 

16. PRICING AND OTHER CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE AND SALE

 

16.1. Company (directly or through its Affiliate) or Company Authorized Supplier will furnish Covered Beverages and Related Products in accordance with the pricing terms and other terms and conditions set forth in the applicable Finished Goods Supply Agreement.

 

16.2. Company (directly or through its Affiliate) reserves the right to establish and revise at any time, in its sole discretion, the price of the Covered Beverages and Related Products, subject to the provisions of the applicable Finished Goods Supply Agreement.

 

16.3. As used herein, the “price” of Covered Beverages and Related Products means the delivered price established and revised by Company or its Affiliate for Finished Product pursuant to a Finished Goods Supply Agreement, including any freight charges, but without regard to marketing, trade or other funding, or non-financial support by Company related to the Covered Beverages or Related Products.

 

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16.4. Bottler further acknowledges that Company reserves the right to establish and revise at any time, in its sole discretion the price of concentrate, beverage base, or any other constituent part sold by Company (directly or through its Affiliate) to any Company Authorized Supplier for the manufacture of the Covered Beverages and Related Products.

 

16.5. The “price” charged by Company or its Affiliate for any Covered Beverage or Related Product will not exceed the “price” charged by Company or its Affiliate for such Covered Beverage or Related Product to any other Expanding Participating Bottler or Company Owned Distributor in the United States.

 

16.6. Additional terms and conditions of purchase and sale, including warranties, quantities, shipment, risk of loss and delivery of Covered Beverages and Related Products are as set forth in the applicable Finished Goods Supply Agreement.

 

17. OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF BOTTLER

 

17.1. Bottler hereby acknowledges the personal nature of Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement, including with respect to the performance standards applicable to Bottler, the dependence of the Trademarks on proper quality control, the level of marketing effort required of Bottler to stimulate and maintain demand for the Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory, and the confidentiality required for protection of Company’s trade secrets and confidential information.

 

17.2. Bottler represents and warrants to Company that, prior to execution of this Agreement, Bottler has made available to Company a complete and accurate list of Persons that own more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding securities of Bottler, and/or of any third parties having a right to, or effective power of, control or management of Bottler (whether through contract or otherwise).

 

17.3. Bottler covenants and agrees:

 

  17.3.1. to inform Company without delay of any changes in the record ownership (or, if known to Bottler, any change in the Beneficial Ownership) of more than ten percent (10%) of the shares of Bottler’s outstanding equity interests in a transaction or series of related transactions, provided, that if Bottler is subject to the disclosure and reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Section 17.3.1 shall not apply;

 

  17.3.2. to inform Company without delay if a Change of Control occurs with respect to Bottler; and

 

  17.3.3. not to change its legal form of organization without first obtaining the written consent of Company, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. It is understood and agreed that Company will not withhold its consent unless the change in legal form could reasonably be expected to affect Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement. For this purpose, (a) the making of an election to be taxed as a Subchapter S corporation for federal income tax purposes, or termination of such an election, and/or (b) reincorporation in another state within the United States of America, will not be considered a change in Bottler’s legal form of organization and will not require Company’s consent.

 

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17.4. Bottler acknowledges that Company has a vested and legitimate interest in maintaining, promoting and safeguarding the overall performance, efficiency and integrity of Company’s bottling, distribution and sales system. Bottler therefore covenants and agrees:

 

  17.4.1. Not to assign, transfer or pledge this Agreement or any interest herein, in whole or in part, whether voluntarily, involuntarily, or by operation of law (including by merger or liquidation), or sublicense its rights under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any third party or parties, without the prior written consent of Company; and

 

  17.4.2. Not to delegate any material element of Bottler’s performance under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any third party or parties without the prior written consent of Company.

 

17.5. Notwithstanding Section 17.4, the following shall be expressly permitted hereunder:

 

  17.5.1. Bottler may, after Notice to Company, assign, transfer or pledge this Agreement or any interest herein, in whole or in part, or delegate any material element of Bottler’s performance of this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any wholly-owned Affiliate of Bottler; provided that (a) any such Affiliate must agree in writing to be bound by and comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and (b) any such assignment, transfer, pledge or delegation will not relieve Bottler of any of its obligations under this Agreement; and

 

  17.5.2. Bottler may engage third party contractors and service providers for the purpose of receiving services relating to non-core functions (e.g., back-office administrative services, human resources, payroll, information technology services and similar services); provided that (a) Bottler will retain full responsibility to Company for all of Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement; and (b) Bottler may not subcontract core functions (i.e., market and customer-facing functions) without the prior written consent of Company.

 

17.6. Any attempt to take any actions prohibited by Sections 17.4 and 17.5 without Company’s prior written consent shall be void and shall be deemed to be a material breach of this Agreement.

 

17.7. Bottler may not describe Company or Bottler’s relationship with Company in any prospectus, offering materials, or marketing materials used by or on behalf of Bottler in connection with the issue, offer, sale, transfer, or exchange of any ownership interest in Bottler or any bonds, debentures or other evidence of indebtedness of Bottler, unless Bottler provides Company with such description at least five (5) Business Days prior to filing or use. Company must provide any comments within three (3) Business Days following receipt of the materials from Bottler. Except as otherwise provided by this Agreement in connection with a Change of Control or sale of the Business, Company shall not require Bottler to disclose the identity of prospective investors, bondholders or lenders or the terms, rates or conditions of the underlying agreements with such Persons. Bottler will not be required to provide to Company any description that has been previously reviewed by Company.

 

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18. TERM OF AGREEMENT

 

18.1. This Agreement will commence on the Effective Date and continue for an initial period of ten (10) years (the “Initial Term”), unless earlier terminated pursuant to the provisions of Section 19 (COMMERCIAL IMPRACTICABILITY), Section 20 (FORCE MAJEURE), Section 21 (TERMINATION FOR DEFINED EVENTS) or Section 22 (DEFICIENCY TERMINATION).

 

18.2. Bottler may elect not to renew this Agreement upon expiration of the Initial Term or any Additional Term by providing Company with Notice of its intention at least one (1) year prior to expiration of the Initial Term or any Additional Term, as the case may be.

 

18.3. Unless Bottler has given Notice of its intention not to renew as provided in Section 18.2, or this Agreement has otherwise been earlier terminated as provided in Section 19 (COMMERCIAL IMPRACTICABILITY), Section 20 (FORCE MAJEURE), Section 21 (TERMINATION FOR DEFINED EVENTS) or Section 22 (DEFICIENCY TERMINATION), the then effective term of this Agreement will automatically renew for successive additional terms of ten (10) years each (each an “Additional Term”).

 

19. COMMERCIAL IMPRACTICABILITY

 

19.1. With respect to any one or more Covered Beverages and Related Products (the “Affected Products”) and the Territory or any portion thereof (the “Affected Territory”), as applicable,

 

  19.1.1. the obligation of Company (including any of its Affiliates) or Company Authorized Supplier to supply Affected Products to Bottler and Bottler’s obligation to purchase Affected Products from Company, its Affiliates, or a Company Authorized Supplier and to market, promote, distribute, and sell the Affected Products in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall be suspended during any period when there occurs a change in applicable laws, regulations or administrative measures (including any government permission or authorization regarding customs, health or manufacturing, and further including the withdrawal of any government authorization required by any of the parties to carry out the terms of this Agreement), or issuance of any judicial decree or order binding on any of the parties hereto, in each case in such a manner as to render unlawful or commercially impracticable:

 

  19.1.1.1. the importation or exportation of any essential ingredients of the Affected Products that cannot be produced in quantities sufficient to satisfy the demand therefor by existing Company (including any of its Affiliates) or Company Authorized Supplier facilities in the United States;

 

  19.1.1.2. the manufacture and distribution of Affected Products to Bottler; or

 

  19.1.1.3. Bottler’s marketing, promotion, distribution, and sale of Affected Products within the Affected Territory.

 

19.2. To the extent that Bottler is unable to perform its obligations as a consequence of any of the contingencies set forth in Section 19.1, and for the duration of such inability:

 

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  19.2.1. Company (including any of its Affiliates) shall be relieved of their respective obligations under any Finished Goods Supply Agreement; and

 

  19.2.2. the determination of Bottler’s performance under Section 14.1 and Section 14.2 shall be made without regard to the Affected Products within the Affected Territory. If any of the contingencies set forth in this Section 19 persists so that either party’s obligation to perform is suspended for a period of two (2) years or more, the other party may upon Notice terminate this Agreement and any Related Agreements with regard to the Affected Products and the Affected Territory, as applicable, without paying any compensation or other liability for damages (except as provided in Section 25).

 

20. FORCE MAJEURE

 

20.1. Force Majeure Event” means any strike, blacklisting, boycott or sanctions imposed by a sovereign nation or supra-national organization of sovereign nations, however incurred; or any act of God, act of foreign enemies, embargo, quarantine, riot, insurrection, a declared or undeclared war, state of war or belligerency or hazard or danger incident thereto.

 

20.2. Neither Company (including any of its Affiliates or any Company Authorized Supplier) nor Bottler shall be liable for or be subject to any claim for breach or termination as the result of a failure to perform any of their respective obligations under this Agreement if and to the extent that such failure is caused by or results from a Force Majeure Event; provided, however:

 

  20.2.1. The party claiming the excuse afforded by this Section 20 must use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with any excused obligations under this Agreement that are impaired by such Force Majeure Event; and

 

  20.2.2. If Bottler is the party claiming the excuse afforded by this Section 20:

 

  20.2.2.1. to the extent that Bottler is unable to remediate the effect on its ability to perform caused by such Force Majeure Event with respect to all or any portion of the Territory within three (3) months from the date of the occurrence of the Force Majeure Event, then,

 

  20.2.2.1.1. Company shall have the right (but not the obligation) upon not less than one (1) month prior Notice to suspend this Agreement and Related Agreements within the affected parts of the Territory (or the entire Territory to the extent affected by such event) during the period of time that such Force Majeure Event results in Bottler being unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement; and

 

  20.2.2.1.2.

During the period of any such suspension, Company or any third party designated by Company shall have the right to market, promote, distribute, and sell Covered Beverages and Related Products, and otherwise exercise Bottler’s rights and perform services otherwise required of Bottler under this

 

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  Agreement and Related Agreements within any such affected portion of the Territory, without any obligation to account to Bottler for profits from the distribution of Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory that are not distributed by Bottler.

 

  20.2.2.2. to the extent that Bottler is unable to remediate the effect on its ability to perform caused by such Force Majeure Event with respect to all or any portion of the Territory within two (2) years from the date of occurrence of the Force Majeure Event, Company shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and Related Agreements as to the affected portion of the Territory, subject to Bottler’s rights under Section 25.

 

21. TERMINATION FOR DEFINED EVENTS

 

21.1. Company may, at Company’s option, terminate this Agreement, subject to the requirements of Section 25, if any of the following events occur:

 

  21.1.1. An order for relief is entered with respect to Bottler under any Chapter of Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended;

 

  21.1.2. Bottler voluntarily commences any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, or assignment for the benefit of creditors proceeding, case, or suit or consents to such a proceeding, case or suit under the laws of any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any country, kingdom or commonwealth or sub-division thereof not governed by the United States;

 

  21.1.3. A petition, proceeding, case, complaint or suit for bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, or assignment for the benefit of creditors, under the laws of any state, territory or commonwealth of the United States or any country, commonwealth or sub-division thereof or kingdom not governed by the United States, is filed against Bottler, and such a petition, proceeding, suit, complaint or case is not dismissed within sixty (60) days after the commencement or filing of such a petition, proceeding, complaint, case or suit or the order of dismissal is appealed and stayed;

 

  21.1.4. Bottler makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, deed of trust for the benefit of creditors or makes an arrangement or composition with creditors; a receiver or trustee for Bottler or for any interest in Bottler’s business is appointed and such order or decree appointing the receiver or trustee is not vacated, dismissed or discharged within sixty (60) days after such appointment or such order or decree is appealed and stayed;

 

  21.1.5. Any of Bottler’s equipment or facilities is subject to attachment, levy or other final process for more than twenty (20) days or any of its equipment or facilities is noticed for judicial or non-judicial foreclosure sale and such attachment, levy, process or sale would materially and adversely affect Bottler’s ability to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement;

 

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  21.1.6. Bottler becomes insolvent or ceases to conduct its operations relating to the Business in the normal course of business; or

 

  21.1.7. Any agreement authorizing the manufacture, packaging, distribution or sale of Beverages in authorized containers (as defined in such agreement) under the trademark “Coca-Cola” between Company and Bottler or their respective Affiliates that is listed on Schedule 35.1.4 is terminated by Company in accordance with provisions that permit termination due to Bottler’s breach or default, unless Company agrees in writing that this Section 21.1.7 will not be applied by Company to such termination.

 

22. DEFICIENCY TERMINATION

 

22.1. In addition to the events of default and remedy described in Section 21, Company may also terminate this Agreement, subject to the requirements of Section 23 and Section 25, if any of the following events of default occur:

 

  22.1.1. Bottler fails to make timely payment for Covered Beverages or Related Products, or of any other material debt owing to Company;

 

  22.1.2. The condition of the facilities or equipment used by Bottler in distributing or selling the Covered Beverages and Related Products fails to meet the sanitary standards reasonably established by Company;

 

  22.1.3. Bottler fails to handle the Covered Beverages or Related Products in strict conformity with such standards and instructions as Company may reasonably establish;

 

  22.1.4. Bottler or any Affiliate of Bottler engages in any of the activities prohibited under Section 13;

 

  22.1.5. Bottler fails to comply with its obligations under Section 14;

 

  22.1.6. A Change of Control occurs with respect to Bottler without the consent of Company;

 

  22.1.7. Any Disposition of any voting securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of any Bottler Subsidiary (other than to a wholly-owned Affiliate in connection with an internal corporate reorganization) is made without the consent of Company by Bottler or by any Bottler Subsidiary. “Bottler Subsidiary” means any Person that is Controlled, directly or indirectly, by Bottler, and that is a party, or Controls directly or indirectly a party, to an agreement with Company or any of its Affiliates regarding the distribution or sale of Covered Beverages or Related Products; or

 

  22.1.8. Bottler breaches in any material respect any of Bottler’s other material obligations under this Agreement.

 

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22.2. In any such event of default, Company may either exercise its right to terminate under this Section 22 (subject to Section 23 and Section 25), or pursue any rights and remedies (other than termination) against Bottler with respect to any such event of default.

 

23. BOTTLER RIGHT TO CURE

 

23.1. Upon the occurrence of any of the events of default enumerated in Section 22, Company will give Bottler Notice of default.

 

23.2. Within sixty (60) days of receipt of such Notice, Bottler will provide Company with a written proposed corrective action plan (“Corrective Action Plan”). The Corrective Action Plan must provide for correction of all issues identified in the Notice of default within one (1) year or less from the date on which the Corrective Action Plan is provided to Company.

 

23.3. Company will negotiate in good faith with Bottler the terms of the Corrective Action Plan.

 

  23.3.1. If Company and Bottler fail to agree on a Corrective Action Plan within sixty (60) days of Bottler’s tender of such plan, Bottler must cure the default described in the Notice of default within one (1) year of Bottler’s receipt of the Notice of default. If Bottler fails to cure the default described in the Notice of default within one (1) year of Bottler’s receipt of the Notice, the default will be deemed not to have been cured.

 

  23.3.2. If Company and Bottler timely agree on a Corrective Action Plan, but Bottler fails to implement the agreed Corrective Action Plan to Company’s reasonable satisfaction within the time period specified by the Corrective Action Plan, the default will be deemed not to have been cured.

 

23.4. In the event of an uncured default under Section 23.3, Company may, by giving Bottler further Notice of termination, terminate this Agreement, suspend sales of Covered Beverages and Related Products to Bottler and require Bottler to cease marketing, promoting, distributing, and selling Covered Beverages and Related Products.

 

23.5. The provisions of this Section 23 (including any cure) will not apply to a default under Section 14.2, and will not limit Company’s right to pursue remedies under this Agreement on account of Bottler’s default, other than (i) termination under Section 22, (ii) cessation of Company’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement, or (iii) rescission.

 

23.6. In the case of a breach by Bottler or one of its Affiliates of its obligations under this Agreement (other than (a) a default under Section 14.2 or (b) a Product Quality Issue as defined in Section 23.7), such breach will be deemed to be cured for purposes of this Section 23 if Bottler (or its Affiliate) has terminated the acts or omissions described in such Notice of breach, and has taken reasonable steps under the circumstances to prevent the recurrence of such breach.

 

23.7. Product Quality Issue” means a breach of Section 15.1 or Section 15.2 caused by a product quality issue involving a Covered Beverage or Related Product that results from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Bottler and that materially and adversely affects one or more of the Trademarks.

 

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  23.7.1. In the case of a Product Quality Issue, Bottler will have a period of sixty (60) days from Bottler’s awareness of the issue within which to cure the default, including, at the instruction of Company, and at Bottler’s expense, by the prompt withdrawal from the market and destruction of any affected Finished Product.

 

  23.7.2. If the Product Quality Issue has not been cured within such sixty (60) day cure period, Company (or the applicable Company Authorized Supplier(s)) may suspend sales of Covered Beverages and Related Products to Bottler, and, during a second sixty (60) day cure period, Company may supply, or cause or permit others to supply, Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory.

 

  23.7.3. If such Product Quality Issue has not been cured during the second sixty (60) day cure period, then Company may terminate this Agreement by giving Bottler Notice of termination.

 

24. BOTTLER’S RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS WITH RESPECT TO SALE OF ITS BUSINESS

 

24.1. Defined Terms

 

  24.1.1. Business means Bottler’s aggregate business in all Territories under this Agreement and any other agreement directly and primarily related to the marketing, promotion, distribution, and sale of Covered Beverages and Related Products in such Territories.

 

  24.1.1.1. Business” will also include any business conducted by Bottler and identified on Schedule 24.1 as an “Included Business,” including any Permitted Line of Business or Permitted Ancillary Business acquired or developed by Bottler after the Effective Date that the parties agree to identify as an “Included Business” through amendment to Schedule 24.1.

 

  24.1.1.2. Business” will expressly exclude any business identified on Schedule 24.1 as an “Excluded Business.”

 

  24.1.1.3. “Business” will also expressly exclude any business that is not directly and primarily related to the marketing, promotion, distribution and sale of Covered Beverages and Related Products in such territories that is not identified on Schedule 24.1 as an “Included Business”, whether or not such business is identified on Schedule 24.1 as an “Excluded Business.”

 

  24.1.2.

Sale Transaction” means either (i) the sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition, in one transaction or a series of related transactions (including by way of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or sale of securities of one or more of Bottler’s Subsidiaries), to any Person for value, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Business on a consolidated basis, or (ii) a transaction or series of transactions (including by way of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or sale of securities by the holders of securities of Bottler) with any Person the result of which is that the shareholders of Bottler immediately prior to such

 

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transaction are (after giving effect to such transaction) no longer, in the aggregate, the “beneficial owners” (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act), directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting shares of Bottler on an as-converted, fully-diluted basis.

 

24.2. Discussions with Company or Approved Potential Buyers

 

  24.2.1. If Bottler decides to sell, directly or indirectly, all or a majority interest in the Business, including as a result of a change in control or an unsolicited third party offer, Bottler will discuss the possible Sale Transaction exclusively with Company or Approved Potential Buyer(s) (except as provided in Section 24.2.2 or Section 24.4.3). Any and all such discussions between Company and Bottler regarding a possible Sale Transaction shall be kept confidential, and shall not be binding on either party, and shall not be deemed to have triggered the commencement of the procedures for the sale of the Business described in Section 24.3 or Section 24.4.

 

  24.2.2. Once per calendar year and at any time following receipt by Bottler of a third party unsolicited bona fide offer or expression of interest regarding a Sale Transaction, Bottler may submit to Company in writing a list of potential buyers to whom Bottler may wish to sell Bottler’s Business (each, a “Potential Buyer”). Bottler will submit the Potential Buyer list to Company’s most senior officer responsible for North America operations (with copies to each Company Notice recipient identified in Section 40.1.2) through registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) or another method of communication that requests acknowledgement of receipt by Company, and such Potential Buyer list shall be deemed received by Company upon Company’s acknowledgement of receipt (provided, that, upon such receipt, Company will be obligated to provide, and will provide, such confirmation). In connection with Bottler’s preparation of a Potential Buyer list, Bottler may engage an investment banker (or other financial advisor) to solicit indications of interest from Potential Buyers, subject to appropriate confidentiality obligations. At Bottler’s request, Company will also cooperate with Bottler to identify Potential Buyers that are acceptable to both Bottler (in Bottler’s sole discretion) and Company (in Company’s sole discretion).

 

  24.2.2.1. Bottler will also furnish Company with such additional information regarding the Potential Buyer(s) that Company may reasonably request.

 

  24.2.2.2. A Potential Buyer on Bottler’s Potential Buyer list will be deemed approved by Company unless Company determines (in its sole discretion) that the Potential Buyer is not acceptable and provides Notice of that determination to Bottler during the Approval Period.

 

  24.2.2.3. The “Approval Period” means the sixty (60) day period following Company’s receipt of Bottler’s Potential Buyer list and any additional information reasonably requested by Company from Bottler regarding the Potential Buyers unless Bottler is requesting approval in response to an unsolicited bona fide offer from a Potential Buyer regarding a Sale Transaction in which case the period will be thirty (30) days following Company’s receipt of Bottler’s Potential Buyer List.

 

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  24.2.2.4. An “Approved Potential Buyer” means a Potential Buyer approved by Company in writing or deemed approved by Company in accordance with Section 24.2.2.2.

 

24.3. Sale of Business to Approved Potential Buyer

 

  24.3.1. At any time during the Term and from time to time, Bottler may (at Bottler’s sole discretion) provide Company with Notice that Bottler wishes to enter into a Sale Transaction with an Approved Potential Buyer (an “Approved Potential Buyer Sale Notice”). The Approved Potential Buyer Sale Notice will include the details of the proposed Sale Transaction with the Approved Potential Buyer. Bottler will deliver the Approved Potential Sale Notice in writing to Company’s Chief Financial Officer, with a copy to Company’s General Counsel. Bottler’s delivery of an Approved Potential Buyer Sale Notice will not preclude Bottler from delivering an Exit Notice under Section 24.4.

 

  24.3.2. Bottler may (at Bottler’s sole discretion) enter into a binding agreement for the Sale Transaction with the Approved Potential Buyer, on terms and conditions (including purchase price) mutually agreed by Bottler and the Approved Potential Buyer, within one hundred eighty (180) days following Bottler’s delivery of the Approved Potential Buyer Sale Notice to Company.

 

  24.3.2.1. If Bottler identified more than one (1) Approved Potential Buyer in its Approved Potential Buyer Sale Notice, then Bottler may engage in an auction process with such Approved Potential Buyers, and may (at Bottler’s discretion) enter into a binding agreement for a Sale Transaction with the Approved Potential Buyer selected by Bottler within one hundred eighty (180) days following Bottler’s delivery of the Approved Potential Buyer Sale Notice to Company. The consummation of a Sale Transaction with an Approved Potential Buyer as contemplated under Section 24.3.2 will not constitute a breach or default under this Agreement or any Related Agreement.

 

  24.3.3. If Bottler and an Approved Potential Buyer consummate the Sale Transaction as contemplated in Section 24.3.2, then the Business will continue to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement, without modification. If requested by Company, the Approved Potential Buyer will confirm in writing that the Business will continue to market, promote, distribute and sell Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Territory subject to, and in accordance with, the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Related Agreements, without modification.

 

  24.3.4. If Bottler and the Approved Potential Buyer do not enter into a binding agreement for a Sale Transaction within the one hundred eighty (180) day period following Bottler’s delivery of the Approved Potential Buyer Sale Notice, then Bottler will be required to re-submit an Approved Potential Buyer Sale Notice in accordance with Section 24.3.1 before entering into a Sale Transaction with an Approved Potential Buyer.

 

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24.4. Sale of Business without an Approved Potential Buyer

 

  24.4.1. At any time and from time to time during the Term, Bottler may, at Bottler’s sole discretion, provide Company with Notice that Bottler wishes to enter into a Sale Transaction, but that Bottler has not identified an Approved Potential Buyer or has not reached terms with an Approved Potential Buyer that are acceptable to Bottler (an “Exit Notice”). Bottler’s delivery of an Exit Notice will not preclude Bottler from delivering an Approved Buyer Sale Notice and pursuing both alternatives at the same time.

 

  24.4.1.1. The Exit Notice will include the material terms and conditions (including price and form of consideration) of the proposed Sale Transaction by Bottler. Bottler will deliver the Exit Notice in writing to Company’s Chief Financial Officer, with a copy to Company’s General Counsel.

 

  24.4.1.2. The Exit Notice will include the following unaudited written management information (to the extent that it is in Bottler’s possession or control and is ordinarily and customarily produced and used by Bottler for each of the three (3) year periods ending on the last day of the quarter preceding the date of the delivery of the Exit Notice): (a) revenues with respect to the Business for the relevant period then ended in both dollars and cases; (b) statements of income down to the contribution margin level for the Covered Beverages and Related Products for the relevant period then ended; (c) most current management bills of cost for each of the Covered Beverages and Related Products; (d) a copy of each of the then currently effective and enforceable distribution agreements for distribution of the Covered Beverages and Related Products; (e) business plan volumes and strategic plans for the Business; and (f) material claims relating to the Business of which Bottler has knowledge. All of the foregoing information is collectively referred to as the “Base Information”. Bottler will also provide such additional information (the “Additional Information”) as reasonably requested by Company and as Bottler and Company may agree is desirable to facilitate Company’s valuation of the Business.

 

  24.4.1.3. Bottler and Company will work together in good faith to negotiate the terms and conditions of a binding agreement under which Company or Company’s designee would acquire Bottler’s Business, including the purchase price for the Business. If the parties cannot mutually agree upon the purchase price for the Business within one hundred twenty (120) days following Bottler’s delivery of the Exit Notice, then Bottler will notify Company in writing as to whether Bottler wishes to (i) terminate the process, or (ii) cause the value of the Business to be determined in accordance with the valuation process specified in Section 26 (the “Valuation Process”).

 

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  24.4.1.4. Once the value of the Business has been established either by mutual agreement of Bottler and Company, or through the Valuation Process, Bottler will have the right, in its sole discretion, to deliver Notice to Company that Bottler wishes to sell the Business to Company (or Company’s designee) at the agreed purchase price (or the purchase price established through the Valuation Process, as the case may be) (a “Company Sale Notice”). The Company Sale Notice must be delivered by Bottler to Company, if at all, within sixty (60) days following the determination of the purchase price for the Business (by mutual agreement or through the Valuation Process, as the case may be). The Company Sale Notice will constitute a binding offer by Bottler to sell the Business to Company or Company’s designee in accordance with the terms of this Section 24.4; provided that Bottler may withdraw such offer at any time prior to closing of such transaction, if and only if Bottler (a) reimburses Company for all third party out of pocket expenses incurred by Company in connection with the exercise by Bottler of its rights under this Section 24; and (b) exercises such right to withdraw an offer no more than once every three (3) years.

 

  24.4.2. If Bottler delivers a Company Sale Notice as contemplated above, then, within thirty (30) days following Company’s receipt of the Company Sale Notice, Company must elect (in Company’s sole discretion) either (1) to acquire the Business (or cause the Business to be acquired by Company’s designee) in accordance with this Section 24.4, or (2) to amend this Agreement as contemplated in Schedule 24.4.2. Prior to the expiration of such thirty (30) day period, Company will provide Notice of its election to Bottler. If Bottler provides Notice to Company that Company has failed to make an election under this Section 24.4.2 within the thirty (30) day period, and Company fails to deliver Notice of its election within ten (10) days following receipt of such notice from Bottler, then Company will be deemed to have elected to amend this Agreement as contemplated in Schedule 24.4.2.

 

  24.4.2.1. If Company delivers a Notice under Section 24.4.2 that Company (or Company’s designee) will acquire the Business, then Company or Company’s designee will acquire the Business for cash (unless otherwise mutually agreed) at the purchase price mutually agreed by Company (or Company’s designee) and Bottler, or, the purchase price established through the Valuation Process, as applicable.

 

  24.4.2.2.

If Company delivers a Notice under Section 24.4.2 that Company (or Company’s designee) will acquire the Business, then Company will acquire the Business on the terms and conditions (other than purchase price) mutually agreed upon by Bottler and Company (or Company’s designee). If Bottler and Company (or Company’s

 

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  designee) are unable to agree on terms and conditions of sale (other than purchase price) within sixty (60) days following Company’s delivery of a Notice under Section 24.4.2 that Company (or Company’s designee) will acquire the Business, then Company or Company’s designee will acquire the Business on the terms and conditions specified in Schedule 24.4.1. The failure to reach agreement on the terms and conditions (other than price) will in no event result in a deemed election to amend the terms of this Agreement. The purchase price for the Business will be paid in cash at closing, unless otherwise agreed by Bottler and Company (or Company’s designee).

 

  24.4.2.3. Closing of the acquisition of the Business by Company or Company’s designee will occur within ten (10) Business Days following the receipt of all required consents and regulatory approvals (including expiration of applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act).

 

  24.4.3. If Company delivers a Notice under Section 24.4.2 that Company will amend this Agreement as contemplated in Schedule 24.4.2, or Company is deemed to have elected to amend this Agreement as contemplated in Schedule 24.4.2, then (1) this Agreement will automatically be deemed amended as specified in Schedule 24.4.2 (and Bottler and Company will take whatever actions may be necessary or appropriate to document and confirm such amendments to this Agreement), (2) Company will reimburse Bottler for all third party out of pocket expenses incurred by Bottler in connection with the exercise by Bottler of its rights under this Section 24, and (3) Bottler may thereafter enter into a Sale Transaction with a third party selected by Bottler, in its sole discretion (and as to which Company will have no approval rights), on terms and conditions mutually agreed by Bottler and the third party buyer selected by Bottler. If Bottler does consummate the Sale Transaction, then the buyer will acquire the Business subject to the terms of this Agreement, as modified under Schedule 24.4.2.

 

24.5. Each party shall act promptly and without delay in satisfying its obligations under this Section 24.

 

25. COMPENSATION TO BOTTLER ON TERMINATION FOR COMMERCIAL IMPRACTICABILITY UNDER SECTION 19.2.2, FORCE MAJEURE UNDER SECTION 20.2.2.2, DEFINED EVENTS UNDER SECTION 21 OR DEFICIENCY TERMINATION UNDER SECTION 22

 

25.1. If at any time during the Initial Term or any Additional Term, Company exercises its right to terminate this Agreement in accordance with Section 19.2.2, Section 20.2.2.2, Section 21, or Section 22, Company will send Notice that Company will acquire the Business in accordance with this Section 25 (a “Purchase Notice”).

 

25.2. Upon receipt of a Purchase Notice from Company, except as provided in Section 25.2.1, Bottler shall sell the Business to Company (or Company’s designee) and Company (or its designee) shall purchase the Business from Bottler for cash (unless otherwise mutually agreed) at the price determined in accordance with the Valuation Process specified in Section 26 and on the other terms and conditions specified in Schedule 24.4.1.

 

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  25.2.1. If this Agreement terminates under Section 22.1.4 (solely as a result of Bottler’s willful misconduct), Section 22.1.6, or Section 22.1.7, then Company will purchase the Business from Bottler for cash (unless otherwise mutually agreed) at a price equal to eighty-five percent (85%) of the price determined in accordance with the Valuation Process specified in Section 26.

 

25.3. Closing of the acquisition of the Business by Company or its designee under this Section 25 will occur within ten (10) Business Days following the receipt of all required consents and regulatory approvals (including expiration of applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act) and after determination of the Business Value in accordance with the Valuation Process (if applicable).

 

25.4. The acquisition agreement providing for the acquisition of Bottler’s Business by Company or its designee in accordance with Section 24 or this Section 25 will include mutual releases of claims (other than claims arising under the terms of such acquisition agreement).

 

  25.4.1. Without limiting the preceding sentence, amounts paid by Company (directly or through a Company Affiliate) or Company’s designee to Bottler as required under this Section 25 will be in lieu of, and in full satisfaction of, any claims whatsoever that Bottler may have against Company in connection with the Covered Beverages or Related Products or Bottler’s Business, including any payment due to Bottler other than (a) any trade payables due in the ordinary course of business, (b) any other undisputed amounts then due and owing, (c) any indemnification, contribution, or other similar rights Bottler may have against Company with respect to a third party claim (including any claim by a Governmental Authority) arising out of any actual or threatened action, suit, proceeding or investigation brought against Bottler, (d) any post-closing adjustments provided for in acquisition agreements between Company (or any of its Affiliates) and Bottler (or any of its Affiliates) with respect to Territory acquired from CCR described in Exhibit C-2 (e.g., purchase price adjustments based on determination of the net book value of transferred assets as of closing), or (d) as otherwise may be agreed by Company and Bottler.

 

  25.4.2. The parties acknowledge and agree that the remedies at law of Company or Bottler for any actual or threatened breach of the covenants in Sections 24, 25 or 26 would be inadequate and that the non-breaching party will be entitled to specific performance of the covenants in Sections 24, 25 and 26, including entry of an ex parte, temporary restraining order in state or federal court, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief against acts or omissions in violation of Sections 24, 25 or 26, or other appropriate judicial remedy, writ or order, in addition to any damages and legal expenses that the non-breaching party may be legally entitled to recover.

 

26. VALUATION

 

26.1. If Bottler decides to sell the Business as contemplated under Section 24 and Bottler and Company are unable to mutually agree upon a purchase price within the one hundred twenty (120) day negotiation period specified in Section 24.4.1.3, or if Company is to acquire the Business as contemplated under Section 25, then the purchase price for the Business will be established in accordance with this Section 26.

 

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26.2. Bottler and Company will each appoint a Valuation Expert within five (5) Business Days after the expiration of the applicable negotiation period under Section 24.4.1.3 (or after receipt by Bottler of a Purchase Notice from Company under Section 25.1 if applicable), and will instruct each Valuation Expert to provide its final valuation no later than sixty (60) days after such appointment.

 

  26.2.1. Valuation Expert means an independent and reputable valuation firm or investment banking firm of national standing, that (i) has had no business relationship of any nature (whether directly or through any of its Affiliates) with either Company or Bottler or their respective Affiliates in the twelve months prior to its selection, (ii) is not, directly or through any of its Affiliates, in then-current discussions with either Company or Bottler or any of their respective Affiliates regarding a proposed future engagement, and (iii) has no other conflict of interest or financial interest in the proposed transaction (other than receipt of its fee as discussed below). No Valuation Expert will be permitted to receive a fee other than a fixed fee, which fee shall not be contingent on the closing of the transaction or calculated based on the Business Value.

 

  26.2.2. Business Value” means the value of the Business as finally determined under the Valuation Process.

 

26.3. Each Valuation Expert will perform a valuation of the Business.

 

26.4. If the valuations differ by less than ten percent (10%) of the higher valuation, the average of the two valuations will be the value of the Business.

 

26.5. If the valuations differ by ten percent (10%) of the higher valuation or more, the Valuation Experts will appoint a third Valuation Expert who will value the Business and will be instructed to provide its final valuation no later than sixty (60) days after its appointment.

 

  26.5.1. In this event, the value of the Business will be the average of the two valuations with the smallest difference in the reported value, unless one valuation is the average of the other two valuations, in which case such valuation will be the value of the Business (measured on an absolute basis).

 

26.6. The Valuation Experts will be instructed to determine the fair value of the Business by determining the fair market value of the Business as if sold as a going concern, as between a willing buyer and a willing seller not under a compulsion to buy or sell in an arm’s-length transaction, taking into account all relevant factors, and using such methods as the Valuation Experts deem appropriate, subject to the specific instructions set forth in Schedule 26.

 

26.7. Each party will have the right to review all information and materials furnished by the other party to the Valuation Experts, and each party will cooperate in good faith to correct any errors in the information and materials provided by that party prior to submission to the Valuation Experts.

 

26.8. If a third Valuation Expert is used, as contemplated above, the third Valuation Expert will not be provided access to the valuations performed by the first two Valuation Experts.

 

26.9. The fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Valuation Process will be borne equally by Bottler and Company; provided, however, that if a third Valuation Expert is required under the foregoing provisions, then the party who appointed the Valuation Expert whose valuation differs more from the Business Value as finally determined (measured on an absolute basis) will be responsible for the fees and expenses of the third Valuation Expert.

 

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27. POST-EXPIRATION AND POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS

 

27.1. Upon the expiration without renewal or earlier termination of this Agreement and thereafter:

 

  27.1.1. Bottler must not distribute or sell the Covered Beverages or Related Products or make any use of the Trademarks, Finished Product or advertising, marketing or promotional material used or intended for use by Bottler in connection with the distribution and sale of the Covered Beverages or Related Products;

 

  27.1.2. Bottler must promptly eliminate all references to Company, the Covered Beverages, the Related Products and the Trademarks from the premises, delivery vehicles, vending machines, coolers and other equipment of Bottler and from all business stationery and all written, graphic, electromagnetic, digital or other advertising, marketing or promotional material used or maintained by Bottler, and Bottler must not hold forth in any manner whatsoever that Bottler has any connection with Company, the Covered Beverages, the Related Products or the Trademarks; and

 

  27.1.3. All rights and obligations under this Agreement, whether specifically set out or whether accrued or accruing by use, conduct or otherwise, will expire, cease and end, excepting (a) all provisions concerning the obligations of Bottler as set forth in Sections 24 through 27, (b) all provisions concerning the obligations of Company as set forth in Sections 24 through 26, (c) all claims for amounts due and payable by one party to the other under the terms of this Agreement as of the date of termination, and (d) each of Sections 28 through 44, all of which will continue in full force and effect, provided always that this provision will not affect any rights either party may have against the other in respect of any claim for nonpayment of any debt or account owed by Bottler to Company or Company Authorized Suppliers or by Company or any Authorized Company Authorized Suppliers to Bottler.

 

28. COMPANY’S RIGHT OF ASSIGNMENT

Company or, solely with respect to the Sub-Bottling Territory, Company and CCR, may assign any of their rights and delegate all or any of their duties or obligations under this Agreement to one or more of their Affiliates; provided, however, that any such delegation will not relieve Company or, solely with respect to the Sub-Bottling Territory, Company and CCR, from any of its contractual obligations under this Agreement.

 

29. LITIGATION

 

29.1. Company reserves and has the sole and exclusive right and responsibility to institute any civil, administrative or criminal proceedings or actions, and generally to take or seek any available legal remedy it deems desirable, for the protection of its reputation, the Trademarks, and other intellectual property rights, as well as for the Covered Beverages and Related Products, and to defend any action affecting these matters.

 

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29.2. At the request of Company, Bottler will render reasonable assistance in any such action, including, if requested to do so in the sole discretion of Company, allowing Bottler to be named as a party to such action. However, no financial burden will be imposed on Bottler for rendering such assistance.

 

29.3. Bottler shall not have any claim against Company or CCR as a result of such proceedings or action or for any failure to institute or defend such proceedings or action.

 

29.4. Bottler must promptly notify Company and CCR of any litigation or proceedings instituted or threatened against Bottler affecting these matters.

 

29.5. Bottler must not institute any legal or administrative proceedings against any third party that may affect the interests of Company in the Trademarks without the prior written consent of Company, which consent Company may grant or withhold in its sole discretion.

 

29.6. Bottler will consult with Company and CCR on all product liability claims, proceedings or actions brought against Bottler in connection with the Covered Beverages or Related Products and will take such action with respect to the defense of any such claim or lawsuit as Company may reasonably request in order to protect the interests of Company and CCR in the Covered Beverages and Related Products or the goodwill associated with the Trademarks.

 

30. INDEMNIFICATION

 

30.1. CCR and Company will indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless each of Bottler and its Affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, employees, shareholders, owners and agents, from and against all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, injuries, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, proceedings, judgments and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs and other legal expenses (collectively, “Losses”), to the extent arising from, connected with or attributable to: (a) Company’s or CCR’s manufacture or handling of the Covered Beverages or Related Products; (b) the breach by Company or CCR of any provision this Agreement; (c) Bottler’s use, in accordance with this Agreement and Company guidelines respecting use of Company intellectual property, of the Trademarks or of package labels, POS materials and other local marketing and merchandising materials supplied by Company in conjunction with the distribution and sale of the Covered Beverages or Related Products; or (d) the inaccuracy of any warranty or representation made by Company or CCR herein or in connection herewith. None of the above indemnities shall require Company or CCR to indemnify, protect, defend or hold harmless any indemnitee with respect to any claim to the extent such claim arises from, is connected with or is attributable to the negligence or willful misconduct of such indemnitee.

 

30.2. Bottler will indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless each of Company and its Affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, employees, shareholders, owners and agents, from and against all Losses to the extent arising from, connected with or attributable to: (a) Bottler’s handling, distribution, promotion, marketing, and sale of the Covered Beverages or Related Products (except to the extent caused by Company’s manufacture or handling of the Covered Beverages or Related Products); (b) the breach by Bottler of any provision of this Agreement; or (c) the inaccuracy of any warranty or representation made by Bottler herein or in connection herewith. None of the above indemnities shall require Bottler to indemnify, protect, defend or hold harmless any indemnitee with respect to any claim to the extent such claim arises from, is connected with or is attributable to the negligence or willful misconduct of such indemnitee.

 

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30.3. Neither party will be obligated under this Section 30 to indemnify the other party for Losses consisting of lost profits or revenues, loss of use, or similar economic loss, or for any indirect, special, incidental, consequential or similar damages (“Consequential Damages”) arising out of or in connection with the performance or non-performance of this Agreement (except to the extent that an indemnified third party claim asserted against a party includes Consequential Damages).

 

31. BOTTLER’S INSURANCE

Bottler shall obtain and maintain a policy of insurance with insurance carriers in such amounts and against such risks as would be maintained by a similarly situated company of a similar size and giving full and comprehensive coverage both as to amount and risks covered in respect of matters referred to in Section 30 (including Bottler’s indemnity of Company contained therein) and shall on request produce evidence satisfactory to Company of the existence of such insurance. Compliance with this Section 31 will not limit or relieve Bottler from its obligations under Section 30. In addition, Bottler will satisfy the insurance requirements specified on Schedule 31.

 

32. LIMITATION ON BOTTLER REPRESENTATIONS OR DISCLOSURES REGARDING COVERED BEVERAGES OR RELATED PRODUCTS

Bottler covenants and agrees that, except as required by law, it will make no representations or disclosures to the public or any Governmental Authority or to any third party concerning the attributes of the Covered Beverages or Related Products (other than statements consistent with representations or disclosures previously made or authorized by Company), without the prior written consent of Company. If Bottler is required to make any such representations or disclosures to a Governmental Authority, Bottler first will notify Company before making any such representation or disclosure and will cooperate with Company in good faith to ensure the accuracy of all such information (except to the extent that such Notice and cooperation would otherwise be prohibited under applicable law). This Section 32 will not apply to financial information disclosed in accordance with applicable securities laws or to marketing and advertising materials used in the ordinary course of business consistent with the provisions of this Agreement.

 

33. INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

 

33.1. Company and Bottler recognize that incidents may arise that can threaten the reputation and business of Bottler and/or negatively affect the good name, reputation and image of Company and the Trademarks.

 

33.2. In order to address such incidents, including any questions of quality of the Covered Beverages or Related Products that may occur, Bottler will designate and organize an incident management team and inform Company of the members of such team.

 

33.3. Bottler further agrees to cooperate fully with Company and such third parties as Company may designate and coordinate all efforts to address and resolve any such incident consistent with procedures for crisis management that may be issued to Bottler by Company from time to time.

 

34. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes legally ineffective or invalid, the validity or effect of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected; provided that the invalidity or ineffectiveness of such provision shall not prevent or unduly hamper performance hereunder or prejudice the ownership or validity of the Trademarks.

 

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35. AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF CERTAIN PRIOR CONTRACTS, MERGER, AND REQUIREMENTS FOR MODIFICATION

 

35.1. As to all matters and things herein mentioned, the parties agree:

 

  35.1.1. The existing bottle contracts between Company and its Affiliates and Bottler and its Affiliates, including those contracts identified on Exhibit D, are hereby amended, restated and superseded in their entirety, and all rights, duties and obligations of Company and Bottler regarding the Trademarks and the manufacture, packaging, distribution and sale of the Covered Beverages and Related Products shall be determined under this Agreement, without regard to the terms of any prior agreement and without regard to any prior course of conduct between the parties (the parties acknowledge that any existing bottle contract between Company and Bottler that is not listed on Exhibit D is nevertheless superseded hereby), except as specifically provided in Section 35.1.4.

 

  35.1.2. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between Company, CCR and Bottler with respect to the subject matter hereof, and all prior understandings, commitments or agreements relating to such matters between the parties or their predecessors-in-interest are of no force or effect and are cancelled hereby, except as specifically provided in Section 35.1.4.

 

  35.1.3. Any waiver, amendment or modification of this Agreement or any of its provisions, and any consents given under this Agreement shall not be binding upon Bottler, CCR or Company unless made in writing, signed by an officer or other duly qualified and authorized representative of company that it purports to bind.

 

  35.1.4. Section 35.1.1 and Section 35.1.2 are not intended to affect in any way the rights and obligations of Bottler (or any of its Affiliates) or Company (or any of its Affiliates) under the agreements listed in Schedule 35.1.4.

 

36. NO WAIVER

Failure of Company, CCR or Bottler (including any of their respective Affiliates) to exercise promptly any right herein granted, or to require strict performance of any obligation undertaken herein by the other party, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such right or of the right to demand subsequent performance of any and all obligations herein undertaken by Bottler or by CCR or by Company.

 

37. NATURE OF AGREEMENT AND RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES

 

37.1. Bottler is an independent contractor and is not an agent of, or a partner or joint venturer with, CCR or Company.

 

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37.2. Each of Company and CCR, on the one hand, and Bottler, on the other hand, agree that it will neither represent, nor allow itself to be held out as an agent of, or partner or joint venturer with the other (including any of its Affiliates).

 

37.3. Bottler and CCR and Company do not intend to create, and this Agreement shall not be construed to create, a partnership, joint venture, agency, or any form of fiduciary relationship. Each party covenants and agrees never to assert that a partnership, joint venture or fiduciary relationship exists or has been created under or in connection with this Agreement and the Related Agreements. There is no partnership, joint venture, agency, or any form of fiduciary relationship existing between Bottler and CCR or Bottler and Company, but if it there is determined or found to be a partnership, joint venture, or agency, then Bottler CCR, and Company expressly disclaim all fiduciary duties that might otherwise exist under applicable law.

 

37.4. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended or shall be construed to give any Person, other than the parties to this Agreement and their successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of any agreement or any provision contained in this Agreement. This Agreement does not, and is not intended to, confer any rights or remedies upon any Person other than Bottler and Company.

 

38. HEADINGS AND OTHER MATTERS

 

38.1. The headings herein are solely for the convenience of the parties and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

 

38.2. As used in this Agreement, the phrase “including” means “including, without limitation” in each instance.

 

38.3. References in this Agreement to Sections are to the respective Sections of this Agreement, and references to Exhibits and Schedules are to the respective Exhibits and Schedules to this Agreement as they may be amended from time to time.

 

39. EXECUTION IN MULTIPLE COUNTERPARTS

The parties may execute this Agreement in counterparts, each of which is deemed an original and all of which only constitute one original.

 

40. NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

 

40.1. Notices.

 

  40.1.1. Requirement of a Writing and Permitted Methods of Delivery.

Each party giving or making any notice, request, demand or other communication (each, a “Notice”) pursuant to this Agreement must give the Notice in writing and use one of the following methods of delivery, each of which for purposes of this Agreement is a writing:

 

  40.1.1.1. Personal delivery;

 

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  40.1.1.2. Registered or Certified Mail, in each case, return receipt requested and postage prepaid;

 

  40.1.1.3. Nationally recognized overnight courier, with all fees prepaid; or

 

  40.1.1.4. E-mail (followed by delivery of an original by another delivery method provided for in this Section).

 

  40.1.2. Addressees and Addresses.

Each party giving a Notice must address the Notice to the appropriate person at the receiving party (the “Addressee”) at the address listed below or to another Addressee or at another address designated by a party in a Notice pursuant to this Section.

 

 

Company:

 

 

   

 

   

 

    Attention:
    E-mail:
 

With a copy to:

 

 

   

 

   

 

    Attention: General Counsel
    E-mail:
 

CCR:

 

 

   

 

   

 

    Attention:
    E-mail:
 

With a copy to:

 

 

   

 

   

 

    Attention: General Counsel
    E-mail:

 

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  Bottler:  

 

   

 

   

 

    Attention:
    E-mail:
  With a copy to:  

 

   

 

   

 

    Attention:
    E-mail:

 

  40.1.3. Effectiveness of a Notice.

Except as specifically provided elsewhere in this Agreement, a Notice is effective only if the party giving or making the Notice has complied with subsections (a) and (b) and if the Addressee has received the Notice. A Notice is deemed to have been received as follows:

 

  40.1.3.1. If a Notice is delivered in person, when delivered to the Addressee.

 

  40.1.3.2. If delivered by Registered or Certified Mail, upon receipt by Addressee, as indicated by the date on the signed receipt.

 

  40.1.3.3. If delivered by nationally recognized overnight courier service, one Business Day after deposit with such courier service.

 

  40.1.3.4. If sent by e-mail, when sent (if followed promptly by delivery of an original by another delivery method provided for in this Section).

 

  40.1.3.5. If the Addressee rejects or otherwise refuses to accept the Notice, or if the Notice cannot be delivered because of a change in address for which no Notice was given, then upon the rejection, refusal or inability to deliver.

 

  40.1.3.6. Despite the other clauses of this Section 40.1.3, if any Notice is received after 5:00 p.m. on a Business Day where the Addressee is located, or on a day that is not a Business Day where the Addressee is located, then the Notice is deemed received at 9:00 a.m. on the next Business Day where the Addressee is located.

 

40.2. If Bottler’s signature or acknowledgment is required or requested with respect to any document in connection with this Agreement and any employee or representative authorized by Bottler “clicks” in the appropriate space on the website designated by Company or takes such other action as may be indicated by Company, Bottler shall be deemed to have signed or acknowledged the document to the same extent and with the same effect as if Bottler had signed the document manually; provided, however, that no such signature or acknowledgment shall amend or vary the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

50


40.3. Bottler acknowledges and agrees that Bottler has the ability and knowledge to print information delivered to Bottler electronically, or otherwise knows how to store that information in a way that ensures that it remains accessible to Bottler in an unchanged form.

 

41. CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE

 

41.1. This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, United States of America, without giving effect to any applicable principles of choice or conflict of laws, as to contract formation, construction and interpretation issues, and the federal trademark laws of the United States of America as to trademark matters.

 

41.2. The parties agree that any lawsuit commenced in connection with, or in relation to, this Agreement must be brought in a United States District Court, if there is any basis for federal court jurisdiction. If the party bringing such action reasonably concludes that federal court jurisdiction does not exist, then the party may commence such action in any court of competent jurisdiction.

 

42. CONFIDENTIALITY

 

42.1. For purposes hereof:

 

  42.1.1. Confidential Business Information

means any valuable, secret business information, other than Trade Secrets, that a Disclosing Party designates or identifies as confidential at the time of disclosure or is by its nature recognizable as confidential information to a reasonably prudent person with knowledge of the Disclosing Party’s business and industry. Confidential Business Information includes any confidential business information provided to Disclosing Party by any third party that the Disclosing Party is obligated to hold in confidence as confidential business information.

 

  42.1.2. Disclosing Party

means the party disclosing any Proprietary Information under this Agreement, whether such party is Bottler or Company or any of their respective Affiliates and whether such disclosure is directly from the Disclosing Party or through the Disclosing Party’s employees or agents.

 

  42.1.3. Proprietary Information

means Trade Secrets, Confidential Business Information, and any other information or materials that in whole or in part include or are developed or based on any Trade Secrets or Confidential Business Information. Proprietary Information does not include any information that: (a) was in the Receiving Party’s possession without restriction as to confidentiality, before receipt from the Disclosing Party; (b) is or becomes a matter of public knowledge through no breach of agreement or other fault of the Receiving Party; (c) is rightfully received by the Receiving Party from a third

 

51


party without a duty of confidentiality; (d) is disclosed by the Disclosing Party to a third party without a duty of confidentiality on the third party; (e) is independently developed by the Receiving Party without regard to the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party; or (f) is disclosed by the Receiving Party with the Disclosing Party’s prior written approval.

 

  42.1.4. Receiving Party

means the party receiving any Proprietary Information under this Agreement, whether such party is Bottler or Company or their respective Affiliates and whether such disclosure is received directly or through the Receiving Party’s employees or agents.

 

  42.1.5. Trade Secrets

mean trade secrets of a Disclosing Party as defined under applicable law, as amended from time to time, including, without regard to form, technical or non-technical data, a formula, a pattern, a compilation, a program, a software program, a device, a method, a technique, a drawing, a process, financial data, financial plans, product plans, non-public forecasts, studies, projections, analyses, all customer data of any kind, or a list of actual or potential customers or suppliers, business and contractual relationships, or any information similar to the foregoing that: (a) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known and not being readily ascertainable by proper means to other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and (b) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy. Trade Secrets include any trade secret information provided to Disclosing Party by any third party that the Disclosing Party is obligated to hold in confidence as a trade secret.

 

42.2. In the performance of this Agreement, each party may disclose to the other party certain Proprietary Information. The Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party will remain the sole and exclusive property of the Disclosing Party or a third party providing such information to the Disclosing Party. The disclosure of the Proprietary Information to the Receiving Party does not confer upon the Receiving Party any license, interest, or right of any kind in or to the Proprietary Information, except as expressly provided under this Agreement.

 

42.3. At all times and notwithstanding any termination or expiration of this Agreement or any amendment hereto, the Receiving Party agrees that it will hold in strict confidence and not disclose to any third party the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party, except as approved in writing by the Disclosing Party. The Receiving Party will only permit access to the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party to those of its or its Affiliates’ employees or authorized representatives having a need to know and who have signed confidentiality agreements or are otherwise bound by confidentiality obligations at least as restrictive as those contained in this Agreement (including external auditors, attorneys and consultants).

 

42.4. The Receiving Party will be responsible to the Disclosing Party for any third party’s use and disclosure of the Proprietary Information that the Receiving Party provides to such third party in accordance with this Agreement. The Receiving Party will use at least the same degree of care it would use to protect its own Proprietary Information of like importance, but in any case with no less than a reasonable degree of care, including maintaining information security standards specific to such information as set forth in this Agreement.

 

52


42.5. If the Receiving Party is required by a Governmental Authority or applicable law to disclose any of the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party, the Receiving Party will (a) first give Notice of such required disclosure to the Disclosing Party (to the extent permitted by applicable law), (b) if requested by the Disclosing Party, use reasonable efforts to obtain a protective order requiring that the Proprietary Information to be disclosed be used only for the purposes for which disclosure is required, (c) if requested by the Disclosing Party, take reasonable steps to allow the Disclosing Party to seek to protect the confidentiality of the Proprietary Information required to be disclosed, and (d) disclose only that part of the Proprietary Information that, after consultation with its legal counsel, it determines that it is required to disclose.

 

42.6. Each Party will immediately notify the other Party in writing upon discovery of any loss or unauthorized use or disclosure of the Proprietary Information of the other Party.

 

42.7. The Receiving Party will not reproduce the Disclosing Party’s Proprietary Information in any form except as required to accomplish the intent of this Agreement. Any reproduction of any Proprietary Information by the Receiving Party will remain the property of the Disclosing Party and must contain any and all confidential or proprietary Notices or legends that appear on the original, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Disclosing Party.

 

42.8. Neither Party will communicate any information to the other Party in violation of the proprietary rights of any third party.

 

42.9. Upon the earlier of termination of this Agreement, written request of the Disclosing Party, or when no longer needed by the Receiving Party for fulfillment of its obligations under this Agreement, the Receiving Party will, if requested by the Disclosing Party, either: (a) promptly return to the Disclosing Party all documents and other tangible materials representing the Disclosing Party’s Proprietary Information, and all copies thereof in its possession or control, if any; or (b) destroy all tangible copies of the Disclosing Party’s Proprietary Information in its possession or control, if any, in each case, except to the extent that such action would violate applicable regulatory or legal requirements. Each party’s counsel may retain one copy of documents and communications between the Parties as necessary for archival purposes or regulatory purposes.

 

43. ACTIVE AND COMPLETE ARMS LENGTH NEGOTIATIONS

The parties acknowledge and agree that the terms and conditions of this Agreement have been the subject of active and complete negotiations, and that such terms and conditions must not be construed in favor of or against any party by reason of the extent to which a party or its professional advisors may have participated in the preparation of this Agreement.

 

44. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

Company reserves all rights not expressly granted to Bottler under this Agreement or Related Agreements.

[Signature page follows]

 

53


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, EACH OF COMPANY AND CCR AT ATLANTA, GEORGIA, AND BOTTLER AT                     HAVE CAUSED THESE PRESENTS TO BE EXECUTED IN TRIPLICATE BY THE DULY AUTHORIZED PERSON OR PERSONS ON THEIR BEHALF ON THE DATES INDICATED BELOW.

THE COCA-COLA COMPANY

 

By:  

 

  Authorized Representative
Date:  

 

COCA-COLA REFRESHMENTS USA, INC.
By:  

 

  Authorized Representative
Date:  

 

[BOTTLER]
By:  

 

  Authorized Representative
Date:  

 

[Signature Page to Comprehensive Beverage Agreement]


EXHIBIT A

Covered Beverages

The following Beverages and all SKUs, packages, flavor, calorie and other variations (e.g., Sprite Cranberry, Sprite Zero Cranberry) of each such Beverage offered by Company that are identified by the primary Trademark that also identifies such Beverage or any modification of such primary Trademark, such as, e.g., the primary Trademark used in conjunction with a prefix, a suffix or other modifier:

Coca-Cola

Caffeine Free Coca-Cola

Diet Coke

Diet Coke with Lime

Diet Coke with Splenda®

caffeine free Diet Coke

Coca-Cola Life

Coca-Cola Zero

caffeine free Coca-Cola Zero

Cherry Coke

Diet Cherry Coke

Cherry Coke Zero

Vanilla Coke

Diet Vanilla Coke

Vanilla Coke Zero

Barq’s

Diet Barq’s

DASANI

DASANI Plus

DASANI Sparkling

Fanta

Fanta Zero

Fresca

Mello Yello

Mello Yello Zero

PiBB Xtra

PiBB Zero

Seagram’s ginger ale

Seagram’s mixers

Seagram’s seltzer water

Sprite

Sprite Zero

TaB

VAULT

VAULT Zero

Delaware Punch

FUZE

FUZE Tea

 

Exhibit A – page 1


FUZE Juices

FUZE Refreshments

FUZE slenderize

Glacéau Vitaminwater

Glacéau Vitaminwater Energy

Glacéau Vitaminwater Zero

Glacéau Smartwater

Glacéau Fruitwater

POWERADE

POWERADE ZERO

[TCCC to add new Beverages, if any, that it introduces via DSD prior to execution of this Agreement.]

The following Multiple Route To Market Beverages may be distributed in the Territory via Direct Store Delivery only to the extent specified below, provided, however, that if Company reasonably believes that Bottler’s distribution of any of the Beverages described below does not conform to these conditions, Company will provide Bottler with Notice of the circumstances and a period of 90 days to address such circumstances before asserting that Bottler is in breach of this Agreement:

All flavors of Minute Maid® Juices To Go in cans and PET bottles with volume between 10.0 fluid ounces and 1.0 liter, and in such other single serve packages to which Company from time to time provides prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

All flavors of Minute Maid® Refreshment (cold fill) in 2 liter PET bottles, 12 fluid ounce cans, 20 fluid ounce PET bottles, 16 fluid ounce PET bottles, and 500 milliliter PET bottles, and in such other single serve packages to which Company from time to time provides prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

All flavors of Gold Peak (hot fill) in 500 milliliter PET Bottles, 64 ounce (1.89 Liter) PET Bottles, and PET bottles with volume between 16.9 fluid ounces and 1.0 liter, and in such other single serve packages to which Company from time to time provides prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

All flavors of Honest Tea and Honest Ade in 59 fluid ounce PET bottles and in PET bottles with volume between 16.9 fluid ounces and 1.0 liter, and in such other single serve packages to which Company from time to time provides prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

Exhibit A – page 2


EXHIBIT B

Trademarks

All trademarks, whether owned by Company, licensed by Company or otherwise authorized and approved for use by Company, to identify a Covered Beverage or Related Product identified on Exhibit A or Exhibit F, including any amendments thereto, including:

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola (Script)

Coca-Cola (Red Disk icon)

Coke

Coca-Cola Bottle (2D symbol and 3D shape)

Dynamic Ribbon

Diet Coke

Coca-Cola Life

Coca-Cola Zero

Cherry Coke

Cherry Coke Zero

Vanilla Coke

Diet Vanilla Coke

Vanilla Coke Zero

Barq’s

Delaware Punch

Fanta

Fanta Zero

Fresca

Mello Yello

Mello Yello Zero

PiBB

PiBB Xtra

PiBB Zero

Seagram’s

Sprite

SPRITE Bottle (2D symbol and 3D shape)

Sprite Zero

TaB

VAULT

VAULT Zero

DASANI

DASANI Plus

DASANI Drops

DASANI Sparkling

FUZE

FUZE slenderize

FUZE Refreshments

FUZE Drops

Gold Peak

Glacéau Vitaminwater

 

Exhibit B – page 1


Glacéau Vitaminwater Energy

Glacéau Vitaminwater Zero

Glacéau Vitaminwater Zero Drops

Glacéau Smartwater

Glacéau Fruitwater

Honest Tea

Honest Ade

Minute Maid

Minute Maid Drops

Minute Maid Juices to Go

POWERADE

POWERADE MOUNTAIN BERRY BLAST

POWERADE ZERO

POWERADE ZERO DROPS

[TCCC to add new Trademarks, if any, for Covered Beverages or Related Products that it introduces via DSD prior to execution of this Agreement]

 

Exhibit B – page 2


EXHIBIT C-1

First-Line Territory

[Territorial descriptions for Bottler’s legacy territory to be completed prior to execution of this Agreement]

 

Exhibit C-1 – page 1


EXHIBIT C-2

Sub-Bottling Territory

[Territorial descriptions for territory granted to Bottler by CCR to be completed prior to execution of this Agreement]

 

Exhibit C-2 – page 1


EXHIBIT D

Preexisting Contracts

[Note to Draft: To be completed prior to execution of this Agreement].

 

Exhibit D – page 1


EXHIBIT E

Finished Goods Supply Agreement

[Attach Form of FGSA applicable to the 2014 Lead Market territory transactions, as it may be modified by mutual agreement of the parties]

 

Exhibit E – page 1


EXHIBIT F

Related Products

All SKUs, packages, flavors, calorie or other variations offered by Company of:

POWERADE powder

POWERADE ZERO Drops

DASANI Drops

Minute Maid Drops

Glacéau Vitaminwater Zero Drops

Fuze Drops

[TCCC to add new Related Products, if any, that it introduces via DSD prior to execution of this Agreement]

The following Multiple Route To Market Related Products may be distributed in the Territory via Direct Store Delivery only to the extent specified below:

[TBD]

 

Exhibit F – page 1


SCHEDULE 2.31

Permitted Ancillary Businesses

Subject to the limitations set forth in this Schedule 2.31, Company consents pursuant to Section 13.1.4 of this Agreement to Bottler’s (and its Affiliates’) distributing, selling, dealing in or otherwise using or handling, as applicable, Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products during the Term of this Agreement inside or outside of the Territory in connection with operation of the ancillary businesses identified in this Schedule 2.31, in reliance on Bottler’s representation that, except as described herein, none of such ancillary businesses produces, manufactures, prepares, packages, distributes, sells, deals in or otherwise uses or handles Beverages, Beverage Components or other beverage products other than the (i) Covered Beverages, (ii) Related Products, or (iii) the Permitted Beverage Products.

[TBD, subject to further discussion applying approach agreed to for the Lead Market CBA, and determining and specifying on a case-by-case basis the extent to which Section 13.4.2 applies].

 

SCHEDULE 2.31 – page 1


SCHEDULE 2.32

Permitted Beverage Products

Bottler may distribute, sell, deal in and otherwise use or handle in the Territory the following Permitted Beverage Products and any Line Extensions thereof:

 

  A. Dr Pepper, Dr Pepper cherry, Dr Pepper Ten, Caffeine free Dr Pepper, Diet Dr Pepper, Diet Dr Pepper cherry, Caffeine free diet Dr Pepper, Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper, Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper, Dr Pepper Vanilla Float, [***].

 

  B. [In the case of any geographic area located within the Sub-Bottling Territory for which Bottler acquired from CCR the right to distribute [***]]

1. [***]

 

  C. [In the case of any geographic area located within the First-Line Territory [***]]

1. [***]

 

  D. [***].

 

  E.

 

  F. (a) All “Energy Drinks” as defined under the AMENDED AND RESTATED DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT entered into as of [                            ], 2015 between MONSTER ENERGY COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (formerly known as Hansen Beverage Company) (“MEC”) and Bottler, including the following Energy Drinks identified on the Initial Product List attached as Exhibit A to such AMENDED AND RESTATED DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT:

Monster Energy: Monster Energy, Lo-Carb Monster Energy, Monster Energy Assault, Juice Monster Khaos Energy + Juice, Juice Monster Ripper Energy + Juice, Monster Energy Absolutely Zero, Punch Monster Baller’s Blend, Punch Monster Mad Dog, Monster Energy Unleaded

Monster Energy Ultra: Monster Energy Zero Ultra, Monster Energy Ultra Blue, Monster Energy Ultra Red, Monster Energy Ultra Sunrise, Monster Energy Ultra Citron

Monster Energy Extra Strength with Nitrous Technology: Monster Energy Extra Strength Nitrous Technology Anti Gravity, Monster Energy Extra Strength Nitrous Technology Super Dry, Monster Energy Extra Strength Nitrous Technology Black Ice

Monster Rehab: Monster Rehab Tea + Lemonade + Energy, Monster Rehab Green Tea + Energy, Monster Rehab Rojo Tea + Energy, Monster Rehab Tea + Orangeade + Energy, Monster Rehab Tea + Pink Lemonade + Energy, Monster Rehab + Peach Tea + Energy

Monster Import: Monster Energy Import

Muscle Monster Energy Shake: Muscle Monster Energy Shake Chocolate, Muscle Monster Energy Shake Vanilla, Muscle Monster Energy Shake Coffee,

 

SCHEDULE 2.32 – page 1

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


Muscle Monster Energy Shake Strawberry, Muscle Monster Energy Shake Peanut Butter Cup

Java Monster: Java Monster Kona Blend, Java Monster Loca Moca, Java Monster Mean Bean, Java Monster Vanilla Light, Java Monster Irish Blend, Java Monster Cappuccino

Monster M3 Super Concentrate: Monster Energy M3 Super Concentrate

Ubermonster: Ubermonster

Plus (b) all other “Products”, as defined in clause (y) of Section 1(b) of such AMENDED AND RESTATED DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT, which may be added to Exhibit A attached thereto by agreement of MEC and Bottler after the date hereof in accordance with Section 2(e) of such AMENDED AND RESTATED DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (subject to and after compliance by MEC with its obligations to Company under the “Distribution Coordination Agreement”

 

  G. [List other Permitted Beverage Products, by First Line Territory (or portion thereof) or Sub Bottling Territory (or portion thereof), including Full Throttle, NOS, NOS ACTIVE, and NOS ZERO, as applicable].

 

  H. Post-mix, syrups and concentrates, whether packaged in bag in the box (BIB) or in cartridge format, that are identified by the primary Trademark that also identifies a Permitted Beverage Product.

 

SCHEDULE 2.32 – page 2


SCHEDULE 2.33

Permitted Lines of Business

Company consents under this Agreement to Bottler’s (and any of Bottler’s Affiliates’) operation inside or outside the Territory during the term of this Agreement of the Permitted Lines of Business identified in this Schedule 2.33 in reliance on Bottler’s representation that, except as described in this Schedule 2.33, none of such lines of business uses in the Territory any delivery vehicles, cases, cartons, coolers, vending machines or other equipment bearing Company’s Trademarks other than in connection with the distribution and sale of Covered Beverages, Related Products and Permitted Beverage Products, or assigns personnel or management whose primary duties relate to delivery or sales of Covered Beverages or Related Products in the Territory (other than executive officers of Bottler).

[TBD, subject to further discussion applying approach agreed to for the Lead Market CBA, and determining and specifying on a case-by-case basis the extent to which Section 13.4.2 applies.]

 

SCHEDULE 2.33 – page 1


SCHEDULE 2.36

Related Agreements

[Note to Draft: To be completed prior to execution of this Agreement.]

 

1. Finished Goods Supply Agreement

 

2. Regional Manufacturing Agreement

 

SCHEDULE 2.36 – page 1


SCHEDULE 3.2

Sub-bottling Payments

Bottler will pay to CCR on a quarterly basis a “Sub-bottling Payment,” based upon sales in the Sub-Bottling Territory by Bottler of (i) Covered Beverages and post-mix, syrups and concentrates packaged in bag in the box (BIB) that are identified by the primary Trademark that also identifies a Covered Beverage, (ii) Related Products, and as applicable, (iii) products identified by trademarks owned by or licensed to [***], its successors or assigns [***] that are Permitted Beverage Products under this Agreement, (iv) products identified by trademarks owned by or licensed to [***], its successors or assigns, that are Permitted Beverage Products under this Agreement; and (v) post-mix, syrups and concentrates, whether packaged in bag in the box (BIB) or in cartridge format, that are identified by the primary Trademark that also identifies a Permitted Beverage Product if such products are sold in that portion of the Sub-Bottling Territory where Bottler distributes such Permitted Beverage Product in Beverage form as of the Effective Date (the “Sub-bottling Payment Products”); provided that for any portion of the Sub-Bottling Territory in which Bottler had, prior to [***], acquired the right to distribute [***] under its [***] Agreement dated as of [            ], Bottler’s sales of [***] in such portion of the Sub-Bottling Territory will not be counted in calculating the Sub-bottling Payment. Bottler’s sales of Transferred Covered Beverages will not be counted in calculating the Sub-bottling Payment.

Until such time as Company and Bottler may amend this Schedule 3.2 in accordance with the final paragraph hereof, (a) the amount of the Sub-bottling Payment for any New Sub-Bottling Territory (as hereinafter defined) will be calculated for each Bottler fiscal quarter by [***] by the [***] set forth in Schedule 3.2.1 corresponding to the [***], and (b) the amount of the Sub-Bottling Payment for each portion of the Existing Sub-Bottling Territory (as hereinafter defined) shall continue to be calculated in the same manner in which such Sub-Bottling Payment was calculated immediately prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement. [Note: The fixed quarterly deduction for the New Sub-Bottling Territory included on the Effective Date is a provisional amount (“Provisional Quarterly Deduction”) based on CCR’s most recently available financial information at the time of entering into this Agreement. CCR will provide within 120 days of the Effective Date an updated amount based on certain financial information as of the Effective Date and as of the most recent quarter ending prior to the Effective Date (“Updated Quarterly Deduction”). Bottler will have 120 days to review and respond to the Updated Quarterly Deduction and the parties will have 30 days after Bottler responds to agree on the Updated Quarterly Deduction. Any Sub-bottling Payments due for the New Sub-Bottling Territory before the parties agree on the Updated Quarterly Deduction will be calculated in accordance with the Provisional Quarterly Deduction.]

Bottler will provide to CCR, within fifteen (15) business days after the end of CCR’s fiscal quarter, such information in the form of Schedule 3.2.2. After delivery of such information, Bottler will cooperate with CCR to provide any supplemental information reasonably requested by CCR to enable CCR to estimate its Sub-bottling Payment receivables for each CCR fiscal quarter. CCR will treat such information in accordance with the confidentiality provisions of Section 42 of this Agreement.

CCR will calculate and invoice Bottler for the Sub-bottling Payment within twenty (20) days after the end of each fiscal quarter. The Sub-bottling Payment will be due and payable by Bottler to CCR within ten (10) days after Bottler’s receipt of such invoice. Payment of the invoice will be made in cash by wire transfer or through such other payment method as agreed in writing by the parties.

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.

 

SCHEDULE 3.2 – page 1


[***]

To avoid confusion the equation expressed in the immediately preceding paragraph is:

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

If, following the date hereof, Company and Bottler mutually agree on a method for consolidating Sub-Bottling Payment calculations for Sub-Bottling Territories and/or Sub-territories granted at different points in time and for Sub-Bottling territories acquired from other bottlers, Company and Bottler will amend this Schedule 3.2 to provide for such consolidation.

[Note: Schedule 3.2.1 included on the Effective Date is a provisional table (“Provisional Table”) based on CCR’s most recently available financial information at the time of entering into this Agreement. CCR will provide within 120 days of the Effective Date an updated table based on certain financial information as of the Effective Date and as of the most recent quarter ending prior to the Effective Date (“Updated Table”). Bottler will have 120 days to review and respond to the Updated Table and the parties will have 30 days after Bottler responds to agree on the Updated Table. Any Sub-bottling Payments due before the parties agree on the Updated Table will be calculated in accordance with the Provisional Table.]

 

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.

SCHEDULE 3.2 – page 2


SCHEDULE 3.2.1

 

[***]

 

[***]

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.

SCHEDULE 3.2.1 – page 1


SCHEDULE 3.2.2

Form of Sub-bottling Payment information to be provided by Bottler to CCR

[***]:

 

Description
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]:
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.

SCHEDULE 3.2.2 – page 1


[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]
[***]

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.

SCHEDULE 3.2.2 – page 2


SCHEDULE 3.4.2

Existing Alternate Route to Market Agreements

[Note to Draft: To be completed prior to execution of this Agreement.]

 

SCHEDULE 3.4.2 – page 1


SCHEDULE 5.5

Approved names, corporate names, trading name, title of establishment or other commercial designation or logo that includes the words Coca-Cola, Coca, Cola, and Coke

Below is a list of certain corporate names, trading names, titles of establishments or other commercial designations or logos that Bottler (or one or more of its Affiliates) use that include the words “Coca-Cola”, “Coca”, “Cola”, or “Coke”:

[Insert agreed language from Lead Market CBA]

 

  A. From time to time, consistent with historical practice, Bottler and its Affiliates may use (i) signs and other promotional items, including, without limitation, signs on, or on monuments in front of, buildings and other facilities owned, leased, or otherwise operated or occupied by Bottler or its Affiliates, and (ii) delivery trucks, tractors, letterhead paper, envelopes, fax cover page, business cards, and email signatures, invoices, and uniforms, in each case containing one or more of the above-listed names or other commercial designations or logos that include the words “Coca-Cola”, “Coca”, “Cola”, and “Coke.”

 

  B. Over the years, Bottler and its Affiliates have made many acquisitions of other Coca-Cola bottlers that used names which included the words “Coca-Cola”, “Coca”, “Cola”, and/or “Coke”, including without limitation,                     . Following the acquisitions, these names may still be used on historical real estate deeds, property tax bills, business licenses, vehicle titles, bottle contracts and similar documents. Bottler will not be required to update these records to reflect the current name. Third parties may still refer to these prior names, and Bottler may use these names in this manner.

 

  C. From time to time, Bottler may incorporate “Coca-Cola Bottling Company” in the name used by its business in a particular geographic area within its territories. Accordingly, Bottler may use the name                     .

 

  D. Bottler has registered and may use certain domain names that contain the words “Coca-Cola”, “Coca”, “Cola”, and/or “Coke, the approval of which by Company, and use of which by Bottler will be governed under a separate Domain Name Agreement to be executed in due course following the Effective Date.

 

  E. The words “Coca-Cola”, “Coca”, “Cola”, and/or “Coke” may be used in the name of Bottler (or a predecessor in interest to Bottler) on any existing bottle and distribution contracts identified on Schedule 35.1.4 issued by Company to Bottler and/or one or more of its Affiliates.

 

  F. From time to time property tax bills, business licenses, vehicle titles and similar documents may use a truncated version or misspelled version of the names described above. Bottler usually does not request the name be corrected.

 

SCHEDULE 5.5 – page 1


SCHEDULE 6

Covered Beverages or Related Products – Preexisting Contractual Commitments

Pre-existing Contractual Commitments of Company

[Note to Draft: To be completed prior to execution of this Agreement].

Pre-existing Contractual Commitments of Bottler

[Note to Draft: To be completed prior to execution of this Agreement].

 

SCHEDULE 6 – page 1


LOGO

 

SCHEDULE 14.2 – page 1


SCHEDULE 24.1

Included/Excluded Businesses

[Note to Draft: To be updated by mutual agreement of the parties as necessary prior to execution of this Agreement.]

 

A. Included Businesses:

 

  1. Permitted Beverage Products. Bottler’s (and any of its subsidiaries’) aggregate business directly and primarily related to the marketing, promotion, distribution, and sale of Permitted Beverage Products.

 

  2. Other Company Beverages. Bottler’s (and any of its subsidiaries’) aggregate business directly and primarily related to the marketing, promotion, distribution, and sale of Beverages (including Incubation Beverages), Beverage Components or beverage products distinguished by Trademarks owned by or licensed to Company other than Covered Beverages and Related Products authorized under any separate written agreement with Company or any of Company’s Affiliates, including any agreement contemplated by Section 3.6 of this Agreement.

 

  3. Beverage Production Business. Bottler’s (and any of its subsidiaries’) aggregate business directly and primarily related to the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages (as defined in the Regional Manufacturing Agreement), Permitted Beverage Products and any other Beverages (including Incubation Beverages), Beverage Components or beverage products distinguished by Trademarks owned by or licensed to Company authorized under any separate written agreement with Company or any of Company’s Affiliates.

 

  4. Management Services. Bottler’s (and any of its subsidiaries’) aggregate business of providing management services and shared services (i) to South Atlantic Canners, Inc., a manufacturing cooperative located in Bishopville, South Carolina and whose eight members are all Coca-Cola bottlers and (ii) to Piedmont Coca-Cola Bottling Partnership, a general partership formed by Bottler and Company to distribute and market nonalcoholic beverages primarily in portions of North Carolina and South Carolina.

 

B. “Excluded Business” includes the following:

 

  1. RCS Transpiration Business. Bottler’s “RCS Transportation Business” businesses described on Schedule 2.31.

 

  2. Data Ventures Inc. Data Ventures develops and provides analytics product suites, analytics services and consulting services for a wide variety of industries. These product suites and services include data warehousing and access solutions, shopper segmentation/clustering analytics, out of stock/shelf analytics, shopper behavior analytics, pricing and promotion analytics and product assortment analytics.

 

SCHEDULE 24.1 – page 1


  3. Equipment Reutilization Solutions LLC. Equipment Reutilization Solutions provides manufacturing and maintenance services for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, including equipment employing refrigeration systems. These services include manufacturing, installation, periodic maintenance service, and repair of mechanical and fluid systems employed in the beverage business, such as fountain dispenser equipment, vending equipment, and fast lane/cold carton merchandizing equipment used in the beverage and other businesses.

 

  4. Third-party logistics services (“3PL Services”) and fourth-party logistics services (“4PL Services”). Bottler and its subsidiaries are involved in providing 3PL Services and 4PL Services. 3PL Services include the performance of outsourced logistics activities, such as warehousing, inventory management, pick and pack services, and other value added services including those that have been performed traditionally within an organization itself. 4PL Services include acting as an integrator that assembles the resources, capabilities and technology to design and build, execute and manage comprehensive supply chain solutions.

 

SCHEDULE 24.1 – page 2


SCHEDULE 24.4.1

Terms and Conditions of Sale

The parties will enter into an acquisition and sale agreement (however structured, the “Acquisition Agreement”) with respect to the sale of the Business from Bottler (and/or its Affiliates) to Company or Company’s designee that includes terms and conditions (other than purchase price) that are substantially the same as the lead market asset purchase agreement(s) entered into by one or more Affiliates of Company and Bottler, an example of which (the “Lead Market Agreement”) is attached to this Schedule 24.4.1 as Annex A, [CCBCC version: an example of which (the “Lead Market Agreement”) is attached as an Exhibit to Bottler’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 17, 2015 with the Securities and Exchange Commission,] except as otherwise specified in this Schedule 24.4.1.

 

  1. The seller(s) indemnification obligations under the Acquisition Agreement will survive for a period of eighteen (18) months after the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Acquisition Agreement (except in the case of Fundamental Matters), provided that any indemnification obligations arising out of or otherwise relating to matters regarding (1) any breach or failure by the seller(s) or Bottler (or its Affiliates or stockholders) to perform any covenants or obligations in the Acquisition Agreement, (2) any breach or inaccuracy of any representation or warranty of the seller(s) or Bottler (or its Affiliates or stockholders) regarding incorporation, qualification, authority, ownership/title, conflicts (but only as to Bottler’s organizational documents) or brokers, or (3) pre-closing liabilities to the extent not disclosed in the Disclosure Schedule to the Acquisition Agreement or expressly included as a liability in either the Valuation Process or in the net working capital adjustment described below (collectively, the “Fundamental Matters”) will survive for a period of three (3) years after the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Acquisition Agreement. The Acquisition Agreement will provide for a deductible amount equal to one percent (1%) of the purchase price. Indemnification claims will be satisfied by escrow of a portion of the purchase price, by the use of then available insurance products providing equivalent protection (the premium costs of which will be borne by the seller(s)), or through such other equivalent means as may be customary, as of the effective date of the Acquisition Agreement, in transactions of that kind and nature (the costs of which will be borne by the seller(s)); provided that, except in the case of fraud or intentional misrepresentation, (x) in no event will the seller(s) be at risk with respect to matters in amounts in excess of the escrowed funds or insurance proceeds, as the case may be, and (y) any escrow used to provide the post-closing indemnity described herein will expire on the three (3) year anniversary of the closing of the transactions contemplated in the Acquisition Agreement (the “Indemnification Escrow Period”). The amount escrowed (the “Indemnification Escrow Amount”) will be equal to the lesser of (a) 15% of the purchase price, or (b) $200 million (which amount will be adjusted for changes in the Consumer Price Index from and after September 1, 2015). The Indemnification Escrow Amount will be distributed as follows: (a) 50% will be distributed to seller(s) after 18 months (subject to pending claims for indemnification), and (b) the balance will be distributed to seller(s) after 36 months (subject to pending claims for indemnification). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, at the time of the acquisition, either or both of the Indemnification Escrow Amount or Indemnification Escrow Period, when considered in context with the other terms and conditions described herein, are not customary in transactions of that size and nature, then the Indemnification Escrow Amount and/or the Indemnification Escrow Period, as the case may be, will be in such amount or will extend for such period as may then be customary in transactions of that size and nature.

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.1 – page 1


  2. Company or Company’s designee (in either case, the “Buyer”) will be the acquiror of the Business, and Bottler and/or its Affiliates or stockholders, as applicable, will be the seller of the Business.

 

  3. The Acquisition Agreement will be structured as a stock or unit purchase agreement, asset purchase agreement, or a merger agreement depending upon the nature of the stockholder base, the tax impact to Bottler’s stockholders of different sale structures, the existence of Excluded Businesses within Bottler’s corporate structure and such other pertinent considerations as the parties may otherwise mutually agree.

 

  4. The Acquisition Agreement will include a purchase price adjustment that (i) increases the amount payable for the Business by the amount of cash and cash equivalents as of Closing that are acquired by the Company (either directly or indirectly as a result of such cash and cash equivalents being on the balance sheet of the Business in a stock purchase or merger), and (ii) reduces the amount payable for the Business by the amount of Bottler’s Indebtedness (as defined below) as of Closing that is assumed by Company or paid on behalf of Bottler by Company (or its designee) to the holder of such Indebtedness. “Indebtedness” means, without duplication, the outstanding principal amount of, accrued and unpaid interest on and other payment obligations (including any prepayment obligations payable as a result of the consummation of the acquisition of Bottler) of Bottler and its Affiliates related to (a) all indebtedness for borrowed money, whether direct or indirect; (b) all liabilities secured by any mortgage, pledge, security interest, lien, charge or other encumbrance existing on property owned or acquired and subject thereto; (c) any guarantee, endorsement or other contingent obligations in respect of Indebtedness of others, on which a claim for payment has been made or that is reasonably expected to be made and that would be required to be reflected as a liability on the balance sheet of Bottler under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (or any successor set of accounting principles that may then be in effect) (“GAAP”); (d) the deferred portion or installments of purchase price, and any amounts reserved for the payment of a contingent purchase price, in each case in connection with the acquisition of any business (not including any sub-bottling payments owed under any CBA); (e) obligations to reimburse issuers of any letters of credit (but only to the extent drawn without duplication of other indebtedness supported or guaranteed thereby); (f) any obligation evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments; (g) capital lease obligations, with such lease obligations to be determined in accordance with GAAP; and (h) any net liability under interest rate swap contracts, swap contracts, foreign currency exchange contracts or other hedging or similar contracts (including any breakage or associated fees); provided that Indebtedness shall not include (x) intercompany obligations, (y) operating leases, or (z) accounts payable, accrued expenses, accrued income taxes or deferred income tax liability, in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business or otherwise included in any working capital adjustment.

 

  5. The Acquisition Agreement will include a net working capital purchase price adjustment (and for this purpose, working capital will exclude cash and cash equivalents). The Acquisition Agreement will also include a provision regarding the escrow of an appropriate portion of the purchase price (such amount not to exceed 10% of the target net working capital amount used in the Acquisition Agreement), in addition to the Indemnification Escrow Amount, to serve as security for negative purchase price adjustments based on working capital (the “Adjustment Escrow Amount”), until such time as such working capital adjustments are completed, at which time the then-remaining balance of the Adjustment Escrow Amount will be distributed to the seller(s).

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.1 – page 2


  6. If the Acquisition Agreement is structured as a merger agreement or stock purchase agreement and Bottler has more than one (1) stockholder, such Acquisition Agreement will set forth a “stockholder representative” to act for and on behalf of Bottler’s stockholders in post-closing matters.

 

  7. If the Acquisition Agreement is structured as a stock purchase agreement or merger agreement, it will include representations and warranties regarding the capitalization of the entity being sold and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

 

  8. Unless the Parties otherwise mutually agree in good faith based upon then-current customary terms or other facts and circumstances existing at the time of the transaction, the representations and warranties regarding financial statements, intellectual property and taxes will be modified as set forth below (and such representations and warranties will be subject to any exceptions thereto as are set forth on the relevant Disclosure Schedules to the Acquisition Agreement):

 

  a. Financial Statements.

 

  i. Attached to Section [•] of the Disclosure Schedule are true, correct and complete copies of (i) the audited consolidated balance sheet of Bottler and its Subsidiaries as of [•], [•] and [•], and the related audited consolidated statements of income, retained earnings, stockholders’ equity and changes in financial position of Bottler and its Subsidiaries, together with all related notes and schedules thereto, accompanied by the reports thereon of Bottler’s independent auditors (collectively referred to as the “Financial Statements”), and the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Bottler and its Subsidiaries as at             , and the related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings, stockholders’ equity and changes in financial position of Bottler and its Subsidiaries, together with all related notes and schedules thereto, other than such notes and schedules that are customarily only included in year-end audited financial statements (collectively referred to as the “Interim Financial Statements”). Each of the Financial Statements and the Interim Financial Statements (1) are correct and complete in all material respects and have been prepared in accordance with the books and records of Bottler and its Subsidiaries, (2) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto) and (3) fairly present, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Bottler and its Subsidiaries as at the respective dates thereof and for the respective periods indicated therein, except as otherwise noted therein and subject, in the case of the Interim Financial Statements, to normal and recurring year-end adjustments that will not, individually or in the aggregate, be material and to the absence of notes (that if presented, would not differ materially from those included in the most recently audited balance sheet included in the Financial Statements).

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.1 – page 3


  ii. Section [•] of the Acquisition Agreement contemplates the delivery of the Interim Monthly Data. The Interim Monthly Data will be prepared in good faith in a manner consistent with the preparation of the Financial Statements and will be derived from the books and records of Bottler. Sections [•] and [•] contemplate the delivery of the Interim Quarterly Data and the Interim Annual Data. The Interim Quarterly Data and the Interim Annual Data: (1) will be prepared from the books and records of Bottler and its Affiliates and will be prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods indicated and will have been maintained on a basis consistent with the past practice of Bottler, and (2) will accurately reflect in all material respects, as of the dates therein specified and for the periods indicated therein, and subject to the assumptions set forth therein, the assets and liabilities of Bottler and will fairly and accurately present, in all material respects, as of the dates therein specified and for the periods therein indicated, and subject to the assumptions set forth therein, the financial condition and results of the operations of Bottler, subject to normal and recurring year-end adjustments that will not, individually or in the aggregate, be material and to the absence of notes (that if presented, would not differ materially from those included in the most recently audited balance sheet included in the Financial Statements).

 

  iii. Bottler and its Subsidiaries maintain accurate books and records reflecting each of their assets and liabilities and maintain proper and adequate internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of annual financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP.

 

  iv. All Receivables that have not been collected as of the date of the closing of the acquisition will represent valid obligations of the customers of Bottler or its Subsidiaries arising from bona fide transactions entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, will be current and, to Bottler’s knowledge, will be collectible (net of any reserves set forth in the books and records of Bottler) without resort to legal proceedings or collections agencies. Bottler has not factored any of its Receivables.

 

  b. Intellectual Property.

 

  i. Section [•] of the Disclosure Schedule contains (1) a complete and accurate list of all Bottler Registered Intellectual Property (including the jurisdictions where such Bottler Registered Intellectual Property is registered or where applications have been filed, all registration or application numbers, as appropriate, and the title of the invention or work of authorship or identification of the mark), (2) all material unregistered trademarks of Bottler and its Subsidiaries, and (3) all domain names and social media identifiers of Bottler and its Subsidiaries.

 

  ii.

No Bottler Intellectual Property owned by Bottler or its Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of Bottler, owned by any other Person (other than Buyer or its Affiliates), is subject to any Action or outstanding Governmental Order (1) restricting in any manner the use, transfer or licensing thereof by Bottler or its

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.1 – page 4


  Subsidiaries, or (2) that may affect the validity, use or enforceability of the Bottler Intellectual Property or the use or commercial exploitation of any such product or service. Each item of Bottler Registered Intellectual Property is valid, subsisting and enforceable. All necessary registration, maintenance and renewal fees currently due in connection with Bottler Registered Intellectual Property have been made, and all necessary documents, recordations and certifications in connection with the Bottler Registered Intellectual Property have been filed with the relevant patent, copyright, trademark or other authorities in the United States or foreign jurisdictions, as the case may be, for the purposes of maintaining the Bottler Registered Intellectual Property and formally recording the name of the proper owner of such Bottler Registered Intellectual Property except where the failure to have taken any of such actions would not have a material negative effect on the Business.

 

  iii. Bottler and its Subsidiaries own, or have the right to use pursuant to a valid and enforceable license, all Intellectual Property necessary and sufficient for the operation of the Business as currently conducted. Bottler or its Subsidiaries are the exclusive owner of, or have licenses to, each item of Bottler Intellectual Property, free and clear of any Liens (other than Permitted Liens), and Bottler or its Subsidiaries are the exclusive owner or valid licensee of all trademarks and service marks, trade names and domain names (collectively, the “Marks”) used by Bottler and its Subsidiaries, including the Marks used in the marketing and sale of any products or the provision of any services of Bottler and its Subsidiaries, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens). Except as set forth on Section [•] of the Disclosure Schedule, neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries have granted any rights or interest in the Bottler Intellectual Property to any Person.

 

  iv. To the Knowledge of Bottler, no Person has or is infringing, diluting, violating or misappropriating any Bottler Intellectual Property. Neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries has made a claim of or threat in writing alleging an infringement, misappropriation, dilution or violation by any Person, of Bottler’s or its Subsidiaries’ rights to, or in connection with, the Bottler Intellectual Property.

 

  v. (1) No individual identified in the definition of “Knowledge of the Bottler” has received written notice that any Third Party Intellectual Property, or the use of such Third Party Intellectual Property by Bottler or its Subsidiaries, infringes, dilutes violates or misappropriates the Intellectual Property of any other Person; and (2) to the Knowledge of the Bottler, excluding the Third Party Intellectual Property, the other assets and properties of Bottler and its Subsidiaries (including the Bottler Intellectual Property and the products and the services of Bottler and its Subsidiaries) do not, and their use in the Business does not, otherwise infringe, dilute, violate or misappropriate the Intellectual Property of any other Person.

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.1 – page 5


  vi. Each of Bottler and its Subsidiaries have taken reasonable steps to protect the rights of Bottler and its Subsidiaries in their respective confidential information and trade secrets and in any trade secret or confidential information of third parties used by Bottler and its Subsidiaries, and, except under confidentiality obligations, there has not been any disclosure by Bottler or its Subsidiaries of any confidential information or trade secret of Bottler or its Subsidiaries or any such trade secret or confidential information of third parties.

 

  vii. The Bottler Intellectual Property owned or purportedly owned by Bottler or its Subsidiaries was: (1) developed by employees of Bottler or its Subsidiaries working within the scope of their employment at the time of such development; (2) developed by agents, consultants, contractors or other Persons who have executed appropriate instruments of assignment in favor of Bottler or its Subsidiaries as assignee that have conveyed to Bottler or its Subsidiaries ownership of all of his, her or its Intellectual Property rights in the Bottler Intellectual Property; or (3) acquired by Bottler or its Subsidiaries in connection with acquisitions in which Bottler or its Subsidiaries obtained customary and commercially reasonable representations and warranties from the transferring party relating to the title to the Bottler Intellectual Property.

 

  viii. Except as set forth on Section [•] of the Disclosure Schedule, the transactions contemplated by this Acquisition Agreement shall not impair the right, title or interest of Bottler or its Subsidiaries in or to any Intellectual Property owned by or licensed to Bottler or its Subsidiaries, and all of such Intellectual Property shall be owned, licensed or otherwise available for use by Bottler or its Subsidiaries immediately after the Closing on terms and conditions identical to those under which Bottler or its Subsidiaries owned or licensed such Intellectual Property in the Business immediately prior to the Closing.

 

  c. Taxes.

 

  i. Each of Bottler and its Subsidiaries has timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax Returns required by applicable Law to be filed by, on behalf of, or with respect to it (taking into account applicable extensions) and all such Tax Returns were true, correct and complete in all material respects.

 

  ii. Each of Bottler and its Subsidiaries has paid or caused to be paid when due all Taxes required to be paid by or with respect to it.

 

  iii. Each of Bottler and its Subsidiaries has made or will have made or caused to have been made provision for all Taxes payable by, on behalf of, or with respect to it related to each Pre-Closing Tax Period and each Pre-Closing Straddle Period which have not been paid prior to the Closing Date. The provisions for Taxes with respect to each of Bottler and its Subsidiaries for each Pre-Closing Tax Period and each Pre-Closing Straddle Period are adequate to cover all Taxes with respect to such period.

 

  iv. Neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries is currently or has ever been a party to any Tax allocation, Tax sharing, Tax indemnity, Tax reimbursement, cost sharing, or joint obligor agreement or arrangement under which it has any obligation or liability for Taxes other than agreements the primary subject matter of which is not Taxes.

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.1 – page 6


  v. Neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries is currently the subject of any Tax Contest nor has any such Tax Contest been threatened against or with respect to Bottler or any of its Subsidiaries by any Governmental Entity.

 

  vi. There are no assessments or deficiencies in respect of any Taxes of or with respect to Bottler or any of its Subsidiaries for which the period of assessment or collection has not lapsed that have been claimed in writing by any Governmental Entity.

 

  vii. Neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries has executed or filed with any Governmental Entity, nor has any Person executed or filed with any Governmental Entity, any agreement or other document extending, or having the effect of extending, the period of assessment or collection of any Taxes of Bottler or any of its Subsidiaries for which the period of assessment or collection has not lapsed.

 

  viii. No claim has been asserted by any Governmental Entity that Bottler or any of its Subsidiaries is liable for Taxes under, or as a result of any Law comparable to, Section 482 of the Code.

 

  ix. There are no Liens for Taxes (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of the assets of Bottler or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

  x. Each of Bottler and its Subsidiaries has withheld and paid, or caused to be withheld and paid, all Taxes required to be withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid and owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor, shareholder or other third party and/or has obtained or caused to be obtained from any such employee, independent contractor, creditor, shareholder, other third party or other Person any certificate or other document that it is required to obtain or that would mitigate, reduce or eliminate any such Taxes or any withholding or deduction with respect thereto for payments made on or prior to the Closing and has complied with all applicable Laws relating to information or other similar reporting relating to any such payments.

 

  xi. Neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries has been, nor is, required to file or cause to be filed Tax Returns in a jurisdiction in which it has not filed such Tax Returns, and no Governmental Entity has made a written claim that it is or may be required to file Tax Returns with respect to such periods in, or is or may be subject to Tax by, such a jurisdiction.

 

  xii. Neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries (1) is or has ever been a member of an affiliated, combined, unitary, or other similar group filing consolidated, combined, unitary, or other similar Tax Returns other than such a group the parent of which is Bottler, and (2) has any liability for the Taxes of any Person under Treasury Regulation § 1.1502-6 or any similar provision of any state, local or foreign Law, as a transferee or successor, by contract, or otherwise other than as a result of having been a member of a group described in clause (1) hereof.

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.1 – page 7


  xiii. No closing agreement pursuant to Section 7121 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign applicable Tax Laws) has been entered into by or with respect to Bottler or any of its Subsidiaries that has continuing effect after the Closing Date.

 

  xiv. Neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries has requested, obtained, or granted a power of attorney that is currently in force with respect to Taxes of it.

 

  xv. Neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any letter ruling, determination or similar document, issued by any Governmental Entity in respect of the treatment of any Tax position taken by Bottler.

 

  xvi. During the five (5)-year period ending on the Closing Date, neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries was a distributing corporation or a controlled corporation in a transaction intended to be governed by Section 355 of the Code.

 

  xvii. Neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries has within the preceding twelve (12) months made any change to a depreciation, amortization or similar item that has the effect of accelerating deductions from a Post-Closing Tax Period or Post-Closing Straddle Period to a Pre-Closing Tax Period or a Pre-Closing Straddle Period of Bottler. Neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries is or will be required to include in income any adjustment pursuant to Section 481(a) of the Code (or similar provision of state, local or foreign Law) by reason of a change in accounting method prior to the Closing or as a result of the transactions contemplated hereby. Neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries will be required to include any item of income in, or exclude an item of deduction from, taxable income for any Post-Closing Tax Period or Post-Closing Straddle Period as a result of any (1) installment sale or open transaction disposition made on or prior to the Closing Date, (2) prepaid amount received, or paid, prior to the Closing Date, (3) election under Section 108(i) of the Code or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign law.

 

  xviii. Neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries has been engaged in any “listed transaction” under Section 6011 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, at the time of the acquisition, the representations and warranties described above are not customary in transactions of that size and nature, then they will be modified to be consistent with then-existing customary practice.

 

  9. The “conduct of business” covenants will be modified by adding the following restrictions on the actions of Bottler and its Subsidiaries; provided, that, if at the time of the acquisition, the covenants described below are not customary in transactions of that size and nature, then they will be modified to be consistent with then-existing customary practice:

 

  (a) neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries will authorize for issuance or issue and deliver any additional shares of its capital stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of its capital stock, or issue or grant any right, option or other commitment for the issuance of shares of its capital stock or of such securities, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, or split, combine or reclassify any shares of its capital stock;

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.1 – page 8


  (b) neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries will declare any dividend, pay or set aside for payment any dividend or other distribution or make any payment to any Affiliates other than (i) the payment of salaries, bonuses, benefits and other compensation in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and reimbursement of expenses in accordance with Bottler’s policies and practices, (ii) the payment of cash dividends or cash distributions prior to the Closing, (iii) cash payments prior to closing to satisfy any Indebtedness with Affiliates, and (iv) as otherwise contemplated in Item 14 below;

 

  (c) neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries will reclassify, combine, split, subdivide or redeem, or purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any of its capital stock or make any other change with respect to its capital structure, other than the repurchase of shares of capital stock from employees and other shareholders in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

 

  (d) neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries will adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization, or otherwise alter its corporate structure;

 

  (e) neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries will incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or issue any debt securities or assume, guarantee or endorse, or otherwise become responsible for, the obligations of any Person, or make any loans or advances, other than (i) borrowings under Bottler’s existing lines of credit in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice, (ii) such other indebtedness incurred in connection with ordinary course purchases of Bottler or its Subsidiaries in each case in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice, and (iii) any other indebtedness that will be satisfied in full at or prior to closing;

 

  (f) neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries will make or change any election related to Taxes (unless required by Law), adopt or change any accounting method with respect to Taxes, file any amended Tax Return, enter into any closing agreement, or consent to any extension or waiver of the limitation period applicable to any Tax claim or assessment relating to it;

 

  (g) neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries make any change in any method of accounting or accounting practice or policy, except as required by GAAP;

 

  (h) neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries will settle or compromise any Tax liability;

 

  (i) neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries will amend or modify its charter documents; and

 

  (j) neither Bottler nor any of its Subsidiaries will create any Subsidiary, acquire any capital stock or other equity securities of any corporation or acquire any equity or ownership interest in any business or entity.

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.1 – page 9


  10. The covenant regarding the provision of financial information to Company between signing and closing of the Acquisition Agreement will include the provision of the following to Company:

 

  (a) at the end of each month, unaudited monthly financial statements for each such month, consisting of data with respect to volume (on a brand basis, to the extent permitted by applicable law and, where required, consented to by third-party brand owners), revenue, and cost of goods sold at standard and gross margin (“Interim Monthly Data”);

 

  (b) at the end of each quarter, all of the Interim Monthly Data, together with the unaudited balance sheet of Bottler as of the end of such fiscal quarter and the unaudited statement of income of Bottler for such fiscal quarter (“Interim Quarterly Data”); and

 

  (c) at the end of each fiscal year, (A) the unaudited balance sheet of Bottler as of the end of such year and the unaudited statement of income for Bottler for such year (“Interim Annual Data”), and (B) to the extent permitted by applicable law and, where required, consented to by third-party brand owners, volume information by brand and package for each fiscal year ended after the date of the Acquisition Agreement and prior to the closing of the Acquisition Agreement.

 

  11. If the Acquisition Agreement is structured as a merger agreement (or as an asset purchase agreement involving the sale of all or substantially all of Bottler’s assets), it will include appropriate provisions, as required by applicable law and as are then customary in U.S. transactions of that size and nature, regarding stockholder approval and the transmittal of an information statement.

 

  12. The Acquisition Agreement will include covenants regarding the payoff of Affiliate loans (other than loans between Affiliates that are being acquired by Buyer) and indemnification of Bottler’s pre-closing directors and officers, as and to the extent may be customary at that time in U.S. transactions of that size and nature.

 

  13. The Acquisition Agreement will include a non-compete and non-solicitation covenant from Bottler (if Bottler is the seller); provided, however, that such covenant shall not restrict Bottler or any Bottler Affiliate or stockholder from engaging in any Permitted Ancillary Business described in Schedule 2.31 or which is otherwise permitted by any other written agreement then in effect between Bottler and Company (or any of their respective Affiliates) following the closing of the transactions contemplated by such Acquisition Agreement.

 

  14. The Acquisition Agreement will provide that, at Company’s request, Bottler and Company will use commercially reasonable efforts and work together in good faith prior to the closing of the transactions contemplated thereby to develop and implement mutually agreeable stay bonuses, employee retention agreements, severance agreements, restrictive covenants and/or other similar arrangements with (a) any stockholder who, individually or together with such stockholder’s spouse and lineal descendants (including trusts for the benefit of such spouse and/or lineal descendants), owns and controls 5% or more of the stock of Bottler (other than a holder of 5% or more of any shares of a class of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended), and is actively employed (other than solely as a member of Bottler’s board of directors or managing board) in the Business as a senior executive (a “Major Stockholder”), and (b) Bottler’s top five (5) most highly compensated executives that are not Major Stockholders.

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.1 – page 10


  15. If the Acquisition Agreement is structured as a merger agreement, or if stockholder approval of the transaction is otherwise required by applicable law, it will include a dissenters rights threshold of 5% or such other threshold as then may be mutually agreed by Bottler and Company, which “closing condition” shall be for the benefit of Company only, and a mutual “closing condition” regarding receipt of stockholder approval.

 

  16. The Acquisition Agreement will include mutual releases of claims (other than claims arising under the Acquisition Agreement and ordinary course payables and other amounts then owed by Company (or its Affiliates) to Bottler or by Bottler (or its Affiliates) to Company, which amounts will be paid or credited, as the case may be, at the closing to the extent then feasible).

 

  17. The Acquisition Agreement may be terminated by Bottler at any time prior to the closing of the transactions contemplated thereby if and only if Bottler reimburses Company for all third party out of pocket expenses incurred by Company (or its Affiliates) in connection with the exercise by Bottler of such termination right; provided such reimbursement shall not be required (i) if Bottler terminates the Acquisition Agreement due to a breach by Company (or its designee) of any of its covenants therein or due to any representation or warranty made by Company (or its designee) therein having been or having become untrue or inaccurate, or (ii) if Bottler terminates the Agreement due to conditions to closing relating to the receipt of required governmental consents and approvals having not been satisfied by an agreed upon “drop dead” date (as long as Bottler’s failure to take any action required to fulfill such a closing condition was not the cause of the failure to satisfy such closing condition).

 

  18. If the shares of Bottler are publicly traded at the time of the acquisition, then, in lieu of the foregoing terms and conditions, the parties will enter into a merger agreement for the acquisition of Bottler that will include such terms and conditions as are customary for the acquisition of a publicly traded company at the time of the acquisition (and Company and Bottler acknowledge that, as of the date of this Agreement, customary terms and conditions would not include any indemnities, escrow or survival of representations, warranties or covenants), except that, in all events, the provisions of Paragraphs 11 through 14, and Paragraph 17 of this Schedule 24.4.1 will be included in the Acquisition Agreement.

 

  19. The Acquisition Agreement will include such other additional terms and conditions as warranted by the particular transaction and as negotiated and agreed between the parties in good faith.

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.1 – page 11


SCHEDULE 24.4.2

Amendments to Agreement

1. Section 2.9 will be deleted and the following new Section 2.9 will apply:

Company Authorized Supplier” means any Person expressly authorized by Company to supply Expanding Participating Bottlers with Covered Beverages and Related Products. If Bottler was a Company Authorized Supplier as of the date this Agreement was deemed to be automatically amended to include this new Section 2.9, Company will not unreasonably withdraw authorization for Bottler to supply Expanding Participating Bottlers or other Company authorized bottlers with Covered Beverages and Related Products.

2. The existing definition of Permitted Ancillary Business (Section 2.31) will be deleted and the following new definition will apply:

Permitted Ancillary Business” means a business operated by Bottler or an Affiliate of Bottler to which Company has provided its consent on Schedule 2.31 (subject to the conditions specified on Schedule 2.31), and is therefore permitted under this Agreement to produce, manufacture, prepare, package, distribute, sell, deal in, or otherwise use or handle, as the case may be, Beverages, Beverage Components or other beverage products that are not Covered Beverages, Related Products, or Permitted Beverage Products. “Permitted Ancillary Business” will include (a) any ancillary businesses to which Company may hereafter provide prior written consent, which consent will result in the automatic amendment of Schedule 2.31 to include such permitted ancillary business, and (b) any business that (i) is not directly and primarily involved in the manufacture, marketing, promotion, distribution or sale of Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products (e.g., sale, lease or servicing of equipment used in the distribution of beverages to third parties), or (ii) provides office coffee service to offices or facilities.

3. The existing definition of Permitted Beverage Product (Section 2.32) will be deleted and the following new definition will apply:

Permitted Beverage Product” means a Beverage, Beverage Component, or other beverage product that either is not prohibited under Section 13.1, or to which Company has provided its consent on Schedule 2.32 (subject to the conditions specified on Schedule 2.32) and is therefore permitted under this Agreement. “Permitted Beverage Product” will include any beverage product to which Company hereafter provides prior written consent, which consent will result in the automatic amendment of Schedule 2.32 to include such permitted beverage product, and any Line Extension of a Permitted Beverage Product or new SKU or package of an existing Permitted Beverage Product.

4. The existing definition of Permitted Line of Business (Section 2.33) will be deleted and the following new definition will apply:

Permitted Line of Business” means a line of business operated by Bottler or an Affiliate of Bottler to which Company has provided its consent on Schedule 2.33 (subject to the conditions specified on Schedule 2.33), and is therefore permitted under this Agreement to use delivery vehicles, cases, cartons, coolers, vending machines or other equipment bearing Company’s

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.2 – page 1


Trademarks and/or to assign duties relating to such line of business to personnel or management whose primary duties relate to delivery or sales of Covered Beverages or Related Products. “Permitted Line of Business” will include (a) [if applicable, any Permitted Ancillary Business], and (b) any line of business as to which Company hereafter provides prior written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld by Company and will result in the automatic amendment of Schedule 2.33 to include such Permitted Line of Business.

5. Existing Section 3.6.2 will be deleted and replaced with the following:

3.6.2 in the case of or to the extent distributed through means other than Direct Store Delivery, a Multiple Route to Market Beverage or Multiple Route to Market Related Product, under one or more agreements addressing Bottler’s economic participation in the sale of such products in the Territory.

6. Existing Section 7.5 will be deleted.

7. Existing Section 12.2 will be deleted and replaced with the following:

The obligation under Section 12.1 shall not apply to (i) any consent, waiver or approval provided under this Agreement or under any agreement held by another Expanding Participating Bottler or (ii) provisions in any authorization agreement relating to the opportunity of Expanding Participating Bottlers other than Bottler to participate economically in sales of beverages and other products by Company or its Affiliates through means other than Direct Store Delivery.

8. Existing Section 13 will be deleted and replaced with the following new Section 13:

13. OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER AS TO OTHER BEVERAGE PRODUCTS AND OTHER BUSINESS ACTIVITIES

13.1 Bottler agrees during the term of this Agreement and in accordance with any requirements imposed upon Bottler under applicable laws:

13.1.1. Except for Permitted Beverage Products and Beverages, Beverage Components, or other beverage products produced, manufactured, packaged, distributed, sold, dealt in or otherwise used or handled by Bottler under authority of the Company, not to produce, manufacture, package, sell, deal in or otherwise use or handle any Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product that is:

13.1.1.1. a “Cola Product” (herein defined to mean any Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product which is generally marketed as a cola product or which is generally perceived as being a cola product);

13.1.1.2. a bottled water (so long as DASANI brand Beverages or another bottled water remain Covered Beverages);

13.1.1.3. a hypertonic, hypotonic or isotonic energy and fluid replacement drink (sometimes referred to as “sports drink”), (so long as POWERADE brand Beverages or another sports drink remain Covered Beverages);

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.2 – page 2


13.1.1.4. a nutrient-enhanced and electrolyte-enhanced water beverage product (so long as Glaceau Vitaminwater brand Beverages or another nutrient-enhanced and electrolyte-enhanced water beverage product remain Covered Beverages); or

13.1.1.5. called root beer, or with a similar flavor to root beer (so long as Barq’s root beer Beverages or another root beer remain Covered Beverages).

13.1.2. Not to manufacture, package, sell, deal in or otherwise use or handle any concentrate, beverage base, syrup, beverage or any other product which is likely to be confused with, or passed off for, any of the Covered Beverages or Related Products;

13.1.3. Not to manufacture, package, sell, deal in or otherwise use or handle any product under any trade dress or in any container that is an imitation of a trade dress or container in which Company claims a proprietary interest or which is likely to be confused or cause confusion or be confusingly similar to or be passed off as such trade dress or container; and

13.1.4. Not to manufacture, package, sell, deal in or otherwise use or handle any product under any trademark or other designation that is an imitation, counterfeit, copy or infringement of, or confusingly similar to, any of the Trademarks.

13.2. Bottler covenants and agrees not to acquire or hold directly or indirectly through any Affiliate, whether located within or outside of the Territory, any ownership interest in any Person that engages in any of the activities prohibited under Section 13.1 or; enter into any contract or arrangement with respect to the management or control of any Person, within or outside of the Territory, that would enable Bottler or any Affiliate of Bottler acting collectively with such Person to engage indirectly in any of the activities prohibited under Section 13.1.

13.2.1. Bottler and its Affiliates will, however, be permitted to acquire and own securities registered pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or registered for public sale under similar laws of a foreign country, of a company that engages in any of the activities prohibited under Section 13.1 or Section 13.2, in pension, retirement, annuity, life insurance, and estate planning accounts, plans and funds administered by Bottler or any of its Affiliates for the benefit of employees, officers, shareholders or directors of Bottler or any of its Affiliates where investment decisions involving such securities are made by independent outside investment or fund managers that are not Affiliates of Bottler; provided that such ownership represents a passive investment and that neither Bottler nor any Affiliate of Bottler in any way, either directly or indirectly, manages or exercises control of such company, guarantees any of its financial obligations, consults with, advises, or otherwise takes any part in its business (other than exercising rights as a shareholder), or seeks to do any of the foregoing.

13.3. Bottler covenants and agrees that neither Bottler nor its Affiliates will use delivery vehicles, cases, cartons, coolers, vending machines or other equipment bearing Company’s Trademarks in connection with, or assign personnel or management whose primary duties relate to delivery or sales of Covered Beverages or Related Products (other than executive officers of Bottler) to, any line of business other than the marketing, promotion, distribution, and sale of Covered Beverages, Related Products and Permitted Beverage Products; provided, however, that:

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.2 – page 3


13.3.1. any of Bottler’s assets and personnel or management whose primary duties relate to delivery or sales of Covered Beverages or Related Products may be used in a Permitted Ancillary Business, subject to any limitations specified in Schedule 2.31, or a Permitted Line of Business, subject to any limitations specified in Schedule 2.33, anywhere within (or, as applicable, outside of) Bottler’s Territory without further approvals from Company.

10. Existing Section 14.3 will be deleted and replaced with the following:

Bottler will participate fully in, and comply fully with, operating, customer, commercial, pricing, sales, merchandizing, planning, information technology, product supply and other requirements and programs established from time to time by the Governance Board.

11. Existing Section 17.3.1 will be deleted (without replacement).

12. Existing Section 22.1.6 will be deleted (without replacement).

13. Existing Section 22.1.7 will be deleted (without replacement).

14. Existing Section 24 (but not Schedule 24.4.1 which shall remain applicable) will be deleted and replaced with the following:

24 BOTTLER’S RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS WITH RESPECT TO SALE OF ITS BUSINESS

24.1 Business” means Bottler’s aggregate business in all Territories under this Agreement and any other agreement directly and primarily related to the marketing, promotion, distribution, and sale of Covered Beverages and Related Products in such territories.

24.1.1 “Business” will also include any business conducted by Bottler and identified on Schedule 24.1 as an “Included Business.”

24.1.2 “Business” will expressly exclude any business identified on Schedule 24.1 as an “Excluded Business.”

24.1.3 “Business” will also expressly exclude any business that is not directly and primarily related to the marketing, promotion, distribution and sale of Covered Beverages and Related Products in such territories that is not identified on Schedule 24.1 as an “Included Business”, whether or not such business is identified on Schedule 24.1 as an “Excluded Business.”

24.1.4 “Sale Transaction” means either (i) the sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition, in one transaction or a series of related transactions (including by way of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or sale of securities of one or more of Bottler’s Subsidiaries), to any Person for value, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Business on a consolidated basis, or (ii) a transaction or series of transactions (including by way of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or sale of securities by the holders of securities of Bottler) with any Person the result of which is that the

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.2 – page 4


shareholders of Bottler immediately prior to such transaction are (after giving effect to such transaction) no longer, in the aggregate, the “beneficial owners” (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act), directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, of more than 50% of the voting shares of Bottler on an as-converted, fully-diluted basis.

24.2 Discussions with Company or Third Parties and Sale of Business to Third Parties

24.2.1 If Bottler decides to sell, directly or indirectly, all or a majority interest in the Business, including as a result of a change in control or an unsolicited third party offer, Bottler will notify Company of the possible Sale Transaction promptly after identifying its proposed Buyer (a “Potential Buyer”). Any and all discussions between Company and Bottler regarding such possible Sale Transaction shall be kept confidential, shall not be binding on either party, and shall not be deemed to have triggered the commencement of the procedures for possible sale of the Business to Company described in Section 24.3.

24.2.2 Notwithstanding any provisions in this Agreement or any Related Agreement to the contrary, Bottler may enter into a binding agreement for a Sale Transaction with any Potential Buyer at any time following such notice and, upon consummation of such sale, of all Bottler’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and all Related Agreements may be assigned to and assumed by such Potential Buyer.

24.3 Offer of Sale of Business to Company

24.3.1 At any time after the Effective Date, Bottler may provide Company with Notice that Bottler wishes to sell the Business in a Sale Transaction to Company or Company’s designee or to a Jointly Selected Potential Buyer identified under Section 24.3.5 hereof, under the terms of this Section 24.3 (an “Offer Notice”).

24.3.2 The Offer Notice will include the material terms and conditions (including price and form of consideration) of the proposal by Bottler and/or any third party offer(s) that may have been received by Bottler.

24.3.3 Bottler may withdraw such Offer Notice at any time prior to closing of such transaction, if and only if Bottler (a) reimburses Company for all third party out of pocket expenses incurred by Company in connection with the exercise by Bottler of its rights under this Section 24.3; and (b) exercises such right to withdraw an offer made in an Offer Notice no more than once every three (3) years.

24.3.4 The Offer Notice must be delivered in writing to Company’s Chief Financial Officer, with a copy to Company’s General Counsel.

24.3.5 If Bottler delivers an Offer Notice to Company, Bottler and Company will cooperate with each other, on a confidential basis, to identify potential third parties who may be interested in and financially capable of acquiring the Business.

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.2 – page 5


24.3.5.1 If one or more potential third party buyers are identified in this manner that are approved both by Bottler (in its sole discretion) and Company (in its sole discretion) (a “Jointly Selected Potential Buyer”) within 30 days after the date of the Offer Notice, then Bottler may enter into a binding agreement for the sale of the Business with any Jointly Selected Potential Buyer, on such terms and conditions as Bottler may determine in its sole discretion, within 180 days following the end of such 30 day period (the “Third Party Negotiation Period”) and, upon consummation of such sale, all of Bottler’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and all Related Agreements may be assigned to and assumed by such Jointly Selected Potential Buyer.

24.3.5.2 If, despite the identification of one or more Jointly Selected Potential Buyers in the process outlined above, Bottler is unable to enter into a binding agreement for the sale of the Business with such Jointly Selected Potential Buyer prior to the end of the Third Party Negotiation Period (as such period may be extended by mutual written agreement of Bottler and Company), or having entered into such a binding agreement, the transactions contemplated therein are not consummated, for any reason, and the binding agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, then Bottler may elect for Bottler and Company to proceed in accordance with Section 24.3.7.

24.3.5.3 If no Jointly Selected Potential Buyer is identified within the 30 day period specified in Section 24.3.5.1, or if following delivery of the Offer Notice, Bottler and Company mutually agree to dispense with an attempt to identify one or more Jointly Selected Potential Buyers as described above, and mutually agree to negotiate terms of a sale of the Business to Company, then Bottler and Company will proceed in accordance with Section 24.3.7.

24.3.6 Within five (5) Business Days following delivery of the Offer Notice to Company, Bottler will deliver to Company the following unaudited written management information in Bottler’s possession or control and that is ordinarily and customarily produced and used by Bottler for each of the three (3) year periods ending on the last day of the quarter preceding the date of the delivery of the Offer Notice: (a) revenues with respect to the Business for the relevant period then ended in both dollars and cases; (b) statements of income down to the contribution margin level for the Covered Beverages and Related Products for the relevant period then ended; (c) most current management bills of cost for each of the Covered Beverages and Related Products; (d) a copy of each of the then currently effective and enforceable distribution agreements for distribution of the Covered Beverages and Related Products; (e) business plan volumes and strategic plans for the Business; and (f) material claims relating to the Business of which Bottler has knowledge. All of the foregoing information is collectively referred to as the “Base Information”. Bottler will also provide such additional information to Company (the “Additional Information”) as Bottler and Company may agree is desirable to facilitate the valuation of the Business and, if applicable, to identify one or more Jointly Selected Potential Buyers as contemplated in Section 24.3.5.

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.2 – page 6


24.3.7 If either of the circumstances described in Section 24.3.5.2 or Section 24.3.5.3 occurs, then Bottler and Company will meet promptly to discuss the acquisition of the Business by Company (directly or through a Company Affiliate) or Company’s designee and to enter into discussions regarding the purchase price and the other terms and conditions of the acquisition.

24.3.8 If Company and Bottler mutually agree upon the purchase price and other terms and conditions of the acquisition, then Company (directly or through a Company Affiliate) or Company’s designee will purchase the Business for cash (unless otherwise agreed) at the purchase price and other terms and conditions so agreed upon.

24.3.9 If Company and Bottler mutually agree that Company or its designee will acquire the Business, but Company and Bottler cannot agree on purchase price within 120 days following Company’s receipt of Bottler’s Notice to schedule the meeting described in Section 24.3.7 (the “Negotiation Period”), then Company and Bottler will determine the value of the Business in accordance with the valuation process specified in Section 26 (the “Valuation Process”).

24.3.10 If the Business Value, as defined in Section 26.2.2, is determined pursuant to the Valuation Process (rather than by mutual agreement), then Bottler will have the right, in its sole discretion, to deliver Notice to Company that Bottler wishes to sell the Business to Company (or Company’s designee) at the purchase price established through the Valuation Process (a “Company Sale Notice”). The Company Sale Notice must be delivered by Bottler to Company, if at all, within sixty (60) days following the determination of the purchase price for the Business through the Valuation Process. The Company Sale Notice will constitute a binding offer by Bottler to sell the Business to Company or Company’s designee in accordance with the terms of this Section 24.4; provided that Bottler may withdraw such offer at any time prior to closing of such transaction, if and only if Bottler (a) reimburses Company for all third party out of pocket expenses incurred by Company in connection with the exercise by Bottler of its rights under this Section 24.3; and (b) exercises such right to withdraw an offer no more than once every three (3) years. Any withdrawal of an offer by Bottler shall not limit Bottler’s rights to enter into a Sale Transaction under Section 24.2 at any time. Following receipt of a Company Sale Notice, Company (or its designee) will have the option, in its sole discretion, to acquire the Business for cash (unless otherwise agreed) at the Business Value determined in accordance with the Valuation Process, subject to the following:

24.3.10.1 Company shall give Notice to Bottler of its election either to acquire the Business, or to forego its option, within 5 Business Days after the Business Value is determined under Section 26.

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.2 – page 7


24.3.10.2 If Company elects to acquire the Business as contemplated in Section 24.3.10, then Bottler and Company will proceed in accordance with Sections 24.3.11 and 24.3.12; provided, that Bottler may withdraw the Offer Notice at any time, subject to the provisions of Section 24.3.3.

24.3.10.3 If Company elects not to acquire the Business as contemplated in Section 24.3.10, Company shall reimburse Bottler for all third party out of pocket expenses incurred by Bottler in connection with the exercise by Bottler of its rights under this Section 24.

24.3.11 If Company elects to acquire the Business as contemplated in Section 24.3.10, but the parties are unable to agree on terms and conditions of sale (other than purchase price), then Company (directly or through a Company Affiliate) or Company’s designee will acquire the Business on the terms and conditions specified in Schedule 24.4.1.

24.3.12 Closing of the acquisition of the Business by Company (directly or through a Company Affiliate) or Company’s designee will occur within ten (10) Business Days timing subject to discussion following the receipt of all required consents and regulatory approvals (including expiration of applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act) and after determination of the Business Value in accordance with the Valuation Process (if applicable).

24.3.13 Nothing contained in this Section 24 shall, or shall be deemed to, prevent Company from making an offer to acquire the Business at any time, even if Company has previously elected not to acquire the Business under Section 24.3.10. If any such offer is made, Bottler shall have no obligation to accept it.

15. Existing Section 26 will be deleted and replaced with the following:

26. VALUATION

26.1 If (a) Bottler decides to sell the Business as contemplated under Section 24, and (b) a sale to a Jointly Selected Potential Buyer does not occur (or Bottler and Company mutually elect to forego an attempt to identify a Jointly Selected Potential Buyer), and the parties are unable to mutually agree upon a purchase price within the 120 day Negotiation Period specified in Section 24.3.9, or if Company is to acquire the Business as contemplated under Section 25, then the purchase price for the Business will be established in accordance with this Section 26.

26.2 Bottler and Company will each appoint a Valuation Expert within five (5) Business Days after the expiration of the Negotiation Period under Section 24.3.9 (or receipt by Bottler of a Purchase Notice from Company under Section 25.1 if applicable), and will instruct each Valuation Expert to provide its final valuation no later than sixty (60) days after such appointment.

26.2.1 Valuation Expert” means an independent and reputable valuation firm or investment banking firm of national standing, that (i) has had no business relationship of any nature (whether directly or through any of its Affiliates) with either Company or

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.2 – page 8


Bottler or their respective Affiliates in the twelve months prior to its selection, (ii) is not, directly or through any of its Affiliates, in then-current discussions with either Company or Bottler or any of their respective Affiliates regarding a proposed future engagement, and (iii) has no other conflict of interest or financial interest in the proposed transaction (other than receipt of its fee as discussed below). No Valuation Expert will be permitted to receive a fee other than a fixed fee, which fee shall not be contingent on the closing of the transaction or calculated based on the Business Value.

26.2.2 Business Value” means the value of the Business as finally determined under the Valuation Process.

26.3 Each Valuation Expert will perform a valuation of the Business.

26.4 If the valuations differ by less than 10% of the higher valuation, the average of the two valuations will be the value of the Business.

26.5 If the valuations differ by 10% of the higher valuation or more, the Valuation Experts will appoint a third Valuation Expert who will value the Business and provide its final valuation no later than sixty (60) days after its appointment.

26.5.1 In this event, the value of the Business will be the average of the two valuations with the smallest difference in the reported value, unless one valuation is the average of the other two valuations, in which case such valuation will be the value of the Business (measured on an absolute basis).

26.6 The Valuation Experts will be instructed to determine the fair value of the Business by determining the fair market value of the Business as if sold as a going concern, as between a willing buyer and a willing seller not under a compulsion to buy or sell in an arm’s-length transaction, taking into account all relevant factors, and using such methods as the Valuation Experts deem appropriate, subject to the specific instructions set forth in Schedule 26.

26.7 Each party will have the right to review all information and materials furnished by the other party to the Valuation Experts, and each party will cooperate in good faith to correct any errors in the information and materials provided by that party prior to submission to the Valuation Experts.

26.8 If a third Valuation Expert is used, as contemplated above, the third Valuation Expert will not be provided access to the valuations performed by the first two Valuation Experts.

26.9 The fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Valuation Process will be borne equally by Bottler and Company; provided, however, that if a third Valuation Expert is required under the foregoing provisions, then the party who appointed the Valuation Expert whose valuation differs more from the Business Value as finally determined (measured on an absolute basis) will be responsible for the fees and expenses of the third Valuation Expert.

26.10 If the Business Value is determined by a third Valuation Expert as contemplated in Section 26.5 (i.e., the valuations produced by the first two Valuation Experts differ by 10% of the higher valuation or more), then, within thirty (30) days following receipt of the third Valuation Expert’s report of the Business Value, Bottler may (at Bottler’s sole option) elect to pursue a sale of the Business to a Potential Buyer or a Jointly Selected Potential Buyer in accordance with Section 24.

 

SCHEDULE 24.4.2 – page 9


SCHEDULE 26

Guidance to Valuation Experts

Any Valuation Expert appointed under the terms of this Agreement to determine the value of Bottler’s Business in connection with a Valuation Process will be instructed as follows:

 

  1. The Valuation Expert must ignore any prior guidance or valuation work provided by or performed by the party appointing the Valuation Expert and must ignore any offers that may have been made with respect to Bottler’s Business by third parties other than bona fide offers from approved Potential Buyers.

 

  2. The Valuation Expert will determine the fair market value of Bottler’s Business as a going concern under current ownership, assuming an arm’s-length transaction between a willing buyer and willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or sell and both having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts. The Valuation Expert must rely primarily upon a Discounted Cash Flow approach for the valuation of the Business (“DCF”), but may also consider other relevant and commonly accepted valuation methodologies, including market and asset based approaches, to determine the fair market value of Bottler’s Business. The DCF would utilize a defined forecast period of ten (10) years, based on forecasts provided by Bottler and Company, and the methodology would also contemplate a perpetuity approach in addition to the explicit forecast. Further, the DCF must be prepared using the information and guidance contained in this Schedule 26 (i.e., consideration of the Business as a going concern under current ownership, demonstrated historical performance, investment requirements, balance sheet position, cost of capital of the entity, the financial projections provided by Bottler and Company, as well as such other information acquired from the parties that may be necessary or helpful in preparing the underlying economic forecast of the DCF).

 

  3. Each party will provide such information in its possession that the Valuation Expert reasonably requests to prepare its valuation. Each of Bottler and Company agrees to provide the Valuation Expert with reasonable access to its (and its applicable Affiliates’) management team members for the Valuation Expert to conduct interviews to discuss Bottler’s historical financial performance, forecasts, the Business, the beverage industry and other matters it determines in its reasonable discretion are necessary or helpful to prepare its valuation. Bottler shall also permit the Valuation Expert to conduct site visits of the Business upon advance notice and during regular business hours if the Valuation Expert determines such site visits are reasonably necessary to prepare its valuation.

 

  4. Each party will have the right to submit such information to the Valuation Expert as it deems relevant, and each party will have the right to review all information and materials furnished by the other party prior to submission to the Valuation Experts. Each party will cooperate in good faith to correct any errors in the information and materials provided by that party prior to submission to the Valuation Experts.

 

  5.

If the transaction is structured as a merger or stock purchase, the Valuation Expert is to determine a price per share assuming an acquisition of all of the outstanding equity interests of the Bottler, without applying discounts for illiquidity, lack of marketability or lack of control. The Valuation Expert should assume for purposes of the valuation that the interests in Bottler are freely transferable and shall disregard Company’s right to approve a sale of the Business

 

SCHEDULE 26 – page 1


  under Section 24. The Valuation Expert will add to the amount derived from the DCF analysis an amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of the DCF valuation to derive a final valuation (such additional amount being intended to reflect value that would otherwise be excluded from consideration by this Schedule 26, such as synergies (the “Additional Amount”)); however, such Additional Amount would not apply to any valuation methodology considered by the Valuation Expert other than a DCF.

 

  6. The Valuation Expert should not include the Excluded Business in determining the price per share and should assume that the Excluded Business will be retained by Bottler’s shareholders.

 

  7. The Valuation Expert must exclude future synergies resulting from the ownership of Bottler’s Business by Company or any designee of Company; provided, however, the Valuation Expert may, in the exercise of its professional judgment, consider identifiable and quantifiable future synergies resulting solely from capital investments and operating expenditures made by Bottler prior to the closing of the transaction that have not yet been reflected in Bottler’s results of operations.

 

  8. The Valuation Expert must exclude or add back, as the case may be, any one-time or non-recurring items of expense, revenue, gain or loss, including personal operating expenses and charitable expenses relating to the current ownership of Bottler’s Business.

 

  9. With respect to the Sub-Bottling Territory, the Valuation Expert will assume that Sub-Bottling Payments will continue into perpetuity at the applicable payment percentages based on the Valuation Expert’s determination of likely [***] in the future. The Valuation Expert is to ascribe no value to any Sub-Bottling Payments made prior to the closing of the acquisition of Bottler by Company (i.e., Bottler will not receive “credit” for the amount of any such payments made prior to the closing).

 

  10. The Valuation Expert may, in its professional judgment, consider the then current market price for any of the Company’s securities that are then traded on a public securities exchange.

 

  11. All appraisal reports must be rendered in writing to Company and Bottler and must be signed by the Valuation Expert making the report.

 

  12. If Bottler is a private company or the transaction is structured as an asset purchase and sale, the Valuation Expert will value Bottler’s Business on a debt-free, cash free basis (i.e., on an enterprise basis, assuming that Bottler does not have any Indebtedness (as defined in Schedule 24.4.1) or cash or cash equivalents).

 

  13. The Valuation Expert will not consider any claimed tax benefits existing at the time of the closing (whether resulting from the transaction or otherwise) (e.g., Net Operating Losses or basis step-ups); provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Valuation Expert shall consider any such tax benefits that the parties mutually agree (acting reasonably in good faith) are (i) identifiable, (ii) quantifiable, and (iii) applicable to the transaction.

 

  14. The Valuation Expert will assume that (a) this Agreement automatically renews for multiple successive terms under Section 18.3, (b) any agreement between Bottler and Company (or between any of their respective Affiliates) under which Bottler or its Affiliate is authorized to

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.

 

SCHEDULE 26 – page 2


  15. manufacture Covered Beverages will remain in full force and effect throughout such automatically renewed term, and (c) neither party will exercise (or has exercised) any termination rights or rights of non-renewal of this Agreement or any Related Agreement.

 

  16. The Valuation Expert will assume that the Incidence Rates across all Shared Business Segments, taken as a whole, that are most favorable to Bottler at any point in time during the five (5) year period preceding the date in which the valuation process is commenced will continue to apply indefinitely (that is, the Valuation Expert should ignore any right that Company may have to adjust the Incidence Rate or Shared Business Segments under the Incidence Agreement).

 

  17. In delivering their final valuation, each Valuation Expert will provide a single valuation amount as their final valuation and not a range of valuations.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Schedule 26, in no event will the final value of the Bottler determined under this Schedule 26 be less than the Net Book Value of Bottler (as reflected on the Bottler’s most recent annual audited financial statements and as determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the U.S. (or any successor set of accounting principles that may then be in effect)).

 

SCHEDULE 26 – page 3


SCHEDULE 31

Insurance Requirements

[Insert agreed language from Lead Market CBA]

 

SCHEDULE 31 – page 1


SCHEDULE 35.1.4

Agreements not affected by this Agreement

[Note to Draft: To be completed prior to execution of this Agreement.]

 

Schedule 35.1.4 – page 1


EXHIBIT 1.8

Next Phase Territory

Initial Closing Territory:

The Initial Closing Territory (as defined in the Next Phase Territory Transaction Agreement) is generally comprised of the geographic territory in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia supplied by CCR’s sales centers identified as Norfolk, Staunton and Fredericksburg (the “Initial Closing Sales Centers”), as well as such currently unserved outlets within a territory that would reasonably be expected to be supplied by the Initial Closing Sales Centers if any such outlet was to become a customer. The precise geographic boundaries of the Initial Closing Territory will be mutually agreed upon by the parties to the Next Phase Territory Transaction Agreement (and, to the extent applicable, any third party brand owners) prior to the Initial Closing (as defined in the Next Phase Territory Transaction Agreement), which the parties anticipate will include all customer outlets within CCR’s territory immediately prior to the Initial Closing to which Covered Beverages and Related Products are supplied as of such time or were supplied during the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the Initial Closing (or an outlet that would reasonably be expected to be supplied if such location became a customer), in each case, by the Initial Closing Sales Centers.

First Interim Closing Territory:

The first Interim Closing Territory (as defined in the Next Phase Territory Transaction Agreement) is generally comprised of the geographic territory in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware supplied by CCR’s sales centers identified as Richmond, Yorktown, Easton and Salisbury (the “First Interim Closing Sales Centers”), as well as such currently unserved outlets within a territory that would reasonably be expected to be supplied by the First Interim Closing Sales Centers if any such outlet was to become a customer. The precise geographic boundaries of the first Interim Closing Territory will be mutually agreed upon by the parties to the Next Phase Territory Transaction Agreement (and, to the extent applicable, any third party brand owners) prior to the first Interim Closing (as defined in the Next Phase Territory Transaction Agreement), which the parties anticipate will include all customer outlets within CCR’s territory immediately prior to the first Interim Closing to which Covered Beverages and Related Products are supplied as of such time or were supplied during the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the first Interim Closing (or an outlet that would reasonably be expected to be supplied if such location became a customer), in each case, by the First Interim Closing Sales Centers.

Second Interim Closing Territory:

The second Interim Closing Territory is generally comprised of the geographic territory in Virginia, the District of Columbia and Maryland supplied by CCR’s sales centers identified as Capitol Heights, Rockville, Alexandria, and La Plata (the “Second Interim Closing Sales Centers”), as well as such currently unserved outlets within a territory that would reasonably be expected to be supplied by the Second Interim Closing Sales Centers if any such outlet was to become a customer. The precise geographic boundaries of the second Interim Closing Territory will be mutually agreed upon by the parties to the Next Phase Territory Transaction Agreement (and, to the extent applicable, any third party brand owners) prior to the second Interim Closing,


which the parties anticipate will include all customer outlets within CCR’s territory immediately prior to the second Interim Closing to which Covered Beverages and Related Products are supplied as of such time or were supplied during the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the second Interim Closing (or an outlet that would reasonably be expected to be supplied if such location became a customer), in each case, by the Second Interim Closing Sales Centers.

Final Closing Territory:

The Final Closing Territory (as defined in the Next Phase Territory Transaction Agreement) is generally comprised of the geographic territory in Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia supplied by CCR’s sales centers identified as Baltimore, Cumberland and Hagerstown (the “Final Closing Sales Centers”), as well as such currently unserved outlets within a territory that would reasonably be expected to be supplied by the Final Closing Sales Centers if any such outlet was to become a customer. The precise geographic boundaries of the Final Closing Territory will be mutually agreed upon by the parties to the Next Phase Territory Transaction Agreement (and, to the extent applicable, any third party brand owners) prior to the Final Closing (as defined in the Next Phase Territory Transaction Agreement), which the parties anticipate will include all customer outlets within CCR’s territory immediately prior to the Final Closing to which Covered Beverages and Related Products are supplied as of such time or were supplied during the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the Final Closing (or an outlet that would reasonably be expected to be supplied if such location became a customer), in each case, by the Final Closing Sales Centers.


EXHIBIT 1.9

Subsequent Phase Territory

The Subsequent Phase Territory is generally comprised of the geographic territory in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois supplied by CCR’s sales centers identified as Anderson, Bloomington, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Findlay, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Lima, Mansfield, Portsmouth, South Bend and Terre Haute (the “Sales Centers”), as well as such currently unserved outlets within a territory that would reasonably be expected to be supplied by the Sales Centers if any such outlet was to become a customer. The precise geographic boundaries of the Subsequent Phase Territory will be mutually agreed upon by the parties to the Subsequent Phase Territory Transactions (and, to the extent applicable, any third party brand owners) prior to the consummation thereof, which the parties anticipate will include all customer outlets within CCR’s territory immediately prior to the closing to which Covered Beverages (as defined in the CBA) and Related Products (as defined in the CBA) are supplied as of such time or were supplied during the most recent four (4) fiscal quarters completed on or prior to the closing (or an outlet that would reasonably be expected to be supplied if such location became a customer), in each case, by the Sales Centers.

Exhibit 10.2

EXECUTION VERSION

Expanding Participating Bottler Revenue Incidence Agreement

 

1. The Coca-Cola Company, a Delaware corporation (“Company”), and Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, a Delaware corporation (“Bottler”), hereby agree to allocate, effective January 1, 2017, as set forth in this Expanding Participating Bottler Revenue Incidence Agreement (“EPB Incidence Agreement” or “Agreement”), the revenue generated by the marketing, promotion, distribution and sale of Covered Beverages and Related Products in Bottler’s aggregate business in (a) all territories under any Comprehensive Beverage Agreement and (b) subject to Section 2 hereof, the Legacy Territory and Exchange Territory (each as defined in that certain Territory Conversion Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2015 (the “Conversion Agreement”), by and between Company, Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. and Bottler).

 

  1.1. For purposes hereof,

 

  1.1.1. “Bottler Gross Revenue” means Net Sales Revenue (i.e. the wholesale price delivered to the customer plus full service vending income and agency delivery fee minus sales tax) from sales of Company’s Covered Beverages and Related Products in the Shared Business Segments (as defined herein).

 

  1.1.2. “Bottler Net Revenue” means, for volume sold through for trade sales and full service vending sales in any given year, Bottler Gross Revenue minus customer trade marketing (“CTM”), cooperative marketing agreement (“CMA”) expense, and customer specific coupon expense paid by Bottler.

 

  1.1.3. “Company Revenue Incidence Rate” means, for each applicable Shared Business Segment, the numeric rate that Company from time to time determines in its sole discretion in accordance with this Agreement will be multiplied by Bottler Net Revenue for each such Shared Business Segment to calculate “Company’s Incidence Revenue” for each such Shared Business Segment.

 

  1.1.4. “Company’s Standard Pricing Revenue” means Company’s revenue from concentrate and finished goods pricing billed by Company to Bottler at the standard billing prices (“SBPs”) for Covered Beverages and Related Products set in accordance with the CBA (as defined in the Conversion Agreement) and communicated annually to Bottler. Company will not change SBPs more than once per year. At the end of each year, Company may at its sole discretion change the SBPs for the next year by giving 30 days’ Notice to Bottler. Company will charge the same SBPs to every Expanding Participating Bottler under this Agreement and to every other U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler that elects to participate in a revenue incidence pricing program with Company.

 

  1.1.5. “Shared Business Segments” means the category and/or product segments (e.g., Sparkling, PowerAde, etc.) as determined by Company in its sole discretion from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.


  1.1.6. Other capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the CBA or any applicable Initial CBA (as each is defined in the Conversion Agreement).

 

2. The term of this Agreement (the “Term”) will be effective as of January 1, 2017, or at such earlier date as the parties may mutually agree, and will terminate upon termination of the Comprehensive Beverage Agreements; provided, however, that if the CBA Conversion (as defined in the Conversion Agreement) has not occurred on or prior to January 1, 2020 as contemplated under Section 2.1 of the Conversion Agreement, then unless otherwise agreed by the parties, this Agreement will cease to apply to the Legacy Territory and Exchange Territory from and after such date, and the Legacy Territory and Exchange Territory will be governed by the terms contained in the incidence pricing agreement between Bottler and Company that is in effect on the date on which this Agreement is executed.

 

3. On or before October 1, 2016, Company will provide Bottler with written notice of the initial Shared Business Segments, and initial Company Revenue Incidence Rate for each such segment, that will apply effective January 1, 2017. Thereafter, Company may, at any time in Company’s sole discretion, upon 180 days’ written notice to Bottler with a copy of such Notice to the Coca-Coca System Leadership Governance Board:

 

  3.1. revise any of the Company Revenue Incidence Rates under this Agreement; provided that any such revision shall be proportionately applied on a percentage basis to all Expanding Participating Bottlers and any Participating Bottlers operating under a Comprehensive Beverage Agreement; and

 

  3.2. modify the Shared Business Segments, including by changing the composition of any Shared Business Segment, adding Shared Business Segments, deleting Shared Business Segments, and determining whether and how any Shared Business Segment applies to any new Covered Beverage or new Related Product, and to establish the Company Revenue Incidence Rate for each such modified or new Shared Business Segment; provided that any such revisions shall be applied to all Expanding Participating Bottlers and any Participating Bottlers.

 

4. Except as provided in Section 2 and Section 3 hereof, this Agreement may be revised only by mutual agreement of Company and Bottler in accordance with this Agreement.

 

5. Bottler will provide to Company, within 15 days after the end of each calendar month and quarter, such information in the form and manner required by Company to perform the calculations described herein for such calendar month and quarter for each of the Shared Business Segments. The information specified in this Section 5 is referred to as “Bottler’s Net Revenue Information”. Company will treat Bottler’s Net Revenue Information in accordance with the confidentiality provisions of the Comprehensive Beverage Agreements. The calculation will be settled quarterly based on Bottler’s calendar quarter. Company will determine Bottler Net Revenue based on Bottler’s Net Revenue Information for the applicable calendar quarter for each such segment.

 

6. Company’s share of revenue (“Company’s Incidence Revenue”) for each Shared Business Segment will be calculated by multiplying Bottler Net Revenue for such Shared Business Segment by the “Company Revenue Incidence Rate” for the applicable Shared Business Segment. Each Expanding Participating Bottler will have its own specific Company Revenue Incidence Rate for each Shared Business Segment, and these rates may vary across Expanding Participating Bottlers.

 

2


7. For each Shared Business Segment, Company will reconcile Company’s Incidence Revenue against Company’s Standard Pricing Revenue, and will provide Bottler with a reconciliation calculation within 5 calendar days of the applicable calendar quarter. If Company’s Incidence Revenue is more than Company’s Standard Pricing Revenue, Bottler shall pay the difference to Company no later than 15 calendar days after the end of the applicable calendar quarter. If Company’s Incidence Revenue is less than Company Standard Pricing Revenue, Company shall pay the difference to Bottler no later than 15 calendar days after the end of the applicable calendar quarter.

 

8. Final Retroactive Adjustment:

 

  8.1. At the end of Quarter 1 of the following calendar year, Bottler and Company will make a final incidence settlement adjustment for the prior year final actuals. However, this final settlement adjustment will not incorporate the final, reconciled expenses for prior year CTM and CMA.

 

  8.2. Once CTM and CMA actuals are finalized for the prior year, Bottler and Company shall adjust the incidence settlement related to the final prior year CTM and CMA adjustment referenced in Section 8.1 hereof. Any variance between this final adjusted incidence settlement and the settlement amount from quarter 1 (prior year) will be paid or invoiced within 30 days of Bottler and Company alignment and no later than the end of the current calendar year. Thereafter, no further adjustment to the incidence settlement shall be made in the current calendar year related to prior year actuals.

 

9. Company Revenue Incidence Rates for new territories acquired by Bottler will be blended with existing territories by Company in a manner that does not result in value transfer between Company and Bottler (i.e., there will not be separate rates by territory for an individual Bottler).

 

10. Company may assign any of its rights and delegate all or any of its duties or obligations under this Agreement to one or more of its Affiliates; provided, however, that any such delegation will not relieve Company from any of its contractual obligations under this Agreement.

 

11. Failure of Company or Bottler (including any of their respective Affiliates) to exercise promptly any right herein granted, or to require strict performance of any obligation undertaken herein by the other party, will not be deemed to be a waiver of such right or of the right to demand subsequent performance of any and all obligations herein undertaken by Bottler or by Company.

 

15. Bottler is an independent contractor and is not an agent of, or a partner or joint venturer with, Company.

 

  15.1. Each of Company and Bottler agree that it will neither represent, nor allow itself to be held out as an agent of, or partner or joint venturer with the other (including any of its Affiliates).

 

  15.2.

Bottler and Company do not intend to create, and this Agreement will not be construed to create, a partnership, joint venture, agency, or any form of fiduciary relationship. Each party covenants and agrees never to assert that a partnership, joint venture or fiduciary relationship exists or has been created under or in connection with this Agreement and the Related Agreements. There is no partnership, joint venture, agency, or any form of fiduciary

 

3


  relationship existing between Bottler and Company, but if it there is determined or found to be a partnership, joint venture, or agency, then Bottler and Company expressly disclaim all fiduciary duties that might otherwise exist under applicable law.

 

  15.3. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended or will be construed to give any person or entity, other than the parties to this Agreement and their successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of any agreement or any provision contained in this Agreement. This Agreement does not, and is not intended to, confer any rights or remedies upon any Person other than Bottler and Company.

 

16. The parties may execute this Agreement in counterparts, each of which is deemed an original and all of which only constitute one original.

 

17. This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, United States of America, without giving effect to any applicable principles of choice or conflict of laws, as to contract formation, construction and interpretation issues. The parties agree that any lawsuit commenced in connection with, or in relation to, this Agreement must be brought in a United States District Court, if there is any basis for federal court jurisdiction. If the party bringing such action reasonably concludes that federal court jurisdiction does not exist, then the party may commence such action in any court of competent jurisdiction.

 

18. The parties acknowledge and agree that the terms and conditions of this Agreement have been the subject of active and complete negotiations, and that such terms and conditions must not be construed in favor of or against any party by reason of the extent to which a party or its professional advisors may have participated in the preparation of this Agreement.

[Signatures on following page]

 

4


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Company and Bottler each have caused this Expanding Participating Bottler Revenue Incidence Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized person in their behalf on the dates indicated below.

 

THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
By:  

/s/ J. Alexander M. Douglas, Jr.

  Authorized Representative
Date:   September 23, 2015
COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED
By:  

/s/ Umesh Kasbekar

  Authorized Representative
Date:   September 23, 2015

 

5

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO       

News Release

 

     Media Contact:  

Lauren C. Steele

Senior VP - Corporate Affairs

704-557-4551

     Investor Contact:  

James E. Harris

Senior VP – Shared Services & CFO

704-557-4582

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    Symbol: COKE
September 24, 2015    Quoted: The NASDAQ Stock Market (Global Select Market)

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire

Manufacturing Facilities and Definitive Agreement

To Expand Franchise Distribution Territory

 

    Purchase of manufacturing facilities in Virginia, Maryland, Indiana and Ohio

 

    Franchise distribution territory expansion includes new markets within Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia

CHARLOTTE, NC—Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated (NASDAQ: COKE), the nation’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottler, today announced it has signed a non-binding letter of intent with The Coca-Cola Company to purchase manufacturing facilities in Virginia, Maryland, Indiana and Ohio and also that it has signed a definitive agreement with an affiliate of The Coca-Cola Company to expand the bottler’s franchise distribution territory to include territories located within Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia .

Letter of Intent for Purchase of Manufacturing Facilities (“Manufacturing Letter of Intent”):

The Company has signed a non-binding Manufacturing Letter of Intent with The Coca-Cola Company to purchase and operate manufacturing facilities currently owned and operated by Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. (“CCR”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company, in Sandston, Virginia; Silver Spring and Baltimore, Maryland; Indianapolis and Portland, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio. The transactions proposed in the Manufacturing Letter of Intent are subject to the parties reaching a definitive agreement, with a series of transaction closings for these facilities expected to begin in the first half of 2016.


Definitive Agreement for Franchise Distribution Territory Expansion (“Definitive Agreement”):

The Definitive Agreement represents the first phase of the proposed franchise territory expansion described in the previously-announced Letter of Intent dated May 12, 2015 between the Company and The Coca-Cola Company (“May 2015 Letter of Intent”) and includes the following territories:

 

    Baltimore, Capital Heights, Cumberland, Easton, Hagerstown, La Plata and Salisbury in Maryland;

 

    Alexandria, Norfolk, Richmond, Yorktown, Fredericksburg and Staunton in Virginia;

 

    Elizabeth City in North Carolina; and

 

    Washington D.C.

CCR currently serves these territories. The Company expects to begin a series of transaction closings for these distribution territories in the fall of 2015 and to complete them by mid-2016.

The Company is continuing to work towards a definitive agreement with The Coca-Cola Company for the remainder of the proposed franchise territory expansion described in the May 2015 Letter of Intent, including distribution territories in parts of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.

The Definitive Agreement and other agreements to be entered into at closing will provide the Company the exclusive rights to distribute beverage brands owned by The Coca-Cola Company as well as certain other beverage brands not owned by The Coca-Cola Company that are currently being distributed in the territories by CCR. The transaction includes the purchase by the Company of distribution assets and certain working capital items from CCR relating to these territories and the purchase of exclusive rights to distribute certain non-Coca-Cola beverage brands in these territories. The transaction also includes the grant by CCR to the Company of exclusive rights to distribute beverage brands owned by The Coca-Cola Company in these territories under a comprehensive beverage agreement to be entered into at closing. Under such agreement, the Company will make a quarterly sub-bottling payment to CCR on a continuing basis after the closing for the grant of such exclusive rights.

In addition to the transactions contemplated by the Definitive Agreement, the parties also have executed a “Territory Conversion Agreement”, which provides for all of the Company’s franchise distribution territories with The Coca-Cola Company, including the Company’s legacy, recently-acquired and to-be-acquired distribution territories, to be governed in the future by a new and final form of comprehensive beverage agreement. A more complete description of the Territory Conversion Agreement and the final form of comprehensive beverage agreement will be included in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated Chairman and CEO J. Frank Harrison III said, “We are excited about the opportunity to own and operate additional manufacturing facilities and become a part of a new national product supply group for the Coca-Cola system. We are also pleased to announce the signing of a definitive agreement to expand our territory into two new states and the District of Columbia and to add to our existing territories in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. We look forward to serving these new communities, customers, consumers and employees.”


Closings of the transactions covered by the Definitive Agreement are subject to the parties satisfying certain conditions. There can be no assurances that these conditions will be satisfied or, if not satisfied, waived. The Company will file a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding the proposed transactions that will be available on the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at www.cokeconsolidated.com. For more information about the transactions, including the closing conditions and about the Company’s relationship with The Coca-Cola Company, investors should read the information included in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K that will be filed and the agreements filed as exhibits to such report.

Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated is the nation’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottler with franchise territories in thirteen states. The Company’s current major markets include Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington, Greenville, the Triad, and Asheville in NC; Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston in SC; Charleston, Beckley, and Parkersburg in WV; Roanoke and Bristol in VA; Cleveland, Nashville, Johnson City, Morristown and Knoxville in TN; Lexington, Louisville, Paducah and Pikeville in KY; Columbus and Albany in GA; Evansville, IN; Mobile, AL; Panama City, FL; and Biloxi, MS.

Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Included in this news release and other information that we make publicly available from time to time are forward-looking management comments and other statements that reflect management’s current outlook for our performance in future periods and management’s expectations for the proposed territory expansion described in the May 2015 Letter of Intent and the proposed purchase of manufacturing facilities described in the Manufacturing Letter of Intent. These statements include, among others, statements regarding the time frame for and sequencing of the proposed territory expansion and the acquisition of manufacturing facilities and other potential opportunities for profitably growing our business as well as our plans for continuing to innovate and evolve packaging and marketing strategies to respond to ever-changing consumer tastes.

These statements and expectations are based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data along with our operating plans and are subject to future events and uncertainties that could cause anticipated events not to occur or actual results to differ materially from historical or anticipated results. Implementation of the balance of the proposed territory expansion described in the May 2015 Letter of Intent and acquisition of the manufacturing facilities described in the Manufacturing Letter of Intent are subject to negotiation and execution of definitive agreement with The Coca-Cola Company and its affiliates. Among the other events or uncertainties which could adversely affect our performance in future periods are: lower than expected selling pricing resulting from increased marketplace competition; changes in how significant customers market or promote our products; changes in our top customer relationships; changes in public and consumer preferences related to nonalcoholic beverages; unfavorable changes in the general economy; miscalculation of our need for infrastructure or capital investment; our inability to meet requirements under beverage agreements; material changes in the performance requirements for marketing funding support or our inability to meet such requirements; decreases from historic levels of marketing funding support; changes in The Coca-Cola Company’s and other beverage companies’ levels of advertising, marketing and spending on brand innovation; the inability of our aluminum can or plastic bottle suppliers to meet our purchase requirements; our inability to offset higher raw material costs with higher selling prices, increased bottle/can sales volume or reduced expenses; consolidation of raw material suppliers could impact our


profitability; increased purchases of finished goods subject us to incremental risks that could impact our profitability; sustained increases in fuel costs or our inability to secure adequate supplies of fuel; sustained increases in workers’ compensation, employment practices and vehicle accident claims costs; sustained increases in the cost of employee benefits; product liability claims or product recalls; technology failures; changes in interest rates; the impact of debt levels on operating flexibility and access to capital and credit markets; adverse changes in our credit rating (whether as a result of our operations or prospects or as a result of those of The Coca-Cola Company or other bottlers in the Coca-Cola system); changes in legal contingencies; legislative changes affecting our distribution and packaging; adoption of significant product labeling or warning requirements; additional taxes resulting from tax audits; natural disasters and unfavorable weather; global climate change or legal or regulatory responses to such change; issues surrounding labor relations; bottler system disputes; our use of estimates and assumptions; changes in accounting standards; impact of obesity and health concerns on product demand; public policy challenges regarding the sale of soft drinks in schools; the impact of volatility in the financial markets on access to the credit markets; the impact of acquisitions or dispositions of bottlers by their franchisors; and the concentration of our capital stock ownership. The forward-looking statements in this news release should be read in conjunction with the more detailed descriptions of the above factors located in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2014 under Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” as well as those additional factors we may describe from time to time in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information or future events or developments.

—Enjoy Coca-Cola—

Exhibit 99.2

CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT, MARKED BY BRACKETED ASTERISKS, HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO RULE 24B-2 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED.

 

LOGO

COCA-COLA PLAZA

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

 

J. ALEXANDER M. DOUGLAS, JR.

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

GLOBAL CHIEF CUSTOMER OFFICER

& GROUP PRESIDENT, CCNA

  

P. O. Box 1734

ATLANTA, GA 30301

        

 

404 676-4421

FAX 404-598-4421

September 23, 2015

J. Frank Harrison III

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated

4100 Coca-Cola Plaza

Charlotte, NC 28211

Dear Frank,

Congratulations on your company’s successful completion of the Lead Market territory transactions and our recent letter of intent and joint announcement regarding certain additional territories to be granted to Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated (“CCBCC” or “Bottler”) during the rest of 2015 and in 2016. We look forward to working closely with you and your highly capable team to continue our successful collaboration and joint work to date. It goes without saying that we very much appreciate the invaluable System leadership demonstrated by you and your entire organization throughout this process.

As you know, the letter of intent entered into on May 12, 2015 between The Coca-Cola Company (“TCCC”) and its operating division Coca-Cola North America (“CCNA”) and CCBCC (the “May 2015 LOI”) contemplates that we will work collaboratively with CCBCC and certain other expanding participating bottlers in the U.S. (“EPBs”) to implement a national product supply system. In recent discussions, we have confirmed our aligned view regarding this proposed national product supply system, including the transfer of ownership to, and ongoing operation of, certain manufacturing assets by, regional producing bottlers (“RPBs”) such as CCBCC. As you know, the upcoming Next Phase and Subsequent Phase distribution transactions described in the May 2015 LOI and the manufacturing facility deals described herein are intended to be part of a single, “unitary” transaction, despite the fact that (i) the parties are entering into one or more separate definitive agreements for distribution (collectively the “Distribution APA”) and manufacturing (the “Production APA”), and (ii) the closings of the distribution transactions and the manufacturing facility transactions will happen at different times due to business and operational requirements. (Capitalized terms used herein, but not otherwise defined herein, will have the meaning ascribed thereto in the May 2015 LOI.)

 

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To that end, this letter (this “Letter of Intent”) sets forth the general terms and conditions pursuant to which Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. (“CCR”), a wholly owned subsidiary of TCCC, or one of its affiliates, will sell certain manufacturing assets to CCBCC, consistent with its future role as an RPB in the contemplated national product supply system. The sale of manufacturing assets that is the subject of this Letter of Intent is, of course, in addition to the anticipated territory transactions that were the primary subject of the May 2015 LOI.

1. Sale of Manufacturing Facilities and Assets. In addition to and as an integral part of the Next Phase and Subsequent Phase distribution transaction(s) described in the May 2015 LOI, CCR will sell, and Bottler will purchase (the “Transaction”), certain manufacturing facilities and related assets (the “Manufacturing Assets”). Set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto is a list of such manufacturing facilities. The closing of the Transaction (the “Closing”) is currently anticipated to occur on the timeline described in Section 9 below. The Transaction will be documented in the Production APA and related documentation on terms and conditions that are reasonably mutually agreed by the parties and that are customary for a transaction of this nature and complexity.

2. Product Supply Arrangements. In connection with the Closing, Bottler and CCNA will execute a regional manufacturing agreement to be in effect as of the Closing (the “Initial RMA”) that will govern the terms and conditions of the Bottler’s use of the Manufacturing Assets to manufacture TCCC brands, including such terms as product quality and trademark licensing provisions and the participation of Bottler in the NPSG Board as described below. The parties have reached agreement regarding the substantially final form of the Initial RMA, as well as the substantially final form of the final form of regional manufacturing agreement that would take effect in the future under certain circumstances throughout Bottler’s territories (the “Final RMA”). The substantially final form of the Initial RMA is attached hereto as Exhibit B, and the substantially final form of the Final RMA is attached as Schedule 9.4 to the Initial RMA attached hereto. The parties intend that the Initial RMA (and/or other documentation to be mutually agreed by the parties) will support the business and operational arrangements among the parties and other RPBs with regard to the NPSG and the operation of the Manufacturing Assets by Bottler after the Closing of the Transaction.

In addition, Bottler (as supplier) will enter into finished goods supply agreements (“FGSAs”) with other RPBs, EPBs and participating bottlers for finished goods that are sourced from the Manufacturing Assets. (Supply arrangements with non-EPB Coca-Cola Bottlers will be covered by a separate agreement, similar to the existing Agency Sales Agreement/Service Level Agreement, in a form to be mutually agreed by the parties.) The FGSAs to be entered into by Bottler hereunder and by the other RPBs will be in substantially the same form as the FGSAs currently in effect in Bottler’s Lead Market distribution territories, but will incorporate certain changes in order to reflect the agreed NPSG governance process described in Section 3 below and, to the extent applicable, to conform to the Initial RMA. The SLAs attached to each RPB’s FGSA may also incorporate certain changes to reflect the operating capabilities of such RPB and its customers.

 

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3. Participation in National Product Supply Governance Activities, Including Investment and Synergy Activities. In connection with the Transaction, Bottler, CCR, CCNA and certain other parties will enter into a national product supply governance agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto, including the NPSG Governance Charter attached thereto as Schedule 1 (collectively the “NPSG Governance Agreement”). Pursuant to the NPSG Governance Agreement, the parties, together with certain other persons, will form the national product supply group (“NPSG”) and will agree to certain binding governance mechanisms, including, without limitation, a governing board (the “NPSG Board”) comprised of a representative of Bottler, each other RPB and CCNA.

The respective roles/participation of the member/representative on the NPSG Board will be as set forth in the NPSG Governance Agreement. The NPSG Board (and/or its predecessor organization, the NPS Forum, which is described in Section 4 below) will make and/or oversee and direct certain key decisions regarding the establishment of the NPSG, including, without limitation, making decisions regarding the management and staffing of the NPSG and the funding for the ongoing operations of the group. Pursuant to the decisions of the NPSG Board, each RPB will make certain investments in their respective manufacturing assets and will implement certain System strategic investment opportunities that are consistent with the NPSG Governance Agreement.

4. NPS Forum. As soon as is practicable after execution of the Distribution APA for the Next Phase transactions (currently anticipated to be on or about the date hereof), a National Product Supply Forum (“NPS Forum”) will be established to begin planning activities required to implement the NPSG and its Board on or about January 1, 2016. The NPS Forum will cease to exist upon creation of NPSG and its Board on or about January 1, 2016.

The NPS Forum will be comprised of representatives of CCNA, Bottler and each other RPB. It is anticipated that the NPS Forum will operate in a manner that is similar to the BPTC advisory group for CONA/IT matters (i.e., it will be a group of System leaders with a common interest in NPS matters that meets regularly to encourage open communication on issues of importance to the anticipated NPSG, ongoing discussion of those issues, and input to and from each of the NPS Forum members). CCNA and each RPB will appoint appropriate senior-level product supply leaders as their representatives to participate in the NPS Forum. The NPS Forum will review and discuss, to the extent permitted by law, system strategic capital investment planning, network optimization of all plant to distribution center sourcing, and new product/packaging infrastructure planning. The NPS Forum will have an advisory role only, and RPBs will have sole decision rights to implement or not to implement any actions considered at the NPS Forum.

As part of the NPS Forum activities described in the preceding paragraph, CCNA will organize and manage periodic update meetings between the RPBs and CCNA to discuss infrastructure projects that are contemplated to be implemented in plants located in the RPBs’ future transitioning manufacturing territories. The parties will ensure that the information and data sharing in these meetings will comply with applicable law. In these update meetings, to the extent permitted by law, CCR will inform the other RPBs and provide visibility to infrastructure plans, options, and implemented infrastructure project results. Until the NPSG Board is established and except as may be provided otherwise in the Production APA, CCR will (i) have sole decision rights to implement infrastructure projects in its current manufacturing plants and (ii) to the extent permitted by law, collaboratively review and prioritize infrastructure projects with affected RPBs. CCNA, CCR, and the other RPBs will agree on a process for third-party audits of infrastructure project results.

 

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5. Implementation of Common IT Platform. Via the Business Process Technology Council group, the parties have engaged in good faith discussions concerning the implementation of the CONA information technology platform to support Bottler’s ongoing operation of the Manufacturing Assets and other manufacturing assets owned and/or operated by Bottler (the “CONA Manufacturing Platform”). If such platform is implemented, the parties anticipate that the CONA Manufacturing Platform and the services related thereto will be owned and managed by the new CONA IT services company (“CONA Services LLC”) that will be owned and operated by CCR, Bottler and other certain other participating EPBs, each of whom will participate on the CONA Services LLC board of directors consistent with the discussions of the parties on this subject. Bottler acknowledges and agrees that, as a member of CONA Services LLC, it will be responsible for funding a portion of any such CONA Manufacturing Platform, with such funding to be based on a mechanism to be agreed by the board of directors of CONA Services LLC.

6. Definitive Agreement. The Transaction will be subject to the terms of the Production APA and other appropriate agreements(s) as determined by the parties in a form to be mutually reasonably agreed by the parties. The parties anticipate that they will attach to and reference in the Production APA: (i) a form of Initial RMA substantially in the form attached hereto to apply to the Manufacturing Assets and their ongoing operation by Bottler during the period from the Closing until such time as Bottler’s existing bottle contracts are converted to the final form of Comprehensive Beverage Agreement on the terms and conditions contained in the Territory Conversion Agreement between Company and Bottler (or at such earlier time as may be mutually agreed by the parties), at which time the Initial RMA shall be amended and restated substantially in the form of the Final RMA attached hereto in the manner specified by the Initial RMA; (ii) the final form of NPSG Governance Agreement; and (iii) such other documents that the parties determine are reasonably necessary to document the Transaction. For ease of transition and to manage resources effectively, the parties may mutually agree in the Production APA to implement the Transaction via a series of separate Closings.

7. Economic Consideration for Transaction. In exchange for the sale of the Manufacturing Assets, at the time of the Closing CCBCC will pay to CCR a cash amount that reflects: (i) CCR’s net book value of those facilities/assets; and (ii) the working capital to be transferred, which amount shall be payable to CCR at the Closing of the transaction. The purchase price for the Manufacturing Assets will be subject to mutually agreed adjustments and to customary true-up activities after Closing, as described in the Production APA.

8. Conditions to Closing. Each of TCCC and Bottler intend to include closing conditions in the Production APA that are substantially similar to those contained in the Distribution APA and that are customary for transactions of this type, including, without limitation, the parties’ execution of the Initial RMA, the NPSG Governance Agreement (which the parties anticipate will be executed by all RPBs prior to January 1, 2016), and other legal agreements that are necessary for the consummation of the Transaction. The Production APA will also include a condition that, at or prior to a Closing for a production facility listed on Exhibit A hereto, CCR will have granted to Bottler exclusive rights to distribute and promote

 

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Covered Beverages and Related Products in the portions of the Next Phase Territory or Subsequent Phase Territory served by such production facility. In addition and consistent with past practice in similar transactions, the Production APA will contain mutually agreeable covenants regarding the satisfactory conduct of due diligence activities prior to the Closing.

9. Anticipated Schedule. The parties anticipate that, shortly after their execution of this Letter of Intent, there may be a joint public announcement by the parties of the Transaction and, subject to applicable regulatory requirements, detailed due diligence and joint integration planning and change management activities will then begin. The parties further anticipate that the Production APA and other definitive documents for the Transaction will be executed oin October 2015.

The parties anticipate the Closing (and/or Closings) pursuant to the Production APA will take place as follows: (i) the Sandston, Virginia facility is scheduled to transition to CCBCC ownership and operation during the first half of 2016; and (ii) the parties will work together collaboratively and in good faith to transition additional plants (regardless of whether or when the CONA manufacturing platform is implemented; it being the parties’ mutual intent that such activities not delay the initial facility transaction(s) that are the subject of the Production APA). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Closing(s) for the remaining facilities listed in Exhibit A will be managed in a way that does not delay or otherwise have an impact on the agreed schedules for the distribution territory grants and transitions for Bottler that are described in the May 2015 LOI. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties acknowledge and agree that the before mentioned dates are estimates only, and are subject to change based on the parties’ discussions, changing business conditions, and other matters.

10. Board Approvals. This Letter of Intent and any subsequent transactions pursuant to this Letter of Intent are subject to the approval processes of the respective parties, including approval of each of their Boards of Directors.

11. Transition Planning Period and Activities. The parties anticipate that, in order to ensure a smooth transition of the Manufacturing Assets to Bottler and subject to applicable regulatory requirements, beginning on the date of execution of this Letter of Intent and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Letter of Intent, execution of the Production APA, or the Closing (as applicable), subject to any restrictions under applicable law, they will engage in a number of joint integration planning and change management activities.

12. Due Diligence; Pre-Closing Activities. The parties anticipate that prior to execution of the Production APA and continuing until Closing, Bottler will perform such due diligence as is customary for a transaction of this nature and complexity including, without limitation, in the areas of finance, operations, environmental, legal, tax, and employment, and CCR will provide reasonable and customary access in this regard.

13. Expenses. Except as otherwise expressly agreed by the parties, each party will bear its own fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Transaction, including with respect to any due diligence, negotiation, preparation of documentation, the Closing and legal, accounting, consulting, travel and other similar fees or expenses, whether or not the Production APA is executed.

 

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14. Termination. This Letter of Intent may be terminated: (a) by mutual written consent of CCR and Bottler; or (b) upon written notice by CCR or Bottler to the other party if the Production APA has not been executed on or prior to December 31, 2015.

15. Non-Binding. This Letter of Intent expresses the present intent of the parties to enter into the Production APA and supporting operating agreements based on the principal terms and conditions set forth herein. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, this Letter of Intent shall not be binding on the parties hereto except as to the captioned sections “Expenses”, “Termination”, “Non-Binding”, “Assignment”, “Amendment; Modification; Waiver”, “Counterparts”, “Confidentiality” and “Governing Law”, which shall be binding and expressly survive any termination hereof.

16. Assignment. This Letter of Intent and the rights and obligations set forth herein shall not be assignable by any party hereto without the prior written consent of the other party hereto. Subject to the preceding sentence, the binding provisions of this Letter of Intent (as noted in the “Non-Binding” section above) shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

17. Amendment; Modification; Waiver. This Letter of Intent may not be amended or terminated or any provision hereof waived or modified except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties hereto.

18. Counterparts. This Letter of Intent may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one agreement, and delivery of an executed signature page by facsimile transmission or other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart.

19. Confidentiality. Except as indicated in Sections 9 and 11 above and except insofar as disclosure is required by applicable law or regulation, this Letter of Intent is strictly confidential and is covered by the parties’ Confidentiality Agreement – Bottler Discussions relating to System Operational Design Project. Neither this Letter of Intent nor any of its contents may be disclosed by CCR or Bottler or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors or representatives, except as permitted in such agreement, and each of the parties will cause such persons not to make any such disclosure.

20. Governing Law. This Letter of Intent will be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia.

We appreciate your team’s efforts and dedication in our System of the Future work to date. We look forward to continuing to work closely with your team to finalize and execute the Production APA, the Initial RMA and the NPS Governance Agreement, and to close this Transaction and move forward with our joint work.

[This space intentionally left blank.]

 

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Please acknowledge CCBCC’s acceptance of the terms and conditions of this Letter of Intent by signing where indicated below and returning it to us.

 

Very truly yours,

/s/ J. Alexander M. Douglas, Jr.

 

Agreed to and Accepted
as of the date first written above:
COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED
By:   /s/ J. Frank Harrison III
  Name: J. Frank Harrison III
  Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


Exhibit A

Manufacturing Facilities

Next Phase

Sandston, VA

Silver Spring, MD

Baltimore, MD

Subsequent Phase

Indianapolis, IN

Portland, IN

Cincinnati, OH


Exhibit B

Substantially Final Form of Initial RMA

See attached.


Initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement

Entered into by The Coca-Cola Company,

a Delaware corporation, and

            , a             corporation, with Effective Date of

            , 20    .


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1.

  RECITALS      1   

2.

  DEFINITIONS      1   

3.

  AUTHORIZATION FOR BOTTLER TO PURCHASE CONCENTRATES AND TO MANUFACTURE AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES      3   

4.

  AUTHORIZATION FOR BOTTLER TO SELL AND SUPPLY AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES      3   

5.

  COMPANY AND BOTTLER RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS REGARDING THE TRADEMARKS      4   

6.

  REFORMULATION AND DISCONTINUATION OF THE CONCENTRATES      5   

7.

  TERRITORIAL LIMITATIONS AND TRANSSHIPPING      5   

8.

  [RESERVED.]      6   

9.

  EFFECT OF NEW OR AMENDED MANUFACTURING AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER REGIONAL PRODUCING BOTTLERS      6   

10.

  OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER AS TO MANUFACTURE OF OTHER BEVERAGE PRODUCTS      7   

12.

  OBLIGATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BOTTLER RELATING TO MANUFACTURE AND QUALITY OF THE AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES      8   

13.

  OBLIGATIONS OF COMPANY AND BOTTLER RELATING TO RECALL OF AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES      11   

14.

  OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER RELATING TO MANUFACTURE OF AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES, SYSTEM GOVERNANCE, INVESTMENT, MANAGEMENT, REPORTING AND PLANNING ACTIVITIES      12   

15.

  PRICING AND OTHER CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE AND SALE OF CONCENTRATES      13   

16.

  OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF BOTTLER      14   

18.

  COMMERCIAL IMPRACTICABILITY AND FORCE MAJEURE      15   

19.

  TERMINATION FOR DEFINED EVENTS      16   

20.

  DEFICIENCY TERMINATION      17   

21.

  BOTTLER RIGHT TO CURE      18   

22.

  [RESERVED.]      19   

23.

  EFFECT OF BOTTLER’S CBA ON THIS AGREEMENT IN CERTAIN EVENTS      20   

24.

  POST-EXPIRATION AND POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS      20   

25.

  COMPANY’S RIGHT OF ASSIGNMENT      20   

26.

  LITIGATION      20   

27.

  INDEMNIFICATION      21   

28.

  BOTTLER’S INSURANCE      22   

29.

  [RESERVED.]      22   


30.

  INCIDENT MANAGEMENT      22   

31.

  SEVERABILITY      22   

32.

  REPLACEMENT OF CERTAIN PRIOR CONTRACTS, MERGER, AND REQUIREMENTS FOR MODIFICATION      23   

33.

  NO WAIVER      23   

34.

  NATURE OF AGREEMENT AND RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES      23   

35.

  HEADINGS AND OTHER MATTERS      24   

36.

  EXECUTION IN MULTIPLE COUNTERPARTS      24   

37.

  NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT      24   

38.

  CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE      26   

39.

  CONFIDENTIALITY      27   

40.

  ACTIVE AND COMPLETE ARMS LENGTH NEGOTIATIONS      28   

41.

  RESERVATION OF RIGHTS      28   

42.

  BOTTLER AFFILIATES      28   


TABLE OF EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit

  

Title

  

Exhibit References by
Section

A    Regional Manufacturing Facilities    1.4

2.1.2

B    Authorized Covered Beverages    1.4

2.3

3.1

C    Finished Goods Supply Agreement    2.7


TABLE OF SCHEDULES

 

Schedule

  

Title

  

Schedule References by
Section

2.14    Related Agreements    2.14
9.4    Regional Manufacturing Agreement    9.4
10.1.6    Third Party Beverages    10.1.6
10.1.7
12.2    Technical Requirements    12.2
28    Insurance Requirements    28
32.1.2    Agreements Not Affected by this Agreement    32.1.2

32.1.4


Initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement

 

THIS AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO BY THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, A DELAWARE CORPORATION (“COMPANY”), AND             , A             CORPORATION (“BOTTLER”).

 

1. RECITALS

 

1.1. Company and Bottler (or one or more Affiliates of Bottler) have entered into one or more Comprehensive Beverage Agreement(s) (as may be amended, restated or modified from time to time, “Bottler’s CBA”) authorizing Bottler to market, promote, distribute and sell Covered Beverages and Related Products within specific geographic Territories, subject to the terms and conditions contained in Bottler’s CBA. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement will have the meanings ascribed to them in Bottler’s CBA, unless a different meaning is ascribed under this Agreement;

 

1.2. Company manufactures and sells, or authorizes others to manufacture and sell, the Concentrates used to manufacture certain of the Covered Beverages, the formulas for all of which constitute trade secrets owned by Company and which are identified by the Trademarks;

 

1.3. Company and Bottler acknowledge that the manufacture of such Covered Beverages is subject to strict production standards and applicable regulatory requirements;

 

1.4. Bottler and Company wish to enter into this Agreement in order to permit Bottler to manufacture, produce and package (collectively, “manufacture”), at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers both for (i) distribution and sale by Bottler and its Affiliates for their own account; and (ii) sale by Bottler and its Affiliates to Company and to certain other U. S. Coca-Cola Bottlers in accordance with this Agreement;

 

1.5. Bottler has requested an authorization from Company to use the Trademarks in connection with such manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages; and

 

1.6. Company is willing to grant the requested authorization to Bottler under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

COMPANY AND BOTTLER AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

 

2. DEFINITIONS

 

2.1. “Agreement” means this Initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement between Bottler and Company, as amended from time to time.

 

2.2. “Authorized Containers” means containers of certain types, sizes, shapes and other distinguishing characteristics that Company from time to time approves in its sole discretion, subject to Section 12.9, for use by all Regional Producing Bottlers in manufacturing Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities. A list of Authorized Containers for each Authorized Covered Beverage will be provided by Company to Bottler, which list may be amended by additions, deletions or modifications by Company from time to time in its sole discretion.


2.3. “Authorized Covered Beverages” means the Covered Beverages identified on Exhibit B that all Regional Producing Bottlers are authorized to manufacture in Authorized Containers at their respective regional manufacturing facilities, which Exhibit will be deemed automatically amended to add any Covered Beverage that Company hereafter authorizes for concentrate-based, cold-fill manufacturing by any U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler, and may otherwise be updated from time to time as mutually agreed by Company and the NPSG. For purposes hereof, cold-fill manufacturing means the process of manufacturing beverages in which the product is chilled, or equal to or less than ambient temperature, at time of filling and packaging. [Note to Draft: Authorization to manufacture Incubation Beverages and fountain syrups to be covered under separate agreements. CCBCC will also need authorization to produce Tum-E Yummies]

 

2.4. “Company Owned Manufacturer” means any Affiliate or operating unit of Company located in the United States that manufactures any of the Authorized Covered Beverages for distribution or sale within the United States.

 

2.5. “Concentrates” means the concentrates and/or beverage bases used to manufacture the Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, the formulas for all of which constitute trade secrets owned by Company and which are identified by the applicable Trademarks.

 

2.6. “Effective Date” means             .

 

2.7. “Finished Goods Supply Agreement” means the Finished Goods Supply Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit C.

 

2.8. “National Product Supply Group” or “NPSG” means The Coca-Cola System National Product Supply Group, as described more fully in the National Product Supply System Governance Agreement.

 

2.9. “National Product Supply Group Board” or “NPSG Board” means The Coca-Cola System National Product Supply Group Governance Board, the governing body for the Coca-Cola National Product Supply Group consisting of representatives of Company, Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. and selected Expanding Participating Bottlers, as described more fully in the National Product Supply System Governance Agreement between Bottler, certain other Regional Producing Bottlers and Company dated as of             , 20        .

 

2.10. “Recipient Bottler” means (i) a Regional Producing Bottler; (ii) any other Expanding Participating Bottler that Company has authorized to market, promote, distribute, and sell Covered Beverages and Related Products under a Comprehensive Beverage Agreement; and (iii) any Participating Bottler that Company has authorized to market, promote, distribute, and sell Covered Beverages and Related Products under a Comprehensive Beverage Agreement. [Note to Draft: definition subject to further discussion; to be agreed by the parties prior to execution of Production APA.]

 

2.11. “Regional Manufacturing Facilities” means the manufacturing facilities owned and operated by Bottler and listed on Exhibit A, which Exhibit will be deemed automatically amended to add any manufacturing facility acquired or built by Bottler after the Effective Date with the approval of the NPSG, and, subject to the requirements of National Product Supply System Governance Agreement, may be otherwise updated from time to time as mutually agreed by Company and Bottler.

 

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2.12. “Regional Producing Bottler” means (i) Bottler; (ii) any other Expanding Participating Bottler that is or becomes a member of the NPSG that Company has authorized, or hereafter authorizes, to manufacture Authorized Covered Beverages under an agreement in substantially the same form as this Agreement; and (iii) a Company Owned Manufacturer that is or becomes a member of the National Product Supply Group.

 

2.13. [Reserved.]

 

2.14. Related Agreement” means any agreement identified on Schedule 2.14 between Company and any of Company’s Affiliates and Bottler and any of Bottler’s Affiliates relating to the manufacturing of Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

3. AUTHORIZATION FOR BOTTLER TO PURCHASE CONCENTRATES AND TO MANUFACTURE AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES

 

3.1. Company appoints Bottler as an authorized purchaser of the Concentrates for the purpose of manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities. Except as otherwise mutually agreed in writing by Company and Bottler, Company shall not appoint, and shall not consent to any appointment by Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. or any of its other Affiliates of, any other Person as an authorized purchaser of the Concentrates for the purposes of manufacture, packaging and distribution of such Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers for sale in Bottler’s Territory.

 

3.2. Bottler will purchase its entire requirements of Concentrates for such Authorized Covered Beverages exclusively from Company and will not use any other syrup, beverage base, concentrate or other ingredient not specified by Company in the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

4. AUTHORIZATION FOR BOTTLER TO SELL AND SUPPLY AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES [Note to Draft: Section 4 remains subject to further discussion prior to execution of Definitive Agreement for Regional Manufacturing Facility transaction.]

 

4.1. Company authorizes Bottler to sell and supply Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured by Bottler at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities to Recipient Bottlers in accordance with the terms and conditions of the [Recipient Bottler Finished Goods Supply Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Schedule 4.1.] [Note to Draft: Form of Recipient Bottler FGSA to be developed by Company and Bottler prior to first Regional Manufacturing Facility transaction closing, and will reflect that effective 1/1/17 pricing to Recipient Bottlers will be calculated by Bottler in accordance with a pricing formula determined unilaterally by CCNA in a manner that provides [***] and that is intended to strengthen the competitiveness of the TCCC finished goods production system.]

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.

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4.2. Company authorizes Bottler to sell and supply Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured by Bottler to Company, and Bottler agrees to sell to Company, at [***] [Note to Draft: definition of [***] to be mutually agreed prior to signing of Definitive Agreement for Regional Manufacturing Facility transaction.] Authorized Covered Beverages in quantities sufficient to enable Company to satisfy demand of U.S. Coca-Cola Bottlers that are not Recipient Bottlers in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time.

 

4.3. Upon Company’s request, Bottler agrees to advise Company, in accordance with written instructions issued by Company from time to time, of the amount of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers that are manufactured at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities and are sold by Bottler to each Recipient Bottler and to Company; provided, however, that Bottler will not be required to provide Company with duplicate copies of any such information provided to the NPSG that expressly directs the NPSG to provide such information to Company.

 

5. COMPANY AND BOTTLER RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS REGARDING THE TRADEMARKS

 

5.1. Bottler acknowledges and agrees that Company is the sole and exclusive owner of all rights, title and interest in and to the Trademarks. Company has the unrestricted right, in its sole discretion, to use the Trademarks on the Authorized Covered Beverages and on all other products and merchandise, to determine which Trademarks will be used on which Authorized Covered Beverages, and to determine how the Trademarks will be displayed and used on and in connection with the Authorized Covered Beverages. Bottler agrees not to dispute the validity of the Trademarks or their exclusive ownership by Company either during the Term or thereafter, notwithstanding any applicable doctrines of licensee estoppel.

 

5.2. Company grants to Bottler only a nonexclusive, royalty-free license to use the Trademarks in connection with the manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities and in connection with the sale of such Authorized Covered Beverages to Recipient Bottlers and Company as provided in this Agreement, and in accordance with standards adopted and issued by Company from time to time, and made available to Bottler through written, electronic, on-line or other form or media, subject to the rights reserved to Company under this Agreement.

 

5.3. Nothing in this Agreement, nor any act or failure to act by Bottler or Company, will give Bottler any proprietary or ownership interest of any kind in the Trademarks or in the goodwill associated therewith.

 

5.4. Bottler acknowledges and agrees that, as between Company and Bottler, all use by Bottler of the Trademarks will inure to the benefit of Company.

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.

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5.5. Except as provided in Bottler’s CBA or as otherwise authorized by Company in writing, Bottler must not adopt or use any name, corporate name, trading name, title of establishment or other commercial designation or logo that includes the words “Coca-Cola”, “Coca”, “Cola”, “Coke”, or any of them, or any word, name or designation that is confusingly similar to any of them, or any graphic or visual representation of the Trademarks or any other Trademark or intellectual property owned by Company, without the prior written consent of Company, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld and will be contingent on Bottler’s compliance with Bottler’s CBA and this Agreement.

 

5.6. Bottler recognizes that the uniform external appearance of the Trademarks on primary and secondary packaging and on equipment and materials used under this Agreement is important to the Trademarks, the successful marketing of the Covered Beverages, and the Coca-Cola system.

 

  5.6.1. Bottler agrees, to the extent such Trademarks are utilized by Bottler in connection with the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, to accept and, within a reasonable time, apply, any new or modified standards adopted and issued from time to time by Company that are generally applicable, and made available to Bottler for the design and decoration of trucks and other delivery vehicles, packaging materials, cases, cartons, and other materials and equipment that bear such Trademarks.

 

  5.6.2. If Company changes such standards, the new standards will apply to all such assets acquired by Bottler for use at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities or in connection with the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities following receipt of Notice of the change in standards to the extent Bottler uses the Trademarks on such assets, and will be applied to such existing assets in the normal course of Bottler’s business (e.g., trucks would be repainted consistent with normal maintenance cycles).

 

6. REFORMULATION AND DISCONTINUATION OF THE CONCENTRATES

 

6.1. Company has the sole and exclusive right and discretion to reformulate any of the Concentrates.

 

6.2. Company has the right to discontinue any Concentrates for any Authorized Covered Beverage that is discontinued or Transferred in accordance with the terms of Bottler’s CBA and any other agreements between Bottler and Company or their respective Affiliates.

 

7. TERRITORIAL LIMITATIONS AND TRANSSHIPPING

 

7.1. Company and Bottler hereby agree that, notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph 9 of Bottler’s CBA (or applicable provisions of any other agreements between Bottler and Company or their respective Affiliates), Bottler may supply Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers manufactured at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities to Recipient Bottlers in accordance with Section 4 for distribution by such Recipient Bottlers in their respective territories in accordance with their respective Comprehensive Beverage Agreement(s) or other agreements with Company.

 

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7.2. Bottler agrees not to sell, distribute or otherwise transfer any Authorized Covered Beverage manufactured at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities except, (i) distribution and sale in Bottler’s (or any one or more of its Affiliates’) Territories in accordance with Bottler’s CBA and in other geographic territories in which Bottler and its Affiliates are authorized to distribute and sell Authorized Covered Beverages by Company or its Affiliates, and (ii) sales of Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers to Recipient Bottlers or Company in accordance with Section 4.

 

8. [RESERVED.]

 

9. EFFECT OF NEW OR AMENDED MANUFACTURING AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER REGIONAL PRODUCING BOTTLERS

 

9.1. If Company or a Company Affiliate on or after [Note to Draft: insert effective date of first Initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement executed by any RPB] (a) enters into a new authorization agreement to manufacture all or substantially all Authorized Covered Beverages at manufacturing facilities acquired from Company or a Company Affiliate on or after October 30, 2015 in territories in the United States of America with another Regional Producing Bottler (other than a Company Owned Distributor) that is more favorable to such other Regional Producing Bottler than the terms and conditions of this Agreement in any material respect, or (b) agrees to an amendment of the terms of a regional manufacturing agreement or other similar agreement authorizing manufacture of all or substantially all Authorized Covered Beverages at manufacturing facilities acquired from Company or a Company Affiliate on or after October 30, 2015 in territories in the United States with another Regional Producing Bottler (other than a Company Owned Distributor) that is more favorable to such other Regional Producing Bottler than the terms and conditions of this Agreement in any material respect, then Company will offer such other new agreement or amended agreement, as the case may be (a New Agreement), in its entirety, to Bottler. If the New Agreement relates to less than all of the Authorized Covered Beverages, then the New Agreement offered to Bottler under this Section 9.1 will cover only those Authorized Covered Beverages covered by the New Agreement.

 

9.2. The foregoing obligation will not apply to any consent, waiver or approval provided under this Agreement or under any agreement held by another Regional Producing Bottler; provided, however, that Company will not waive or otherwise enter into any agreement with any other Regional Producing Bottler that limits the requirement set forth in Section 14.1 or any equivalent requirement under any Regional Manufacturing Agreement held by another Regional Producing Bottler.

 

9.3. Nothing in Section 9.2 will affect (a) Company’s obligation under Section 15.2 or (b) Company’s agreement that the list of Covered Beverages identified on Exhibit B will be the same for all Regional Producing Bottlers.

 

9.4.

If, after the Effective Date, (a) the CBA Conversion (as defined in the Territory Conversion Agreement between the parties dated September [            ], 2015) (the “Territory Conversion Agreement”) occurs in accordance with the Territory Conversion Agreement or (b) Bottler otherwise enters into the Comprehensive Beverage Agreement described in Section 1.1 of the Territory Conversion Agreement

 

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  with respect to all Territories granted to Bottler under Bottler’s CBA (as defined in this Agreement) and all of Bottler’s Legacy Territory (as defined in the Territory Conversion Agreement), this Agreement shall be amended and restated in the form of the Regional Manufacturing Agreement attached hereto as Schedule 9.4 on and as of the date on which the CBA Conversion or the entry into such Comprehensive Beverage Agreement occurs.

 

9.5. The parties agree to cooperate in taking such other actions as may reasonably be required to further document any amendments and modifications resulting from the provisions of this Section 9.

 

10. OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER AS TO MANUFACTURE OF OTHER BEVERAGE PRODUCTS

 

10.1. Bottler covenants and agrees (subject to any requirements imposed upon Bottler under applicable law) not to manufacture at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities any Beverage, Beverage Component, or other beverage product except for:

 

  10.1.1. Authorized Covered Beverages, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and any Related Agreement;

 

  10.1.2. Beverages (including Incubation Beverages), Beverage Components and other beverage products, if and to the extent (a) authorized under any separate written agreement with Company or any of Company’s Affiliates, or (b) otherwise requested by Company or any of its Affiliates;

 

  10.1.3. Permitted Beverage Products distributed by Bottler or its Affiliates for their own account, subject to the terms and conditions of Bottler’s or Bottler Affiliate’s CBA;

 

  10.1.4. Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products manufactured by Bottler under license from a third party brand owner and supplied by Bottler to a Recipient Bottler, subject to the terms and conditions of the Recipient Bottler’s CBA; provided that Bottler will not supply any such Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product manufactured at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities to any Recipient Bottler if Company provides Bottler with Notice that such Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product is not a Permitted Beverage Product under such Recipient Bottler’s CBA; provided, further, that Bottler’s supply of any Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product to a Recipient Bottler that is not a Permitted Beverage Product under such Recipient Bottler’s CBA will not be a breach of this Section 10.1.4 unless Company provides Bottler with such Notice and Bottler continues to supply such Beverage to such Recipient Bottler thereafter in violation of such Notice;

 

  10.1.5. Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products manufactured by Bottler at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities under license from a third party brand owner and supplied by Bottler to another U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler as of the Effective Date, as specified on Schedule 10.1.5; and [Note to Draft: Bottler to provide Company with list of such Beverages produced for each recipient U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler; Company to confirm that any such U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler is permitted to distribute any such Beverage to under such bottler’s agreements with Company.]

 

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  10.1.6. Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products, not otherwise permitted under Sections 10.1.3, 10.1.4, or 10.1.5, manufactured by Bottler at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities under license from a third party brand owner with Company’s prior written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld and will be specified on Schedule 10.1.5. [Note to Draft: Bottler to provide Company with list of such Beverages produced for each recipient for Company’s consideration in developing initial Schedule 10.1.6.]

 

10.2. Notwithstanding anything in Section 10.1 to the contrary, if the NPSG reasonably determines during product supply system sourcing plan development routines that Bottler should supply any Beverage manufactured by Bottler at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities under license from a third party brand owner to certain Recipient Bottlers and/or certain other Regional Producing Bottlers in order to optimize the location for production of such Beverages, then Bottler may do so on a temporary basis as reasonably determined by the NPSG (but in any event not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days).

 

11. WARRANTIES OF COMPANY RELATING TO MANUFACTURE AND QUALITY OF THE CONCENTRATE

Company agrees and warrants that the Concentrates supplied to Bottler, as well as Company’s package designs and design specifications of packages and labels authorized by Company for use on Authorized Covered Beverages, shall comply with all food, labeling, health, packaging and all other applicable laws, including the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended (the “Act”), and regulations, and when supplied to Bottler will not be adulterated, contaminated, or misbranded within the meaning of the Act or any other federal, state or local law, rule or regulation applicable thereto.

 

12. OBLIGATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BOTTLER RELATING TO MANUFACTURE AND QUALITY OF THE AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES

 

  12.1. Bottler agrees and warrants that Bottler’s handling and storage of the Concentrates and Bottler’s manufacture, handling, storage, transportation and delivery of the Authorized Covered Beverages, including any Authorized Covered Beverages supplied to Company or any Recipient Bottler, will at all times and in all events:

 

  12.1.1. be accomplished in accordance with the product, package and equipment quality; food safety; workplace safety; and environmental sustainability standards, requirements and instructions reasonably established and routinely communicated in writing, including through electronic systems and media, by Company to Bottler from time to time (collectively “Technical Requirements”); and

 

  12.1.2. comply with all food, labeling, health, packaging, environmental, safety, sanitation and all other applicable laws, rules, orders, regulations and requirements of any federal, state, city, county or other local government, including any law, statute, ordinance, rule regulation, order, determination, restrictive covenant or deed restriction that regulates the use, generation, disposal, release, storage or presence at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities of substances based upon corrosiveness, toxicity, carcinogenic properties, radioactivity, environmentally hazardous or similar characteristics.

 

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  12.2. The Technical Requirements as of the Effective Date are identified on Schedule 12.2, which schedule will be updated by Company from time to time following discussion with the NPSG and Notice to each Regional Producing Bottler (including any Company Owned Manufacturers).

 

  12.2.1. Company agrees that all Regional Producing Bottlers will be required to comply with same Technical Requirements; provided, however, that (i) Company may make limited exceptions in application or enforcement where necessary to prevent undue hardship for a Regional Producing Bottler, which exceptions shall not in any way be deemed to modify the Technical Requirements and (ii) this Section 12.2.1 shall not in any way effect, limit, or modify any of Bottler’s or Company’s respective rights and obligations under this Agreement, including Bottler’s obligations under Section 12.1.

 

  12.3. Bottler represents, warrants and covenants that Bottler possesses, or will possess, prior to the manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages, and will maintain during the Term, such plant or plants, machinery and equipment, qualified technical personnel and trained staff as are capable of manufacturing the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers in accordance with this Agreement and in sufficient quantities to meet fully the demand for the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers by Bottler in the Territory in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time.

 

  12.4. Bottler agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to meet fully the demand for the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers from Recipient Bottlers in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time.

 

  12.5. Bottler recognizes that increases in the demand for the Authorized Covered Beverages, as well as changes in the list of Authorized Containers, may, from time to time, require adaptation of its existing manufacturing or packaging equipment or the purchase of additional manufacturing or packaging equipment. Bottler agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to make such modifications and adaptations as necessary and to purchase and install such equipment, in time to permit the introduction and manufacture of sufficient quantities of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers, to satisfy fully the demand for the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers in the Territory and to fulfill Bottler’s supply obligations, if any, to Recipient Bottlers, in each case in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time.

 

  12.6. As of the date the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers are shipped by Bottler, the Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured by Bottler will meet the Technical Requirements and will comply with all applicable laws; provided, however, that Bottler will not be responsible for any failure to comply with the Technical Requirements or applicable laws to the extent such failure results from the content or design of labels authorized by Company for use on Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

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  12.7. Bottler, in accordance with such instructions as may be given from time to time by Company, will submit to Company, at Bottler’s expense, samples of the Authorized Covered Beverages and the raw materials used in the manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages. Bottler will permit representatives of Company to have access to the premises of Bottler during ordinary business hours to inspect the plant, equipment, and methods used by Bottler in order to ascertain whether Bottler is complying with the terms of this Section 12, including whether Bottler is complying strictly with the Technical Requirements with respect to the manufacturing, handling and storage of the Authorized Covered Beverages. Bottler will also provide Company with all the information regarding Bottler’s compliance with the terms of this Section 12, as Company may reasonably request from time to time.

 

  12.8. Bottler is authorized to use only Authorized Containers in the manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages, and will use only such Authorized Containers, closures, cases, cartons and other packages and labels as will be authorized from time to time by Company for Bottler and will purchase such items only from manufacturers approved by Company, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld.

 

  12.8.1. Company will approve three (3) or more manufacturers of such items, if in the reasonable opinion of Company, there are three (3) or more manufacturers who are capable of producing such items to be fully suitable for the purpose intended and in accordance with the high quality standards and image of excellence of the Trademarks and the Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  12.8.2. Such approval by Company does not relieve Bottler of Bottler’s independent responsibility to assure that the Authorized Containers, closures, cases, cartons and other packages and labels purchased by Bottler are suitable for the purpose intended, and in accordance with the good reputation and image of excellence of the Trademarks and Covered Beverages (it being understood and agreed, however, that Bottler will not be responsible for the review or inspection of the content or design of labels authorized by Company for use on Authorized Covered Beverages).

 

  12.9. Company reserves the right to withdraw from time to time its approval of any of the Authorized Containers upon six (6) months’ prior Notice to Bottler, and, in such event, the repurchase provisions of Section 24.1.2 will apply to such containers so disapproved that are owned by Bottler. Company will exercise its right to approve, and to withdraw its approval of, specific Authorized Containers in good faith and after consultation with Bottler so as to permit Bottler to continue to satisfy the demand in Bottler’s Territory as a whole for Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  12.10. Bottler will use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain at all times a stock of, or have entered into other alternate supply arrangements to obtain, Authorized Containers, closures, labels, cases, cartons, and other essential related materials bearing the Trademarks, sufficient to satisfy fully the demand for Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers in Bottler’s Territory and to fulfill Bottler’s supply obligations, if any, to Recipient Bottlers, in each case in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time, and Bottler will not use or authorize any other Person to use Authorized Containers, or such closures, labels, cases, cartons and other materials, if they bear the Trademarks or contain any Beverages, for any purpose other than the packaging of the Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

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  12.11. Bottler agrees not to refill or otherwise reuse nonreturnable containers.

 

  12.12. The parties acknowledge and agree (a) that Bottler makes the representations, warranties and agreements set forth in this Section 12 in reliance on Company’s warranty in Section 11 and (b) that the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Section 12 relate solely to Bottler’s activities under this Agreement and the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities.

 

13. OBLIGATIONS OF COMPANY AND BOTTLER RELATING TO RECALL OF AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES

 

  13.1. If Company determines or becomes aware of the existence of any quality or technical problems relating to any Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, or any package used for such Authorized Covered Beverage, in Bottler’s Territory, Company will immediately notify Bottler by telephone, facsimile, e-mail or any other form of immediate communication. This notification will include, to the extent available to Company, (a) the identity and quantities of Authorized Covered Beverages involved, including the specific packages, (b) coding data, and (c) all other relevant data that will assist in tracing such Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  13.1.1. Company may require Bottler to take all necessary action to recall all of such Authorized Covered Beverages, or any package used for such Authorized Covered, or withdraw immediately such Authorized Covered Beverages from the market or the trade, as the case may be.

 

  13.1.2. Company will notify Bottler by telephone, facsimile, e-mail or any other form of immediate communication of the decision by Company to require Bottler to recall such Authorized Covered Beverages or withdraw such Authorized Covered Beverages from the market or trade.

 

  13.2. If Bottler determines or becomes aware of the existence of quality or technical problems relating to Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, then Bottler must immediately notify Company by telephone, e-mail or any other form of immediate communication. This notification must include: (a) the identity and quantities of Authorized Covered Beverages involved, including the specific packages, (b) coding data, and (c) all other relevant data that will assist in tracing such Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  13.3. In the event of a withdrawal or recall of any Authorized Covered Beverage manufactured at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities or any package used for such Authorized Covered Beverage, that was produced by Bottler and sold to a Recipient Bottler, Bottler will use its commercially reasonable efforts to respond promptly and fairly if a claim is made by a Recipient Bottler as a result of any such withdrawal or recall.

 

  13.4.

If any withdrawal or recall of any Authorized Covered Beverage manufactured at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities or any of the packages used therefor is caused by (i) quality or technical defects in the Concentrates, or other materials prepared by Company from which the product involved was prepared by Bottler, or (ii) quality or technical defects in Company’s designs and design specifications of packages and labels authorized by Company for use on

 

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  Authorized Covered Beverages (and specifically excluding designs and specifications of other parties and the failure of other parties to manufacture packages in strict conformity with the designs and specifications of Company), Company will reimburse Bottler for Bottler’s total reasonable expenses incident to such withdrawal or recall, including any payment made by Bottler to a Recipient Bottler in connection with the specific withdrawal or recall.

 

  13.5. Conversely, if any withdrawal or recall of Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities is caused by Bottler’s failure to comply with the Technical Requirements or any applicable laws, rules and regulations (it being understood and agreed that Bottler will not be responsible for any failure to comply with the Technical Requirements or applicable laws to the extent such failure results from the content or design of labels authorized by Company for use on Authorized Covered Beverages), Bottler will bear its total expenses of such withdrawal or recall and reimburse Company for Company’s total reasonable expenses incident to such withdrawal or recall.

 

14. OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER RELATING TO MANUFACTURE OF AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES, SYSTEM GOVERNANCE, INVESTMENT, MANAGEMENT, REPORTING AND PLANNING ACTIVITIES

 

  14.1. Bottler will participate fully in, and comply fully with, the requirements and programs established from time to time by the NPSG Board; provided, however, that Bottler will not be required to engage in conduct that would result in breach of this Agreement, Bottler’s CBA, or any other agreements between Company and Bottler.

 

  14.2. [Reserved.]

 

  14.3. [Reserved.]

 

  14.4. Bottler will maintain the consolidated financial capacity reasonably necessary to assure that Bottler and all Bottler Affiliates will be financially able to perform their respective duties and obligations under this Agreement.

 

  14.5. Upon Company’s request, Bottler will provide to Company each year and review with Company an annual and long range operating plan and budget for Bottler’s business of manufacturing Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, including financials and capital investment budgets to the extent related to the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, and, if requested by Company, discuss changes in general management and senior management of Bottler’s manufacturing business, except to the extent otherwise prohibited by applicable law.

 

  14.6. Bottler will:

 

  14.6.1. Maintain accurate books, accounts and records relating to the purchasing of Concentrate and the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages under this Agreement; and

 

  14.6.2.

Upon Company’s request, provide to Company such operational, financial, accounting, forecasting, planning and other information, including audited and unaudited detail of cost of goods sold and sales volume for Authorized Covered Beverages to the extent, in the form and

 

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  manner, as permitted by applicable law and at such times as reasonably required (a) by Company to determine whether Bottler is performing its obligations under this Agreement; (b) by Company to calculate finished goods pricing under the [Recipient Bottler Finished Goods Supply Agreement] [See Note to Draft of Section 4.1.] and (c) by the NPSG Board for the purpose of implementing, administering, and operating the NPSG, subject to appropriate regulatory firewalls ((a), (b), and (c) collectively, the “Financial Information”); provided, however, that Bottler will not be required to provide Company with duplicate copies of any compilation of Financial Information provided to the NPSG that expressly directs the NPSG to provide such compilation to Company.

 

  14.7. The parties recognize that the Financial Information is critical to the ability of Company and the NPSG to maintain, promote, and safeguard the overall performance, efficiency, integrity, and competitiveness of the product supply system for Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  14.8. Company will hold the Financial Information provided by Bottler in accordance with the confidentiality provisions of Section 39 and will not use such information for any purpose other than determining compliance with this Agreement, [to calculate finished goods pricing under the Recipient Bottler Finished Goods Supply Agreement,] [See Note to Draft of Section 4.1.] or as necessary to provide to the NPSG, subject to appropriate regulatory firewalls, for the purpose of facilitating the NPSG’s execution of operational responsibilities such as infrastructure optimization, national sourcing and strategic initiative decisions.

 

15. PRICING AND OTHER CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE AND SALE OF CONCENTRATES

 

  15.1. Subject to Section 15.2, Company reserves the right to establish and to revise at any time, in its sole discretion, the price of any of the Concentrates sold to Bottler for use in manufacturing Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, the related terms of payment, and the other terms and conditions of supply, any such revision to be effective immediately upon Notice to Bottler. Bottler acknowledges that information related to pricing of Company’s Concentrates is confidential and will be maintained as such in accordance with Section 39.

 

  15.2. If Company exercises its discretion under Section 15.1, the “price” charged by Company or its Affiliate for any of the Concentrates will be the same as the “price” charged by Company or its Affiliate for such Concentrate, the terms of payment and other terms and conditions of supply will be the same as those applied by Company for such Concentrates, to each other Regional Producing Bottler (other than a Company Owned Manufacturer) in the United States.

 

  15.3. For purposes of manufacturing Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, Bottler will purchase from Company only such quantities of the Concentrates as will be necessary and sufficient to carry out Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement. Bottler will use the Concentrates exclusively for its manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages. Bottler will not sell or otherwise transfer any Concentrates or permit the same to get into the hands of third parties.

 

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16. OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF BOTTLER

 

  16.1. Bottler hereby acknowledges the personal nature of Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement, including with respect to the performance standards applicable to Bottler, the dependence of the Trademarks on proper quality control, and the confidentiality required for protection of Company’s trade secrets and confidential information.

 

  16.2. Bottler represents and warrants to Company that, prior to execution of this Agreement, Bottler has made available to Company a complete and accurate list of Persons that own more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding securities of Bottler, and/or of any third parties having a right to, or effective power of, control or management of Bottler (whether through contract or otherwise).

 

  16.3. [Reserved.]

 

  16.4. Bottler acknowledges that Company has a vested and legitimate interest in maintaining, promoting and safeguarding the overall performance, efficiency and integrity of Company’s bottling, distribution and sales system. Bottler therefore covenants and agrees:

 

  16.4.1. Except as otherwise permitted by Bottler’s CBA, not to assign, transfer or pledge this Agreement or any interest herein, in whole or in part, whether voluntarily, involuntarily, or by operation of law (including by merger or liquidation), or sublicense its rights under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any third party or parties, without the prior written consent of Company; and

 

  16.4.2. Not to delegate any material element of Bottler’s performance under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any third party or parties without the prior written consent of Company.

 

  16.5. Notwithstanding Section 16.4, the following shall be expressly permitted hereunder:

 

  16.5.1. Bottler may, after Notice to Company, assign, transfer or pledge this Agreement or any interest herein, in whole or in part, or delegate any material element of Bottler’s performance of this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any wholly-owned Affiliate of Bottler; provided that (a) any such Affiliate must agree in writing to be bound by and comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and (b) any such assignment, transfer, pledge or delegation will not relieve Bottler of any of its obligations under this Agreement; and

 

  16.5.2. Bottler may engage third party contractors and service providers for the purpose of receiving services relating to non-core functions (e.g., back-office administrative services, human resources, payroll, information technology services and similar services); provided that (a) Bottler will retain full responsibility to Company for all of Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement; and (b) Bottler may not subcontract core functions (i.e., manufacturing, market and customer-facing functions) without the prior written consent of Company.

 

  16.6. Any attempt to take any actions prohibited by Sections 16.4 and 16.5 without Company’s prior written consent shall be void and shall be deemed to be a material breach of this Agreement, unless such actions are otherwise permitted under Bottler’s CBA.

 

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17. TERM OF AGREEMENT

This Agreement will commence on the Effective Date and continue so long as Bottler’s CBA is in effect (the Term).

 

18. COMMERCIAL IMPRACTICABILITY AND FORCE MAJEURE

 

  18.1. With respect to any one or more Concentrates (the “Affected Products), as applicable:

 

  18.1.1. The obligation of Company (including any of its Affiliates) to supply Affected Products to Bottler, and Bottler’s obligation to purchase Affected Products from Company and to manufacture any Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured from such Affected Products, shall be suspended during any period when there occurs a change in applicable laws, regulations or administrative measures (including any government permission or authorization regarding customs, health or manufacturing, and further including the withdrawal of any government authorization required by any of the parties to carry out the terms of this Agreement), or issuance of any judicial decree or order binding on any of the parties hereto, in each case in such a manner as to render unlawful or commercially impracticable:

 

  18.1.1.1. The importation or exportation of any essential ingredients of the Affected Products that cannot be produced in quantities sufficient to satisfy the demand therefor by existing Company (including any of its Affiliates) facilities in the United States;

 

  18.1.1.2. The manufacture and distribution of Affected Products to Bottler; or

 

  18.1.1.3. Bottler’s manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages using such Affected Products.

 

  18.2. Force Majeure Event” means any strike, blacklisting, boycott or sanctions imposed by a sovereign nation or supra-national organization of sovereign nations, however incurred, or any act of God, act of foreign enemies, embargo, quarantine, riot, insurrection, a declared or undeclared war, state of war or belligerency or hazard or danger incident thereto.

 

  18.3. Neither Company (including any of its Affiliates) nor Bottler shall be liable for or be subject to any claim for breach or termination as the result of a failure to perform their respective obligations to purchase or supply Concentrate under this Agreement or to manufacture Authorized Covered Beverages made from such Concentrate in quantities to satisfy demand of Company and Recipient Bottlers, as applicable, if and to the extent that such failure is caused by or results from a Force Majeure Event; provided, however:

 

  18.3.1. The party claiming the excuse afforded by this Section 18.3 must use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with any excused obligations under this Agreement that are impaired by such Force Majeure Event; and

 

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  18.3.2. If Bottler is the party claiming the excuse afforded by this Section 18.3:

 

  18.3.2.1. To the extent that Bottler is unable to remediate the effect on its ability to perform caused by such Force Majeure Event within three (3) months from the date of the occurrence of the Force Majeure Event, then,

 

  18.3.2.1.1. Company shall have the right (but not the obligation) upon not less than one (1) month prior Notice to suspend this Agreement and Related Agreements during the period of time that such Force Majeure Event results in Bottler being unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

 

  18.3.2.2. To the extent that Bottler is unable to remediate the effect on its ability to perform caused by such Force Majeure Event within two (2) years from the date of occurrence of the Force Majeure Event, Company shall have the right to terminate this Agreement.

 

19. TERMINATION FOR DEFINED EVENTS

 

  19.1. Company may, at Company’s option, terminate this Agreement, subject to the requirements of Section 23, if any of the following events occur:

 

  19.1.1. An order for relief is entered with respect to Bottler under any Chapter of Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended;

 

  19.1.2. Bottler voluntarily commences any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, or assignment for the benefit of creditors proceeding, case, or suit or consents to such a proceeding, case or suit under the laws of any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any country, kingdom or commonwealth or sub-division thereof not governed by the United States;

 

  19.1.3. A petition, proceeding, case, complaint or suit for bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, or assignment for the benefit of creditors, under the laws of any state, territory or commonwealth of the United States or any country, commonwealth or sub-division thereof or kingdom not governed by the United States, is filed against Bottler, and such a petition, proceeding, suit, complaint or case is not dismissed within sixty (60) days after the commencement or filing of such a petition, proceeding, complaint, case or suit or the order of dismissal is appealed and stayed;

 

  19.1.4. Bottler makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, deed of trust for the benefit of creditors or makes an arrangement or composition with creditors; a receiver or trustee for Bottler or for any interest in Bottler’s business is appointed and such order or decree appointing the receiver or trustee is not vacated, dismissed or discharged within sixty (60) days after such appointment or such order or decree is appealed and stayed;

 

  19.1.5. Any of the Regional Manufacturing Facilities is subject to attachment, levy or other final process for more than twenty (20) days or any of its equipment or facilities is noticed for judicial or non-judicial foreclosure sale and such attachment, levy, process or sale would materially and adversely affect Bottler’s ability to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement; or

 

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  19.1.6. Bottler becomes insolvent or ceases to conduct its operations relating to the Regional Manufacturing Facilities in the normal course of business.

 

  19.1.7. Any Bottler’s Contract, Bottler’s Bottle Contract, or Master Bottle Contract (as the case may be) for Coca-Cola, listed on Schedule 32(d) of Bottler’s CBA, between Company and Bottler or their respective Affiliates is terminated by Company under provisions that permit termination without damages due to Bottler’s breach or default, unless Company agrees in writing that this Section 19.1.7 will not be applied by Company to such termination.

 

20. DEFICIENCY TERMINATION

 

  20.1. Company may also, at Company’s option, terminate this Agreement, subject to the requirements of Section 21 and Section 23, if any of the following events of default occur:

 

  20.1.1. Bottler fails to make timely payment for Concentrate, or of any other material debt owing to Company;

 

  20.1.2. The condition of the facilities or equipment used by Bottler in manufacturing the Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, as reflected in any data collected by Company or generated by Bottler, or in any audit or inspection conducted by or on behalf of Company, fails to meet the Technical Requirements reasonably established by Company, and Bottler fails to complete corrective measures approved by Company within the timeframe therefor reasonably established by Company and specified in the applicable Technical Corrective Action Plan;

 

  20.1.3. Bottler fails to handle the Concentrates or manufacture or handle the Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities in strict conformity with the Technical Requirements and applicable laws, rules and regulations and Bottler fails to complete corrective measures approved by Company within the timeframe therefor reasonably established by Company;

 

  20.1.4. Bottler or any Affiliate of Bottler engages in any of the activities prohibited under Section 10;

 

  20.1.5. [Reserved];

 

  20.1.6. [Reserved];

 

  20.1.7. Bottler breaches in any material respect any of Bottler’s other material obligations under this Agreement;

 

  20.1.8. Bottler breaches in any material respect any of Bottler’s material obligations under the NPSG Governance Agreement and such breach is not timely cured; or

 

  20.1.9. Any event of default occurs under Section XII of Bottler’s CBA that is not timely cured in the manner provided in Bottler’s CBA.

 

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  20.2. In any such event of default, Company may either exercise its right to terminate under this Section 20 (subject to Section 21 and Section 23), or pursue any rights and remedies (other than termination) against Bottler with respect to any such event of default; provided, that Company will not take any action pursuant to this Section 20.2 or Section 21.4 that would limit Bottler’s right to cure under Section 21 of this Agreement or Paragraph 34 of Bottler’s CBA.

 

21. BOTTLER RIGHT TO CURE

 

  21.1. Upon the occurrence of any of the events of default enumerated in Section 20, Company will give Bottler Notice of default.

 

  21.2. In the case of an event of default due to a material breach by Bottler of its obligations under Section 12 (other than Sections 12.2 or 12.4) or Section 13:

 

  21.2.1. Bottler shall have a period of sixty (60) days from receipt of the Notice of default within which to cure such default, by:

 

  21.2.1.1. at the instruction of Company and at Bottler’s expense, promptly withdrawing from the market and destroying any Authorized Covered Beverage that fails to meet the Technical Requirements;

 

  21.2.1.2. compliance with the “Corrective Action” provision of the Technical Requirements; and

 

  21.2.1.3. implementing a corrective action plan (the “Technical Corrective Action Plan”), to be negotiated in good faith and agreed to by Company and Bottler, that reasonably meets the applicable requirements of the “Corrective Action” provision of the Technical Requirements (which Technical Corrective Action Plan may, by mutual agreement of the parties, provide for actions to be taken after expiration of the cure periods specified herein).

 

  21.2.2. If such default has not been cured within such initial sixty (60) day period (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan), then Bottler must cure such default within a second period of sixty (60) days (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan) during which period Company may, by giving Bottler further Notice to such effect, suspend sales to Bottler of Concentrates and require Bottler to cease manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities and the supply and sale of Authorized Covered Beverages from the Regional Manufacturing Facilities by Bottler to Recipient Bottlers; provided, however, that if Bottler has throughout the first and second cure periods strictly complied with Section 13 (Recall) and Section 30 (Incident Management), then such suspension of Concentrate sales and cessation of manufacture and supply shall be limited to the Regional Manufacturing Facilities in which the default occurred.

 

  21.2.3. If such default has not been cured during such second period of sixty (60) days (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan), then Company may terminate this Agreement, by giving Bottler Notice to such effect, effective immediately; provided, however, that if Bottler has throughout the first and second cure periods strictly complied with Section 13 (Recall) and Section 30 (Incident Management), then Bottler will have a third period of sixty (60) days (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan) within which to cure the default.

 

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  21.2.4. If such default has not been cured during any such third period of sixty (60) days (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan), then Company may terminate this Agreement, by giving Bottler notice to such effect, effective immediately.

 

  21.3. In the case of an event of default other than those specified in Section 21.2:

 

  21.3.1. Within sixty (60) days of receipt of such Notice, Bottler will provide Company with a corrective action plan (the Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan”). The Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan must provide for correction of all issues identified in the Notice of default within one (1) year or less from the date on which the Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan is provided to Company.

 

  21.3.2. Company will negotiate in good faith with Bottler the terms of the Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan.

 

  21.3.3. If Company and Bottler fail to agree on a Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan within sixty (60) days of Bottler’s tender of such plan, Bottler must cure the default described in the Notice of default within one (1) year of Bottler’s receipt of the Notice of default. If Bottler fails to cure the default described in the Notice of default within one (1) year of Bottler’s receipt of the Notice, the default will be deemed not to have been cured.

 

  21.3.4. If Company and Bottler timely agree on a Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan, but Bottler fails to implement the agreed Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan to Company’s reasonable satisfaction within the time period specified by the Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan, the default will be deemed not to have been cured.

 

  21.3.5. In the event of an uncured default under this Section 21.3, Company may, by giving Bottler further Notice of termination, terminate this Agreement and require Bottler to cease manufacturing Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities.

 

  21.4. The provisions of this Section 21 (including any cure) will not limit Company’s right to pursue remedies under this Agreement on account of Bottler’s default, other than (a) termination of this Agreement under Section 20, (b) cessation of Company’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement, or (c) rescission.

 

  21.5. In the case of a breach by Bottler or one of its Affiliates of its obligations under this Agreement (other than an event of default specified by Section 21.2), such breach will be deemed to be cured for purposes of this Section 21 if Bottler (or its Affiliate) has terminated the acts or omissions described in such Notice of breach, and has taken reasonable steps under the circumstances to prevent the recurrence of such breach.

 

22. [RESERVED.]

 

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23. EFFECT OF BOTTLER’S CBA ON THIS AGREEMENT IN CERTAIN EVENTS

 

  23.1. Upon any termination of Bottler’s CBA by Company, Company will concurrently terminate this Agreement unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties.

 

24. POST-EXPIRATION AND POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS

 

  24.1. Upon the termination of this Agreement, except to the extent provided in any other agreement between Bottler and Company (or one of Company’s Affiliates):

 

  24.1.1. Bottler shall not thereafter continue to manufacture any of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities or to make any use of the Trademarks or Authorized Containers, or any closures, cases or labels bearing the Trademarks; and

 

  24.1.2. Bottler shall forthwith deliver all materials used by Bottler exclusively for the manufacturing of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, including Concentrates, usable returnable or any nonreturnable containers, cases, closures, and labels bearing the Trademarks, still in Bottler’s possession or under Bottler’s control, to Company or Company’s nominee, as instructed, and, upon receipt, Company shall pay to Bottler a sum equal to the reasonable market value of such supplies or materials. Company will accept and pay for only such articles as are, in the opinion of Company, in first-class and usable condition, and all other such articles shall be destroyed at Bottler’s expense. Containers, closures and all other items bearing the name of Bottler, in addition to the Trademarks, that have not been purchased by Company shall be destroyed without cost to Company, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with instructions given by Company, unless Bottler can remove or obliterate the Trademarks therefrom to the satisfaction of Company. The provisions for repurchase contained this Section 24.1.2 shall apply with regard to any Authorized Container approval of which has been withdrawn by Company under Section 12.10, except under circumstances under which this Agreement is terminated by Company in accordance with Section 20.

 

25. COMPANY’S RIGHT OF ASSIGNMENT

Company may assign any of its rights and delegate all or any of its duties or obligations under this Agreement to one or more of its Affiliates; provided, however, that any such assignment or delegation will not relieve Company from any of its contractual obligations under this Agreement.

 

26. LITIGATION

 

  26.1. Company reserves and has the sole and exclusive right and responsibility to institute any civil, administrative or criminal proceedings or actions, and generally to take or seek any available legal remedy it deems desirable, for the protection of its reputation, the Trademarks, and other intellectual property rights, as well as for the Concentrates, and to defend any action affecting these matters.

 

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  26.2. At the request of Company, Bottler will render reasonable assistance in any such action, including, if requested to do so in the sole discretion of Company, allowing Bottler to be named as a party to such action. However, no financial burden will be imposed on Bottler for rendering such assistance.

 

  26.3. Bottler shall not have any claim against Company or its Affiliates as a result of such proceedings or action or for any failure to institute or defend such proceedings or action.

 

  26.4. Bottler must promptly notify Company of any litigation or proceedings instituted or threatened against Bottler affecting these matters.

 

  26.5. Bottler must not institute any legal or administrative proceedings against any third party that may affect the interests of Company in the Trademarks without the prior written consent of Company, which consent Company may grant or withhold in its sole discretion.

 

  26.6. Bottler will consult with Company on all product liability claims, proceedings or actions brought against Bottler in connection with the Authorized Covered Beverages and will take such action with respect to the defense of any such claim or lawsuit as Company may reasonably request in order to protect the interests of Company in the Authorized Covered Beverages or the goodwill associated with the Trademarks.

 

27. INDEMNIFICATION

 

  27.1. Company will indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless each of Bottler and its Affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, employees, shareholders, owners and agents, from and against all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, injuries, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, proceedings, judgments and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs and other legal expenses (collectively, “Losses), to the extent arising from, connected with or attributable to: (a) Company’s manufacture of the Concentrates (except to the extent arising from matters for which Bottler is responsible under Section 13.5 or Section 27.2); (b) the breach by Company of any provision this Agreement; (c) Bottler’s use, in accordance with this Agreement and Company guidelines respecting use of Company intellectual property, of the Trademarks or of package labels; or (d) the inaccuracy of any warranty or representation made by Company herein or in connection herewith. None of the above indemnities shall require Company to indemnify, protect, defend or hold harmless any indemnitee with respect to any claim to the extent such claim arises from, is connected with or is attributable to the negligence or willful misconduct of such indemnitee.

 

  27.2. Bottler will indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless each of Company and its Affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, employees, shareholders, owners and agents, from and against all Losses to the extent arising from, connected with or attributable to: (a) Bottler’s manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities (except to the extent arising from matters for which Company is responsible under Section 13.4 or Section 27.1); (b) the breach by Bottler of any provision of this Agreement; or (c) the inaccuracy of any warranty or representation made by Bottler herein or in connection herewith. None of the above indemnities shall require Bottler to indemnify, protect, defend or hold harmless any indemnitee with respect to any claim to the extent such claim arises from, is connected with or is attributable to the negligence or willful misconduct of such indemnitee.

 

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  27.3. Neither party will be obligated under this Section 27 to indemnify the other party for Losses consisting of lost profits or revenues, loss of use, or similar economic loss, or for any indirect, special, incidental, consequential or similar damages (“Consequential Damages) arising out of or in connection with the performance or non-performance of this Agreement (except to the extent that an indemnified third party claim asserted against a party includes Consequential Damages).

 

28. BOTTLER’S INSURANCE

Bottler will obtain and maintain a policy of insurance with insurance carriers in such amounts and against such risks as would be maintained by a similarly situated company of a similar size and giving full and comprehensive coverage both as to amount and risks covered in respect of matters referred to in Section 27 (including Bottler’s indemnity of Company contained therein) and will on request produce evidence satisfactory to Company of the existence of such insurance. Compliance with this Section 28 will not limit or relieve Bottler from its obligations under Section 27. In addition, Bottler will satisfy the insurance requirements specified on Schedule 28.

 

29. [RESERVED.]

 

30. INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

 

  30.1. Company and Bottler recognize that incidents may arise that can threaten the reputation and business of Bottler and/or negatively affect the good name, reputation and image of Company and the Trademarks.

 

  30.2. In order to address such incidents, including any questions of quality of the Authorized Covered Beverages that may occur, Bottler will designate and organize an incident management team and inform Company of the members of such team.

 

  30.3. Bottler further agrees to cooperate fully with Company and such third parties as Company may designate and coordinate all efforts to address and resolve any such incident consistent with procedures for crisis management that may be issued to Bottler by Company from time to time.

 

31. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes legally ineffective or invalid, the validity or effect of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected; provided that the invalidity or ineffectiveness of such provision shall not prevent or unduly hamper performance hereunder or prejudice the ownership or validity of the Trademarks.

 

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32. REPLACEMENT OF CERTAIN PRIOR CONTRACTS, MERGER, AND REQUIREMENTS FOR MODIFICATION

 

  32.1. As to all matters and things herein mentioned, the parties agree:

 

  32.1.1. [Reserved];

 

  32.1.2. This Agreement, together with the National Product Supply System Governance Agreement and the documents implementing and governing the NPSG and the NPSG Board set forth the entire agreement between Company and Bottler with respect to the subject matter hereof, and all prior understandings, commitments or agreements relating to such matters between the parties or their predecessors-in-interest are of no force or effect and are cancelled hereby; provided, however, that any written representations made by either party upon which the other party relied in entering into this Agreement will remain binding to the extent identified on Schedule 32.1.2;

 

  32.1.3. Any waiver, amendment or modification of this Agreement or any of its provisions, and any consents given under this Agreement will not be binding upon Bottler or Company unless made in writing, signed by an officer or other duly qualified and authorized representative of Company or by a duly qualified and authorized representative of Bottler; and

 

  32.1.4. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Section 32.1 is not intended to affect in any way the rights and obligations of Bottler (or any of its Affiliates) or Company (or any of its Affiliates) under Bottler’s CBA or the agreements listed in Schedule 32.1.2.

 

33. NO WAIVER

Failure of Company or Bottler (including any of their respective Affiliates) to exercise promptly any right herein granted, or to require strict performance of any obligation undertaken herein by the other party, will not be deemed to be a waiver of such right or of the right to demand subsequent performance of any and all obligations herein undertaken by Bottler or by Company.

 

34. NATURE OF AGREEMENT AND RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES

 

  34.1. Bottler is an independent contractor and is not an agent of, or a partner or joint venturer with, Company.

 

  34.2. Each of Company and Bottler agree that it will neither represent, nor allow itself to be held out as an agent of, or partner or joint venturer with the other (including any of its Affiliates).

 

  34.3. Bottler and Company do not intend to create, and this Agreement will not be construed to create, a partnership, joint venture, agency, or any form of fiduciary relationship. Each party covenants and agrees never to assert that a partnership, joint venture or fiduciary relationship exists or has been created under or in connection with this Agreement and the Related Agreements. There is no partnership, joint venture, agency, or any form of fiduciary relationship existing between Bottler and Company, but if it there is determined or found to be a partnership, joint venture, or agency, then Bottler and Company expressly disclaim all fiduciary duties that might otherwise exist under applicable law.

 

  34.4. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended or will be construed to give any Person, other than the parties to this Agreement and their successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of any agreement or any provision contained in this Agreement. This Agreement does not, and is not intended to, confer any rights or remedies upon any Person other than Bottler and Company.

 

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35. HEADINGS AND OTHER MATTERS

 

  35.1. The headings herein are solely for the convenience of the parties and will not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

 

  35.2. As used in this Agreement, the phrase “including” means “including, without limitation” in each instance.

 

  35.3. References in this Agreement to Sections are to the respective Sections of this Agreement, and references to Exhibits and Schedules are to the respective Exhibits and Schedules of this Agreement as they may be amended from time to time.

 

36. EXECUTION IN MULTIPLE COUNTERPARTS

The parties may execute this Agreement in counterparts, each of which is deemed an original and all of which only constitute one original.

 

37. NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

 

  37.1. Notices.

 

  37.1.1. Requirement of a Writing and Permitted Methods of Delivery. Each party giving or making any notice, request, demand or other communication (each, a “Notice”) pursuant to this Agreement must give the Notice in writing and use one of the following methods of delivery, each of which for purposes of this Agreement is a writing:

 

  37.1.1.1. personal delivery;

 

  37.1.1.2. Registered or Certified Mail, in each case, return receipt requested and postage prepaid;

 

  37.1.1.3. nationally recognized overnight courier, with all fees prepaid;

 

  37.1.1.4. facsimile; or

 

  37.1.1.5. e-mail (followed by delivery of an original by another delivery method provided for in this Section).

 

  37.1.2. Addressees and Addresses. Each party giving a Notice must address the Notice to the appropriate person at the receiving party (the “Addressee”) at the address listed below or to another Addressee or at another address designated by a party in a Notice pursuant to this Section.

 

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Company:   

 

  

 

  

 

   Attention:
   Facsimile:
   E-mail:
With a copy to:   

 

  

 

  

 

   Attention: General Counsel
   Facsimile:
   E-mail:
Bottler:   

 

  

 

  

 

   Attention:
   Facsimile:
   E-mail:
With a copy to:   

 

  

 

  

 

   Attention:
   Facsimile:
   E-mail:

 

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  37.1.3. Effectiveness of a Notice. Except as specifically provided elsewhere in this Agreement, a Notice is effective only if the party giving or making the Notice has complied with Sections 37.1.1 and 37.1.2 and if the Addressee has received the Notice. A Notice is deemed to have been received as follows:

 

  37.1.3.1. If a Notice is delivered in person, when delivered to the Addressee.

 

  37.1.3.2. If delivered by Registered or Certified Mail, upon receipt by Addressee, as indicated by the date on the signed receipt.

 

  37.1.3.3. If delivered by nationally recognized overnight courier service, one Business Day after deposit with such courier service.

 

  37.1.3.4. If sent by e-mail, when sent (if followed promptly by delivery of an original by another delivery method provided for in this Section).

 

  37.1.3.5. If the Addressee rejects or otherwise refuses to accept the Notice, or if the Notice cannot be delivered because of a change in address for which no Notice was given, then upon the rejection, refusal or inability to deliver.

 

  37.1.3.6. Despite the other clauses of this Section 37.1.3, if any Notice is received after 5:00 p.m. on a Business Day where the Addressee is located, or on a day that is not a Business Day where the Addressee is located, then the Notice is deemed received at 9:00 a.m. on the next Business Day where the Addressee is located.

 

  37.2. If Bottler’s signature or acknowledgment is required or requested with respect to any document in connection with this Agreement and any employee or representative authorized by Bottler “clicks” in the appropriate space on the website designated by Company or takes such other action as may be indicated by Company, Bottler shall be deemed to have signed or acknowledged the document to the same extent and with the same effect as if Bottler had signed the document manually; provided, however, that no such signature or acknowledgment shall amend or vary the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

  37.3. Bottler acknowledges and agrees that Bottler has the ability and knowledge to print information delivered to Bottler electronically, or otherwise knows how to store that information in a way that ensures that it remains accessible to Bottler in an unchanged form.

 

38. CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE

 

  38.1. This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, United States of America, without giving effect to any applicable principles of choice or conflict of laws, as to contract formation, construction and interpretation issues, and the federal trademark laws of the United States of America as to trademark matters.

 

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  38.2. The parties agree that any lawsuit commenced in connection with, or in relation to, this Agreement must be brought in a United States District Court, if there is any basis for federal court jurisdiction. If the party bringing such action reasonably concludes that federal court jurisdiction does not exist, then the party may commence such action in any court of competent jurisdiction.

 

39. CONFIDENTIALITY

 

  39.1. In the performance of this Agreement, each party may disclose to the other party certain Proprietary Information. The Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party will remain the sole and exclusive property of the Disclosing Party or a third party providing such information to the Disclosing Party. The disclosure of the Proprietary Information to the Receiving Party does not confer upon the Receiving Party any license, interest, or right of any kind in or to the Proprietary Information, except as expressly provided under this Agreement.

 

  39.2. At all times and notwithstanding any termination or expiration of this Agreement or any amendment hereto, the Receiving Party agrees that it will hold in strict confidence and not disclose to any third party the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party, except as approved in writing by the Disclosing Party. The Receiving Party will only permit access to the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party to those of its or its Affiliates’ employees or authorized representatives having a need to know and who have signed confidentiality agreements or are otherwise bound by confidentiality obligations at least as restrictive as those contained in this Agreement (including external auditors, attorneys and consultants).

 

  39.3. The Receiving Party will be responsible to the Disclosing Party for any third party’s use and disclosure of the Proprietary Information that the Receiving Party provides to such third party in accordance with this Agreement. The Receiving Party will use at least the same degree of care it would use to protect its own Proprietary Information of like importance, but in any case with no less than a reasonable degree of care, including maintaining information security standards specific to such information as set forth in this Agreement.

 

  39.4. If the Receiving Party is required by a Governmental Authority or applicable law to disclose any of the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party, the Receiving Party will (a) first give Notice of such required disclosure to the Disclosing Party (to the extent permitted by applicable law), (b) if requested by the Disclosing Party, use reasonable efforts to obtain a protective order requiring that the Proprietary Information to be disclosed be used only for the purposes for which disclosure is required, (c) if requested by the Disclosing Party, take reasonable steps to allow the Disclosing Party to seek to protect the confidentiality of the Proprietary Information required to be disclosed, and (d) disclose only that part of the Proprietary Information that, after consultation with its legal counsel, it determines that it is required to disclose.

 

  39.5. Each party will immediately notify the other party in writing upon discovery of any loss or unauthorized use or disclosure of the Proprietary Information of the other party.

 

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  39.6. The Receiving Party will not reproduce the Disclosing Party’s Proprietary Information in any form except as required to accomplish the intent of this Agreement. Any reproduction of any Proprietary Information by the Receiving Party will remain the property of the Disclosing Party and must contain any and all confidential or proprietary Notices or legends that appear on the original, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Disclosing Party.

 

  39.7. Neither party will communicate any information to the other party in violation of the proprietary rights of any third party.

 

  39.8. Upon the earlier of termination of this Agreement, written request of the Disclosing Party, or when no longer needed by the Receiving Party for fulfillment of its obligations under this Agreement, the Receiving Party will, if requested by the Disclosing Party, either: (a) promptly return to the Disclosing Party all documents and other tangible materials representing the Disclosing Party’s Proprietary Information, and all copies thereof in its possession or control, if any; or (b) destroy all tangible copies of the Disclosing Party’s Proprietary Information in its possession or control, if any, in each case, except to the extent that such action would violate applicable regulatory or legal requirements. Each party’s counsel may retain one copy of documents and communications between the Parties as necessary for archival purposes or regulatory purposes.

 

40. ACTIVE AND COMPLETE ARMS LENGTH NEGOTIATIONS

The parties acknowledge and agree that the terms and conditions of this Agreement have been the subject of active and complete negotiations, and that such terms and conditions must not be construed in favor of or against any party by reason of the extent to which a party or its professional advisors may have participated in the preparation of this Agreement.

 

41. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

As relates to the Territories and the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, Company reserves all rights not expressly granted to Bottler under this Agreement or Bottler’s CBA.

 

42. BOTTLER AFFILIATES

Bottler hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees that any actions taken by any of Bottler’s Affiliates pursuant to this Agreement will be taken in accordance with all applicable requirements set forth herein to the same extent as if such actions had been taken by Bottler. Bottler acknowledges and agrees that any breach of this Agreement by any Affiliate of Bottler shall be considered a breach by Bottler for all purposes hereof.

[Signature page(s) follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, COMPANY AT ATLANTA, GEORGIA, AND BOTTLER AT             HAVE CAUSED THESE PRESENTS TO BE EXECUTED IN TRIPLICATE BY THE DULY AUTHORIZED PERSON OR PERSONS ON THEIR BEHALF ON THE DATES INDICATED BELOW.

 

THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
By:  

 

  Authorized Representative
Date:  

 

[BOTTLER]
By:  

 

  Authorized Representative
Date:  

 


EXHIBIT A

Regional Manufacturing Facilities

[To list manufacturing facilities when and as acquired from CCR.]


EXHIBIT B

Authorized Covered Beverages

[Subject to further discussion. To be agreed by the parties prior to Closing]

The following Beverages and all SKUs, packages, flavor, calorie and other variations (e.g., Sprite Cranberry, Sprite Zero Cranberry) of each such Beverage offered by Company that are identified by the primary Trademark that also identifies such Beverage or any modification of such primary Trademark, such as, e.g., the primary Trademark used in conjunction with a prefix, a suffix or other modifier:

Coca-Cola

Caffeine Free Coca-Cola

Diet Coke

Diet Coke with Lime

Diet Coke with Splenda®

caffeine free Diet Coke

Coca-Cola Life

Coca-Cola Zero

caffeine free Coca-Cola Zero

Cherry Coke

Diet Cherry Coke

Cherry Coke Zero

Vanilla Coke

Diet Vanilla Coke

Vanilla Coke Zero

Barq’s

Diet Barq’s

DASANI

DASANI Plus

DASANI Sparkling

Fanta

Fanta Zero

Fresca

[Full Throttle]

Mello Yello


Mello Yello Zero

PiBB Xtra

PiBB Zero

Seagram’s ginger ale

Seagram’s mixers

Seagram’s seltzer water

Sprite

Sprite Zero

TaB

VAULT

VAULT Zero

Delaware Punch

FUZE

FUZE Tea

FUZE Juices

FUZE Refreshments

FUZE slenderize


EXHIBIT C

Finished Goods Supply Agreement

[Subject to further discussion. To be agreed by the parties prior to Closing]


Schedule 2.14

Related Agreements

[To be completed prior to execution of this Agreement.]


Schedule 9.4

Regional Manufacturing Agreement


Regional Manufacturing Agreement

Entered into by The Coca-Cola Company,

a Delaware corporation, and

                    , a                     

corporation, with Effective Date of

                         , 20     .

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1.

   RECITALS      1   

2.

   DEFINITIONS      1   

3.

   AUTHORIZATION FOR BOTTLER TO PURCHASE CONCENTRATES AND TO MANUFACTURE AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES      3   

4.

   AUTHORIZATION FOR BOTTLER TO SELL AND SUPPLY AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES      3   

5.

   COMPANY AND BOTTLER RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS REGARDING THE TRADEMARKS      4   

6.

   REFORMULATION AND DISCONTINUATION OF THE CONCENTRATES      5   

7.

   TERRITORIAL LIMITATIONS AND TRANSSHIPPING      5   

8.

   ACQUIRED MANUFACTURING RIGHTS      5   

9.

   EFFECT OF NEW OR AMENDED MANUFACTURING AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER REGIONAL PRODUCING BOTTLERS      6   

10.

   OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER AS TO MANUFACTURE OF OTHER BEVERAGE PRODUCTS      7   

12.

   OBLIGATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BOTTLER RELATING TO MANUFACTURE AND QUALITY OF THE AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES      8   

13.

   OBLIGATIONS OF COMPANY AND BOTTLER RELATING TO RECALL OF AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES      10   

14.

   OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER RELATING TO MANUFACTURE OF AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES, SYSTEM GOVERNANCE, INVESTMENT, MANAGEMENT, REPORTING AND PLANNING ACTIVITIES      11   

15.

   PRICING AND OTHER CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE AND SALE OF CONCENTRATES      13   

16.

   OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF BOTTLER      14   

18.

   COMMERCIAL IMPRACTICABILITY AND FORCE MAJEURE      15   

19.

   TERMINATION FOR DEFINED EVENTS      17   

20.

   DEFICIENCY TERMINATION      17   

21.

   BOTTLER RIGHT TO CURE      18   

22.

   BOTTLER’S RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS WITH RESPECT TO SALE OF ITS BUSINESS      20   

23.

   EFFECT OF THIS AGREEMENT ON BOTTLER’S CBA IN CERTAIN EVENTS      20   

24.

   POST-EXPIRATION AND POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS      21   

25.

   COMPANY’S RIGHT OF ASSIGNMENT      21   

26.

   LITIGATION      21   

27.

   INDEMNIFICATION      22   

28.

   BOTTLER’S INSURANCE      23   

29.

   LIMITATION ON BOTTLER REPRESENTATIONS OR DISCLOSURES REGARDING AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES      23   


30.

   INCIDENT MANAGEMENT      23   

31.

   SEVERABILITY      23   

32.

   REPLACEMENT OF CERTAIN PRIOR CONTRACTS, MERGER, AND REQUIREMENTS FOR MODIFICATION      24   

33.

   NO WAIVER      24   

34.

   NATURE OF AGREEMENT AND RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES      25   

35.

   HEADINGS AND OTHER MATTERS      25   

36.

   EXECUTION IN MULTIPLE COUNTERPARTS      25   

37.

   NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT      25   

38.

   CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE      28   

39.

   CONFIDENTIALITY      28   

40.

   ACTIVE AND COMPLETE ARMS LENGTH NEGOTIATIONS      29   

41.

   RESERVATION OF RIGHTS      30   

42.

   BOTTLER AFFILIATES      30   


TABLE OF EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit

  

Title

   Exhibit References by
Section

A

   Regional Manufacturing Facilities    1.4

2.1.2

B

   Authorized Covered Beverages    1.4

2.3

3.1

C

   Finished Goods Supply Agreement    2.7

 


TABLE OF SCHEDULES

 

Schedule

  

Title

   Schedule References by
Section

2.14

   Related Agreements    2.14

10.1.6

   Third Party Beverages    10.1.6

10.1.7

12.2

   Technical Requirements    12.2

28

   Insurance Requirements    28

32.1.2

   Agreements Not Affected by this Agreement    32.1.2

32.1.4

 


Regional Manufacturing Agreement

THIS AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO BY THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, A DELAWARE CORPORATION (“COMPANY”), AND             , A             CORPORATION (“BOTTLER”).

 

1. RECITALS

 

1.1. Company and Bottler (or one or more Affiliates of Bottler) have entered into one or more Comprehensive Beverage Agreement(s) (as may be amended, restated or modified from time to time, “Bottler’s CBA”) authorizing Bottler to market, promote, distribute and sell Covered Beverages and Related Products within specific geographic Territories, subject to the terms and conditions contained in Bottler’s CBA. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement will have the meanings ascribed to them in Bottler’s CBA, unless a different meaning is ascribed under this Agreement;

 

1.2. Company manufactures and sells, or authorizes others to manufacture and sell, the Concentrates used to manufacture certain of the Covered Beverages, the formulas for all of which constitute trade secrets owned by Company and which are identified by the Trademarks;

 

1.3. Company and Bottler acknowledge that the manufacture of such Covered Beverages is subject to strict production standards and applicable regulatory requirements;

 

1.4. Bottler and Company wish to enter into this Agreement in order to permit Bottler to manufacture, produce and package (collectively, “manufacture”), at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities, the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers both for (i) distribution and sale by Bottler and its Affiliates for their own account in accordance with Bottler’s CBA; and (ii) sale by Bottler and its Affiliates to Company and to certain other U. S. Coca-Cola Bottlers in accordance with this Agreement;

 

1.5. Bottler has requested an authorization from Company to use the Trademarks in connection with such manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages;

 

1.6. Company is willing to grant the requested authorization to Bottler under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

 

1.7. Company and Bottler are parties to certain pre-existing contracts, some of which are identified in Bottler’s CBA Exhibit D under which Company has previously authorized Bottler (or one or more Affiliates of Bottler) to manufacture in certain authorized containers, and market, promote, distribute and sell, Coca-Cola and other beverages marketed under Company’s trademarks. All such pre-existing contracts are amended, restated and superseded by this Agreement and Bottler’s CBA, as of the Effective Date, to the extent provided in Section 32.

COMPANY AND BOTTLER AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

 

2. DEFINITIONS

 

2.1. “Agreement” means this Regional Manufacturing Agreement between Bottler and Company, as amended from time to time.


2.2. “Authorized Containers” means containers of certain types, sizes, shapes and other distinguishing characteristics that Company from time to time approves in its sole discretion, subject to Section 12.9, for use by all Regional Producing Bottlers in manufacturing Authorized Covered Beverages. A list of Authorized Containers for each Authorized Covered Beverage will be provided by Company to Bottler, which list may be amended by additions, deletions or modifications by Company from time to time in its sole discretion.

 

2.3. “Authorized Covered Beverages” means the Covered Beverages identified on Exhibit B, that all Regional Producing Bottlers are authorized to manufacture in Authorized Containers at their respective regional manufacturing facilities, which Exhibit will be deemed automatically amended to add any Covered Beverage that Company hereafter authorizes for concentrate-based, cold-fill manufacturing by any U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler, and which may otherwise be updated from time to time as mutually agreed by Company and the NPSG. For purposes hereof, cold-fill manufacturing means the process of manufacturing beverages in which the product is chilled, or equal to or less than ambient temperature, at time of filling and packaging. [Note to Draft: Authorization to manufacture Incubation Beverages and fountain syrups to be covered under separate agreements. CCBCC will also need authorization to produce Tum-E Yummies]

 

2.4. “Company Owned Manufacturer” means any Affiliate or operating unit of Company located in the United States that manufactures any of the Authorized Covered Beverages for distribution or sale within the United States.

 

2.5. “Concentrates” means the concentrates and/or beverage bases used to manufacture the Authorized Covered Beverages, the formulas for all of which constitute trade secrets owned by Company and which are identified by the applicable Trademarks.

 

2.6. “Effective Date” means                     .

 

2.7. “Finished Goods Supply Agreement” means the Finished Goods Supply Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit C.

 

2.8. “National Product Supply Group” or “NPSG” means The Coca-Cola System National Product Supply Group, as described more fully in the National Product Supply System Governance Agreement.

 

2.9. “National Product Supply Group Board” or “NPSG Board” means The Coca-Cola System National Product Supply Group Governance Board, the governing body for the Coca-Cola National Product Supply Group consisting of representatives of Company and selected Regional Producing Bottlers, as described more fully in the National Product Supply System Governance Agreement between Bottler, certain other Regional Producing Bottlers and Company dated as of                     , 20    .

 

2.10. “Recipient Bottler” means (i) a Regional Producing Bottler; (ii) any other Expanding Participating Bottler that Company has authorized to market, promote, distribute, and sell Covered Beverages and Related Products under a Comprehensive Beverage Agreement; and (iii) any Participating Bottler that Company has authorized to market, promote, distribute, and sell Covered Beverages and Related Products under a Comprehensive Beverage Agreement. [Note to Draft: definition subject to further discussion; to be agreed by the parties prior to execution of Production APA.]

 

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2.11. “Regional Manufacturing Facilities” means the manufacturing facilities owned and operated by Bottler and listed on Exhibit A, which Exhibit will be deemed automatically amended to add any manufacturing facility acquired or built by Bottler after the Effective Date with the approval of the NPSG, and, subject to the requirements of National Product Supply System Governance Agreement, may otherwise be updated from time to time as mutually agreed by Company and Bottler.

 

2.12. “Regional Producing Bottler” means (i) Bottler; (ii) any other Expanding Participating Bottler that is a member of the NPSG that Company has authorized to manufacture Authorized Covered Beverages in accordance with a regional manufacturing authorization agreement with terms and conditions that are substantially similar to those of this Agreement (or that are substantially similar to the form of regional manufacturing authorization agreement the parties previously entered into); and (iii) a Company Owned Manufacturer that is a member of the National Product Supply Group.

 

2.13. [Reserved.]

 

2.14. Related Agreement” means any agreement identified on Schedule 2.14 between Company and any of Company’s Affiliates and Bottler and any of Bottler’s Affiliates relating to the manufacturing of Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

3. AUTHORIZATION FOR BOTTLER TO PURCHASE CONCENTRATES AND TO MANUFACTURE AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES

 

3.1. Company appoints Bottler as an authorized purchaser of the Concentrates for the purpose of manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities. Except as otherwise mutually agreed in writing by Company and Bottler, Company shall not appoint, and shall not consent to any appointment by Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. or any of its other Affiliates of, any other Person as an authorized purchaser of the Concentrates for the purposes of manufacture, packaging and distribution of such Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers for sale in Bottler’s First Line Territory or in Bottler’s Sub-Bottling Territory, respectively.

 

3.2. Bottler will purchase its entire requirements of Concentrates for such Authorized Covered Beverages exclusively from Company and will not use any other syrup, beverage base, concentrate or other ingredient not specified by Company in the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

4. AUTHORIZATION FOR BOTTLER TO SELL AND SUPPLY AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES [Note to Draft: Section 4 remains subject to further discussion prior to execution of Definitive Agreement for Regional Manufacturing Facility transaction.]

 

4.1.

Company authorizes Bottler to sell and supply Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured by Bottler to Recipient Bottlers in accordance with the terms and conditions of the [Recipient Bottler Finished Goods Supply Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Schedule 4.1.] [Note to Draft: Form of Recipient Bottler FGSA to be developed by Company and Bottler prior to first

 

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  Regional Manufacturing Facility transaction closing, and will reflect that effective 1/1/17 pricing to Recipient Bottlers will be calculated by Bottler in accordance with a pricing formula determined unilaterally by CCNA in a manner that provides [***] and that is intended to strengthen the competitiveness of the TCCC finished goods production system.]

 

4.2. Company authorizes Bottler to sell and supply Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured by Bottler to Company, and Bottler agrees to sell to Company, at [***] [Note to Draft: definition of [***] to be mutually agreed prior to signing of Definitive Agreement for Regional Manufacturing Facility transaction.] Authorized Covered Beverages in quantities sufficient to enable Company to satisfy demand of U.S. Coca-Cola Bottlers that are not Recipient Bottlers in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time.

 

4.3. Upon Company’s request, Bottler agrees to advise Company, in accordance with written instructions issued by Company from time to time, of the amount of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers sold by Bottler to each Recipient Bottler and to Company; provided, however, that Bottler will not be required to provide Company with duplicate copies of any such information provided to the NPSG that expressly directs the NPSG to provide such information to Company.

 

5. COMPANY AND BOTTLER RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS REGARDING THE TRADEMARKS

 

5.1. Bottler acknowledges and agrees that Company is the sole and exclusive owner of all rights, title and interest in and to the Trademarks. Company has the unrestricted right, in its sole discretion, to use the Trademarks on the Authorized Covered Beverages and on all other products and merchandise, to determine which Trademarks will be used on which Authorized Covered Beverages, and to determine how the Trademarks will be displayed and used on and in connection with the Authorized Covered Beverages. Bottler agrees not to dispute the validity of the Trademarks or their exclusive ownership by Company either during the Term or thereafter, notwithstanding any applicable doctrines of licensee estoppel.

 

5.2. Company grants to Bottler only a nonexclusive, royalty-free license to use the Trademarks in connection with the manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities and in connection with the sale of such Authorized Covered Beverages to Recipient Bottlers and Company as provided in this Agreement, and in accordance with standards adopted and issued by Company from time to time, and made available to Bottler through written, electronic, on-line or other form or media, subject to the rights reserved to Company under this Agreement.

 

5.3. Nothing in this Agreement, nor any act or failure to act by Bottler or Company, will give Bottler any proprietary or ownership interest of any kind in the Trademarks or in the goodwill associated therewith.

 

5.4. Bottler acknowledges and agrees that, as between Company and Bottler, all use by Bottler of the Trademarks will inure to the benefit of Company.

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.

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5.5. Except as provided in Bottler’s CBA or as otherwise authorized by Company in writing, Bottler must not adopt or use any name, corporate name, trading name, title of establishment or other commercial designation or logo that includes the words “Coca-Cola”, “Coca”, “Cola”, “Coke”, or any of them, or any word, name or designation that is confusingly similar to any of them, or any graphic or visual representation of the Trademarks or any other Trademark or intellectual property owned by Company, without the prior written consent of Company, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld and will be contingent on Bottler’s compliance with Bottler’s CBA and this Agreement.

 

5.6. Bottler recognizes that the uniform external appearance of the Trademarks on primary and secondary packaging and on equipment and materials used under this Agreement is important to the Trademarks, the successful marketing of the Covered Beverages, and the Coca-Cola system.

 

  5.6.1. Bottler agrees, to the extent such Trademarks are utilized by Bottler in connection with the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages, to accept and, within a reasonable time, apply, any new or modified standards adopted and issued from time to time by Company that are generally applicable, and made available to Bottler for the design and decoration of trucks and other delivery vehicles, packaging materials, cases, cartons, and other materials and equipment that bear such Trademarks.

 

  5.6.2. If Company changes such standards, the new standards will apply to all such assets acquired by Bottler following receipt of Notice of the change in standards to the extent Bottler uses the Trademarks on such assets, and will be applied to such existing assets in the normal course of Bottler’s business (e.g., trucks would be repainted consistent with normal maintenance cycles).

 

6. REFORMULATION AND DISCONTINUATION OF THE CONCENTRATES

 

6.1. Company has the sole and exclusive right and discretion to reformulate any of the Concentrates.

 

6.2. Company has the right to discontinue any Concentrates for any Authorized Covered Beverage that is discontinued or Transferred in accordance with the terms of Bottler’s CBA.

 

7. TERRITORIAL LIMITATIONS AND TRANSSHIPPING

 

7.1. Company and Bottler hereby agree that, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 10 of Bottler’s CBA, Bottler may supply Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers to Recipient Bottlers in accordance with Section 4 for distribution by such Recipient Bottlers in their respective territories in accordance with their respective Comprehensive Beverage Agreement(s) or other agreements with Company.

 

7.2. Bottler agrees not to sell, distribute or otherwise transfer any Authorized Covered Beverage except, (i) distribution and sale in Bottler’s (or any one or more of its Affiliates’) Territories in accordance with Bottler’s CBA, and (ii) sales of Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers to Recipient Bottlers or Company in accordance with Section 4.

 

8. ACQUIRED MANUFACTURING RIGHTS

 

.

 

 

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8.1. If, after the Effective Date, Bottler acquires from another U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler the right to manufacture any of the Authorized Covered Beverages, then, unless otherwise agreed in writing by Company and Bottler, such manufacturing rights will automatically be deemed covered under this Agreement for all purposes and Exhibit A will be deemed automatically amended to add any manufacturing facilities acquired in such acquisition to the list of Regional Manufacturing Facilities identified in Exhibit A, and any separate agreement that may exist concerning such manufacturing rights will be deemed amended, restated and superseded by this Agreement.

 

8.2. The parties agree to cooperate in taking such other actions as may reasonably be required to further document any amendments and modifications resulting from the application of Section 8.1 to Bottler’s acquisition of manufacturing rights from another U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler.

 

9. EFFECT OF NEW OR AMENDED MANUFACTURING AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER REGIONAL PRODUCING BOTTLERS

 

9.1. If Company or a Company Affiliate on or after [Note to Draft: insert effective date of initial Regional Manufacturing Agreement] (a) enters into a new authorization agreement to manufacture all or substantially all Authorized Covered Beverages in territories in the United States of America with another Regional Producing Bottler (other than a Company Owned Distributor) that is more favorable to such other Regional Producing Bottler than the terms and conditions of this Agreement in any material respect, or (b) agrees to an amendment of the terms of a regional manufacturing agreement or other similar agreement authorizing manufacture of all or substantially all Authorized Covered Beverages in territories in the United States with another Regional Producing Bottler (other than a Company Owned Distributor) that is more favorable to such other Regional Producing Bottler than the terms and conditions of this Agreement in any material respect, then Company will offer such other new agreement or amended agreement, as the case may be (a “New Agreement”), in its entirety, to Bottler. If the New Agreement relates to less than all of the Authorized Covered Beverages, then the New Agreement offered to Bottler under this Section 9.1 will cover only those Authorized Covered Beverages covered by the New Agreement.

 

9.2. The foregoing obligation will not apply to any consent, waiver or approval provided under this Agreement or under any agreement held by another Regional Producing Bottler; provided, however, that Company will not waive or otherwise enter into any agreement with any other Regional Producing Bottler that limits (a) the requirement set forth in Section 14.1 or any equivalent requirement under any Regional Manufacturing Agreement held by another Regional Producing Bottler or (b) the requirement set forth in Section 14.3.1 or any equivalent requirement under any Regional Manufacturing Agreement held by another Regional Producing Bottler.

 

9.3. Nothing in this Section 9 will affect (a) Company’s obligation under Section 15.2 or (b) Company’s agreement that the list of Covered Beverages identified on Exhibit B will be the same for all Regional Producing Bottlers.

 

9.4. The parties agree to cooperate in taking such other actions as may reasonably be required to further document any amendments and modifications resulting from the provisions of this Section 9.

 

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10. OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER AS TO MANUFACTURE OF OTHER BEVERAGE PRODUCTS

 

10.1. Bottler covenants and agrees (subject to any requirements imposed upon Bottler under applicable law) not to manufacture any Beverage, Beverage Component, or other beverage product except for:

 

  10.1.1. Authorized Covered Beverages, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and any Related Agreement;

 

  10.1.2. Beverages (including Incubation Beverages), Beverage Components and other beverage products, if and to the extent (a) authorized under any separate written agreement with Company or any of Company’s Affiliates, or (b) otherwise requested by Company or any of its Affiliates;

 

  10.1.3. Permitted Beverage Products distributed by Bottler or its Affiliates for their own account, subject to the terms and conditions of Bottler’s or Bottler Affiliate’s CBA;

 

  10.1.4. Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products manufactured by Bottler under license from a third party brand owner and supplied by Bottler to a Recipient Bottler, subject to the terms and conditions of the Recipient Bottler’s CBA; provided that Bottler will not supply any such Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product to any Recipient Bottler if Company provides Bottler with Notice that such Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product is not a Permitted Beverage Product under such Recipient Bottler’s CBA; provided, further, that Bottler’s supply of any Beverage, Beverage Component or other beverage product to a Recipient Bottler that is not a Permitted Beverage Product under such Recipient Bottler’s CBA will not be a breach of this Section 10.1.4 unless Company provides Bottler with such Notice and Bottler continues to supply such Beverage to such Recipient Bottler thereafter in violation of such Notice;

 

  10.1.5. Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products manufactured by Bottler under license from a third party brand owner and supplied by Bottler to another U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler as of the Effective Date, as specified on Schedule 10.1.5; and [Note to Draft: Bottler to provide Company with list of such Beverages produced for each recipient U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler; Company to confirm that any such U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler is permitted to distribute any such Beverage to under such bottler’s agreements with Company.]

 

  10.1.6. Beverages, Beverage Components and other beverage products, not otherwise permitted under Sections 10.1.3, 10.1.4, or 10.1.5, manufactured by Bottler under license from a third party brand owner with Company’s prior written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld and will be specified on Schedule 10.1.5. [Note to Draft: Bottler to provide Company with list of such Beverages produced for each recipient for Company’s consideration in developing initial Schedule 10.1.6.]

 

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10.2. Notwithstanding anything in Section 10.1 to the contrary, if the NPSG reasonably determines during product supply system sourcing plan development routines that Bottler should supply any Beverage manufactured by Bottler under license from a third party brand owner to certain Recipient Bottlers and/or certain other Regional Producing Bottlers in order to optimize the location for production of such Beverages, then Bottler may do so on a temporary basis as reasonably determined by the NPSG (but in any event not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days).

 

11. WARRANTIES OF COMPANY RELATING TO MANUFACTURE AND QUALITY OF THE CONCENTRATE

Company agrees and warrants that the Concentrates supplied to Bottler, as well as Company’s package designs and design specifications of packages and labels authorized by Company for use on Authorized Covered Beverages, shall comply with all food, labeling, health, packaging and all other applicable laws, including the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended (the “Act”), and regulations, and when supplied to Bottler will not be adulterated, contaminated, or misbranded within the meaning of the Act or any other federal, state or local law, rule or regulation applicable thereto.

 

12. OBLIGATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BOTTLER RELATING TO MANUFACTURE AND QUALITY OF THE AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES

 

  12.1. Bottler agrees and warrants that Bottler’s handling and storage of the Concentrates and Bottler’s manufacture, handling, storage, transportation and delivery of the Authorized Covered Beverages, including any Authorized Covered Beverages supplied to Company or any Recipient Bottler, will at all times and in all events:

 

  12.1.1. be accomplished in accordance with the product, package and equipment quality; food safety; workplace safety; and environmental sustainability standards, requirements and instructions reasonably established and routinely communicated in writing, including through electronic systems and media, by Company to Bottler from time to time (collectively “Technical Requirements”); and

 

  12.1.2. comply with all food, labeling, health, packaging, environmental, safety, sanitation and all other applicable laws, rules, orders, regulations and requirements of any federal, state, city, county or other local government, including any law, statute, ordinance, rule regulation, order, determination, restrictive covenant or deed restriction that regulates the use, generation, disposal, release, storage or presence at the Regional Manufacturing Facilities of substances based upon corrosiveness, toxicity, carcinogenic properties, radioactivity, environmentally hazardous or similar characteristics.

 

  12.2. The Technical Requirements as of the Effective Date are identified on Schedule 12.2, which schedule will be updated by Company from time to time following discussion with the NPSG and Notice to each Regional Producing Bottler (including any Company Owned Manufacturers).

 

  12.2.1. Company agrees that all Regional Producing Bottlers will be required to comply with same Technical Requirements; provided, however, that (i) Company may make limited exceptions in application or enforcement where necessary to prevent undue hardship for a Regional Producing Bottler, which exceptions shall not in any way be deemed to modify the Technical Requirements and (ii) this Section 12.2.1 shall not in any way effect, limit, or modify any of Bottler’s or Company’s respective rights and obligations under this Agreement, including Bottler’s obligations under Section 12.1.

 

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  12.3. Bottler represents, warrants and covenants that Bottler possesses, or will possess, prior to the manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages, and will maintain during the Term, such plant or plants, machinery and equipment, qualified technical personnel and trained staff as are capable of manufacturing the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers in accordance with this Agreement and in sufficient quantities to meet fully the demand for the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers by Bottler in the Territory in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time.

 

  12.4. Bottler agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to meet fully the demand for the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers from Recipient Bottlers in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time.

 

  12.5. Bottler recognizes that increases in the demand for the Authorized Covered Beverages, as well as changes in the list of Authorized Containers, may, from time to time, require adaptation of its existing manufacturing or packaging equipment or the purchase of additional manufacturing or packaging equipment. Bottler agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to make such modifications and adaptations as necessary and to purchase and install such equipment, in time to permit the introduction and manufacture of sufficient quantities of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers, to satisfy fully the demand for the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers in the Territory and to fulfill Bottler’s supply obligations, if any, to Recipient Bottlers, in each case in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time.

 

  12.6. As of the date the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers are shipped by Bottler, the Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured by Bottler will meet the Technical Requirements and will comply with all applicable laws; provided, however, that Bottler will not be responsible for any failure to comply with the Technical Requirements or applicable laws to the extent such failure results from the content or design of labels authorized by Company for use on Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  12.7. Bottler, in accordance with such instructions as may be given from time to time by Company, will submit to Company, at Bottler’s expense, samples of the Authorized Covered Beverages and the raw materials used in the manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages. Bottler will permit representatives of Company to have access to the premises of Bottler during ordinary business hours to inspect the plant, equipment, and methods used by Bottler in order to ascertain whether Bottler is complying with the terms of this Section 12, including whether Bottler is complying strictly with the Technical Requirements with respect to the manufacturing, handling and storage of the Authorized Covered Beverages. Bottler will also provide Company with all the information regarding Bottler’s compliance with the terms of this Section 12, as Company may reasonably request from time to time.

 

  12.8. Bottler is authorized to use only Authorized Containers in the manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages, and will use only such Authorized Containers, closures, cases, cartons and other packages and labels as will be authorized from time to time by Company for Bottler and will purchase such items only from manufacturers approved by Company, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld.

 

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  12.8.1. Company will approve three (3) or more manufacturers of such items, if in the reasonable opinion of Company, there are three (3) or more manufacturers who are capable of producing such items to be fully suitable for the purpose intended and in accordance with the high quality standards and image of excellence of the Trademarks and the Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  12.8.2. Such approval by Company does not relieve Bottler of Bottler’s independent responsibility to assure that the Authorized Containers, closures, cases, cartons and other packages and labels purchased by Bottler are suitable for the purpose intended, and in accordance with the good reputation and image of excellence of the Trademarks and Covered Beverages (it being understood and agreed, however, that Bottler will not be responsible for the review or inspection of the content or design of labels authorized by Company for use on Authorized Covered Beverages).

 

  12.9. Company reserves the right to withdraw from time to time its approval of any of the Authorized Containers upon six (6) months’ prior Notice to Bottler, and, in such event, the repurchase provisions of Section 24.1.2 will apply to such containers so disapproved that are owned by Bottler. Company will exercise its right to approve, and to withdraw its approval of, specific Authorized Containers in good faith and after consultation with Bottler so as to permit Bottler to continue to satisfy the demand in Bottler’s Territory as a whole for Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  12.10. Bottler will use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain at all times a stock of, or have entered into other alternate supply arrangements to obtain, Authorized Containers, closures, labels, cases, cartons, and other essential related materials bearing the Trademarks, sufficient to satisfy fully the demand for Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers in Bottler’s Territory and to fulfill Bottler’s supply obligations, if any, to Recipient Bottlers, in each case in accordance with sourcing plans developed by the NPSG from time to time, and Bottler will not use or authorize any other Person to use Authorized Containers, or such closures, labels, cases, cartons and other materials, if they bear the Trademarks or contain any Beverages, for any purpose other than the packaging of the Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  12.11. Bottler agrees not to refill or otherwise reuse nonreturnable containers.

 

  12.12. The parties acknowledge that Bottler makes the representations, warranties and agreements set forth in this Section 12 in reliance on Company’s warranty in Section 11.

 

13. OBLIGATIONS OF COMPANY AND BOTTLER RELATING TO RECALL OF AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES

 

  13.1. If Company determines or becomes aware of the existence of any quality or technical problems relating to any Authorized Covered Beverages, or any package used for such Authorized Covered Beverage, in Bottler’s Territory, Company will immediately notify Bottler by telephone, facsimile, e-mail or any other form of immediate communication. This notification will include, to the extent available to Company, (a) the identity and quantities of Authorized Covered Beverages involved, including the specific packages, (b) coding data, and (c) all other relevant data that will assist in tracing such Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

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  13.1.1. Company may require Bottler to take all necessary action to recall all of such Authorized Covered Beverages, or any package used for such Authorized Covered, or withdraw immediately such Authorized Covered Beverages from the market or the trade, as the case may be.

 

  13.1.2. Company will notify Bottler by telephone, facsimile, e-mail or any other form of immediate communication of the decision by Company to require Bottler to recall Authorized Covered Beverages or withdraw such Authorized Covered Beverages from the market or trade.

 

  13.2. If Bottler determines or becomes aware of the existence of quality or technical problems relating to Authorized Covered Beverages, then Bottler must immediately notify Company by telephone, e-mail or any other form of immediate communication. This notification must include: (a) the identity and quantities of Authorized Covered Beverages involved, including the specific packages, (b) coding data, and (c) all other relevant data that will assist in tracing such Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  13.3. In the event of a withdrawal or recall of any Authorized Covered Beverage or any package used for such Authorized Covered Beverage, that was produced by Bottler and sold to a Recipient Bottler, Bottler will use its commercially reasonable efforts to respond promptly and fairly if a claim is made by a Recipient Bottler as a result of any such withdrawal or recall.

 

  13.4. If any withdrawal or recall of any Authorized Covered Beverage or any of the packages used therefor is caused by (i) quality or technical defects in the Concentrates, or other materials prepared by Company from which the product involved was prepared by Bottler, or (ii) quality or technical defects in Company’s designs and design specifications of packages and labels authorized by Company for use on Authorized Covered Beverages (and specifically excluding designs and specifications of other parties and the failure of other parties to manufacture packages in strict conformity with the designs and specifications of Company), Company will reimburse Bottler for Bottler’s total reasonable expenses incident to such withdrawal or recall, including any payment made by Bottler to a Recipient Bottler in connection with the specific withdrawal or recall.

 

  13.5. Conversely, if any withdrawal or recall is caused by Bottler’s failure to comply with the Technical Requirements or any applicable laws, rules and regulations (it being understood and agreed that Bottler will not be responsible for any failure to comply with the Technical Requirements or applicable laws to the extent such failure results from the content or design of labels authorized by Company for use on Authorized Covered Beverages), Bottler will bear its total expenses of such withdrawal or recall and reimburse Company for Company’s total reasonable expenses incident to such withdrawal or recall.

 

14. OBLIGATIONS OF BOTTLER RELATING TO MANUFACTURE OF AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES, SYSTEM GOVERNANCE, INVESTMENT, MANAGEMENT, REPORTING AND PLANNING ACTIVITIES

 

  14.1. Bottler will participate fully in, and comply fully with, the requirements and programs established from time to time by the NPSG Board; provided, however, that Bottler will not be required to engage in conduct that would result in breach of this Agreement, Bottler’s CBA, or any other agreements between Company and Bottler.

 

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  14.2. Bottler will provide competent and well-trained management and recruit, train, maintain and direct all personnel as required to perform all of Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement, and, in accordance with any requirements imposed upon Bottler under applicable laws, consult with Company, as applicable, before hiring a new Chief Executive Officer, senior operating officer, senior financial officer, senior product supply or manufacturing officer, or senior commercial officer of Bottler; provided however, that Company’s consent will not be required with respect to such hiring decisions made by Bottler.

 

  14.3. Company and Bottler hereby agree that:

 

  14.3.1. Notwithstanding any provision of Bottler’s CBA to the contrary regarding minimum capital expenditures, Bottler shall make capital expenditures (as defined under generally accepted accounting principles in force in the United States of America or in any successor set of accounting principles that may then be in effect), in Bottler’s business of marketing, promoting, distributing, selling and manufacturing Covered Beverages in Bottler’s Territory, in sufficient amounts such that, when taken together with the capital expenditures required under Section 14.5 of Bottler’s CBA, Bottler’s aggregate capital expenditures with respect to such business shall equal the greater of (a) two and one/half percent (2.5%) of Bottler’s Annual Net Revenue related to the manufacture, distribution and sale of Covered Beverages over each rolling five-calendar year period during the Term, or (b) such other amount as reasonably required for Bottler to comply with its obligations under Bottler’s CBA and this Agreement. Such capital expenditures will be for the organization, installation, operation, maintenance and replacement within Bottler’s Territory of such manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, delivery, transportation, vending equipment, merchandising equipment, and other facilities, infrastructure, assets, and equipment. For the avoidance of doubt, any capital expenditures related to Strategic Infrastructure Planning projects approved by the NPSG Board are separate from, and in addition to, the capital expenditures described in this paragraph.

 

  14.3.2. For this purpose, capital expenditures will be calculated on a cash (rather than accrual) basis (i.e., it will be assumed that all such capitalized expenditures are expensed in the year made rather than capitalized and amortized).

 

  14.4. Bottler will maintain the consolidated financial capacity reasonably necessary to assure that Bottler and all Bottler Affiliates will be financially able to perform their respective duties and obligations under this Agreement.

 

  14.5. Upon Company’s request, Bottler will provide to Company each year and review with Company an annual and long range operating plan and budget for Bottler’s business of manufacturing Authorized Covered Beverages, including financials and capital investment budgets, and, if requested by Company, discuss changes in general management and senior management of Bottler’s manufacturing business, except to the extent otherwise prohibited by applicable law.

 

  14.6. Bottler will:

 

  14.6.1. Maintain accurate books, accounts and records relating to the purchasing of Concentrate and the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages under this Agreement; and

 

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  14.6.2. Upon Company’s request, provide to Company such operational, financial, accounting, forecasting, planning and other information, including audited and unaudited detail of cost of goods sold and sales volume for Authorized Covered Beverages to the extent, in the form and manner, as permitted by applicable law and at such times as reasonably required (a) by Company to determine whether Bottler is performing its obligations under this Agreement; (b) by Company to calculate finished goods pricing under the [Recipient Bottler Finished Goods Supply Agreement] [See Note to Draft of Section 4.1.] and (c) by the NPSG Board for the purpose of implementing, administering, and operating the NPSG, subject to appropriate regulatory firewalls ((a), (b), and (c) collectively, the “Financial Information”); provided, however, that Bottler will not be required to provide Company with duplicate copies of any compilation of Financial Information provided to the NPSG that expressly directs the NPSG to provide such compilation to Company.

 

  14.7. The parties recognize that the Financial Information is critical to the ability of Company and the NPSG to maintain, promote, and safeguard the overall performance, efficiency, integrity, and competitiveness of the product supply system for Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  14.8. Company will hold the Financial Information provided by Bottler in accordance with the confidentiality provisions of Section 39 and will not use such information for any purpose other than determining compliance with this Agreement, [to calculate finished goods pricing under the Recipient Bottler Finished Goods Supply Agreement,] [See Note to Draft of Section 4.1.] or as necessary to provide to the NPSG, subject to appropriate regulatory firewalls, for the purpose of facilitating the NPSG’s execution of operational responsibilities such as infrastructure optimization, national sourcing and strategic initiative decisions.

 

15. PRICING AND OTHER CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE AND SALE OF CONCENTRATES

 

  15.1. Subject to Section 15.2, Company reserves the right to establish and to revise at any time, in its sole discretion, the price of any of the Concentrates, the terms of payment, and the other terms and conditions of supply, any such revision to be effective immediately upon Notice to Bottler. Bottler acknowledges that information related to pricing of Company’s Concentrates is confidential and will be maintained as such in accordance with Section 39.

 

  15.2. If Company exercises its discretion under Section 15.1, the “price” charged by Company or its Affiliate for any of the Concentrates will be the same as the “price” charged by Company or its Affiliate for such Concentrate, the terms of payment and other terms and conditions of supply will be the same as those applied by Company for such Concentrates, to each other Regional Producing Bottler (other than a Company Owned Manufacturer) in the United States.

 

  15.3. Bottler will purchase from Company only such quantities of the Concentrates as will be necessary and sufficient to carry out Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement. Bottler will use the Concentrates exclusively for its manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages. Bottler will not sell or otherwise transfer any Concentrates or permit the same to get into the hands of third parties.

 

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16. OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF BOTTLER

 

  16.1. Bottler hereby acknowledges the personal nature of Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement, including with respect to the performance standards applicable to Bottler, the dependence of the Trademarks on proper quality control, and the confidentiality required for protection of Company’s trade secrets and confidential information.

 

  16.2. Bottler represents and warrants to Company that, prior to execution of this Agreement, Bottler has made available to Company a complete and accurate list of Persons that own more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding securities of Bottler, and/or of any third parties having a right to, or effective power of, control or management of Bottler (whether through contract or otherwise).

 

  16.3. Except as otherwise permitted under Bottler’s CBA, Bottler covenants and agrees:

 

  16.3.1. To inform Company without delay of any changes in the record ownership (or, if known to Bottler, any change in the Beneficial Ownership) of more than ten percent (10%) of the shares of Bottler’s outstanding equity interests in a transaction or series of related transactions, provided, that if Bottler is subject to the disclosure and reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Section 16.3.1 shall not apply;

 

  16.3.2. To inform Company without delay if a Change of Control occurs with respect to Bottler; and

 

  16.3.3. Not to change its legal form of organization without first obtaining the written consent of Company, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. It is understood and agreed that Company will not withhold its consent unless the change in legal form could reasonably be expected to affect Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement. For this purpose, (a) the making of an election to be taxed as a Subchapter S corporation for federal income tax purposes, or termination of such an election, and/or (b) reincorporation in another state within the United States of America, will not be considered a change in Bottler’s legal form of organization and will not require Company’s consent.

 

  16.4. Bottler acknowledges that Company has a vested and legitimate interest in maintaining, promoting and safeguarding the overall performance, efficiency and integrity of Company’s bottling, distribution and sales system. Bottler therefore covenants and agrees:

 

  16.4.1. Except as otherwise permitted by Bottler’s CBA, not to assign, transfer or pledge this Agreement or any interest herein, in whole or in part, whether voluntarily, involuntarily, or by operation of law (including by merger or liquidation), or sublicense its rights under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any third party or parties, without the prior written consent of Company; and

 

  16.4.2. Not to delegate any material element of Bottler’s performance under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any third party or parties without the prior written consent of Company.

 

  16.5. Notwithstanding Section 16.4, the following shall be expressly permitted hereunder:

 

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  16.5.1. Bottler may, after Notice to Company, assign, transfer or pledge this Agreement or any interest herein, in whole or in part, or delegate any material element of Bottler’s performance of this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any wholly-owned Affiliate of Bottler; provided that (a) any such Affiliate must agree in writing to be bound by and comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and (b) any such assignment, transfer, pledge or delegation will not relieve Bottler of any of its obligations under this Agreement; and

 

  16.5.2. Bottler may engage third party contractors and service providers for the purpose of receiving services relating to non-core functions (e.g., back-office administrative services, human resources, payroll, information technology services and similar services); provided that (a) Bottler will retain full responsibility to Company for all of Bottler’s obligations under this Agreement; and (b) Bottler may not subcontract core functions (i.e., manufacturing, market and customer-facing functions) without the prior written consent of Company.

 

  16.6. Any attempt to take any actions prohibited by Sections 16.4 and 16.5 without Company’s prior written consent shall be void and shall be deemed to be a material breach of this Agreement, unless such actions are otherwise permitted under Bottler’s CBA.

 

  16.7. Bottler may not describe Company or Bottler’s relationship with Company in any prospectus, offering materials, or marketing materials used by or on behalf of Bottler in connection with the issue, offer, sale, transfer, or exchange of any ownership interest in Bottler or any bonds, debentures or other evidence of indebtedness of Bottler, unless Bottler provides Company with such description at least five (5) Business Days prior to filing or use. Company must provide any comments within three (3) Business Days following receipt of the materials from Bottler. Except as otherwise provided by this Agreement in connection with a Change of Control or sale of the Business, Company shall not require Bottler to disclose the identity of prospective investors, bondholders or lenders or the terms, rates or conditions of the underlying agreements with such Persons. Bottler will not be required to provide to Company any description that has been previously reviewed by Company.

 

17. TERM OF AGREEMENT

This Agreement will commence on the Effective Date and continue so long as Bottler’s CBA is in effect (the “Term”).

 

18. COMMERCIAL IMPRACTICABILITY AND FORCE MAJEURE

 

  18.1. With respect to any one or more Concentrates (the “Affected Products”), as applicable:

 

  18.1.1. The obligation of Company (including any of its Affiliates) to supply Affected Products to Bottler, and Bottler’s obligation to purchase Affected Products from Company and to manufacture any Authorized Covered Beverages manufactured from such Affected Products, shall be suspended during any period when there occurs a change in applicable laws, regulations or administrative measures (including any government permission or authorization regarding customs, health or manufacturing, and further including the withdrawal of any government authorization required by any of the parties to carry out the terms of this Agreement), or issuance of any judicial decree or order binding on any of the parties hereto, in each case in such a manner as to render unlawful or commercially impracticable:

 

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  18.1.1.1. The importation or exportation of any essential ingredients of the Affected Products that cannot be produced in quantities sufficient to satisfy the demand therefor by existing Company (including any of its Affiliates) facilities in the United States;

 

  18.1.1.2. The manufacture and distribution of Affected Products to Bottler; or

 

  18.1.1.3. Bottler’s manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages using such Affected Products.

 

  18.2. Force Majeure Event” means any strike, blacklisting, boycott or sanctions imposed by a sovereign nation or supra-national organization of sovereign nations, however incurred, or any act of God, act of foreign enemies, embargo, quarantine, riot, insurrection, a declared or undeclared war, state of war or belligerency or hazard or danger incident thereto.

 

  18.3. Neither Company (including any of its Affiliates) nor Bottler shall be liable for or be subject to any claim for breach or termination as the result of a failure to perform their respective obligations to purchase or supply Concentrate under this Agreement or to manufacture Authorized Covered Beverages made from such Concentrate in quantities to satisfy demand of Company and Recipient Bottlers, as applicable, if and to the extent that such failure is caused by or results from a Force Majeure Event; provided, however:

 

  18.3.1. The party claiming the excuse afforded by this Section 18.3 must use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with any excused obligations under this Agreement that are impaired by such Force Majeure Event; and

 

  18.3.2. If Bottler is the party claiming the excuse afforded by this Section 18.3:

 

  18.3.2.1. To the extent that Bottler is unable to remediate the effect on its ability to perform caused by such Force Majeure Event within three (3) months from the date of the occurrence of the Force Majeure Event, then,

 

  18.3.2.1.1. Company shall have the right (but not the obligation) upon not less than one (1) month prior Notice to suspend this Agreement and Related Agreements during the period of time that such Force Majeure Event results in Bottler being unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

 

  18.3.2.2. To the extent that Bottler is unable to remediate the effect on its ability to perform caused by such Force Majeure Event within two (2) years from the date of occurrence of the Force Majeure Event, Company shall have the right to terminate this Agreement.

 

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19. TERMINATION FOR DEFINED EVENTS

 

  19.1. Company may, at Company’s option, terminate this Agreement, subject to the requirements of Section 23, if any of the following events occur:

 

  19.1.1. An order for relief is entered with respect to Bottler under any Chapter of Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended;

 

  19.1.2. Bottler voluntarily commences any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, or assignment for the benefit of creditors proceeding, case, or suit or consents to such a proceeding, case or suit under the laws of any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any country, kingdom or commonwealth or sub-division thereof not governed by the United States;

 

  19.1.3. A petition, proceeding, case, complaint or suit for bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, or assignment for the benefit of creditors, under the laws of any state, territory or commonwealth of the United States or any country, commonwealth or sub-division thereof or kingdom not governed by the United States, is filed against Bottler, and such a petition, proceeding, suit, complaint or case is not dismissed within sixty (60) days after the commencement or filing of such a petition, proceeding, complaint, case or suit or the order of dismissal is appealed and stayed;

 

  19.1.4. Bottler makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, deed of trust for the benefit of creditors or makes an arrangement or composition with creditors; a receiver or trustee for Bottler or for any interest in Bottler’s business is appointed and such order or decree appointing the receiver or trustee is not vacated, dismissed or discharged within sixty (60) days after such appointment or such order or decree is appealed and stayed;

 

  19.1.5. Any of Bottler’s equipment or facilities is subject to attachment, levy or other final process for more than twenty (20) days or any of its equipment or facilities is noticed for judicial or non-judicial foreclosure sale and such attachment, levy, process or sale would materially and adversely affect Bottler’s ability to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement; or

 

  19.1.6. Bottler becomes insolvent or ceases to conduct its operations relating to the Business in the normal course of business.

 

20. DEFICIENCY TERMINATION

 

  20.1. Company may also, at Company’s option, terminate this Agreement, subject to the requirements of Section 21 and Section 23, if any of the following events of default occur:

 

  20.1.1. Bottler fails to make timely payment for Concentrate, or of any other material debt owing to Company;

 

  20.1.2. The condition of the facilities or equipment used by Bottler in manufacturing the Authorized Covered Beverages, as reflected in any data collected by Company or generated by Bottler, or in any audit or inspection conducted by or on behalf of Company, fails to meet the Technical Requirements reasonably established by Company, and Bottler fails to complete corrective measures approved by Company within the timeframe therefor reasonably established by Company and specified in the applicable Technical Corrective Action Plan;

 

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  20.1.3. Bottler fails to handle the Concentrates or manufacture or handle the Authorized Covered Beverages in strict conformity with the Technical Requirements and applicable laws, rules and regulations and Bottler fails to complete corrective measures approved by Company within the timeframe therefor reasonably established by Company;

 

  20.1.4. Bottler or any Affiliate of Bottler engages in any of the activities prohibited under Section 10;

 

  20.1.5. A Change of Control occurs with respect to Bottler, except as permitted under Bottler’s CBA;

 

  20.1.6. Any Disposition of any voting securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of any Bottler Subsidiary (other than to a wholly-owned Affiliate in connection with an internal corporate reorganization) is made by Bottler or by any Bottler Subsidiary, except as permitted under Bottler’s CBA. “Bottler Subsidiary” means any Person that is Controlled, directly or indirectly, by Bottler, and that is a party, or Controls directly or indirectly a party, to an agreement with Company or any of its Affiliates regarding the manufacturing of Authorized Covered Beverages;

 

  20.1.7. Bottler breaches in any material respect any of Bottler’s other material obligations under this Agreement;

 

  20.1.8. Bottler breaches in any material respect any of Bottler’s material obligations under the NPSG Governance Agreement and such breach is not timely cured; or

 

  20.1.9. Any event of default occurs under Section 22 of Bottler’s CBA that is not timely cured in the manner provided in Bottler’s CBA.

 

  20.2. In any such event of default, Company may either exercise its right to terminate under this Section 20 (subject to Section 21 and Section 23), or pursue any rights and remedies (other than termination) against Bottler with respect to any such event of default; provided, that Company will not take any action pursuant to this Section 20.2 or Section 21.4 that would limit Bottler’s right to cure under Section 21 of this Agreement or Section 23 of Bottler’s CBA.

 

21. BOTTLER RIGHT TO CURE

 

  21.1. Upon the occurrence of any of the events of default enumerated in Section 20, Company will give Bottler Notice of default.

 

  21.2. In the case of an event of default due to a material breach by Bottler of its obligations under Section 12 (other than Sections 12.2 or 12.4) or Section 13:

 

  21.2.1. Bottler shall have a period of sixty (60) days from receipt of the Notice of default within which to cure such default, by:

 

  21.2.1.1. at the instruction of Company and at Bottler’s expense, promptly withdrawing from the market and destroying any Authorized Covered Beverage that fails to meet the Technical Requirements;

 

  21.2.1.2. compliance with the “Corrective Action” provision of the Technical Requirements; and

 

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  21.2.1.3. implementing a corrective action plan (the “Technical Corrective Action Plan”), to be negotiated in good faith and agreed to by Company and Bottler, that reasonably meets the applicable requirements of the “Corrective Action” provision of the Technical Requirements (which Technical Corrective Action Plan may, by mutual agreement of the parties, provide for actions to be taken after expiration of the cure periods specified herein).

 

  21.2.2. If such default has not been cured within such initial sixty (60) day period (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan), then Bottler must cure such default within a second period of sixty (60) days (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan) during which period Company may, by giving Bottler further Notice to such effect, suspend sales to Bottler of Concentrates and require Bottler to cease manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages and the supply and sale of Authorized Covered Beverages by Bottler to Recipient Bottlers; provided, however, that if Bottler has throughout the first and second cure periods strictly complied with Section 13 (Recall) and Section 30 (Incident Management), then such suspension of Concentrate sales and cessation of manufacture and supply shall be limited to the manufacturing facilities in which the default occurred.

 

  21.2.3. If such default has not been cured during such second period of sixty (60) days (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan), then Company may terminate this Agreement, by giving Bottler Notice to such effect, effective immediately; provided, however, that if Bottler has throughout the first and second cure periods strictly complied with Section 13 (Recall) and Section 30 (Incident Management), then Bottler will have a third period of sixty (60) days (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan) within which to cure the default.

 

  21.2.4. If such default has not been cured during any such third period of sixty (60) days (or such extended period, if any, provided for under a Technical Corrective Action Plan), then Company may terminate this Agreement, by giving Bottler notice to such effect, effective immediately.

 

  21.3. In the case of an event of default other than those specified in Section 21.2:

 

  21.3.1. Within sixty (60) days of receipt of such Notice, Bottler will provide Company with a corrective action plan (the “Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan”). The Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan must provide for correction of all issues identified in the Notice of default within one (1) year or less from the date on which the Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan is provided to Company.

 

  21.3.2. Company will negotiate in good faith with Bottler the terms of the Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan.

 

  21.3.3. If Company and Bottler fail to agree on a Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan within sixty (60) days of Bottler’s tender of such plan, Bottler must cure the default described in the Notice of default within one (1) year of Bottler’s receipt of the Notice of default. If Bottler fails to cure the default described in the Notice of default within one (1) year of Bottler’s receipt of the Notice, the default will be deemed not to have been cured.

 

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  21.3.4. If Company and Bottler timely agree on a Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan, but Bottler fails to implement the agreed Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan to Company’s reasonable satisfaction within the time period specified by the Non-Technical Corrective Action Plan, the default will be deemed not to have been cured.

 

  21.3.5. In the event of an uncured default under this Section 21.3, Company may, by giving Bottler further Notice of termination, terminate this Agreement under Section 20 and require Bottler to cease manufacturing Authorized Covered Beverages.

 

  21.4. The provisions of this Section 21 (including any cure) will not limit Company’s right to pursue remedies under this Agreement on account of Bottler’s default, other than (a) termination of this Agreement under Section 20, (b) cessation of Company’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement, or (c) rescission.

 

  21.5. In the case of a breach by Bottler or one of its Affiliates of its obligations under this Agreement (other than an event of default specified by Section 21.2), such breach will be deemed to be cured for purposes of this Section 21 if Bottler (or its Affiliate) has terminated the acts or omissions described in such Notice of breach, and has taken reasonable steps under the circumstances to prevent the recurrence of such breach.

 

22. BOTTLER’S RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS WITH RESPECT TO SALE OF ITS BUSINESS

For purposes of clarity, the parties hereby agree that any purchase or sale of the “Business”, as that term is used in Bottler’s CBA, will include Bottler’s aggregate business directly and primarily related to the manufacture of Authorized Covered Beverages and other beverage products. [Note to Draft: Bottler’s CBA Schedule 24.1 will include Bottler’s manufacturing business as an “Included Business”.]

 

23. EFFECT OF THIS AGREEMENT ON BOTTLER’S CBA IN CERTAIN EVENTS

 

  23.1. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties, if Company terminates this Agreement in accordance with Section 19 or Section 20 hereof, Company will concurrently terminate Bottler’s CBA in accordance with Section 21.1.7 thereof, and the compensation provisions set forth in Section 25 of Bottler’s CBA will govern.

 

  23.2. Upon any termination of Bottler’s CBA by Company, Company will concurrently terminate this Agreement unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties.

 

  23.3. If Bottler’s CBA is amended in accordance with Section 24.4.3 thereof, then this Agreement will be deemed automatically amended to revise the text in Section 10.1.3 by deleting it in its entirety and replacing it with the following: “Permitted Beverage Products distributed by Bottler or its Affiliates, subject to the terms and conditions of Bottler’s or Bottler Affiliate’s CBA;”. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, the amendment of Bottler’s CBA in accordance with Section 24.4.3 thereof will not affect any of the other rights or obligations of the parties under this Agreement.

 

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24. POST-EXPIRATION AND POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS

 

  24.1. Upon the termination of this Agreement, except to the extent provided in any other agreement between Bottler and Company (or one of Company’s Affiliates):

 

  24.1.1. Bottler shall not thereafter continue to manufacture any of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers or to make any use of the Trademarks or Authorized Containers, or any closures, cases or labels bearing the Trademarks; and

 

  24.1.2. Bottler shall forthwith deliver all materials used by Bottler exclusively for the manufacturing of the Authorized Covered Beverages in Authorized Containers, including Concentrates, usable returnable or any nonreturnable containers, cases, closures, and labels bearing the Trademarks, still in Bottler’s possession or under Bottler’s control, to Company or Company’s nominee, as instructed, and, upon receipt, Company shall pay to Bottler a sum equal to the reasonable market value of such supplies or materials; provided, however, that no such payment shall be made in connection with a purchase by Company of Bottler’s Business or production assets in accordance with Section 22. Company will accept and pay for only such articles as are, in the opinion of Company, in first-class and usable condition, and all other such articles shall be destroyed at Bottler’s expense. Containers, closures and all other items bearing the name of Bottler, in addition to the Trademarks, that have not been purchased by Company shall be destroyed without cost to Company, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with instructions given by Company, unless Bottler can remove or obliterate the Trademarks therefrom to the satisfaction of Company. The provisions for repurchase contained this Section 24.1.2 shall apply with regard to any Authorized Container approval of which has been withdrawn by Company under Section 12.10, except under circumstances under which this Agreement is terminated by Company in accordance with Section 20.

 

25. COMPANY’S RIGHT OF ASSIGNMENT

Company may assign any of its rights and delegate all or any of its duties or obligations under this Agreement to one or more of its Affiliates; provided, however, that any such assignment or delegation will not relieve Company from any of its contractual obligations under this Agreement.

 

26. LITIGATION

 

  26.1. Company reserves and has the sole and exclusive right and responsibility to institute any civil, administrative or criminal proceedings or actions, and generally to take or seek any available legal remedy it deems desirable, for the protection of its reputation, the Trademarks, and other intellectual property rights, as well as for the Concentrates, and to defend any action affecting these matters.

 

  26.2. At the request of Company, Bottler will render reasonable assistance in any such action, including, if requested to do so in the sole discretion of Company, allowing Bottler to be named as a party to such action. However, no financial burden will be imposed on Bottler for rendering such assistance.

 

  26.3. Bottler shall not have any claim against Company or its Affiliates as a result of such proceedings or action or for any failure to institute or defend such proceedings or action.

 

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  26.4. Bottler must promptly notify Company of any litigation or proceedings instituted or threatened against Bottler affecting these matters.

 

  26.5. Bottler must not institute any legal or administrative proceedings against any third party that may affect the interests of Company in the Trademarks without the prior written consent of Company, which consent Company may grant or withhold in its sole discretion.

 

  26.6. Bottler will consult with Company on all product liability claims, proceedings or actions brought against Bottler in connection with the Authorized Covered Beverages and will take such action with respect to the defense of any such claim or lawsuit as Company may reasonably request in order to protect the interests of Company in the Authorized Covered Beverages or the goodwill associated with the Trademarks.

 

27. INDEMNIFICATION

 

  27.1. Company will indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless each of Bottler and its Affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, employees, shareholders, owners and agents, from and against all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, injuries, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, proceedings, judgments and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs and other legal expenses (collectively, “Losses”), to the extent arising from, connected with or attributable to: (a) Company’s manufacture of the Concentrates (except to the extent arising from matters for which Bottler is responsible under Section 13.5 or Section 27.2); (b) the breach by Company of any provision this Agreement; (c) Bottler’s use, in accordance with this Agreement and Company guidelines respecting use of Company intellectual property, of the Trademarks or of package labels; or (d) the inaccuracy of any warranty or representation made by Company herein or in connection herewith. None of the above indemnities shall require Company to indemnify, protect, defend or hold harmless any indemnitee with respect to any claim to the extent such claim arises from, is connected with or is attributable to the negligence or willful misconduct of such indemnitee.

 

  27.2. Bottler will indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless each of Company and its Affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, employees, shareholders, owners and agents, from and against all Losses to the extent arising from, connected with or attributable to: (a) Bottler’s manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages (except to the extent arising from matters for which Company is responsible under Section 13.4 or Section 27.1); (b) the breach by Bottler of any provision of this Agreement; or (c) the inaccuracy of any warranty or representation made by Bottler herein or in connection herewith. None of the above indemnities shall require Bottler to indemnify, protect, defend or hold harmless any indemnitee with respect to any claim to the extent such claim arises from, is connected with or is attributable to the negligence or willful misconduct of such indemnitee.

 

  27.3. Neither party will be obligated under this Section 27 to indemnify the other party for Losses consisting of lost profits or revenues, loss of use, or similar economic loss, or for any indirect, special, incidental, consequential or similar damages (“Consequential Damages”) arising out of or in connection with the performance or non-performance of this Agreement (except to the extent that an indemnified third party claim asserted against a party includes Consequential Damages).

 

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28. BOTTLER’S INSURANCE

Bottler will obtain and maintain a policy of insurance with insurance carriers in such amounts and against such risks as would be maintained by a similarly situated company of a similar size and giving full and comprehensive coverage both as to amount and risks covered in respect of matters referred to in Section 27 (including Bottler’s indemnity of Company contained therein) and will on request produce evidence satisfactory to Company of the existence of such insurance. Compliance with this Section 28 will not limit or relieve Bottler from its obligations under Section 27. In addition, Bottler will satisfy the insurance requirements specified on Schedule 28.

 

29. LIMITATION ON BOTTLER REPRESENTATIONS OR DISCLOSURES REGARDING AUTHORIZED COVERED BEVERAGES

Bottler covenants and agrees that, except as required by law, it will make no representations or disclosures to the public or any Governmental Authority or to any third party concerning the attributes of the Authorized Covered Beverages (other than statements consistent with representations or disclosures previously made or authorized by Company), without the prior written consent of Company. If Bottler is required to make any such representations or disclosures to a Governmental Authority, Bottler first will notify Company before making any such representation or disclosure and will cooperate with Company in good faith to ensure the accuracy of all such information (except to the extent that such Notice and cooperation would otherwise be prohibited under applicable law). This Section 29 will not apply to financial information disclosed in accordance with applicable securities laws.

 

30. INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

 

  30.1. Company and Bottler recognize that incidents may arise that can threaten the reputation and business of Bottler and/or negatively affect the good name, reputation and image of Company and the Trademarks.

 

  30.2. In order to address such incidents, including any questions of quality of the Authorized Covered Beverages that may occur, Bottler will designate and organize an incident management team and inform Company of the members of such team.

 

  30.3. Bottler further agrees to cooperate fully with Company and such third parties as Company may designate and coordinate all efforts to address and resolve any such incident consistent with procedures for crisis management that may be issued to Bottler by Company from time to time.

 

31. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes legally ineffective or invalid, the validity or effect of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected; provided that the invalidity or ineffectiveness of such provision shall not prevent or unduly hamper performance hereunder or prejudice the ownership or validity of the Trademarks.

 

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32. REPLACEMENT OF CERTAIN PRIOR CONTRACTS, MERGER, AND REQUIREMENTS FOR MODIFICATION

 

  32.1. As to all matters and things herein mentioned, the parties agree:

 

  32.1.1. Subject to Section 32.1.4, upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement and Bottler’s CBA, the existing bottle contracts under which Company (or its Affiliate) has previously authorized Bottler (or one or more of its Affiliates) to manufacture in certain authorized containers, and/or market, promote, distribute and sell, Coca-Cola and other beverages marketed under Company’s trademarks, including those contracts identified on Exhibit D of Bottler’s CBA (other those contracts set forth on Schedule 32.1.4), are amended, restated and superseded in their entirety by this Agreement and Bottler’s CBA, and all rights, duties and obligations of Company and Bottler regarding the Trademarks and the manufacture of the Authorized Covered Beverages will be determined under this Agreement and Bottler’s CBA, without regard to the terms of any prior agreement and without regard to any prior course of conduct between the parties (the parties acknowledge that any existing bottle contract authorizing Bottler to produce Coca-Cola and other beverages marketed under Company’s trademarks between Company and Bottler that is not listed on Exhibit D of Bottler’s CBA is nevertheless amended, restated and superseded hereby, except as otherwise provided in Section 32.1.4);

 

  32.1.2. This Agreement, together with the National Product Supply System Governance Agreement and the documents implementing and governing the NPSG and the NPSG Board set forth the entire agreement between Company and Bottler with respect to the subject matter hereof, and all prior understandings, commitments or agreements relating to such matters between the parties or their predecessors-in-interest are of no force or effect and are cancelled hereby; provided, however, that any written representations made by either party upon which the other party relied in entering into this Agreement will remain binding to the extent identified on Schedule 32.1.2;

 

  32.1.3. Any waiver, amendment or modification of this Agreement or any of its provisions, and any consents given under this Agreement will not be binding upon Bottler or Company unless made in writing, signed by an officer or other duly qualified and authorized representative of Company or by a duly qualified and authorized representative of Bottler; and

 

  32.1.4. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Section 32.1 is not intended to affect in any way the rights and obligations of Bottler (or any of its Affiliates) or Company (or any of its Affiliates) under Bottler’s CBA or the agreements listed in Schedule 32.1.4.

 

33. NO WAIVER

Failure of Company or Bottler (including any of their respective Affiliates) to exercise promptly any right herein granted, or to require strict performance of any obligation undertaken herein by the other party, will not be deemed to be a waiver of such right or of the right to demand subsequent performance of any and all obligations herein undertaken by Bottler or by Company.

 

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34. NATURE OF AGREEMENT AND RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES

 

  34.1. Bottler is an independent contractor and is not an agent of, or a partner or joint venturer with, Company.

 

  34.2. Each of Company and Bottler agree that it will neither represent, nor allow itself to be held out as an agent of, or partner or joint venturer with the other (including any of its Affiliates).

 

  34.3. Bottler and Company do not intend to create, and this Agreement will not be construed to create, a partnership, joint venture, agency, or any form of fiduciary relationship. Each party covenants and agrees never to assert that a partnership, joint venture or fiduciary relationship exists or has been created under or in connection with this Agreement and the Related Agreements. There is no partnership, joint venture, agency, or any form of fiduciary relationship existing between Bottler and Company, but if it there is determined or found to be a partnership, joint venture, or agency, then Bottler and Company expressly disclaim all fiduciary duties that might otherwise exist under applicable law.

 

  34.4. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended or will be construed to give any Person, other than the parties to this Agreement and their successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of any agreement or any provision contained in this Agreement. This Agreement does not, and is not intended to, confer any rights or remedies upon any Person other than Bottler and Company.

 

35. HEADINGS AND OTHER MATTERS

 

  35.1. The headings herein are solely for the convenience of the parties and will not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

 

  35.2. As used in this Agreement, the phrase “including” means “including, without limitation” in each instance.

 

  35.3. References in this Agreement to Sections are to the respective Sections of this Agreement, and references to Exhibits and Schedules are to the respective Exhibits and Schedules of this Agreement as they may be amended from time to time.

 

36. EXECUTION IN MULTIPLE COUNTERPARTS

The parties may execute this Agreement in counterparts, each of which is deemed an original and all of which only constitute one original.

 

37. NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

 

  37.1. Notices.

 

  37.1.1. Requirement of a Writing and Permitted Methods of Delivery. Each party giving or making any notice, request, demand or other communication (each, a “Notice”) pursuant to this Agreement must give the Notice in writing and use one of the following methods of delivery, each of which for purposes of this Agreement is a writing:

 

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  37.1.1.1. personal delivery;

 

  37.1.1.2. Registered or Certified Mail, in each case, return receipt requested and postage prepaid;

 

  37.1.1.3. nationally recognized overnight courier, with all fees prepaid;

 

  37.1.1.4. facsimile; or

 

  37.1.1.5. e-mail (followed by delivery of an original by another delivery method provided for in this Section).

 

  37.1.2. Addressees and Addresses. Each party giving a Notice must address the Notice to the appropriate person at the receiving party (the “Addressee”) at the address listed below or to another Addressee or at another address designated by a party in a Notice pursuant to this Section.

 

  Company:  

 

 
   

 

 
   

 

 
    Attention:  
    Facsimile:  
    E-mail:  
  With a copy to:  

 

 
   

 

 
   

 

 
     
    Attention: General Counsel  
    Facsimile:  

 

- 26 -


    E-mail:  
  Bottler:  

 

 
   

 

 
   

 

 
    Attention:  
    Facsimile:  
    E-mail:  
  With a copy to:  

 

 
   

 

 
   

 

 
    Attention:  
    Facsimile:  
    E-mail:  

 

  37.1.3. Effectiveness of a Notice. Except as specifically provided elsewhere in this Agreement, a Notice is effective only if the party giving or making the Notice has complied with Sections 37.1.1 and 37.1.2 and if the Addressee has received the Notice. A Notice is deemed to have been received as follows:

 

  37.1.3.1. If a Notice is delivered in person, when delivered to the Addressee.

 

  37.1.3.2. If delivered by Registered or Certified Mail, upon receipt by Addressee, as indicated by the date on the signed receipt.

 

  37.1.3.3. If delivered by nationally recognized overnight courier service, one Business Day after deposit with such courier service.

 

  37.1.3.4. If sent by e-mail, when sent (if followed promptly by delivery of an original by another delivery method provided for in this Section).

 

  37.1.3.5. If the Addressee rejects or otherwise refuses to accept the Notice, or if the Notice cannot be delivered because of a change in address for which no Notice was given, then upon the rejection, refusal or inability to deliver.

 

  37.1.3.6. Despite the other clauses of this Section 37.1.3, if any Notice is received after 5:00 p.m. on a Business Day where the Addressee is located, or on a day that is not a Business Day where the Addressee is located, then the Notice is deemed received at 9:00 a.m. on the next Business Day where the Addressee is located.

 

- 27 -


  37.2. If Bottler’s signature or acknowledgment is required or requested with respect to any document in connection with this Agreement and any employee or representative authorized by Bottler “clicks” in the appropriate space on the website designated by Company or takes such other action as may be indicated by Company, Bottler shall be deemed to have signed or acknowledged the document to the same extent and with the same effect as if Bottler had signed the document manually; provided, however, that no such signature or acknowledgment shall amend or vary the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

  37.3. Bottler acknowledges and agrees that Bottler has the ability and knowledge to print information delivered to Bottler electronically, or otherwise knows how to store that information in a way that ensures that it remains accessible to Bottler in an unchanged form.

 

38. CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE

 

  38.1. This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, United States of America, without giving effect to any applicable principles of choice or conflict of laws, as to contract formation, construction and interpretation issues, and the federal trademark laws of the United States of America as to trademark matters.

 

  38.2. The parties agree that any lawsuit commenced in connection with, or in relation to, this Agreement must be brought in a United States District Court, if there is any basis for federal court jurisdiction. If the party bringing such action reasonably concludes that federal court jurisdiction does not exist, then the party may commence such action in any court of competent jurisdiction.

 

39. CONFIDENTIALITY

 

  39.1. In the performance of this Agreement, each party may disclose to the other party certain Proprietary Information. The Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party will remain the sole and exclusive property of the Disclosing Party or a third party providing such information to the Disclosing Party. The disclosure of the Proprietary Information to the Receiving Party does not confer upon the Receiving Party any license, interest, or right of any kind in or to the Proprietary Information, except as expressly provided under this Agreement.

 

  39.2. At all times and notwithstanding any termination or expiration of this Agreement or any amendment hereto, the Receiving Party agrees that it will hold in strict confidence and not disclose to any third party the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party, except as approved in writing by the Disclosing Party. The Receiving Party will only permit access to the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party to those of its or its Affiliates’ employees or authorized representatives having a need to know and who have signed confidentiality agreements or are otherwise bound by confidentiality obligations at least as restrictive as those contained in this Agreement (including external auditors, attorneys and consultants).

 

- 28 -


  39.3. The Receiving Party will be responsible to the Disclosing Party for any third party’s use and disclosure of the Proprietary Information that the Receiving Party provides to such third party in accordance with this Agreement. The Receiving Party will use at least the same degree of care it would use to protect its own Proprietary Information of like importance, but in any case with no less than a reasonable degree of care, including maintaining information security standards specific to such information as set forth in this Agreement.

 

  39.4. If the Receiving Party is required by a Governmental Authority or applicable law to disclose any of the Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party, the Receiving Party will (a) first give Notice of such required disclosure to the Disclosing Party (to the extent permitted by applicable law), (b) if requested by the Disclosing Party, use reasonable efforts to obtain a protective order requiring that the Proprietary Information to be disclosed be used only for the purposes for which disclosure is required, (c) if requested by the Disclosing Party, take reasonable steps to allow the Disclosing Party to seek to protect the confidentiality of the Proprietary Information required to be disclosed, and (d) disclose only that part of the Proprietary Information that, after consultation with its legal counsel, it determines that it is required to disclose.

 

  39.5. Each party will immediately notify the other party in writing upon discovery of any loss or unauthorized use or disclosure of the Proprietary Information of the other party.

 

  39.6. The Receiving Party will not reproduce the Disclosing Party’s Proprietary Information in any form except as required to accomplish the intent of this Agreement. Any reproduction of any Proprietary Information by the Receiving Party will remain the property of the Disclosing Party and must contain any and all confidential or proprietary Notices or legends that appear on the original, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Disclosing Party.

 

  39.7. Neither party will communicate any information to the other party in violation of the proprietary rights of any third party.

 

  39.8. Upon the earlier of termination of this Agreement, written request of the Disclosing Party, or when no longer needed by the Receiving Party for fulfillment of its obligations under this Agreement, the Receiving Party will, if requested by the Disclosing Party, either: (a) promptly return to the Disclosing Party all documents and other tangible materials representing the Disclosing Party’s Proprietary Information, and all copies thereof in its possession or control, if any; or (b) destroy all tangible copies of the Disclosing Party’s Proprietary Information in its possession or control, if any, in each case, except to the extent that such action would violate applicable regulatory or legal requirements. Each party’s counsel may retain one copy of documents and communications between the Parties as necessary for archival purposes or regulatory purposes.

 

40. ACTIVE AND COMPLETE ARMS LENGTH NEGOTIATIONS

The parties acknowledge and agree that the terms and conditions of this Agreement have been the subject of active and complete negotiations, and that such terms and conditions must not be construed in favor of or against any party by reason of the extent to which a party or its professional advisors may have participated in the preparation of this Agreement.

 

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41. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

Company reserves all rights not expressly granted to Bottler under this Agreement or Bottler’s CBA.

 

42. BOTTLER AFFILIATES

Bottler hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees that any actions taken by any of Bottler’s Affiliates pursuant to this Agreement will be taken in accordance with all applicable requirements set forth herein to the same extent as if such actions had been taken by Bottler. Bottler acknowledges and agrees that any breach of this Agreement by any Affiliate of Bottler shall be considered a breach by Bottler for all purposes hereof.

[Signature page(s) follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, COMPANY AT ATLANTA, GEORGIA, AND BOTTLER AT              HAVE CAUSED THESE PRESENTS TO BE EXECUTED IN TRIPLICATE BY THE DULY AUTHORIZED PERSON OR PERSONS ON THEIR BEHALF ON THE DATES INDICATED BELOW.

 

THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
By:  

 

  Authorized Representative
Date:  

 

[BOTTLER]
By:  

 

  Authorized Representative
Date:  

 


EXHIBIT A

Regional Manufacturing Facilities


EXHIBIT B

Authorized Covered Beverages

[Subject to further discussion. To be agreed by the parties prior to Closing]

The following Beverages and all SKUs, packages, flavor, calorie and other variations (e.g., Sprite Cranberry, Sprite Zero Cranberry) of each such Beverage offered by Company that are identified by the primary Trademark that also identifies such Beverage or any modification of such primary Trademark, such as, e.g., the primary Trademark used in conjunction with a prefix, a suffix or other modifier:

Coca-Cola

Caffeine Free Coca-Cola

Diet Coke

Diet Coke with Lime

Diet Coke with Splenda®

caffeine free Diet Coke

Coca-Cola Life

Coca-Cola Zero

caffeine free Coca-Cola Zero

Cherry Coke

Diet Cherry Coke

Cherry Coke Zero

Vanilla Coke

Diet Vanilla Coke

Vanilla Coke Zero

Barq’s

Diet Barq’s

DASANI

DASANI Plus

DASANI Sparkling

Fanta

Fanta Zero

Fresca

[Full Throttle]

Mello Yello


Mello Yello Zero

PiBB Xtra

PiBB Zero

Seagram’s ginger ale

Seagram’s mixers

Seagram’s seltzer water

Sprite

Sprite Zero

TaB

VAULT

VAULT Zero

Delaware Punch

FUZE

FUZE Tea

FUZE Juices

FUZE Refreshments

FUZE slenderize


EXHIBIT C

Finished Goods Supply Agreement

[Subject to further discussion. To be agreed by the parties prior to Closing]


Schedule 2.14

Related Agreements

[To be completed prior to execution of this Agreement.]


Schedule 10.1.6

Third Party Beverages

 

A. As of the Effective Date:

[To be completed prior to execution of this Agreement.]

 

B. Added After the Effective Date:


Schedule 12.2

Technical Requirements

All of Company’s product, package and equipment quality; food safety; workplace safety; and environmental sustainability specifications, standards, instructions and requirements published by Company in the Beverage Products and Environmental Sustainability sections of the Coca-Cola Operating Requirements (KORE) website documents library, as updated by Company from time to time following discussion with the NPSG and Notice to each Regional Producing Bottler (including any Company Owned Manufacturers).


Schedule 28

Insurance Requirements


Schedule 32.1.2

Agreements not affected by this Agreement


Schedule 10.1.6

Third Party Beverages

 

A. As of the Effective Date:

[To be completed prior to execution of this Agreement.]

 

B. Added After the Effective Date:


Schedule 12.2

Technical Requirements

All of Company’s product, package and equipment quality; food safety; workplace safety; and environmental sustainability specifications, standards, instructions and requirements published by Company in the Beverage Products and Environmental Sustainability sections of the Coca-Cola Operating Requirements (KORE) website documents library, as updated by Company from time to time following discussion with the NPSG and Notice to each Regional Producing Bottler (including any Company Owned Manufacturers).


Schedule 28

Insurance Requirements


Schedule 32.1.2

Agreements not affected by this Agreement


Exhibit C

Form of National Product Supply Governance Agreement,

See attached.


[TCCC Letterhead]

[        , 2015]

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated

[                                   ]

[                                   ]

Attention: [                 ]

Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc.

[                                   ]

[                                   ]

Attention: [                 ]

Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc.

[                                   ]

[                                   ]

Attention: [                 ]

Swire Pacific Holdings Inc. D/B/A Swire Coca-Cola USA

[                                   ]

[                                   ]

Attention: [                 ]

Re: Governance of the Coca-Cola National Product Supply System for the United States (the “NPS System”)

Dear [                    ]:

The Coca-Cola Company (“TCCC”) and the Regional Producing Bottlers (as such term is defined in the Regional Manufacturing Agreement, which is described below) whose signatures appear below (each an “RPB”) have developed governance processes and principles for the NPS System, as more particularly described in the National Product Supply System Governance Charter and the Attachment(s) thereto (the “NPSG Governance Charter”), a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein as Schedule 1. This letter agreement confirms TCCC’s and each RPB’s mutual agreement to operate in accordance with, and abide by, the NPS System governance processes and principles outlined in Schedule 1.


This letter agreement and the attached Schedule 1 (this “Agreement”) shall be effective as of January 1, 2016, and shall continue in effect until the dissolution of the National Product Supply Group (“NPSG”) pursuant to the terms of the NPSG Governance Charter or as provided below. This Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect with respect to an individual RPB if such RPB is no longer authorized to produce beverages marketed or sold under trademarks owned by TCCC (or its affiliates). The Production LOI executed by TCCC and each RPB contemplates that each RPB will execute a Regional Manufacturing Agreement, by and between TCCC and each RPB (as may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “RMA”). This Agreement further confirms TCCC’s and each RPB’s mutual commitment, from and after the date hereof, to execute such other documents and arrangements as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection with the implementation and operation of the Coca-Cola National Product Supply System Governance Board (the “NPSG Board”).

The parties further agree that the content of this Agreement constitute binding legal commitments on the part of CCNA and each RPB whose signature appears below, and that a failure to comply in any material respect with the terms hereof shall constitute a breach of the RMA, entitling the respective parties to the rights and remedies contained in the RMA. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else contained in this letter or the NPSG Governance Charter, the NPSG Board cannot compel any RPB to take any action, or omit to take any action, which would violate applicable law or constitute a breach of any of its (or any of its affiliates’) agreements with TCCC or any of its subsidiaries, including without limitation the RMA.

If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please countersign this Agreement in the space provided below.

[Signature Page Follows]


Sincerely yours,
THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
By:        
 

Name:

   
 

Title:

   

 

Acknowledged and Agreed:
COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. CONSOLIDATED
By:        
 

Name:

   
 

Title:

   
COCA-COLA BOTTLING COMPANY UNITED, INC.
By:        
 

Name:

   
 

Title:

   
COCA-COLA REFRESHMENTS USA, INC.
By:        
 

Name:

   
 

Title:

   
SWIRE PACIFIC HOLDINGS INC. d/b/a SWIRE COCA-COLA USA
By:        
 

Name:

   
 

Title:

   


Schedule 1

National Product Supply System:

NPSG Governance Charter

 

Charter Provision

  

Detailed Description

Mission of the National Product Supply System; Guiding Principles   

As part of the “Next Phase” transactions (as that term is defined in the Letter of Intent entered into by the parties on [date]) to implement the 21st Century Beverage Model, certain Bottlers who anticipate becoming Regional Producing Bottlers or RPBs, as that term is defined in the form of Regional Manufacturing Agreement (“RMA”) expected to be entered into by the parties, have agreed to implement a National Product Supply System (“NPSS”) that will be governed in accordance with the provisions of this NPSG Governance Charter (the “Charter”). These activities will include the formation of a National Product Supply Group (“NPSG”) and an NPSG Board (the “Board”) that will direct and oversee the activities of NPSG, as described below.

 

The mission of the NPSS is to operate the United States product supply system for concentrate-based, cold-fill manufactured beverages for Coca-Cola Bottlers in order to:

 

•       Achieve the lowest optimal delivered cost for this portion of our value chain

 

•       Invest to build sustainable capability and competitive advantage

 

•       Prioritize quality, service and innovation as needed in order to successfully meet our customer and consumer requirements

 

•       Enable profitable growth for the entire System in alignment with the Coca-Cola System 2020 Vision

 

The RPBs and TCCC, through its operating division Coca-Cola North America (hereinafter “CCNA”) have agreed on certain guiding principles in order to achieve this mission. NPSS participants will recognize the needs and unique roles played by all members, as follows:

 

(1) CCNA, as trademark owner and supplier of proprietary concentrates that authorizes all production and distribution for the Coca-Cola System through separate agreements with each U.S. Coca-Cola Bottler, will lead on issues of Coca-Cola System-wide importance and will represent all non-producing bottlers and other non-RPBs on System-wide manufacturing and related issues;

 

(2) RPBs will operate their own RPB assets in accordance with production rights accorded to them by CCNA pursuant to each RPB’s RMA (and, if applicable, other agreements with CCNA) and will drive System-wide optimization efforts consistent with the directives of the NPSG Board, with the intent that the RPBs receive a fair and reasonable return on their individual investments in production assets; and


  

(3) NPSG will operate as a resource to CCNA and all RPBs and will identify and recommend System-wide opportunities while acting under the direction and oversight of the NPSG Board, as described in more detail below;

 

The parties will implement an NPSS governance model that:

 

(1) promotes collaboration, recognizes the commitment to operate as an optimized and competitive NPS System, and delivers a mechanism to invest in and capture System savings, including savings from infrastructure projects; and

 

(2) respects independence as required for RPBs to operate effectively within their own RPB territories.

 

•       The NPSS will operate on common standards, including data standards, that facilitate cross-RPB communications and ensure consistent, high quality customer service; and

 

•       The parties will share information in a transparent manner (subject to applicable legal requirements) to enable optimal operating decisions.

 

(As discussed in this Charter, (1) “cold fill” means the process of manufacturing beverages in which the product is chilled, or equal to or less than ambient temperature, at time of filling and packaging; (2) “hot fill” means either (a) aseptic manufacture, or (b) the process of manufacturing beverages in which the product is heated and filled at a high temperature to sterilize the product and container; and (3) “syrup” means the manufacture of concentrated beverages, such as fountain syrup, in non-consumer packages.)

 

Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Charter, the NPSG Board cannot compel any RPB to take any action, or omit to take any action, which would violate applicable law or constitute a breach of any of its (or any of its affiliates’) agreements with The Coca-Cola Company or any of its subsidiaries.

Regional Producing Bottlers; NPSG Members    The initial NPSG members are the initial RPBs and CCNA. The initial RPBs are Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. (“CCR”), CCBC Consolidated, CCBC United and Swire USA. Additional RPBs may be designated in the future by CCNA, provided that no initial RPB shall be required to transfer any of their then-existing rights to manufacture to any such additional RPB.


National Product

Supply Group

  

Effective January 1, 2016, NPSG will be formed as a national product supply system organization to support all RPBs by maximizing System production efficiencies and market opportunities in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the Coca-Cola System in the U.S. beverage marketplace through: (1) System strategic infrastructure investment and divestment planning; (2) network optimization of all plant to distribution center sourcing (subject to Attachment 1-A); and (3) new product/packaging infrastructure planning. All RPB-owned cold fill manufacturing plants (both legacy and later acquired) will be subject to NPSG governance at the time of establishing NPSG on January 1, 2016. Any manufacturing plants owned by entities other than RPBs (such as cooperatives or similar organizations) which are managed by an RPB or in which an RPB participates will not be subject to NPSG governance.

 

The parties anticipate that NPSG will initially be housed within CCNA (until such time as the NPSG Board may decide to create a separate NPSG legal entity as described below). NPSG management will be led by a CEO or equivalent who will be appointed by the NPSG Board. The initial appointment of the CEO must be by unanimous vote of the Board, and the appointment of any successor CEO will be by super-majority [***] vote of the Board. It is currently anticipated that NPSG will be staffed by supply chain professionals and support staff who may be selected from RPBs and CCNA (subject to each employer’s individual consent). Initially such professionals and support staff will be employed by CCNA or loaned to CCNA by an RPB as described in more detail below. All direct reports to the NPSG CEO will be appointed by the NPSG Board as provided below. Any employees of CCNA appointed to NPSG (including the CEO and his or her direct reports), will be subject to the provisions below regarding their ongoing employment by CCNA.

 

The costs of NPSG will be funded by CCNA and the RPBs, shared as follows :

 

•       [***] funded by CCNA

 

•       [***] funded by the RPBs, [***].

 

[***].

NPSG Board:   
Overall Authority and Relationship to CEO and Senior Management Team    Effective January 1, 2016, overall management authority for the activities, business and affairs of NPSG will be vested in the Board. Until such time as a separate NPSG entity is formed, the Board will engage individuals who are employees of CCNA or other RPBs to act as a professional management team (including a CEO or equivalent) for NPSG. The Board will (1) specify the duties and scope of engagement of such individuals with NPSG and the amounts payable by NPSG to CCNA or such other

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


  

RPBs for such engagement; (2) have the authority to select, place and remove, the CEO and other NPSG professional management team members who directly report to the CEO from their engagement with NPSG (but not from their employment with CCNA or other RPB); and (3) have decision making authority with respect to the overall management of NPSG, including without limitation approving NPSG annual and strategic business plans and NPSG operating and capital budgets. The Board will delegate to the CEO and management team sufficient authority to conduct the day-to-day operations of NPSG, subject to the ongoing authority of the Board with respect to the overall activities of NPSG as described above.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties recognize that (until such time as the NPSG Board may decide to create a separate NPSG legal entity as described below) the CEO and members of NPSG management will be employees of CCNA. As such, their ongoing employment terms and conditions (including without limitation the right to hire and fire as employees of CCNA and to set their overall compensation with CCNA) will reside with CCNA; provided, however, the terms of their engagement by NPSG (including compensation allocated to NPSG, and scope of their services to NPSG and the ongoing performance evaluations of such individuals for their service to NPSG) shall be subject to the authority and control of the NPSG Board to the fullest extent allowed by law.

 

It is anticipated that the System Leadership Governance Board (“SLGB”) will have an advisory relationship to NPSG and its Board (i.e., NPSG, its management team and/or the NPSG Board members would report major NPSG system developments, activities and plans to the SLGB on a regular basis). SLGB will have no decision rights or authority over NPSG or its Board.

Board Membership   

Initial 5-Member Board. The Board will initially consist of five (5) voting members comprised as follows: CCNA and each of the initial RPBs (CCR, CCBC Consolidated, CCBC United and Swire USA). Each initial NPSG member will appoint in writing one of its senior representatives to the Board, along with one alternate senior representative who is entitled to attend and vote at Board meetings.

 

Expanded Board. The parties anticipate that over time the Board may expand from this initial 5-member size to a maximum size of [***] voting members as other Coca-Cola bottlers become RPBs and join the NPSG. [***].

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


Matters Subject to Voting by the Board   

Each member of the NPSG Board will have one (1) vote. The Board will vote and will direct and oversee the actions of NPSG, its CEO and management team, including without limitation, as follows:

 

a)   (1) System strategic infrastructure investment and divestment planning; (2) network optimization of all plant to distribution center sourcing (subject to Attachment 1-A); and (3) new product/packaging infrastructure planning. These processes and plans will be based on achieving lowest optimal system delivered cost per case at service levels that are agreed upon by the Board;

 

b)   Selection of the NPSG CEO and his or her direct reports and evaluating their performance; and

 

c)   Approval of the NPSG strategic and annual business plans and operating and capital budgets.

 

All votes of the Board with respect to matters within the scope of NPSG authority are final and binding on all members. Subject to the provisions herein, it is therefore agreed that a vote by the Board that requires a party to take certain actions with regard to cold fill manufacturing and related product supply (including without limitation a capital investment, divestment, decommissioning of a line or facility, addition of a new product line, etc.) will be final and binding on that party. All cold fill manufacturing plants owned by an RPB will be subject to binding governance by the Board on January 1, 2016, with the initial focus of governance decisions being to review and approve [***] plans. Any manufacturing plants owned by entities other than RPBs (such as cooperatives or similar organizations) which are managed by an RPB,

or in which an RPB participates, will not be subject to NPSG governance unless otherwise mutually agreed by the NPSG Board and such other entities.

 

A more detailed description of the scope of the authority of the Board to make decisions and of the related voting requirements is attached as Attachment 1.

 

In addition to the matters subject to Board vote as described above, each RPB may also, at its discretion, advise NPSG’s CEO and management team on a wide range of business issues applicable to the NPSS (e.g., major NPS system developments, activities and plans that are not subject to Board vote as described above). The NPSG CEO and management team will regularly report to the Board NPSG’s work and its performance under the strategic and annual plans and other applicable metrics established or approved by the Board. The NPSG CEO and management team will actively seek input from, and will work collaboratively with, each RPB in exercising the decision rights granted to it by the Board.

Designation of Board Representative    CCNA and each RPB will designate in writing one of its senior executives, preferably its Chief Product Supply or Chief Supply Chain Officer, to participate on the Board. This designation will be made in writing to the Board chair at least 30 days in advance of each calendar year, provided the

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


   failure by any such entity to provide such designation shall mean that the person previously designated by such entity will continue to serve on the Board. Attendance by the designated representative will normally be in person, although telephonic or video participation may be allowed at the discretion of the chair. CCNA and each RPB shall also designate in writing an alternate representative to attend and vote on behalf of their respective designated Board representative in the event that the primary representative is unable to attend a particular meeting due to extraordinary circumstances. Any vacancy in membership will be filled promptly, prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Voting; Extraordinary Matters   

Normal business within the scope of NPSG’s authority that is considered by the Board will be decided by a “super-majority” [***] vote of the members, subject to the exceptions described below. All Board members must be present (in person or by teleconference, videoconference or other similar method) for any vote to take place. Normal business includes NPSG strategic and tactical decisions described in Attachment 1 to this Charter (which Attachment also includes a more detailed description of the Board voting requirements and RPB decisions that are not subject to Board vote, and the role of CCNA in NPSG governance activities), but the Board’s authority does not include any decisions described in Attachment 1 to this Charter that are reserved to be made solely by an RPB. Exceptions to the super-majority voting requirement described above in the case of extraordinary matters are:

 

(1) [***];

 

(2) [***];

 

(3) any vote to approve a capital project which requires an individual RPB to invest or divest capital and capital assets greater than $[***] for the particular project including a write-off of de-commissioned assets (a “Covered Capital Project”) will require a super-majority [***] vote plus an affirmative vote from the RPB being required to invest in, divest, or write off such capital (as used herein, the term Covered Capital Project will mean all components or sub-work streams of a capital project, when viewed as a unitary whole);

 

(4) any vote to approve a capital project which, when taken together with any Covered Capital Project and other capital expenditures made or planned to be made in a given fiscal year, would require an individual RPB to invest or divest capital and capital assets more than [***]; (an “Aggregate Threshold Capital Project”), will require a supermajority [***] vote plus an affirmative vote from the RPB being required to invest in such capital;

 

(5) [***];

 

(6) [***]; and

 

(7) [***].

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


Frequency of
Meetings
   The Board will meet on a monthly basis, or such other basis as it may determine in its discretion from time to time. Meetings will normally be held in person, but telephonic or video conference meetings may be held from time to time if necessary in the Board chair’s discretion.
Action without a Meeting    Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board consent thereto in writing or electronic transmission, and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board.
Meeting Protocols    The Board will function like the board of directors of a corporation, provided all fiduciary duties that members of the Board might otherwise owe to NPSG and its members are hereby waived and eliminated to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. At its first meeting, the Board members will designate a member to serve as Board chair. CCNA and NPSG staff and RPB employees may, upon the approval of the Board, be utilized by the chair to prepare for and facilitate Board meetings.
Form of Organization; Life of Organization    NPSG will initially be organized as an unincorporated association requiring RPBs and CCNA to comply with Board decisions as provided for under the NPSG Governance Agreement and this Charter. CCNA and the RPBs do not intend to create a general partnership, and neither NPSG nor any member may act on behalf of any other member. NPSG shall continue as initially constituted or as a new legal entity (if approved with the required vote described below) until otherwise dissolved or disbanded by the super-majority vote of its members, including CCNA’s affirmative vote.
Other Matters:   
Creation of New NPS Legal Entity    The Board may separately decide, at a future date (but no sooner than [***]), to form a separate legal entity to carry out the functions performed by NPSG. [***]. The details regarding this entity, including its legal structure, finances, governance, etc., will be agreed by the Board at the time of the formation of the separate entity.
Role of CCNA   

As described above and as reflected in Attachment 1, CCNA will be a member of the Board with voting and decision-making rights as described in this Charter. As described above, CCNA will also house NPSG as a separate organization within CCNA and will employ its management team and staff, until such time as the Board otherwise agrees or a new legal entity is formed as described above. Among its roles, and in order to ensure compliance with laws (including antitrust laws), and as consistent with the rights it has retained under the Regional Manufacturing Agreement, [Provision still under discussion].

 

In addition, the CCNA production lines for cold-fill water and cold-fill Glaceau products currently managed by CCR will be subject to governance under NPSG.

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


   CCNA will continue to own and manage the hot fill lines in CCR cold fill plants. A co-packing agreement on mutually agreed terms and conditions will be developed with each RPB operating hot fill lines in a cold fill plant. CCNA will also continue to manage all CCNA hot fill, syrup and CCNA-procured product platforms (collectively, the “Other Platforms”), such that the Other Platforms, along with the cold fill platform, function as a regionally integrated product supply system. For clarity, CCNA will continue to independently manage the Other Platforms as described above in this paragraph, and may use the services provided by NPSG, but will not be subject to binding governance by the NPSG Board with respect to the Other Platforms.
Employee Matters    Each RPB and CCNA will retain individual control for decisions regarding the hiring, firing, discipline, supervision, and direction of employees associated with its manufacturing assets, including decisions relating to wages and compensation, the number of job vacancies to be filled, work hours, training, the assignment of work and equipment, employment tenure, and collective bargaining.
Common IT Platform   

The parties will continue to work together in good faith toward the implementation of a common information technology platform (i.e., the CONA manufacturing platform), subject to the following:

 

•       all such work will be subject to the governance of the Business Process Technology Council or the new CONA IT services company;

 

•       such platform will have capabilities that equal or exceed that of the Coca-Cola bottling system’s current platforms; and

 

•       all such capabilities built into the platform will have an adequate and acceptable return on investment, as determined by the Business Process Technology Council or the new CONA IT services company.

 

Subject to the governance of the Business Process Technology Council or the new CONA IT services company, each RPB will be responsible for funding a portion of the design and development of such platform based on its end-state percentage of total production volume and the total cost related to deployment of the system in each one of its manufacturing plants.

Expenses    Expenses such as travel costs related to members’ attendance at meetings are the responsibility of each of the RPBs and CCNA, individually.
Confidentiality    Board activities and discussions will often involve exposure to highly confidential business information and data. The parties agree that any confidential information exchanged by any of the parties in connection with NPSG will be used solely for the purpose of implementing and operating the NPSG as described herein and will be treated as confidential information under the most recent Comprehensive Beverage Agreement (“CBA”) executed by such party (or such party’s affiliates) and further


   agree that they will at all times abide by the confidentiality provisions of the CBA, which are incorporated herein by reference. Each RPB that provides any of its Proprietary Information (as defined in the applicable CBA) in connection with NPSG is an intended third-party beneficiary of such confidentiality provisions and will be entitled to enforce such provisions against any party that receives such information.


Attachment 1

[***]

 

[***] – THIS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.


Attachment 1-A

RPB Decisions

Ongoing Plant Planning and Execution, including without limitation:

 

    Production Supply Operations, including without limitation:

 

    Maintenance planning, execution, parts selection

 

    Plant and line layout and design

 

    Equipment selection and installation

 

    All staffing-hiring/firing/Structures/Compensation

 

    Holiday work plans

 

    Technology Innovation

 

    Alpha Mos, CC+I, & any plant-specific IT tools not part of CONA Manufacturing platform

 

    Management Routines

 

    Vendor selection

 

    Pallet configuration

 

    Dock times and capacities

 

    Shipping/Receiving Days/Times

 

    Syrup production methods-traditional blending vs stream blending (conti mix)

 

    Individual Plant Capacity Definition

 

    Line Speed Definitions

 

    Innovation SKUs

 

    Technology Innovation

 

    Warehousing Capacity Management

 

    Employee Matters, including without limitation:

 

    All staffing-hiring/firing/Structures/Compensation

 

    Holiday work plans

 

    Promotion and Development Structures

 

    Work schedules

 

    Shift Design

 

    Job Descriptions and Accountabilities

 

    Qualification Standards

 

    Performance Management

 

    Training

 

    Collective bargaining

 

    Supplier Relationship Management, including without limitation:

 

    Raw Material Inventory Policies

 

    Defective Production Materials Resolution

 

    Raw Material Inventory Management

 

    Indirect Materials Procurement

 

    Communications to individual RPB’s plants

 

    Capital Equipment Procurement

 

    Management Routines

 

    Lifecycle Decisions

 

    SKUs

 

    Machines


    Inventory Strategies at Vendor

 

    Raw Material movements between plants as needed

 

    Forecasts to raw material suppliers

 

    Raw material upcharge decisions (i.e. below min run upcharges)

 

    Commercialization process in Plants

 

    Inventory guidance to raw material suppliers (e.g. how much they hold on their floor)

 

    Scrap & bill decisions for obsolete materials

 

    Billing for obsolete materials

 

    Sales of raw materials to other RPBs

 

    Product Supply Planning, including without limitation:

 

    Forecasting

 

    Detailed Production scheduling

 

    Transportation Procurement

 

    Transportation Planning and Execution

 

    Inventory Policies

 

    Inventory Deployment Strategies

 

    SKUs produced by plant

 

    Innovation SKUs

 

    Mid Term Planning

 

    Capacities/Capabilities

 

    Management Routines

 

    Lifecycle Decisions

 

    SKUs

 

    Machines

 

    Promotions Scheduling and Management

 

    Pallet Quantity Definition

 

    Pallet type

 

    Plastic vs wood pallets

 

    40x48 vs 37x37

 

    Shipping/Receiving Days/Times

 

    Secondary and Tertiary packaging

 

    Shells vs shrink

 

    Versioning

 

    Sourcing Internal to RPB network (provided it does not affect another RPB’s production volume or any other Coca-Cola bottler’s access to optimal sourcing under the approved National Sourcing Plan)

 

    Inventory Build Strategies

 

    Warehousing Capacity Management

 

    Short Term Planning

 

    Demand/Supply/Production

 

    Order Management


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